Here’s Simpon Cambers’ report from Melbourne:
That was a great win for Nick Kyrgios. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who serves so well, played impressively and is an experienced player. Kyrgios toughed it out, showing rare composure to win all three tie-breaks. Next he faces Grigor Dimitrov. That’s bound to be a cracking match and it’s hard to pick a winner. That’s all from me today, though. Thanks for reading. Bye.
One last question: who would play Nick Kyrgios in a film about his life? “When I saw him out here, I was so nervous. I just wanted him to think I was the coolest person here.” Will Smith is in the crowd, you see. There’s laughter and banter.
Nick Kyrgios speaks! “It was amazing. I’d never won a match on this court coming here. I was obviously very nervous. Playing Jo, he was a guy I looked up to as a kid and he’s a great guy. I was getting prepared for a fifth set. I thought he was going to hit two first serves. But I stayed composed. I’ve got doubles tomorrow. Then I’ve got a tough match against Grigor. It was 2008, I was going to all of Jo’s practice sessions and getting a ball signed. To get a win against him is a dream come true.”
Nick Kyrgios beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6!
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 7-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): What a turnaround! Tsonga gets his first serve in, but Kyrgios makes him play another ball - and the Frenchman slaps a forehand into the net! That’s it! Five points in a row for Nick Kyrgios and he’s into the fourth round of his home slam. They love him on Rod Laver Arena now! Kyrgios shares an embrace with Tsonga, who was his idol growing up, and then he accepts the acclaim of the Australian public.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 6-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): The crowd is so pumped up now. Kyrgios misses a serve out wide. He pumps a forehand into play after a second serve. Then, naturally, he goes for a drop shot. Tsonga’s there, but Kyrgios is able to push a volley back into the open court to earn his first match point.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 5-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga fluffs a return. The tide is turning.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Astonishing! Digging deep to contend with his opponent’s strength, Kyrgios raps a low backhand over the net and this time Tsonga nets a volley!
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 3-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga knocks a backhand long. He feels his right leg and flexes his knee.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 2-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios has a couple of tries, but he can’t beat Tsonga at the net. The Frenchman has a grip on this now.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 2-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios spanks a stupendous forehand from right to left.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga charges forward to gobble up another volley.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-3 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios misses a forehand down the line by a whisker.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 1-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios finds an ace.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 0-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios double-faults.
Fourth-set tie-break: Kyrgios 0-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga volleys brilliantly again. He’s so good at the net.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-6 Tsonga (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set for a second time, Kyrgios finds himself down 0-15 after Tsonga pounces on a backhand down the line, volleying well. He responds with four straight points to force a tie-break. Win it and a place in the fourth round is his.
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Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 5-6 Tsonga* (*denotes server): The pair trade huge blows until Tsonga messes up a drop shot for 0-15. Then comes a double-fault from Tsonga, making it 0-30. Tsonga fights back to 30-all, though, and another ace makes it 40-30. A wild forehand allows Kyrgios to deuce, though. Tsonga winces at that one. Then he produces an ace. He holds when Kyrgios hammers a forehand long.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 5-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios takes a 30-0 lead. Soon, after a double-fault, his second of the match, it’s 30-all. The crowd sounds anxious. Kyrgios bangs a serve down the middle. Out. He challenges. Nope. He’s out of challenges now. His response is to bang down a huge second serve before holding and rousing the crowd.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 4-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): This has the potential to be a huge game. And it starts well for Kyrgios, who makes his opponent scamper with a lob, before making it 0-15 with a smash. Tsonga rallies, though, and powerfully makes it 30-15. He holds to 15. Kyrgios will serve to stay in the set.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 4-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios looks steady at 40-15. Appearances can be deceiving. He duffs a volley, allowing the game to go to deuce. He’s relieved to see Tsonga wallop a wild forehand wide after a lengthy rally. Then he holds with an ace.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 3-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga nets a forehand for 0-15. Tsonga, who had a tough five-setter in his second-round match, is starting to grimace a bit. But he’s still fighting, getting to 30-15, then straining to reach an astonishing backhand down the line. The pair engage in some smiling banter, much to the crowd’s amusement, when Tsonga challenges after it was incorrectly called out. Tsonga holds with an ace.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 3-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): After the first two points are shared, Kyrgios watches a dropping ball carefully before ripping a forehand down the line for 30-15. He nets a backhand, but Tsonga pulls a forehand wide to make it 40-30. Kyrgios then tries a strange, leaping drop shot, but Tsonga casually prods a slice long.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-3 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios moves into a 0-15 lead, but Tsonga isn’t in the mood to hand out any free gifts, two aces helping him hold.