Coco Gauff stayed on course Sunday for a heavyweight Australian Open semi-final clash against Aryna Sabalenka, despite dropping a set for the first time this season. Gauff had not dropped a set in eight matches this season,

MELBOURNE (AFP) – World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Sunday and was joined by Coco Gauff, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can later set up a blockbuster clash.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept into the quarter-finals at a scorching-hot Australian Open on Sunday and was joined by Coco Gauff, while Carlos Alcaraz advanced when Jack Draper retired.

An imperious Aryna Sabalenka stayed on course for a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown on Sunday, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can later set up a blockbuster quarter-final. The prize for the winner is a meeting with either Carlos Alcaraz or Britain's Jack Draper for a place in the semi-finals.