The Australian Open is down to its final 16 for both the men and women and there are a still a healthy number of Americans in the running.

On the men’s side, No. 25 Learner Tien did America justice by taking down the favorite No. 11 Daniil Medvedev. He’ll play No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, No. 8 Ben Shelton dropped the first set but rallied to overcome No. 12 Casper Ruud and set up a quarterfinal clash with second-seeded Jannik Sinner.

The outcome wasn’t as good for No. 9 Taylor Fritz, who fell in straight sets to No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti.

On the women’s side, No. 6 Jessica Pegula knocked out No. 9 seed and defending champion Madison Keys in straight sets as she took another step toward what would be her first major title at age 31. She’ll go up against another American − Amanda Anisimova − in the quarterfinals. The tournament’s No. 4 seed defeated China’s Xinyu Wang. 

Earlier Monday, American darling Coco Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals after her thrilling victory over Karolína Muchová. No. 29 Iva Jović advanced as well by winning back-to-back sets in the Round of 16. She’ll have a tough road ahead with No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on the horizon.

Here’s how to watch these enticing Australian Open matches:

When is the Australian Open? Dates and schedule

The 2026 Australian Open began on Jan. 18. The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 and the men’s final slated to take place on Sunday, Feb. 1. Here’s how the schedule looks for the remainder of the tournament:

Jan. 17-20: Round 1
Jan. 21-22: Round 2
Jan. 23-24: Round 3
Jan. 25-26: Round 4 (Round of 16)
Jan. 27-28: Quarterfinals
Jan. 29: Women’s semifinals
Jan. 30: Men’s semifinals
Jan. 31: Women’s final
Feb. 1: Men’s final

How to watch 2026 Australian Open: Full TV, streaming schedule

The Australian Open will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ESPN2 throughout the tournament. Live streaming coverage is also available through ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+ and Fubo.

Watch the Australian Open with Fubo

Australian Open 2026 schedule, draw

Men’s singles

Quarterfinals

(1) Carlos Alcaraz vs. (6) Alex de Minaur
(3) Alexander Zverev vs. (25) Learner Tien
(4) Novak Djokovic vs. (5) Lorenzo Musetti
(8) Ben Shelton vs. (2) Jannik Sinner

Fourth round

(1) Carlos Alcaraz def. (19) Tommy Paul, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-5
(6) Alex de Minaur def. (10) Alexander Bublik, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1
(3) Alexander Zverev def. (18) Francisco Cerundolo, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
(25) Learner Tien def. (11) Daniil Medvedev, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3
(4) Novak Djokovic def. (16) Jakub Mensik, walkover
(5) Lorenzo Musetti def. (9) Taylor Fritz, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
(8) Ben Shelton def. (12) Casper Ruud, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
(2) Jannik Sinner def. (22) Luciano Darderi, 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2)

Women’s singles

Quarterfinals

(1) Aryna Sabalenka vs. (29) Iva Jovic
(3) Coco Gauff vs. (12) Elina Svitolina
(6) Jessica Pegula vs. (4) Amanda Anisimova
(5) Elena Rybakina vs. (2) Iga Swiatek

Fourth round

(1) Aryna Sabalenka def. (17) Victoria Mboko, 6-1, 7-6 (7-1)
(29) Iva Jovic def. Yulia Putintseva, 6-0, 6-1
(3) Coco Gauff def. (19) Karolina Muchova, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
(12) Elina Svitolina def. (8) Mirra Andreeva, 6-2, 6-4
(6) Jessica Pegula def. (9) Madison Keys, 6-3, 6-4
(4) Amanda Anisimova def. Xinyu Wang, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
(5) Elena Rybakina def. (21) Elise Mertens, 6-1, 6-3
(2) Iga Swiatek def. Maddison Inglis, 6-0, 6-3

Australian Open 2026 results

Men’s singles

Third round

(1) Carlos Alcaraz def. (32) Corentin Moutet, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1
(19) Tommy Paul def. (14) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, 6-1, 6-1, 6-0
(10) Alexander Bublik def. Tomás Martín Etcheverry, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
(6) Alex de Minaur def. (29) Francis Tiafoe, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
(3) Alexander Zverev def. (26) Cameron Norrie, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
(18) Francisco Cerundolo def. (13) Andrey Rublev, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
(11) Daniil Medvedev def. Fábián Marozsán, 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3
(25) Learner Tien def. Nuno Borges, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4, 6-2
(5) Lorenzo Musetti def. Tomas Machac, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
(9) Taylor Fritz def. Stan Wawrinka, 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
(16) Jakub Mensik def. Ethan Quinn, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5)
(4) Novak Djokovic def. Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
(8) Ben Shelton def. (30) Valentin Vacherot, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
(12) Casper Ruud def. Marin Cilic, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
(22) Luciano Darderi def. Karen Khachanov, 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
(2) Janik Sinner def. Eliot Spizzirri, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

