Here are our reports so far from day four in Melbourne:
So there we go. That was an expletive brilliant match, the best of the championships so far – in mine. And the good news is this is only day four, which is to say there’s more to come, loads more – and we’ll be bringing it to you. Thanks for your company today – and see you tomorrow! But until then, peace out.
Oh man, as if making round three like that wasn’t reward enough, Draper’s interview begins with him accepting thanks from none other than JP McEnroe for putting on so brilliant a show. My eyeballs would be sweating already but, as we said earlier, Draper knows he was born for these moments.
He’s not sure how he pulled it off, congratulating an opponent he really rates and saying he’s proud of himself for finding a way. He then credits Kokkinakis again for playing through the pain and says he wasn’t sure he’d be fit to compete but he’s improving through each set – though he’s not mad to be out there four hours every time.
“This what I play for since I was young,” concludes Draper, asked about the atmosphere, and though the crowd were against him, he enjoyed it and had a bit of fun back.
Next for Draper it’s Vukic, who also played five sets in lozzing the number 22 seed, Seb Korda. He’d’ve took that.
Tommy Paul (12) beats Kie Nishikori (3)6-7 6-0 6-3 6-1
Paul meets Carballes Baena next.
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Jack Draper (15) beats Thanasi Kokkinakis (3)6-7 6-3 3-6 7-6 6-3
A fantastic win in an even better match, a phenomenal show of love, skill and heart from both men. Biggup both.
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Oh yes! Kokkinakis chucks everything at the first point of the game, but Draper runs him down and creams a gloooorious backhand winner cross-court. A netted backhand from his opponent then takes him to 30-0, and he looks impregnable now, Kokkinakis spent. Another error raises three match points….
There’s not the same pop on Kokkinakis’ serve, I don’t think, and Draper turns the first rally of the game with a backhand, another good enough for 0-15. But a fine inside-out forehand winner levels things – a massive effort given the shoulder situation – but in a bid to shorten the next rally, Kokkinakis drops wide. He’s flagging, and there’s only so much the crowd can do about that, all the more so when he opens body to attempt another winner … and pastes a forehand wide. Two break points to Draper, who can’t get his first return in. But blocking back the second, Kokkinakis then comes in … and yet again, nets a volley! Draper leads 5-3 in the fifth, and having had to break to stay in the match at the end of set four, he’s now serving for it! What a monumental effort this has been – from both men.
And just as Draper looks to have regained control, a third point in a row giving him game point, Kokkinakis espies him coming in, unfurling a glorious backhand pass for deuce! And then closes out for 4-3! Draper is loving this, considers himself put on the earth for this, while Kokkinakis is an avatar for however many tens of thousands are in the stands. It’s incredible, intensifying, inspirational stuff. MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE!
But have a look! Kokkinakis steps into a forehand down the line, it’s too good, and that’s 0-15, the crowd noising themselves right up. So the umpire has a word – good luck with that old mate! – all the more so when another fantastic point from the Aussie has him arms aloft, pointing to the sky. The energy he’s getting from the stands, oh my days. But Draper finds a fine second serve when he needs it, then nails a first delivery and tidies up for 30-all; this is so intense I can barely feel my fingers.
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A sumptuous backhand earns Draper 15-all – he is seriously fit, looking as fresh now as at the start. And though a big serve and clean-up nudge Kokkinakis in front, a huge forehand followed by a sliced volley restore parity at 30-all. Kokkinakis, though, plays a great point to nudge closer to the game, grimacing thereafter, his shoulder giving him gyp, and an ace follows. We’re 3-3 in the fifth, though the feeling persists that if Draper serves sensibly, he shouldn’t really lose.
Draper does what he needs to do, a love hold swiftly burdening Kokkinakis with pressure at 2-3. He’ll know he’s lost like this before and that in general, he’s not the best when it gets tight; Draper will know it too.
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From the very start of this match, it felt like it’d get to here, the players so well matched. But again, it’s Draper threatening, making 30-40 with Kokkinakis looking tired. A good return here and he’s in business, but a brave and perhaps desperate inside-out forehand clips the outside of the line, and the Aussie has 2-2 in the fifth. Meantime, Paul has eventually won a third set he ought to have taken tiiiime ago, so leads Nishikori 2-1.
Suddenly Kokkinakis relocates his power, spanking a forehand winner for 0-15. But he goes long on the backhand to end the next rally and there we go! Draper brings his man in, then passes with a spitting forehand, another earns two game-points, and a big serve secures the hold for 2-1. When it gets to this stage anything can happen, but it’s the Brit who looks the likelier and at change of ends, Kokkinakis calls out the trainer for a go at his shoulder.
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Yeah, Kokkinakis is bushed – remember that two years ago, he lost a second-round match in five to a barely-moving Andy Murray – and if Draper can keep him moving, he’s a really good chance. He makes 0-15, then 15-30 when Kokkinakis goes for a biggie, netting a forehand. Counterintuitive – and painful – though it sounds, long rallies are Draper’s friend here, but Kokkinakis, feeling his shoulder, just about hangs on for 1-1 in the fifth. Meantime, Nishikori has somehow fought back against Paul and those two are back on serve in the third having split the first two.
Draper is back and off we go, an ace giving him 30-0, before a drop seals a hold to 15. That’s a really good effort in smack-laying, and Kokkinakis showed on inclination to run for that final shot. Given how poorly he volleys and tired they both are, I’d expect to see him yanked in more often this set.
Draper nips off for a break while Kokkinakis seeks more treatment, though he’s already had his allotted portion. So let’s have a look around the courts: Paul leads Nishikori 6-7 6-0 4-2 and Auger-Aliassime leads Davidovich Fokina 7-6 7-6 1-2.
I was about to praise Draper’s stones, but on reflection it’s more his ability to stay calm than his ability to be brave that’s so impressive. Anyone can go for shots, but executing the right ones with defeat looming is a far more cerebral activity.
Kokkiakis swipes a backhand down the line … and it’s wide! Draper wins four games in a row to level the match at two sets all, and he’s done a superb job of managing his emotions here, finding some of his best tennis with defeat upon him. We’re getting the decider we and this match deserve!
Meantime, Draper has 15-40 … but a big serve allows Kokkinakis to come in and finish the point.
Alexander Zverev (2) beats Pedro Martínez 6-4 6-1 6-1
Another extremely competent performance from the German, who meets Jacob Fearnley next.
Momentum: hard to gain and easy to lose. Draper quickly makes 0-30…
Brilliant from Draper, a first serve when he needs it inciting the long return, then a one-two punch securing a gigantic hold. Pressure back on Kokkinakis, who’ll now serve for a breaker in a set he’ll feel ought already to be his.
Elsewhere, Zverev is up 5-1 in the third against Martinez, while Paul leads Nishikori 1-1 3-0, having taken nine games on the spin.
…and goodness me how close Kokkinakis comes to seizing it, Draper looking to have the point won with a violent forehand, the sliced cross-court riposte passing him and dropping just over the sideline.
Draper makes 30-all but suddenly looks tired, and a vicious backhand on to the sideline means he faces break point at 1-2 5-5 30-40…
So it’s now 5-5 in the fourth, and I’m minded of a chat I had with Coach Calv some years ago in which he alerted me to Draper’s progress, saying that mentally, he is immense. However he’s now down 15-30; he won’t, will he?
