That’s your lot for today, but you can take a look back on the day’s play with our match reports. Thanks very much for joining me. Bye!
Updated
Monday’s order of play
The rest of the fourth-round matches take place on Monday. Here’s how they line up:
Rod Laver Arena (day):
(17) Madison Keys v Caroline Garcia (8)
Su-Wei Hsieh v Angelique Kerber (21)
Marton Fucsovics v Roger Federer (2)
Rod Laver Arena (night):
(14) Novak Djokovic v Hyeon Chung
(20) Barbora Strycova v Karolina Pliskova (6)
Margaret Court Arena:
(25) Fabio Fognini v Tomas Berdych (19)
(1) Simona Halep v Naomi Osaka
Hisense Arena:
(5) Dominic Thiem v Tennys Sandgren
Elina Svitolina speaks: “I’m very, very pleased with my performance. Being one of the favourites brings extra pressure but also gives me confidence. I look forward to the quarter-final [against Elise Mertens] and will just try to do my best.”
Elina Svitolina beats Denisa Allertova 6-3, 6-0
A sad way to end things for Allertova, who goes 40-0 up but still can’t shake Svitolina off. The Ukrainian hits two fierce winners to get back in touch and Allertova’s radar goes haywire. Svitolina gets her first match point, and converts with another winner drilled onto the baseline. All over, in under an hour.
First set: Allertova 3-6, 0-5 Svitolina* (*denotes server) Allertova keeps going for winners, knowing she stands little chance in rallies - but fires one an inch wide at 15-all. She hangs on in the game, and does nail a winning return for deuce. A mishit return, and an unlucky bounce off a net cord, sees Svitolina move one game from victory.
First set: *Allertova 3-6, 0-4 Svitolina (*denotes server) You get the feeling that after waiting so long to get out here, Allertova is looking forward to getting back off court. A double fault leaves her 30-0 behind, before Svitolina narrowly misses a winner down the line. Allertova tries to steer a volley into the corner but it floats wide, and Svitolina powers through the next rally, moving and hitting supremely well. Just two games away now.
Svitolina is firmly on course for the quarter-finals, where she will face Belgium’s unseeded Elise Mertens. The winner of that takes on either Carla Suarez Navarro or No2 seed Caroline Wozniacki, for a place in the final. It’s very much up for grabs.
First set: Allertova 3-6, 0-3 Svitolina* (*denotes server) A crafty drop shot halts a worrying run of lost points for Allertova, but Svitolina stays in control, hitting her fifth ace and angling a dropping volley perfectly to seal the game. Five games in a row.
First set: *Allertova 3-6, 0-2 Svitolina (*denotes server) These are difficult circumstances for Allertova - a first fourth-round match at a slam, having won six matches to get here, and coming on court just before midnight. She doesn’t have any answer to Svitolina’s power and is resorting to speculative efforts. It doesn’t work, and the No4 seed breaks to love.
Updated
Second set: Allertova 3-6, 0-1 Svitolina* (*denotes server) Allertova gets off the mark in the second set with a smashed cross-court winner that has Svitolina hopping over an advertising board. At 30-all, Allertova tries a drop shot mid-rally, finding nothing but net. A big first serve secures the hold.
Elina Svitolina wins the first set 6-3!
From 2-1 down, Svitolina has put more power behind her shots and broken her opponents’ slow, steady rhythm. Allertova now looks completely out of touch and quickly falls 0-40 down. Three set points, and the Ukrainian takes the first with a fortunate bounce off a net cord.
First set: Allertova 3-5 Svitolina* (*denotes server) After muddling to 30-all, Svitolina finds an ace but goes long on the next point. Deuce, and a chance for Allertova to break back, but Svitolina gets the job done as her opponent crashes an attempted winner just inside the tramlines.
First set: *Allertova 3-4 Svitolina (*denotes server) The No4 seed fires a serve back past her opponent with interest, but nets a presentable chance to pass cross-court at 30-15. Allertova holds as Svitolina scoops a slice just wide.
