MELBOURNE, Jan 21 — Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz fended off a series of “bombs” before surging into the Australian Open third round today, where he was joined by Aryna Sabalenka and a near-flawless Coco Gauff.

Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev needed four sets to keep his Grand Slam dream on track at a cooler Melbourne Park after days of hot weather.