A well-rested Novak Djokovic will resume his quest for an astonishing 11th Australian Open title as Melbourne turns the corner on a summer heatwave.
The super Serb's tantalising showdown with world No.5 Lorenzo Musetti headlines quarter-final action at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.
In a welcome relief for players and spectators, Melbourne is headed for a forecast top of 24C after play was suspended on all outside courts on Tuesday as the mercury rose as high as 42.7C.
History suggests 38-year-old Djokovic will have little trouble with the Italian rising star, having won nine of their 10 previous encounters.
But Musetti was buoyed by taking a set from Djokovic before the 10-time Open champion rallied to claim his 101st career title in Athens in November.
"Hopefully I'll take my revenge, because last time in Athens we were really, really close," said 23-year-old Musetti.
"I feel like I have another chance now."
Musetti pointed out his veteran opponent was yet to drop a set this tournament and would be rested after receiving a walkover following Jakub Mensik's fourth-round withdrawal.
Former world No.1 Pat Rafter and dual major finalist Mark Philippoussis believe that has boosted Djokovic's quest for an elusive 25th major title.
"Waking up at that age seven times is tough," Rafter said.
Philippoussis described the walkover as a "blessing" for Djokovic, who was stopped in the semi-finals of all four grand slams last year.
"It'll make a big difference in quarter-finals now of having those two, three days off going into them," said Australia's two-time Davis Cup hero.
Rod Laver Arena will feature two women's quarter-finals before Djokovic and Musetti slug it out.
World No.2 Iga Swiatek can move a step closer to becoming the third youngest player in the open era to complete a career grand slam with victory over 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The Pole holds a 6-5 record over Rybakina but she was playing down its significance.
"I wouldn't say head-to-head matters," she said.
"Every match is a different story. She's been a tough opponent. I need to be 100 per cent ready and go for it."
Rybakina won her most recent outing with Swiatek on her way to the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, and has triumphed in 17 of her last 18 matches.
The Russian-born Kazakhstani also wasn't in a reflective mood when asked about her strong run of form.
"I don't think at all about the last matches I played last year," she said.
"I'm focusing every day on my practices, on what I need to improve, how I feel, what we need to adjust."
The winner will play either Amanda Anisimova or Jessica Pegula, who boasts an imposing record of 13 victories in her last 14 matches against fellow US players.
After the jam-packed day session, reigning champion Jannik Sinner will share the sole evening singles slot with explosive American Ben Shelton from 7pm.
