Melbourne, Jan 23 (NationPress) Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka achieved contrasting victories in the third round, while former finalist Daniil Medvedev fought hard to maintain his Australian Open title aspirations at the courts of Melbourne Park on Friday.

The third round commenced on Day Six with Sabalenka, who overcame a tough challenge to defeat Anastasia Potapova with a score of 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7) in just over two hours. The 27-year-old player has reached the second week in Melbourne for the sixth consecutive year. "She played incredible tennis. I fought for every point, and I'm thrilled to achieve this win," remarked Sabalenka, who will face 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko next.

Third seed Coco Gauff made a comeback from a set down to triumph over her fellow American Hailey Baptiste 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in one hour and 50 minutes. Gauff is set to compete against 19th seed Karolina Muchova in the upcoming fourth round, as reported by Xinhua.

Additionally, eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva and 12th-seeded Elina Svitolina advanced to the last 16. However, seventh seed Jasmine Paolini was eliminated after being defeated by teenager Iva Jovic, whose victory of 6-2, 7-6 (3) marked the biggest win of her career.

In the men's draw, Alcaraz showcased his title ambitions with a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 victory over 32nd seed Corentin Moutet.

As a six-time grand slam champion, Alcaraz is eager to secure the only major title that has thus far eluded him, as he has never gone beyond the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park. "I believe my level is improving continuously," stated Alcaraz, who notched his 87th win in his 100th grand slam match.

Next, Alcaraz will face American 19th seed Tommy Paul, who was ahead by two sets before 14th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had to retire due to injury in their match.

Medvedev, a former US Open champion, made a remarkable recovery as he edged past Fabian Marozsan 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in a nearly four-hour battle. "I aimed to be more aggressive because he was moving me around. It worked, and I started playing better, so I'm pleased with the outcome," said Medvedev, who has now recovered from two sets down for the fourth time in Melbourne.

During the night session, third seed Alexander Zverev finished strongly, defeating 26th seed Cameron Norrie 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in two hours and 46 minutes. "I'm satisfied with the win and looking ahead," expressed Zverev.

Zverev, last year's runner-up, struggled initially but found his rhythm in the third and fourth sets, gaining a significant confidence boost. The German player now aims to challenge 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated 13th seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets.

Local favorite Alex de Minaur progressed to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the fifth consecutive year following a straight-sets victory over Frances Tiafoe. The sixth seed is determined to end the host nation's 50-year men's singles title drought in Melbourne.

In women's doubles, the Chinese duo Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan lost to top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend in straight sets.

Round three action continues on Saturday, featuring second seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, while Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a record 25th grand slam.