The lack of fourth-round drama at the Australian Open continued on Monday, when a total of just 10 sets were played across four matchups. Novak Djokovic got a walkover, while Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, and Ben Shelton won in routine fashion.
Sinner rebounded from a tough match against Eliot Spizzirri on Saturday by beating fellow Italian Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2). In much friendlier weather conditions, the two-time defending champion advanced in just two hours and nine minutes.
Musetti took care of Taylor Fritz, who came into the season with knee tendinitis and was also dealing with an abdominal issue — perhaps along with other injury issues, as well. The Italian capitalized on his opportunity, cruising into the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory.
Following Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal against Djokovic, Shelton’s showdown against Casper Ruud got moved from John Cain Arena to the night-session match in Rod Laver Arena. Perhaps no one likes the big stage more than Shelton, and he played like it. The seventh-ranked American recovered from a slow start to cruise 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Overall, a mere 22 sets were played in the entire men’s singles fourth round. Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minair, and Learner Tien all won in straights on Sunday.
Top five highlights on Day 9:
Australian Open Day 9 scores
Novak Djokovic d. Jakub Mensik (walkover)
Jannik Sinner d. Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2)
Lorenzo Musetti d. Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Ben Shelton d. Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
nice one, Ben