Second round

(1) Carlos Alcaraz def. Yannick Hanfmann, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2
(32) Corentin Moutet def. Michael Zheng, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3, 2-0 (retired)
(19) Tommy Paul def. Thiago Agustín Tirante, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2
(14) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina def. Reilly Opelka, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 4-6, 6-4
(10) Alexander Bublik def. Márton Fucsovics, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5
Tomás Martín Etcheverry def. Arthur Fery, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, 6-3
(29) Frances Tiafoe def. Francisco Comesana, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
(6) Alex de Minaur def. Hamad Medjedovic, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1
(3) Alexander Zverev def. Alexandre Müller, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
(26) Cameron Norrie def. Emilio Nava, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5)
(18) Francisco Cerundolo def. Damir Džumhur, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1
(13) Andrey Rublev def. Jaime Faria, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5
(11) Daniil Medvedev def. Quentin Halys, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2
Fábián Marozsán def. Kamil Majchrzak, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
(25) Learner Tien def. Alexander Shevchenko, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0
Nuno Borges def. Jordan Thompson, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
(5) Lorenzo Musetti def. Lorenzo Sonego, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4
Tomáš Macháč def. (31) Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5)
Stan Wawrinka def. Arthur Gea, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-3)
(9) Taylor Fritz def. Vít Kopřiva, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
(16) Jakub Menšik def. Rafael Jodar, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
Ethan Quinn def. Hubert Hurkacz, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1
Botic van de Zandschulp def. Shang Juncheng, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 6-3
(4) Novak Djokovic def. Francesco Maestrelli, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
(8) Ben Shelton def. Dane Sweeny, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
(30) Valentin Vacherot def. Rinky Hijikata, 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
Marin Čilić def. (21) Denis Shapovalov, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2
(12) Casper Ruud def. Jaumer Munar, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
(15) Karen Khachanov def. Nishesh Basavareddy, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3
(22) Luciano Darderi def. Sebastian Baez, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
Eliot Spizzirri def. Wu Yibing, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 4-6, 6-3
(2) Jannik Sinner def. James Duckworth, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2

First round

(1) Carlos Alcaraz def. Adam Walton, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
Yannick Hanfmann def. Zachary Zvajda, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)
Michael Zheng def. Sebastian Korda, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (0-7), 6-3
(32) Corentin Moutet def. Tristan Schoolkate, 6-4, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3
(19) Tommy Paul def. Aleksandar Kovacevic, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3
Thiago Augustin Tirante def. Aleksandar Vukic, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2
Reilly Opelka def. Nicolai Budkov Jaer, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
(14) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina def. Filip Misolic, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3
(10) Alexander Bublik def. Jenson Brooksby, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Marton Fucsovics def. Camilo Ugo Carabelli, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 6-2
Tomas Etcheverry def. Miomir Kecmanovic, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Arthur Fery def. (20) Flavio Cobolli, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 6-1
(29) Francis Tiafoe def. Jason Kubler, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2
Francisco Comesana def. Patrick Kypson, 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Hamad Medjedovic def. Mariano Navone, 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-2
(6) Alex de Minaur def. Mackenzie McDonald, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
(3) Alexander Zverev def. Gabriel Diallo, 6-7 (1-7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2
Alexandre Muller def. Alexei Popyrin, 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-4)
Emilio Nava def. Kyrian Jacquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 7-6 (10-6)
(26) Cameron Norrie def. Benjamin Bonzi, 6-0, 6-7 (2-7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
(18) Francisco Cerundolo def. Zhizhen Zhang, 6-3, 7-6 (7-0), 6-3
Damir Dzumhur def. Liam Draxl, 7-5, 6-0, 6-4
Jaime Faria def. Alexander Blockx, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
(13) Andrey Rublev def. Matteo Arnaldi, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3
(11) Daniil Medvedev def. Jesper de Jong, 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
Quentin Halys def. Alejandro Tabilo, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
Kamil Majchrzak def. Jacob Fearnley, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3)
Fabian Marozsan def. (24) Arthur Rinderknech, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4
(25) Learner Tien def. Marcos Giron, 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2
Alexander Shevchenko def. Elias Ymer, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-1
Jordan Thompson def. Juan Cerundolo, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-1, 6-1
Nuno Borges def. (7) Felix Auger-Aliassime, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 0-0 (retired)
(5) Lorenzo Musetti def. Raphael Collignon, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 3-2 (retired)
Lorenzo Sonego def. Carlos Taberner, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3
Tomas Machac def. Grigor Dimitrov, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
(31) Stefanos Tsitsipas def. Shintaro Mochizuki, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Arthur Gea def. (17) Jiri Lehecka, 7-5, 7-6 (7-1), 7-5
Stan Wawrinka def. Laslo Djere, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
Vit Kopriva def. Jan Struff, 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
(9) Taylor Fritz def. Valentin Royer, 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-1, 6-3
(16) Jakub Mensik def. Pablo Carreno Busta, 7-5, 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3
Rafael Jodar def. Rei Sakamoto, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3
Hubert Hurkacz def. Zizou Bergs, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 6-3
Ethan Quinn def. (23) Tallon Griekspoor, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2
Botic van de Zandschulp def. (27) Brandon Nakashima, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-3)
Juncheng Shang def. Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 6-0
Francesco Maestrelli def. Terence Atmane, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-1
(4) Novak Djokovic def. Pedro Martinez, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
(8) Ben Shelton def. Ugo Humbert, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5)
Dane Sweeny def. Gael Monfils, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5
Rinky Hijikata def. Adrian Mannarino, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1
(30) Valentin Vacherot def. Martin Damm, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
(21) Denis Shapovalov def. Yunchaokete Bu, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
Marin Cilic def. Daniel Altmaier, 6-0, 6-0, 7-6 (7-3)
Jaume Munar def. Dalibor Svrcina, 3-6, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-3
(12) Casper Ruud def. Mattia Bellucci, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4
(15) Karen Khachanov def. Alex Michelson, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
Nishesh Basavareddy def. Christopher O’Connell, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-3
Sebastian Baez def. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3
(22) Luciano Darderi def. Cristian Garin, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)
Eliot Spizziri def. (28) Joao Fonseca, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2
Yibing Wu def. Luca Nardi, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
James Duckworth def. Dino Prizmic, 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3
(2) Jannik Sinner def. Hugo Gaston, 6-2, 6-1, 0-0 (retired)

