Below you will find today’s stories and videos from the Australian Open. That’s all from me. Thanks for reading. See you soon for more.
QUIZ!
The match schedule for tomorrow can be seen here on the official Australian Open website.
In the women’s singles, three matches to look out for are Vondrousova v Sabalenka, Swiatek v Kasatkina and Halep v Kovinic.
Paire v Tsitsipas, Rublev v Cilic and Britain’s Dan Evans v Felix Auger-Aliassime are three choice ties in the men’s singles.
“I’m not God. I can’t win every match.”
Naomi Osaka with a dose of perspective after her defeat by Amanda Anisimova:
Mannarino speaks and answers the first question as follows: “I didn’t listen, sorry.”
Yes, he really is that tired.
The interviewer has another go and he responds: “I was enjoying it. The ride was fun. I was feeling in shape today. It was pretty cool to play ... I was looking at the clock sometimes, and I was like: “Fuck!”
“I don’t feel good ... I’m exhausted right now. As I say, it was cool. I was so focused on what I had to do, I was not thinking about the fact I was tired.
“The crowd was cool, they had a couple of drinks I guess, and they were commentating more than anybody.”
(This brings a big cheer from a couple of people in the stands.)
Mannarino looks and sounds utterly knackered. Which, let’s face it, is perfectly understandable. A massive effort is rewarded with his first fourth-round match at the Australian Open. Respect to Aslan Karatsev, too, who fought through the pain of what looked like a hamstring problem later in the match. A belter of a contest to round off day five. And it’s 2.40am in Melbourne right now.
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Mannarino defeats Karatsev! 7-6 (4), 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4!
Mannarino eases to 30-0 then limply finds the net with a forehand. No worries: next up, he belts an ace down and wins two match points. Karatsev saves the first one ... but then nets on the next rally, a typically punishing one, and Mannarino has done it! Four hours and 38 minutes of relentless action. Hats off to both players.
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*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 5-4 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
The Frenchman will serve for the match.
Christelle emails to point out that Mannarino has in fact reached the fourth round of a slam - he’s done it three times at Wimbledon. That’ll teach me to trust the commentators’ facts and stats. I guess they must have meant to say he’s never done it at the Australian Open.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Lleyton Hewitt’s 2008 Australian Open clash with Marcos Baghdatis, which lasted until the ludicrous time of 4.34am, is the latest-ever finish at any grand slam tournament.
#OnThisDay in 2008.@lleytonhewitt def. Marcos Baghdatis in an epic 3R match that finished at 4:34am. It remains the latest ever finish to a pro tennis match.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2019
Final score: 4-6 7-5 7-5 6-7(4) 6-3. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/nnlDY9ESZF
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Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 5-3 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Karatsev looks a little more sprightly now. He moves to 15-30 before an unforced error gives Mannarino 30-30 and the Frenchman smacks an ace out wide for 40-30, his ninth of the match ... however, another error by Mannarino means it’s back to deuce. And another error by Mannarino, who has the finish line in sight, but nets a forehand to hand Karatsev the advantage. The Russian misguides a forehand on the next point, however, so it’s back to deuce, and the Frenchman then comprehensively wrong-foots his opponent to win the advantage back. Karatsev won’t roll over though and a clean winner means we’re back to deuce. This is captivating and draining in equal measure. Needless to say Karatsev wins the advantage, but then misses on the next point, finding the net and sending it back to deuce ... the seemingly endless back-and-forth of deuces and advantages goes on before Mannarino digs out two big serves and finally moves to within a game of progress.
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Mannarino, the commentators tell us, has never before reached the fourth round of a grand slam event. That feels surprising, but there it is.
The match timer is now at 4 hours and 17 minutes.
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*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 4-3 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Karatsev begins the game by opting to leave a ball which bounces on the baseline and hands Mannarino the first point. Mannarino goes on to fashion a break point, but the Russian fires back, continuing to take on his shots and go for the corners. Karatsev crashes a volley into the net to give the Frenchman a third shot at a double break ... but he nets a forehand and it’s back to deuce.
Karatsev edges to the advantage, but Mannarino fires a stunning double-handed backhand down the line to force it back to deuce ... this is exhausting! Mannarino nabs another break point as Karatsev hits long, but he then puts an attempted drop shot into the net and we’re back to deuce ... Karatsev smashes down his 15th ace of the night, and finally seals the game.
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Tumaini Carayol reports on Carlos Alcaraz’s gallant defeat by Matteo Berrettini earlier today:
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Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 4-2 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino races to another hold. This next game should tell us plenty about Karatsev’s condition ...
