Australian Open 2026 Day 8 Preview: Sabalenka, Alcaraz & de Minaur Set for High-Stakes Battles
Day 8 at the Australian Open (Sunday, January 25, 2026) turns up the intensity as the Round of 16 wraps and the quarterfinals loom. With top seeds, national favorites and rising stars all in action, this slate delivers high drama and momentum shifts at Melbourne Park.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Victoria Mboko — Experience vs Rising Power
The Clash
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka meets Canadian breakout star Victoria Mboko in a captivating fourth-round showdown that pits big-match poise against fearless underdog momentum.
Official Match Details:
https://ausopen.com/match/2026-aryna-sabalenka-vs-victoria-mboko-ws401
What to Know
Sabalenka arrives in the second week with relentless firepower and a resume that includes multiple Grand Slam titles. Her blend of heavy serves and deep baseline pressure has overwhelmed opponents in Melbourne and beyond. World No. 1 commands consistency and depth on hard courts, traits that make her a perennial title threat.
At just 19, Mboko has burst onto the Grand Slam stage with fearless shot-making and a breakthrough performance that propelled her into the fourth round for the first time. Her aggressive baseline game and willingness to embrace big moments have defined her run — including a tense third-round victory that showcased her resilience under pressure.
This clash is an intriguing contrast of veteran mastery vs rising ambition. If Mboko sustains her attacking rhythm and keeps Sabalenka moving, we could see extended rallies and stolen games. Yet Sabalenka’s experience and serve depth give her the edge in tight moments.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Tommy Paul — Top Seed in Search of Momentum
The Matchup
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz returns to Rod Laver Arena for a high-profile fourth-round battle against American Tommy Paul, a seasoned competitor with the tools to challenge elite players.
Head-to-Head & Match Info:
https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/tommy-paul-vs-carlos-alcaraz/pl56/a0e2
Tactical Preview
Alcaraz has been imperious in Melbourne, combining explosive groundstrokes with athletic defense that forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. His versatility on hard courts makes him a favorite in any deep draw match.
Paul — no stranger to big moments — has shown his game can trouble top players, especially with a strong serve and solid baseline play. Though Alcaraz leads the head-to-head, Paul’s competitive mindset means he’ll look to extend rallies and test the Spaniard’s patience early.
This encounter has the makings of a standout Day 8 match: Alcaraz’s creative shot-making against Paul’s tactical consistency — with quarterfinal positioning on the line.
Alex de Minaur vs. Alexander Bublik — Unpredictable Firepower
The Storyline
Australian favorite Alex de Minaur faces a familiar rival in Alexander Bublik in one of the most unpredictable men’s matches of Day 8. These two know each other well, and their distinct styles make for fascinating contrast.
Head-to-Head & Match Profile:
https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/alex-de-minaur-vs-alexander-bublik/dh58/bk92
Tactical Breakdown
De Minaur thrives on consistency, speed and defensive precision, traits that have made him a fan favorite on home soil. His ability to absorb pace and counterattack puts pressure on every return game.
Bublik — entertaining, powerful and unpredictable — brings a big serve and a flair for trick shots that can dismantle rhythm. His aggressive style rewards risk-taking, especially on fast surfaces, and has delivered memorable wins at Grand Slams and Masters events.
Their head-to-head has been closely contested, and recent results suggest momentum swings are inevitable when these two meet. Fans can expect explosive serves, clever angles and rapid shifts in control — a perfect recipe for Day 8 drama.
Day 8 Storylines — What Tennis Fans Should Watch
Here’s what makes this Sunday unmissable:
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Top seeds tested: Sabalenka and Alcaraz both face challengers hungry for upsets.
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Local interest: De Minaur’s match carries home-crowd energy as he aims for a deep run.
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Rising stars: Mboko’s breakout week adds fresh intrigue to the women’s draw.
As we move deeper into the second week, Day 8’s matches will shape the quarterfinal picture and offer early clues about who’s peaking at the Australian Open.