Women’s singles

Third round

(1) Aryna Sabalenka def. Anastasia Potapova, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7)
(17) Victoria Mboko def. (14) Clara Tauson, 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-3
Yulia Putintseva def. Zeynap Somnez, 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3
(29) Iva Jovic def. (7) Jasmine Paolini, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
(3) Coco Gauff def. Hailey Baptiste, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3
(19) Karolina Muchova def. Magda Linette, 6-1, 6-1
(12) Elina Svitolina def. (23) Diana Shnaider, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
(8) Maria Andreeva def. Elena-Gabriela Ruse, 6-3, 6-4
(6) Jessica Pegula def. Oksana Selekhmeteva, 6-3, 6-2
(9) Madison Keys def. Karolina Pliskova, 6-3, 6-3
Xinyu Wang def. (13) Linda Noskova, 7-5, 6-4
(4) Amanda Anisimova def. Peyton Stearns, 6-1, 6-4
(5) Elena Rybakina def. Tereza Valentova, 6-2, 6-3
(21) Elise Mertens def. Nikola Bartunkova, 6-0, 6-4
Maddison Inglis def. (16) Naomi Osaka, walkover
(2) Iga Swiatek def. (31) Anna Kalinskaya, 6-1, 1-6, 6-1

Second round

(1) Aryna Sabalenka def. Zhouxuon Bai, 6-3, 6-1
Anastasia Potapova def. (28) Emma Radacunu, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2
(17) Victoria Mboko def. Caty McNally, 6-4, 6-3
(14) Clara Tauson def. Polina Kudermetova, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
Zeynap Somnez def. Anna Bondar, 6-2, 6-4
Yulia Putintseva def. Elsa Jacquemot, 6-1, 6-2
(29) Iva Jovic def. Priscilla Hon, 6-1, 6-2
(7) Jasmine Paolini def. Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-3
(3) Coco Gauff def. Olga Danilovic, 6-2, 6-2
Hailey Baptiste def. Storm Hunter, 6-2, 6-1
(19) Karolina Muchova def. Alycia Parks, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Magda Linette def. Ann Li, 6-3, 6-3
(12) Elina Svitolina def. Linda Klimovicova, 7-5, 6-1
(23) Diana Shnaider def. Talia Gibson, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
Elena-Gabriela Ruse def. Ajla Tomljanovic, 6-4, 6-4
(8) Mirra Andreeva def. Maria Sakkari, 6-0, 6-4
(6) Jessica Pegula def. McCartney Kessler, 6-0, 6-2
Oksana Selekhmeteva def. (25) Paula Badosa, 6-4, 6-4
Karolina Pliskova def. Janice Tjen, 6-4, 6-4
(9) Madison Keys def. Ashlyn Krueger, 6-1, 7-5
(13) Linda Noskova def. Taylah Preston, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
Xinya Wang def. (24) Jelena Ostapenko, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Peyton Stearns def. Petra Marcinko, 6-2, 7-5
(4) Amanda Anisimova def. Katerina Siniakova, 6-1, 6-4
(5) Elena Rybakina def. Varvara Gracheva, 7-5, 6-2
Tereza Valentova def. Linda Fruhvirtova, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
(21) Elise Mertens def. Moyuka Uchijima, 6-3, 6-1
Nikola Bartunkova def. (10) Belinda Bencic, 6-3, 0-6, 6-4
(16) Naomi Osaka def. Sorana Cirstea, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
Maddison Inglis def. Laura Siegemund, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (10-7)
(31) Anna Kalinskaya def. Julia Grabher, 6-3, 6-3
(2) Iga Swiatek def. Marie Bouzkova, 6-2, 6-3