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Draper cups an ear at the crowd because he’s broken to love! He did this to Kokkinakis in the Davis Cup and he’s done it again!
Jacob Fearnley beats Arthur Cazaux 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-3
A phenomenal win for the Scot, who meets Martinez or Zverev next. He’s whacking it so hard and cleanly and is developing into a very serious player.
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A backhand winner and Draper has 0-40! Pressure!
Now then! Draper hits a backhand, Kokkinakis comes in, and again makes a mess of a volley! 0-30 while, on 6, Fearnley has two match points!
Zverev has broken Martinez to lead 6-1 6-4 2-1; Cazaux holds to make Fearnley serve for the match at 5-3 in the fourth; and Paul levels his match with Nishikori at a set apiece, courtesy of a bagel. Oh, and Draper makes 0-15…
What a great atmosphere. There’s a bar on the court while on Cain, Draper forces Kokkinakis to serve for the match, doing brilliantly to hang in an 18-stroke rally before finding a forehand to the corner which he backs up with a deft drop. The Aussie leads 5-4 in the fourth, and will the pressure get big on him?
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Meantime on Court 6, Cazaux nets, and at 30-40, Fearnley has match point!
It wouldn’t be that surprising if Draper was broken here; he looked seriously disappointed through the last game and even a bit before. Shonuff he swipes a forehand long, but he’s a solid citizen not given to giving up, and soon makes 30-15 … only for a fine backhand return, blocked down the line, to restore parity in the game. A winner apiece then takes us to deuce…
A fine point from Kokkinakis, big serve then big forehand, leaves Draper chuntering, and yet another gigantic serve is too good. The Aussie is a game away at 5-3 in the fourth, likewise Fearnley against Cazaux, his lead 5-2.
Draper makes 15-30 but a service-winner is too good and restores parity. An overhead on to the sideline then has Draper shaking head – it looks like he’s started processing defeat already – but two good backhands followed by a forehand on to the line raise deuce. This is the match right here…
Back on Laver, Zverev serves out to lead Martinez 6-1 6-4, and canny though the Spaniard is, he’s not coming back from that.
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Draper holds to 15, and at 3-4 in the fourth has two more opportunities to break and stop in the tournament. I’d like to see him target Kokkinakis’ backhand and also try a few drops, because that’s where the weaknesses are.
Back at the partay, Cazaux swipes a forehand long and now trails Fearnley 1-2 1-3. The Scot is three holds away from round three! Draper, though, is struggling to penetrate, fighting for holds and looking unlikely to break at 2-4 in the fourth.
Our final match of the day is away on Court, Paula Badosa (11) up 3-1 on Talia Gibson.
Donna Vekic (18) beats Harriet Dart 4-6 6-0 6-2
Dart had a good go at that, but her lack of a serious weapon meant she was always likely to be vulnerable once the seed settled. Next for Vekic it’s Diana Shnaider (12), who’s in terrific nick.
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Kei Nishikori, 57, has taken the first set off Tommy Paul. The number 12 seed had a problem with his left shoulder against Christopher O’Connell in round one; I’ll switch to that match in a second to see what’s what. Back on Cain, meantime, Daraper holds to stay close to Kokkinakis, down a break and 2-3 in the fourth.
Kokkinakis consolidates to 15, leading 2-1 3-1, while Fearnley, 2-1 up on Cazaux, is level in set four at 1-1.
With all that’s going on it’s easy to forget Zverev is playing, but he leads Martinez 6-1 4-2 and though he’s being made to fight for points and games, both players know which way this is headed.
Vekic now leads Dart 4-2 in the third, the match looking destined for a conclusion that felt inevitable even after the first set. And back on Cain the crowd all over it and looking to roar Kokkinakis home.
Another key moment? From 40-0, Kokkinakis makes deuce with the help of a terrifying backhand winner them, as they thrash from the back, Draper goes long and the crowd go wild! But a fine point – mahoosive forehand, decent volley, deft putaway – regains deuce … only for a net-cord to create the chance for Kokkinakis to unleash another winner. And this time, he plays a fantastic point, his backhand doing the work before a volley is just about good enough. He leads 2-1 in the fourth, with a break!
I meant to say, Seb Korda, seeded 22, is out, beaten 7-5 in the fifth by Aleksandr Vukic. At 24, Korda still has time to deliver on potential thought to be elite-level, but it’s beginning to look like he’s hit his ceiling.
Draper will be sore that Kokkinakis’ eight-deuce service-game he lost turned out to be pivotal in set three; not so much that he lost it, which can happen, but that he lost momentum and was broken immediately afterwards. Until then, he’d looked in pretty decent control and he holds for 1-0 in the fourth, while Vekic breaks Dart back immediately for 2-2 in their decider.
Fearnley is having his way with Cazaux’s second serve. He breaks again, to lead 3-6 7-5 6-2, and is controlling this match with his power and accuracy. The Frenchman needs to change something if he’s to avoid defeat here.
Obviously we all expected this: after losing the second set 6-0, Dart now leads Vekic in the third, 2-1 with a break. Four holds and the number 18 seed is gawn, but I suspect things may not be quite that simple.
Mensik is pretty calm in interview; he’s born for this and he knows it. The last time two teens beat top-1o players at a Slam was in 2006, the perpetrators? Novak Djokovic and Andrew Murrance.
Kokkinakis takes a break, treatment as likely as bathroom, while Fearnley now leads Cazaux 5-2 in the third. I can’t overstate how murderously he’s assaulting the ball.
Draper makes 30-all but a long forehand hands Kokkinakis set point. A colossal ace follows, and if Draper is to progress, he’ll again have to win sets four and five. The Aussie leads 7-6 3-6 6-3!
Jakub Mensik beats Casper Ruud (6) 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4
Another teenager bins another to-10 seed on Court! Last evening it was Joao Fonseca, now it’s Mensik, and he finishes the match in style, running around his backhand to discharge a murderous winner. Next for him it’s Davidovich Fokina or Auger-Aliassime, the latter up 7-6 0-1.
Might that protracted hold for Kokkinakis be a turning point? How often do we see that? He makes 15-40, crowd going wild, and a supersonic forehand down the line is too good! It’s a helluva shot, that, when it’s firing. Kokkinakis leads 1-1 5-3 and will now serve for the third set; Draper is warned for ball abuse.
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Vekic has levelled against Dart, rousting through a 6-0 second set; assuming Mensik, up 2-1 5-4, serves out against Ruud, I’ll move back to that match shortly. On Laver, meanwhile, Zverev has taken set one against Martinez 6-1 and it’s hard to see any impediment to his victory.
Jacob Fearnley is absolutely clouting it, leading Cazaux 3-0 in the third and giving him plenty in his latest service game at 30-all. Menatime on Cain, we’re playing our eighth deuce as Kokkinakis searches for his hold … and there it is. Nothing’s coming easily for him now, his shoulder is bothering him, and if Draper can maintain his level, he looks a warm favourite to progress – though he trails 3-4 in the third.
Oh! Mensik breaks Ruud to lead 4-3 in the fourth, and the 19-year-old is two holds away from lozzing the no 6 seed!
