We reach the first batch of fourth-round matches and it shapes as a tricky day in the men’s draw, with Medvedev, De Minaur and Zverev all facing dangerous opponents.
LEG 1 - Tien vs Medvedev Over 3.5 Sets
This is a difficult matchup for Daniil Medvedev. He has faced Learner Tien three times since 2025, including last year’s Australian Open where the American stunned the former finalist.
Tien then backed it up by beating Medvedev in Beijing in September, before Medvedev claimed their most recent meeting at the Shanghai Masters.
All three matches have seen both players win at least one set. With Medvedev still not firing at his best and Tien in strong form this tournament, this has all the makings of another long battle.
LEG 2 - De Minaur vs Bublik Over 3.5 Sets
This won’t be straightforward for Alex De Minaur against an opponent he knows very well.
Alexander Bublik’s breakout run began against De Minaur at the French Open when trailing 2-0. The Kazakh went on to upset the Australian and produce a career-best stretch that has pushed him inside the world’s top 10.
Bublik also beat De Minaur later in the year at the Paris Masters, with both of their meetings last season going the distance. Expect another tight contest.
LEG 3 - Iva Jovic
The 18-year-old American currently owns the best combined service and return point numbers of any player at this Australian Open and dismantled Paolini in the previous round, with the second-set scoreline flattering the Italian.
Jovic now faces Putintseva, who was pushed hard in a physical battle on the outside courts against Sonmez and a heavily represented Turkish crowd.
I think the Kazakh has reached her ceiling here. Jovic looks well placed to book a spot in her first Grand Slam quarter-final.
LEG 4 - Zverev vs Cerundolo Over 3.5 Sets
Cerundolo clearly matches up well with elite baseliners, and Alexander Zverev is another top-tier opponent he has consistently troubled.
The Argentine beat Zverev twice last season on clay and also pushed him on hard courts later in the year. He retired in Canada, but took Zverev to a tight 6-4 7-6 loss in their Davis Cup clash.
Cerundolo holds a 3-2 career head-to-head edge and is playing outstanding tennis at this Australian Open, while every one of Zverev’s matches so far has gone over the total games line. Another extended contest looks likely.
