Djokovic and Thiem go out as Halep, Federer, Kerber and Pliskova go through
So - a pretty extraordinary day in Melbourne. The headline news is that of Novak Djokovic’s exit as he struggled with injury and Hyeon Chung.
Earlier Roger Federer became the oldest man since Ken Rosewall in 1977 to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals. In a surprise on the other side of the draw, Thiem lost in five sets to the American Sandgren
And Angelique Kerber, flirted with defeat before beating the world No 88, Hsieh Su-wei.
See you back here on Tuesday for the ninth day of action, with the highlights being Nadal v Cilic, Dimitrov v Edmund, Mertens v Svitolina and Suarez Navarro v Wozniacki.
Thanks for your company - bye!
The time in Melbourne is 1.34am, the match laster two hours and 41 minutes and Pliskova goes through to face Halep, who thumped Osaka early in the day.
Pliskova beats Strycova 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2
Strycova is on the deck again but seems reasonably unaffected by how many times she has gone done hard. She rallies fiercely with Pliskova, fighting to open a 30-15 lead in the game but can’t stop her opponent levelling things up at 30-30. We reach deuce with Pliskova dominant as Strycova tries to force the issue with some big-hits.
Strycova wastes an advantage, then sees off a Pliskova match point with a challenge, and we get stuck in a deuce battle once more, with Pliskova blowing a second match point, then, hallelujah, finally winning the match with the third!
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Third set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 3-6, 2-5 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Strycova hits the deck again after being run all over the court by Pliskova for 15-0, but Srycova is not going down without a fight. She takes the score to 15-30, before a howl signifies the fact she misses a chance to go to 15-40. Pliskova pulls herself together and sees out the game, unleashing a scream of her own.
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Third set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 3-6, 2-4 Pliskova (*denotes server) Pliskova sends Strycova sprawling onto the floor for the 10th or 11th time in the match to take the score to 15-15, but from there Strycova romps to a 40-15 lead, however the clean-hitting Pliskova fights back to deuce. She needs to hold to stay in the match, and does so eventually.
Third set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 3-6, 1-4 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Pliskova is back in the mood, playing with real precision as tiredness begins to take a toll on Strycova. She opens up a prompt 40-0 lead, before a sloppy shot into the net gives Strycova a point before the game is sealed.
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Third set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 3-6, 1-3 Pliskova (*denotes server) A fierce back hand gets Pliskova on the board early in the fourth game of the third set, giving her momentum to go to 40-0 and three break points. She fails to take the first and second of them, before grabbing the third when Strycova dumps the ball in the net (letting out a strange whine as she does so).
Third set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 3-6, 1-2 Pliskova* (*denotes server) There is something quite entertaining about what total opposites these two are - Pliskova is all icy calm, Strycova all scurrying chaos. At the moment, icy calm is just shading it as she wins on her serve.
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Third set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 3-6, 1-1 Pliskova (*denotes server) It’s nearly 1am in Melbourne, but still these two rumble on and on. Imagine if Djokovic v Chung had gone into five sets! Pliskova breaks Strycova straight back as these two continue to be very evenly matched.
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Third set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 3-6, 1-0 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Pliskova is getting ragged and allows Strycova to get to two break points. However, the older Czech fails to take either of them, allowing Pliskova to get the game back to deuce. For the billionth time this match, they slug it out endlessly at deuce as the match ticks past the two hour mark, before eventually Strycova breaks!
Pliskova wins the second set
Second set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 3-6 Pliskova (*denotes server) Serving to stay in the set, Strycova withers somewhat to go 0-30 down, before offering Pliskova a set point at 30-40, which the No 6 seed takes with an impressive forehand service return to level the match at two sets each.
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Second set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 3-5 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Pliskova opens up with her fourth ace of the match, but gets stuck in a slugfest next up as Strycova continues to counterpunch. 15-15. Pliskova, looking a little nervy, goes long to take the score to 15-30 before an unlucky net for Strycova evens things up at 30-30. Strycova goes on to waste a break point, with Pliskova again looking a little absent and out of sorts, before eventually taking the game to make the score 5-3.
Second set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 3-4 Pliskova (*denotes server) And she’s not settling easily here either, enjoying the pace on a rapid fire Pliskova return and sending it straight back at her opponent to go to 30-0. Pliskova belts a smash past her next up, but Strycova serves out.
