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Follow live updates from Day 6 at Melbourne Park below!<\/p>\n
REPEAT OFFENDER OPENS UP ON LATEST CROWD CLASH<\/p>\n
Yulia Putintseva versus the crowd has become one of the soap operas of this Australian Open.<\/p>\n
The Kazakh clashed with Brazilian fans<\/a> after defeating Beatriz Haddad Maia in the first round and she\u2019s did so again on Friday – this time to Turkish fans after defeating qualifier Zeynep Sonmez in three sets on Kia Arena.<\/p>\n Putintseva gave them a \u2018I can\u2019t hear you\u2019 celebration after match point.<\/p>\n She also blew kisses towards the stands and danced on the court in celebration.<\/p>\n She was then booed throughout her post-match interview on court.<\/p>\n The bad blood stemmed for the Turkish supporters\u2019 efforts to disrupt Putintseva throughout the deciding set.<\/p>\n The 31-year-old bounced back from losing the second set in a tiebreak to take the third 6-3 despite being jeered in between serves as well as being on the receiving end of cheers for her errors and attempts to distract.<\/p>\n It led Putintseva to say in her press conference that they were \u201ca lot of disrespectful moments\u201d throughout the more than two and a half hour thriller.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, there is always, like, someone in favour and someone to cheer for. That\u2019s what\u2019s great about the sport,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut today I think was really a lot of disrespectful moments when they were screaming between my first and second serve. But screaming, not even. Like really loud, like, just to make me mistake.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the game, I think it was 4-3, was a big point, and, like, I opened court very good. I take my forehand, the guy just started, like, coughing just for my shot. <\/p>\n \u201cI was like, okay, now, I\u2019m not going to lose. Like, really. I was ready to take it all, but I was ready to fight like until I die there.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, I mean, what can I do? It\u2019s just some people have education of tennis and, unfortunately, some of them not.\u201d<\/p>\n Putintseva, who is a three-time grand slam quarter-finalist, could see the funny side in things, however. <\/p>\n She joked with the press that she was proud of herself for keeping calm, \u201cbecause Yulia last year would probably throw something at them at some moment\u201d.<\/p>\n Crowd behaviour was also in the spotlight on Margaret Court Arena as Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Hailey Baptiste in three sets.<\/p>\n The No.3 seed dropped the opening set 6-3, but only lost three more games for the remainder of the match – including bageling her good friend in the second set.<\/p>\n But while she was ferocious in play, Gauff stuck up for Baptiste after she was on the receiving end of some heckling during the third set.<\/p>\n It is unclear what was called out by a member of the crowd, but Gauff was clearly unimpressed.<\/p>\n She shrugged her shoulders and then gestured her hand in front of her neck indicating to cut it out.<\/p>\n The 21-year-old two-time grand slam champion then raised the issue during her post-match on court interview, saying: \u201cwe\u2019re both competitors, and to the guy [in the crowd] who made that comment, we\u2019re all doing our best out here.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you were trying to root for me, but let\u2019s be respectful.\u201d<\/p>\n Sabalenka wins in 2 tie-breaker sets | 01:21<\/p>\n FORMER FINALIST\u2019S INSANE COMEBACK RECORD<\/p>\n When his back his against the wall, there is almost no one better than Daniil Medvedev.<\/p>\n The former world No.1 became the first man this Australian Open to come from two sets to love down to win a match with a thrilling comeback on Margaret Court Arena.<\/p>\n Medvedev confined Fabian Marozsan to his first loss in a grand slam match that has gone the distance, taking it 6-7, 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in three hours and 43 minutes.<\/p>\n For the 29-year-old Russian, who is a three-time finalist in Melbourne, such a fight back has become almost expected.<\/p>\n The 11th seed has now come from two sets to love down to win a whopping four times at the Australian Open.<\/p>\n His latest effort to pull himself off the canvas gathered steam across a stunning stretch of a little more than an hour across the third, fourth and fifth sets.<\/p>\n Medvedev broke Marozsan to clinch the third.<\/p>\n He then went on a breathtaking run, bageling the world No.47 in the fourth.<\/p>\n The Russian then started the fifth set with a break and was seemingly on the road to victory from then on.<\/p>\n American rising star Learner Tien, who defeated Medvedev here last year, awaits in the fourth round.<\/p>\n But Medvedev could be forgiven for thinking beyond the Round of 16.<\/p>\n After winning the Brisbane International earlier this month, he is unbeaten in 2026.