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Back at the party, Fearnley is doing terrible things to the ball, his power currently too much for Cazaux; he breaks for 1-1 2-0 while, on Laver, Zverev, though he’s being pushed in the games, leads Martinez 5-1. Elsewhere, Mensik leads Ruud 2-1 3-3; Kostyuk has beaten Niemeier 6-3 6-0; and Vekic has had enough, now trailing Dart 4-6 5-0.
You never know how matches might fluctuate but on Cain, it’s Draper playing the better tennis and it’s been that way for a while. And though at 1-1 3-3 30-30, Kokkinakis finds a tremendous backhand, an error brings us to deuce then another offers break point … quickly and violently extinguished. Another netted volley from Kokkinakis then offers another opportunity … but again, he saves himself with power. We’re back at deuce.
Now then! Fearnley makes 0-30 and is two points away from levelling the match at 1-1. And have a look! A nuclear forehand to the corner, unleashed like an overhead punch, is far too good; that’s three set points! And he only needs two, Cazaux netting, and Fearnley looks great out there now! Cazaux 6-3 5-7 Fearnley
Fearnley holds for 6-5, meaning Cazaux will shortly serve to stay in set two having taken the first; Vekic has broken Dart immediately in set two, so I’m switching back to Mensik v Ruud, the youngster leading the no 6 seed 2-1 1-2; and Kokkinakis is back playing after treatment, holding for 1-1 3-2.
Humbert now leads Habib, the Lebanese qualifier, 6-3 6-4; Vukic is up a break at 1-0 in the fifth against Korda; Nishikori and Paul have just started; Vekic holds to trail Dart 4-6 1-0; and Zverev leads Martinez 3-0.
Draper is giving Kokkinakis all he can handle, but so far no breakthrough, the Aussie ploughing through deuce for his latest hold and 1-1 2-1. Again, though, he’s caught coming in, but this time the Brit nets. Then, at change of ends, Kokkinakis holds his shoulder, calling the physio.
Coach Calv is watching Fearnley. “[Redacted] great atmosphere",” he says of the party court. ”There’s a bar.”
As for the actual tennis, Cazaux breaks back so now leads 6-3 4-5.
On Laver, Zverev has just held – with aggravation – in the first game against Martinez, a canny operator who might just give him grief.
A fine set (of tennis) from Dart, who I think is hitting it harder these days; she holds to love and leads Vekic 6-4. Meantime, Draper holds to love for 1-1 in the third and Cazaux sends a forehand long meaning Fearnley will now serve for the second set at 3-6 5-3. It’s all going on!
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Again, Draper threatens Kokkinakis’ serve, but from 0-30 he does enough to hold for 1-1 1-0. And there’s just so much going on it’s ridiculous, but I’ve switched from Ruud v Mensik – the youngster has just served out for a 6-1 third set to lead the no 6 seed 2-1 – to see if Harriet Dart, a lucky loser, can hold to secure the first set against Donna Vekic, seeded 18. She’s up 40-0…
Arthur Fils, seeded 20 and yet another lavishly talented French youngster, has beaten Quentin Halys 6-2 6-4 6-7 7-5; next for him it’s Humbert or Habi, his countryman up 6-3 3-2 with a break.
Draper serves out to 15 and unlike Kokkinakis after set one, there’s no big celebration because he knows there’s a job of work to do. We’re level at a set apiece, and though this match is far from over, he might just’ve seen off the Aussie’s best gear. Draper 6-7 6-3 Kokkinakis
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A booming backhand down the line earns Daraper 15-40 and after a first set dominated by Kokkinakis’ serve-forehand combo, he now looks the likelier. We noted earlier that having his man come to the net might work well for the Brit and though here, Kokkinakis ventures in of his own accord, his inability to dispatch a pretty rudimentary volley – he nets – underlines the point. At 6-7 5-3, Draper will now serve for the set.
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As for Fearnley, he’s just broken Cazaux back to trail 3-6 2-2; Davidovch Fokina trails Auger-Aliassime (29) 3-4; Dart leads Vekic 4-3 with a break; and Vukic, down 1-2, leads Korda 3-1 in the fourth.
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Mensik – who Coach Calv says might lack a bit of X-factor – isn’t going away. He breaks Ruud immediately in set three, so leads 1-1 2-0, while a love hold gives Draper 6-7 4-3.
Gauff says it was a tough match and Burrage served really well, so she started every point on defence. She doubled a little bit but was facing decent returns so was under pressure and next time she might need to vary her spots more.
Asked about her good start to the year, she cites hard work and a book called Chop Wood, Carry Water, that says inches eventually turn into miles.
Finally, reminded that she’ll soon be 21 – goodness me, she’s been around for at least three decades – she’s asked how she’ll celebrate. Explaining that she’s not big into parties, she suggests maybe a drink with her parents, though she’s legal everywhere but the US and travels a lot. Her mates want a party in Miami but she’s an athlete, her buzz is out on the court. I’ll bet, and I’m not at all envious.
Next on Laver: Pedro Martinez v Alexander Zverev (2).
Coco Gauff (3) beats Jodie Burrage 6-3 7-5
Burrage gave it plenty, and Gauff will have to play much better than that if she’s to contend for the title. But she’s through and meets Leylah Fernandez (30) next.
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Kokkinakis gets to 30-40 on the Draper serve … and guides a backhand winner down the line! At 7-6 2-3, we’re almost back on terms in set two.
Out on court 14, Harriet Dart is up a break on Donna Vekic, the no 18 seed, at 3-2 in the first; on Court, Ruud has just served out to level his match with Mensik at a set apiece.
Kokkinakis is having to fight for his holds now, but he’s on the board in set two at 7-6 3-1. Burrage, though, is running out of road, broken again and, at 6-3 6-5, Gauff will shortly serve for the match.
I said Fearnley might have emerged into his match too late for the first set, but he’s definitely getting Cazaux’s measure; the Frenchman, supported by a rowdy contingent, is serving for set one at 5-3, and even if he closes out – as I type, he does – he’ll know this match is getting harder. The Brit is playing well now.
Kokkinakis earns immediate break-back point but the trusty lefty serve out wide makes Draper deuce. And, though, Kokkinakis again assaults him with forehands, he hangs in there to eventually claim 6-7 3-0.
Meantime, Burrage can’t see it out, broken straight back as Gauff perceives jeopardy. Credit where it’s due, though, she’s playing as well as she can on the biggest stage – a massive step forward.
Oh, and Ruud might just have Mensik’s measure, breaking for 2-6 4-2.
Elsewhere, Fearnley takes back one break off Cazaux, probably too late to save the first set, but early enough such that he’ll feel he can still win. And goodness me, on Laver, Burrage is all over Gauff, who’s serve is breaking down a little – not for the first time. A pair of big forehands secure a break at 3-6 5-3, and the Brit is now serving for a decider! She said she was going to attack, and she meant it.
I wonder if Draper might take pace off, or use the drop more; he needs to do something to compromise Kokkinakis’ forehand. But he makes 15-40 and though one break point is saved, a double – the first of the game – means Draper trails by a set but is up a break at 2-0 in the second. And perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising: Kokkinakis isn’t prime Pete Sampras, which is to say five sets is a long time, and he isn’t likely to serve – or play – perfectly throughout.