First set: Allertova 2-4 Svitolina* (*denotes server) Svitolina hasn’t had to do much against a nervous opponent, bustling along the baseline and waiting for errors to come. Can she consolidate the break this time? Yes, is the short answer, setting it up with an ace and winning the game as Allertova makes a mess of a tricky overhead smash.
Updated
First set: *Allertova 2-3 Svitolina (*denotes server) Allertova has already produced 10 unforced errors, and an 11th gives Svitolina the advantage here. An ambitious attempt at a winning return doesn’t come off, but a mishit from Allertova hands over another break point. The Czech is relieved to see her net-bound shot plop over the net cord, but a double fault, and then a snatched miss after the ball sat up nicely, allow Svitolina to break again.
First set: Allertova 2-2 Svitolina* (*denotes server) Svitolina hasn’t been able to build on that early break, against a player 126 places below her in the world rankings. She holds here, pounding groundstrokes from the back of the court and drawing errors from her opponent.
Here’s a report from that weird, wonderful Dimitrov v Kyrgios clash:
First set: *Allertova 2-1 Svitolina (*denotes server) Neither player looking too convincing on serve, and Svitolina makes light work of picking up another two break points. She sends a cross-court shot just wide, and a fierce body serve saves the second. Allertova is the more aggressive of the two players early on, and does enough to hold with Svitolina drifting too far behind the baseline.
First set: Allertova 1-1 Svitolina* (*denotes server) Despite being in contention to be the next world No1, Svitolina is relatively new to this too - her only two slam quarter-final appearances have come at the French Open. Allertova takes the first two points but Svitolina rallies, only to concede a break point with an underhit backhand. Allertova seals the break, stepping in off the baseline and stroking a forehand winner.
First set: *Allertova 0-1 Svitolina (*denotes server) Allertova, playing in the fourth round of a slam for the first time, will serve first. A few loose shots as she tries to find her rhythm, and Svitolina gets a break point. It’s saved, but Svitolina continues to look the stronger, ripping a cross-court winner and breaking as Allertova nets.
We’re not done yet - there’s still a quarter-final place up for grabs as the women’s fourth seed, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, takes on Denisa Allertova, ranked 130th in the world. The players are heading onto court, but there’s still time to enjoy this:
Updated
There was an interesting exchange at the net at the end of the match - it looked like both players had a lot of mutual admiration, with Kyrgios saying (I think) that Dimitrov can go on and win the tournament. Can he? Well? Let me know.
These are the moments that make our game great.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2018
🤝#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ak2AWGdtyo
Updated
Grigor Dimitrov speaks: “Playing against Nick is always tricky, it’s one of those matches you have to lock in and take the chances you have. It’s frustrating playing Nick, you always have to be alert. Last year was a dream year and I’m trying to progress a little bit every day. Match by match we’re building up. I played Kyle [Edmund] two weeks ago, but I’m just focusing on my side, I’m happy to have played better today and hopefully I can again in the quarter-finals.”
Grigor Dimitrov wins 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6!
Kyrgios saves the first with an ace, and closes in to volley on the second - but Dimitrov lashes a winner past his outstretched racket! Grigor Dimitrov wins in four sets!
Updated
Fourth set tie-break: Dimitrov 6-3* Kyrgios (*denotes server) Kyrgios looks to have the rally under control, but Dimitrov channels Djokovic, racing from one side of the baseline to the other to keep the ball in play. It pays off, Kyrgios netting a backhand, and Dimitrov senses his chance. A running forehand winner, and a spot of serve-and-volley, bring up three match points.
Updated
Fourth set tie-break: Dimitrov 3-3* Kyrgios (*denotes server) Kyrgios doesn’t do enough off the Dimitrov serve, sending a return into the net and a forehand long, before winning a full-throttle rally with a switch of direction, whipping a winner into the corner.
Fourth set tie-break: Dimitrov 1-2* Kyrgios (*denotes server) The first three points go with serve, Kyrgios showing plenty of poise in a rally to take the third point and edge ahead.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-6 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios rattles through this service game, another ace setting up that third tie-break. Dimitrov won the first two, but that feels like a long time ago.
