Day eight of the Australian Open 2025 saw thrilling matches and triumphant victories as players advanced to the quarterfinals. Among the stars of the day were Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Tommy Paul, each securing their place with impressive performances at Melbourne Park.
Alcaraz, the third seed from Spain, defeated Britain's Jack Draper, who was forced to retire during the second set due to injury. The match concluded with Alcaraz leading 7-5, 6-1. Draper, seeded 15th, had fought hard throughout the tournament, having played three consecutive five-set matches, but his body gave out against Alcaraz’s relentless pace. After the match, Alcaraz expressed sympathy for Draper, stating, "It’s not the way I want to win the match to get through to the next round. I’m just happy to play in another quarter-final in Australia but a little bit sad for Jack; he doesn’t deserve to get injured." Alcaraz will now face either Novak Djokovic or Jiri Lehecka for his next match, continuing his quest to become the youngest male player to complete the career Grand Slam.
Earlier, Aryna Sabalenka, the top-seeded player, showcased her dominance by swiftly defeating Mirra Andreeva, the 14th seed, with a score of 6-1, 6-2. This victory marked Sabalenka's continuation of her impressive run at the Open, as she seeks to win her third Australian Open title, aiming to join the ranks of legends with consecutive triumphs. Sabalenka has now won 24 consecutive sets at the tournament since her last defeat, cementing her place as one of the tournament favorites.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, the third seed, overcame a challenging start against Belinda Bencic. After dropping the first set 5-7, Gauff fought back to take the next two sets decisively at 6-2, 6-1, thereby securing her quarterfinal spot. Reflecting on her struggle, Gauff said, "Things were looking dicey early on, but I managed to compose myself and make the comeback I needed." She is now set to face the 11th seed, Paula Badosa, who triumphed over Olga Danilovic 6-1, 7-6 (7-2).
Tommy Paul became the first man to reach the quarterfinals on day eight following his straight-sets victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Despite coming off recent injury woes, Paul displayed exceptional form, winning with minimal resistance 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, and will next face the winner of the matchup between Alexander Zverev and Ugo Humbert.
The emotional undertones of the day were palpable as the drama unfolded on court. Draper's withdrawal due to injury drew sympathy from fellow players and observers alike. He had made his way through the early rounds with sheer determination but succumbed to the toll of his efforts. Draper, who garnered considerable support throughout the tournament, left the court to warm applause, acknowledging his fans with raised hands. Alcaraz joined the sentiments, wishing Draper a speedy recovery with encouraging words written on the camera: "Get well soon Jack."
Against this backdrop, Alexander Zverev, the second seed, was set to face Ugo Humbert later the same evening. Zverev has shown great resilience this tournament, remaining unbeaten and not dropping a set. Fans were eager to see if he could continue his momentum to advance to the quarterfinals as well.
The intense heat of the day contributed to the players' struggles, particularly with cramps and fatigue coming to the fore. This was especially evident during the matches as players contended not just with each other but the rising temperatures of Melbourne.
On other courts, Australian wildcard duo Kim Birrell and John-Patrick Smith were facing the seventh-seeded pairing of Demi Schuurs and Tim Puetz, adding local flavor to the proceedings.
With the quarterfinals approaching, the anticipation builds as the tournament reaches its pinnacle. Tomorrow’s schedule promises more thrilling matches as the top players duke it out for places in the semifinals, bringing excitement and spectacle to the Australian Open. The stakes are high, and the intensity will only increase as these athletes push their limits, showcasing the grit and skill required at this elite level of competition.