Kecmanovic and Rune is going with serve and may go on forever at 4-4 in the third set. Every time there’s a glimpse of a possible route to victory, it’s closed off.
Keys speaks about playing Collins: “We’ve been playing each other since we were 12, she is such a fighter. I really love playing here. Being here is amazing.”
She is then asked a load of questions about being coached by her husband by Jelena Dokic, and then about coffee in Melbourne. Sounds like Harold Bishop’s brew gets the Keys thumbs up. Rybakina awaits, getting back to the tennis,
Keys beats Collins 6-4 6-4
Two big serves grab control for Keys. But a huge return on second serve claws Collins back into it. The next evades Collins and two match points are Keys’s. The first is gobbled up, and the Collins departs the scene, and is booed for her troubles. She kept herself to herself and that knee injury can’t have helped.
How does the gammy knee hold up? Well enough for 15-0, and a nice drop shot, too. Then some powerful baseline hits draw Keys into an error. Gutsy as ever from Collins. A big serve brings up 40-15. Similar to close out the game. So Keys must serve out. It’s 5-4 in the second.
Keys tries to finish off Collins who is fully strapped up but still giving her all. It goes to deuce on this key game. A sliding serve from Keys grabs game point, a beauty. And Collins, forced to go for it, smashes the ball out. That’s a big, big hold. It’s 5-3, and Collins must serve to stay in.
There are tears from Collins, and grimaces. Something went when serving a double fault. This is a first for her, she tells the trainer. She will be taped up. Keys consults with her coaches. The next round is in full view.
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Rune levels the sets at 1-1 with Kecmanovic, winning second set 6-3
Rune serves for the second set, and gets to set point at 40-30. Like this whole match, it’s a battle to get there but a big serve levels it at 1-1.
Collins is wobbling now, back at 3-3, she drops to 0-40 on her serve. She calls for the trainer, her knee is the problem. So is the serve. A double fault hands over the break, and Keys can serve to take control, once the trainer’s worked their magic. The left knee seemed to buckle.
Uh oh, Collins goes big, and the net cord means her attempted winner goes out. Break point to Keys, and she steers a winner down the court to go back on serve. That was a crunching shot.
Rune and Kecmanovic are going right at it, and Rune wins a power-packed rally, though cannot get another break. He leads 4-2 in the second.
Keys holds her serve for 1-3 down but Collins is playing well. She’s not even being booed.
Collins has a tough hold on her serve, but Keys nets, and it’s 3-0 in the second. This one seems it’s going to a decider and Collins is on her best behaviour.
Collins has broken Keys, and is showing the fortitude of her later career, and some of the guts that have taken her to the final here before. The grunts are getting louder, too.
Rune is a break up in the second and looking more confident. The serve is working well, too, and he rushes to 3-0 up, looking to level the match.
So, where does Collins go from here? She serves well, and Keys’ radar fades from the previous game. Collins aces for a love game. She has some fans on her side in there.
Keys takes the first set from Collins 6-4
Keys serves to win the first set, and she has to fight off a resurgent Collins. The means to do this is fierce serving, and she takes it to love. Not even a big cheer for that. There have been warnings issued to the crowd.
Updated
Kecmanovic takes the first set from Rune 7-6
Kecmanovic snatches full hold of the tie-break, and goes 6-1 up. Then loses the next two points. And then, as it gets close, goes big on the serve to win 7-5. He’s played very well.
Keys leads 4-2, with an improvement from both players in this stilted first set.
Rune has to serve to stay in the first set, and is taken to deuce by Kecmanovic. He holds to go to a tie-breaker.
Collins held her serve to a blank response. The noise levels are going up a bit, as the amber nectar has clearly got to a few. Mind, both players’ error levels suggest they’re a bit squiffy, too. Keys holds her serve, somehow. It’s 3-1.
Kecmanovoc and Rune is back with serve. That one could go all night. 5-5 in the first.
Updated
When Keys holds her serve to go 2-0 up on Collins, there’s a cheers but this is a very odd atmosphere. Less a bearpit than a dissatisfied audience for a rubbish support band.
And Collins loses the first game, broken on serve by Keys. To cheers. It’s back on serve between Kecmanovic and Rune, at 3-3.
Few cheers when Collins wins the second point at 15-15. But some mockery when she double faults. The hoons and galas are out in force for her.
Updated
OK, here we go…and the crowd cheers when Collins nets…oh dear.
Some Sinner quotes after that easy win.
“Tough match – if it’s Holger I know him slightly better. We’ve had some very tough battles in the past. If it’s Miomir it’s a bit different. We’ve played I think a couple of times. Let’s see. I’ll try and focus on my side, as I said try to raise my level and hopefully it’s a good match.”
He did go a bit flat in the third set.
“Today the percentage of my net game was not really good but I try to improve, sometimes I feel certain things are a little bit better, sometimes a bit worse but that’s normal.
“Trying to stay there mentally which is the most important aspect but for sure if I want to go on in this tournament I have to improve. I have to raise my level but I am still very happy.”
A recap of today’s stories as we enter the last two matches on court.
Let’s see how that Melbourne Saturday night crowd react to Colins.
Early break for Rune against Kecmanovic, it’s 3-2 in the first as the Rod Laver prepares for Collins v Keys.
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Sinner beats Giron 6-3 6-4 6-2
Sinner serves out with real ease, too easy. Giron barely laid a glove on him.
Giron has been broken and Sinner will serve out, two breaks up
The next match on the Margaret Court Arena is a men’s encounter between Miomir Kecmaovic, against the Dane Holger Rune. Following the Sinner game will be bad girl Danielle Collins v Madison Keys.