Karatsev trudges back out on to the court to receive Mannarino’s serve.
*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 3-2 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Huge! The 33-year-old Frenchman battles his way to another break of serve. Karatsev takes a medical timeout and gets some attention from the physio, and explains the pain he’s feeling in his leg. It looks like a hamstring problem ... Meanwhile the match timer clicks around to four hours. It’s 1.55am in Melbourne!
Mannarino sits in his seat, fidgeting, looking across to Karatsev. He looks fresh and ready to go. Has he finally worn his opponent down?
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Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 2-2 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino races to another service hold, in contrast to Karatsev’s previous service game, in which he saved four break points.
Karatsev is pictured holding the back of his right thigh, but appears to be moving reasonably well.
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*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 1-2 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino forces it to 0-40 on the Russian’s serve. Karatsev, as you’d expect in this ding-dong affair, roars back to deuce, the last point in that sequence being a sweet ace down the middle. There’s something about this match which means that both players are producing a fine level of tennis, but neither is intimidated by the other, neither player tightens up when they find themselves (for instance) 0-40 down on their own serve. They keep on taking their shots. It’s making for a great encounter which deserves a bigger crowd in the arena. I guess that’s compensated by the fact that tennis fans across the world will be glued to this.
Karatsev, as stated, hits back from 0-40 down and holds to take a 2-1 lead in the fourth.
Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 1-1 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino responds with a quick service hold to 15.
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*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 0-1 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
The Russian holds serve at the start of the fourth.
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Mannarino wins the third set! He leads Karatsev 7-6 (4), 6-7 (4), 7-5
Neither of these two are household names, sure, but they are producing a consistently high level, and as the scoreboard suggests, their styles are incredibly evenly matched. Karatsev botches a break point to force a tiebreak ... and Mannarino, tenaciously staying in every point, hits back and closes out the set with a wonderful down-the-line forehand winner.
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*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 6-5 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
The Frenchman breaks again! Karatsev hits wide at the end of another well-matched rally, and Mannarino, looking full of energy and running after more than three hours – nearly three and a half hours in fact – jogs to his chair for a drink and a bite to eat.
The auditorium DJ cranks out a blast of Wham!, probably to keep himself awake, let alone the crowd. Perhaps needless to say there aren’t many spectators in at this time of night but there are a handful.
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Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 5-5 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino falls 0-30 down, but produces a succession of booming serves to hold on. We’re all square.
*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 4-5 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino must serve to stay in the third set.
*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 3-4 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
A break of serve for each player, and we move relentlessly deeper into this third set on Margaret Court Arena.
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The world No 6 Andrey Rublev’s hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title will face a stern test in the form of the seasoned Marin Cilic at the Australian Open on Saturday, with the big Croatian looking to challenge for major honours again.
Rublev was barely troubled in the opening two rounds, but the Russian may have to raise his game against former US Open champion Cilic, who reached the final at Melbourne Park four years ago. Rublev, however, will take confidence from his recent performances against Cilic, having comfortably come out on top in their last four meetings.
The ninth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime could be a potential opponent for Rublev if the Canadian comes out unscathed against Britain’s Dan Evans, while world No 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Benoît Paire following the Frenchman’s surprise win over Grigor Dimitrov. Both the men’s and women’s second seeds are also in action as Daniil Medvedev plays Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, and Aryna Sabalenka, whose campaign so far has been plagued by service woes, faces 31st seed Marketa Vondrousova.
Former French Open winners Simona Halep and Iga Swiatek are the other big guns who will take the court on Saturday, with Danka Kovinic and Daria Kasatkina standing in their respective ways for a place in the fourth round. (Reuters)
Eurosport are having a chat with John McEnroe, via Zoom, and they also just spoke to Alexander Zverev. The Mannarino v Karatsev match is live on the app, so the production crew (or some of them at least) in Melbourne are pulling a late one.
If you need some football news in your life, Barry Glendenning’s got the weekend football countdown right here – live!
*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 2-3 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Mannarino breaks straight back! At deuce on Karatsev’s serve, the two players indulge in another rally of searing groundstrokes ... Karatsev cracks first, and sends a backhand wide, and Mannarino closes out the game to strike back at the earliest opportunity.
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Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 1-3 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
Karatsev breaks! He forges a two-game lead in the third. Mannarino may be the lower-ranked player but these two look very evenly matched overall.
“I would definitely say I’m proud of myself for this,” Naomi Osaka said of her defeat against Amanda Anisimova. “I was really focused throughout the entire match, and I didn’t have a dip. So that’s really good. Hopefully as the season continues, I’ll be able to keep this up, and get even better at it.”
