Ben Shelton continued his Australian Open run on Monday, January 26, 2026, rallying from a set down to defeat Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and move into the quarterfinals. Shelton’s mix of explosive serving and forward movement paid off, as he repeatedly pressured Ruud’s passing lanes and turned points into quick finishes at the net. The win sets up a high-profile next match against Jannik Sinner in a rematch of a recent Grand Slam rivalry.
Sinner also advanced, defeating Luciano Darderi in straight sets. Although the match tightened late, Sinner held steady through the key moments and closed it out without dropping a set. His ability to absorb pace and redirect with depth has been a hallmark of his Melbourne performances, and he now faces a different challenge in Shelton: a left-hander with a huge serve and a willingness to attack early in rallies.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek powered into the last eight with a 6-0, 6-3 win over local qualifier Maddison Inglis. Swiatek’s precision and returning quickly established control, but Inglis managed a brief surge early in the second set that energized the crowd. Swiatek’s next match, against Elena Rybakina, is shaping up as one of the most anticipated quarterfinals, with both players capable of taking time away and winning short, high-quality points.
The day also underscored how stable the top of the women’s draw has been: the tournament has seen elite seeds largely hold serve, concentrating star power in the final rounds. That creates the kind of quarterfinal lineup fans expect in Melbourne—big names, distinct styles, and matchups that often hinge on a handful of service games or returning bursts.
With quarterfinals approaching, the margins will shrink. For Shelton and Sinner, baseline patterns may matter less than first-strike execution and returning under pressure. For Swiatek, maintaining aggression while managing Rybakina’s pace will likely determine whether she can keep imposing her rhythm as the tournament intensifies.