Giron breaks but then coughs up break points in the next game, to fall 3-2 down in the third. Giron is being treated now, too.
Updated
Svitolina: “I felt very bad on the court today. The first set went very quick. All the Ukrainians, we have this fighting spirit. We are fighting for what is ours, fighting spirit is on our blood.”
Svitolina beats Paolini 2-6 6-4 6-0
Svitolina, after a 6-0 third set on Paolini, is set to end another Italian’s participation.
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Giron has his chance here, but blows three of them. He changes his racquet at deuce. The Sinner serve is less than radar-like. But still he holds, and it’s 2-0 in the third.
Sinner tries to break Giron at the start of the third set. It’s mostly one-way traffic. At break point, he hits the net cord. But then sent Giron all over the place and then overpowers the volleying of the American. He leaps up to power the backhand that gives him control of the set. 1-0 and him to serve.
Svitolina took that second set, so it’s 1-1 with Paolini.
Updated
Sinner takes the second set from Giron 6-4, leads two sets to love
Sinner and Giron continues to go in the champion’s favour though it’s been a lot closer. Sinner was 0-30 down, and now he rolls to set point, and takes it.
Shelton, 22, will face Monfils in the last-16 after the 38-year-old shocked Taylor Fritz.
Sinner has found life a little less easy but now has his break. He’s 4-2 up. Meanwhile Palolina is in danger in the second set with Svitolina, and is 3-5 down there.
Updated
Shelton beats Musetii 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-6
Musetti must again serve to stay in the match with Ben Shelton. He duly does so, and it’s a tie-breaker. 6-6, Shelton 2-1 up. Here comes a test of nerve. Shelton stuffs a volley at the net to go 0-1 down. Musetti is just as nervous, missing a crosscourt winner and then being outdone on a long rally. Then Shelton misses a drop volley. 3-2 up. Musetti cannot capitalise, and rages at his bench as he can only net. A slip as Shelton then falls victim to a drop. He’s 4-3 up, and serves a bomb of an ace. 5-2 after Musetti outlasts the rally. 5-5 after a whipped backhand. Shelton lands his first chance at match point after a stop-volley stops a Musetti charge. He serves, then guides his winner and himself through to the fourth round with a forehand.
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Sinner takes first set from Giron 6-3
Bit of a wobble on the Sinner serve, taken to deuce, but then the world No 1 pulls off an amazing winner, landing the ball on a postage stamp. Then Sinner makes another error for deuce. Big serve sees it out.
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Shelton’s adrenaline is taking him close but too many mistakes. A poor service return and a blammed winner, going out and Musetti levels at 5-5.
Musetti and Shelton is building towards a dramatic conclusion, and the Italian needs to hold serve to stay in the fourth and the match, 5-4 down. Paolini is already a set up on Svitolina, by the way, winning it 6-2.
Giron, at 4-1 down, is exerting some muscle. His second ace takes him back to 2-4 down on Sinner. Now all he has to do is break the Sinner serve.
Shelton and Musetti has turned, and a break back in serve takes it to 3-3 in the fourth with a chorus of “Italia, Italia”.
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Sinner, 3-0 up, seems to have far too much for Giron, who is speedy around the court and looks relieved to have won a game. 3-1, it goes, but now for the Sinner serve.
Talking of Italians, Jasmine Paolina, a losing finalist in 2024 at SW19 and Roland Garros, is playing Elina Svitolina, and it’s going with serve. To complete the Italian dominance on show courts, there’s a right old battle going on between Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti, though it appears the American has the fourth set in hand, leading 3-0 and two sets to one.
Early break for Sinner, and Giron’s second serve looks vulnerable, to say the least. 2-0 to Sinner.
Updated
Sinner takes 1-0 lead
Sinner took a while to decide, but he will serve first, and bar a double fault, takes the first game with some ease.
G’day, here comes the knock-up on a sunny court. Giron, at 31, is experienced but it would be quite the shock if he beats Sinner. This is the furthest he has ever reached at Melbourne.
John Brewin has brewed a coffee and taken his seat in time to cast an eye over reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner taking on Marcos Giron on RLA. There is plenty more action to keep you going with Jasmine Paolini (4) meeting Elina Svitolina, and Danielle Collins perhaps renewing her love-hate relationship with the Australian crowds against fellow American Madison Keys later on. Enjoy …
The big guns are making their way onto the show courts to start their warm-up but we have one match from the day session still being played. And it looks like this one will be finishing under lights with Ben Shelton (21) and Lorenzo Musetti (16) all square at 6-3, 3-6, 4-4.
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Lorenzo Sonego beats Fabian Marozsan 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 6-1, 6-2
Lorenzo Sonego will face Learner Tier in the round of 16 after finishing over the top of Fabian Marozsan in a 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 6-1, 6-2 win. The Italian is into the fourth round for the first time at Melbourne Park as he eyes a breaking grand slam quarter-final but with an qualifier riding a wave of momentum in his way.
Learner Tien beats Corentin Moutet 7-6 6-3 6-3
Learner Tien continues his dream run and this time has done it in straight sets as he polishes off Corentin Moutet 7-6 6-3 6-3 to reach the round of 16. He’s barely 19 years of age!
Making history.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Learner Tien becomes the youngest man to reach the round of 16 at the #AusOpen since Rafael Nadal.
He powers his way past Corentin Moutet 7-6 6-3 6-3 on Kia Arena.#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/WGCAgntD4b
Jack Snape is at Melbourne Park and has taken a closer look at how Alex de Minaur found a way to drag himself back into the contest against a stern challenge from Francisco Cerundolo.
