Drama was expected at the Australian Open on Sunday, especially in fourth-round matches such as Daniil Medvedev vs. Learner Tien and Alex de Minaur vs. Alexander Bublik.
Tien and De Minaur had other ideas.
Both players earned quarterfinal spots in quick fashion, handling Melbourne Park faithfully in impressive performances.
In the most anticipated five-setter match of the past 12 months, Tien again defeated Medvedev – but this time convincingly. The 20-year-old American rolled 6-4, 6-0, 6-3 in one hour and 42 minutes.
“He played very well,” praised Medvedev. “He played very well, very aggressive. Even if I shot well, he was returning better. I didn’t get many solutions today on the court – which is rare. I haven’t felt that way many times in my life.”
De Minaur needed just one hour and 32 minutes to advance, defeating Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.
“I knew where I was today,” said the sixth-ranked Aussie. “Bublik is a hell of a player. He has firepower and I lost to him a few times ago. I made sure I was ready to go from first to last and lock in. It was all about slowing down his big groundstrokes and doing my best to move him and it all worked out.”
Five highlights from day 8:
Australian Open Day 8 scores
Carlos Alcaraz d. Tommy Paul 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-5
Student Tien d. Daniel Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, 6-3
Alex de Minaur d. Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1
Alexander Zverev d. Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
