Emma Kemp on a classic in Melbourne
That’s all for today. How mad, memorable and uniquely Murray that all was. He rolls on to play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round. Thanks for reading, and sincere thanks for your emails and tweets. I’ll be back tomorrow for more.
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With Murray’s remarkable five-set victory topping the bill, here are all our news stories from today the Australian Open:
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As Thanasi Kokkinakis stepped up to the baseline with a two-set lead to serve out perhaps the best performance of his life, defeat would have come quickly for most other players across the net. But Andy Murray does not wallow in doubt when in trouble. He furiously scours for solutions, he fights with whatever he has and throughout his career, he has so often found a way.
I’m drained after that … who knows how Murray will be feeling when he walks out to play Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round?
Will this tournament be his last hurrah in Melbourne? If it is, I am not sure we will see a player quite like him again. It’s almost like he engineers these ludicrous, attritional five-setters deliberately: the way he is capable of raising his game when he is on the brink, when he is teetering on the edge of elimination.
Physically there is no doubt he is immensely strong, but with two five-setters already in the bank, you would have to be concerned at fatigue playing a part in the next round.
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“I don’t know … It was unbelievable that I managed to turn that around,” says Murray, standing on court. “Thanassi was serving unbelievable, hitting his forehand huge. I don’t know how I managed to get through that. I did start playing better as the match went on … and … yeah. I have a big heart.
“Remember the other day you mentioned a stat, after my match the other day, but I think now, I have the most matches coming back from two sets to love down. I have done it before. I have experience of it. Yeah, I just rely on that experience, and that drive, and that fight.
“My love of the game, and competing, and my respect for this event, and the competition. That’s why I kept going.
“I’m aware I don’t look particularly happy when I’m playing a lot of the time … but that’s when I’m happiest on the inside … I’ve always loved compeiting, I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve, and shown my emotions when I played. I’ve been criticised a lot for it over the years. But that’s who I am.
“Thanks so much to everyone for staying. It’s ridiculously late … you didn’t need to do that, but it really helps me and Thanassi in a situation like that, when we all of you creating an atmosphere for us, so I appreciate that. Everyone, including me, I think we should all get off to bed now.”
The interviewer, John Fitzgerald, mentions Wimbledon in 2013, when Murray came from back two sets down to defeat Fernando Verdasco.
“I’m aware the tournament finished well for me,” Murray replies. “It was one of the best weeks of my life on the court. Let’s hope I can keep going here, but I need to keep recovering now.”
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The match lasted for 5hrs 45 mins. Murray’s previous record was 5hrs 07 min.
Murray will speak.
“There’s the hard way, and then there’s the Andy Murray way,” emails Dean Kinsella. “Phenomenal.”
Murray defeats Kokkinakis! 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5
Epic. Incredible. Unforgettable. Murray has done it.
The Scot has come back from two sets down and is into the third round of the Australian Open. One of the great, great matches.
The players meet at the net and embrace. It looked inevitable, in a sense, that Murray would win the final set once he made it. But Kokkinakis came back at him very, very strongly at the end.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
I am just shaking my head and laughing at this point. There’s always a tendency, or a danger, to overhype these five-set epics. But I am not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite like this.
Murray wins the first point with a commanding point, again working Kokkinakis around the court, eventually battering a shot down the middle at his opponent’s body for 15-0.
Kokkinakis grabs a point back for 15-15 but a massive wide serve makes it 30-15. It’s Murray that can see the finish line, this time …
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Utterly, utterly magical from Murray. He earns another break point with a sumptuous volley, bravely attacking the net.
He keeps on coming on the latest break point, clubbing an inside-out forehand winner unerringly into the corner, Kokkinakis left standing, and wondering how he can shake off this irrepressible opponent.
Murray will serve for the match. Strap yourselves in.
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 5-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis raises himself again and saves a second break point with a juicy big serve down the middle. It’s deuce.
There is another chance for Murray when Kokkinakis dumps into the net. It’s not to be: Murray miscues a forehand which balloons away from the court. Back to deuce.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 5-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray crafts a cultured forehand winner down the line which curls perfectly into the corner for 15-30.
Kokkinakis sends his first serve wide … and then misses, badly, to end the rally on his second serve, and it’s two break points for Murray!
The Australian saves the first break point with a massive unreturnable serve.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 5-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray thunders a first serve down the middle for 15-0.
A protracted exchange from the back of the court on the next point: Kokkinakis enjoys a slice of luck when a ball flicks the net and bounces over to Murray’s side.
Murray then hits a forehand long … and the Australian has a glimpse of the finish line at 15-30 on Murray’s serve!
The Scot finds a solid first serve down the middle – Kokkinakis goes big, looking for the instant finisher on his forehand side, but it veers away and bounces wide.
Murray produces another huge unreturnable serve for 40-30 and set up a game point.
Kokkinakis roars back, playing one of his best points of the match, and firing a brilliant volley to the corner to force deuce … Murray delivers under pressure again with his first serve and earns himself another game point … Kokkinakis hangs in there, but eventually a defensive lob drops fractionally long, and we are all square yet again. It’s 5-5. Madness, madness.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 4-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Three aces in that game for Kokkinakis. There were moments when you feared he might wilt – when he might bow to the seemingly inevitable, having been a couple of points away from finishing this in straight sets, and crumble in the face of Murray’s tenacity, and superior experience of these epic encounters.
Not a bit of it. Now it is Murray who must serve to stay in the match. My word, this has been a draining affair.
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The parkie should have been here about seven hours ago, Australia time.
Shouldn't the park-keeper come along jangling keys saying, "C'mon lads - it's time to go home" @LukeMcLaughlin?
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) January 19, 2023
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 4-4 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray keeps coming forwards. He bullies Kokkinakis with some more sweet baseline hitting for 30-0. Kokkinakis then flops a forehand return into the net for 40-0.
A big serve and a confident winner from Murray, that flicks the net, but bounces comfortably in.
It’s 4-4 and all square in the decider.
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Eurosport’s Jo Durie tells us this is the longest match Murray has ever played. Wow.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-4 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Another break point for Murray. Another massive serve and it’s back to deuce.
Kokkinakis drills a big one down the middle to set up advantage and another game point … Murray floats a backhand long, and Kokkinakis holds!
Massive, massive, massive. What a match. It’s with serve in the fifth. If Kokkinakis walks out of here a winner, that is a game he will remember. As will we.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-3 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray digs out a magnificent down-the-line winner with Kokkinakis in a different postcode to make it 0-30.
