Alcaraz, Djokovic reach last eight

Teen test awaits No.1 Sabalenka, Gauff wins

- 

Carlos Alcaraz hits a return against Tommy Paul during their men's singles fourth round match.

(AFP)

Carlos Alcaraz powered into the Australian Open quarterfinals yesterday and Novak Djokovic joined him without hitting a ball, as the next generation roared.

Aryna Sabalenka surged through but Coco Gauff was forced to fight at Melbourne Park, where temperatures eased to 22C after the brutal heat of a day earlier.

Top seed Alcaraz was in ominous touch at Rod Laver Arena, dismissing the American Tommy Paul 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-5 in a masterclass.

The 22-year-old plays home hope and sixth seed Alex de Minaur, who defeated 10th seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets.

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown, was scheduled to face Jakub Mensik in the last 16 today but the Czech player pulled out injured.

Djokovic will face American ninth seed Taylor Fritz or the fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy for a place in the semifinals.

Alcaraz, who is yet to drop a set at this year's tournament, has never gone beyond the quarterfinals in Melbourne.