“I fought for every point. I can’t be sad about that,” Osaka said, adding that she was yet to decide on her schedule before the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells in March.
“I’m not God! I can’t win every match. The last match that I played in New York I think I had a completely different attitude. Of course I lost [today], but I’m happy with how it went. I just want to go into this year knowing that I’ll play the whole year and I’ll just have the greatest attitude ever.” (Quotes via Reuters)
*Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 1-2 Karatsev (*denotes next server)
The Russian, who was born in Vladikavkaz, edges back ahead in the third set.
The time approaches 1am in Melbourne. How many of you are reading this in Australia, and are you planning to hit the sack soon? You can email me here and let me know if you like.
The American Amanda Anisimova praised Naomi Osaka for her authenticity after knocking her out of the Australian Open, saying it was “inspiring” to see the Japanese player speaking out on mental health issues. Osaka withdrew from last year’s French Open after being fined and threatened with expulsion for refusing to do media duties, which she said had contributed to the depression she had struggled with for years.
The four-times Grand Slam champion, who also skipped Wimbledon in 2021, exited the Australian Open on Thursday as Anisimova recorded a 4-6 6-3 7-6 (10-5) win in the third round. “I think she’s really inspiring. What she’s done the last couple of years is amazing, and just how authentic she is,” Anisimova said. “It was really cool to finally play her today.
“She just tells the truth about how she feels. I know she’s gone through a really tough year last year, so I kind of feel for her today. I’ve gone through a couple of hard years, and I don’t mind posting stuff on social media and just try to spread awareness for people who are also going through tough things. I think it’s great to be relatable to other people who follow us.”
The American reached a career-high ranking of 21 in 2019, but has struggled in recent years, falling to her current ranking of 60th. “Yeah, last year was a huge struggle for me,” Anisimova said. “Sometimes you doubt it, like what if I get injured and I’ll never be able to play in a Grand Slam again? Yeah, last year was just not great, all my results I wasn’t happy with.
“I’m just really happy that I had a great pre-season with my team. They’ve done incredible work with me. So it’s also really important, the people that you surround yourself with, and that’s what really helped me after this past year.”
Anisimova will play Australian world No 1 Ash Barty in the fourth round, to whom she lost in the semi-finals of the French Open in 2019. (Reuters)
Mannarino 7-6, 6-7, 1-1 *Karatsev (*denotes next server)
So, in the final match of a very long day, which is taking place on Margaret Court Arena, Karatsev took a 14-minute service game at the start of the third set, only for Mannarino to hold his own serve with ease. It’s all square on the scoreboard but Mannarino is in the ascendancy.
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Here’s the report, from a little earlier, of Naomi Osaka’s shock loss against the world No 60 Amanda Anisimova:
Khachanov waves, and receives a warm ovation from the crowd, as he leaves the court.
And now Rafa has a chat: “Of course, it’s a very special week for me, coming back from where I’m coming, every single time I’m able to play here is just a very special thing ... tonight I played against a good player and a good friend on tour ... that was the best match I’ve played since I came back [from injury] ... I wish him all the very best for the season, I wish him well.
“In the past year and a half I have been going through some very tough times ... but nights like tonight give me a lot of energy ... that’s something to put in my pocket ... it means everything, I’m super happy, thank you very much everybody.
“People here in Australia appreciate sport in general ... thank you to Tennis Australia for all the support we receive during our careers.”
Nadal beats Khachanov in four sets! 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 1-6
Ended with an ace and a love hold. What a player, what a performance, what a ... something else! Could this be Nadal’s year? He looks incredibly together, incredibly focused, with everything operating at maximum level.
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Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 1-5 *Nadal (*denotes next server)
On Rod Laver Arena, meanwhile, Khachanov unloads a couple of sensationally powerful groundstrokes to take it to 30-30 on his own serve. But Nadal stamps on his opponent immediately, cracking a forehand to the corner which Khachanov can only stand and admire, and then winning the double break with a frankly ludicrous passing shot. 5-1 and Nadal is serving for the match.
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Thank you John.
Time in Melbourne: 12.12am. Time left in Mannarino v Karatsev? Loads.
*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 1-4 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Khachanov gets on the board in the fourth set with a hold but Nadal does likewise to maintain his advantage.
Meanwhile, Karatsev has two set points at 6-4 in the tie-break … and he takes the first. He wins the second set against Mannarino, we’re 1-1, and it’s only taken a mere 2hr 13mins. They’re on schedule to finish sometime around 3am in Melbourne.
