Zverev Ends Norrie’s Run to Reach Australian Open Fourth Round
MELBOURNE, 24 January 2026 – The third round of the Australian Open served up a high-quality battle on Saturday as German star Alexander Zverev overcame Britain’s Cam Norrie in four sets. On a day where the tournament’s second week began to take shape, defending champion Jannik Sinner also progressed with ease, while the women’s draw saw top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff advance.
Tournament in Full Swing
The 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, is underway at Melbourne Park from 18 January to 1 February. Italy’s Jannik Sinner is aiming for a third consecutive title in Melbourne, while America’s Madison Keys looks to defend her women’s crown. The tournament features a record prize pool of AUD $111.5 million (approx. €68.5 million), with the singles champions each set to earn AUD $4.15 million.
Day 7: Zverev Holds Off Determined Norrie
The match of the day on the men’s side saw third seed Alexander Zverev book his place in the fourth round with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over 26th seed Cameron Norrie. The British number two started brightly, securing an early break, but Zverev’s powerful serving and baseline consistency ultimately proved decisive.
“I was up for the task today,” Zverev said after the match. “I think Cameron probably played the best match we’ve ever played level wise. I’m happy with the win and happy to move forward.” Norrie’s exit leaves no British players in the singles draws, following Emma Raducanu’s second-round loss to Anastasia Potapova earlier in the week.
Other Key Results & British Doubles Action
Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his serene progress, defeating American Eliot Spizzirri in straight sets. Other men’s winners included Ben Shelton, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur. In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elina Svitolina all secured their spots in the last 16.
In doubles, there was mixed fortune for British players. Neal Skupski and partner Christian Harrison reached the third round, but last year’s top-ranked pair, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, suffered a surprise second-round exit to Australian wild cards.
The Road Ahead: Tournament Schedule
With the third round concluding, the tournament moves into the fourth round (last 16) on 25 and 26 January. The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday 31 January, with the men’s champion to be crowned on Sunday 1 February.
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 25-26 January | Men’s & Women’s Fourth Round |
| 27-28 January | Quarterfinals |
| 29 January | Women’s Semifinals |
| 30 January | Men’s Semifinals |
| 31 January | Women’s Final |
| 1 February | Men’s Final |
Record Prize Money Breakdown
The 2026 Australian Open boasts the largest prize pool in its history. Below is the breakdown for the singles competitions:
| Round Reached | Prize Money (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Winner | $4,150,000 |
| Runner-up | $2,150,000 |
| Semi-final | $1,250,000 |
| Quarter-final | $750,000 |
| Fourth Round | $480,000 |
| Third Round | $327,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defending champions?
Jannik Sinner of Italy is the two-time defending men’s singles champion. Madison Keys of the United States is the defending women’s singles champion, having defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 final.
How can I watch the Australian Open in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, live coverage of the Australian Open is broadcast exclusively on discovery+ and TNT Sports.
Which British players are still competing?
Following the exits of Cam Norrie and Emma Raducanu in singles, British interest remains in the doubles draws. Neal Skupski is through to the third round of the men’s doubles, and several Britons are involved in mixed doubles.
Is Novak Djokovic playing?
Yes. The 10-time champion and 24-time major winner, Novak Djokovic, is competing and seeded fourth. He is aiming to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.