That concludes our coverage, but plenty more where that came from with Emma Radacanu in action on Tuesday, plus Cam Norrie and local interest in Alex de Minaur. Plus news and features to come from Melbourne.
Here’s our stories from Melbourne today:
Osaka speaks after her first-round win: “Just being able to play many matches in Auckland helped me. I didn’t serve too many times before this match because of the injury. I’m grateful to get the opportunity to play on Rod Laver Arena again.”
“We’ll see, I really don’t know at all,” says Paul of his damaged shoulder. “Chris can absolutely bring it, and I had to bring some of my best tennis.”
Paul beats O'Connell 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-7 7-5
Paul rushes to 0-30 on that O’Connell serve, the second time with a backhand. And then on second serve, Paul wins out in a rally. O’Connell nets. Three match points, and then, O’Connell can’t find anything on to find a way back. Paul looks exhausted but he’s done it.
The latest from Melbourne
Osaka beats Garcia 6-3 3-6 6-3
Garcia’s serve is malfunctioning at the wrong time. 0-30, then 0-40. Three match points. The first is saved. No chance on the second, and Osaka is back, and through to the second round.
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The noise on court between O’Connell and Paul turns to oohs when O’Connell almost knocks the ump’s block off with a skewed backhand. Paul takes it to 6-5, and O’Connell must serve to take this minor classic to 6-6.
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Osaka is 4-3 up and serving, not totally fluid, but she gets it done. Garcia must serve to stay in the match.
O’Connell serves to stay in the match, and with an ace, takes himself to game point. Then misses a backhand down the line. At deuce, he and Paul skid all over the court, and we are back to advantage O’Connell. He takes it. 5-5 in the fifth.
Two games left on court, and it’s Tuesday in Melbourne.
Righto, my watch is over; here’s John Brewin to guide through the staggering denouements.
A big, quick hold for Garcia, to 15 for 2-3, keeps the pressure on Osaka, who’s handling it well. But as the finishing line nears, the tightness might increase, a backhand thrashed long at 15-0 followed by a fine forehand winner while back peddling giving Garcia 15-30. And have a look! A terrific backhand return raises two break-back points … both of them saved. To deuce we go, whereupon Garcia clobbers a fantastic backhand return that Osaka can’t get near … but again, she restores deuce and quickly closes out for 4-2 in the fifth while, on Kia, Paul thunders down a monumental second-serve ace then slaps down an overhead to lead 5-4, also in the fifth.
Tommy Paul has not gone! He dredges up first serves when he needs them most, secures his hold, and accepts more pain relief before sitting down, slumped. I’m in awe of the love, devotion and suffering these guys are providing for our entertainment; Paul leads 4-3 in the fifth.
Has Paul gone? From the disappointment of not breaking to 0-4o down, a monstrous forehand winner down the line moving him to applaud his opponent. The American, though, is a very serious competitor and soon makes 30-40, O’Connell then swiping a return long when offered a second serve. So they go to deuce while, on Laver, Osaka consolidates through deuce to lead Garcia 3-1 in the third.
A forehand return from Osaka incites Garcia to mishit, and when she lands another decent one, Garcia nets! The two-time champ leads 2-1 in the decider with a break, and as we suspected she might, she looks to be finding what she needs.
Paul, though, cannot force a break, O’Connell again hanging in there to level the fifth at 3-3.
A backhand to the corner followed by a forehand that breaks the sideline gives Osaka 30-15 on the Garcia serve, and another forehands] winner, as her opponent comes in, makes 30-all. Pressure! But a clever forehand, looped into the backhand corner, raises game-point … than an even cleverer wrongfooting backhand from Osaka earns deuce. This is so tense now, likewise on Kia where O’Connell is also at deuce on serve in the decider, having saved two break points at 2-3.
We’re on serve on Kia, Paul up 3-2 in the fifth, but O’Connell has the crowd behind him and the rallies are ever-more punishing.
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From 40-0, Garcia finds herself at 40-30, second serve, escaping when Osaka can’t properly get after it before netting a backhand. She’s making too many unforced errors, but as long as she holds her serve will remain nothing more than a blazing winner or two away from taking charge again. Garcia leads 1-0 in the third.
Serving at 30-all, Osaka goes long on the forehand and must now face set-point … converted when Garcia runs around her backhand to clout back a tame second serve. She takes the second set 6-3 and we will now enjoy the decider we deserve.
Up 30-0, Garcia hooks a backhand wide, inviting Osaka into the game, but at 40-30 a return drops long and at 3-6 5-3 she’s a game away from forcing a decider. On Kia, meantime, it’s 1-1 in the fifth, Paul’s left shoulder clearly causing him discomfort – but presumably not that much given he didn’t take a break for treatment, unless he figures it’ll get stiffer if he stops playing.
Back on Laver, Garcia remains a set down and a break up, leading 4-3 in the second. The points are getting longer too, which I guess helps her given Osaka’a propensity to end them suddenly.
Now then! Out of nowhere, having been down two min-breaks and almost out of the tournament. O’Connell forces two set points at 6-4, Paul really struggling with his shoulder-knack. But he saves the first via overhead … only for a succession of brutal groundstrokes to claim the set for the Aussie! We’re going all the way!
Garcia, though serves out to secure 3-6 3-1, and though it does still feel like Osaka will at some point do what she needs to do to win, this is a decent contest. On Kia, Paul leads O’Connell 4-2…
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Serving at 2-1 in the second, Osaka makes 15-all so Garcia responds with an ace out wide … neutered with a shanked forehand. But her backhand takes control of the next point, one to the deuce corner then another into the advantage raising game point. But a netted backhand brings us to deuce while, on Kia, Paul holds easily enough to set up a fourth-set breaker.
Back on Kia, O’Connell holds for 6-5 in the fourth, then Paul has the trainer work on his left shoulder, which is giving him grief on the backhand. Meantime the crowd entertain themselves, and there’s quite an atmosphere going now.
Osaka raises an immediate break-back point at 30-40 but after some weapons-grade backhands she overhits one and from there, Garcia closes out for 3-6 2-0. So Osaka takes some advice from her courtside coach then gets back under way, and i can’t decide if I like this new wrinkle or if I prefer the payers being on their own out there.
And then, at 15-30, Paul swipes a forehand wide; two break-back points for O’Connell … who only needs one! Paul then indicates a need for the trainer, his shoulder giving him gyp, while Osaka, also down break point, goes long on the backhand! Garcia trails 3-6 1-0.
Back on Kia, Tommy Paul is serving for the match at 5-4 in the fourth, but finds himself down 0-30…
Danielle Collins (10) beats Daria Snigur 7-6(4) 6-3
She meets Destanee Aiava next and it’s lovely to see her still in the sport – she’d planned to retire at the end of 2024 to start a family, but that’s not on the cards currently and her struggle with endometriosis has relented a little, allowing her to compete.
Osaka creams a backhand return that gives her 0-40 and three set points, then rehearses the shot a few times before punishing a deep backhand that Garcia can’t return. That completes a very fine set for the 2019 and 2021 champ, and I don’t really see what can be done to stop her here.
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A lovely return, down the line from out of court, gives Garcia the sniff of a sniff at 30-15, and a double makes 40-30, but a brutal service-winner secures a crucial hold. Osaka leads 5-3 and looks pretty good out there.
Osaka consolidates and both players will, I’d wager, know that if she’s at her best, her opponent has little for her. But a hold to 15 keeps Garcia in the set at 3-4…
By the way, these two have become mates in recent times. They weren’t especially cordial a few years ago, but a succession of matches together has brought them closer; Osaka’s appearance on Garcia’s pod is worth a look-in.