And then Kokkinakis double-faults for 0-40!! Three break points for Murray.
The Australian looks almost sheepish, but then thrashes a massive wide serve … Murray gets it back (he has no right to), and then runs down a good volley by his opponent. But he hits long, and on the next point, Kokkinakis again attacks, taking on a full-blooded volley after another huge serve – 30-40!
Kokkinakis cracks a mind-numbingly brilliant cross-court winner to force it back to deuce and save a third break point … then Murray floats a ball wide and Kokkinakis has a look at a game point for the hold!!
“It really is commendable,” says Reed, a beautiful bit of understatement.
Murray wrestles it back to deuce, but his opponent slams an ace down the middle.
“LET’S GO!” roars Kokkinakis. Wow, this is some game from him having been 0-40 down. Murray takes it to him again, with a couple of meaty ground strokes from the back of the court, and we are back to deuce yet again. Phew.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-3 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Classy, classy stuff from Murray, who brings up two game points with a crisp forehand down the line. At 40-15 Kokkinakis tries to bully him out of the point, but Murray hangs in there, and draws the error, sealing the game.
There is a balance here, between the fatigue the players are feeling, and the fluency with which they are hitting the ball after so long on court. They are both seeing it so well. Anyway, all square in the fifth at 3-3.
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The match clock moves past five hours.
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 2-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis, who has now tonked down 32 aces in the match, edges back in front with another power-packed service hold.
The crowd, that remains healthy, are mostly singing and roaring.
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“It’s absolutely not fair,” emails Richard Hirst of the late finish. “And the third round opponent must be rubbing his hands with glee (except that he’s fast asleep!).
That’s Roberto Bautista Agut. If memory serves, he had to postpone a trip to Ibiza when he unexpectedly went pretty deep in the draw at Wimbledon a couple of years back? Maybe he’s out at a nightclub.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 2-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A delightful double-handed backhand winner down the line gives Kokkinakis the first point. “Come on!” he yells.
Murray smashes another solid overhead for 15-15.
Before he serves on the next point, Murray stops for someone standing up in the crowd. “Have some people just arrived?” quips Simon Reed. “Maybe it’s tomorrow’s crowd come early?”
Anyway, 30-15 and then 40-15 pretty quickly for Murray. Both these players are running on fumes. There will be moments when they feel utterly empty and moments when they feel slightly less desperate.
Murray rounds off the hold with a lovely pick-up for a drop volley on the run. That’s a brilliant, brilliant shot. Parity in the fifth.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 1-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokky hammers down a succession of big serves and holds to love. He isn’t done yet. The players have a sit down and a drink.
Patrick Kelly emails to take issue with the Eurosport commentator’s complaints about the length and lateness:
“The fact that they are playing at 3am is to do with the scheduling not the format. If this was best of three, Murray would have lost in straight sets, and we wouldn’t be enjoying this great match. And yes sometimes is does come down to a test of stamina and that’s part of the game.”
I tend to agree. Nothing wrong with five-set tennis. Having said that, is it completely fair on the athletes, or the staff who run the tournament, to finish this late?
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 1-1 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis smashes a tired-looking forehand wide and hands Murray a pretty easy hold.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 0-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
The Australian gets on the board, holding serve, to begin the fifth and final set.
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It sounds like the TV team has downed tools in Australia?
“Aussie TV channel [coverage] stopped on set point …” emails Sam Katterfield “Insane...gonna be some angry aussies out here. What do I do now?!”
On the mic for Eurosport, Jo Durie and Simon Reed are both saying that this match has gone on too long, and too late. It’s an unforgettable affair for anyone in the arena. But it is getting very late …
Kokkinakis had moved out wide in anticipation for that last serve … Murray hit it down the middle, and Kokkinakis didn’t bother to move. Both the players are, for want of a better expression, knackered. But there is a decider to play. The clock has just ticked past 3am in Melbourne.
Murray wins fourth set v Kokkinakis! 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3
If you had written this script, they’d have said: “Yes, that’s good, we’ll use that.”
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray cracks a big serve down for 30-15. Kokkinakis won’t roll over, though, and whips a forehand cross-court that Murray miscues and sends into the net: 30-30.
The Australian had been looking listless, his head dropping a bit, but a mistake by Murray gives him a break point.
Murray saves it. Some fans in the crowd wave a Scottish flag and cheer. Murray narrowly misses with a first ever down the middle … a bouncing second leads to another thrilling rally, and another error from Murray! Another break point for Kokkinakis … Murray saves it again!
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Another hold for the Australian, but Murray can serve to close out this fourth set.
Today’s news stories from the Australian Open:
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray holds his serve and is a game away from forcing a decider. Kokkinakis, who continues to engage in dialogue with the umpire, must serve to stay in the fourth set.
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Murray has come from two sets down to win in five sets 10 times before.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this match is a perfect example of the difference between stamina and fitness. Despite his own injury issues, Kokkinakis is the fitter player at 26. But Murray’s body has been here before – he has reserves of strength, when matches go deep like this, that Kokkinakis has simply never had to find before. Stamina, I call it.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 4-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A fine volleyed winner from Murray, after a good bit of anticipation, brings 30-30.
Kokkinakis hits wide on the next point, a very tired looking shot, and it’s break point Murray.
Kokkinakis aces for deuce, but then nets with the open court beckoning, with Murray out of position.
Another unforced error from the 26-year-old … and Murray has the break in the fourth!
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Correction: Kokky did not call for the trainer.
He has a go at the umpire for not giving him a bit of extra time. Murray stands at the back of the court, whipping the crowd up. The noise rises. Kokkinakis smiles. He knows he is up against a master of the art, when it comes to getting a crowd onside.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 3-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Now Murray holds comfortably. Kokkinakis has hurt himself, perhaps twisting an ankle, and it looks like he’ll have a medical timeout.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A very solid hold for the Australian, to -15, and it’s all square in the fourth.
On commentary for Eurosport, Simon Reed points out that Zverev v Brooksby from last year’s Mexican Open men’s singles was the latest ever finish to a pro tennis match: 4.55am.
The latest ever finish at Australian Open was 4.34am.
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Murray has 34 unforced errors on his card. Kokkinakis has 47.
That’s against 78 winners for Kokkinakis, 48 for Muzza.