Fourth set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-5 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov romps through his service game, holding to love. Where was that last time? Anyway, we’re one game from a third tie-break.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios serving to stay in the match, and there’s not much I would definitively rule out from happening in this game. Kyrgios finds another corking forehand winner, and a booming ace - his 35th - to cruise to 40-0. He goes cross-court and finds the line for a routine hold, which is surprising enough in its own way.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Is this it? Maybe not - Kyrgios is back to having nothing to lose, and takes two of the first three points. It’s Dimitrov’s turn to wilt under pressure, double faulting to hand Kyrgios two break points. He tells someone in the crowd to shut up, then slaps a winner down the line. Extraordinary stuff, but Dimitrov bottled that.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Pressure on Kyrgios as Dimitrov holds firm in a rally, and the Australian nets for 15-30. Another ace restores parity, and he scoots in to the net to put away a volley. Game point, and then he double faults, and blames it on someone coughing in the crowd. Another fault - and a second serve ace! The guy is undeniably box office.
He goes long, and drops a clanging eff-bomb. Deuce, Dimitrov outlasts him in a rally, and earns a break point. Another ace saves it. I have no idea what’s going to happen next - a poor choice of volley, that’s what, and Dimitrov floats the ball back into the open court. Break point. Dimitrov’s return loops into court, giving Kyrgios an age to line up a smash. He puts it in the net. Dimitrov will serve for the match.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) A small section of Dimitrov fans make themselves heard as their man races to 40-0 on serve. A test coming up for Kyrgios - if Dimitrov can break, he’ll serve for the match. All of which is, of course, easier said than done.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 3-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Back to the game, and Dimitrov’s coach Dani Vallverdu has grown weary of Kyrgios’ antics, saying he should have got a warning for thwacking a ball into the crowd a couple of games ago. Kyrgios holds here, not letting Dimitrov get a sniff of a break point this time.
@niallmcveigh Why do you think the prevalence of betting sponsorship and promotion not ring more alarm bells? Are there sufficient measures in place if some people end up getting addicted to it as a result? Perhaps more questions need to be asked.
— Andrew Benton (@thangnangman) January 21, 2018
I’m far from qualified to answer that question in full, but I do know from my heady days in ad regulation that gambling ads are allowed to dominate live sport as part of an agreement that they don’t advertise anywhere else pre-watershed. Whether that’s the best arrangement with so much live sport on these days, I’m not sure.
Fourth set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 3-2 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Kyrgios played five brilliant shots and at least as many terrible ones in that last game, but the end result was that he held on. Dimitrov will be disappointed. At some point, he’ll have to stop waiting for Kyrgios to beat himself.
Kyrgios sends him wide and a forehand thuds off the net post. 30-all, and a net cord just goes against Kyrgios. Dimitrov lines up a volley, and sends it into the tramlines. Kyrgios just seems to have got under his opponent’s skin, and earns a break point after a breathless rally. Dimitrov saves it with an ace, and holds with a bold, looping forehand winner.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) A big wobble from Kyrgios here, slumping to 0-30 and double-faulting to hand over two break points - but two aces, fired with laser precision, get him off the hook. Kyrgios tries to wear Dimitrov down with that weird, static backhand of his, but resorts to an ace when that doesn’t work. Kyrgios admonishes his box for not standing up after that point, and then wafts a forehand long. How on earth does Dimitrov deal with this? Another ace, then a fault, then a Dimitrov mis-hit, and Kyrgios holds after one of the weirdest games I can remember.
All rise as one...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/84twPDvHDX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2018
Updated
This very much also applies to the tennis, and pretty much any live sport on TV - in the UK, anyway:
Excellent TV coverage of England v Australia cricket punctuated relentlessly by shouty adverts for betting. These companies are all over sport, trawling to turn enthusiasts into gamblers.
— David Conn (@david_conn) January 21, 2018
Fourth set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov has maintained an impressive consistency on serve in the face of Kyrgios’s revival, and he holds here as a couple of speculators from the Australian fly wide, keeping the scoreboard moving.
Fourth set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios has noted Dimitrov’s lack of pace in recent games, an impudent drop shot setting him on his way to a routine hold. It also means Kyrgios has won 118 points to 117, and hit 59 winners to 52. It’s tight.