Osaka raises break point at 30-40 and Garcia wilts first, netting a forehand. The former champ leads 3-2 and if she can get in front, you’d back her to see this out.
We’re now at 2-2, both players serving well and settling in. Meantime, Collins is serving at 7-6 5-1, Snigur not long for this match, and Paul leads O’Connell 2-1 3-1.
Osaka said pre-match that mentally, she feels better than for ages, and a two-tie champ here, knows she’s capable of beating everyone. “But what are her trainers doing?” I hear you cry. Well, I need to close-up for detail, but in the meantime, this:
She holds for 1-1.
We’re away on Laver, Garcia holding for 1-0, while Paul, up 2-1, breaks O’Connell for 1-0 in the fourth. He’s in total control now.
Collins has broken to lead 7-6 2-0, Snigur looking forlorn … even more so when a second serve is pasted back past her to secure the double-break. Collins leads 7-6 3-0.
Lovely stuff dept: Osaka and Garcia, who met at this stage last term, Garcia the victor, are out.
Paul is all over O’Connell now, a thunderous service-winner out wide sealing a 6-1 set. He leads by two sets to one, and the Aussie nips off for a breather.
A primal holler from Collins as she claims the first-set tiebreak to four. I’ve not seen much of this match with all that’s been going on, but apparently Snigur is a strange kind of player and the set was not an easy one.
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On Kia, Paul now leads O’Connell 6-2 3-6 4-1, while on Court, Collins leads Snigur 4-3 in their first-set breaker.
Next on Laver: Naomi Osaka v Caroline Garcia. Not bad!
“In the end it was great,” says Djokovic, noting that his opponent was the better player for a set and a half and deserved all the applause he got. He’d not seen his opponent play until a few days ago and these kinds of matches are always dangerous, praising a “complete player” who “pleasantly surprised” him with his quality.
We learn that Basavareddy’s What’sApp pic is of Djokovic, who laughs, unsure how to react. He then further rhapsodises a “nice boy” who handles himself well, and is sure we’ll all be seeing more of him.
Finally, of course, we go to Andy Murray, discussing his skiing, but it’s all business now. It was a little strange to have his old foe in his box, but Coach Muzz offered some great advice mid-match and, now the players’ box is courtside, it offers them a fresh perspective to help.
Novak Djokovic (7) beat Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2
Djokovic will have to play much better than that if he’s to win a record 25th major. Of course he will, but whether he can play well enough is less clear. Still, he’s into round two and will meet Jaime Faria next, but let’s give credit to Basavareddy who played superbly until fatigue set in. He’s got a big future and I’m excited to see how he goes from here.
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…and Djokovic doubles! Rubbish under pressure, that lad, a total joker.
Hold tight Nishesh Basavareddy, who quickly makes 0-30 … so Djokovic retorts with an ace down the middle and a body-serve that incites a long return. A wide return then means match point number two….
…for as long as it takes Basavareddy to leave a Djokovic forehand return which catches the line. Match point no 2 coming up … and disappearing via long return. From there, Basavareddy closes out, so at 4-6 63 6-4 5-2, Djokovic will shortly serve for the match.
Djokovic soon makes 30-40, but a long forehand burns his first match point. And from there, Basavareddy finds reserves of strength to unleash a flat forehand that’s too good … only to go long with another having opening the space for it with a booming serve. We’re back at deuce…
Meantime on Kia, Paul – confusingly clad in green and gold – hangs in there to break Collins, then consolidates to lead 1-1 3-0. And in the time it takes me type that, Djokovic unfurls more aces to consolidate for 5-1. He’s a game away.
Ach, up 3-1 in the fourth, Djokovic raises a point for the double-break and outlasts Basavareddy in another sapping rally, the young American volleying wide after being handed a variety of moon-balls, top-spinners and flat animals. At 2-1 4-1, this match is almost over.
Snigur, a former Wimbledon junior champ, has broken Collins, but as I type she’s broken back and we’re at 4-4 in the first.
Down 2-1 in the fourth, Basavareddy makes deuce on the Djokovic serve, then regains it with a blazing forehand return, hooked down the line. But an ace restores advantage and a service-winner seals a crucial hold, Djokovic leading 2-1 3-1.
On Kia, Christopher O’Connell has just levelled his match against Tommy Paul seeded 12, at a set apiece. I daresay a few of those who were on Cain are now supporting the local lad here, so I’d expect a lot of noise and shenaniga.
Email! “Hard to watch the Kyrgios v Fearnley match with hardly any applause for Fearnley,” writes Niamh Brennan. “Worse is the cheering of faults and unforced errors from the rowdy crowd. Favouritism is one thing, rudeness is another.”
I know what you mean, but going by his interview, Fearnley enjoyed the challenge and the occasion. Coming through that match must feel pretty special.
Oh, I’ve just put on Mertens v Golubic to watch the final set and what I fact watch is Mertens celebrating. She wins 4-6 7-6 6-4 and meets Jessica Pegula (7) next.
Yeah, Djokovic breaks Basavareddy at the start of set three to lead 2-1 1-0, and this experience will be very helpful for both men. The former is now used to the court and balls, while the latter now knows what it takes to compete at the top level.
We’re under way again on Court, Collins leading Snigur 2-1 on serve.
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Fearnley knew it’d be a rowdy match and he really enjoyed it, saying he felt bad for Kyrgios, struggling with injury. He was trying to focus on himself, knowing he’d not be able to get the crowd on his side, and thinks this is probably the best match he’s ever played. He’s never experienced anything like tonight but had some heckles thrown his way playing college and is sure the experience will be good for him.
When he heard he was facing Kyrgios he felt nerves and excitement but the tennis both produced near the end of the match made it really enjoyable to play. He focused and lent on his team to keep the noise out and, finally, asked by Mac as to the whereabouts of his Scottish accent, he says it’s coming back the more he stays out of the US. That’ll be barry.
Jacob Fearnley beats Nick Kyrgios 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2)
That is a sensational win for Fearnley, on debut in the competition. It’s true that Kyrgios, two years away, struggled physically, but the way he handled the atmosphere and occasion, sticking to his plan and staying cool throughout, was extremely impressive. Necxt for him it’s Arthur Cazaux, and that should be a really fun contest.
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Back on Cain, Kyrgios is struggling, shorn of the serve that makes him special. Fearnley leads their third-set breaker 5-1, is serving, and this is almost over; as I type, a netted return hands him five match points.
Djokovic reasons with himself in celebration when Basavareddy nets, handing him 40-30 and set point; a backhand sent wide and he’s roaring his delight, his new coach also on his feet. Djokovic leads 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Basavareddy isn’t going away, a decent return of a second serve giving him 15-30. But terrifying hitting form Djokovic level the game, which we’ll come back to in a moment because, on Cain, Fearnley has held to earn a third-set breaker, in which he breaks immediately; Kyrgios quickly fights back to trail 1-2.
Ach, bad news on 1573 Arena, where Griggzy Dimitrov has been forced to retire when trailing Francesco Passaro 7-6 2-1; he meets Goffin or Bonzi next, the latter up two sets and a break.
Fearnley earns break point, well saved by Kyrgios with big first serve and backhand down the line, and seconds later the Aussie holds for 0-2 6-5; back on Laver, Basavareddy holds nicely, forcing Djokovic to serve for set two at 4-6 6-3 5-4.
