Day seven at the Australian Open spotlighted two standouts: Amanda Anisimova’s emphatic dispatch of Peyton Stearns and Lorenzo Musetti’s nerve-shredding conquest of Tomas Machac, both advancing to the pre-quarterfinals.
On Margaret Court Arena, Anisimova’s 6-1, 6-4 rout lasted 71 minutes, her second straight year here. Aggression defined her start – holding firm under pressure, then breaking twice for set-point dominance. Second set tension peaked as Stearns broke back from 2-5, but Anisimova’s third match point forehand silenced doubts.
Her bold style triumphed over inconsistencies, next facing the Noskova-Wang victor. Musetti’s saga on John Cain Arena unfolded over 4:27, edging Machac 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in a fitness showcase.
From first-set struggles, he rallied with breaks and baseline mastery in sets two and three. Machac’s fourth-set surge tested him, but fifth-set serves and forehand firepower delivered victory – his best AO result yet.
These performances elevate the stakes, blending American firepower with Italian tenacity. With the fourth round looming, expect fireworks as underdogs threaten the favorites in Melbourne’s sweltering heat.