In a warning shot to the rest of the tournament, Alex de Minaur is feeling the goods even after a cagey four-setter against Francisco Cerundolo.
📽️ "The legs are BACK!" 😂🤌@alexdeminaur • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/58OtFRy2Es
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
While we wrap up proceedings on RLA there is still plenty of action around the grounds.
Qualifier Learner Tien’s fairytale run looks set to continue as the 19-year-old builds a strong 7-6(10), 6-3, 4-3 lead over Corentin Moutet.
Lorenzo Sonego is closing in on victory over Fabian Marozsan with a 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 6-1, 4-0 stronghold on court 3.
Ben Shelton (21) leads Lorenzo Musetti (16) 6-3, 2-4 with the Italian serving to extend his lead in the second set.
Alex De Minaur (8) beats Francisco Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3
Alex De Minaur didn’t have it all his own way, and the relief on his face is telling, but finally the No 8 seed wears down the brave Francisco Cerundolo to move into the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive time at Melbourne Park.
Up next for the Australian will be young American Alex Michelsen.
Australian men who've recorded a streak of 4 consecutive appearances in the #AusOpen round of 16:
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Phil Dent (1979-82)
𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗿 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮-𝟮𝟱)
The Demon sealed the deal 5-7 7-6(3) 6-3 6-3@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/krEOybmZ4B
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 6-3): De Minaur lures Cerundolo into the net with a crafty chip to the service line as the return gives him multiple options to finish off the Argentinian. The No 8 seed goes cross-court to make it 15-15 then edges towards a pair of match points. Cerundolo saves both and takes out four points at deuce but is unable to seal the fight back. De Minaur’s backhand is on a perfect length across the rally until Cerundolo nets then gives up the ghost with a double fault.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 5-3): Cerundolo stops for treatment in the change of ends and once again it seems to have worked wonders. The Argentinian pulls out a sublime cross-court backhand that lines barely on the lead to give him a 15-30 lead. De Minaur has dropped back into the habit of return too many shots to the middle of the court when he should be get Cerundolo on his bike. The No 8 seed does just that next to draw level at 30-30 then another blunder from Cerundolo at the net gives De Minuar a stronghold on the game. The Australian shows him how it should be done as he sprints from well behind the baseline to reach a drop shot and get enough under the ball to chip back over the net. De Minaur slaps his thighs again but Cerundolo ain’t laughin’. The No 31 seed will serve to stay alive.
Updated
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 4-3): Oh, wow! A wonderful point from De Minaur as he races from the net to the baseline to chase down the impossible and forces a poor volley from Cerundolo. The Australian slaps himself on the thighs as thanks as much as in celebration. Cerundolo double faults at 30-40 and De Minaur breaks the Argentinian. It might have even been enough to break the No 31 seed for good.
Updated
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 3-3): One of the rallies of the match lasts 23 shots until De Minaur slams a winner down the line and just inside the baseline to start at 15-0. The Australian fires in an ace next then wraps up the game to 15 with another forehand winner.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 2-3): De Minaur goes for broke as he swarms on a volley at 30-15 but the cross-court chip sails barely wide. The Australian pulls back to 40-30 and is millimetres from taking Cerundolo until the ball clips the top of the net and gives the Argentinian and easy volley.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 2-2): De Minaur has his thumb on a pressure point for Cerundolo as he tempts him to the net. The Argentinian’s volley lets him down as the No 8 seed moves to 30-15 then closes out the game after a pair of sloppy returns.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 1-2): Cerundolo might have found a second wind after a lengthy massage during a change of ends. De Minaur’s unforced error count continues to climb as the Argentinian eases through a reasonably simple service game.
Updated
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 1-1): De Minaur holds his serve against Cerundolo to 15. The No 8 seed is working the Argentinian around the court more as the match goes on and his opponent shows obvious signs of fatigue. But De Minaur finishes the game with an ace, his fifth of the match.
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Gael Monfils beats Taylor Fritz (4) 3-6 7-5 7-6(1) 6-4
Meanwhile, over on MCA we’ve had a huge upset as Gael Monfils knocks out the fourth seed in four sets.
The 38-year-old showman will face Ben Shelton (21) or Lorenzo Musetti (16) in the round of 16. That match has just got under way on JCA.
Let the rhythm take you, @Gael_Monfils.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/7MddKHRPVW
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 0-1): Cerundolo holds to start the fourth set. The Argentinian looks set to live or die by the sword as he takes the game on with his legs already wobbly.
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Thanks Jonathan. Must admit I thought this match would have been done and dusted by the time you handed back the keys. But Francisco Cerundolo has been full of fight. Whether he has enough in the tank to keep challenging Alex de Minaur remains to be seen. I’ll be with you while we find out.
And on that note I’ll hand back to Martin Pegan to see this match through and wrap up the rest of the afternoon action.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 6-3, 0-0): De Minaur holds to love with ease to move up two sets to one on Rod Laver Arena! As the match clock ticks beyond three hours the Australian is now in pole position for a spot in the fourth round.
Can Cerundolo receive enough treatment to keep him competitive?
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 5-3): Following a brief massage at the change of ends Cerundolo comes out fighting, racing to 30-0 – but his legs are not happy! De Minaur keeps him moving to earn 30-15 despite the Argentine aiming to slap winners on every shot. That tactic pays dividends for 40-15, and actually unearths some of the cleanest striking of the match so far. There’s enough open court to seal the game but Cerundolo goes long, keeping De Minaur interested at 40-30, then another all-or-nothing wallop goes long for deuce.
AND DE MINAUR BREAKS AGAIN! Cramping, this time in his left hamstring, Cerundolo dumps a volley into the net. De Minaur will serve for the set.