Other hand, I guess Fearnley is from Scotland, so.
Hands! Kyrgios sends Fearnley to the backhand corner and though the response is a good, he’s there at the net to caresses a winning volley and make deuce. He’s two points away from the set and the crowd go wild when the young Scot nets. Again, though, he’s nails on the big point, a big serve and forehand winner restoring parity in the game, and from there, he closes out for 2-0 5-5. This is so impressive: he’s never played in this tournament, and the local hero in a night sesh and on a party court is quite the introduction.
Kyrgios holds for 6-7 3-6 5-4, forcing Fearnley to serve to stay in the set; on Laver, Djokovic leads Basavareddy 4-6 6-4 4-2, and is on the march.
Oh, in all the excitement I’ve forgotten to relay that Karolina Muchova, seeded 20 and a favourite of this blog, leads Natalia Podoroska 6-1 5-1, while Mertens has levelled her match with Golubic at a set apiece; she leads 2-1 in the decider, on serve.
Next on Court: Daria Snigur v Danielle Collins (10).
Alcaraz says he’s trying to become a better player and person every day. He’s glad to have his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero with him after last year’s enforced absence, is happy with his level today, and hopes to enjoy his next match – which he knows will be tough – and put on a show for the people. Finally, asked to rank his golf swing alongside that of Nadal and Sinner, he laughs for a while then goes himself first, then Nadal, then sinner, saying it’s not personal. He is so much fun, and a stone-cold killer.
Kyrgios holds for 0-2 4-3 and the crowd are well into this now; it’s a big test for Fearnley, who’s maintained equilibrium in impressive style thus far.
Carlos Alcaraz (3) beats Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-5 6-1
He meets Yoshihito Nishioka next and will be much better for what was a more thorough examination than the score suggests. Shevchnko can play – but so can Alcaraz.
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Which he converts when Fearnley nets! We’re back on serve in set three at 7-6 6-3 3-3 and some muscle-bros in the crowd celebrate by acting like they’re Kyrgios himself. This is not yet over.
…and finally earning a break point!
Alcaraz, meantime, is almost home, up 6-1 7-5 5-1 and serving for the match, though Shevchenko has given a decent account of himself. And on Cain, Kyrgios is experiencing a ninth wind, forcing Fearnley to deuce…
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Basavareddy endures a nasty-looking quad-massage before getting back to it, a brutal flat forehand making 15-0 and suggesting he’s feeling better. But he’s soon down 15-30, Djokivic’s consistency from the back too much, and the break, secured to 15, suggests that this match is over as a contest. Djokovic leads 4-6 6-3 1-0.
Fearnley has broken Kyrgios and now leads 7-6 7-3 3-1; there’s no sense he’s getting nervous, and no reason he should. His opponent is struggling physically and technically and doesn’t have what it’d take to fight back from here.
Djokovic serves out to level the match at one set apiece as Basavareddy limps about, clearly cramping. He sucks on a gel of some sort and will, I imagine take a break, because the toll of playing a bionic freak of nature is considerable. It’s hard to see how he wins from here, but whatever happens next, he’s announced himself as a talent.
Djokovic is forcing Basavareddy into places he’s never been before, horrible, painful, scary places. Almost all of his service-points are now a struggle, and up advantage Djokovic forces the error, hollering to the crowd. At 4-6 5-3, he will now serve for the second set.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded 29 – another getting further not nearer a Slam – has beaten Jan-Leonard Struff 6-3 6-0 4-6 6-1. He meets Davidovich Fokina next, the Spaniard having led 7-6 5-2 when Jerry Shang retired.
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I’ve lost count of how many apologies have been issued by our commentary team for Kyrgios’ language. It’s really very upsetting, I bet there’s no swearing in rugby union, why can’t everyone behave like rugby union players. We’ve had two holds in srt three, meaning Fearnley leads 7-6 7-3 1-1, while Alcaraz has of course broke and held to lead Shevchenko 6-1 7-5.
I guess Fearnley’s trajectory is not dissimilar to Cam Norries’s, another Scot no one really expected to get as good as he did. And I guess this is a lesson for us all: everyone’s path is different.
Coach Calv Betton messages in on Fearnley, saying he was having a middling college career in the States before coming big in his final year and he’s flown up the rankings – one of the fastest rankings of the last few years and not something anyone really expected. As a kid he was decent but not a standout and more of a grinder, but then he developed a rocket of a serve and last year kept winning challengers, so it should be no great surprise he’s melting a man who hasn’t played in two years.
So far, Fearnley is too good for Kyrgios, holding to love to lead 7-6 6-3. He is handling himself beautifully.
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Alcaraz holds, forcing Shevchenko to serve for the second set at 1-6 5-4 while, on Laver, Djokovic is getting after Basavareddy now, outhitting him from the back to raise break point. But a backhand slice drops long, the kind of error you so rarely see from the greatest of all time and he’s left asking questions when his opponent’s mishit clips the line, facilitating a forehand winner. However Basavareddy, who’s had a fair amount of injury aggro in his short career, might just be flagging – there’s less pop on his serve now, and he’s soon break-point down again, saving it nicely. This is pressure, but it’s the kind of pressure he’s spent his life dreaming of, and a service winner gives him another advantage. This time, Djokovic nets, but you sense that the youngster isn’t physically ready to win a match of this ilk; we shall see.
On Cain, meantime, Kyrgios – barely able to run – holds, forcing Fearnley to serve for set two at 7-6 5-3 while, as you probably assumed, Alcaraz has broken Shevchenko who was also serving for set two to lead 6-1 5-5.
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Excitement on Court as Shevchenko breaks Alcaraz then consolidates for 1-6 5-3 having taken four games on the spin; Fearnley holds against Kyrgios for 7-6 4-1; and Basavareddy fights back from 40-0 to 40-30, then allows Djokovic away with an exceedingly tame first serve and now leads 6-4 1-2.
Kokkinakis has beaten Safiullin 3-6 6-3 6-3 7-6(5); he’ll now meet Jack Draper on Wednesday.
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For those who missed it earlier, Alex Michelsen, the surging 20-year-old American, beat Stefanos Tsitsipas – getting further from rather than nearer to a major title – in four. Watch out for him – especially given he now has the no 11 seed’s route through the draw.
Fearnley consolidates in extremely short order, and looks a very accomplished player. Back on Laver, Djokovic, returned after his break, has held for 4-6 1-0 and it’s time for his new coach to earn his money; on Court, Alcaraz and Shevchenko have swapped breaks, such that the world no 3 leads 6-1 3-3.
At 7-6 -0, Fearnley makes 0-30 on the Kyrgios serve; an ace follows. But a fine return from Fearnley helps raise two break points … and both are saved, the first via ace. But another excellent return earns another break point, and yet another opens the court for a forehand winner! Fearnley leads 7-6 2-0 and he might just be running away with this now! Kyrgios isn’t, it doesn’t seem, ready for this level of competition – physically or technically.
…saved with an excellent second-serve into the body, though it’s surprising to see Djokovic fail to get it back. An ace follows, Basavareddy’s third of the match, and though Djokovic takes control of the next point with a backhand to the corner, he then nets a forehand and the young American leads 6-4! He is playing beautifully, and Djokovic, who leaves the court, knows he’s in a very serious match.
Djokovic gets Basavareddy, serving for the first set, to 30-all, and when a hooked forehand lands wide a 20-stroke rally ends and here comes break-back point…
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But back to Cain, Kyrgios goes long, and Fearnley, making his debut in this tournament, takes the first-set breaker to three! Kyrgios spends change of ends ranting, but that was a really solid effort from the young Brit, who’s handling the atmosphere and occasion superbly.