Fourth set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Well, I didn’t see that third set coming. Dimitrov holds with minimum fuss as he looks to regain the initiative.
Nick Kyrgios wins the third set and trails 2-1
Third set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-6 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Can Kyrgios close it out? He starts with an ace, then lands a curling forehand to go 30-0 ahead. Another ace, and a third, and this one is back on.
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 4-5 Kyrgios (*denotes server) The momentum is very much with Kyrgios now, and he pounds a return back at Dimitrov’s ankles to go 0-30 up. Two titanic first serves get Dimitrov out of bother, but Kyrgios brings up a set point after dominating at the net. An ace takes the game to deuce, but Dimitrov whips a winner down the line to keep the set alive.
Third set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 3-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Can Dimitrov apply any pressure here? He’s slow to chase down a Kyrgios drop shot, and looks leggy in the next rally as his opponent holds to love. Kyrgios has come from two sets down to win twice before in his career, and he’s now a game away from taking the first step here.
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 3-4 Kyrgios (*denotes server) With the break under his belt, Kyrgios tries out a few unconventional returns, and levels at 30-30 with a forehand that skids just over the net. A tentative effort down the line from Dimitrov is in by a fraction, tipping the game his way.
Third set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 2-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios has been presented with opportunities to throw this match away, but has battled back and is now favourite to take this third set. Dimitrov’s level has dipped a touch, and he nets a forehand to concede the game.
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 2-3 Kyrgios (*denotes server) A chance for Kyrgios as Dimitrov miscues a spinning forehand, and then misses his first serve at 0-30. Kyrgios can’t punish him, Dimitrov holding him off and then pouncing with a winner down the line. On the next point, Dimitrov clips the net and is caught in no man’s land. Kyrgios fires the cross-court winner for two break points. Dimitrov sends a forehand wide, and Kyrgios has the break!
Updated
Third set: Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 2-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) On the foot-fault issue, a fair few replays haven’t really cleared up what Kyrgios is doing wrong. He’d be entitled to feel a little aggrieved about those calls. His body language is not the best in this game, but he muddles through it, holding to 15.
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 2-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov holds to love, practically invisible as the crowd get tetchy and the commentators debate Kyrgios’ moral fibre. “All of his opponents say he’s a great guy,” offers Stefan Edberg. Maybe not Stan Wawrinka.
Here’s a couple of match reports on the earlier games. Remember, Kyle Edmund is the lucky chap who will face the winner of this one:
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 1-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Another foot fault called against Kyrgios at 30-15. He claims he’s made one in the last three years, which is a step down from never foot-faulting before in his life. Kyrgios’ train of thought is derailed - he misjudges a return that lands six inches inside the baseline - but a big first serve saves break point. An ace, and a clever cross-court winner, rescue the game for Kyrgios.
Third set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 7-6, 1-0 Kyrgios (*denotes server) The end of the second set aside, Dimitrov has played the role of a grand slam contender perfectly. It’s been an incredibly even contest, but Dimitrov is firmly in the driving seat. Kyrgios throws everything he has at the Bulgarian in this game, but Dimitrov sticks to his gameplan and holds.
Dimitrov wins the second set tie-break to lead 2-0!
Dimitrov has two set points as Kyrgios goes long. He converts the first, somehow returning a vicious forehand and forcing a dazed Kyrgios into an error. Once again, he found an extra gear in the tie break, and now has a two-set cushion.
Second set tie-break: *Dimitrov 5-4 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Kyrgios wipes out the advantage, scrapping to stay in the point before going cross-court with his backhand. Back on serve and it’s Dimitrov’s turn to stay in the point, but Kyrgios clips the line with a slice to level it up. Another crucial point coming up ... and Dimitrov takes it, running around the ball to power a forehand down the line!
Second set tie-break: *Dimitrov 4-2 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Kyrgios goes out wide to Dimitrov and he punishes that poor decision, closing in at the net to volley home a winner. Kyrgios almost overcooks a drop shot but gets away with it as Dimitrov nets, but the No3 seed has an edge and outlasts Kyrgios in a rally to lead at the changeover.