It's madness at Kia Arena.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Learner Tien battles through a 1 hour and 16-minute first set, edging out Corentin Moutet 7-6(10) in a thrilling tie-break. What a start to this match!#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/WofALy2hyu
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 4-3): Two sloppy errors and De Minaur is down to 0-30, unable to find either the killer shots or the long rallies to further wound his opponent. A third, this time after a medium-length rally, and Cerundolo has three break points! The Argentine can’t capitalise on the first, after which he reaches for his left quad – which is presumably now also cramping – but he smokes a monster return winner from the second, and we’re back on serve! That is a staggering turn of events in the blink of an eye.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 4-2): Cerundolo battles on, refusing to just hand the game or the set to De Minaur. Playing for short points he gallops to a hold to 15.
The trainer has been called onto Rod Laver Arena with the Argentine pointing to his right quad… but the injury has been called cramp, which means play must continue until the end of the set.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 4-1): Full steam ahead De Minaur! The quickest easiest hold of the afternoon for the Australian.
Cerundolo is definitely in a lull and he’s started stretching and tapping his right quad. I think we’re going to see the trainer on court pretty soon. It’s no wonder, these are oppressive conditions and they’ve been playing 2:45 already.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 3-1): The standard has not been high all afternoon but it is becoming increasingly ragged. Cerundolo drops in another double fault to slip to 15-30 before both men trade blows miles behind each baseline. De Minaur shakes things up by coming to the net and his foe blinks, driving a backhand into the net. Two break points! A much more aggressive rally ensues with Cerundolo asserting himself from the baseline, but De Minaur is one of the best defensive players on court, and after firing a series of bombs the No 31 seed drills one into the net. DE MINAUR BREAKS!
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 2-1): De Minaur’s ninth double fault of the match allows Cerundolo a look at 30-15, but the Argentine has the demeanour of a man in a but of a lull and cannot make any further breakthroughs. This is now a war of attrition on a hot RLA.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 1-1): Now it’s Cerundolo’s turn to double fault to allow De Minaur in at 15-30, but the Australian can’t capitalise, overhitting a backhand then kicking a ball away in frustration. The Argentine still concedes deuce after failing to read a baseline half-volley – then he cannot put away an overhead! Break point… saved with an ace. A couple more handy first serves and the hold is secured, just.
Updated
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 1-0): De Minaur gets away with consecutive double faults to hold to 30.
Vintage @Gael_Monfils! Everything he's been and still is distilled into a single point.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
The Frenchman takes the tiebreaker 7-1 and the lead in the match!@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/eQBMtJIGlJ
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 0-0): We’re back locked at one set apiece on Rod Laver Arena! With the crowd at fever pitch before the crucial serve, then exultant after Cerundolo returns it long, a well below par De Minaur drags himself level. This match has already been going for almost two-and-a-half-hours, and we’re still miles away from a conclusion.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 6-6 [6-3]): Errors continue to pour from both sides of the net as tension, fatigue, and lack of form continues to tell. A long rally at 5-3 shapes as pivotal, so when Cerundolo finds the net the crowd erupts. De Minaur has three set points.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 6-6 [3-2]): Cerundolo pulls a backhand wide for an early mini-break to De Minaur, who holds the first point on his serve, but the Argentine is soon back in the picture after easily coming out on top in a battle of backhand slice drop shots. Cerendolo then hits four shots that are worthy winners, but de Minaur’s defence is extraordinary, until the fourth of the missiles cannot be reached. More superb defence earns De Minaur a second mini-break after Cerundolo pounded his way to an error.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 6-6): De Minaur misses an overhead on the opening point to send a ripple of nerves through the crowd, but they’re soon roaring in admiration after the eighth seed reacts with incredible reflexes at the net to flick an awkward net cord into the vacant court.
Cerundolo continues to pound the inside-out forehand winners to edge ahead in the game, but De Minaur digs deep to resist the Argentine’s power from the baseline and level at 30-30, then shows some firepower of his own, whipping a crosscourt forehand with everything he’s got for just his fourth winner of the set. An unforced error from Cerundolo completes the hold. Tiebreak time.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 5-6): Every game or two Cerundolo slips in a drop shot to bring De Minaur to the net, and it works to bring up 30-0, but also may be an indication he is trying to shorten the points.
30-0 becomes 30-30 but Cerundolo doesn’t panic, taking a half-volley off his toes at the net then crunching an unreturnable first serve. De Minaur will again have to hold to stay in the set.
On commentary, Lleyton Hewitt again voices his frustration that his player is hitting far too centrally. It has been a flat performance from Australia’s No 1 so far.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 5-5): At the change of ends, wearing an ice towel, De Minaur gestures to his box that he wants to hear more from then. He needs little support to race to a hold to 15.
I might be seeing things, but I wonder if Cerundolo is starting to feel the heat.
Updated
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 4-5): Cerundolo doesn’t dwell on failing to capitalise on 0-30, racing to 40-0. Then there’s an unscheduled break in play to allow a spectator to receive some medical attention. De Minaur wanders over to his four-strong coaching posse to receive some instruction.
Following the resumption, Cerundolo loses rhythm, hitting long and then wide for 40-30, bringing the crowd back into proceedings. And that crowd is soon on its feet when De Minaur hits just his second winner of the set, driving a backhand down the line after a marathon rally.
Cerundolo goes long at deuce to hand De Minaur an unexpected break point, but behind a second serve the Argentine dominates from the baseline, taking advantage of the Australian’s conservative line and length to crunch a trademark inside-out winner to return to deuce. Both men exchange errors for a third deuce, then the 31st seed holds behind a rare powerful first serve down the T.