Second set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 2-4 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Strycova is not going to let her have it easily, however, and battles to 15-40. Pliskova unloads an ace on her (well, nearly, Strycova got a millimetre of frame to it), but cannot hold on and Strycova breaks back. Pliskova looked oddly unbothered and laid back during that.
Second set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 1-4 Pliskova (* denotes server) Strycova has started chuntering to herself as she battles back to make deuce after Pliskova had earned herself another couple of break points. At deuce, Strycova saves another break point with an absolute thrasher of a serve, and an equally fierce forehand through Pliskova’s legs. Oof. But after Pliskova gets her fourth break point of the game, the No 6 seed finally makes it count to go 4-1 up in the set. That should see her through and into a third set.
Nutmeg... 😅#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/3aEM7dbAYS
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 22, 2018
Here’s a Djokovic/Chung report by the way:
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Second set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 1-3 Pliskova* (* denotes server) Pliskova misses the chance to see off a simple service game by slapping a lazy smash wide, then sees off an optimistic Strycova challenge to see clinch it relatively comfortably
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Second set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 1-2 Pliskova (* denotes server) Strycova’s first serve may not be the most powerful in the game but it is relentlessly accurate, it helps her to 40-0, before a rocket-fired set of returns from Pliskova get her in the game. The No 6 seed misses the chance to get to 30-40 though when she misses a smash after a series of lobs.
Second set: Strycova 7-6 (5), 0-2 Pliskova* (* denotes server) Pliskova winds up her serve and belts down her third ace of the match, straight down the middle of the court to go to 30-15, then goes to 40-15 when Strycova goes long in return to a great lob at the end of a 19-shot rally. She sees it out to take a 2-0 lead.
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Second set: Strycova* 7-6 (5), 0-1 Pliskova (* denotes server) Pliskova looked in command of that first set and shouldn’t have let it slip so badly in the tiebreak. Strycova won it through sheer battling spirit. But Pliskova is back in this set, breaking Strycova despite the fact all her first serves go in.
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Strycova wins the first set 7-6
First set: Strycova 7-6 Pliskova, tiebreak 7-5 There’s a lot of baseline slugging at 1-1, which Strycova wins after dropping in a slice and then roaring “Yes!” to take the breaker to 2-1. A double fault from Pliskova gives Strycova a 3-1 lead, before an a wicked netcord bounce lobs Pliskova to put Strycova 4-1 up. Pliskova hits back, smashing the ball all over the court but Strycova keeps hitting them back until eventually she runs out of steam. 4-2 to Strycova. A mistimed jump from Strycova lets Pliskova back in to 4-3, before Strycova gets one against the serve for 5-3. Strycova dives but can’t return making the score 4-5, before the net cord gives Strycova two set points at 6-4. She fails to take the first one, but takes the second to win the first set 7-6 (5).
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First set: Strycova* 6-6 Pliskova (*denotes server) “Come on!” yells Strycova after drilling a forehand past Pliskova as she romps her way to 40-0 up. A solid serve wins her the game and takes us into a tiebreak.
First set: Strycova 5-6 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Pliskova is gliding around the court, seemingly very calm - almost he exact opposite of her opponent. There has been a slightly disappointing lack of needle between the pair, given their history. Pliskova leads 6-5.
First set: Strycova* 5-5 Pliskova (*denotes server) Strycova had Pliskova on the ropes briefly in the last game, but now needs to serve to stay in the set. She does so by running round the court like an angry bee - apparently everywhere all at once, then throws in a couple of aces to boot. She wins to love.
A little side note here about Hyeon Chung, conqueror of Novak Djokovic earlier:
For those wondering, Chung was exempted from the lengthy compulsory military service required of Koreans because of his tennis success (gold medal at Asian Games). https://t.co/KPXJCDb0wv
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 22, 2018
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First set: Strycova 4-5 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Strycova fires a return right at Pliskova and it wouldn’t be a total surprise if there was a flicker of enjoyment as her rival defensively and reflexively knocks the ball long. It gives her the momentum to take a lead on the Pliskova serve, at 15-30, but it doesn’t take long for the sixth seed to level things up at 30-30. But a long return offers Strycova a break point, which she blows by thumping the ball into the net, then hurling her racket high into the air in annoyance. Pliskova serves out to win.
First set: Strycova* 4-4 Pliskova (*denotes server) Strycova’s serve gets into gear, winning her the game with relative ease.