Second set tie-break: *Dimitrov 2-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) The first three points go with serve, Dimitrov finding his range again with two aces.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 6-6 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov takes the first two points on serve, but Kyrgios steps in on second serve to get back in the game. Kyrgios sends a forehand long, letting a tentative Dimitrov off the hook, and a backhand winner leads us to another tie-break.
Second set: Dimitrov 7-6, 5-6 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) A pretty significant setback from Dimitrov there, and after a rapid service hold from Kyrgios, he’s now serving to save the set.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 5-5 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov has played a masterfully passive game so far, allowing Kyrgios to absorb all the pressure and striking at the right moments. He is in the spotlight here though, and the first four points are shared. Big point, and the umpire calls a Kyrgios forehand out! It was, by a few millimetres. Set point Dimitrov, but Kyrgios bullies him on second serve. Deuce, and Kyrgios brings up break point with a brilliant backhand into the corner - and Dimitrov nets a slice! The home favourite is right back in this!
Some slightly over-the-top criticism on Eurosport for Kyrgios, who has been muttering and complaining to his coaches in recent games. They’ve even suggested that they should leave, so he has nobody to argue with. He’s unhappy because he’s playing well and getting nothing from Dimitrov, which seems fair enough.
Second set: Dimitrov 7-6, 5-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios is 30-0 up when he’s called for a foot fault. It doesn’t go down particularly well - “I’ve never had a foot fault in my life” - and it’s soon 30-all. This is in danger of getting away from Kyrgios - he finds a nice clipped volley down the line, but nets on the next point. Deuce, but a smash and a big serve keeps Kyrgios in touch. Dimitrov will serve for the second set.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 5-3 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov has looked imperious on serve ever since that nervy opening game of the match, and holds in under a minute here as Kyrgios lashes a forehand into the net.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 4-3 Kyrgios (*denotes server) The first two points are shared before Kyrgios tries a between-the-legs lob that Dimitrov smashes away dismissively. Kyrgios comes to the net but sends a backhand long, and suddenly Dimitrov has two break points. Kyrgios, shoulders slumped, wafts a volley long, his temperament wavering for the first time.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 3-3 Kyrgios (*denotes server) At 30-15, Kyrgios pounces on second serve with a backhand winner - and then looks to have clipped the line with a curled passing shot. The crowd goes wild, but it’s called out and Hawkeye confirms. He probably ought to have made that, and sends a frustrated forehand long.
Second set: Dimitrov 7-6, 2-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) The intensity has dropped off a little after that white-knuckle first set, but Dimitrov steps in to punch a forehand down the line at 40-15 down. Kyrgios finds one of those serves that’s past Dimitrov before he can move, and holds.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 2-2 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov’s first serve falters, allowing Kyrgios to go 30-0 up. Kyrgios sends a forehand long and then nets, and Dimitrov rediscovers that first serve to edge ahead. A 16-shot rally goes Kyrgios’s way, and it’s deuce. An ace for Dimitrov, then a double fault - his fifth of the match - and we’re level again. Kyrgios just can’t get a break point, netting to end the next rally, and an ace down the middle gets Dimitrov home.
Second set: Dimitrov 7-6, 1-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) A moment of self-doubt for Kyrgios as he wafts a slice into the net for 30-all. The Australian finds an ace, and holds when a much more precise slice forces Dimitrov to net.
Second set: *Dimitrov 7-6, 1-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Dimitrov holds without the breathtaking service speed of Kyrgios, but with similar dominance. No breaks in the match so far, and no break point opportunities at all for Kyrgios.
Second set: Dimitrov 7-6, 0-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios hit more aces (13-6) and winners (24-21) in that first set, but also racked up more unforced errors. He blasts through his first service game to love.
Grigor Dimitrov wins the first set 7-6 (3)
A Kyrgios double-fault brings a terrific first set to a close. Dimitrov was second best at the start of that set, but turned it up several notches in the tie-break - which is what the best players do so often. How will Kyrgios respond?
Updated
First set tie-break: Dimitrov 6-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios sends a forehand long and looks furious with himself. Dimitrov back on serve, two points away, but botches the first. A huge cross-court winner gives him three set points...