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga is still refusing to let go of his disagreement with his enemy in the crowd. The umpire wants him to move on, though, and it’s probably best for him if he does. That said, he’s still playing some magnificent stuff. At 30-15, he reaches a short ball and lobs Kyrgios, who scampers back to retrieve the ball, only to find himself out of position as Tsonga punches a volley away for 30-all. Kyrgios, wounded a little, then comes up with his first double-fault to hand Tsonga a break point. Kyrgios saves it with a second-serve ace. Of course. Another ace sets him up for a hold. Then he lashes a forehand away.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 1-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga nets a forehand to make it 0-15. He looks rattled at the moment, netting a backhand slice to make it 0-30, and at 15-30 Kyrgios earns two break points with a deft volley. Tsonga saves the first, slapping a forehand away, and he scrubs out the second too, standing tall at the net to force deuce. Then comes a double-fault, though, another look for Kyrgios. Tsonga absolutely spanked that second serve. Did he think it was a first serve? It seems so. It’s all or nothing with Tsonga right now. He saves the break point with a venomous forehand that kisses the line, surviving a challenge from Kyrgios. Eventually he clambers clear, holding with another ace.
Fourth set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 1-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios is so pumped up now, which is good to see, and he holds to love. Tsonga has his work cut out here.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 0-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga was involved in a heated exchange with the umpire during the changeover. He lets out some frustration by holding to 15. He’s still chuntering as he walks back to his chair. It turns out that Tsonga’s annoyed with someone heckling him in the crowd. “You have to stop!” Jake Garner, the man in the chair, tells the offender. Tsonga is fuming.
Nick Kyrgios wins the third set 7-6 to lead 7-6, 4-6, 7-6!
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 8-6 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga misses a first serve. Surely it won’t happen again. No. His second serve is in. But Kyrgios’s backhand return, flayed from left to right, is too hot for Tsonga to handle!
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Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 7-6 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios dominates the net to earn a set point.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 6-6 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios nails an inside-out forehand.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-6 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios nets a forehand off a second serve. Wasteful. Tsonga has a set point.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): On the run, Kyrgios slashes a forehand wide.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 5-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios makes himself feel better by slamming an ace down the middle.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 4-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios batters a forehand long!
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-3 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga bangs an ace down the middle.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga approaches the net, but Kyrgios picks him off with a backhand down the line!
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 3-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios’s 19th ace.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 2-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga misses a backhand down the line.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga’s placement with a serve out wide is too good. It’s his 20th ace.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Another huge serve from Tsonga.
Third-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 1-0 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios attacks a short ball and Tsonga nets a forehand.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 6-6 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga nails an ace at 30-0. Kyrgios doesn’t bother going after it. Another one takes us into a tie-break.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 6-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios holds to love, Tsonga barely in the game. They’re both playing - or serving - very well now. Tsonga will serve to force a tie-break.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 5-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga is serving to stay in the set and he’s under pressure after Kyrgios makes it 0-15 with a glorious backhand down the line. Kyrgios hasn’t been in this position since the seventh game of the match. He can’t push on, though. Tsonga won’t let him. He holds to 15 with an ace.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 5-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios begins smoothly, making it 30-0 with a couple of aces. He holds to love. He’s won 10 consecutive points on serve. Meanwhile Rafa Nadal has beaten Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 and will face Diego Schwartzman next.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 4-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga holds to 15. Kyrgios still can’t read that serve. You wonder what the best returners - your Djokovices, your Murrays - might have done against it, though.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 4-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios gets lucky on the first point, watching as Tsonga races on to a limp drop shot before rattling a forehand wide on the run. A let-off for Kyrgios, who proceeds to run away with the game, holding to love.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 3-3 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga keeps cruising on serve.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 3-2 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios is looking more focused than in the second set. But he’s finding Tsonga increasingly awkward and though he leads 40-15, a couple of poor decisions take the game to deuce. An ace settles Kyrgios down, though, and he holds in the end.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 2-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga races through another hold.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios decides to fight fire with fire, serving a few howitzers of his own to lead 40-0. He holds to love.
