This win saw Korda rise to number 28 in ATP Live Rankings and could see a new career high after the tournament but Medvedev, a former world number one has dropped out of the top 10 to sink to number 12 in the live rankings.
The three-time Melbourne semifinalist was in command for the entirety of the one-hour, 32-minute matchup with Hijikata. With his aggressive ball-striking, he consistently outmatched the World No. 169, hitting 30 winners on the Rod Laver Arena.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion, who was deported from the Australian Open last year due to his vaccination status, played only one set against Medvedev before withdrawing.
Djokovic battled for one hour and 57 minutes to eke out the result, 7-6(3), 7-6(5) in his favour before a packed centre-court crowd and rallied into the quarterfinals.
In his first game of the season, Daniil Medvedev had to fight tooth and nail, saving nine set points in the opening set of 2023. However, the tennis star did not sweat on Wednesday as he eased past Kecmanovic in straight sets.
Medvedev found himself in serious trouble late in the 81-minute opening set after saving six set points at 4-5 despite having led by 40/0 earlier. Medvedev had to rally in his subsequent service game, coming back from 0/40 to demand a tie-break.