De Minaur will have to hold serve to stay in the second set.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 4-4): Serving at 0-15 the crowd tries to motivate the home favourite, but it’s to no avail, as De Minaur picks the wrong time to come to the net and is passed easily. He claws back to 30-30 with a couple of much needed first serves then Cerundolo dumps a second serve return into the net, and slaps a forehand wide trying to shorten a long baseline exchange. De Minaur dodges a bullet.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 3-4): Cerundolo races to 40-0 then holds to 15. For the first time in the one hour 40 minutes of this match there’s a bit of zip to proceedings.
Jim Courier thinks De Minaur might need to change his racket to one with tighter strings. He’s observed the Australian steering groundstrokes as a consequence of the way the balls are reacting in the heat, arguing players should never alter their stroke, only their equipment.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 3-3): A welcome love hold for De Minaur.
Elena Rybakina (6) beats Dayana Yastremska (32) 6-3 6-4
The 2023 Australian Open finalist is through to the fourth round in style. The sixth seed has dropped just 12 games in her three matches so far.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 2-3): De Minaur looks a million bucks on his way to 0-30, then gives both points back sloppily, and a third for good measure with a wild forehand. Cerundolo holds.
This remains a match a long way below the highest of standards.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 2-2): De Minaur is still struggling with his ball toss, failing to find cheap points on his serve. Cerundolo’s errors look to make this a moot point at 40-15 but De Minaur is soon back at deuce after the Argentine dictates terms from the back of the court and then profits from a risky drop shot. The Australian then drives a backhand into the net for break point – which CERUNDOLO TAKES – De Minaur unable to put away a backhand smash at the net and finding himself out of position.
Back on serve in the second set.
Meanwhile, Gael Monfils has levelled things up at one set apiece against Taylor Fritz (4) on MCA.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7, 2-1): Lleyton Hewitt, in De Minaur’s coaching box courtside, wants his man to be braver on the Cerundolo second serve, and play fewer rallies down the middle of the court. The eighth seed does exactly that to move up 0-30, but then fails to dictate terms on a second serve to allow Cerundolo back in.
The Argentine goes wide with a backhand crosscourt to gift a couple of break points, the first of which is saved with a slanting first serve, the second with another punishing inside-out forehand, the consequence of De Minaur going into his shell once again and sending baseline groundstrokes through the centre of the court.
The 31st seed should see off the game but fails to put away an open court gimme at Advantage, so we go to a second deuce. This time De Minaur’s centre of the court slugging pays dividends as Cerundolo is the first to blink, setting up a third break point. And this time he gets it! Another unremarkable baseline exchange, another Cerundolo unforced error.
We’re going to be on RLA for a long long time this afternoon.
Updated
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7, 1-1): That’ll do De Minaur’s confidence the power of good. A quick hold to 15 off the back of Cerundolo missing his mark on four separate occasions.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-7 0-1): A third simple hold in a row for the Argentine, this time to love. De Minaur needs to find something, fast.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-7 0-0): It’s nervy from both men to 15-15, then De Minaur benefits from Cerundolo hitting the net trying to shorten a baseline exchange with a drop shot. It’s soon 30-30 with De Minaur hitting his 27th unforced error of the set, then Cerundolo creates set point with a forehand winner. AND FOR THE SECOND GAME IN A ROW DE MINAUR DOUBLE FAULTS ON BREAK POINT!
Francisco Cerundolo takes the opening set off Alex De Minaur. That was not a demonstration of elite tennis, and it took over an hour of energy sapping play. Australia’s eighth seed has it all to do.
Eva Lys beats Jaqueline Cristian 4-6 6-3 6-3
The lucky loser’s magical Australian Open continues with Eva Lys through to face Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-6): Another simple hold to 15 for Cerundolo, and now De Minaur is serving to stay in the set.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-5): Both players continue to look edgy at 15-15 but a long, conservative rally is punctuated by a magnificent sliced backhand from De Minaur that barley bounces after gripping the court. Cerundolo digs deep for 30-30 then unfurls a rare clean winner, passing on the backhand for break point. Another nervy rally, with both men occupying the centre of the baseline, ends tamely with the Argentine passing the ball into the net.
He makes up for it soon afterwards, opening his body to hit his favourite shot – the inside-out forehand – which is too powerful for De Minaur to set up a second break point. And the Australian double faults. Cerundolo breaks back! Yikes! This is a ropey old dogfight.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (5-4): A rare brisk routine hold to 15. De Minaur will have to serve for the set.
Todd Woodbridge is doing an excellent job on the broadcast explaining how De Minaur’s ball toss is causing him difficulties this afternoon. Between them this pair have landed just 28/71 first serves.
Sixth seed Rybakina begins strong, winning the first set 6-3 v Yastremska 🙌#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/hadPM7NPBd
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (5-3): De Minaur collapses from 40-15 to deuce before peeling off a fourth ace. Cerundolo responds with a trademark forehand inside-out winner. A third deuce eventuates when the Australian sends a backhand wide, and a fourth when he sends a backhand long. A blistering backhand winner down the line hands Cerundolo a break point, but deuce five follows quickly after as the eighth seed lands a rare first serve. Still De Minaur cannot see the job through, larruping a forehand long for deuce six. And this time he holds! The 31st seed returns tamely, then, after dictating terms from the baseline, executes a gettable drop shot that De Minaur is onto in a flash.
Sheesh, this is a slog. Alex Michelsen, awaiting the winner, is not quaking in his boots.
One break is all it takes!@Taylor_Fritz97 claims the first off Gael Monfils 6-3#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/DqXMJa47sj
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Daria Kasatkina (9) beats Yulia Putintseva (24) 7-5 6-1
Three pretty quick straight sets wins in a row for the ninth seed. She’s through to face the three-set specialist Emma Navarro (8) in round four.