First round

(1) Aryna Sabalenka def. Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, 6-4, 6-1
Zhuoxuan Bai def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (12-10)
Anastasia Potapova def. Suzan Lamens, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
(28) Emma Raducanu def. Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-1
(17) Victoria Mboko def. Emerson Jones, 6-4, 6-1
Caty McNally def. Himeno Sakatsume, 6-3, 6-1
Polina Kudermetova def. Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales, 6-2, 6-3
(14) Clara Tauson def. Dalma Galfi, 6-3, 6-3
Zeynep Sonmez def. (11) Ekaterina Alexandrova, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4
Anna Bondar def. Elizabeth Mandlik, 6-0, 6-4
Yulia Putintseva def. Beatriz Haddad Maia, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
Elsa Jacquemot def. (20) Marta Kostyuk, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (10-7)
(29) Iva Jovic def. Katie Volynets, 6-2, 6-3
Priscilla Hon def. Marina Stakusic, 1-6, 6-4, 5-3 (retired)
Magdalena Frech def. Veronika Erjavec, 6-1, 6-1
(7) Jasmine Paolini def. Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-1, 6-2
(3) Coco Gauff def. Kamilla Rakhimova, 6-2,6-3
Olga Danilovic def. Venus Williams, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4
Storm Hunter def. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, 6-4, 6-4
Hailey Baptiste def. Taylor Townsend, 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3
(19) Karolina Muchova def. Jacqueline Cristian, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6)
Alycia Parks def. Alexandra Eala, 0-6, 6-3, 6-2
Ann Li def. Camila Osorio, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5
Magda Linette def. (15) Emma Navarro, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6
(12) Elina Svitolina def. Cristina Bucsa, 6-4, 6-1
Linda Klimovicova def. Francesca Jones, 6-2, 3-2 (retired)
Talia Gibson def. Anna Blinkova, 6-1, 6-3
(23) Diana Shnaider def. Barbora Krejcikova, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3
Elena-Gabriela Ruse def. (26) Dayana Yastremska, 6-4, 7-5
Ajla Tomljanovic def. Yuliia Starodubtseva, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
Maria Sakkari def. Leolia Jeanjean, 6-4, 6-2
(8) Mirra Andreeva def. Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
(6) Jessica Pegula def. Anastasia Zakharova, 6-2, 6-1
McCartney Kessler def. Emiliana Arango, 6-3, 6-2
Oksana Selekhmeteva def. Ella Seidel, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0
(25) Paola Badosa def. Zarina Diyas, 6-2, 6-4
Janice Tjen def. (22) Leylah Fernandez, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1)
Karolina Pliskova def. Sloane Stephens, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2
Ashlyn Krueger def. Sara Bejlek, 6-3, 6-3
(9) Madison Keys def. Oleksandra Oliynykova, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1
(13) Linda Noskova def. Darja Semenistaja, 6-3, 6-0
Taylah Preston def. Shuai Zhang, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
Xinyu Wang def. Anhelina Kalinina, 6-3, 6-3
(24) Jelena Ostapenko def. Rebecca Sramkova, 6-4, 6-4
Peyton Stearns def. (27) Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 6-2
Petra Marcinko def. Tatjana Maria, 6-3, 7-5
Katerina Siniakova def. Panna Udvardy, 6-1, 6-2
(4) Amanda Anisimova def. Simona Waltert, 6-3, 6-2
(5) Elena Rybakina def. Kaja Juvan, 6-4, 6-3
Varvara Gracheva def. Viktorija Golubic, 6-1, 2-6, 6-1
Linda Fruhvirtova def. Lulu Sun, 6-3, 7-5
Tereza Valentova def. (30) Maya Joint, 6-4, 6-4
(21) Elise Mertens def. Lanlana Tararudee, 7-5, 6-1
Moyuka Uchijima def. Solana Sierra, 6-3, 6-1
Nikola Bartunkova def. Daria Kasatkina, 7-6 (9-7), 0-6, 6-3
(10) Belinda Bencic def. Katie Boulter, 6-0, 7-5
(16) Naomi Osaka def. Antonia Ruzic, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
Sorana Cirstea def. Eva Lys, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Maddison Inglis def. Kimberly Birrell, 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (9-11), 6-4
Laura Siegemund def. (18) Liudmila Samsonova, 0-6, 7-5, 6-4
(31) Anna Kalinskaya def. Sonay Kartal, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
Julia Grabher def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4
Marie Bouzkova def. Renata Zerazua, 6-2, 7-5
(2) Iga Swiatek def. Yue Yuan, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 to win the NFC championship game.
A key defensive stop on fourth-and-4 late in the game secured the victory for Seattle.
The Seahawks’ win sends them to Super Bowl 60, their first appearance since the 2014 season.

SEATTLE – Linebacker Ernest Jones delivered a message to the Seahawks defense in the huddle as they clung to four-point lead on fourth-and-4 late in the fourth quarter. The Los Angeles Rams had driven 84 yards down the field and were six yards away from a go-ahead score.

“Everything we worked for in this moment,” Jones revealed what he said in the huddle to USA TODAY Sports. “I’ll be damned if you don’t give it your all right here.”

On the defense’s most consequential play, Matthew Stafford looked around to find an open pass catcher. He fired a pass to Terrance Ferguson as cornerback Devon Witherspoon blanketed the tight end to break up the play.

Turnover on downs.

The Seahawks took over possession of the football and were able to drain the clock before a final Rams’ desperation drive ran out of time.

A 31-27 score preserved. The Seahawks stamped their ticket to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60.

The NFC championship game wasn’t a showcase by Seattle’s top scoring defense by any means. The unit gave up 479 total yards and 27 points. But on one of the game’s most decisive plays, the defense lived up to its “Dark Side” nickname.

“You talk about a group of guys who play together as one. A group of guys that are just gonna battle no matter what the circumstances are and who got each other back. The hardest times, the good times and the bad times. We stay together,” Witherspoon told USA TODAY Sports. “Once you come to that dark place, it’s a hard place to play. You don’t want to see us in there.”