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 2-1 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
There is a double fault, and a roar of displeasure, from Murray to make it 30-30. Both players unload some big hits from the baseline … it’s Kokkinakis who prevails, whipping a world-class forehand from in to out that arrows into the corner.
That makes it 30-40 and a huge chance for the Australian … but he fluffs a backhand into the net for deuce. The match clock ticks past four hours. I was going to write something this morning about this match being a nailed-on five-set Murray nerve-jangler, I really was …
Anyway, Murray saves another break point with a serve-volley tactic. Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl sits up in the stands, ashen-faced. Murray buries a big serve down the middle for his advantage. Judy Murray is on her feet in the stand, a couple of seats away from Lendl.
A decent serve down the middle. Kokkinakis miscues a forehand which flies almost vertically upwards off the frame of his racket. Murray holds, another two break points saved.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis smiles gently after hitting an ace out wide that finally ends that marathon game. He was so close to finishing this in three sets. Mentally, Murray must have the upper hand, especially in view of his vastly superior experience of these marathon matches.
Physically? Well, that’s another matter …
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-0 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Now Murray earns a break point. His 12th of the match. He can’t convert. Back to deuce. Second serve Kokkinakis now, and he goes all in, smacking it down the middle and then rounding off the point with a beautifully judged drop shot that floats over the net.
Guess what? Murray returns well again, and it’s back to deuce. This game is coming up to 11 minutes in length.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-0 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Unsurprisingly, the crowd has thinned out considerably. It looks about 50% full.
Murray has a big chance at 0-30 but at least one unforced error allows his opponent back in at 30-30. A thumping forehand sets up a volley for Murray to see a break point at 30-40 … but “Kokky”, as he was just called by someone in the crowd, crunches an ace out wide for deuce.
Murray shouts with frustration after netting a forehand return from another booming serve out wide. Advantage Kokky. But here comes Murray again, looking for a searching forehand into the corner, volleying the winner next up. Textbook.
Advantage again for Kokkinakis. And again, back to deuce. And another advantage for the Australian after a booming serve … and again Murray comes back at him, winning the point with a lob that Kokkinakis smashes into the net. On we go.
The second seed Ons Jabeur crashed out in the second round of the Australian Open after an error-strewn display in a 6-1, 5-7, 6-1 loss to the former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova on Thursday.
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 1-0 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A couple of excellent winners from Kokkinakis takes it to deuce, and then a break point at his advantage.
Murray saves it, then nabs his own advantage. On second serve there is some more astonishing defence from Murray … he manages to hang up a difficult ball for Kokkinakis, who again decides to volley it rather than let it bounce. But he nails it, and it’s deuce, and Murray soon hits long to hand the Australian another break point.
Is Murray fading away? Not a chance. He belts a clean forehand winner to take it back to deuce.
Murray clips an excellent serve out wide for his advantage and then rounds out another brilliant game with an accomplished rally. This is exhausting, but absolutely compelling viewing.
As so often in the past, Murray took himself to another level when he was teetering on the edge of oblivion – or at least elimination. Will this tournament be his final visit to Melbourne Park as a player? If so, he’s prolonged it in absolutely classic style by winning that third-set tiebreak.
On the decisive point in the tiebreak, Kokkinakis produced a massive wide serve: Murray did the necessary and got the ball back in play, leaving the Australian to fluff his volley and send it wide.
Murray’s gone off briefly. He walks back on to court, pumping his fist.
Anyone in the crowd who fancied getting home, it being nearly 2am, has been disappointed. But most of them are relishing this. What a match.
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Murray wins the third set tiebreak against Kokkinakis! 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5)
Put the kettle on. Maybe nip to the shop for some snacks. Murray is Right. Back. In. This.
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Third-set tiebreak: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 (6-5) Kokkinakis
Set point Murray after a sizeable, unreturnable serve …
Third-set tiebreak: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 (5-5) Kokkinakis
Excellent block return by Murray off a big serve … Kokkinakis comes in but hits his forehand long! Two serves for Murray to win the set!
But Kokkinakis is having none of it! He spanks an audacious forehand winner, inside-out, leaving Murray helpless! 5-5.
Third-set tiebreak: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 (4-4) Kokkinakis
An unreturnable serve sees Murray edge in front again. The commentators bemoan the fact that it’s approaching 2am. Durie says it’s not fair on the players.
Kokkinakis belts an ace down the middle. 4-4. His 19th ace of the match.
Third-set tiebreak: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 (3-3) Kokkinakis
Whoah! An astonishing second-serve return by Murray, leaving Kokkinakis helpless again: Murray clenches his teeth and pumps his fist repeatedly. He’s got the taste for this now.
Then another punishing rally that Kokkinakis, showing his ability for the first time in a while, wins with an amazing angled forehand. All square in the tiebreak at 3-3 with Murray to serve.
Third-set tiebreak: Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 (2-1) Kokkinakis
Murray climbs into Kokkinakis’s second serve and eventually thumps an emphatic winner to the corner for a mini-break to begin the tiebreak.
He keeps attacking, but misjudges a forehand that drops wide and Kokkinakis has the mini-break back: 1-1.
Again, Murray sends Kokkinakis scurrying on his backhand side and then volleys, (apparently) as easy as you like, to make it 2-1.
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Third-set tiebreak! Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-6 Kokkinakis
Lovely, lovely tennis from Murray, including a sweet ace down the middle to make it 40-0, following a couple of punishing forehands. He holds to love. Squeaky bum time now.
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 5-6 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis scuffs a forehand to the corner that somehow drops in for 15-0. Murray looks deflated but on the next point, his opponent tries a ludicrous overhead volley that he gets horribly wrong.
Then, the crowd is wailing in delight yet again when Kokkinakis hits an indifferent drop shot that Murray hunts down. An exchange at the net ends with Murray tucking away an angled volley to make it 15-30.
Kokkinakis digs out a fantastic drop volley at the net to edge back to parity at 30-30 – then crushes a first serve down the middle for 40-30.
Murray keeps coming forward and plays a sensational point, moving his opponent around the court with some sweetly-struck shots from the baseline. He sees a chance to come to the net, and has a regulation volley to put away to force deuce … but he sends it into the net! Frustrating for Murray, who must now serve to stay in the Australian Open.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 5-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A touch of fortune for Murray off the net for 15-0. Another absorbing rally ends when Murray hits wide, following a mad slice by Kokkinakis, and it’s all square at 15-15.
Murray strides to the net and dispatches a textbook volley for 30-15.
