Novak Djokovic says two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner is the "absolute favourite" in their Australian Open semi-final on Friday but vowed to bring his "A-game" and pull off an upset.

Serena Williams has tennis players buzzing about a possible return after she playfully dodged questions about re-entering the sport's anti-doping testing pool during a television appearance that left more questions than answers.

Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka crushed Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in a politically charged Australian Open semi-final on Thursday and faces Elena Rybakina for a third Melbourne title.

Elena Rybakina battled past Jessica Pegula into the Australian Open final on Thursday with the fifth seed setting up a repeat of her 2023 title match against Aryna Sabalenka.

Like other players from Ukraine, Svitolina does not shake hands with opponents from Russia or Moscow's ally Belarus because of the war.

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record Grand Slam title continued in dramatic circumstances after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti quit their Australian Open quarter-final match with an injury after taking a two-set lead at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.

Rybakina has made the Melbourne final once before, in 2023 when she lost in three tough sets to Aryna Sabalenka.

Her journey back has unfolded between nursery routines, rehab sessions, and match points, guided by the quiet resolve that only a life changed so deeply can bring.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is yet to drop a set as he arrows in on a maiden Australian Open crown.

Elina Svitolina stunned third seed Coco Gauff to blast into an Australian Open semifinal against Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday and inch closer to a maiden Grand Slam title.

Last year's runner-up Alexander Zverev served his way into the Australian Open semifinals on Tuesday as he crushed young American Learner Tien under a barrage of aces.

Sabalenka, the top seed from Belarus, is aiming to win a third Melbourne crown in four years and looks in ominous form, yet to drop a set.

Iga Swiatek said Monday she will draw on her experience and knowledge of playing Elena Rybakina 11 times when they clash once more in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Australian Open organisers urged fans to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as the tournament braces for a freak heatwave on Tuesday with temperatures set to soar as high as 45C.

Anisimova enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, reaching finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Both players were distracted by an air show in the skies over Melbourne Park to mark Australia Day, and three double faults on Keys' opening serve gifted Pegula the advantage again in set two.

Learner Tien battled through a nosebleed to thrash three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open on Sunday and make a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time.

She will play another fast-rising teenager, American Iva Jovic, or Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva for a place in the semi-finals.

Six-time major champion Iga Swiatek endured a roller-coaster ride before sealing her place in the Australian Open last 16 on Saturday.

Record-shattering Novak Djokovic said he was "hanging in there" after becoming the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches Saturday on his way into the last 16 at the Australian Open.