In a game in which offense took centerstage, including an electric 28-point third quarter, the Seahawks’ formidable defense came through when it mattered most. In what was part of a scoreless fourth quarter.

Seattle’s win exemplified why they’ve won 16 total games during the entire year en route to Super Bowl 60. Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the offense continuously answered when the Rams would go on a scoring drive. Dareke Young recovered a muffed punt on special teams and the defense stiffened to get the biggest stop of the contest.

“Every team talks about wanting to be good in all three phases. I think we truly accomplished that this season,” Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams said.

The Seahawks made winning plays in all three phases. Their ability to make winning plays on offense, defense and special teams was highlighted in two straight postseason wins. And as a result, the franchise has advanced to itsfourth Super Bowl and first Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season.

“Sometimes it was defense making the play, a lot of times it was offense coming in making the play (and) special teams,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “That’s what we believe. We believe that our team is our edge.”

The “edge” the Seahawks currently possess is the preeminent reason why they are the favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this season.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

It’s been a great time for sports at Texas Tech.

Football went to the College Football Playoff, softball nearly won the Women’s College World Series and the track and field teams owned the Big 12. 

The Red Raiders aren’t done yet, with men’s basketball (16-4) and women’s basketball (20-2) on course to continue the run of success. Texas Tech’s men racked up another big win Saturday, Jan. 24, beating Houston to prove it is a national title contender.

It was one of the most impressive performances of the season. Houston is reliably spectacular on defense, yet it didn’t look like it in Lubbock. The Red Raiders outmuscled the Cougars, drew fouls and forced Kelvin Sampson’s team to play their way. They scored 55 points in the first half, the most Houston has allowed under Sampson’s 12 seasons at the helm.

Despite 42 points from Houston freshman Kingston Flemings, Texas Tech didn’t crack with a late run to put it away.

Tech has won nine of its past 10 games , the only loss a four-point defeat at Houston a few weeks prior. During that stretch, the Red Raiders have beaten Duke, BYU and Houston, one of the best collections of wins you can find in the country.

It all starts with an offense that’s on fire. The 3-point shooting is relentless, making more than 11 a game — and if they aren’t making it from deep, they have JT Toppin continuing to dominate inside. He had 31 points and 12 rebounds against Houston, his eighth double-double in the past nine games. 

Simply put, if Houston can’t stop this offense, then who can? The Big 12 is loaded with title contenders, and Texas Tech put itself in the conversation to keep the fun times in Lubbock and lead the top storylines of the weekend in college hoops.

How long until undefeated teams lose?

We enter the final week of January with three undefeated teams: No. 1 Arizona, No. 7 Nebraska and Miami (Ohio), all 20-0. It’s rare to have multiple undefeated teams at this point of the season, so it’s worth asking how long can this go?

Arizona hasn’t really been tested to start the Big 12 slate. That will change with a trip to BYU on Monday, Jan. 26. The Cornhuskers will have their biggest week yet, at Michigan for a top 10-ranked matchup followed by a visit from Illinois.

That leaves the mighty RedHawks. They beat Kent State in a thriller, as the Golden Flashes were the best chance to beat Miami (Ohio). Now it faces UMass next, a team that was expected to contend in the MAC but hasn’t looked the part.

Keaton Wagler cooks Purdue, Boilermakers in trouble?

Have yourself a day, Keaton Wagler. The Illinois freshman set a Mackey Arena opponent record by dropping 46 points to lead his team to a 88-82 road win against Purdue.

The Fighting Illini have been on fire with nine consecutive wins, really looking like the team much of the country envisioned coming into the season. While Illinois deserves its flowers for this win, it brings up questions surrounding the Boilermakers (17-3). Two straight losses wouldn’t normally be concerning, but Matt Painter’s team hasn’t been playing well recently.

It was uninspiring in wins against Penn State, Iowa and Southern California. Braden Smith hasn’t been the problem, but Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn have been very inconsistent, an overarching theme for the rest of the offense. Wagler’s performance also highlighted Purdue hasn’t been able to keep opponents from taking over the game.

Purdue is still a title contender, but cracks are starting to show for preseason No. 1, and they better get patched up before the panic alarm sets off.

Freshman light up scoreboards

Wagler and Flemings weren’t the only first-year players with big days as Jan. 24 belonged to the freshmen. Look at these numbers from around the country:

Wagler, Illinois: 43 points
AJ Dybantsa, BYU: 43 points
Flemings, Houston: 42 points
Cameron Boozer, Duke: 32 points
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas: 31 points.

The youngsters are balling.

North Carolina gets swagger back

Back-to-back road losses to Cal and Stanford were so bad for North Carolina, it needed a big win to avoid people from yelling the sky is falling. Luckily for the Tar Heels, they picked up a Quad 1 win at Virginia on Jan. 24

North Carolina fell by 16 points in the first half and the Cavaliers looked like they’d run away with this ranked matchup. Whatever was said at halftime resonated, as the Tar Heels looked completely different in the second half. The offense was flowing, led by Jarin Stevenson scoring all of 17 points in the final 20 minutes, knocking in some big momentum buckets. He was able to take the pressure off Caleb Wilson and Seth Trimble, who had to pick up from the struggles of Henri Veesaar.