Arthur Cazaux, a hero of last year’s tournament, beating Rune and Griekspoor, has ejected another seed – Sebastian Baez is gone, 6-3 in the fifth.
On Cain, meantime, Fearnley holds to secure a first-set breaker and quickly takes a pair of mini-breaks to lead 5-1; there’s so much going on and my ADHD is delighted. Djokovic holds to 30, so after a little sit-down, Basavareddy will serve for the first set at 5-4.
Djokovic knows he’s in a match here and earns break point at 30-40, but Basavareddy outhits him from the back, enticing him to go long, and makes deuce. Then, when he reaches advantage, we see Andy Murray looking terse – yes, I know he almost always looks terse – and two tremendous forehands from his charge restore us to deuce. But then he goes long with another, his seventh unforced error of the match so far, except in a way all of them are forced because he’s being put under Benjamin Constant pressure. And from there, Basavareddy closes out, and at 5-3 he’s within a game of the first set!
Fearnley and Kyrgios are now at 5-5 in the first; Alcaraz leads Shevchenko 6-1 1-1; Kostyuk has beaten Hibino 3-6 6-3 6-1; Golubic leads Mertens, who has a break in the second set, 6-4 1-2; and Auger-Aliassime leads Struff 6-3 6-0 2-3.
Now then! Basavareddy breaks Djokovic to lead 4-3 in the first, and he is not waiting to be asked. I wonder if, perhaps, Djokovic’s aura isn’t quite what it was – opponents now feel that, if they play well, they can beat him.
Jack Draper (15) beats Mariano Navone 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2
A colossal win for Draper, who came into this match having barely played in the last few months, but worked his way into rhythm and form to win a belter. He’ll be so much better for that and meets Kokkkinakis or Safiullin next, in what’ll be another taxing assignment.
Draper opens what might be the final game of the match with a terrifying ace down the T, and though Navone responds well, a forehand winner curled into the corner makes 30-15. But when he comes in next point, he can’t get a cross-court pass up and over; naturally another ace on to the T raises match point at 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 5-2 40-30…
Draper holds for 5-1 then Navone does likewise for 5-2, forcing him to serve for the match, just as Fearnley raises two break points. Kyrgios saves one with an exocet of a s second serve, then the other with a deft volley. From there, he closes out for 4-3 in short order, and this is brewing into a terrific contest.
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We’ve not visited with Djokovic yet, but the crowd are on their feet applauding the 19-year-old American, Basavareddy, who’s hitting it hard from the back and chucking in cunning drops too. They’re 2-2 on serve and this has the makings of a decent ruckus.
Back on Cain, it’s a nice quiet night in at the library. Not! I don’t think! We’re on serve for now, though, Kyrgios up 3-2 and, as I type, creaming a forehand return cross-court for a clean winner and 0-15. Two gap yahs or not, few hit it harder and flatter. Fearnley, though, is handling himself well, securing a hold to 15 in impressive style whiole, on Court, Alcaraz leads Shevchenko 5-1.
A booming forehand winner down the line earns Draper deuce, and this feels like the match here; that last hold will have hit Naovne like a heel to the solar plexus and shonuff he nets to hand over a point for the double-break. He plays a nice rally, though, forcing his man to stretch into a baseline backhand before laying a tasty drop … which Draper sprints in to flip back down the line for another winner! He leads 4-1 in the fifth and is nearly there.
Alcaraz won’t have enjoyed being usurped as world no 1 by Jannik Sinner, and there’s a wild, vicious look about him out there. He’s broken Shevchenko for 2-1 and looks in frankly ludicrous condition, a hold to 15 giving him 3-1.
Navone, complaining of a hip issue, necks some pickle juice and we’re back under way.
Elsewhere, Fearnley, who’ll want to make this a tough, physical match, slams down an ace to make 30-all from 0-30 and closes out, while Draper, down two break-back points, incites Navone to go long on the forehand. A swinging serve out wide to the backhand follows, the lefty’s cheat code, and though the return is good, Draper runs around it then, a shot later, lands an inside-out forehand on to the outermost fibre of the outermost fibre of the sideline. That is a rrridiculous shot and from there, Draper closes out a colossal consolidation. He leads 3-1 in the fifth.
Navone calls for the trainer, and before everything gets too much, let’s go around the courts to update ourselves on what’s coming to pass.
Kokkinakis leads Safiullin 3-6 6-3 6-3 3-2
Hibino and Kostyuk are level at 6-3 3-6 1-1
Baez and Cazaux are level at 3-6 7-5 6-3 0-6 0-0
Auger-Aliassime leads Struff 6-3 6-0
Korda leads Klein 6-3 0-6 6-3 2-1
Draper makes 0-30 on the Navone serve, and when the Argentinian nets a forehand, you wonder if the physical and mental toll is telling. He’s reaching for his shots a little now, and when Draper defends the power-strokes, Navone loses patience, tries a drop … and nets again. That is experience talking and Draper leads 2-1 in the fifth with a break, saluting the crowd in celebration.
A straightforward hold for both Navone and Draper while, on Cain, Kyrgios – who’s had pretty much two years off with injuries and accoutrements – warms up. On Court, meanwhile, Shevchenko holds confidently against Alcaraz, who looks shorn and mean with buzz-cut and vest.
Righto, I’ve cunningly got Djokovic on Eurosport on SkyGo, allowing me another screen on Discovery+. As such, I’m now watching that, Draper, Alcaraz and Kyrgios. Anyone got any spare eyes?
But first to Draper, level with Navone at 4-6 6-3 5-6 6-3. Navaone, for his part, has only ever won two main-tour matches not on clay, but is also the only player ever to make his grand slam debut as a seed. Anyroad up, both are back and off we go again, a final-set shoot-out – for those of us in the UK, a decent start to the working week.
Greetings all, Daniel Harris taking over to discover an almost indecent quantity of tennis. Jack Draper has just levelled his match with Mariano Navone at two sets apiece; Nick Kyrgios will soon commence against Jacob Fearnley on Cain; likewise Novak Djokovic and Nishesh Basavareddy on Laver plus Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Shevchenko on Court; and there are various other matches in progress which we’ll discuss in a minute.
Right, the daytime is officially over at Melbourne Park, which means it’s time for Daniel Harris to take you through the night. Catch you soon.
Other names to look out for include Grigor Dimitrov (10), Tommy Paul (12), and Karolina Muchova (20).
Second up on RLA is former champion Naomi Osaka in an incredibly high quality all-unseeded clash with France’s Caroline Garcia.
While over at MCA, 2022 finalist Danielle Collins (10) takes on Ukraine’s Daria Snigur.
Casting ahead to this evening, when Daniel Harris will be in the hotseat, there is a surfeit of high quality action.
From 7pm on Rod Laver Arena Novak Djokovic (7) continues his love affair with Melbourne Park, seeded an unfamiliar seventh in pursuit of his 11th Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Nishesh Basavareddy, a 19-year-old American wildcard gets a moment in the spotlight.
At the same time on Margaret Court Arena, Carlos Alcaraz (3) begins his bid to pass the quarter final stage at the Australian Open for the first time. Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko is his first opponent.
But the star power of those two serial winners might not be enough to direct attention away from John Cain Arena. “The people’s court” will be feral for the return of Nick Kyrgios, with the controversial Australian up first against Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
If you’re just tuning in, you’ll be pleased to know the weather has been glorious all day in Melbourne. No sign of the wild storms that interrupted day one.
