Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jonathan Howcroft and Scott Heinrich

Australian Open day three: Djokovic and Barty cruise through the afternoon - as it happened

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic at full stretch on day three of the Australian Open. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

That’s all from us for this afternoon session. A couple of hours from now the evening session liveblog will get underway and Tumaini Carayol will bring you up to speed on all the day’s headlines.

Thanks for joining us, we’ll be back to do this all again very soon.

On Melbourne Arena Stefanos Tsitsipas (6) was the beneficiary of a walkover after Philipp Kohlschreiber withdrew with injury. There were also wins for Julia Goerges and Coco Gauff.

On court right now Milos Raonic (32) is up a set on Cristian Garin.

Over on Margaret Court Arena, Grigor Dimitrov (18) has a fight on his hands against popular American rising star Tommy Paul. Paul won the opening set and we’re on serve in the second.

Earlier on there were wins for Osaka and Wozniacki.

That’s your lot from RLA this afternoon session. Straight sets wins to Kvitova, Barty and now Djokovic.

Tonight? Just the small matter of Serena and Federer.

“Tough conditions out here, very windy, quite unpredictable to know where the ball was going to go,” explains Djokovic afterwards, not even sweating. “Serve from my side helped me get out of trouble.”

Far from vintage for the defending champion. He cruised through the opening set but then it all became a bit of a struggle. Some second set anxiety dissipated with an early break in the third but an unfamiliar volume of errors crept into Djokovic’s performance. Conditions were not easy, especially as the gusts of wind grew in strength. Overall it can be chalked down as an early tournament work out. Preparation for tougher tests to come.

Djokovic beats Ito (6-1 6-4 6-2)

Third set: Djokovic* 6-1 6-4 6-2 Ito (*denotes server): The opening couple of points are far from vintage - a net cord helping the champion then Ito dominating a point that ends with a forceful overhead. A couple of booming serves reassert Djokovic’s authority, then he seals the deal with some neat serve-volley tennis. Just 95-minutes for the Djoker to complete his afternoon’s work.

Third set: Djokovic 6-1 6-4 5-2 Ito* (*denotes server): An experimental return game from Djokovic does not go well. Some attempted massive return winners miss the court then a trial run in Nadal territory back on the fence ends disastrously. Ito holds to love, a nice final memory for the Japanese of his once-in-a-lifetime experience of Rod Laver Arena.

Third set: Djokovic* 6-1 6-4 5-1 Ito (*denotes server): Another steamroller hold looks on the cards but a double fault at 40-15 is followed up by a wayward backhand to allow Ito a rare deuce on the Djokovic serve.

A second serve ace - the 15th ace of the match for Djokovic - settles everyone down, then Ito errs to slide one game away from defeat.

Third set: Djokovic 6-1 6-4 4-1 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito’s level has dropped this set, something he cannot afford to do to remain anywhere near an opponent of this calibre. He slips to 0-40 with a series of errors - making it 11-points in a row to Djokovic - before restoring some pride with a forehand too hot for Djokovic’s slide to handle. The end comes soon afterwards though when a backhand glides just wide.

The end is nigh for Tatsuma Ito.

Third set: Djokovic* 6-1 6-4 3-1 Ito (*denotes server): Four swings of Djokovic’s racket is all it takes.

Novak Djokovic on his way to round three, doing it his way.

Third set: Djokovic 6-1 6-4 2-1 Ito* (*denotes server): First time Ito’s really faced the squeeze on his serve in some time, slipping tamely to 15-40. Another error gifts Djokovic a break of serve much more reminiscent of the first set than the past hour or so.

Third set: Djokovic* 6-1 6-4 1-1 Ito (*denotes server): Ito has got over his first set stage fright and he’s really testing Djokovic now. A fortunate opening point to Ito puts Djokovic on notice so when the Serbian levels the score he reaches for the roar once more like an alpha lion marking his territory. A couple of blistering serves continue Djokovic’s ascendancy and he seals the hold with yet more mystifying defensive resilience.

Third set: Djokovic 6-1 6-4 0-1 Ito* (*denotes server): There are many things to enjoy watching tennis: Federer’s fluid movement, Barty’s backhand slice, but watching Djokovic defend is as masterful as anything. He is just always there, always, wherever Ito hits, there’s some green Asics sneakers and a white Lacoste polo shirt. It’s unerring. Ito plays a solid game but is at his wits end to reach 30-30. From there an ace gives him an edge before he comes out on top of a long baseline exchange.

Second set: Djokovic* 6-1 6-4 Ito (*denotes server): Djokovic is not comfortable in these changing gusty conditions and he’s forced into many more shots than a normal service game for him. At 30-15 Ito has the point on his racket but nobody covers the court like Djokovic and somehow he made it to a forehand stretch in the baseline before sliding to cover a drop shot and return it at the acutest of angles for the winner. He raises his finger to the sky and briefly acknowledges his own greatness before thundering down an ace to seal a far from straightforward set.

Amazing - 15-years-old and just setting the tennis world alight. Up next? Naomi Osaka, that should be a beauty.

Second set: Djokovic 6-1 5-4 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito is a different player on his own serve, despite not being that big a server. For whatever reason starting the point seems to spark his aggression and he takes the game to Djokovic. He works hard to keep his nose in front all game, even forcing Djokovic to lose control of his racket in one exchange, but a double fault at 40-30 allows an opening at deuce.