You can’t overstate how badly North Carolina (16-4, 4-3) needed this win. It was the first road ACC win of the season, and prevented problems from snowballing. This could be the victory that turns everything around.

Rick Pitino makes history, St. John’s finding momentum

St. John’s had a second-half comeback and fought off a Xavier rally to beat the Musketeers. Pitino got the best of the Musketeers and son, Richard, for win No. 900, the fourth Division I men’s basketball coach to reach the mark. With the win, the Red Storm have won six straight — four on the road — to get back near the top of the Big East, where many expected them to be this season.

It’s redeeming the 7-4 start St. John’s had, which can’t be completely ridiculed since it was a tough schedule. The Johnnies are building toward another strong campaign, and have a chance to run the Big East once again en route to March.

Sean McVay isn’t entertaining the thought of a life without Matthew Stafford as his quarterback.

The Los Angeles Rams’ season was ended up the doorstep of Super Bowl 60, losing to NFC West rival Seattle, 31-27, in the NFC championship game on Jan. 25.

While emotions can run high after such a loss, the Rams head coach was clearly not in the headspace or mood to answer a question related to his quarterback’s availability for the 2026 season.

‘Yeah, I mean, if he still wants to play, what the hell kind of question is that?’ McVay said when asked if he expects Stafford to be back with the Rams next season.

And whether or not Stafford wants to play?

‘You’d have to ask him. We’ve been totally present. I know that if he wants to – he’s still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he’s the MVP of the league. And if he’s not – and I got respect for everybody else – but this guy played at a level that was just different.’

Stafford turns 38 years old on Feb. 7 and was embroiled in trade rumors and contract negotiations with the Rams prior to the start of the 2025 season.

Ultimately, Stafford re-signed with Los Angeles, keeping him locked in as McVay’s starter through the 2026 season – unless he decides to call it a career.

The Rams quarterback hasn’t given an indication on whether or not he plans to retire now or in the near future. For now, he’ll likely turn his sights to the NFL Honors awards ceremony.

Stafford is considered an MVP front-runner thanks to his dazzling season under center. He set career-highs in touchdown passes (46) and passing yards (4,707), tossing just eight interceptions while guiding McVay’s offense to new heights as one of the most explosive units in the league.

The Stafford-McVay pairing has been one of the more successful duos in the NFL since the passer arrived in Los Angeles, capturing Super Bowl 56 in Stafford’s first season in LA.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen is ready to move on from his costly sequence in Sunday night’s NFC championship game win over the Los Angeles Rams.

After helping force a fourth down with his team leading 31-20 in the third quarter, Woolen took to trash-talking the Rams sideline and earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That extended Los Angeles’ drive, and the offense immediately capitalized with Matthew Stafford targeting Woolen on a 34-yard touchdown strike to Puka Nacua.

The sudden shift caused some strife on the Seahawks’ own sideline, where Woolen had words with teammates, including rookie safety Nick Emmanwori.

But with the Seahawks holding on for a 31-27 win and a Super Bowl 60 clash with the New England Patriots, Woolen was eager to put the misstep behind him.

After tagging the NFL and Seahawks on social media with a post that said ‘no more taunting penalties’ accompanied by a playful GIF, the fourth-year veteran said his actions were the product of a charged environment.

‘No cap high intense (sic) game and when you in the zone and ballin with your bros sometimes you black out,’ Woolen wrote.

Woolen also responded to the video of him speaking with teammates by dismissing the notion of any lingering issues.

‘Wasn’t getting pressed,’ Woolen wrote. ‘We brothers and we all chasing greatness we on the same mission.’

In a pool report, referee Clay Martin said Woolen was penalized not for a specific remark but rather ‘continued jawing in the opponent’s bench area after being asked to walk away.’

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald stressed the need for accountability but also came to the defense of Woolen, who remained in the game after the touchdown.

‘Riq’s done a tremendous job for us,’ Macdonald said. ‘And you’re frustrated in the moment about what’s happening, but he made an emotional decision. But we gotta pick him up. That’s not the time to get all upset. … You gotta rebound and come back, and Riq came back and played well the rest of the game. So I mean, it literally is like ‘12 As One’. Just keep picking each other up. 

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV was among the Seahawks defenders able to move past Woolen’s lapse.

‘I started, honestly, in that moment laughing because I was like, bro, we worked on these death zone moments,’ Jones said. ‘When our backs are against the wall, man, we’ve worked on these moments. So, I knew that we were going to rise to the occasion, just a matter of who was going to do it.’

The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 to win the AFC championship.
Players and executives credit head coach Mike Vrabel for the team’s turnaround from a 4-13 season.
Team members emphasized the strong culture and brotherhood built through free agency and the draft.

DENVER – As Will Campbell answered questions amid a victorious celebration in the visitor’s locker room, where the New England Patriots toasted their 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game with cans of Miller Lite, Garrett Bradbury had to interject.

“He doesn’t even know what (expletive) means,” Bradbury shouted. 

How could a rookie left tackle put this into perspective? Bradbury, a seven-year veteran who was part of a high-impact free-agent class signed last offseason, could hardly describe the ‘absolute dogfight” that led to the Patriots becoming kings of the AFC – for a league-leading 12th time.  