First set: Strycova 3-4 Pliskova* (*denotes server) “Noooo!” yelps Strycova as she misses a sitter to go to 0-30, having done all the hard work in setting up the chance. Perhaps, in retrospect, a swiped backhand overhead smash wasn’t her best option. She struggles against the strong Pliskova serve for the remainder of the game.
First set: Strycova* 3-3 Pliskova (*denotes server) Strycova looks like she is going to fight for everything and she’s rattling around the court at high speed, heaping pressure on Pliskova. But Pliskova’s movement is good too, if a little calmer and more considered. Strycova’s service games feel like a battle she’s attempting to win, Pliskova’s a slightly calmer stroll.
First set: Strycova 2-3 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Strycova likes a challenge, she blew one in the last match and blows another one here, but only by a centimetre or so. It leaves her a bit short now. Pliskova wins the game pretty comfortably, after a brief battle at the net at 40-15.
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First set: Strycova* 2-2 Pliskova (*denotes server) Pliskova challenges Strycova’s return at love all, with the ball being shown to be out by about 2mm. Would have been embarrassing to have got that wrong. It appears to slightly irritate the aggressive Strycova and they duke it out at 30-30 before Strycova goes sprawling across the floor to make a return, re-grazing an already grazed knee. She doesn’t get there, giving Pliskova a break point which is wasted. After being stuck at deuce for a while … in fact a long while - there are six of them … Strycova finally wins.
First set: Strycova 1-2 Pliskova* (*denotes server) A reasonably simple service hold for Pliskova.
First set: Strycova* 1-1 Pliskova (*denotes server) Strycova’s ball toss is so high it threatens to go into orbit. At 15-15 Strycova is forced to run all over the court as the tall Pliskova uses her reach to manipulate her opponent during a long rally which she eventually wins. Strycova takes the score to 40-30 after anticipating Pliskova’s returns well, then sees out the game. Solid hitting, good movement, tense rivalry - early indications are that this should be a good match.
First set: Strycova 0-1 Pliskova* (*denotes server) Right, onto Strycova v Pliskova. Apparently, they don’t like each other very much, after Pliskova was accused of stealing Strycova’s coach, so this should be tasty. Pliskova was world No 1 in July this year and, though ranked six here, should be favourite to win. Pliskova kicks things off and lets a 30-0 lead slip 30-30 and then deuce, where things get stuck for a while before Pliskova takes the game.
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Djokovic has told the press that his elbow is “not great”. “It’s frustrating when you have that much time and you don’t heal properly”. He adds that he has “to reassess everything”. Doesn’t sound good.
Re. the baby on the court - here’s Tz Cuing “I love tennis and the only chance I got to go was on maternity leave,” she writes. “So the baby has to come along dammit.” Fair point.
Well, what a match that was. Next up is the all Czech match between Barbora Strycova, the No 20 seed, and Karolina Pliskova, the No 6 seed. Back in a bit …
On court, Chung says: “I don’t know how I did it, I’m just really happy, I’m honoured to play with Novak again. I’m just trying to copy Novak because he’s my idol.”
And didn’t he look like him? Relentless returns, stretching as if made of rubber, forcing his opponent all over the court.
That was the most Novak-esque performance I’ve seen - and it was by Chung!! Truly incredible performance. Wow. #chung #ausopen
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) January 22, 2018
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What an incredible performance - Chung is the first Korean through to the quarter final of any slam, and takes out the six time champion Djokovic. He will face Tennys Sandgren in the quarter finals and, who knows, maybe on his way to the final. This guy is a talent. He wins 7-6 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (3) against a Djokovic who was out of sorts to start but playing well by the end.
I knew Hyeon Chung was good, but that was unbelievable tennis from a 21-year-old to beat Djokovic. It was like looking in a mirror. Sensational stuff
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) January 22, 2018
Chung knocks Djokovic out!
Chung wins the third set tiebreak 7-3 to knock Novak Djokovic out of the Australian open!
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Third set tiebreak: Djokovic 3-6 Chung* A brilliant serve gives Chung three break points
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic 3-5 Chung* After a brilliant rally, Chung relentlessly returning, the Korean fires an incredible winner across Djokovic who is at the net.
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic* 3-4 Chung They both start grunting now as they rally from the baseline, but Djokovic goes long and Chung noses ahead.