First set tie-break: Dimitrov 4-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Dimitrov looks the stronger player from out wide and plays to that on his next two points, drawing errors from Kyrgios. A flat forehand down the line keeps Kyrgios in touch at the changeover.
First set tie-break: Dimitrov 2-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Dimitrov holds on the first point and then steps into a rally, grabbing a point against serve before another Kyrgios ace...
First set: Dimitrov 6-6 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios blasts his way through this service game with three aces. This tie-break should be half decent...
First set: *Dimitrov 6-5 Kyrgios (*denotes server) The momentum swings back and forth, Kyrgios landing a dramatic cross-court volley, Dimitrov powering a forehand winner and then double-faulting. 40-30, but Kyrgios curls a brilliant passing shot down the line. Deuce, and after the longest rally of the set by a distance, Dimitrov wears his opponent down and holds.
Bend it like B̶e̶c̶k̶h̶a̶m̶ #Kyrgios...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/3OCZTZk2ox
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2018
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First set: Dimitrov 5-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) No chance - the Australian hammers down three first serves to lead 40-0. Dimitrov then finds a glorious one-handed backhand winner off second serve, and Kyrgios double-faults. He gets out of trouble as Dimitrov’s next return drifts just long.
First set: *Dimitrov 5-4 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Another comfortable service hold for Dimitrov - are we heading for a tie-break, or can the Bulgarian pounce on the Kyrgios serve?
First set: Dimitrov 4-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios’ first serve isn’t in bad nick either, two more aces crashing past Dimitrov’s ears as he races to 40-0. The next one is unreturnable too, and Kyrgios grabs a hold to love of his own.
First set: *Dimitrov 4-3 Kyrgios (*denotes server) It’s pleasing to see these two players, both capable of spectacular off-days, hitting their groove early on. Dimitrov has his first serve ticking over nicely, and cruises through this game for a welcome hold to love.
First set: Dimitrov 3-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios has been getting his chat on, praising Dimitrov’s winners in that last game. Kyrgios seems the sort who’d tell you to stop hitting yourself. He almost pulls off an outrageous through-the-legs shot, but a huge inside-out return from Dimitrov edges him ahead. Kyrgios double-faults, and Dimitrov has two break points ... both saved with consummate ease. The players exchange winners - the standard has been so high - but Kyrgios holds with an ace and a forehand into the corner.
First set: *Dimitrov 3-2 Kyrgios (*denotes server) A missed half-chance for Kyrgios, at 0-15 and on Dimitrov’s second serve, as an awkward backhand return and loose groundstroke hand the advantage back to Dimitrov. He’s warming up now, but misses a volley into the corner. 40-30, and an ace gets the job done.
Updated
First set: Dimitrov 2-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) The pre-game vibe seemed to be that this is Kyrgios’ match to lose, which seems surprising given Dimitrov’s recent rise up the rankings. He has looked the sharper early on, and outguns his opponent with two aces to hold comfortably.
First set: *Dimitrov 2-1 Kyrgios (*denotes server) An ace puts Dimitrov 30-0 up before he’s caught cold at the net by a ferocious return. A cross-court forehand from Kyrgios has too much pace, but the Bulgarian’s serve gets him out of trouble again.
First set: Dimitrov 1-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes server) Kyrgios has too much for Dimitrov in his first service game, firing in first serves and wrapping it up with a cross-court winner.
First set: *Dimitrov 1-0 Kyrgios (*denotes server) Here we go, then, with world No3 Dimitrov to serve. He powers through to 40-0 behind some big first serves, but double faults to let Kyrgios into the game. The Australian dominates the next two rallies, absolutely blasting those forehands already. Despite another double fault, Dimitrov scraps his way to an opening hold.
