Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion in Australia, stopped playing because of a strained abdominal muscle after dropping the first set of her match against Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic.

Elsewhere, in the men's draw, American 12th seed Tommy Paul will take on Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, while German second seed Alexander Zverev faces French 14th seed Ugo Humbert. The winners of these matches will advance to the semi-finals.

Coco Gauff moved into the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a straightforward victory over Leylah Fernandez.

In a tougher-than-expected match, Aryna Sabalenka beat Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a poor serving display by both players to open the sixth day of play on Rod Laver Arena.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit in setting up an Australian Open showdown with talented teenager Mirra Andreeva on Friday

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men’s bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue.

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men's bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue.

Coco Gauff still hasn’t lost a match or even at set at the Australian Open — or, actually, this season. She moved into the fourth