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic* 3-3 Chung After some bother on the serve, Chung returns long from Djokovic’s second serve.
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic 2-3 Chung* Chung stretches all over the court but Djokovic forces home the point eventually.
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic 1-3 Chung* Djokovic gets back into it
Third set tiebreak: Djokovic* 0-3 Chung Djokovic fires wide after a slugfest rally
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Third set tiebreak: Djokovic* 0-2 Chung A massive forehand winner down the line from Chung
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Third set tiebreak: Djokovic 0-1 Chung* Chung takes the first point as Djokovic nets.
Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 5-6 Chung (*denotes server) No problems from Djokovic, he forces a third set tiebreak.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 5-6 Chung* (*denotes server) The match goes past three hours as Chung’s serve goes awry, leaving 0-30 down but he recovers to 30-30, in part thanks to a masterful crosscourt winner. As Chung goes to 40-30, then game (after an incredible stretching return), Djokovic starts with the loud grunting again. Again, Djokovic must serve to stay in it.
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Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 5-5 Chung (*denotes server) Djokovic was puffing hard after that game and must now serve to save the match. He gives his serve a good thump, opening a 30-0 lead, then a 40-15 lead, before seeing out the game without much fuss.
“If this kid Chung adds some pace and placement to his serves, Roger Federer’s records will be in danger,” writes Arun Narayanan. Well, let’s not get carried away.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 4-5 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung has Djokovic in the palm of his hand, stretching him out long, then dropping the bakk short. Djokovic makes them both then raises his hands to crowd, getting them on his side. The Rod Laver Arena gets rowdy briefly, then settles in for another long, special rally at 30-30 that Chung wins despite a baby crying loudly throughout. Who brings a baby to the tennis? We reach deuce, and Chung wins it from there.
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Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 4-4 Chung (*denotes server) Chung, several postcodes over from the edge of the Rod Laver Arena, stretches for a return that no human has any right to make. It forces Djokovic into a stretching return which he can’t make, and the Serb feels his elbow tenderly as he gets to his feet. 30-30. It gives Chung the momentum to get to break point - but he chokes and the game goes to, yes, deuce. Djokovic closes it out for 4-4 in the third.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 3-4 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung, with the chance to go to 40-30, splutters a backhand tamely into the net. Was that nerves? Or tiredness? With the game and a break at his mercy, Djokovic starts grunting loudly again but gets his comeuppance when he misses a sitter to win the game. So deuce it is. Again. Chung goes on to win it.
Wow... Djokovic won't want to see that again 🙈#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TbqAs5kjij
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 22, 2018
Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 3-3 Chung (*denotes server) This remains an utterly unpredictable match, and in this game at least, Djokovic appears in complete control. Serving it out with the minimum of fuss. Once again, for the third set in a row, Chung blows a lead and lets Djokovic back in the match.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 2-3 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung blows his break, much as he did in the first set. An incredible rally at 15-40 gets the Korean back into the game after Djokovic made the early running. Then Chung forces Djokovic to stretch and strain until he ties things up at deuce. Djokovic is far from done though, pulling out some vintage moves as he goes to advantage with a stretching, dipping, drop shot. He does not make the most of it the first time, but gets to advantage again and this time does break Chung back.
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Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 1-3 Chung (*denotes server) Having said Djokovic was moving more easily, he spends much of this game puffing and sighing around the court. He barely celebrates winners, rolls his eyes at mistakes. To win from here, it’ll be a five hour match, which won’t be a brilliant platform from which to carry on into the quarters or semis. It’ll be a struggle to do that, however, as Chung breaks him once more.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 1-2 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung, in white glasses, looks focused once more and hits a pinpoint winner right into the corner for 15-15. The game ebbs and flows, first to 30-30 then 40-30 before Chung sends Djokovic the wrong way to win the game. Djokovic is moving more easily now.
Here’s a report on the goings on so far in the men’s draw:
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Third set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-7, 1-1 Chung (*denotes server) Djokovic begins to gee up the crowd, getting them on his side. It doesn’t seem to affect Chung, who fights back from 30-15 down to 30-40 and break point – and he wins it when Djokovic nets lazily
David Hindle emails: “A) is there any other sport where players, especially top ones, so frequently come back like Lazarus?