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (4-3): The rallies are starting to flow more freely now, which is working in De Minaur’s favour. The Australian is hitting harder and more precisely on both wings, moving Cerundolo around.
The Argentine has to grind to 30-30, mostly as a consequence of his ghastly first serves, then he finds a clean inside-out forehand winner after De Minaur gets too narrow. Another missed first serve allows De Minaur to force deuce, but the eighth seed hits a backhand into the net from a position of strength. Cerundolo fails to serve out, slapping a routine forehand miles long, for deuce No 2. But he drags himself over the line, somehow, with De Minaur conceding consecutive points despite dictating both rallies.
The 31st seed has landed just 7/27 first serves!
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (4-2): De Minaur consolidates the break – and in some style. A nondescript game meanders to 40-15 then the Australian pounds a monstrous crosscourt forehand that whizzes past an opponent yet to feel such heat this afternoon.
Lysten to her roar coz Eva is not giving up without a fight!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
We are into the decider as she bags the second set v Cristian 6-3.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/7rXMhAKejC
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (3-2): Cerundolo’s serving woes from the far side return as he gifts De Minaur 0-30. Then the point of the match so far unfolds in the Australian’s favour as he defends resolutely on the backhand side, sliding and stretching to dig out a slice, forcing his opponent into an extra shot, one that ends up in the net. He can’t convert the first of two break points as Cerundolo just gets away with a drop shot, but the second arrives when the Argentine overhits a regulation backhand during a conservative rally. DE MINAUR UP A BREAK AGAIN!
Updated
Tumaini Carayol was courtside for Iga Swiatek’s demolition of Emma Raducanu.
Over the past few years of professional tennis, the sight of Iga Swiatek annihilating another poor, defenceless opponent has become as sure as the sun will rise. When Swiatek’s game is flowing and her mind is clear, the combined quality of her violent ball-striking, athleticism and unrelenting focus is so great that, at some point or another, she has rendered nearly all of the best players in the world spectators in their own match.
On Saturday afternoon at Melbourne Park, it was Emma Raducanu’s turn to endure such an unpleasant experience. Raducanu cut a lonely, solemn figure on one of the biggest tennis stadiums in the world as she was completely helpless in the face of a supreme Swiatek, who ruthlessly opened up her bakery to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win.
De Minaur* (8) v Cerundolo (31) (2-2): Someone might need to check the height of the net on RLA. De Minaur simply can’t serve it over the barrier at the moment. A fourth double fault at 15-0 invites Cerundolo into the game. At 30-30 you can sense the nerves starting to grow, but a rare solid first serve settles those. But not for long as the 31st seed dominates a powerful baseline exchange full of heavy inside-out crosscourt forehands to force deuce.
De Minaur cannot get going. Another missed first serve, another unforced error in a medium length rally and another break point to defend. A first ace of the day is a handy riposte, and it’s backed up by a heavy first serve to move to game point – and the hold arrives soon afterwards as Cerundolo clips a forehand into the net.
The Australia is 100% behind his first serve… but he’s only serving at 31%!
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo* (31) (1-2): Neither player has settled yet but Cerundolo holds despite double faulting at 40-15. The Argentine’s opening game ace is the only winner of the match so far. Just four of a collective 17 first serves have found their target.
De Minaur (8)* v Cerundolo (31) (1-1): De Minaur also struggles with the serving aspect on the far side, sending down THREE double faults of his own, including two in a row, to gift Cerundolo an immediate break back. An inauspicious start to the headline match on Centre Court.
Updated
De Minaur (8) v Cerundolo (31)* (1-0): A ropey start from the Argentine, beginning with a weak double fault then dumping a couple of unforced errors into the net to hand De Minaur three break points. He looks to be struggling with the sun during his ball toss at the far side of the court as we look at things on TV. Cerundolo slaps an ace to get on the board, but a medium-length rally ends when he hits a forehand long. De Minuar with an immediate break!
Updated
De Minaur and Cerundolo are just warming up on a Rod Laver Arena bathed in hot sunshine. The mise en scène is beautiful: the blue of the court, the crisp lines of the shadows of the open roof, the packed stands, and Cerundolo’s eye-catching hot pink ensemble.
Updated
Daria Kasatkina (9) has taken the opening set 7-5 against Yulia Putintseva (24). It is an even contest but Kasatkina’s forehand is proving the difference.
I’ll keep you updated on those matches, as well as a couple more that are about to get underway: Taylor Fritz (4) v Gael Monfils, and Elena Rybakina (6) v Dayana Yastremska (32).
But the focus will be on Australian No 1 Alex de Minaur (8) against Francisco Cerundolo (31).
Speaking of Putintseva (24) and Kasatkina (9), they are on serve in the opening set on Kia Arena.
While on Court 3, Jaqueline Cristian has taken the opening set against Eva Lys in their battle to become the unseeded outsider to face Iga Świątek in round four.
Emma Navarro (8) beats Ons Jabeur 6-4 3-6 6-4
Another American is through to the fourth round, this time in the women’s singles, with Emma Navarro prevailing in a hard fought contest with Ons Jabeur. It was the 2024 US Open semi-finalist’s third three-setter in a row. Yulia Putintseva (24) or Daria Kasatkina (9) await.
Alex Michelsen beats Karen Khachanov (19) 6-3 7-6 6-2
The 20-year-old American is through to the fourth round of a major for the first time after systematically unstitching the 19th seed on John Cain Arena. This might seem like a bolt from the blue but Michelsen is composed, plays within himself and has all the shots. His early career progression has been smooth and he looks set for a long spell at the top of the game. His backhand slice was effective at setting up court position and he had no hesitation opening his forehand wing and pounding winners.