For all that and more, I’ll hand you back over to my colleague Luke McLaughlin.
*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 0-3 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal holds imperiously to love and you wonder if Khachanov’s will might be broken now.
Meanwhile Karatsev and Mannarino seem determined to still be playing into next week. Karatsev is serving for the set at 6-5 but gives up a trio of break points from deuce. His French opponent initially can’t press home his advantage but it’s third time lucky. A break back, it’s 6-6 and they go into another tie-break.
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Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 0-2 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Nadal looks to put the breaks on the Khachanov momentum and holds his serve comfortably. He puts a bit of pressure on the Khachanov serve too, fighting back from 30-15 to earn a break point … then getting another shot from deuce … and from the second opportunity he takes full advantage! What a way to bounce back.
That’s some effort from Khachanov, who looked down and out after the second.
Meanwhile, at 5-5 Karatsev earns three break points on the Mannarino serve … and he makes it stick. He’ll serve for the second set.
Khachanov wins the third set: Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 Nadal
Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Khachanov races into a 40-0 lead but we all know it’s not going to be that ea… oh, wait. Yes it is. The No 28 seed holds to love. We go into a fourth set.
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*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 5-3 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Khachanov is going to have to serve this out. Nadal holds to 15.
Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 5-2 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
Khachanov holds to 15 to move to within one game of the third set.
Meanwhile, it will surprise no one to learn that Mannarino and Karatsev remain on serve in the second set, Mannarino 4-3 up as it stands.
*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 4-2 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Khachanov earns a couple more break points from deuce but Nadal fends him off this time.
Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 4-1 Nadal* (*denotes next server)
So is the comeback on? Um, maybe. But the No 28 seed is having to work so hard for it. Nadal earns himself two break points on the Khachanov serve but the Russian brings it back to deuce once more. He saves another then finally gets over the line to establish a 4-1 lead.
Meanwhile over on Margaret Court Arena, Mannarino are doing anyone in the Melbourne crowd who has to get up early tomorrow no favours – they’re 2-2 in an attritional second set.
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*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 3-1 Nadal (*denotes next server)
Hello all. On Rod Laver Nadal races into a 40-0 lead but the dogged Khachanov brings it back to deuce … then, stunningly, converts it into a break of serve.
Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 2-1 *Nadal (*denotes next server)
Khachanov digs out another hold of serve. He’s not making many dents in Nadal’s armour but he is competing a little better.
Mannarino and Karatsev are now 1-1 in the second set. That one really does have the look of a marathon, 1.30am finish special ... I’ll hand you over to John Ashdown for the next hour and will be back for more soon.
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*Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 1-1 Nadal (*denotes next server)
No worries for Nadal on his first service game of his third set. Physically and mentally the Mallorcan looks in ominous form. The absence of Novak Djokovic is obviously a significant factor in the men’s draw, but on this kind of form, Nadal would have taken some beating regardless.
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Khachanov 3-6, 2-6, 1-0 *Nadal (*denotes next server)
The Russian – who, as you know, was born in Moscow but now resides in Dubai – holds at the start of the third. He’s being made to work for pretty much every point.
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Mannarino wins the first set v Karatsev! 7-6 (4)
It’s just before 11pm in Melbourne and this one looks like it could go the distance ... the Frenchman grabs the first-set tiebreak!
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Nadal wins the second set: Khachanov 3-6, 2-6 Nadal
One particularly crushing angled forehand, on a fractionally short ball from his opponent, sends Nadal on the way to another comfortable hold of serve, which seals another comfortable set for the Spaniard. Can Khachanov come back from two sets down? It may be a two-horse race, and he still has a chance, but it’s looking highly, highly unlikely.
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Khachanov 3-6, 2-5 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
Khachanov hammers down three aces in a row on his way to a love hold. He wasn’t taking any prisoners there. But Nadal will now serve for the second set, and looks to have one foot in the fourth round already.
*Khachanov 3-6, 1-5 Nadal (* denotes next server)
A looping backhand by Nadal drops in, with Khachanov running in the opposite direction, and Nadal edges closer to the second set.
Karatsev holds serve against Mannarino for 6-5 in the first.
Mannarino 5-5 *Karatsev (* denotes next server)
It’s shaping up to be a decent – and long – match on Margaret Court Arena, between the 18th-seeded Karatsev and the Frenchman Mannarino. Karatsev is ranked 15th in the world, while Mannarino is down in 69th.