“B) Djokovic lost the second set. Do you still think he’ll abandon the match? How could he give the impression he was that “injured” and then get back in? He had you, hook line and sinker. Many others too, I’d imagine. We know Djokovic is not alone in this.
“C) The grunting on the last point - it was absolutely deliberate, and it was disgraceful.”
Well, he looked injured, he had the trainer out and he was grimacing. But obviously I’m not a doctor and don’t know how he feels. I thought given his history of retirements, it was likely.
Re. the grunting: yup.
Third set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-7, 1-0 Chung* (*denotes server) If Djokovic can get himself out of this hole, he’ll be doing very well indeed. He goes 15-30 up against Chung, who has made a habit in this match of starting sets well, fading, then winning them. The Korean wins an epic rally to level that game at 30-30, winning precisely the sort of grindathon that Djokovic would normally win. The Serb grimaces, then carries on, taking Chung to break point at 30-40 then breaking him! Life in the old dog yet.
Midway through that last rally, Djokovic was almost yelling at Chung so loud was his grunting. Not sure how sporting that was. It didn’t work though.
Incredible! #Chung is channeling his inner Novak. Out djokovicing #Djokovic.#AusOpen
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) January 22, 2018
Chung wins the second set against Djokovic
Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-6 Chung (*denotes server) Chung gets his nose ahead with a lucky net cord, but Djokovic goes to 30-15 with a fierce forehand down the line. He attempts something similar, but clunks the ball against the racket frame - 30-30. Chung goes long, but then we’re back at deuce after another double fault from Djokovic. Chung gets a set point after the Serbian goes long and … takes it! Chung leads 7-6, 7-5!
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Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 5-6 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung goes to 40-15 after stretching all over the court, at one point virtually doing the splits on a forehand return. He looks an awful lot like Djokovic. He is the first to six games with a good volley.
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Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 5-5 Chung (*denotes server) As Djokovic rallied halfway through the first and second set, so Chung has collapsed again and it’s his turn to look worn out while facing the Djokovic serve. At 40-15 down, Chung looks out of the game but Djokovic blows his advantage and, yup, we’re at deuce again, before Djokovic gets it done to level at 5-5.
Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 4-5 Chung* (*denotes server) While I was following Sandgren’s post-match comments, Chung serves out to win the ninth game.
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This is Sandgren’s first Australian Open and the 26 year old is into the quarter finals. “I don’t know if this is a dream or not,” he says. “[Thiem] played some really, really good tennis. Goodness he deserves a round of applause. I knew I had to take my chances, he’s a heck of a player. Thankfully it worked out in the end.
“This is my fifth Australian Open and I’ve lost in the quallies every year except this one - now I’m in the quarter final.”
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Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 4-4 Chung (*denotes server) As in the first set, Djokovic got off to a rotten start, then seems to have found an extra gear. It’s as if he was playing within himself in an attempt to save himself for later in the tournament, before realising he is in a proper fight. He levels the second set at 4-4.
Sandgren beats Thiem
Sandgren is into the quarter-finals. The journeyman beats the world No 5 in an epic, as Thiem goes crashing out. Sandgren wins 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-3. What an upset! And who’s to say he won’t face Chung in the quarters.
Tennys Sandgren will serve for the match against Thiem, leading 5-3 in the fifth.
Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 3-4 Chung* (*denotes server) Djokovic isn’t done yet - he breaks back against Chung, digging deep.
Sandgren serves out the seventh game on Hisense, leading Thiem by 5-2 in the deciding fifth set.
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Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 2-4 Chung (*denotes server) Djokovic lets Chung crack a winner past him, stiffly watching the ball fly past as the Korean takes a 0-30 lead. But there’s still some fight left in Djokovic, and he fights back to 30-30, 40-30 with a drop shot that, for once, Chung can’t run to. But he can’t see out the game, and once again they are repeatedly stuck at deuce before Djokovic, surviving by the skin of his teeth takes the game. For how long can he carry on though?
Sandgren breaks Thiem The American leads 4-2 in the deciding fifth set, with an upset very much on the cards.
Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 1-4 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung has been so fast around the court that Djokovic is getting frustrated at the amount of balls the Korean is returning. Djokovic groans as he stretches for a ball, his leg extending painfully as it slides along the court, before he fails to even contest the next shot. I wouldn’t be surprised if Djokovic retires if he loses this set, after losing that game comprehensively.