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Draper holds for 1-0 in the second set, but can he find a way of putting Kokkinakis under pressure on serve? More importantly, have you seen his Greek-themed shorts?
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Back on Laver, Gauff now leads Burrage 6-3 3-2 with a break; Cazaux leads Fearnley 3-1; Mensik leads Ruud 6-2 1-2; Korda leads Vukic 4-6 6-3 2-0; Fils leads Halys 6-2 4-6 6-6 (2-4); on, and back on Laver, Burrage breaks Gauff back to love! It’s 3-3 in the second!
Two holds for Kokkinakis, powered by a forehand that’s borderline illegal, and when Draper serves down 3-6, another ninja-style animal secures a 7-6(3) first set! I’m not sure I’ve seen Kokkinakis play better than this – he’s absolutely rabid out there and so far, Draper has no solution to his biggest shots.
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Ach, with Kokkinakis backing away facing a second serve, looking to unleash a forehand, Draper thunders into the net, ceding the mini-break. In so close a contest, that might be the difference, especially given how well the Aussie is serving. He leads 4-2.
Burrage is giving Gauff all she’s got, a forehand winner that secures her first hold of set two leaving her opponent sprawling. Gauff leads 6-3 2-1 with a break; Draper and Kokkinakis are 2-2.
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Draper holds to 15 and secures his breaker. I guess you have to fancy Kokkinakis because he’s been so clean on serve, but the Brit is more likely to conjure a winner, I think, so it’s hard to feel confident in that prediction. While I’m pontificating, the Aussie begins with an ace, Draper responding with a service winner.
We’re back under way on the outside courts, meaning I can rack up a fourth match: lovely stuff. So I’ve gone for Jacob Fearnley v Arthur Cazaux, the young Frenchman – one of the heroes of last year’s competition, beating Rune and Griekspoor – up 2-0 in the first.
Gauff breaks Burrage for 6-3 1-0; Kokkinakis rushes through yet another love hold, so Draper must now serve for a tiebreak.
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I wonder if this might, when we look back, be the tournament which marked a change in the men’s game. Yesterday, Joao Fonseca walloped Andrey Rublev, and today, Jakub Mensik is up 6-2 on Casper Ruud. These lads are the future, but they might also be the present.
A backhand down the line facilitates a clean-up forehand and Kokkinakis has 0-15, the crowd singing their approval – all the more so when Draper then nets. But the game is soon level, the Brit toughing out a long rally; currently, it’s not coming as easily to him as to his opponent. No matter: he clouts down an ace, Kokkinakis slaps a backhand into the net, and we knew where this set was likely to end up from the beginning; at 5-5 it’s nearly there.
An excellent game from Draper, the highlight him drawing Kokkinakis in with a drop, then unleashing a pass. I wonder if we might see more of that, because net-play is not Kokkinakis’ best attribute. In the time it takes me to type that, Kokkinakis makes 40-0 – Draper can’t make any impression with his return – and an ace follows as Gauff serves out for 6-4 against a game Burrage, who’s playing more or less as well as she can.
Kokkinakis powers through another service game for 4-3, but seems to have knack in his right shoulder; one on which to keep an eye. It’s also worth bearing in mind that Draper played five sets on Monday having had time off, so it’s possible that another physical match drains him more than it otherwise might.
Back on Laver, a hold apiece means Gauff must serve for set one at 5-3, Burrage giving a decent account of herself but still at arm’s length.
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Gauff wasn’t chuffed to be broken and attacks Burrage’s serve with prejudice, going backhand to backhand to secure another break for 4-2. Meantime, Mensik breaks Ruud for 3-2 in the first – snagging him in round two is about the worst possible outcome for the no 6 seed – while Kokkinakis and Draper both secure straightforward holds and we move to 3-3. There’s nary a blue Rizla between them.
A monstrous, leaping forehand down the line earns Kokkinakis break point at 2-1 in the first … so Draper uncorks a brute of his own, inside-out on to the sideline. From there he secures his hold, while Burrage earns break-back point with a return walloped to the Gauff forehand. Then, handed a second serve, she smites a terrific winner down the line and into the corner! We’re back on serve at 3-2 to the American!
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Kokkinakis holds through advantage for 2-1, and this has the feeling of a long, physical match. The Aussie looks pretty grooved, while Draper is still feeling his way back after injury.
Otherwise, it’s still raining, so there’s still no play on the outside courts … oh, and Burrage is on the board, holding through deuce to trail Gauff 1-3.
The A problem Burrage has is that her backhand is also much better than her forehand but she’s not that much like Gauff in any other aspect, not as quick, powerful or smart. Gauff holds again for 3-0 and quickly makes 0-30…
Burrage might have her tactics right but she’s not as good as Gauff, and is broken through deuce at the first time of asking. On Laver, Draper holds, and already you sense this match’ll require a breaker or several.
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And we’re away on Cain, Kokkinakis serving confidently. But there’s a hint, on 40-15, at the kind of match this is going to be, both men thrashing away form the baseline before Draper nets a forehand. The Aussie leads 1-0 while on Laver, Ruud and Mensik – yet another young starlet – are level at 1-1 in the first.
We’re away on Laver, Gauff getting to 40-0 before Burrage fights back, and a return whacked straight to that forehand incites the log riposte; deuce. From there, the favourite closes out, but she did not look impregnable in the process.
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As for Jack Draper, he should have too much for Thanasi Kokkinakis, a fine but unspectacular player – but only if he’s at it. If he’s not, he’ll be vulnerable against as good a player as he could expect to face in round two given his 15 seeding.
How does Burrage beat Gauff? Er, she probably doesn’t, but what troubles the world no 3 is no secret: her forehand, though improved, remains a weakness. Burrage plans to attack, apparently, and that’s where she’ll surely focus.
Thanks Martin and hi everyone. Welcome to what should be a terrific evening dig – hopefully with but even without play on the outside courts. Coco Gauff and Jodie Burrage are out on Laver; Casper Ruud and Jakub Mensik are knocking up on Laver; while Jack Draper and Thanasi Kokkinakis are en route to Cain.
Play is still suspended on the outside courts until at least 7.30pm AEDT. But there is plenty of action to come with players warming up under the rooves at Melbourne Park.
Coco Gauff (3) and Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage are about to clash on Rod Laver Arena, with Alexander Zverev (2) and Spain’s Pedro Martinez to follow on the main court.
Casper Ruud (6) and Jakub Mensik will meet on Margaret Court Arena before Talia Gibson tries to turn around a disappointing day for the local hopes when she faces Paula Badosa (11).
But the evening session is arguably headlined by Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis taking on Great Britain’s Jack Draper (15).
Daniel Harris will steer you along under the lights at Melbourne Park. Thanks for following to this point.
Ajla Tomljanovic had her moments but was unable to match her younger opponent’s power from the baseline as the Australians love-hate relationship with her home grand slam continues. The 31-year-old is still to progress to the third round of the women’s singles at Melbourne Park since making her debut in 2014.