On second serve, a top-class one-two combination of a deep, powerful forehand to the corner followed by an angled volley from Murray and he has a look at two game points, 40-15.
Murray’s head drops when he nets a forehand on the run to gift Kokkinakis a point … or did he injure himself? Looks like he may have tweaked his side.
But who cares? Murray is now in control of this contest, and an imperious inside-out forehand screeches into the corner and leaves Kokkinakis flat-footed.
Where does Murray get this from? How does he do this? All square at 5-5.
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 4-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray breaks back again!
A fine opening point from him, hitting crisply to the corners from the baseline, that makes it 0-15.
Kokkinakis hits long next up for 0-30 and it’s a big chance for Murray to take this deeper into the third set.
Kokkinakis sets up an overhead smash, and puts it away for 15-30. A big serve then allows him to dispatch a winner to the corner and he is two points from ending the contest …
But Murray hits back in that determined way of his, suddenly hitting with more assurance and aggression now his back is truly against the wall. At 30-40 Murray keeps it all together, not just waiting for an error, but taking on his shots.
The players take a drink. Kokkinakis knows there is no easy path into the next round …
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 3-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
An encouragingly easy hold for Murray. Kokkinakis will serve for the match.
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray has a look at a couple more break points, but Kokkinakis rouses himself yet again, and manages to strike back to hold. The home player is one game away from a third-round date against Bautista Agut.
Kokkinakis has played far, far above his world ranking of 159 … could this be a result that kick-starts his injury-plagued career in the singles game?
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Vondrousova defeats Jabeur! 6-1, 5-7, 6-1
The Tunisian, No 2 seed in the women’s draw, is out.
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A defensive GOAT.
(Murray is the greatest of all time at retrieving overheads.)
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) January 19, 2023
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-4*Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Chances for Kokkinakis at 0-30 and then 15-40 on the Murray serve … Murray overhits a forehand and the Australian has his break back, leading 4-2.
Kokkinakis looked in danger of a meltdown a few minutes ago but has steadied himself impressively and is two games away from the most famous singles result of his career.
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It’s past 1am in Melbourne.
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Spectators at the Australian Open were in the spotlight on Thursday after separate incidents sparked player anger on the court at Melbourne Park:
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Some of this hitting is off the scale now. Kokkinakis is unloading again and again from the baseline. Murray is battling, battling, battling to keep the ball in play. With one such rally, Kokkinakis fights back to 30-30, and more power hitting from the Australian sees Murray wither and it’s 40-30, a turnaround in the game after a glimmer of hope for the Scot.
Another massive rally – and Murray ends it with a stunning drop shot! Kokkinakis slips, but probably wouldn’t have made it anyway. At deuce, Murray fashions an awkward second-serve return down the line … Kokkinakis cracks a wonderful winner straight back at him and follows it up with an ace out wide.
Murray yells in frustration, knowing he let a golden chance slip there.
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Vondrousova is 5-0 up on Jabeur in the third and final set on Rod Laver Arena.
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 2-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A love hold for Murray including his fourth ace of the match. Now, how are Kokkinakis’s nerves on his own serve after the fireworks of the previous service game?
The players sit down for a drink and Murray questions why Kokkinakis is allowed to get away “with swearing 60 times”.
He knows Kokkinakis has not really been here before in singles tournaments. He knows he has by far the better big-game experience. Can he make it count?
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*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 1-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Another break point for Murray, No 4 in this game. The first serve is big but fractionally long …
And then – WOOOOOOOOW what a point. What a point! What defence from Murray! Kokkinakis smashes three, four times at the net. Murray sprints around at the back of the court and somehow manages to get them all back. How??? He fights his way back to parity at the baseline and Kokkinakis dumps a shot into the net! The Australian is furious and smashes his racket on the floor! Murray whips up the crowd! That was insane.
Murray has broken back! Could that be a turning point?
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The umpire calls time on Kokkinakis as he’s about to serve. He loses his temper and has a strong word with the umpire. Murray patiently waits at the other end of the court, knowing full well that this may be a lifeline in the match, if his opponent continues to lose his cool.
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Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 0-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray musters three break points at 0-40 with some very impressive, resourceful defence. Kokkinakis saves the first with a big forehand that kisses the line.
Murray is groaning with effort each time he has to sprint to run down another ball. Physically that five-setter in the first round is really starting to catch up with him, you fear.
Kokkinakis saves two more break points, the final one with a wondrous drop-volley, then belts an ace to win a game point of his own!
Murray grapples it back to deuce thanks to a fine half-volley but Kokkinakis booms a volley to the corner for another game point … Murray fights like a tiger again to force an error from Kokkinakis for deuce once more …
Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 0-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
It’s one of those nights for Kokkinakis when things are just clicking and all the shots are dropping in. He slaps a forehand down the line which curls in a perfect arc and finds its target in the corner. Murray can only watch the ball flash past him.
Soon it’s 0-30, and when Murray hits long for 0-40, the Scot petulantly thrashes at a ball bouncing at his feet. He hits long again, it’s an early break for Kokkinakis, and Murray launches a ball into the air in frustration.
*Murray 4-6, 6-7 (4), 0-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
At 15-15 Kokkinakis belts a brilliant wide serve that Murray does exceptionally well to get back. The return arrows to the far corner but Kokkinakis is all over, in position to batter a winner down the line that drops into the corner.
First blood to the Australian in the third, and potentially final, set.
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Murray has been off the court for a comfort break. He is back now and wanders out on court to face Kokkinakis, who is currently brandishing a box of tissues by his chair. But here he is now, ready to serve.
Will this be the final set of Murray’s Australian Open? After that memorable win against Berrettini it would be a big disappointment to go out in straight sets here.
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Vondrousova 6-1, 4-5 Jabeur
In the women’s singles, Vondrousova is serving to stay in the second set against Jabeur on Rod Laver Arena.
Kokkinakis takes the second set v Murray! 4-6, 6-7 (4)
Murray isn’t playing badly. But Kokkinakis is in exceptional form. He smashes an ace down the middle to emphatically win the second set. Kokkinakis taps an index finger to his forehead as he looks over at his team in the stands. The crowd are making a LOT of noise. Murray’s a big favourite here, too, and I reckon they’d be pretty happy to see either of these players make it through to play Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round. But the Australian is on his way right now.
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On the Eurosport mic, Simon Reed asks: “We all knew how good Kokkinakis was … but did we really think he was this good?