<\/p>\n Russia’s Daniil Medvedev reacts after point against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan during their men’s singles match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 23, 2026. (Photo by Paul Crock \/ AFP) \/ — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFP<\/p>\n Next door on Rod Laver Arena, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and five minutes in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.<\/p>\n Moutet made a clear decision to bring chaos to centre court against the world No.1.<\/p>\n There were tweeners, lobs, thumping forehands, drop shots, slices, attempts to hit it around the net and any other trick shot you could think of in a fun, well-spirited match.<\/p>\n Alcaraz\u2019s main rival Jannik Sinner admitted on Thursday night that the Spaniard has the best drop shot on tour, but Moutet decided to give him a taste of his own medicine.<\/p>\n Alcaraz came to the net 50 times for the match as the Frenchman routinely drop shotted him.<\/p>\n \u201cAt one point, you know, at the end of the third set, I told my team I\u2019m not going to run for another drop,\u201d Alcaraz said with a laugh. <\/p>\n \u201cSo to be honest, I was too tired to go forward to the net. I was looking at the screen. I\u2019ve been in the net like 55 times. Oh my god. <\/p>\n \u201cSo yeah, it\u2019s been tricky. I thought we were in a drop competition but definitely he won.\u201d<\/p>\n Moutet even hit back-to-back under arm serves at one stage early in the second set.<\/p>\n The 32nd seed won both points and the crowd were then in hysterics when at 0-30 down Alcaraz jokingly stood up near the service line to prepare to return.<\/p>\n Perhaps the Frenchman should have stuck with the tactic as the world No.1 went on to win the game to take a 3-0 lead in the second set.<\/p>\n Moutet responded by winning four games in a row before Alcaraz wrestled control once again.<\/p>\n They produced several highlight worthy rallies in the process.<\/p>\n It was like two kids at the tennis court in their local park trying to show off all their tricky shots to their friends.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you play someone like Corentin, you don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to be next,\u201d Alcaraz said.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s that\u2019s really difficult, you know, to approach the match. But yeah, I had so much fun on the court as you could see. <\/p>\n \u201cI think both we pulled off great points. You know I think there there were a few highlights in the match.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful, you know, to play those kind of matches against him. And for sure it\u2019s not going to be the last time.\u201d<\/p>\n Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates victory over France’s Corentin Moutet after their men’s singles match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 23, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY \/ AFP) \/ — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFP<\/p>\n \u2018I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO PLAY\u2019: AUSSIE GIANT KILLER\u2019S STUNNING REVEAL<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s dominance over the English this summer extended to the tennis court on Friday.<\/p>\n Wildcard men\u2019s doubles pair James McCabe and Li Tu completed the upset of the day, downing No.1 seeds and Wimbledon champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in straight sets on ANZ Arena.<\/p>\n The Australians claimed the second round match 7-6, 6-4 in one hour and 25 minutes in front of a passionate home crowd.<\/p>\n They were also cheered on by Australian tennis legend Pat Cash.<\/p>\n It was a whirlwind experience for the duo who were both eliminated during qualifying in singles.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did not know what to expect. we thought we were going to get steamrolled in the second set,\u201d McCabe told The Age. \u201cOne thing led to another, and we ended up winning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not expected to go out there and win,\u201d he added. \u201cWe feel a bit lucky to get through it, beating the no.1s in the world. <\/p>\n \u201cHopefully we can just keep going, and you never know how far you can go.\u201d<\/p>\n Osaka through despite noise controversy | 00:48<\/p>\n Making the victory all the more astonishing is that 22-year-old McCabe is unranked in doubles at present. <\/p>\n The world No.173 in singles revealed that ever since he and Tu were handed a wildcard by tournament organisers, he has had to learn quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did not know how to do anything at the net three days ago. I did not know how to play doubles,\u201d McCabe said.<\/p>\n \u201cI was standing in the wrong place.\u201d<\/p>\n Their inexperience is why onlookers thought the Australians were engaging in extensive dialogue on the court.<\/p>\n It would have been understandable to be talking tactics as they learned on the job.<\/p>\n But the pair admitted they were not strictly about business on the court.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes, he\u2019ll come over to me and say something so random. It\u2019s like, dude, what are you saying?