Shnaider sails into the third round!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
The 20-year-old braves a second set fightback from Ajla Tomljanovic to progress 6-4 7-5@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/K1Xj8ylJws
Diana Shnaider (12) beats Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4 7-5
Diana Shnaider overcomes gallant local hope Ajla Tomljanovic and is through to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time. The 20-year-old continues her rise after reaching the third round at Wimbledon then the next stage at the US Open last year.
The 12th seed will face the winner of the clash between 18th seed Donna Vekic and lucky loser Harriet Dart.
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Diana Shnaider opens the door for Ajla Tomljanovic as she loses her serving range but the Australian is unable to make the most of the opportunity while losing the game to 30. Once again, the Tomljanovic is serving to stay in the Australian Open and this time to take the second set to a tiebreaker.
Another commanding service game from Ajla Tomljanovic. When her forehand is up and running, she can be hard to resist! Tomljanovic wins the game to love and the second set is level at 5-5 with Diana Shnaider to serve.
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Ajla Tomljanovic stays alive! The Australian breaks Diana Shnaider as she clinches the game with a powerful forehand winner. Tomljanovic looks pumped as the crowd rises as one, but now needs to hold serve.
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Ajla Tomljanovic undoes much of her hard work as she is unable to hold serve. The Australian’s smash into an open court on break point for Diana Shnaider goes long and her head drops as it becomes apparent that she is really up against it now. The 12th seed is serving for a spot in the third round.
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Ajla Tomljanovic gets the break that she needs and will serve to even up the second set against Diana Shnaider (12). Plenty of support from the home crowd at John Cain Arena is helping the Australia to lift.
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A dominant service game from Ajla Tomljanovic holds to love and takes the second set to 4-2. The Australian still needs to break Diana Shnaider to stay alive.
Ajla Tomljanovic takes Diana Shnaider to deuce but the 12th seed has the Australian scampering around the court and forces a pair of errors to claim a 4-1 lead in the second set. Tomljanovic to serve to all but stay in the game.
Ajla Tomljanovicis falling further behind Diana Shnaider with time running out to turn things around. The 12th seed leads the second set 3-1 and is serving to extend her advantage after taking out the first.
There is another pause in play with the following matches still in the balance:
Quentin Halys holds a narrow 2-6, 6-4, 6-5 lead over Arthur Fils (20).
Arthur Cazaux has held his serve then broken Jacob Fearnley at his first attempt before their match was postponed moments after it began.
In women’s singles the Anastasias – Pavlyuchenkova and Potapova – are all but impossible to split with the former taking the first set in a tiebreaker and the second set just as evenly poised at 1-1.
Rain is falling again with play suspended on the outside courts. That hasn’t come a moment too soon for James Duckworth as he searches for a way back into the match against Roberto Carballes Baena. The Spaniard will serve for the match when play resumes after taking a 6-4, 6-2, 6-5 lead into the locker room.
After a sluggish start Diana Shnaider (12) takes the first set from Ajla Tomljanovic. The Australian fought hard and saved three set points but was unable to hold serve. Shnaider has had a bit too much power from the baseline but Tomljanovic is far from out of the contest especially with her forehand hitting its mark often enough.
James Duckworth is hanging on against Roberto Carballes Baena as the Australian aims to reach the third round of the singles at his home grand slam for the first time at his 12th attempt. The 32-year-old currently has evened up the third set at 5-5 after dropping the first couple of sets to the Spaniard.
Sebastian Korda has come out of the sheds firing against Aleksandar Vukic. The American has picked up the first two games after the rain delay to take command of the second set with the scoreline looking more promising at 6-4, 0-3.
Ajla Tomljanovic has given up her early advantage over Diana Shnaider as the 12th seed breaks back on JCA. They are playing some high-quality tennis and it’s all square at 3-3.
B-E-A-UTIFUL tennis from Di Shnaider and Ajla Tomljanovic.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
It's the No.12 seed who comes out on top, firing a rocket of a forehand down the line to break back. @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/gWcVaW6XbG
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Australia started with three seeds in the men’s singles draw at a grand slam for the first time since 2000 but just four days later are down to one – Alex de Minaur – after Jordan Thompson was beaten by Nuno Borges in straight sets.
The Australian was up against it from the start with a foot injury that ruled him out of recent tournaments limiting his movement against an impressive opponent. But Thompson refused to blame the injury for his defeat.
I was coming back, but I had a chance there. I barely won a point after the foot. I was getting outplayed before that anyway, but it’s disappointing because I did have a chance there.
Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic is about to resume on Kia Arena with a one-set lead over Sebastian Korda. The American held serve to start the second set before the rain arrived, and it is now Vukic taking the balls in his hands to kick things off again.
Another local in James Duckworth will hope the break has given him time to reset after falling behind to Roberto Carballes Baena. The Spaniard currently leads 6-4, 6-2, 3-4 with play about to get under way on court 3.
Local hope Ajla Tomljanovic is in action against Diana Shnaider (12) under cover on John Cain Arena as players start to warm-up again on the outside courts after a rain interruption. The Australian gets the first break to take an early 2-1 lead against the 12th seed.
First blood. @Ajlatom secures the early break against Diana Shnaider to lead 2-1.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Now to convert that with a hold.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/zuaCgxM9eB
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Novak Djokovic (7) beats Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7(4) 6-3 6-2
The 37-year-old Novak Djokovic is through to the third round and keeps his hopes of claiming grand slam 25 in 2025 alive after overcoming a gentle scare from Jaime Faria in four sets.
Next up for Djokovic is Tomas Machac (26) after the Czech defeated American Reilly Opelka in five sets earlier this afternoon.
Novak doing what Novak does best - persevere and be brilliant 😍😍
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
An upset is not to be as Djokovic wins 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/4gK8d0yu3D
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Novak Djokovic (7) is within one game of taking out the second round match after he holds serve from a pair of deuces with Jaime Faria. The Portuguese up-n-comer rattles through his own serve but is on the ropes with Djokovic leading 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 5-2.
A doff of the cap to you, Jonathan. Nice of 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and his less-heralded opponent Jaime Faria to add more spice to what has been an entertaining afternoon at Melbourne Park. I’ll see us through the next two hours before Daniel Harris takes charge for the evening session.
A second break of the set for Djokovic and this one is all over bar the shouting.
I shall hand responsibility for reading the last rites to Martin Pegan. See you back here soon.
Another quick hold and Djokovic moves up 3-1 in the fourth. Faria has delivered the performance of a lifetime but he is starting to wilt.
That sound you can hear is Djokovic tightening the screws on Faria. He breaks his young opponent in the opening game of the fourth set, then holds in quicktime to take a stranglehold on this second round match.
We’ve seen this so often in the era of the big three – and especially with Djokovic. Most of the circuit can find an hour, maybe two, of good tennis, but when the going gets tough the grand slam winning giants raise their games – none more so than the indefatigable Serbian.
Novak Djokovic (7) moves two sets to one up over Jaime Faria. The Melbourne Park specialist has not had things all his own way but there was a significant momentum shift midway through that third set. Djokovic has been playing within himself but is starting to open up as his confidence builds.
It will take a massive effort for the young Portuguese to regain a foothold.
The rain isn’t heavy but enough to cause a disruption. A change in wind direction and strength over the next couple of hours should blow it away.