“It’s the best I’ve ever seen him play,” replies the co-commentator Jo Durie.
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Second-set tiebreak! Murray 4-6, 6-6 (2-3) Kokkinakis
On the first point, having served, Murray breaks up a crushing baseline exchange with a superb slice into the corner … he creates the chance for a regulation volley at the net, but gets it wrong, and it’s a mini-break for Kokkinakis to begin. Costly?
Murray has a word with the umpire after it becomes 2-0, and laughs dismissively about something, but I am not sure what – he must have been challenging a line call somewhere. Kokkinakis soon batters a 200km/h serve down the middle for 3-0.
A slice of luck allows Murray to put away a volley, after his double-handed backhand flicks off the top of the net. A big serve from Murray, and it’s 3-2 to the Australian.
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Second-set tiebreak! Murray 4-6, 6-6 Kokkinakis
Kokkinakis makes it to 40-0 but an unforced error lets Murray in momentarily.
No matter, the home hope wins the next point, and we will have a tiebreak to decide the second set.
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Ruud (2), Davidovich Fokina (30), Zverev (12), Schwartzman (23), Fritz (8), Carreno Busta (14), Van de Zandschulp (32) and of course Nadal (1) are the seeded players in the men’s draw who have been eliminated in the second round. It’s opening up.
Murray 4-6, 6-5 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the game thanks to a stroke of luck with a ball that sneaks over the net, but it was 40-15 and he was in control.
Kokkinakis must serve and try to force a tiebreak.
Some US-themed news, hot off the press:
Thanks Tom. Well, well, well. This is shaping up to be another vintage Murray tussle, especially if the five-times finalist can hold serve here and force Kokkinakis to serve to stay in the set …
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*Murray 4-6, 5-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray breaks after a brilliant game that showcases the best of both men. Kokkinakis pushes Murray wide and forces a backhand return into the net – he’s fully reasserted his dominance now, and a whipped forehand following a strong second serve takes it to 30-0. Murray digs in though and produces a fine double-handed passing shot down the line.
But Kokkinakis responds with another forceful serve to give himself two set points. Murray saves the first smartly, approaching the net and inducing an underhit return into the net. And then saves the second with a driving angled crosscourt forehand. The first time he’s taken his opponent to deuce in this set. A brilliant return then sets up his first break point of the match.
Kokkinakis saves that break point after a magnificent rally from both players eventually ends with Murray being powerless to do anything but net. Then a fierce forehand sets up set point No 3. Murray saves again, after another superb exchange, with a lovely lob. Then the Aussie double-faults to hand Murray another break point. This time he converts after Kokkinakis sends a forehand wide. Incredible stuff.
And with that I’ll hand you back to Luke
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Murray 4-6, 4-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis breaks to love and is on the verge of going two sets up! A lucky net cord gives Kokkinakis the first point though it was a soft serve from Murray, and the Australian bosses the second too, Murray eventually netting with a backhand. He’s struggling with his first serves and Kokkinakis makes him pay, dominating the next rally and settling it with an emphatic volley at the net to gain three break points. He takes the first of them when Murray hits long at the end of another rally defined by Kokkinakis’s powerful initial return.
*Murray 4-6, 4-4 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis holds to love, just as we think Murray might be becoming more competitive and his opponent more erratic. A booming Kokkinakis forehand winner sets him on his way. A 10th ace ensues. Murray does well to stay in the next rally but has no answer to a whipped crosscourt forehand winner from the Australian. Nor does he to being pointed around the back of the court next point. An emphatic hold.
Murray 4-6, 4-3 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
It’s Kokkinakis’s turn to err at the end of a long rally as an errant forehand wide of the tramline gives Murray a 30-0 lead but he atones with a stunning forehand return down the line. A decent serve from Murray helps him to 40-15 and some proficient serve-volleying gives the Scot the game.
Jabeur is really struggling and has lost the first set to Vondrousova 6-1.
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*Murray 4-6, 3-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray looks comfortable in the game’s opening point but overhits a crosscourt backhand to undermine it all. Yet another Kokkinakis ace makes it 30-0. The Australian then skews a forehand wildly wide, and another error – this time a forehand at the net – makes it 30-30. It’s a chance for Murray … but he squanders it with a soft forehand into the net after a decent rally. A similarly frustrating moment follows after another competitive exchange ends with a backhand into the net. We stay with serve.
Vondrousova, meanwhile, is now 4-1 up on Jabeur.
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Murray 4-6, 3-2 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray’s actually playing decently here, even if he is second best so far, and holds to love. The Scot moves into a 30-0 lead on his serve and then pushes Kokkinakis around sufficiently to force him to dump a forehand in the net, and a glorious whipped forehand down the line completes a morale-boosting hold. His competitive energy remains a thing of wonder after all these years.
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*Murray 4-6, 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Another Kokkinakis hold – I just can’t see him being broken at the moment. Murray nets a backhand return sloppily and reprimands himself in the familiar style. A brutal ace from Kokkinakis, his eighth, then rubs it in, but he nets at the end of a long-ish rally for 30-15. Murray produces some trademark athleticism to return respective smashes and volleys from Kokkinakis but can’t get the third such shot over the net, and Kokkinakis dominates the next point to hold.
Murray 4-6, 2-1 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray dominates the first, long rally then undoes it all with a soft drop shot into the net. A good wide first serve restores parity, before a brilliant rally characterised by Kokkinakis reaching for a couple of near-impossible returns is finally won by Murray’s volley at the net. A beautiful Murray backhand down the line takes him to 40-15, as he tries to pep up his fans in a raucous crowd. He then dumps a forehand into the net before settling the game with a strong first serve.
Marketa Vondrousova has broken Ons Jabeur already, leading 2-0 in the first set. Injury catching up with the Tunisian?
*Murray 4-6, 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis holds again, of course he does. Kokkinakis skews a forehand wide of the tramline after another rally marked by the Australian’s power and athleticism. He swiftly makes amends with an unanswerable ace down the middle for 15-15. Another error, an overplayed backhand from Murray’s clever return gives the Scot an opening, which Kokkinakis shuts with two forceful serves for 40-30. It’s another hold in the end.
Jabeur v Vondrousova is under way.