I missed out crowd favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has just moved two sets to one up over Roman Safiullin, but the Australian is far from 100% fit.
Relief for Kokkinakis 😅
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
After a 12-minute game, the Aussie saves seven break points to hold! 🇦🇺@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/dsRX4642ov
Of the matches still on court, Jack Draper (15) is two sets to one down to Mariano Navone, Marta Kostyuk (17) has conceded the first set to Nao Hibino, and Seb Korda (21) is locked at one set all against Lukas Klein.
But the headlines at this early stage of a grand slam are generated by upsets, and there have been a smattering of those.
The highest profile casualty is Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) with the out of form 2023 finalist unfortunate to come up against rising star Alex Michelsen.
Jeļena Ostapenko (16) can also consider herself unlucky that she was drawn against 2020 Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic. The Swiss is a natural top-30 player but returning from maternity leave.
Former champion Victoria Azarenka (21) was another notable early departure.
British tennis has had a couple of reasons to cheer with Jodie Burrage winning the first match of the day, and lucky loser Harriet Dart prevailing in a third set tiebreak.
It’s been a superb day for hosts Australia, with victories to Ajla Tomljanovic and Talia Gibson in the women’s singles, and Jordan Thompson (27), James Duckworth, James McCabe, Tristan Schoolkate, and Aleksandar Vukic, in the men’s.
The top seeds in action today largely went about their business unscathed, but none of the likely contenders for silverware turned in memorable performances.
In the men’s singles, defending champion Jannik Sinner (1) won his 15th match in a row in Melbourne, and 14th in straight sets, but needed a couple of tiebreaks to overcome Nicolás Jarry. While Frances Tiafoe (17) was taken to five sets by Arthur Rinderknech.
In the women’s singles, Iga Świątek (2) and Coco Gauff (3) both won in straight sets without hitting their strides, while the impressive Jessica Pegula (7) dropped only three games.
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Thanks Joey.
We’re in the evening valley here on day two at Melbourne Park, with the daytime stars already in their ice baths and the evening headliners an hour or so away from hitting the court. This gives us a perfect opportunity to wrap up the day so far and cast ahead to tonight’s action.
But that’s just about enough from me for now. It’s been a pleasure having your company over these past four hours, with some twists, turns and a few upsets to keep you entertained.
I’ll put you back into the capable hands of Jonathan Howcroft for now, with Daniel Harris on deck a little later.
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Jordan Thompson (27) defeats Dominik Koepfer 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-3
Koepfer put up a fight and Thompson’s serve began to abandon him as the set went on – his first save percentage dropping from 62% in the third to just 47% – but the German couldn’t find enough to deny the big serving Australian from progression.
Thompson fired down 18 aces to five across the four sets while restricting his unforced errors to 41, compared to Koepfer’s 60. He’ll now face Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the second round.
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The women’s 16th seed is out, as Jelena Ostapenko goes down to Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic 6-3 7-6. The Lithuanian had fought back in the second set after being down 5-3 at one point but just couldn’t find a way to deny her opponent. The former world number four now moves onto a second round meeting with the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens
Jule Niemeier, meanwhile, was dominant as she stormed past Maja Chwalinska out on Court 14, the German dropping just a single game as she claimed a 6-0 6-1 win and set up a probably second round meeting with Ukrainian 17th seed Marta Kostyuk.
Koepfer is not going quietly, breaking Thompson as he looked to serve the match out out on Margaret Court Arena. He then holds to love.
There’s been a big response from Kokkinakis out on Kia Arena as he ties things up at one set all with Safiullin and on Court 13, another Australian in Vukic is in a fierce contest with Dzumhur and has taken it to a fifth set, where both belligerents have thus far held serve.
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Women’s seventh seed Jessica Pegula has got her campaign underway out on John Cain Arena, taking on Australian qualifier Maya Joint.
On Court Three, Draper has made it a set apiece with Navone after talking out the second and on Court Seven, Schoolkate is inching closer to the second round, leading 6-7 7-6 6-1 2-2 as he battles with Daniel in the fourth set.
Thompson is growing stronger in the fourth set of his match up with Koepfer out on Margaret Court Arena, preparing to serve for the fourth set leading 7-6 6-4 4-6 5-1.
Down 6-3 5-3 and staring down the barrel of elimination against Bencic, women’s 16 seed Ostapenko has fought back in the second set on the 1573 Arena, taking it to a tie break.
A near four hour epic has concluded out on Court Eight and, as the dust settles, it is Hungarian Fabian Marozsan that will be moving into the second round.
Pushing each other to the limit, the world number 59 got past Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3 6-7 7-5 5-7 7-5 in the end, setting up a second round meeting with American 17th seed Frances Tiafoe, who also won in five sets against Arthur Rinderknech.
When Harriet Dart wore up this morning she wasn’t even in the Australian Open -- eliminated by Japan’s Nao Hibino in qualifying. But Marketa Vondrousova’s late, late, withdrawal after being unable to overcome an injury picked up at the Adelaide International threw her a lifeline, a place in the draw as a lucky loser.
And the Brit has taken advantage of her fortune, moving into the second round after getting past Croatian Jana Fett – saving a match point in the third set before triumphing in a tie break and taking the match 7-5 2-6 7-6.
She’ll now face another Croatian in the form of 18th seed Donna Vekic, who cruised past Diane Parry in her opening round hit out.
The fightback is on from Kokkinakis on Kia Arena, the Australian breaking Safiullin early in the second as he looks to tie things up at a set apiece.
Out on Court Six, Pavlyuchenkova has taken out the first set against Yuan but now finds herself down an early break at the start of the second.
Draper has raced away from Navone in the second set as he looks to bounce back on Court Three and on Court 14, Jule Niemeier has yet to drop a game in her meeting with Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, leading 6-0 2-0.
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Koepfer breaks Thompson to open the fourth set, only for the Australian to break straight back.
As you were then, I guess.
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Schoolkate is doing his bit to set up a meeting with Sinner in the second round, leading Daniel 6-7 7-6 3-0 in the third set.
As Sinner was seeing things out on Rod Laver, this late afternoon session has continued to prove a challenging one for the Australians at the nearby Kia Arena, as Safiullin has taken the first set against local hope Kokkinakis.
Out on Court 15, lucky loser Dart and Fett have gone to a tie break in their third set, the Brit surviving a match point and breaking the Croatian to stay alive.
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Jannik Sinner (1) beats Nicolas Jarry 7-6 7-6 6-1
“He did enough” is the word from Channel Nine’s commentary team as the men’s top seed moves through to the second round.
He was made to work hard for it as he was taken to tie breaks in the first and second sets – and it easily could have been tied at a set apiece heading into the third set.
But in the end, the Italian broke the back of his opponent’s resistance, grabbing the match’s first break in the second game of the third set and kicking away.
No disgrace in defeat for Jarry, who rode the Chilean crowd to challenge his highly ranked foe and lived up to his status as the highest ranked player to play a top seed in the opening round of a major since Wimbledon in 2015.
One final time, “Chi, Chi, Chi, Le, Le, Le!”
More action in the men’s draw is underway, as Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka and Turkish qualifier Aziz Dougaz get things underway on Court 15.
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It all feels academic now as Sinner breaks Jarry again and can now look to serve this match out.
The Chilean has tried to fire himself and the crowd up in an effort to spur a comeback but the men’s top seed has mercilessly ground him away.