It’s one of those frustrations of scheduling that two stadium courts are currently unused for singles play, but there’ll be action on John Cain Arena soon with Diana Shnaider (12) taking on Ajla Tomljanovic, then Margaret Court Arena will welcome Casper Ruud (6) and Jakub Mensik at 7pm.
There are four singles matches in play on the outside courts, all of which have been suspended because of rain. Djokovic v Faria under the RLA roof is the only ticket in town as the 10-time champion serves his way to a 5-2 third set lead.
Djokovic’s mood has improved significantly, and the cries of “Nolé!” reverberate around Rod Laver Arena. After Faria won the opening point of game five, Djokovic authoritatively served his way to a hold, then capitalised on a dip in form from the Portuguese to move a break up. The third set is now on the veteran’s racket.
Leylah Fernandez (30) has beaten Cristina Bucsavs in three sets. She will face Coco Gauff or Jodie Burrage in round three.
Leylah, you beauty! 🇨🇦
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Leylah Fernandez is through to the third round for the first time at the Australian Open, defeating Cristina Bucsa 3-6 6-4 6-4 ✨#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/gKVFhAIa0t
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Djokovic dumps a routine backhand into the net to allow Faria to hold at 2-2 in the third set. The Serbian immediately gesticulates to the heavens and begins chuntering to nobody in particular. Then he receives a time violation before his first serve of the fifth game. That game starts with Faria taking a static ball on the baseline and wrapping a backhand crosscourt winner with supreme confidence.
Djokovic is simmering. Watch out Andy!
Play has resumed on Rod Laver Arena, now in indoor-mode. The delay benefited Faria, who was starting to lose focus, but returns to hold serve.
As the match ticks over the two hour mark, we’re 1-1 in the third set and Djokovic is beginning to look irritable.
The odd spot of rain has been falling on Melbourne Park for half-an-hour or so, but now it’s coming down at a rate to bother officials. There will be a minor delay on RLA as the roof closes and floodlights blink into life, while players are making their way off court elsewhere in the precinct.
Better news for Australia elsewhere with Aleksandar Vukic taking the opening set from Sebastian Korda (22).
It’s becoming a day to remember for Portuguese tennis with Nuno Borges completing his straight sets victory over Australia’s Jordan Thompson (27).
Brilliant Borges!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
The Portuguese accounts for No.27 seed Jordan Thompson in straight sets, winning through 6-3 6-2 6-4.@nunoborges97 • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/tW0T27tbY1
Meanwhile, way, way, way off broadway considering today’s action, France’s Benjamin Bonzi, the world number 70, has beaten Italy’s Francesco Passaro, the world number 105, in four sets.
Bonzi will face 24th seed Jiří Lehečka in the next round.
… he only needs two! Brilliant from Faria, pushing Djokovic backwards with his power then executing a sublime sliced forehand drop shot to level the match at one set apiece. This is the first time the 21-year-old qualifier has ever made the main draw of a grand slam but he looks to the manor born. His Challenger Tour record suggests he’s a clay court specialist, but there’s a serve-volley weapon in there if he can unlock it.
For the second match in a row Djokovic is not having things all his own way against an opponent that – on paper – should be a routine easybeat.
Superb serving and Faria has three sets points to level the match…
Faria moves a break up in the tiebreak by virtue of another long rally, one ending with a superb volley at the net. You can see the Portuguese being a serious weapon at Wimbledon with hands like that and such a powerful serve.
Djokovic survives a set point on his serve to send the second set into a tiebreak. Faria is doing well to extend plenty of points, with Djokovic unfamiliarly cautious during these prolonged rallies.
There is now a spot of rain around Melbourne Park. Not enough to force players off just yet, but it would be little surprise to see the roofs closed on the stadium courts.
Another Australian falls two sets to love down, this time James Duckworth at the hands of Roberto Carballés Baena.
Djokovic holds to level the second set at 5-5. The winning point is the point of the match, and will be one of the highlights of the tournament, lasting 29 shots, the final clutch of those with both men nose to nose at the net.
There follows an odd exchange with Djokovic complaining at the sudden introduction of the floodlights on Rod Laver Arena (the roof is open). The umpire offers to turn them back off, which duly happens.
Bit of a misjudgement there from tournament organisers, not waiting to the end of the set to change the match conditions, and do so without informing the players.
🎙️ "THIS is what they came to see!"
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
The Djoker has enough and more tricks up his sleeve 😍@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/bdH87aYOnR
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Murray and Djokovic can breathe a little easier. Consecutive games to love, including an impressive break, have the second set back on serve. Faria didn’t look comfortable trying to serve out for the set, opening with a double fault and chucking in a soft unforced error in amongst Djokovic’s defensive brilliance.
Is this a golden age of Portuguese tennis? Nuno Borges is now two sets up on Jordan Thompson (27).
Outrageous touch and feel from @nunoborges97!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
The world No.33 leads Jordan Thompson 6-3 6-2@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/6Pm3dFqcjk
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As Faria holds comfortably to move up 5-2 against Djokovic, the camera pans to an impassive Andy Murray courtside. The Scotsman is presumably preparing his response to receiving his first tirade as the Serbian’s coach.
… although, Djokovic has been broken twice in the second set to trail 2-4 to 21-year-old Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria. The Serbian cruised to the opening set.
Tomas Machac (26) has withstood the barrage of aces from Reilly Opelka to squeeze into round three in five sets, securing an all important break in the decider.
The 6’11” Opelka fired 40 aces and won 102 of 115 points behind his first serve, but it is the mixed doubles gold medallist from Paris that is through to the third round and a likely meeting with Novak Djokovic.
World no.25 Machac survives a big scare in Opelka, defeating the American 3-6 7-6 (1) 6-7 7-6 (4) 6-4 advancing to the third round at the #AusOpen 👏@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/HJLF3gB51m
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
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Naomi Osaka beats Karolína Muchová (20) 1-6 6-1 6-3
What a turnaround for Naomi Osaka. She is into the third round after dispensing with her second high-calibre opponent, this time 20th seed and former French Open finalist Karolína Muchová.
The energy and “come ons”increased as the match wore on, with the two-time champion growing into the contest after a slow start.
Osaka will face Belinda Bencic in round three in a battle of the new mothers. If either lifts the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup they will join only three previous grand slam winning mums: Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, and Kim Clijsters.
Naomi Osaka has the deciding set on her racket, forging a break ahead of Karolina Muchova (20).
Couple of pieces of bad news for home fans with Jordan Thompson (27) dropping the opening set to Nuno Borges, and James Duckworth doing likewise against Roberto Carballés Baena.
Plenty of chat on the world feed commentary of the Djokovic match about how slow Rod Laver Arena is playing at present. This is a consequence of the rain earlier in the week, and the overcast humidity today.
More familiar sunshine and heat will return to Melbourne Park on Saturday, with a four day stretch of temperatures in the 30s.
Novak Djokovic (7) took time to ease into his work but the ten-time champion has figured out his big-serving opponent, taking the opening set against Jaime Faria 6-1.
Jiri Lehecka (24) is through to the third round after Hugo Gaston retired midway through the second set. The Czech was up 6-3 3-1.
