MELBOURNE – The Australian Open’s seventh day delivered contrasting narratives: Amanda Anisimova’s surgical takedown of Peyton Stearns and Lorenzo Musetti’s epic survival against Tomas Machac, both earning fourth-round berths.
Anisimova, the American prodigy, cruised 6-1, 6-4 in 1:11 on Margaret Court Arena, marking consecutive Round of 16 showings. Her match began with ferocity – saving a break point, then pocketing two breaks for a 5-1 first-set bulge. The second set mirrored her control until Stearns clawed one back at 5-4, only for Anisimova’s forehand magic to end it.
Errors didn’t derail her offensive onslaught, setting up a clash with Noskova or Wang Xinyu. Over on John Cain Arena, Musetti’s 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 win over Machac was a testament to perseverance across 4+ hours.
Trailing early, he flipped the script with set wins two and three, powered by improved serving. The fourth set tie forced a fifth where his endurance and vicious forehands prevailed. This breakthrough moment at AO cements Musetti’s rising star status.
As the draw tightens, these wins inject fresh excitement, with Anisimova’s flair and Musetti’s grit poised to challenge seeds further. The tournament marches on, full of potential plot twists.