Koepfer continues to take it up to Thompson, holding serve and taking out the third set on Margaret Court Arena.
The Australian fired down seven aces and hit more winners than his German opponent in the set but was let down by unforced errors, making 14 to Koepfer’s eight.
Sinner is in cruise control now, speeding to another hold and now just two games away from the second round, leading Jarry 7-6 7-6 4-1.
It doesn’t look like Koepfer is going to make things easy for Thompson and the partisan home crowd at his back over on Margaret Court Arena, the German qualifier serving to take out the third set.
And in further bad news for the locals, Dzumhur has taken out the third set against Vukic on Court 13.
Back on Rod Laver, Jarry ensures he still has a pulse by holding serve.
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The second round is starting to come into clearer focus for the defending champion, as Sinner holds serve to take a 7-6 7-6 3-0 lead against Jarry.
Yet to break Sinner once, the Chilean faces a defining moment in seeking to hold serve.
Casting our eyes out to Court Three, Argentine Navone has taken out the first set against British 15th seed Draper, taking an early 6-4 advantage as play begins in the second.
Meanwhile, out on Court Eight, Seyboth Wild has successfully taken Marozsan to a fifth and deciding set.
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An unforced error from Jarry – charging to the net before sending his smash well over the head of Sinner – gives the match its first break.
It’s now advantage to the Italian, as he’s gifted an early 2-0 lead in the third set and can now push to see this match out.
Out on 1573 Arena, Belinda Bencic has taken out the opening set 6-3 against 16th seed Jelena Ostapenko – the defending US Open champ the latest to be put on upset watch.
Admittedly, though, Bencic the Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Games and coming back after giving birth to her first child, Bella, last April, presents a pretty challenging opening round match.
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As it turns out, Sinner needed all three of those set points -- giving Jarry a sniff by coughing up two unforced errors, only to finally see off the Chilean and take out the set and extend his lead to 7-6 7-6.
He can now see off the challenge from Jarry and move into a second round meeting with either Schoolkate or Daniel in the third.
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Fett has stormed back to take her meeting with Dart to a decisive third set, in which the two are currently locked up at three games apiece.
On Court Eight, Seyboth Wild is serving to take Marozsan to a fifth set.
Jarry hammers the ball into the net and gives Sinner three opportunities to take out the second set, two of which he will serve for!
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And there you have it, another tie break will be required to separate Sinner and Jarry on Rod Laver Arena.
The cries of “Chi, Chi Chi, Le, Le, Le” ring out around the arena as the two prepare, the Chilean fans attempting to lift Jarry to something massive. The 29-year-old has never been beyond the second round of the Australian Open in four attempts and his best performance at a major was a fourth round apperance at the 2023 French Open.
Another slate of matches have commenced in Melbourne.
Lithuanian 16th seed Jelena Ostapenko is facing Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on 1573 Arena, men’s 15 seed Jack Draper down an early break against Argentine Mariano Navone, Sebastian Baez and Arthur Cazaux are getting set to begin on Court Five, and women’s 27 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has commenced her match with China’s Yuan Yue.
And the day looks like it’s going to get even better for those in green and gold, as big serving local Thompson has taken out the second set against Koepfer, now leading 7-6 6-4.
The Sydneysider is looking to move into a second round meeting with Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who has defeated Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-7 6-3 6-2 7-5.
You’re never going to believe this... but Sinner just hed serve against Jarry. I know, I’m shocked as well.
It’s now 5-5 in the second set between the Italian top seed and his game Chilean challenger, with all indications we’re off to yet another tie break to split them.
And then Jarry hold serve to make it 5-6. Because of course he does.
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Popular local figure Thanasi Kokkinakis has made his way onto Kia Arena to a warm reception as he prepares for his meeting with Roman Safiullin.
And there’s been more joy for the locals on Court Six as James McCabe has seen of Spaniard Martin Landaluce in straight sets, winning 6-4 6-3 6-4. Indeed, it’s been a very good day for the locals, with Ajla Tomljanovic, Talia Gibson, and James Duckworth also winning through.
In live action, Thompson can take a two set lead over Koepfer with a break, Tristan Schoolkate is down a set to Taro Daniel, and Aleksandar Vukic is fighting back against Damir Dzumhur.
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Jarry drops the opening two points of his service game against Sinner only to promptly fight back and take the next four, holding serve and roaring in celebration as he makes it 3-4 in the second set.
After the first set went over an hour as it went to a tie break, both men have so far held serve in the second. Yep, we might be in for a long one… Novak Djokovic (7) against American Nishesh Basavareddy and Naomi Osaka taking on Caroline Garcia are also scheduled for Rod Laver Arena today.
The Nick Kyrgios effect is in full swing, as hundreds of fans wait patiently outside John Cain Arena for the Australian’s long-awaited grand slam return.
A failure in the virtual queue QR-code based system has forced organisers to return to physical lines to regulate access to the arena known as Melbourne Park’s “people’s court”. By 2.30pm lines were already hundreds of fans long, snaking in the sun at the eastern side of John Cain Arena.
Fourteen-year-old Adelle was there with her friend and mother, anticipating a wait for two hours or more. “Kyrgios always puts on a show, he’s always good to watch, you know that at least you’re gonna get something interesting in there and he’s been out for a while,” the teenager said.
The group had arrived at Melbourne Park at 8am seeking to reserve their place for both the day and night sessions, but were unaware the arena gets emptied before it is filled again for the evening’s matches.
“I ran from the entrance into John Cain Arena and I got the seat I wanted, and then some people behind me said, ‘you know you’re not going to be here all day to watch Kyrgios, you’re going to get kicked out and have to fight for a spot’.”
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Iga Swiatek (2) beats Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-4
It’s been a distracting buildup for the Polish second seed but Iga Swiatek is through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-4.
The former world number one didn’t have it all her own way, broken once in each set, but ultimately moved through rather comfortably, setting up a second round meeting with Slovak Rebecca Šramková.
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Former two-time champion Victoria Azarenka is out in a boilover!
Italian Lucia Bronzetti had one just once in her two previous assaults on the Australian Open and didn’t enter this year’s tournament in the best of form but after winning a second-set tie break she’s taken out of the biggest wins of her career, eliminating the Belarusian 21 seed 6-2 7-6.
Swiatek breaks Siniakova out on John Cain Arena and promptly holds serve. One more break and she’ll advance past the Czech doubles specialist and set up a second round meeting with Slovakian Rebecca Šramková.
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In other action, Portugal’s Borges has moved into the ascednecy over France’s Muller, taking out the third set 6-2.
Gifted the opportunity to enter the main draw after an injury to former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova -- lucky loser has to be one of the better phrases in sport -- Britain’s Harriet Dart has taken out the opening set against Croatian qualifier Jana Fett.
McCabe, meanwhile, has moved to a two set lead over Landaluce, up a break at 6-4 6-3 3-1 in the third.
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And with a powerful ace, men’s top seed Sinner is finally able to steal a march on Jarry, taking out the first set on Rod Laver Arena in an hour and 13 minutes! If this keeps up, we could be in for a long one, here.
France’s Arthur Rinderknech pushed him all the way but 17th seeded American Frances Tiafoe has taken out their first round meeting out on the 1573 Arena, taking it 7-6 6-3 4-6 6-7 6-3.
There’s a bit happening everywhere right now, as Thompson takes out the tie break on Margaret Court Arena to take the first set of his meeting with Koepfer 7-6. Siniakova, meanwhile, is hanging with women’s second seed Swiatek out on John Cain, breaking back in the second set before holding serve to make it 2-3.