The story of Alcaraz’s victory was all about his serve. Not usually the recipient of many cheap points, the Spaniard sent down 14 aces, close to his tour-best.
Two quick matches in a row, and receiving less physical punishment than usual, Alcaraz’s standing in this draw is increasing daily. Up next is the winner of Thompson v Borges.
In his serve bot era 🤖#AO2025 • @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/trVzE7NUu6
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
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Carlos Alcaraz (3) beats Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0 6-1 6-4
The second seriously impressive demolition job in a row for the Spanish third seed. Carlos Alcaraz’s bid to become the youngest man to secure a career grand slam is off to a blistering start.
Tomas Machac (26) survives a fourth set tiebreak (the third in a row) against the giant Reilly Opelka to send their match into a decider.
While Novak Djokovic (7) has an early break against the big serving Jaime Faria in the opening set.
Break. Hold.@nunoborges97 strikes the first blow in his second round match against Jordan Thompson.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
He leads the Australian no.27 seed 5-2.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4pAM2vhGko
After a slow start, Naomi Osaka is moving and hitting like a two-time former champion, dominating the second set against Karolina Muchova (20) to send their match into a decider.
Novak Djokovic (7) has just stepped onto Rod Laver Arena for his second round clash with Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
While home favourite Jordan Thompson (27) has just got underway on John Cain Arena against another Portuguese, Nuno Borges. The winner of that contest has the unenviable task of taking on Carlos Alcaraz in round three.
Former champion Naomi Osaka has broken Karolina Muchova (20) early in the second set as she bids to remain in the contest.
Big serving Reilly Opelka is 2-1 up in sets over Tomas Machac (26) behind a staggering 29 aces.
While Jiri Lehecka (24) has taken the opening set off Hugo Gaston.
BREAKING NEWS: Yoshihito Nishioka has won a game!
Unfortunately for the unseeded Japanese, Carlos Alcaraz has won 12. The Spanish tyro is cruising 6-0 6-1.
That’s just eight games dropped in five sets so far for the 21-year-old.
Fun moment on MCA 😁
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Relief for Nishioka as he holds his serve for the first time against Alcaraz#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/KuJlZlVkdr
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Mirra Andreeva (14) beats Moyuka Uchijima 6-4 3-6 7-6 (10-8)
The 17-year-old 14th seed sneaks through to third round by the skin of her teeth. Moyuka Uchijima served for the match at 5-4 in the third set but could not get over the line. Mirra Andreeva then just kept the ball in play and invited her opponent to make mistakes, setting up a rollercoaster tiebreak.
Andreeva raced into a 6-3 lead, only to be pegged back, and then overtaken 6-8. The teenager gathered herself, held her nerve, and won the final four points.
Polish 23rd seed Magdalena Fręch awaits in round three.
Mirra Andreeva (14) has dug deep to send her clash with Moyuka Uchijima into a final set tie-break.
Elsewhere, Karolina Muchova (20) has raced to the first set 6-1 over former champion Naomi Osaka.
And Carlos Alcaraz (3) has already broken Yoshihito Nishioka in the second set. That one could be heading for a double bagel.
Another result to update you on: Tokyo gold medallist Belinda Bencic has backed up her victory over Jelena Ostapenko by dispensing with Suzan Lamens. Bencic is returning from maternity leave and will face the winner of Muchová v Osaka in round three.
In the time it’s taken me to tie up some loose ends in the women’s singles, Carlos Alcaraz has handed Yoshihito Nishioka a bagel. The Spaniard won 12 of 13 points on his own serve and 12 of 15 on the serve of his Japanese opponent. That set took less than 20 minutes!
Laura Siegemund beats Qinwen Zheng (5) 7-6 5-3
China’s Qinwen Zheng becomes the biggest casualty of the Australian Open so far. Last year’s beaten finalist was soundly beaten by a terrific performance from the German veteran.
That’s Siegemund’s first win over a top-10 player at a slam, and first over a top-10 player in three years. She’s through to a career-best third round in Melbourne.
Carlos Alcaraz is our next headliner of the day, but before we check in on the Spanish third seed, let’s take a quick spin around the courts.
Qinwen Zheng (5) is in desperate trouble against veteran Laura Siegemund on John Cain Arena. The German will serve for the match at 5-3 in the second set.
Mirra Andreeva (14) is also struggling, on the verge of defeat to Moyuka Uchijima.
Karolina Muchova (20) has raced to a 4-0 lead over Naomi Osaka.
Reilly Opelka and Tomas Machac (26) are locked at one set apiece on serve in the third.
Watching Sabalenka’s determination today reminded me of an interview she gave here in Melbourne back in 2019. At the time she had only just grazed the top ten of the WTA Rankings, and was still two years away from reach a quarter-final at a slam, but her confidence and ambition were sky high, unabashed at declaring she wanted a calendar year grand slam on her CV. If she can figure out clay and grass, it’s hers for the taking.
Aryna Sabalenka (1) beats Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3 7-5
The best hardcourt player on the circuit continues her incredible run at the Australian Open but she didn’t have it all her own way against the world No 54. But from 1-4 down in the second set she dug deep to turn the tide and slug her way into the third round where she will face Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
Bouzas Maneiro can leave with her head held high. She played aggressively throughout, especially against the Sabalenka serve, crafting proactive points and committing to her shots despite the occasion.
Two double faults from Bouzas Maneiro and her spirited effort is beginning to fade against the world number one. Sabalenka will serve for a place in round three.
Sabalenka holds immediately after breaking to claw her way back from 1-4 to 5-5 in the second set. Bouzas Maneiro will rue failing to serve out the set when she had the opportunity, her aggression dipping a little, coinciding with Sabalenka asserting her power from the baseline. The Spaniard will do well now to resist the Belorussian’s momentum.
Thank you very much Martin. What a spectacular day of tennis this is. The scheduling has so far been lopsided, favouring the even days, like this, where we get to enjoy Sabalenka, then Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Gauff, all in quick succession.
My attention will remain on the women’s number one seed, for now, who has just broken back against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, but remains in a second set dogfight.
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Jonathan Howcroft will take the reins for the next few hours but here is the current state of play in the main singles matches across Melbourne Park.
Laura Siegemund leads Qinwen Zheng (7) by 7-6(3), 2-0 on JCA.
Tomas Machac has fought back to take the second set in a tie-breaker in a suddenly even contest with Reilly Opelka. The score for the American stands at 6-3, 6-7(1), 1-1.
And we’re into a deciding set on court 3 as Moyuka Uchijima pulls back the second to make the scoreline 4-6, 6-3, 1-1 against Mirra Andreeva (14).
But the main interest is on RLA where Jessica Bouzas Maneiro is serving to take the second set from Aryna Sabalenka (1) at 5-3.
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Jessica Pegula (7) beats Elise Mertens 6-4 6-2
Jessica Pegula is into the third round after easing past Elise Mertens on MCA. The American was able to rely on her generally reliable first serve while drawing just enough errors from Mertens.
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The tables have turned on RLA as Jessica Bouzas Maneiro breaks Aryna Sabalenka then holds serve to take a 4-1 lead in the second set. The No 1 seed is still making too many errors but that is due in part to Bouzas Maneiro’s consistency and confidence from the baseline.