Third set: Kyrgios 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios still can’t get a handle on Tsonga’s serve. He makes it 15-30 with a lovely backhand pass, but Tsonga responds by whipping an ace down the middle. Soon it’s 40-30. The game goes to deuce, offering Kyrgios a glimmer of hope, but Tsonga is playing extremely well, volleying superbly to hold.
Third set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga returns from a comfort break, meaning that we can resume, and he’s quickly into the swing of things, drop-shotting for 0-15. But Kyrgios knuckles down to win four straight points and hold. Elsewhere Rafa Nadal is closing in on victory against Damir Dzumhur.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins the second set 6-4 to level the match!
Tsonga is inspired on serve at the moment. Powerful ball-striking takes him to a 30-0 lead, two points from levelling the match. Another boomer down the middle makes it 40-0. Kyrgios doesn’t bother going after another snappy forehand. And he isn’t going to win this match if he can’t work out Tsonga’s serve.
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Second set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 4-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Kyrgios rattles into a 40-0 lead. He holds to 15 with an ace. But Tsonga has won 14 consecutive points on serve. Now Kyrgios has to break him.
Second set: Kyrgios 7-6, 3-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios can barely get his racquet to Tsonga’s serves at the moment. Another breezy hold for the 15th seed. Kyrgios will serve to stay in the set.
Second set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 3-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios looks in control at 40-0. But ... he is Kyrgios. The game goes to deuce. Before long Tsonga has a break point as Kyrgios loops a dismal forehand long. This is a shocker from Kyrgios, who does at least save the break point with a big serve. He manages to refocus, holding thanks to a couple of rasping forehands. “This battle of The Future v The Nearly Man cud be a belter both of these lads can play some sublime tennis when they’re on,” says John McEnerney. “If Nick K keeps his head he’ll go through but JWT has the ammo to beat let’s see how it goes. Hopefully it’ll go the distance.”
Second set: Kyrgios 7-6, 2-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Momentum has changed hands. Tsonga can’t stop pinging aces past Kyrgios now and he holds to love thanks to another smart piece of volleying. Krygios’s body language could be better.
Second set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 2-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga has an extra spring in his step after that game and he’s surprises Kyrgios here, moving forward and attacking with greater urgency to take a 0-30 lead. Kyrgios, feeling the strain a bit, proceeds to net a forehand to find himself facing three break points. Tsonga only needs one, delicately dropping a low backhand volley over the net and out of reach, drawing admiring sighs from the crowd.
Second set: Kyrgios 7-6, 2-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Three aces from Tsonga, a love hold. He’s slowly getting over that tie-break.
Second set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 2-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios holds to love. The home fans are enjoying this performance from the Australian No1.
Second set: Kyrgios 7-6, 1-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga is struggling at the moment, netting a backhand slice to make it 30-all. It’s no surprise to see him like this given his double-fault on set point. But Kyrgios can’t earn a break point, leaving too much space for Tsonga to rap a backhand from left to right. Tsonga holds to 30 in the end.
Second set: Kyrgios* 7-6, 1-0 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga, who is prone to dips in focus, worryingly butches a simple backhand volley, gifting Kyrgios a 30-0 lead. The sloppiness is catching, however, with Kyrgios sneezing a lazy drop shot into the net for 30-15. Kyrgios holds comfortably, though.
Kyle Edmund’s fourth-round opponent will be Andreas Seppi. The Italian has won an epic against Ivo Karlovic, beating the Croatian 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7.
Nick Kyrgios wins the first set 7-6!
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 7-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga’s still facing a set point, though, and he misses a first serve. The tension grows. And would you believe it? After serving so well through the first set, Tsonga chooses a bad time to net his second serve to hand Kyrgios the lead!
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 6-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios serves wide. Tsonga gets it back this time. A cagey rally ensues, but Tsonga takes charge with a big forehand to the right. Then he’s at the net. His touch volley is a beauty! He’s still in this!
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 6-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios serves down the middle. Tsonga’s there, but he can’t do anything with his return. Kyrgios has two set points.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga blinks, sending a loose backhand long!
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga swings an ace down the middle.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 4-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios pounds a serve out wide. Tsonga can’t get it back.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 3-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga nets a backhand drop shot. This is so tight.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 2-3 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios can’t make a return.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 2-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Kyrgios nets a forehand down the line with Tsonga at the net. That was a chance.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 2-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios rams a forehand into the left corner, forcing Tsonga to hook long.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios* 1-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga wafts a forehand into the net.
First-set tie-break: Kyrgios 0-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga punishes a weak Kyrgios return off a second serve, rapping a forehand away.