“You can’t put into words what this means,” Bradbury said. “It doesn’t feel real. It’s like a simulation, like, ‘What’s going on?’

“The vibes in this locker room, the celebration with this team, it means everything.” 

The Patriots have heard from every corner of the football ecosystem how undeserving the pennant is. The easy regular-season schedule, the turnover luck, the fact that the Denver Broncos had to start Jarrett Stidham at quarterback in place of the injured Bo Nix. The Pats will be underdogs in Super Bowl 60 regardless of opponent.  

The 53 guys in the locker, the coaching staff, the front office – to put it mildly – do not care. How else do you go from 4-13 to 14-3, AFC East champions and now bound for the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season? 

“You have to believe things, sometimes,” head coach Mike Vrabel said, “before you can see them.” 

Welcome to the Church of Vrabes, Pats Nation. 

“You get everybody to believe in something and buy in, and that doesn’t come without adversity,” said Vrabel, who repeated his popular refrain that his coaching calling is rooted in supporting the players. 

As a 14-year NFL linebacker, he’s been in their position. As someone who won three Super Bowls as part of the first era of the New England Patriots’ dynasty of the early 2000s, he’s been to the game’s mountaintop on multiple occasions and wants others to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with that. He wants it for their families who make sacrifices. For the players themselves. For the fans. 

“They’re fun to coach. They’re entertaining,” Vrabel said of his team. “They’ve been resilient. They’ve been very coachable. There’s a lot of connectivity in them. I appreciate what they do.” 

Having a second-year quarterback who is an MVP candidate in Drake Maye also helps when it comes to establishing winning ways. Now Maye and Vrabel did something not even Tom Brady and Bill Belichick could manage during their dynastic domination – win a playoff game at Mile High.

‘I respect and appreciate what the Patriots dynasty did, and unfortunately, they didn’t come out with some wins here, but we changed that narrative and look forward to bringing our best football to Santa Clara,’ Maye said. ‘That’ll be pretty special.”

Patriots turnaround engineered in offseason roster overhaul

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said that the offseason priority, working with Vrabel, was finding players who “would fit our culture, that happened to be available, that were good players,” Wolf told USA TODAY Sports. “We were able to hit on some of those guys.” 

The key was that those signings, in most cases, outplayed the league-wide expectation of them. 

“Which is, really, a testament to their work ethic,” Wolf said. “It’s been fun to watch. It’s really cool to work with Mike and understand what he’s looking for in players. 

“It’s one of the coolest things about Mike – it’s all genuine. It’s all ‘This is what the expectation is.’ And if you’re not going to be up to it, you’re probably not going to be here too long. But it’s really cool to see guys come in here and trust the guy next to him and work for each other. It’s not a selfish group at all.” 

For defensive lineman Milton Williams, one of those coveted free agents, the postseason was a chance to stand out in the locker room. As of the divisional round, he was the only player who was still going at that point a year prior (as a member of the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles).

“Crazy. It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it this fast,” said Williams, who started believing this team could be special following a Week 5 win on the road against the Buffalo Bills on “Sunday Night Football.” “But we got a bunch of dogs that’s hungry. A lot of guys that have been counted out … nobody really believing in us all year, picking everybody else all year, all this noise. None of that matters when you go out on that field and do what you’re supposed to do.” 

Right tackle Morgan Moses, who was emotional coming off the field, called his sons upon entering the locker room. They were crying. He started crying more. He thought about how the Patriots went 9-0 on the road. In Moses’ view, it was the road less-traveled. 

“It took me 12 years to get here,” he said. “But I didn’t get here by myself.” 

That’s what a football team is, Moses said. And when it all works out, this is the outcome. 

“Just the brotherhood that we built,” Moses said. “All the guys that we bought in in free agency, hats off to our front office, the guys we drafted.” 

One example of the brotherhood is the bond Moses formed with Campbell, whose locker is adjacent to Moses’ at the team facility. 

“Will came to me and was like ‘Yo, I appreciate everything that you do. A lot of guys your age wouldn’t play through some of the things that you play through,’” Moses said. 

To hear that from the rookie he took under his wing from day one meant a lot. 

“I feel like I’ve learned more from him than he’s learned from me,” Moses said. “I feel like that’s the nature of the game.” 

‘We’ve been through so much.’ Pats point to Vrabel as team’s consistent

Campbell remembered telling Wolf and Vrabel during the pre-draft process that he wanted to be part of the organization “for reasons like this.” The years of losing at the end of Belichick’s tenure and the one season of 4-13 Jerod Mayo-led futility didn’t scare him. 

“Any time you walk through a place of work that’s the only goal in mind,” Campbell said. “We don’t show up to lose.  

“I’m just super-grateful to be here.”

Another rookie, running back TreVeyon Henderson, acknowledged the “rough seasons” before 2025. 

“Just being able to have Coach Vrabes come in and help turn this organization to be where we are now, it’s amazing,” he said. “But it took a lot of hard work. Yeah, it took a lot, man. We’ve been through so much this year.” 

The one constant in each player’s postgame message revolved around one person – Vrabel. After the Tennessee Titans made the mistake of firing him following the 2023 season, Vrabel went from being shown the door to opening new ones for a new group of players. 