Olga Danilović beats Liudmila Samsonova (25) 6-1 6-2
The first winner of the day is Olga Danilović as the Serbian takes just 65 minutes to send Liudmila Samsonova packing. Samsonova struggled with her first serve throughout to make another early exit at a tournament that has hardly been her friend across what is now six visits.
Defeating Samsonova in straight sets 6-1 6-2, into the #AusOpen third round for the first time - Olga Danilovic is definitely feeling it at the Happy Slam 😍#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/6mHe421u9y
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
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After both players had their issues with holding serve in the opening set, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro start the second set doing just that. The reigning champion serves at 6-3, 1-2.
Olga Danilović has one foot in the third round as the Serbian leads Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 5-2. The No 25 seed will serve to stay in the match.
It’s all heating up on JCA as Laura Siegemund stuns Qinwen Zheng in a tie-breaker. Too many errors proved costly for the No 5 seed as the German veteran wins the first set 7-6(3).
Aryna Sabalenka is hardly having it all her own way but holds serve to win the first set against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3 in 44 minutes. The Belarusian edged the set with 16-9 winners but both players will want to step up their service games from here.
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Jessica Pegula claims the first set from Elise Mertens 6-4 on MCA, but there is a tighter contest over on JCA where Qinwen Zheng and Laura Siegemund are heading to a tie-breaker.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro has put up a brave fight so far on RLA but Aryna Sabalenka is firing now. The Spaniard is serving to stay in the set after the world No 1 pushes out to a 5-2 lead. But can Bouzas Maneiro hold serve for the first time today?
A mini-upset is brewing on Kia Arena as Olga Danilović wins the first set against Liudmila Samsonova 6-1 in under half an hour. The No 25 seed has then taken an early 2-1 lead in the second set after immediately breaking the Serbian.
No 14 women’s seed Mirra Andreeva has taken the first set from Moyuka Uchijima 6-4. The teenager’s serve is up and running with five aces to none in the first set while Andreeva is also on top 16-6 for winners.
Neither player can hold serve in a somewhat surprisingly tense encounter on RLA. Bouzas Maneiro again takes Sabalenka to deuce but this time takes to game quickly off an error from the world No 1 then a forehand winner by the Spaniard. Much of this match is being decided by whether or not Sabalenka lands her shots though. Sabalenka leads the first set 3-2 with Bouzas Maneiro to serve.
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Over on 1573 Arena, and Reilly Opelka has taken only 25 minutes to claim the first set from Tomas Machac 6-3. The American sent down nine aces and hit a top speed of 219km/h to win 18/20 first serves in a blistering start.
Aryna Sabalenka breaks Jessica Bouzas Maneiro for a second time in as many service games, this time to 15, as the 22-year-old Spaniard’s serve already looms as the main issue against the Belarusian powerhouse.
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Aryna Sabalenka breaks Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to 30 at the first attempt but the Spaniard bounces back immediately. Bouzas Maneiro pulls away to a 0-30 lead following a pair of unforced errors from Sabalenka, then takes the game to deuce and four break-back points – the third from a huge confidence booster with a sublime cross-court forehand winner. The world No 54 brings out a backhand winner to finally finish off the game and put the first set back on serve.
Well-deserved 👏👏 there after Bouzas Maneiro broke Sabalenka! #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/L0LjCUc6Km
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
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Jessica Pegula is up against Elise Mertens on Margaret Court Arena with the first few games quickly going to serve. Mertens leads the No 7 seed 2-1.
Aryna Sabalenka with a typically dominant start as the reigning women’s single champion holds serve to 15 against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro are finishing their warm-up on RLA with the roof now open in a sign of confidence that the rain has passed. The world No 1 breezed into the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sloane Stephens. Tennis reporter Tumaini Carayol could hardly have been more impressed.
Over the next fortnight, Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman in 26 years – since Martina Hingis – to win three consecutive Australian Open singles titles. She opened up her title defence in Melbourne with an imperious performance, dismantling the former US Open champion Stephens.
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Teenage sensation and No 14 seed Mirra Andreeva is up against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima on court 3. Uchijima races through the first game to love.
Players are now warming up on the outside courts with the action to get under way shortly. Qinwen Zheng and Laura Siegemund on John Cain Arena has been the only match able start closer to the scheduled 11am, with China’s No 5 seed holding a 2-1 lead in the first set as both players hold serve early.
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Now for the weather. Grey skies across southern Victoria have already left some drizzle on Melbourne Park and postponed play starting on the outside courts until 11.30am.
But the worst already seems to have passed to leave us with a muggy, overcast day but hopefully no further interruptions.
Good morning #Victoria! Here's your forecast:
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 14, 2025
⛈️ Patchy rain & thunderstorms developing as a cold front crosses #Vic. Severe storms possible about the eastern ranges.
🌡️ Warm & gusty northerly wind shifting cooler southwesterly behind the front.
Details: https://t.co/UYVuRwgKlp pic.twitter.com/mh5oEsca3O
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We hope you don’t venture too far from the Guardian’s inimitable Australian Open blog but will understand if you want to pop out for a sneak peek at AO Animated.
Our reporter on the ground at Melbourne Park, Jack Snape, describes AO Animated as “near-live, commentated coverage of the Australian Open, free to anyone across the world via YouTube, enhanced via a stream of comments from a like-minded online community”.
It was a special night for tennis’s glamour couple as Australia’s Alex De Minaur brushed aside Botic van de Zandschulp 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in 142 minutes all while having one eye on the score at the neighbouring Kia Arena. De Minaur’s fiancé, Katie Boulter, had to work harder to progress to the second round but eventually sealed her place in Australian Open history for Great Britain.
You want to be focusing on your own match, then all of a sudden you see the results of Katie’s match,” De Minaur said. “You try not to pay too much attention and focus on yourself, but the sheer fact that it’s always coming around, it makes it difficult.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of day four at the 2025 Australian Open. The action has just started on the outside courts at Melbourne Park with one of the biggest names in the game set to kick off on the show courts at 11:30am.
The spotlight will firstly be on two-time defending champion and world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka up against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Rod Laver Arena, with Novak Djokovic to follow against Jaime Faria on the same court.
As the second round of the singles gets under way, here are some of the matches we’ll be keeping an eye on during the day session:
11.30am: Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
11.30am: Jessica Pegula (3) v Elise Mertens
1pm: Carlos Alcaraz (3) v Yoshihito Nishioka
1pm: Jordan Thompson (27) v Nuno Borges
1pm: Naomi Osaka v Karolina Muchova (20)
2pm: Novak Djokovic (7) v Jaime Faria
There will also be plenty of Australians in action throughout the day starting with Jordan Thompson and Ajla Tomljanovic, as well as Aleksandar Vukic, Talia Gibson and James Duckworth. Thanasi Kokkinakis will be part of the night session with a testing match-up against Great Britain’s great hope Jack Draper.
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, defending Wimbledon and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, No 3 women’s seed Coco Gauff, and No 2 men’s seed Alexander Zverev will also be on show on a blockbuster day four.
I’ll be with you for the first couple of hours with Jonathan Howcroft to take the reins for the bulk of the afternoon. Let me know your thoughts and predictions on email or @martinpegan on Bluesky or X. Let’s get into it!
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