Sinner has a break point to take out the first set against Janny, twice, but he can’t take advantage! The Chilean has taken the men’s top seed to a tie break in their opening set, much to the delight of his vocal support in the crowd. “Chi! Chi! Chi! Le! Le! Le!”
Elsewhere, Thompson has held serve against Koepfer, forcing their opening set to a tiebreak. Siniakova, meanwhile, has stopped Swiatek’s run of breaks and made it 1-2 on John Cain.
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Tiafoe has taken what could prove a decisive break in the fifth set of his showdown with Rinderknech, looking to hold serve at 4-3 and take another big step towards the second round.
The winner of that one will take on either Seyboth Wild or Marozsan, who are both seeking a break in the third set of their clash.
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There’s another Aussie in action this afternoon out on Margaret Court Arena, as men’s 27 seed Jordan Thompson faces off with German qualifier Dominik Koepfer.
The pair have exchanged breaks in their opening set, with Koepfer holding serve to make it 5-6.
Sinner and Jarry continue to search in vain for what could be a decisive break in their opening set on Rod Laver but that’s increasingly looking like it’s less and less of an issue for Swiatek, who has broken Siniakova’s serve for the third straight time to take out the opening game of their second set.
Looking around the grounds, Alexandre Muller and Nuno Borges have taken out a set apeice as they battle in the third set of their meeting on Court 14, a scenario mirrored out on Court Eight in the match between Thiago Seyboth Wild and Fabian Marozsan.
It’s break on break on break between Swiatek and Siniakova, as the Polish second seed breaks right back once more and will now have the chance to serve for the opening set. And she does! The Polish second seed holding serve to take out the first set 6-3.
Duckworth isn’t mucking about out on Court Three, he’s taken out the second set against Stricker and now leads 6-2 6-4 heading into the third and what he hopes will be final set.
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Azarenka has broken Bronzetti’s serve as she looks to tie their match at one set apeice out on the Kia Arena, while the deciding set between Tiafoe and Rinderknech has begun with both men holding serve.
Sinner is forced to sweat as he sees off two break points before holding serve against Jarry. Siniakova, however, has broken straight back against women’s second-seed Swiatek!
Another Aussie in action today is wild card James McCabe, who has taken out the first set of his clash with Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce 6-4 out on Court Six.
And having just said that, Swiatek (2) has broken Siniakova to seize the initiative in their first set.
Elsewhere, Rinderknech has been succesful in taking Tiafoe (17) to a fifth set, taking out the fourth in a tie-break and ensuring we’re going the distance on the 1573 Arena.
Sinner (1) and Jarry have both held serve in the opening set of their match out on Rod Laver Arena, as have Swiatek (2) and Siniakova next door on John Cain Arena.
Rinderknech is fighting back against Tiafoe (17), taking the fourth set into a tie break in his efforts to force their encounter on 1573 Arena into a decisive fifth.
Out on Kia Arena, Bronzetti has held serve to take out the first set 6-2 against Azarenka (21), taking things out after a backhand error from the Belarusian.
Out on Rod Laver, Sinner and Jarry have both held serve in their opening service games and now the top seed does so again for a second time: Jarry unable to keep his return in after watching an ace go past him the previous point.
Another local hope in James Duckworth has made a strong start to his match with Swiss Dominic Stricker, taking the first set 6-2. Both have held serve as the second set gets underway on court three.
We’ve another upset, as Chilean 23rd seed Alejandro Tabilo has been unable to survive a fourth set tie break and, thus, gone down 6-1 2-6 3-6 6-7 to unseeded Spaniard vet Roberto Carballes Baena
In other action already under way, Victoria Azarenka (21) has broken back against Italian Lucia Bronzetti but still finds herself down 2-5 in the opening set of their match on Kia Arena, while American Frances Tiafoe (17) is on the verge of moving past France’s Arthur Rinderknech on the 1573 Arena.
Another local has advances through to the second round on this second day of the Open, veteran Ajla Tomljanović taking the decisive set to defeat American Ashlyn Krueger 6-4 4-6 6-4.
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Thanks Jonathan and hello everyone, Joey Lynch here, ready to jump in after that barnburner between Tsitsipas and Michelsen, ready to take you through the next few hours of action from here in Melbourne.
There’s plenty on tap but we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on men’s top seed Jannik Sinner, who is scheduled to get his campaign underway against Chilean Nicolás Jarry any moment and women’s second seed Iga Swiatek, who is facing Czech Katerina Siniakova – one half of the women’s doubles top seeds, alongside American Taylor Townsend – on John Cain Arena.
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And on that note, I shall handover to Joey Lynch for the next few hours. Catch you back here soon.
Alex Michelsen beats Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4
Michelsen seals the deal with the first service hold in five games for the biggest win of his career. The 20-year-old withstood Tsitsipas’ comeback, and the partisan John Cain Arena crowd, to move into the second round – where a wildcard or qualifier await.
Why is Tsitsipas struggling so badly? In short, his backhand has deserted him. He knows it. His opponents know it. And it is dictating every point.
Michelsen is directing as much traffic as possible to his opponent’s backhand side, with the result of 15 unforced errors to just 4 winners. On the Greek’s forehand, it’s 17 winners to 10 unforced errors.
Reminds me of Graham Gooch’s comment about New Zealand during Richard Hadlee’s time: World XI at one end, Ilford 2nds at the other.
The standard of play in this fourth set is higher than the three before it with Tsitsipas liberated by his rage and Michelsen fighting fire with fire. Each man blisters the line with backhand winners, Michelsen pulls out a series of barely believable returns, and after three deuces, the 11th seed tosses in a double fault for a fourth consecutive break!
The young American will serve for a place in the second round.
A third break in a row and Tsitsipas is back on serve in the fourth set against Michelsen! The 11th seed has upped the intensity and Michelsen’s serve is wilting in the heat.
John Cain Arena is hotting up! With Tsitsipas moving into all-or-nothing mode Michelsen hands the break back with a timid service game. The American immediately regains the break with a brilliant returning game, capped by a magnificent running backhand pass down the line to silence the partisan crowd.
Two service holds for Michelsen and Tsitsipas will fall at the first hurdle.
There is something happening everywhere you look around Melbourne Park now as the Australian Open hits its stride.
Elina Svitolina (28) has won the opening set against Sorana Cirstea.
Victoria Azarenka (21) is an early break down to Lucia Bronzetti.
Ajla Tomljanovic is a double break up in the deciding set against Ashlyn Krueger.
Australian wildcard Talia Gibson has completed her comeback victory over Zeynep Sonmez 3-6 7-6 6-1. She’s through to face 11th seed Paula Badosa in the second round in the biggest match in her career.
… Michelsen, unfazed, has just broken Tsitsipas in the opening game of the fourth set. The Greek is rattled, mouthing off at his box and thumping his racket against his kitbag. The American is playing smart tennis, keeping the ball in play, executing high percentage points and allowing his opponent to combust.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) is on the comeback trail! The Greek, with John Cain Arena well behind him, has won the third set to reduce the deficit on Alex Michelsen. The American won only two of ten points behind his second serve in the third set, allowing Tsitsipas the chance to dictate terms.
I may have spoken too soon about Coco Gauff’s next opponent. Ashlyn Krueger has just levelled things up at one set apiece against Ajla Tomljanovic.
Better news for another Australian though with Talia Gibson 4-0 up in the deciding set against Zeynep Sonmez.