“He’s meant everything,” tight end Hunter Henry said. “Just his mentality, his balance of being a player but also coaching in this league. Demanding a lot but also understanding us in a way has been huge.” 

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had five receptions for 17 yards, said he realized leadership in the NFL flows from the top down. Holding everyone accountable becomes a self-policing standard in the locker room among the players themselves. 

“The camaraderie and the team chemistry that he’s built from the head coaching position,” Diggs said, “I hope he wins Coach of the Year.”

Bradbury said the term player-friendly is thrown around a lot but it often takes form in different ways – few with as much impact as Vrabel’s had in roughly one year. 

“He’s hard on us when he needs to be but he’s also fun a lot of time,” Bradbury said. “I think this whole locker room will ride with that guy. 

“He’s absolutely unbelievable. To share the vision that he wanted in April, and to see it come to fruition – and you’re never arrived, you’re constantly trying to show who you are and put it on film.” 

Bradbury called the 2025 season the most rewarding year of his football career. 

A journey that includes a flight back to New England, eventually, as a massive snowstorm blanketed the northeast United States and delayed the Pats’ homecoming. As of Vrabel’s postgame meeting with the team, the buses for the airport were leaving the hotel at 8 a.m.

To that end, he instituted no curfew for his players Sunday night in Denver. If they missed the bus the next morning, however, they would not play in the Super Bowl. Nobody in their right mind would want to miss out on the ride, figuratively or literally, at this point.

We have movement, people. While these power rankings have been dominated by Michigan and Michigan State all season, another Big Ten school – and one player in particular – made a big statement on the weekend. Penn State swept Wisconsin, beating a very good opponent on the road twice. And for a draft prospect writer such as myself, the fact left winger Gavin McKenna netted four goals in the series (including a hat trick in the first game) was also crucial information.

McKenna, of course, came into the year as the No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL draft. But because of that, he’s also the one whose game is picked on the most by pundits, fans and other observers. Great performances by Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg at the world juniors also enter into the conversation, though McKenna was very good for Canada, too.

Has McKenna hit another gear now? It’s all very interesting information to take in down the stretch.

1. Michigan State Spartans (19-5-0)

With a sweep over Minnesota, the Spartans continue their march in the Big Ten. Ryker Lee (NSH) has looked particularly dangerous of late, while Charlie Stramel (MIN) has been the team’s top scorer for much of the campaign. Trey Augustine (DET) has a .938 save percentage in net.

2. Michigan Wolverines (20-4-0)

The Maize and Blue were idle this weekend, but we can’t ding them too much for that. Michigan is still a powerhouse and a favorite to win it all. They’ve got Ohio State next, a team they pounded in November. Nick Moldenhauer (TOR) has provided nice secondary scoring and has five points in his past four games.

3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (20-6-0)

Another team to keep an eye on as we look ahead to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas, North Dakota has been on an absolute heater of late. They’ve scored five goals or more in four of the past five games, including in the weekend sweep of Arizona State. Defenseman Keaton Verhoeff (2026 draft) is up to an eye-opening 17 points in 22 games.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions (18-6-0)

Speaking of the draft, McKenna is now tied for the team lead with 29 points and the Nittany Lions have won seven in a row. Sweeping the Badgers was impressive and everyone is chipping in. Goalie Kevin Reidler (OTT) has won five straight decisions, while Aiden Fink (NSH) has 20 points in 17 games.

5. Western Michigan Broncos (18-6-0)

A big sweep over Minnesota-Duluth has Western Michigan flying high and the Broncos have now won nine in a row. Interestingly enough, Zaccharya Wisdom (SEA) is on an eight-game point streak himself. Hampton Slukynsky (LA) has played every game in net for the squad this season.

6. Providence College Friars (15-7-2)

With sweeps over Boston University and Boston College, the Friars made out like bandits in Massachusetts the past two weekends. The Friars have a balanced offensive attack with Roger McQueen (ANA), Logan Sawyer (MTL) and John Mustard (CHI) up top – and no one on the team averaging a point per game.

7. Quinnipiac Bobcats (19-5-2)

The Bobcats’ stellar run came to an end at the hands of UConn on the weekend, but it is but one blemish for a team really hitting on all cylinders of late. Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) continues his grand freshman campaign with a team-high 36 points in 26 games, while Chris Pelosi (BOS) is now second with 26 points himself.

8. Cornell Big Red (14-5-0)

Cornell’s only loss this month came at the hands of Quinnipiac and the Big Red is coming off a pair of nice victories over Dartmouth and Harvard. Jonathan Castagna (UTA) is now leading the team in scoring with 20 points in 19 games, while Alexis Cournoyer (MTL) has been superb in net with a .925 save percentage.

9. Connecticut Huskies (15-7-3)

UConn has been interesting all year, but beating Quinnipiac on the weekend really says something. Jake Richard (BUF) and Joey Muldowney (SJ) aren’t putting up the gaudy numbers they did last year, but they are still two of the Huskies’ top scorers.

10. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (17-9-0)

They’ve lost three of four, but the Dawgs have a couple of critical series coming up that could define their second half. Denver and North Dakota are their next two opponents and getting at least a split would prove Duluth’s mettle. Winning at least three of those games would be a statement.