Barbora Krejcikova ends Mirra Andreeva's magical run in the fourth round of the Australian Open

In three sets, ninth-seeded Czech Republic tennis player Barbora Krejcikova ended Mirra Andreeva's magical run at the 2024 Australian Open. Andreeva won the first set but dropped the final two, falling short of a chance to punch her ticket to the quarterfinals. Andreeva's charm and game delighted many in Melbourne, and we will certainly see her again competing for titles in 2024. This is Krejcikova's first win over Andreeva; she lost in their two previous meetings.

Krejcikova is the only female player remaining in contention in singles and doubles. This is familiar territory for her. She is the 2021 French Open singles and doubles champion (with former partner Katerina Siniakova).

This will be Krejcikova's second trip to the quarterfinals in Melbourne. She previously was a quarterfinalist in 2022. Krejcikova faces defending Australian Open champion and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. Sabalenka continued her back-to-back title quest with a straight-set win over Amanda Anisimova. No one has challenged the dominant Sabalenka in Melbourne yet this year so Krejcikova has a tall task ahead of her.

Coco Gauff also advances to first career Australian Open quarterfinals

World No. 4 Coco Gauff advanced to her first career Australian Open quarterfinal round with a straight-set win over Magdalena Frech. She is on the same side of the draw as Sabalenka. Should the World No. 2 and 4 advance in their quarterfinal matches, we are in for a blockbuster semifinal match. First things first, Gauff will play Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinals.

Given how both Sabalenka and Gauff have played and the upper half of the draw void of any Top 10 players, it is likely that one of the two will be crowned the 2024 Australian Open champion in a few days. What we have learned this year in Melbourne is what is likely is not necessarily what is so do not overlook Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka in the upper half.

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