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It’s has been going with serve in the deciding set between Thiem and Sandgren, but at 2-1 to Sandgren, Thiem has a mental collapse and slaps a ball long to take the fourth game to deuce. They get stuck there for a bit, Sandgren making a couple of shots his ranking suggests he has no right to, before Thiem sees it out. 2-2 in the fifth.
Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 1-3 Chung (*denotes server) Djokovic is looking drained as Chung busily shuttles his way around the court, but the Serbian digs deep to win the game.
Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 0-3 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung is back on fire again. at 30-, he attacks the net, then dinks a spectacular half volley drop shot that Djokovic has no chance of getting. Lovely feel there. He wins out the match to love, with Djokovic in all sorts of trouble. Is he even going to complete the match?
Second set: Djokovic* 6-7 (4), 0-2 Chung (*denotes server) Chung is like a mini-Djokovic out there, making the same sorts of shots the Serbian was hitting eight or nine years ago. Djokovic looks like he knows it too, with a look on his face that says: ‘I’m the one supposed to be doing that.’ Chung goes to 15-40 as Djokovic sprays long, then wins the game by sprinting from one side of the court to other and whistling a cross court winner past Djokovic. Another early break from Chung.
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Second set: Djokovic 6-7 (4), 0-1 Chung* (*denotes server) Djokovic is tending to win the rallies when they become slugfests, and he goes 0-30 up. But when forced to stretch to meet a Chung serve, the Serbian looks in pain - which, after the treatment he has just had, doesn’t look good. Still, he earns himself two break points against Chung but the Korean fights back to deuce. Djokovic is constantly flexing his hand and looks worried about his fitness before another draining deuce battle follows. Djokovic gets break point numbers three and four but can’t take them before Chung gets himself to advantage with a drop shot, lob, smash combination that gives Djokovic quite the work out. A fabulous shot wins Chung the game.
It’s with serve on Hisense, Thiem 1-1 Sandgren in the fifth.
Djokovic’s trainer is now working on his dodgy right elbow, which does not bode well.
Djokovic is having some treatment on his foot. They’re speculating that it might be blisters.
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Chung wins the first set v Djokovic
Djokovic’s patchy form continues and he blows the tiebreak, with Chung winning it 7-4. We could have two upsets on the cards here.
Thiem wins the fourth set v Sandgren
Thiem has levelled the match at 2-6, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6. Sandgren has never been into a fifth set before.
Chung has raised his game again, just as Djokovic’s has slipped once more. The Serbian slaps a lazy forehand well out and Chung has three set points at 6-3 in the tiebreak.
Thiem saves the match point magnificently, drilling a backhand down the line. Sandgren stands back and applauds the shot. 6-6 there. on Rod Laver, a thrilling rally takes the tiebreak between Djokovic and Chung to 3-3.
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Sandgren takes a 6-5 lead against Thiem in the tiebreak on Hisense for match point.
Chung takes a 2-1 lead in the tiebreak after being put under severe pressure from Djokovic. Somehow, though, he manages to hit a volley winner from the net when the ball seemed past him. He’s not given up yet.
In the other tiebreak, Thiem is leading Sandgren 4-2 as he hopes to level things up at two sets all.
First set: Djokovic 6-6 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung smashes a winner past Djokovic and his vibration dampener comes flying off his racket. Djokovic asks for an optimistic let and doesn’t get it. Chung goes from 40-15 to game, taking this to a tiebreak. But he’s entitled to ask himself how he let this one slip from 4-0 up.
Quick update on Thiem v Sandgren - it’s going into a tiebreak in the fourth set, with Sandgren leading Thiem by two sets to one. Still an upset on the cards there.
First set: Djokovic* 6-5 Chung (*denotes server) It’s increasingly hard to call this set, with Chung earning himself a break point, then blowing it. He was all fizz and energy in going 4-0 up but is now on the back foot and bellows his frustrating at blowing his break point, then does it again as Djokovic goes to advantage. As Djokovic serves to win the game, he roars loudly himself. Lot of roaring going on.
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First set: Djokovic 5-5 Chung* (*denotes server) Chung loses the first point as the pair of them slug it to each other from the baseline - each of them like a defensive wall. Chung’s shot-making is beginning to look a little ragged though and he goes 0-30 down as Djokovic senses he can steal a break. The Korean sends Djokovic the wrong way to get in the game, however, before an unlucky net gifts the Serbian two break points. Finally, Chung hits long and it’s all square.