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Khachanov 3-6, 1-4 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
And quick as a flash, Nadal breaks again. He is streaking away with this second set having been tested in the fourth game.
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Sorry, I initially posted it was 2-2 in Khachanov v Nadal, it is of course 3-1 Nadal after he held serve.
*Khachanov 3-6, 1-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)
After I said this match isn’t promising to explode into life, it immediately explodes into life. Khachanov produces the shot and the point of the match so far, threading a spectacular double-handed backhand around Nadal and down the line, and all that after having fallen over in hitting his initial return of serve ... The Spaniard is taken to deuce and eventually edges over the line to hold. That was a massive contest though and if Khachanov can continue to exert than kind of pressure on Nadal’s serve, it could be a longer night than we thought.
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Khachanov 3-6, 1-2 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
Khachanov holds, in much more straightforward fashion than the last time. Still, this isn’t a match which is promising to explode into life – Nadal is firmly in control of his opponent.
*Khachanov 3-6, 0-2 Nadal (* denotes next server)
Nadal holds and opens up a 2-0 lead in the second set.
Karatsev and Mannarino, the final match on today’s programme, are 2-2 in their first set.
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A match report from Naomi Osaka’s shock exit against Amanda Anisimova:
Khachanov 3-6, 0-1 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
Nadal, finally, wears his Russian opponent down and breaks him after a marathon opening game in the second set. It looked like Khachanov might squeeze out the hold of serve but the quality of Nadal’s returning, and his trademark groundstrokes, was too much in the end.
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“We Rafa fans were worried about Khachanov but if things continue like the first set it’s not looking good for him,” emails Margaret. “Hopefully Rafa’s foot, back, knees, wrist [did I forget a body part?] won’t cause him any problems. It would be great if he gets his second Oz title.”
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Khachanov is currently being forced to work insanely hard just to hold at the start of the second set ...
Amanda Anisimova is the story of the day after her remarkable three-set win against the defending champion, Naomi Osaka. Anisimova progresses to meet the world No 1 Ash Barty in the next round, so it’s not going to get any easier. But she may well possess the weapons to trouble Barty.
Nadal takes the first set against Khachanov, 6-3
Rafa finally loses a point on his serve, but it hardly matters. He closes out the hold, and closes out the set, 6-3.
A plus one from me.
Terrible decision by Eurosport to leave Osaka-Anisimova at 5-5 in the third. Fine, they've got skiing to go to - but on the other channel, they're showing the start of Rafa instead. Just show the women. Mental
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) January 21, 2022
A recap of women’s singles results today:
1-Ashleigh Barty (AUS) beat 30-Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-2 6-3
Amanda Anisimova (USA) beat 13-Naomi Osaka (JPN) 4-6 6-3 7-6
21-Jessica Pegula (USA) beat Nuria Parrizas Diaz (ESP) 7-6(3) 6-2
5-Maria Sakkari (GRE) beat 28-Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 6-1 (RUS)
4-Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) beat 26-Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 2-6 6-4 6-4
24-Victoria Azarenka (BLR) beat 15-Elina Svitolina (UKR) 6-0 6-2
Madison Keys (USA) beat Qiang Wang (CHN) 4-6 6-3 7-6(2)
8-Paula Badosa (ESP) beat Marta Kostyuk (UKR) 6-2 5-7 6-4
Khachanov 2-4 Nadal* (* denotes next server)
The Spaniard is firmly in control, a break up in the first set, and will serve to move within one game of taking this first set. The Spaniard is yet to lose a point on his own serve.
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The winner, Amanda Anisimova, has a chat on court: “I’m speechless, I absolutely love playing in Melbourne ... honestly it’s so much fun ... I mean, I can’t stop smiling even though I should be serious, I can’t help smiling, some of the stuff you guys say sometimes ...
“Going into this match I knew I had to be playing sharp if I wanted to give myself a chance, Naomi is always going to be playing well ... she’s an absolute champion ... I knew I had to step up my game and be aggressive and I think that’s what I did in the second set. Honestly I’m so grateful that I was able to play so well today and get this win, it means a lot.
“Honestly, stepping on to the court, all I’m thinking about is having fun ... every single day here is just an amazing experience and opportunity for me, I’m so grateful to be playing on this court ... I’m just having fun and getting on the win on this day is a huge bonus, I’m just looking forward to my next round.”
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Nadal is 3-0 up against Khachanov.
Anisimova beats Osaka! The champion is out! 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-5)
What a match, what a display from both players. Brilliant. Osaka smiles and shakes Anisimova’s hand and clearly gives credit to her opponent for a stunning effort.