Murray 4-6, 1-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
A doughty hold for Murray. Yet again Murray is dragged all round the court on his own serve and Kokkinakis makes him pay with a low flat forehand winner. Murray responds with two fine aces for 30-15. A compelling rally ensues and this time Murray comes out on top, leaning into a gorgeous whipped forehand winner, but Kokkinakis gets him back to 40-30 with a fierce return that Murray can’t but help send out. A rare wayward forehand then hands Murray the game after another demanding rally. It’s a good hold but none of this looks easy for him
Kokkinakis wins first set against Murray 6-4
*Murray 4-6 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis holds to take the set. First, Kokkinakis settles a long rally by upping the power to belt a forehand winner from the back of the court. An ace down the middle takes him to 30-0, and he gets three set points when Murray nets a return of another strong serve. Murray saves the first of them when Kokkinakis hits long, but can’t save any more as a long gruelling exchange ends when the Scot dumps a forehand into the net.
The Australian deserves to be ahead, and Murray will have to dig deep now. What’s he got left?
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Murray 4-5 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
And while I was looking in on Djokovic, Murray races to 40-15 on his serve before a booming crosscourt forehand keeps Kokkinnakis in the game but he sends a low backhand just wide of the tramline next point to give Murray a relatively comfortable hold by recent standards.
Kokkinakis to serve for the set.
Djokovic beats Couacaud 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-0
The favourite bagels Couacard in the fourth set to complete an eventually emphatic win after the Frenchman made him sweat in the second.
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*Murray 3-5 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis holds to love. An absorbing rally ends when an almost-exquisite lob from Murray lands just beyond the baseline. A forceful serve down the middle takes Kokkinakis to 30-0, and another one sets up a forehand winner at the net for the Australian. And an ace wraps it up in an instant.
There’s been a bit of a pattern to Murray’s slam campaign in recent injury-ravaged years: one rousing rolling-back-the-years win to get everyone misty-eyed before being overpowered in the next round. We do appear to be in that zone here.
Murray 3-4 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
As Murray approaches the net at 15-30, Kokkinakis belts a stunning, dipping forehand on to the Scot’s toes. He tries to control a volley at the net but there is just too much heat on the ball and it floats long. Two break points for the double break, for the Australian.
Murray saves both of them, the second with a viciously spinning backhand slice, and from deuce he manages to cling on and force an error from his opponent, edging to advantage and a game point.
A gynormous wrong-footer, inside-out on the forehand side, drags it back to deuce with Murray nowhere … now, handing over to Tom Davies for the next little while during this deuce battle.
Thanks Luke, Tom here grasping the baton, to tell you Murray’s held serve at last, but not without graft and error.
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*Murray 2-4 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A horrid Murray forehand, that balloons high and long, seals a love hold for Kokkinakis.
It’s not looking too great for the Scot right now, because his opponent has been exceptional thus far. Murray needs to raise it, and he almost certainly will.
Search “Kokkinakis shorts” on Twitter and it brings up this, from Judy Murray, all the way back in 2014.
looking forward to the Thanasi Kokkinakis Show. Diamond studs, boy band hair, loud shorts, massive potential. Kind of Oz X Factor. #AusOpen
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) January 16, 2014
(He still has the loud shorts.)
Couacaud 1-6, 7-6 (5), 2-6, 0-2 Djokovic
The Serb is a break up in the fourth.
Murray 2-3 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
The Australian breaks!
Murray double-faults to start, but bounces back with a big serve down the middle that Kokkinakis miscues for 15-15.
The Scot misjudges a drop shot to hand a free point to Kokkinakis: 15-30. The Australian says something to the umpire about a noise that is bothering him, I am not sure what.
Quickly he has two break points anyway after another poor error from Murray who nets a backhand. Murray comes in and hits a good angled volley, saving the first break point, and saves the second with a big first serve.
At deuce, a Murray forehand looks out, but there is no call, and Kokkinakis soon misses on the same side. “Boy, did that look out,” observes Jo Durie on commentary.
A fine, measured backhand down the line from Kokkinakis drags it back to deuce. He then defends incredibly well, from a wide Murray serve, to establish himself in the point, and batters a big winner inside-out to set up the break point … and he takes it, Murray again finding the net from the back of the court.
*Murray 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A power-packed service hold from the 26-year-old Australian.
Murray 2-1 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Woof! Kokkinakis is liking the look of Murray’s second serve. He marmalises an enormous forehand return down the line, a clean winner, to make it 30-30. There was a similarly large second-serve return moments earlier.
Murray follows up with an emphatic smash for 40-30.
There is some yelling from the crowd, and a gag from one of them that brings a titter of laughter.
Murray then doles out an unreturnable first serve, wins the game, and tells himself: “Let’s go!”
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Djokovic wins the third set v Couacaud! 1-6, 7-6 (5), 2-6
Some semblance of order is restored.
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*Murray 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray engineers a chance of an early break as he makes it 15-30, with a beautifully measured ground stroke to the corner followed up with a crisp volley at the net. Kokkinakis overhits for 15-40 and it’s two break points for the Scot.
At 30-40, stunning defence from Murray keeps him in the point after a big serve, but then he flops a forehand into the net for deuce. That was a sloppy error, particularly in the context of the break point.
However, some more crisp hitting from Murray draws another error and he buys himself a third break point. Kokkinakis smacks down a couple of big serves, though, and wins a game point that he converts.
The power the Australian possesses is immense. Can Murray find a way to negate it?
*Couacaud 1-6, 7-6 (5), 2-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The Frenchman is fighting back in the third.
Murray 1-0 *Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray comes out all guns blazing. He sets his stall out. Can I think of a suitable third cliche?
It’s 30-0 in double quick time, but then Kokkinakis cracks a big, big forehand winner to get on the board at 30-15 and draws a cheer from the Aussie crowd. There are then a couple more unforced errors from Kokkinakis, though. He hits long twice and Murray leads.
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Here we go for the first set. Murray to serve. Kokkinakis is wearing a black T-shirt and some patterned shorts that would never pass muster in SW19.
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Murray is a five-times finalist here at Melbourne Park. His mother, Judy, is sitting up in the stand expectantly, alongside Murray’s coach, Ivan Lendl.
Murray and Kokkinakis are warming up, hitting a few serves, while the DJ pumps out a generic four-four house beat over the sound system.
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Mannarino and De Minaur have a set each on John Cain Arena.
Roberto Bautista Agut will await the winner of Murray v Kokkinakis.
There is a hearty roar from the crowd on Margaret Court Arena as the players walk out.
The big question is, how will Murray be moving after that massive win against Berrettini?
Now, the stage is set for Murray to stride on to court and take on Kokkinakis.