Coco Gauff (3) beats Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-3
She didn’t sparkle but Coco Gauff did enough to see off Sofia Kenin on Rod Laver Arena. Both players were rusty, with Kenin hitting 14 more unforced errors than winners, and Gauff serving nine double faults. She has just spoken on court that her second serve suffered because of the glare from the sun.
Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage up next.
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Diana Shnaider (12) has beaten Elisabetta Cocciaretto 7-6 6-4. The 20 year-old Russian is through to round two, where Ajla Tomljanović is likely her next opponent.
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Gauff survives a couple of break points to move one game away from victory over Kenin. It is a match has failed to catch fire with Gauff struggling behind her second serve and Kenin failing with a litany of low percentage attempted winners.
Australian wildcard Talia Gibson has forced Zeynep Sonmez into a deciding set after pinching a second set tiebreaker. This is only the second grand slam match in the career of the 20-year-old from Perth.
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25th seed Liudmila Samsonova is safely through in straight sets against fellow Russian Kamilla Rakhimova. Samsonova reached the semi-finals in Adelaide recently, and will face Olga Danilović in round two after the Serbian defeated Arantxa Rus 6-4 6-4.
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After grinding through the opening set, Coco Gauff is now a break up in the second and in control 3-1 against Sofia Kenin. Kenin has won just 46% of points behind her first serve and has 20 unforced errors to just nine winners. This undermines how much of the match has been played on Kenin’s terms, but so often a crucial forcing shot has landed fractionally long or wide, especially crosscourt forehands.
On Rod Laver Arena Coco Gauff (3) holds onto win the opening set of her match against Sofia Kenin 6-3.
On Margaret Court Arena Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic has taken the opening set against Ashlyn Krueger 6-4.
And on John Cain Arena Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) is now two sets DOWN to Alex Michelsen 5-7 3-6.
Jodie Burrage beats Leolia Jeanjean 6-2 6-4
The first winner of the day is Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage. Burrage missed six months of the 2024 season through injury and considered quitting the sport, but used her protected ranking to start in Melbourne, and she is through to the second round after outclassing French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean.
Next up for her: Gauff or Kenin.
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Coco Gauff has moved to a 5-2 lead over Sofia Kenin without yet hitting her straps. the third seed’s double fault count has grown to six, in just four service games.
Frances Tiafoe (17) is a set and a break up in his match with Arthur Rinderknech. Zero unforced errors so far for the American.
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Another multi-deuce service game for Coco Gauff, but this time it goes Sofia Kenin’s way. We’re back on serve on RLA in a match already averaging seven minutes per game. Gauff has served five aces and four double faults in an erratic opening. Kenin is just keeping the ball in play and showing that resilience from the baseline that became her trademark five years ago.
20-year-old American Alex Michelsen has taken the first set off 12th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, breaking the Greek’s serve in the 12th game. It would be no surprise if the 2023 finalist became the first major casualty of the tournament.
It took Coco Gauff eight minutes and five deuces to hold serve in the opening game of her clash with Sofia Kenin. We could be in for a long one on RLA.
Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage has won the opening set 6-2 against France’s Leolia Jeanjean. The winner of that clash will face Gauff or Kenin in round two.
Third seed Coco Gauff has made her entrance onto Rod Laver Arena ready for her blockbuster first round match against 2020 champion Sofia Kenin. Gauff won all five matches at the United Cup in Perth recently, without dropping a set, continuing her excellent end to 2024, that concluded with WTA Finals glory.
Gauff is in Aryna Sabalenka’s quarter of the draw setting up the prospect of a mouthwatering semi-final towards the end of next week.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the final here in 2023, and made three semi-finals in the four years before that. His form has nosedived since, plummeting from third in the world to 12th, with only two tournament victories in that time.
He has the full throated support of Melbourne’s massive Greek community out on John Cain Arena this morning, but he has his work cut out against 20-year-old rising star Alex Michelsen who has vaulted from 601 in the world to 41st in just two years.
It’s currently on serve in the opening set.
Coco Gauff is in action in about 15 minutes, leading the charge for an emerging younger breed of US grand slam contenders.
Since her much-discussed break with coach Brad Gilbert after her disappointing US Open performance (losing to fellow American Emma Navarro, who is the eighth seed in Australia), Gauff’s record is an extraordinary 18-2 since the US Open. With new coach Matt Daly, Gauff has ironed out much of the issues with her forehand and serve and is playing a brand of highly confident tennis. Further, the fact that Gauff is one of the fastest players on tour and possesses a very strong mindset makes her somewhat upset-proof in the bigger events.
Today’s weather forecast is much more promising that yesterday. The temperature is in the mid-20s, it’s muggy but dry, and it should remain that way for most of the day. Any isolated showers passing through on the gentle southerly breeze are unlikely to linger for long.
Some fog & low cloud to start the day across the south, then warming up with the chance of afternoon showers or storms for much of #Vic today, possibly severe in the east. pic.twitter.com/sOOx7FQDLb
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 12, 2025
The most interesting story from yesterday’s play was the success of Hady Habib, the first Lebanese tennis player to win a match at a grand slam. Tumaini Carayol has more:
Habib’s trailblazing success is even more significant considering it has come at a time of war in his country. The past year has been a period of unimaginable pain for many Lebanese people as the country continues to pick up the pieces following Israel’s airstrikes and ground invasion of Lebanon, which have killed nearly 4,000 people, destroyed whole towns and villages, and displaced more than a million people.
With Habib’s parents, other family and friends still living in Lebanon, he has spent much of the past year glued to his phone every morning as he has tried to check that his loved ones were all OK. His success has provided an unlikely source of inspiration for Lebanese people. “It’s a huge win, especially what we’ve been going through as a country,” he said. “I think to bring something positive, especially, we’ve been having a rough time with the war. We had our other issues in the past. It’s just nice to get this win for Lebanon and for the people.”
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of the second day’s play at the 2025 Australian Open. Action kicked off on the outside courts of Melbourne Park at 11am sharp local time, while the stadium courts welcome some of the sport’s biggest stars from 11.30am.
I’ll be focusing on the daytime matches for now, ahead of a jam-packed evening session which features Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka.
A selection of the first round singles matches we’ll be paying close attention to during the day session include:
11:00am: Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) v Alex Michelsen
11:30am: Coco Gauff (3) v Sofia Kenin
1:30pm: Iga Swiatek (2) v Katerina Siniakova
2:00pm: Jannik Sinner (1) v Nicolas Jarry
Other names to keep an eye out for include a stack of home hopes: Ajla Tomljanovic, Jordan Thompson, Talia Gibson, James Duckworth, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Christopher O’Connell, Destanee Aiava, James McCabe, Tristan Schoolkate, and Aleksandar Vukic.
While plenty of other interesting seeded players get their tournaments underway, including American challengers Tommy Paul (12) and Frances Tiafoe (17), rising British contender Jack Draper (15), and former champion Victoria Azarenka (21).
There are also a couple of intriguing match-ups featuring unseeded players with serious CVs, specifically Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic v 16th seed Jelena Ostapenko, and Italian veteran Fabio Fognini v 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov.
It’s going to be a job keeping up with it all, so feel free to nudge me in the direction of something interesting as it unfolds. The address is jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com for all correspondence.
Hopefully today’s action is an improvement on yesterday’s thin gruel. Day one patrons were not favoured either by the schedulers or the weather, with little of note occurring inside the major arenas and six hours of play lost to wild storms on the outside courts.
