Day 3 of Australian Open: match recaps

Veteran Gael Monfils wins a five-set thriller, while top seeds Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka progress with straight-set victories at the Australian Open.

The third day of the 2025 Australian Open featured a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets.

Men’s Singles:

• Daniil Medvedev: The former world No. 1 overcame a mid-match slump to defeat Thai qualifier Kasidit Samrej in five sets, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Medvedev experienced a moment of frustration during the match, smashing his racquet on a net camera after losing the second and third sets. He later humorously remarked on the incident, expressing hope that the fine would not be too large.
• Holger Rune: The 13th seed battled through a five-set match against China’s Zhang Zhizhen, securing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory.
• Taylor Fritz: The fourth seed delivered a dominant performance, defeating Jenson Brooksby in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-0, in under two hours.
• Matteo Berrettini: After dropping the first set, Berrettini rallied to defeat Cameron Norrie in four sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.

Women’s Singles:

• Aryna Sabalenka: The top seed and defending champion continued her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open title by defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.
• Emma Raducanu: The British player overcame a series of double faults to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
• Daria Kasatkina: The Russian secured a quick win over Viktoriya Tomova, advancing to the next round.

Notable Upsets:

• Andrey Rublev: The ninth seed was eliminated by Brazilian Joao Fonseca, who won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
• Maria Sakkari: The 31st seed was defeated by Camila Osorio, who secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Veteran Performance:

• Gael Monfils: At 38, the French veteran won a grueling five-set match against compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, advancing to the next round.

Inside the Baseline…