The commentator Simon Reed says “even the English bookmakers have Kokkinakis as favourite to win this match”.
They have met once before: Murray beat Kokkinakis in a Davis Cup encounter in 2015.
*Couacaud 1-6, 7-6 (5), 0-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Another speedy hold for the king of Rod Laver Arena. Someone yells out while Djokovic is serving. Someone else in the crowd shouts: “Shut up!” Djokovic smiles, and says thank you to whomever shouted the second time … although I think he may be making the point that shouting “Shut up” hardly helps him, either.
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Bencic beats Liu! 6-7, 3-6
The 12th seed is through. Andy Murray is up next against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Bencic will meet Camila Giorgi in the third round.
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Couacaud 1-6, 7-6 (5), 0-2 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Just incredible. Present a challenge Djokovic, and he tends to rise to it. He destroys his opponent’s serve with some precise, punishing hitting from the back of the court. And he breaks to love.
But I don’t think Couacaud’s level has dropped in the slightest. Djokovic has simply raised his game, as he tends to do when an opponent puts him on the back foot.
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*Couacaud 1-6, 7-6 (5), 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Schett, court-side for Eurosport, says that she doubts Couacaud can keep up this intensity. We shall see: Djokovic holds easily to start the third set.
Bencic leads Liu 5-3 in their second set on Margaret Court Arena, a break up. So Andy Murray may not be far away.
Couacaud wins the second set against Djokovic! 1-6, 7-6 (5)
Oh, hello! That is stunning stuff from Couacaud, who buries his first serve in the net, but then keeps his composure on second serve, stays in the rally, and when Djokovic hits long, that is the set for the 27-year-old qualifier!
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Second-set tiebreak: Couacaud 1-6, 6-6 (5-6) Djokovic
Couacaud dumps a backhand into the net for 3-4 to Djokovic. But then he buries a smash emphatically for 4-4 …
The next rally is the best of the match. Djokovic wins it, whipping a forehand winner down the line and then holding a finger to his ear, asking the crowd for a bit of support after all the shouting for his opponent.
Couacaud comes storming back yet again on the next point, and forces to 5-5 with Djokovic to serve. There is a lot of shouting and yelling from the crowd who are getting increasingly pumped up. Djokovic takes a moment, but then double faults, and it’s set point for Couacaud!
Second-set tiebreak: Couacaud 1-6, 6-6 (3-3) Djokovic
Couacaud is wobbling at 3-0 to the Serb, who raises the intensity of his hitting in line with the importance of this tiebreak. But the Frenchman produces a tremendous point to get a toe-hold at 3-1, then a big serve for 3-2.
Djokovic then hits a whopping serve down the middle, and thinks it’s kissed the line, but it’s called out. Couacaud wins the point on second serve! And he drags it back to 3-3. The crowd chants the Frenchman’s name.
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Second-set tiebreak: Couacaud 1-6, 6-6 Djokovic
Oh yes. Couacaud leaps into a second-serve return and crushes a forehand winner down the line. A moment that encapsulates both his fighting spirit and his ability. There is another powerful exchange on the next point, but Couacaud eventually hits long for 30-15.
Djokovic then holds comfortably enough to set up a second-set tiebreak. The TV director keeps going to the camera trained on his mother, Dijana, who is wearing a look of distinct concern.
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Couacaud 1-6, 6-5 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Couacaud saves one break point. An idiotic member of the crowd yells out “Let’s go Novak” while the Frenchman is serving. Couacaud is not fussed and saves another break point, taking it back to deuce. Then he crafts an excellent point, working Djokovic around the court and bringing the error … and then another, and Couacaud is over the line with a huge hold! He punches the air like he’s just won a slam. That was BIG. And he is showing no mercy to Djokovic, looking to give him the runaround. Tiebreak at worst for Couacaud now.
*Couacaud 1-6, 5-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
“I’m not sure he’s going to like the crowd’s support … they really have got behind the Frenchman,” Henman correctly observes on commentary for Eurosport.
Djokovic spoke a couple of days ago about how thrilled he was with the reception he got on his return to Rod Laver Arena … but this is nothing more than a standard case of an excited crowd getting behind the underdog. Still, it’s an extra thing to deal with for Djokovic, along with his niggling injury, not to mention the quality of his opponent’s play. Deuce on Couacaud’s serve now.
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*Couacaud 1-6, 5-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
At 40-30 on the Serb’s serve, a noisy flock of birds flies over the court, causing a short delay. There is a lengthy rally on the next point. Djokovic hits with power but he is not moving particularly well. Couacaud can smell a chance at deuce, needing two more points for the set, but his opponent dials up the pressure in trademark style and puts away a volley to bring up game point. Another good serve and that’s a hold for Djokovic … but he’s got a challenge on his hands here.
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Women’s singles: Liu 6-7, 0-0 Bencic
Hats off to Belinda Bencic, who stayed in the first set and has won the tiebreak.
It’s approaching 9.30pm in Melbourne. If Liu v Bencic turns into an epic, Andy Murray and his opponent, Thanasi Kokkinakis, will face a late night at the office.
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Weather-wise it has cooled down considerably in Melbourne since the extreme heat of day two. Barbara Schett, who is court side for Eurosport, says it feels a lot cooler on court than the 15C temperature. As she says it’s not ideal for anyone, like Djokovic, who is carrying an injury.
Alexei Popyrin did not have a good 2022. The Australian started the year at world No 61 and ended it ranked 120th, knocked out in the opening round of every grand slam bar a second-round appearance at the US Open. His 2023 is already vastly improved, for on Thursday Popyrin pulled off one of the upsets of the Australian Open, defeating the eighth seed, Taylor Fritz, over five thrilling sets.
Medical timeout for Djokovic: he wasn’t looking comfortable physically in that last game, and he has carried a tweaked hamstring into this tournament. He is having a chat to the doctor … and Djokovic is going off the court for some treatment. Worrying signs. It was Couacaud who appeared to be struggling at the end of the first set, when he rolled his ankle, but now it’s Djokovic needing some attention from the medics.
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Couacaud 1-6, 5-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Couacaud continues to take his shots on – and often make them – although he flops a volley into the net for 30-30 having set up a wonderful opportunity with a cracking forehand deep into the corner.
Djokovic clips a composed backhand winner down the line for deuce … but Couacaud is now cowed, digging out a big serve for his advantage. However, some destructive hitting by the Serb takes it back to deuce. The crowd is warming up here, sensing a glimmer of an opportunity for the underdog. Another couple of unreturnable serves from the Frenchman and he leads again in the second set! Stirring stuff.