First set: Kyrgios* 6-6 Tsonga (*denotes server): Tsonga is looking solid here. And dangerous. Kyrgios is looking skittish. Is the pressure telling? The game goes to 15-all. But a big second serve sets him up for a huge backhand for 30-15. He holds to 15. Tie-break.
First set: Kyrgios 5-6 Tsonga* (*denotes server): The first two points are shared, Tsonga’s first double-fault of the match making it 15-all. A couple of crisp shots from Tsonga make it 40-15, though. Kyrgios hangs his head. Then he cracks a forehand return long. Tsonga has secured a tie-break at the very least, but he’ll want more than that now.
First set: Kyrgios* 5-5 Tsonga (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Kyrgios moves into a 15-0 lead. But he’s shaking his head after netting a backhand and he’s in trouble when Tsonga makes it 15-30 with a backhand down the line. Kyrgios calms his nerves with an ace for 30-all. Another one makes it 40-30, but the game goes to deuce after Tsonga edges a punishing rally. That’s where we stay for a while. Tsonga has stepped it up. But Kyrgios stands up to the challenge, dominating with a big forehand to hold and keep the set alive.
First set: Kyrgios 4-5 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga ratchets up the power, never giving Kyrgios a sniff, holding to 15 thanks to a thudding forehand. Kyrgios will serve to stay in the set. Meanwhile Rafa Nadal is racing through his match, dropping only one game in the first set of his match against Damir Dzumhur. He’s looking ominous.
First set: Kyrgios* 4-4 Tsonga (*denotes server): Nothing to see here other than a few more aces from Kyrgios, who rounds off a simple hold with a stunning backhand down the line.
First set: Kyrgios 3-4 Tsonga* (*denotes server): At 15-all, Tsonga ups the pace, drilling a forehand down the line to bundle Kyrgios out of the rally. An ace makes it 40-15. Another one sees Tsonga hold to 30. Kyrgios is under pressure now.
First set: Kyrgios* 3-3 Tsonga (*denotes server): Another ace from Kyrgios makes it 15-0. Tsonga gets to 15-all, though, and then he’s got a 15-30 lead after Kyrgios nets a tame volley. This is scratchy from Kyrgios, who’s losing concentration. He comes to the net again, but an attempt at a drop shot is a piping hot disgrace, gifting Tsonga two break points. He dials back in to save the first, though, running into a forehand pass, whipping the ball past the advancing Tsonga. He’s got to save another, though, and this time he’s on the end of some bad luck as Tsonga’s pushed forehand clips the top of the net to leave Kyrgios stranded. There goes the break. Tsonga got some fortune at the end of the game, but Kyrgios really only has himself to blame after a couple of poor shots at the net.
First set: Kyrgios 3-2 Tsonga* (*denotes server): At 30-0, facing a second serve, Kyrgios tries a Sabr, creeping up to the service box. Tsonga just whips the ball past him, though, and gives his opponent an inquisitive look. Don’t think about it too hard, Jo, it’s just the way he is. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Tsonga holds to love, banging down another ace to stay in touch.
First set: Kyrgios* 3-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios appears to be in the mood. He zings a few serves past Tsonga to hold to love and consolidate the break.
First set: Kyrgios 2-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Tsonga’s looking sharp, ramming a forehand down the line for 30-0. We’re yet to see a point go against the serve. But that trend doesn’t last too long. Kyrgios flings a backhand down the line, forcing Tsonga to hit long, and soon it’s 30-all. Kyrgios is in this game now and he earns the first break point when Tsonga knocks a forehand long. Tsonga serves down the middle, but Kyrgios blocks a return back into the court, luring his opponent into a wild forehand that flies long. Kyrgios bounces back to his chair, delighted to be in possession of an early lead.
First set: Kyrgios* 1-1 Tsonga (*denotes server): Kyrgios, in a pink and black top, wanders to the service line. Then he clips an ace out wide for 15-0. Another one makes it 30-0. He skips into a 40-0 lead and another scorching serve polishes off a simple hold.
First set: Kyrgios 0-1 Tsonga* (*denotes server): Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in a bright yellow top, opens the serving, though not before the umpire has a word with one of the players about something or other. That’s early even by Nick Kyrgios’s standards. But off we go. Tsonga is quickly into the swing of things, serving crisply to open a 40-0 lead. Kyrgios can’t get into any rally. Tsonga holds to love.
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up. Play will begin soon.