Interesting question here - I’d suggest Cilic v Nishikori in the 2014 US Open final, although perhaps only on a technicality:
Dimitrov v Kyrgios: the most anticipated men's match at a Grand Slam not featuring a member of the big four since _____________. #AusOpen
— Leigh Walsh (@LeighWalsh87) January 21, 2018
The players are out on court and warming up. Dimitrov’s pre-game routine was a bit different:
When your name is called to court @GrigorDimitrov 😂#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/yFcq7gxorh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2018
Earlier in the women’s draw, three players booked their quarter-final places, including No2 seed Caroline Wozniacki who breezed past Magdalena Rybarikova. She will play Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro, who came through an epic three-setter against Anna Kontaveit, winning 8-6 in the third. In a battle of unseeded players, Elise Mertens edged out Petra Martic, and will play either No4 seed Elina Svitolina or Czech qualifier Denisa Allertova. They play on Rod Laver after this match.
Next up, it’s only Grigor Dimitrov v Nick Kyrgios! Crikey. Feast your eyes on this lovely Guardian photo essay from Melbourne, and then we’ll begin.
Kyle Edmund speaks: “It was an interesting match, he made a strong start but I took control at the end of the second set. Seppi has been playing very well, but so was I ... through to my first quarter-final, I’m really happy.” On carrying British hopes: “It’s a shame Andy’s not here, but for myself, I’m happy to get through. People are up at silly hours, supporting me, so I’m very grateful.”
He is then asked a decidedly banal question about a potential kit clash with Kyrgios in the quarter-final, to which he offers a Partridge-esque shrug.
Kyle Edmund beats Andreas Seppi 6-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3!
Edmund’s 25th ace takes him to 30-0, and despite Seppi’s best efforts, Edmund powers his way to two match points. He sends a serve out wide - and Seppi nets! Kyle Edmund is through to face either Dimitrov or Kyrgios. This has been a real breakthrough tournament for him.
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Nadal is into the last eight - is Kyle Edmund about to join him? A clinical winner clips the line to give him two break points, 4-3 up in the fourth. The first is saved - the second taken ruthlessly. He’s one service hold away from his first slam quarter final...
Rafa Nadal beats Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3!
Nadal fancies getting this one over with now, and bullies his way to two match points. The first is saved with a precise backhand - and the second with a winner down the line! Ballsy. An acrobatic volley edges him ahead but Nadal responds, then wears his opponent down in the next rally. Third match point - and he takes it off Schwartzman’s second serve!
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Schwartzman spurns a couple of break points on the Nadal serve, and the world No1 looks to have the hold in the bag as he steps into the net - but his opponent whips a passing shot across court and catches the line! A couple of overhead smashes, both celebrated with gusto, get Nadal to within a game of victory.
Over on the Hisense Arena, Edmund holds serve and will look to apply more pressure to Andreas Seppi, who is also seeking a first ever grand slam quarter-final appearance. Edmund edges ahead with a tricky sliced backhand, but Seppi rallies again to hold.
Deuce on the Schwartzman serve as Nadal looks to get the job done, in a game that’s gone on for seven minutes. Nadal chases down a drop shot at lightning speed to set up break point, but Schwartzman responds with a couple of hefty serves. Nadal goes long on the next, and Schwartzman is hanging on, cutting the gap to 4-3 in the fourth.
Two break points for Edmund on the Seppi serve, but the experienced Italian digs in to save them. A ferocious backhand down the line gives Edmund another chance, but he fires long and Seppi holds. That was a useful hold, with Edmund in a purple patch just now.
Nadal is closing in on the quarter-finals, powering a forehand down the line to move 4-2 ahead, and two games from victory. He’s fixing to set up a match against Marin Cilic, who powered past Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets - three of them ending in tie-breaks.
Kyle Edmund wins the third set and leads 2-1
Edmund closes out the third to continue his comeback after losing a first set tie-break. He’s one set away from his first grand slam quarter-final, which would be against the winner of Dimitrov v Kyrgios.
World No1 Nadal has been pushed hard by No24 seed Schwarzman out on Rod Laver Arena, but after hanging onto his serve early in the fourth set, he’s broken the Argentinian to lead 2-1 in both sets and games. On the Hisense Arena, Edmund is in charge of the third set, leading 5-2.
Good morning/evening all. No1 seed Rafa Nadal and British hopeful Kyle Edmund are right in the middle of their fourth-round battles. Nadal is two sets to one up on Diego Schwartzman, while Edmund is level with Andreas Seppi at 1-1. So without further delay, let’s get into it.
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