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At 8-5, Anisimova puts a wide serve down, and wins the point with an astonishing volley controlled into the right of the court ...
A change of ends at 8-4 now to the world No 6, Amanda Anisimova, in the final-set tiebreak.
A lovely down-the-line back-handed forehand and Anisimova is now just three points away at 7-4 in the final set tiebreak. Can Osaka react again?
6-4 to Anisimova. Both players continuing to hit with fearsome power.
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5-2 in the tiebreaker to Anisimova! Again she opens up the court with that big wide serve. Osaka needs a response and she finds one, crashing a backhand into the corner for 5-3.
At 3-2, Osaka butchers a second-serve return which flies long. Advantage Anisimova. If she can pull it off, this would be the biggest win of her career.
Osaka finds a couple of big serves and it’s 3-2 in this first-to-10 tiebreaker.
Anisimova, with some crushingly accurate hitting, moves 3-0 ahead in the tiebreak against Osaka!
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Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 6-6 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova holds impressively easily, conceding just a single point, and we’ll have a first-to-10 tiebreak to settle it. This has been a truly memorable match.
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Rafa Nadal is about to stride on to Rod Laver Arena for his match against Karen Khachanov.
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*Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 5-6 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova forces deuce on the Osaka serve ... but the Japanese player again finds a way, and now leads 6-5 in the final set of this enthralling match. Helpfully, Eurosport have ended their TV coverage of this game in favour of skiing, so I’ve had to race over to the app to catch the end of it.
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Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 5-5 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
Nip and tuck in the service game for Anisimova, with the American producing her eighth ace of the match for 30-30 ... and then grinding out a superb rally to save a first match point. She then hits wildly wide with a double-handed backhand to give Osaka a second match point. On second serve, Osaka cracks a backhand into the net and it’s back to deuce, and Osaka then nets a forehand return to give Anisimova the game point. Another punishing rally, however, ends with the American finding the net and it’s backk to deuce. Again the wide serve makes the difference for Anisimova, who fashions another game point, and makes it 5-5!
*Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 4-5 Osaka (*denotes next server)
After a couple of lightning-fast service holds for each player, Anisimova must now serve to stay in the match.
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Barty defeats Giorgi! 6-2, 6-3
Barty speaks after a ruthless win which sets up a match against either Osaka or Anisimova: “I thought tonight was really clean, I looked after my service games really well ... I was able to keep momentum going really well ...
“I felt like I was out of my weight class, the way she hits the ball ... all in all I was able to use my slice effectively, particularly that short one.”
“Both incredible ball strikers (Osaka and Anisimova) ... either match up is a little bit different, and I will change a few things up ... but the sliced backhand will come out, I promise.”
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Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 3-4 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova destroys a down-the-line forehand, on Osaka’s second serve, for 15-30. There are two pointed “Come ons” from Osaka as she claims the next two points for 40-30. And another, as she rounds off the hold with a thumping ace down the middle. Again, asked the question, Osaka comes up with the answer like the champion she is.
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Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 3-3 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
This accurate serve out wide from Anisimova is causing so much damage. She holds to love. It’s 3-3 and nothing to choose between the players.
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Barty is 5-3 up in the second against Giorgi and serving for the match.
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*Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 2-3 Osaka (*denotes next server)
A no-nonsense hold for Osaka. Both players are feeling the intensity of this match. Can Anisimova last the pace as they go deep into the third and final set? We are about to find out.
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Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 2-2 Osaka* (*denotes next server)
A double fault brings 30-30 but Anisimova hits another booming wide serve which opens up the court and brings her game point. She holds for 2-2. This is a really exciting, close battle and although both players are making errors there is plenty of ambitious shot-making too.
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Barty* 6-2, 4-2 Giorgi (*Denotes next server)
It’s all going swimmingly for Ash Barty on Rod Laver Arena, a break up in the second set.
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*Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 1-2 Osaka (*denotes next server)
At 30-30, having just hit fractionally wide, Osaka hits long and it’s break point for Anisimova. Anisimova climbs into the second serve, but Osaka is absolutely rock-solid, winning back control of the rally and forcing the error, and saving the break point. Having said all that ... Osaka double-faults on the next point, sending her second serve wildly long, and hands her opponent another chance. Anisimova misses out, netting a big chance to take the game! Anisimova then crashes a forehand into the net on Osaka’s second serve, at deuce, and chucks her racket on to the floor in disgust. Osaka closes out the game. That was a big, big game in this match and Anisimova will be regretting those missed chances. Maybe she’ll get another one, maybe she won’t.