After comfortably outplaying Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round, Michelsen now looms as an unseeded landmine. In the fourth round the seed that might have to defuse him is Alex de Minaur, who is up shortly on RLA.
Thank you very much Martin. On a glorious Saturday afternoon with the temperature in the high 20s this grand slam is coming to the simmer nicely. De Minaur will be the headline act over the next few hours, but there is no shortage of action elsewhere on the Melbourne Park precinct.
I’ll now leave you in the most capable hands of Jonathan Howcroft as he follows Alex de Minaur and the eighth seed’s clash with Francisco Cerundolo that is coming up very soon on RLA. Thanks for tracking along so far …
Ons Jabeur breaks Emma Navarro and they are back on serve at 3-3 in the battle to face either Daria Kasatkina (9) or Yulia Putintseva (24) in the fourth round. That pair are under way on Kia Arena with Putintseva making a fast start to lead 3-0 as she aims to reach the round of 16 at Melbourne Park for the first time in her 13th appearance here.
To surprise of no one, Emma Navarro (8) and Ons Jabeur are into a third set. The American took out the first set 6-4 before the three-time grand slam runner-up Jabeur fought back to take the second 6-3. Navarro is now up a break and serving for a 4-2 lead in the third.
While Iga Swiatek was really outclassing Emma Raducanu on Rod Laver Arena, the action has been heating up on the other show courts.
Alex Michelsen is closing in on another upset victory, this time over 19th seed Karen Khachanov, as the American leads 6-3, 7-6(5), 4-1. The winner could play Alex de Minaur in the round of 16, though the Australian eighth seed will first have to navigate a clash with Francisco Cerundolo – that match up is starting in little more than half an hour.
He's fired up!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Alex Michelsen wins the second set tiebreak 7-6(5) to take a commanding two-set lead over 19th seed Karen Khachanov.#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/jXsYgMZ0OP
Iga Swiatek beats Emma Raducanu 6-1 6-0
The second seed could hardly have been more impressive as she breezes into the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Emma Raducanu. Iga Swiatek just had too much firepower for the young Brit though Raducanu did herself no favours with her serve shaky from the start. The Pole looks in ominous form as she chases a sixth grand slam title.
Updated
Emma Raducanu pulls out her best service game since her hold early in the match to save a break point then win at deuce with a sublime cross-court backhand. But Iga Swiatek’s power is something to behold as the Pole finds a pair of cross-court winners from the baseline. Raducanu drops her head, double faults to give up another game, and Swiatek will serve for the match.
Iga Swiatek has arrived with a plan and continues to target Emma Raducanu’s backhand with her serve. It’s a strategy that is paying dividends as a third double fault of the day for Swiatek is Raducanu’s only joy while the second seed moves to 6-1, 4-0.
Updated
Emma Raducanu said before this third round clash with the second seed that she ‘has nothing to lose’ and would be able to play freely. Only half of that appears to be true now as Iga Swiatek breaks her again to take a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Emma Navarro (8) wins the first set against Ons Jabeur 6-4 as the American aims to reach the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time. But Navarro has been taken to three sets in the first two rounds and Jabeur is a renowned fighter, so expect more to come from MCA.
Cool, calm, collected!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
Emma Navarro weathers the late storm to take the first 6-4 against Ons Jabeur. Impressive composure from our No.8 seed.#AusOpen ⋅ #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/TE9WFJahpd
Emma Raducanu pressures the second seed on her service game for the first time but can’t quite make the break. Iga Swiatek drops just the third and fourth points on her serve today (and two have been double faults!) to fall behind 15-30, but then drops a blistering forehand winner onto the baseline to draw level and works Raducanu around the court twice more to seal the game.
Iga Swiatek picks up where she left off in the first set, breaking Emma Raducanu to make it six games on the trot. Raducanu was able to stay in the game with some searching winners on either side but Swiatek is chasing down anything and everything. It’s hard to see how the young Brit can turn this around.
A tense battle is brewing over on John Cain Arena after Alex Michelsen claimed the first set from Karen Khachanov 6-3. The 19th seed responded quickly to race out to a 4-1 lead in the second but now it’s the young American’s turn to fight back as he serves to try to level the set at 4-4.
Iga Swiatek wins the first set 6-1 in just 31 minutes. The second seed is holding her serve with ease while Emma Raducanu is initially struggling to land her first serve often enough (13/25) and then deal with Swiatek’s powerful returns. Raducanu’s second serve is proving to be too timid as well, taking just 3/12 points from it. The young Brit needs to quickly settle into the second set or this could be done and dusted within an hour.
Updated
The first set is slipping away quickly for Emma Raducanu as Iga Swiatek breaks her again. The second seed takes a 5-1 lead.
Iga Swiatek holds to love again. The second seed has only dropped one point in her three service games so far, as her powers – and speed – of recovery are proving too much for Emma Raducanu even when she is able to works some angles.
Updated
Iga Swiatek breaks Emma Raducanu. The second seed has been devasting with her returns as Raducanu is finding it hard to work into rallies even when she does land a first serve. Swiatek seals the 3-1 lead with a pinpoint backhand that beats Raducanu at the net in ominous signs for the young Brit.
Emma Raducanu beats off a pair of break points and two deuces to hold serve. The 22-year-old will need to land more first serves if she is to genuinely challenge the second seed today. Iga Swiatek breezes through another service game, this time only dropping the one point as she nets a forehand with a rare unforced error.