Here come the players. Nick Kyrgios, earphones plugged in, gets a fine reception as he walks out on to Rod Laver Arena. On Eurosport, John McEnroe reckons that Kyrgios should win this match despite Tsonga’s record in this tournament. “His backhand is absolutely phenomenal and he’s taken his serve up a notch,” McEnroe says. “I’ve had my doubts in the past. You’ve got to find a way to dig deep in your soul to compete.”
I interviewed Brighton goalkeeper Maty Ryan this week. Turns out the Australian No1 could have been a tennis player if he hadn’t pursued a career in football. He once played and lost to James Duckworth, an Australian who’s slipped to 990 in the rankins, and he’s a fan of Nick Kyrgios. “I have met him in person once or twice,” Ryan said. “To me, he has been all right, but obviously he’s someone who speaks his mind and doesn’t get swayed from it and that is not to everyone’s liking sometimes. He does what he wants. He is who he is – we are not going to change him. He can do what he wants. He has got a lot of talent. Hopefully it can all come together for him. It would be great for him to win for all the Aussies.”
Tsonga leads 1-0 in his head-to-head with Kyrgios. He beat the young Aussie in an indoor tournament in Marseille last year.
Grigor Dimitrov looks hugely relieved on Rod Laver Arena. The ATP World Tour Finals champion has just overcome a spirited challenge from Andrey Rublev, the young Russian who so impertinently bundled him out of last year’s US Open. The third seed wasn’t at his best, but he had enough in the tank to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. He faces either Kyrgios or Tsonga next.
While we wait for Nick and Jo, here’s what’s happened so far on day five. Let’s start with some rare good news for British tennis: Kyle Edmund is into round four after dealing with the sweltering Australian afternoon sun and a pesky challenge from Nikoloz Basilashvili. The British No2 took three hours and 34 minutes to beat the Georgian 7-6 (0), 3-6, 4-6, 6-0, 7-5, showing heart and stamina to cope with the oppressive conditions. Given that he faces Andreas Seppi or Ivo Karlovic next, he has a great chance of reaching the last eight. Meanwhile Pablo Carreno Busta has beaten Gilles Muller. That’s a good win for the 10th seed, who plays Ryan Harrison or Marin Cilic next.
On the women’s side, it was plain sailing for the fourth seed, Elina Svitolina, who needed little time to see off her fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk. Svitolina is looking strong. She plays the Czech Republic’s Denisa Allertova next. Allertova beat Poland’s Magda Linette easily enough, while Belgium’s Elise Mertens will play Croatian comeback star Petra Martic. Mertens beat Alize Cornet, Martic found a way past Luksika Kumkhum.
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Preamble
Hello. At this stage last year Nick Kyrgios was already out of the Australian Open after falling victim to an incredible fightback from two sets down by Andreas Seppi. It seemed like further proof that Kyrgios was wasting his talent and the defeat did little to endear him to an increasingly suspicious Australian public. He had recently served an eight-week ban for his behaviour in a defeat by Mischa Zverev in Shanghai and his year on the court did not get much better after Melbourne. Though he enjoyed thrilling wins over Novak Djokovic in Acapulco and Miami in March, he made early exits in all of the remaining slams and at times looked and sounded bored with the very concept of tennis. His behaviour was often labelled adolescent, but the problem with that description was that Kyrgios had left his teenage years.
For all his ennui, however, interest in him from fans and pundits was sustained by the fleeting bursts of inspiration, plus the memory of the way he loped on to the scene with that stunning win over Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014. Despite his shenanigans, the natural ability was obvious and in recent weeks he has started to remind himself of just how good he could be if he applies himself more rigorously. He began this year in encouraging fashion, winning in Brisbane to claim his first tour title on home soil, and he has looked promising in his first two matches, beating both Rogério Dutra da Silva and Victor Troicki in straight sets. In an open tournament, he has given himself a chance.
It remains difficult to trust him fully - if only because he came into this tournament with concerns over a knee injury - but he can go a long way to silencing the doubters by reaching the second week for the first time since 2015. Doing so won’t be easy, though. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 15th seed and a former finalist here, stands in his way after coming through a tough five-setter with Canadian prodigy Denis Shapovalov. The 32-year-old Frenchman has dipped since the days when he was ranked fifth in the world and was spoken about as a dark horse at every major, but his explosive threat is not to be underestimated. Kyrgios will need all his focus to pass this test. If it’s there, this could be one of the matches of the tournament,
Play begins at: 7pm in Melbourne, 8am GMT.
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