The mercury is rising at Melbourne Park, and so is the form of Carlos Alcaraz. While the Spaniard turned on the style to ease into the last 16, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to battle through a chaotic performance to keep her title defense alive.

Day four of the Australian Open 2026 offered a study in contrasts. On Rod Laver Arena, world number one Carlos Alcaraz was a picture of clinical efficiency. He dismantled Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2, showcasing a blend of raw power and delicate touch that has become his trademark. The Spaniard, chasing his first title Down Under, looked every bit the favorite, untroubled by the sweltering Australian heat.

Sabalenka’s Rollercoaster

In stark contrast, Aryna Sabalenka’s passage was anything but smooth. Despite the scoreline eventually reading 6-3, 6-1 against China’s Bai Zhuoxuan, the Belarusian was described as being "all over the place" in the early exchanges. Unforced errors sprayed from her racket, and her frustration was visible as she struggled to find her rhythm against the gritty underdog.

• The Alcaraz Effect: The Spaniard hit 35 winners and dropped just one service game, a warning shot to his rivals, including Novak Djokovic.
• Sabalenka’s Grit: Despite the erratic start, Sabalenka found her range when it mattered, reeling off the last five games to seal the win. "I had to fight myself as much as my opponent today," she admitted courtside.
• The Conditions: Temperatures soared to 35°C, testing the physical limits of players and leading to the implementation of the heat stress scale.

The Road Ahead

For Alcaraz, the path looks clear. His movement is electric, and his confidence is sky-high. For Sabalenka, the shaky performance raises questions. Can she tidy up her game before facing the seeded heavyweights? In the brutally competitive environment of a Grand Slam, being "all over the place" is a luxury she can no longer afford.

As the tournament heads into the second week, the Melbourne crowds are bracing for more drama. Alcaraz looks unstoppable, but in tennis, as Sabalenka proved, survival is the only stat that truly counts.