Iga Swiatek serves first and holds to love. Emma Raducanu took some time to get going in her second round clash with her good friend Amanda Anisimova, but there will be little time to waste against the second seed.
Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek have completed their warm-ups on Rod Laver Arena and we’re about to get under way. But hang on, the second seed is have a word to the match official and seems to be concerned about a lack of towels. Well, I guess that sets the tone for what should be a heated clash in steamy conditions.
There is plenty of action on the court to keep us entertained but it can be easy to forget the impact that tennis can have on families in the present day, let alone across generations.
Ruaridh Nicoll has a beautiful tale to tell about his grandmother Esna Boyd’s induction into Australia’s tennis hall of fame and learning more about the trailblazer that inspired women across the world. The words are well worth your time, but the old images will take you back to another age.
It’s been an odd experience. Esna died in 1966 so has always been an ethereal presence – a long-skirted woman with Princess Leia buns in an ageing photograph who my mother would chide me with when asking why I was so terrible at sport.
Alex Michelsen and Karen Khachanov (19) can’t be separated early with both holding serve so far. Khachanov is tossing the balls in the air now while the American leads the first set 4-3.
Jack Draper will face Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 after his trio of five-set victories have shaken off any doubts around his fitness and physicality. Tumaini Carayol spoke to the British No 1 after his latest five-setter finished just before 1am local time.
I still have a long way to go, but this is a huge drive forward, the fact that I’ve come through three five-set matches, mentally and physically, it doesn’t happen often. That’s a testament to the work I’ve done and the place I’m in. So very, very proud of that.
Updated
In another piece of clever scheduling – the organisers are on a bit of a roll in nailing their late-night match-ups – Jack Draper pulled off another five-set triumph against a local hope. Aleksandar Vukic would have gained plenty of new fans as the late bloomer pushed the 15th seed all the way across three hours, 58 minutes, before a heartbreaking 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8) defeat.
I left it all out there. Jack’s an incredible competitor who I have a lot of respect for. Unfortunately, one of us had to win.
A quick catch up the women’s singles on day six when defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, was challenged by Clara Tauson before eventually coming away unscathed with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory.
But there was heartbreak for comeback queen and two-time champion Naomi Osaka retired during the third-round match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic after dropping the first set in a tie-break.
Emma Raducanu is yet to beat Iga Swiatek, or even take a set from the world No 2, in their previous three meetings. But she can take some solace from only one of those matches being played on hard-court when the Brit was at least somewhat competitive in defeat back in 2023.
Tumaini Carayol is at Melbourne Park and spoke to Raducanu about what has gone wrong in her past clashes with Swiatek, and how she can turn it around this time.
I really relish [big occasions]. I love the big stadiums, the big matches. It’s something that I just really enjoy doing. And it’s so nice to also just go a round further than I did in the last three years that I played here. Australia is somewhere where I really like playing. I like the conditions, I like the crowd and the support here has been amazing, with a lot of union jacks in the crowd as well, which is great. It’s a match that I’m looking forward to.
The first match of note this morning is about to start on John Cain Arena where Alex Michelsen is facing 19th seed Karen Khachanov (19).
The big-serving American is searching for another big scalp after beating 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round, while also hoping to reach the fourth round in a grand slam for the first time. It could be the first of many for the 20-year-old.
Khachanov will be no pushover and he enjoys the hardcourts of Melbourne Park, reaching at least the third round here for seven consecutive years including a run to the last four in 2023.
The winner could be meeting a certain Alex de Minaur in the round of 16, though Francisco Cerundolo might have something to say about that.
Now for the weather. The sun is belting down at Melbourne Park with temperatures already at 22 degrees and expected to hit a high of 29. Ideal conditions for a cracking day of tennis.
Good morning #Victoria! Here's your forecast:
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 17, 2025
🌦️ Mild and partly cloudy over eastern #Gippsland with the odd morning shower or patch of drizzle.
☀️ Warm and sunny elsewhere with light to moderate easterly winds.
Details: https://t.co/UYVuRwgKlp pic.twitter.com/uOh6awKUcR
Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of day seven at the 2025 Australian Open.
We’re deep into the third round of the men’s and women’s singles at Melbourne Park with a mouth-watering morning headlined by a clash between Emma Raducanu and second seed Iga Swiatek. The pair of grand slam winners will be tossing balls on Rod Laver Arena at 11.30am before Australia’s favourite bundle of energy Alex de Minaur takes to the same stage around 2pm.
De Minaur is yet to drop a set in this home grand slam but this time faces a giant-killer in Francisco Cerundolo (32) who has 11 wins against top-10 seeds since 2022. The afternoon will also take in more of those highly-seeded types in Fritz, Rybakina, Navarro and Kasatkina as we close in on the pointy end of the tournament, with prime time set aside for the likes of reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner and the happy slam’s newfound pantomime villain Danielle Collins.
My fingers will be bashing away to keep up with Raducanu and Swiatek’s speed around the court, but attention shall also be turned (feel free to help me out using the links below) on these match-ups:
11am: Alex Michelsen v Karen Khachanov (19)
11.30am: Emma Raducanu v Iga Swiatek (2)
11.30am: Emma Navarro (8) v Ons Jabeur
1pm: Taylor Fritz (4) v Gael Monfils
1pm: Daria Kasatkina (9) v Yulia Putintseva (24)
2pm: Alex de Minaur (8) v Francisco Cerundolo (31)
2pm: Elena Rybakina (6) v Dayana Yastremska (32)
Our learned friend Jonathan Howcroft will take the tools around the time that De Minaur should be warming up on RLA, but until then please get in touch on email, or @martinpegan on Bluesky or X. Let’s get into it!