In the men’s singles, Rafal Nadal (6) is due on court in about 20 minutes, against Karen Khachanov (28).
Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 1-1 Osaka* (*denotes next server)
A strong first serve down the middle for 15-0. An excellent serve out wide, and an unerring crosscourt double-handed backhand makes it 30-15. But then another double fault from Anisimova, and a fine angled drop from Osaka brings the two-times champion a break point. And yet ... a lovely volley at the net saves the break point, and Anisimova takes it up another gear to hold her serve and make it 1-1 in the first.
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Anisimova* 4-6, 6-3, 0-1 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Another unforced error from Osaka brings 15-30 for Anisimova on her opponent’s serve. Osaka produces a big first serve for 30-30, then Anisimova hits long, and looks frustrated to do so, to bring up game point for Osaka. Another error by Anisimova as she dumps a forehand into the net ... and Osaka edges ahead in the third set.
We move into the third, decisive set in this increasingly enthralling match between Anisimova and Osaka.
Barty, the world No 1, has won the first set against Giorgi, 6-2.
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Anisimova takes the second set against Osaka!
Anisimova 4-6, 6-3 Osaka
Osaka has a chance to make it 0-30 but misses it. Anisimova edges back ahead but then coughs up a double fault for 30-30. Another unforced error by Osaka brings a first set point, and again, Osaka dumps the ball into the net to concede the second set. We’re into a decider ...
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*Anisimova 4-6, 5-3 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova will serve for the second set after a reasonably comfortable hold for Osaka. Anisimova looks increasingly focused, but needs to hold her nerve here.
Anisimova 4-6, 5-2 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
A hold to love for Anisimova, who is ranked 46 places below her opponent, at No 60 in the world. You wouldn’t know it at the moment. Osaka must serve to stay in the set.
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*Anisimova 4-6, 4-2 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Osaka holds, hitting the ball with authority and wrestling a bit of control back.
Barty 5-2 *Giorgi (* denotes next server)
The Australian world No 1 moves to within a game of the first set.
Anisimova 4-6, 4-1 *Osaka (*denotes next server)
Now a regulation hold for the 20-year-old. Her confidence is clearly increasing. Osaka had been living with her, and controlling the match, but Anisimova is now in the ascendancy in this second set.
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Anisimova* 4-6, 3-1 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova breaks Osaka’s serve! And does it in style, with a beautifully disguised backhand drop shot which glides over the net. Osaka can only watch it drop into the court. Anisimova smiles and allows herself a little fist bump into the bargain. That was top-class.
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Anisimova 4-6, 2-1 Osaka* (*denotes next server)
A hold for the American. Only one break so far, in the first game of the match, and Anisimova (ranked 60) is competing well. Before the fourth game of the second set, the umpire asks three arriving spectators to sit down. They appear oblivious to begin with but eventually get the message.
Elsewhere, Giorgi gets on the board against Barty: It’s 3-1 there now.
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On Rod Laver Arena, Ash Barty (1) has begun her match against Camila Giorgi (30) and raced into a 3-0 first-set lead.
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Anisimova* 4-6, 1-1 Osaka (*denotes next server)
Anisimova starts to muster some impressive returns of serve, one in particular from out wide on the forehand side which she somehow manages to direct back across court, the ball flashing past Osaka before she has a chance to react. Osaka saves a couple of break points, much to the frustration of Anisimova, who is attacking Osaka’s second serve determinedly. At deuce, Anismova has almost an open goal, a short ball on her forehand with Osaka well out of position, but she puts it into the net ... Osaka eventually holds, keeping her composure, and closing out the game in the face of some fierce hitting from the American.
Anisimova 4-6, 1-0* Osaka (*denotes next server)
Attacking the net, Osaka hits a highly accomplished, powerful and accurate forehand volley on the run to make it deuce on her opponent’s serve, making Anisimova work to hold at the beginning of the second set. However, the American holds, and edges 1-0 ahead in the second.
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First set to Osaka v Anisimova: 4-6
Osaka rounds off a hold to love, sealing the first set, with a crunching smash that leaves her opponent motionless. The 20-year-old American started seeing the ball nicely at times in the that first set, but Osaka is firmly in control.
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Anisimova 4-5 Osaka* (*Denotes next server)
Osaka will now serve for the first set against the American.
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Zverev speaks: “I had my struggles on the court today, I didn’t feel perfect, but who is perfect? Luckily enough I won, and I’m happy about that.”