\u201d Tu said.<\/p>\n McCabe added: \u201cIt takes the pressure off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt just keeps the vibe really high,\u201d Tu replied. \u201cHow much is tactics? 20 per cent. The other 80 per cent is just saying really random stuff.\u201c<\/p>\n Awaiting in the third round could be fellow Australian wildcard Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans.<\/p>\n The experienced doubles players defeated Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis on Thursday night.<\/p>\n If they can win their second round match against Switzerland\u2019s Jakub Paul and Brit Marcus Willis, another all-Australian affair will take place.<\/p>\n Regardless of their opponent, McCabe and Tu are not going to change their approach.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to have fun with it. And see what damage we can do,\u201d Tu said.\ufeff<\/p>\n MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: James McCabe (R) and Li Tu (L) of Australia talk tactics in the Men’s Doubles Second Round against Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool of Great Britain during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n WORLD NO.1\u2019S GREAT ESCAPE<\/p>\n Aryna Sabalenka had no right to win the second set tiebreak but she is through to the fourth round with a 7-6, 7-6 win over Anastasia Potapova.<\/p>\n The top seed maintains her status as tennis\u2019 tiebreak queen having won 19 straight deciders dating back to Roland Garros in 2023.<\/p>\n But that streak appeared to be done when Potapova had four set points during the second set tiebreak.<\/p>\n The Austrian tensed up when on the cusp of sending the match to a deciding set, however.<\/p>\n Potapova even served a gut wrenching double fault to level it up at 6-all.<\/p>\n Sabalenka then went on to claim it 9-7 as she handled the pressure cooker on Rod Laver Arena better.<\/p>\n The world No.1 had her chances earlier to kill off the contest earlier, leading the second set 4-0 and also serving for the match at 5-4.<\/p>\n But she acknowledged that she did not bring her A game and was simply relieved to have survived a tricky test.<\/p>\n \u201cI was always on the back foot. And to be honest, there are days where you just have to be there, just have to fight and try your best to put the ball back on that side,\u201d Sabalenka said post-match. <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I don\u2019t know what was the key. I think even though emotionally I was like all over the place, but I was able to still fight for every point. <\/p>\n \u201cAnd against Anastasia really important that you always focus, you\u2019re always there, you\u2019re always fighting. And I\u2019m just super happy that I was able win. It was such a fight and I really enjoyed it.\u201d<\/p>\n MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning the first set against Anastasia Potapova of Austria in the Women’s Singles Third Round during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n LEGENDS CALL OUT OSAKA\u2019S \u2018CMON\u2019S\u2019<\/p>\n It is the catch cry made famous by Australian champion Lleyton Hewitt, but the classic \u2018c\u2019mon\u2019 is in the spotlight after Naomi Osaka\u2019s second round win on Thursday night.<\/p>\n The two-time winner at Melbourne Park was on the receiving end of an angry spray from opponent Sorana Cirstea as they shook hands at the net after Osaka prevailed in a hard fought three set match on Margaret Court Arena.<\/p>\n The Romanian veteran\u2019s outrage was brought on by the Japanese superstar appearing to say \u2018c\u2019mon\u2019 after Cirstea hit a first serve fault.<\/p>\n In her last Australian Open, Cirstea farewelled the first grand slam of the year by telling Osaka \u201cyou have no idea what fair play is\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n ‘Sorry she was mad about it’ Frosty end! | 01:14<\/p>\n The controversy surrounding proper etiquette has been the talk of the tennis world since with two of the sport\u2019s all-time greats weighing in with their thoughts.<\/p>\n In the mind of 18-time singles grand slam champion Martina Navratilova, it was clear that Osaka was in the wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cI can get what [Osaka] said after the match because it\u2019s kind of in the heat of the moment \u2014 she was surprised by Cirstea\u2019s reaction at the handshake \u2014 but you cannot be talking out loud between first and second serves of your opponent,\u201d Navratilova said in a panel discussion for Tennis Channel.<\/p>\n \u201cCirstea was ready to hit the second serve and Osaka said \u2018c\u2019mon\u2019; that\u2019s not right. I don\u2019t think she does it on purpose, she doesn\u2019t realise it. You can say \u2018c\u2019mon\u2019 all you want but keep it inside, do not verbalise it.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think she did it on purpose, but sometimes you just have to say less.\u201d<\/p>\n Navratilova was joined in the panel discussion by former world No.1 and 2000 Australian Open champion Lindsay Davenport.<\/p>\n