*Couacaud 1-6, 4-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djoko holds, of course. Can he break?
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Liu v Bencic moves past the hour-mark with Bencic serving to stay in the first set at 6-5.
Couacaud 1-6, 4-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djoko takes it to deuce, then crushes a big forehand winner off a short ball from his opponent. Couacaud hits back with an ace to bring it back to parity … and promptly clumps down a couple of juicy serves to hold! He grits his teeth and pumps a fist in the direction of his team up in the stand.
Playing Djokovic at tennis ain’t easy, but Couacaud is seizing his moment here.
Liu and Bencic are locked at 5-5 in their first set on Margaret Court Arena, so we’re going to have to wait a while for Murray v Kokkinakis.
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*Couacaud 1-6, 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Lovely stuff from Couacaud. He cracks one clean return winner for 40-15, then grinds out another superb point for 40-30. Djokovic responds by battering the ball from the baseline on the next point, aiming to crush this mini-fightback, and he does so, taking the game. But Couacaud is here to play.
Couacaud 1-6, 3-2 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Couacaud produces his first ace for 40-30. Djokovic then makes an uncharacteristic error, hitting wide to hand his opponent a free point and the game. A very rare free point. Couacaud will take it.
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*Couacaud 1-6, 2-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Can Couacaud exert pressure on his opponent’s serve? That’s a negative. Another love hold for the Serb.
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Years ago, before Thanasi Kokkinakis first met Andy Murray, he formed a preconceived idea about the Scottish player’s temperament. “I remember watching him when I was younger thinking: ‘This dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable,’” Kokkinakis says. “Then, when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy. I’ll put all that aside and give it a crack tomorrow.”
Couacaud 1-6, 2-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The good news is that Couacaud is moving well following that ankle roll. Serving well, too, and he holds his serve again to edge 2-1 in front in the second. Can he exert any pressure on the Djokovic serve? Henman, on commentary, has observed that Djokovic’s serving action is simplified in comparison to a few years ago. That seems to be allowing him to hit his spot with metronomic accuracy.
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*Couacaud 1-6, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djokovic tonks down a few big serves and chalks up his second love hold of the match.
Couacaud 1-6, 1-0 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The Mauritius-born Frenchman does extremely well to hold serve from 0-30 down.
Djokovic wins first set v Couacaud: 6-1
The Frenchman is fighting as hard as he can, and has caused some problems, but Djokovic is just getting warmed up …
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On John Cain Arena, Adrian Mannarino and Alex de Minaur (22) are in a first-set tiebreak.
No, I tell a lie. Murray v Kokkinakis is on after Liu v Bencic, and they are in the first set, Liu leading her Swiss opponent 4-2.
Andy Murray’s match is now scheduled to begin at 10am UK time.
Couacaud 1-5 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A double break now for Djokovic, who will serve for the first set.
He said the other day that the balls are slower than in previous years. He seems to be capitalising on that by belting the ball with phenomenal power from the baseline. Less speed off the court, perhaps, but more control.
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Our image library throws up some pictures of Enzo Couacaud playing John Isner at Wimbledon last year. Which is a nice reminder that it will be summer again in the UK before too long.
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*Couacaud 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A comfy hold for the world No 5.
It would be a shame if Couacaud is seriously restricted by that ankle injury. He was battling really well and competing well, and causing Djokovic some problems.
Couacaud 1-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The players are back on court. Djokovic is serving after breaking the Frenchman’s serve just now.
The doctor comes on. “I rolled my ankle,” Couacaud confirms. He seems perfectly sanguine about it now. Some magic spray is administered. It’s officially a medical timeout for the Frenchman.
A few minutes ago, the commentator on Eurosport said of Couacaud: “He’s not a young man – he’s 27.”
It’s all relative, isn’t it?
Couacaud 1-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Couacaud is going toe to toe with the world No 5 and nine-times Australian Open winner. Djokovic takes him to deuce, but in a mesmerising 21-shot rally, Djokovic eventually hits long and hands the point to the Frenchman.
Couacaud tries an audacious back-handed drop shot to win the game but fluffs it. On his next game point he tries a lob, which Djokovic doesn’t bother to run for, but it bounces just out. Then a break point for Djokovic – Couacaud smashes a serve down the middle that the Serb has no right to keep in play. But of course he does. No worries, Couacaud wins the point with an assured overhead smash. He then takes another advantage with a stunning winner down the line and treats himself to a fist pump in the direction of his team … but Djokovic pulls him back again and grabs another game point after a thrilling exchange from the baseline …
Couacaud fights like mad to save the break point – Djokovic wins it after Couacaud comes to the net. Oh dear – it looks like Couacaud has twisted his right ankle and the physio has been called. I think he may even be in tears. He tried to change direction quickly after a couple of volleys at the net.
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*Couacaud 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Three holds of serve to begin on Rod Laver Arena and Djokovic leads as the players take a drink.
“Oh, my God, I did almost everything to try to fix my serve … You can’t even imagine how much I worked. I’m just super happy right now that everything is working.”
Ominously for her rivals in the women’s singles draw, Aryna Sabalenka has made great strides with her serve. She was sans double-fault in blitzing Shelby Rogers 6-1, 6-3, to roar into the third round, today:
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Couacaud 1-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Predictably, Couacaud is taken to deuce on his own service game, having led 30-0. But he holds steady and comes through, rounding off the game with a serve-volley.
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“I was pissed, and I was even more pissed when she didn’t tell me she made the mistake.”
Jérémy Chardy lost his temper with the umpire, Miriam Bley of Germany, in his straight -sets defeat by Dan Evans earlier today.
The good news? Evans won in straight sets! 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.
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*Couacaud 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Love hold for Djokovic. Now Couacaud’s serve faces an examination from the best returner there is …
Preamble
Greetings, sports fans. Specifically tennis fans. What’s occurring today at Melbourne Park? Novak Djokovic is just getting his second-round match started against the qualifier Enzo Couacaud, who is 27 years old and ranked 191 in the world. He plays under the French flag but was born in Mauritius.
In about 45 minutes, Andy Murray is scheduled to start his second-round match against the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, ranked 159. How will Murray’s body be shaping up after his five-set epic against Matteo Berrettini a couple of days ago? We will find out.
Now, Djokovic is under way against Couacaud, serving first up.
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