Djokovic* 4-5 Chung (*denotes server) Djokovic doesn’t waste a lot of time there, a rapid service game to love.
It’s still with serve on Hisense: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 6-7, 5-4 Sandgren
Djokovic 3-5 Chung* (*denotes server) Hmm, perhaps Djokovic’s mojo is not entirely back. He looks very stiff moving to his right and, at 15-15, stretches uneasily in that direction before dinking the ball into the net. Chung forces Djokovic into the net at 30-30, testing him out and making him work. He wins the game with a clipped cross-court volley into the corner. Djokovic will serve to stay in the set.
Djokovic* 3-4 Chung (*denotes server) With it going with serve on Hisense, let’s go game-by-game on Djokovic v Chung.
Djokovic appears to be getting his mojo back but, at advantage on his serve, Chung flashes a brilliant winner across his bows to take it back to deuce. Once again, these two get stuck there - Djokovic regularly taking the advantage, Chung regularly taking it back. They’re very similar, these two, both with solid defensive games. Finally, after some very hard work, Djokovic finally wins the game and looks relieved to be getting back in this.
Thiem shows a bit of frustration, after smacking one very long against Sandgren. They’re still going with serve there though.
Ah, Chung is no longer on fire. He pings a shot long when he really didn’t need to, then double faults to give Djokovic three break points. However, he can rely on the out of sorts Djokovic to not to take them, and somehow Chung gets back to deuce. The the pair of them get stuck there for a bit, with Chung displaying all of his defensive abilities. Eventually, after what seems an age, Djokovic finally breaks Chung back. Djokovic 2-4 Chung.
It’s going with serve on the Hisense. Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 2-2 Sandgren.
Djokovic wins a game! Chung leads 4-1 now, but the former world No 1 is in a bit of a mess.
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Chung takes a 4-0 lead in the first set and Djokovic does not look right. His movement is very stiff and he’s walking around the court picking at his racket, morosely bobbing his head.
Sandgren wins the third set
Sandgren leads Thiem 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4). Is there another upset on the cards here? The world No 97 leads the world No 5 in a thrilling match.
Sandgren and Thiem are hammering the ball away in their tiebreak. Sandgren has the more accurate serve today, so maybe has a slim advantage. He’s leading it 4-2 at the moment.
Chung is on fire - or is it Djokovic who hasn’t woken up? A double fault and a lack of movement from the Serb, combined with some great play by the South Korean, means Chung breaks Djokovic again! Djokovic 0-3 Chung.
Thiem takes Sandgren to a tiebreak in the third set - it couldn’t be more evenly matched in the Hisense Arena, with the pair of them locked at a set each and in a tiebreak.
Chung battles back from 15-40 down on his serve and takes it to deuce in the second game against Djokovic. He goes on to serve it out after a slug-fest rally at his advantage. Djokovic 0-2 Chung.
Sandgren is the first to six in the third set against Thiem. They’re a set apiece there, with the American leading 6-5 in the third.
Thiem takes it to 5-5 in the third set as Djokovic and Chung get under way. Chung very quickly has a break point against Djokovic - which he takes! Chung breaks the former world No 1 immediately.
Third set: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 4-5 Sandgren* (*denotes server) Sandgren serves out to love, takes a seat, wraps a towel around himself, then spends a good few seconds trying to attract the attention of one of the ballboys to fill his drink up. Right, they’re getting going on Rod Laver, so we’ll split attention between the two matches.
Third set: Thiem* 2-6, 6-4, 4-4 Sandgren (*denotes server) Sandgren has a break point against Thiem but, after a sinew-busting rally, he can’t take it with Thiem getting him back to deuce before taking the game. A massive hold from the No 5 seed.
Hyeon Chung is an interesting player – 21 years old and tipped by some as being a similar sort of a player to Djokovic. Strong off the backhand, he shocked Alexander Zverev in the last round and could present Djokovic with a test today. He’s ranked 58 in the world and has a repuation for digging in, much like Djokovic.
Third set: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 3-4 Sandgren* (*denotes server) There is yet more lengthy rallying with both of these two trying to smack the cover off the ball. At the end of a 29-shot rally, Sandgren wins the game to 15. On Rod Laver, Djokovic and Chung walk out on court so we’ll divide our focus between this match and that one.