Regarding his next assignment, in the fourth round, against the big-hitting 14th seed Denis Shapovalov: “He’s playing well, today’s match was a high level from him. We’re both going to be happy that we’re in the second week. Hopefully I can win. But it’s going to be a great match as well.”
How is he going to prepare for the match against Shapovalov in a couple of days?“I’ll probably get drunk at some time tonight. That’s very popular here in Australia, so why not try it out? [Laughs] ... No, I won’t do much. You won’t see me out on the streets.”
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Zverev defeats Albot! 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
The German steamrollered Millman in the previous round, and that was less straightforward against the Romanian who is ranked 124, but it’s still a comfortable win.
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Anisimova 3-4 Osaka* (*Denotes next server)
The American is hitting it nicely now and holds for 4-3.
On John Cain Arena, Zverev has a third match point against Albot now for a straight-sets win ...
Anisimova* 2-4 Osaka (*Denotes next server)
After a nervous start, Anisimova is growing into this, and forces a first break point. There’s then a slice of luck for the two-times Australian Open champion as a groundstroke flicks off the top of the net and she wins the point. Eventually she closes out the game, but this isn’t going to be easy.
Over on Margaret Court Arena, Naomi Osaka leads Amanda Anisimova 3-2 in the first set, a break up.
Albot and Zverev, meanwhile, are 4-4 in the third, with the German third seed two sets to the good, 6-3, 6-4.
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Berrettini speaks and is first asked about his opponent, Carlos Alcaraz: “He’s unbelievable ... he’s impressive and he’ll only improve playing matches like this, he showed everyone his potential. Luckily I won but congrats to him.
“I was feeling confident, and in the third, there were a couple of games I was love-30 and I felt the momentum on my side, but I got broken, and that’s tennis ... I feel like every match something has to happen [injury wise - he had an ankle problem] but this is my body.”
Berrettini defeats Alcaraz in five sets! 2-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5-10)
A stunning effort from the 18-year-old Spaniard, Alcaraz, to fight back from two sets down. But Berrettini eventually had a little too much in the first-to-10 tiebreak. Alcaraz crushes that forehand of his with astonishing power and accuracy, and has a very exciting career ahead of him.
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Alcaraz v Berrettini: 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-6, 5-8 tiebreak
Berettini makes it 7-5. Alcaraz, impressive under pressure again, hits a decent backhand drop shot and although Berrettini gets there, he can’t get it back ... it’s 8-5 Berrettini but it’s a first to 10 tiebreak so he still has work to do.
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Osaka’s match against the unseeded Anisimova has begun, with the 2019 and 2021 champion breaking straight away, Anisimova starting nervously and serving up two double faults.
Final set, first-to-10 tiebreak! Alcararaz 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-6 Berrettini, 3-3
The match moves into a fifth hour with Alcaraz taking a mini-break on the first point after a thrilling rally. Berrettini wins that straight back on the next point before edging ahead 3-2 after another rally of incredible intensity and power with both players hitting it sweetly ... next up, Alcaraz winds up a power-packed forehand that Berrettini can’t get back. 3-3
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Tiebreak! Alcararaz v Berrettini: 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-6 (*denotes next server)
Berettini takes it to 30-30. Alcaraz mixes it up in the next rally with a drop shot. Berrettini shows impressive mobility to chase that down, then run down the resulting lob ... Alcaraz has a volley on the forehand side which he should put away, but puts it long! Match point for Berrettini! But, impressively, Alcaraz hangs tough on match point, Berrettini produces the error by finding the net from the baseline, with Alcaraz tucking away a better volley for advantage Alcaraz and game point. The next rally is a work of art from Alcaraz as he works Berrettini around the court with some punishing groundstrokes ... and we have a tiebreaker to decide it!
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Alcararaz* v Berrettini: 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-6 (*denotes next server)
The Italian tonks down a few massive serves and easily holds to move, again, within one game of victory. He then smokes a wonderful crosscourt forehand winner, which kisses the line, for 0-15 in this potentially decisive Alcaraz service game.
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Alcararaz v Berrettini* – 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-5 (*denotes next server)
Alcaraz, who is seeded 31 and is only 18 years old, holds to love for 5-5 in the fifth and shakes his fist in celebration, looking to his team in the stands. He battled back into this from two sets down!
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Preamble
Hello everyone. What’s occurring at the Australian Open today? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Right now, Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini are duking it out in a fifth set, with Berrettini (seeded seventh) having just served to make lead 5-4 in the final set. Plenty more to come, too, with Alexander Zverev currently two sets up on Radu Albot, and Naomi Osaka due to be up against unseeded Amanda Anisimova any second now.
