Carlos Alcaraz continued his quest to win his first trophy at Melbourne Park and wooed the crowd as he shared his plans to get a specific tattoo if he lifts the title. Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the second week, as did one of her good friends, 11th seed Paula Badosa.
Since returning to action a year ago, Osaka has shown signs of getting her game back together, including a memorable and narrow loss to then-No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open.
Osaka is back in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2022, getting there with wins over two women who blocked her path last year.
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka can set up a blockbuster clash as the Australian Open enters the third round on Friday while Novak Djokovic steps up his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are some of the prominent players who will be in action on the sixth day in Melbourne.
A "very hot-headed" Novak Djokovic produced a vintage display to join Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open last 16 on Friday, but Naomi Osaka's bid for a third Melbourne crown is over with injury.
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Last year's runner-up Zheng Qinwen was knocked out of the Australian Open on Wednesday in the biggest shock so far but defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and two-time winner Naomi Osaka
A "very hot-headed" Novak Djokovic produced a vintage display to join Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open last 16 on Friday, but Naomi Osaka's bid for a third Melbourne crown is over with injury.
Jimmy Butler has finished a seven-game suspension and will suit up for the Miami Heat's game against the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit in setting up an Australian Open showdown with talented teenager Mirra Andreeva on Friday while Carlos Alcaraz dropped a set before surging into the last 16.