Third set: Thiem* 2-6, 6-4, 3-3 Sandgren (*denotes server) Thiem levels things up without much fuss after Sandgren’s little explosion at the umpire.
Third set: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 2-3 Sandgren* (*denotes server) An 18-shot rally gets Thiem to break-back point but he can’t take it with Sandgren battling back to deuce. Thiem is not happy with his performance and is chuntering away at himself constantly. The pair of them keep getting stuck into long, draining rallies and it’ll be interesting to see which of them it hurts first. After another epic battle at deuce, Thiem finally breaks back - prompting Sandgren to have an extended rant at the umpire as he complains about crowd noise.
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Third set: Thiem* 2-6, 6-4, 1-3 Sandgren (*denotes server) Thiem double faults, giving Sandgren two break points. A sliced, backhand drop shot wins back the first of them, but when he attempts to repeat the trick, he fluffs it and the ball doesn’t even make the net. Sandgren breaks.
Third set: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 1-2 Sandgren* (*denotes server) Sandgren shows his frustration as he nets a shot, bellowing across the court. He should have served this game out but Thiem takes it to deuce, where the pair of them get stuck into a fight, before the American manages to hold.
Third set: *Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 1-1 Sandgren (*denotes server) Thiem keeps himself in it, and Sandgren is beginning to show signs of tiredness. Still, though, Thiem knows he’s in a battle here.
Third set: Thiem 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 Sandgren* (*denotes server) Sandgren takes the first game of the third set. Shortly, Novak Djokovic will trot out onto Rod Laver to take on Hyeon Chung, the world No 58 from South Korea.
Halep beats Osaka 6-3, 6-2
The world No 1 breezes through a match that could have caused an upset to go into the quarter finals. A determined but comfortable victory for the top seed. “It was a great match,” says Halep. “I’m really happy to be in the quarter finals - I didn’t expect that at the start of the tournament because of my injury. The injury is still there but I’m not thinking that much about it and trying to enjoy the moment.
“Naomi is hitting the ball really well so I knew I had to move her a lot and I think I did that well.”
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Thiem* 2-6, 6-4 Sandgren (*denotes server) Thiem thinks he’s about to serve out the second set, until Sandgren - surprisingly mobile for a man his size - blazes a winner across his bows. Thiem - world No 5 - finally hits a winner against the No 97 to take it to a set apiece.
Second set: Thiem 2-6, 5-4 Sandgren* (*denotes server) Sandgren plays a beautiful winner right along the line to force Thiem to serve out the second set. Meanwhile Halep is on the brink against Osaka, a solid service game taking her to 6-3, 5-2.
Second set: Thiem* 2-6, 5-3 Sandgren (*denotes server) Thiem is getting frustrated against Sandgren, an opponent he perhaps underrated before this meeting. At 40-30, though, he dinks a lovely drop shot over the net that is too good for his opponent though.
Osaka is nearly down and out, she loses the fifth game of the second set to love - though rallies well on the final point - but the top seed now leads her 6-3, 4-1.
Second set: Thiem 2-6, 4-3 Sandgren* (*denotes server) Sandgren looks as if he is about to be broken with relative ease by Thiem, perhaps showing one or two signs of tiredness, until he fires a couple of big serves to get himself back in the game, before a good battle at deuce precedes him taking the game. On Margaret Court, Halep breaks Osaka to go 6-3, 3-1 up.
Second set: Thiem* 2-6, 4-2 Sandgren (*denotes server) Sandgren is giving Thiem a game here. On a roll after beating Wawrinka and Max Marterer in four sets, the American is moving well on the Hisense Arena and his strength is giving Thiem problems. He takes Thiem to deuce midway through this second set but Thiem’s serve gets him out of trouble as he goes on to take the game.
Hello and welcome to the second Monday in Melbourne: Roger Federer has just beaten Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 in his first daytime match of the tournament. Angelique Kerber survived a scare against Su-Wei Hsieh and had to fight back after losing the opening set - she won 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, while Madison Keys knocked out the world No 8 Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2. On Margaret Court, Tomas Berdych beat Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
And on court at the moment, the world No 1 Simona Halep has just taken the first set off Naomi Osaka, winning that one 6-3, while on Hisense Arena Dominic Thiem is a set down against Tennys Sandgren, conqueror of Stan Wawrinka. Novak Djokovic will be up in Rod Laver in 45 minutes or so to take on Hyeon Chung.
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