Djokovic asserts himself from the baseline to earn a break point, then defends brilliantly to force Ito to keep hitting shot after shot, eventually framing one wide. Djokovic celebrates the break with a full throated roar. Hitting practice has turned into something altogether more psychologically interesting for the seven-time champion.

This has not been a vintage year for Team GB.

Second set: Djokovic* 6-1 4-4 Ito (*denotes server): Hmmm. Djokovic cruises to 40-0 then out of nowhere the wind - which has been gusting all day - makes an entrance. Djokovic loses his ball-toss and looks a little rattled, slipping to 40-30. He then holds, but it continues the narrative of the Djoker not having a happy time of it this second set.

Second set: Djokovic 6-1 3-4 Ito* (*denotes server):Djokovic again looks ruefully into the middle distance after he fails to convert his dominance of a rally at 0-15. He still earns a break point though, showing miraculous defence and the rubberiest ankles at 30-30 to force Ito to make one more shot, that he fails to execute. For the second time this set though Djokovic can’t convert the break point.

Another look to the invisible gods at deuce after a simple rally ends Ito’s way following an error, then the game is ended with an ace. Djokovic is just struggling to find his mojo out there at present, on Ito’s serve at least.

Second set: Djokovic* 6-1 3-3 Ito (*denotes server): Ito is getting absolutely nowhere near Djokovic’s serve. Three aces, one on the second serve, give the second seed another easy hold.

Here’s the full report on Ash Barty’s progression into round three.

Second set: Djokovic 6-1 2-3 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito is growing into his work, especially on serve, and he holds for the fourth game in a row. After cruising through the opening set Djokovic now has some work to do. And he doesn’t look happy, showing signs of frustration, with himself, with the crowd. Not the happiest chappy.

Updated

Second set: Djokovic* 6-1 2-2 Ito (*denotes server): Djokovic holds to love.

Second set: Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Ito* (*denotes server): Point of the match so far for Ito, moving 15-0 up after trading crosscourt forehands with Djokovic then nailing the winner down the line. Classic Djokovic defence - elastic and always ready to counterpunch - forces a hat-trick of errors from his opponent to engineer a couple of break points. But Ito saves them both, first outlasting Djokovic then moving in aggressively and putting away the forehand volley.

An ace at deuce continues the momentum Ito’s way, but then Djokovic turns on the power, ripping a couple of huge forehands to make a statement. Another ace takes the Serbian’s power out of the equation but when Ito can’t repeat the feat Djokovic slices his way back to deuce. Ito again serves powerfully to earn another game point but once more Djokovic reels him in in rally play, executing a superb disguised backhand crosscourt.

Yet again Ito moves up a point with a strong serve wide to Djokovic’s forehand and the champ is frustrated, threatening to damage his racket. Ito retains his composure and finally sees off the game.

Second set: Djokovic* 6-1 1-1 Ito (*denotes server): Ito’s giving it his all at the start of this set. You can tell because the squeaks from Djokovic’s sneakers on the blue rebound ace court are making an absolute racket. He is the master of the hardcourt slide and his footwork and movement are peerless. The 16-time grand slam champion holds to 15 - that point to Ito a double fault.

Second set: Djokovic 6-1 0-1 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito’s good form on serve continues, holding for the second time in a row, this time to love. Ito had a touch more pep in his strokes and Djokovic looked a tad lackadaisical, one backhand slice into the net in particular lacked intensity.

First set: Djokovic* 6-1 Ito (*denotes server): Another service hold to love and Djokovic strolls to the first set. If this was boxing Ito’s corner would be locating the white towel.

Ons Jabeur, Jo Konta’s conqueror continues her impressive tournament.

First set: Djokovic 5-1 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito is on the board, much to the delight of RLA. An ace and some uncharacteristic errors from Djokovic mean the Japanese avoids the bagel.

The retiring Wozniacki is one of the burgeoning stories of the tournament.

23rd seed Yastremska will not be missed by many.

First set: Djokovic* 5-0 Ito (*denotes server): The TV commentators are already talking about Djokovic’s plant based diet, there’s so little to add to the tennis. The champ holds to love, almost apologetically.

First set: Djokovic 4-0 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito has zero weapons, which is unfortunate against a defence as impenetrable as Djokovic’s. The world No 2 has only made two winners so far but finds himself 4-0 up in no time at all. The Japanese player is a conservative grinder but when he has to expand to push Djokovic the strain tells and the error arrives.

Teenager Coco Gauff has levelled at 1-1 against Sorana Cirstea.

First set: Djokovic* 3-0 Ito (*denotes server): Djokovic is 3-0 up inside 10 minutes, barely getting out of exhibition pace. After his tough first round encounter this is just what the physio ordered.

Incidentally, this is the first time these men have met in competition. Ito is currently ranked 146 in the world, with a career high of 60 back in 2012.

First set: Djokovic 2-0 Ito* (*denotes server): Ito slips to deuce with a few soft errors, and if there’s one man in the history of tennis you can’t afford to gift points to it’s Djokovic. The ultimate defender. The Serbian is playing within himself, focusing on technique and footwork, and just by keeping the ball in play he earns the break. This is unlikely to be a long or a dramatic contest.

In case you didn’t know it is hot (low 30s C), overcast and very very windy today at Melbourne Park. The wind isn’t too much of a factor in the enclosed RLA but it is a pain on the outside courts.

First set: Djokovic* 1-0 Ito (*denotes server): Simple hold for Djokovic, despite a double fault. He played with the air of man curious to know what his unheralded opponent might bring, offering him all manner of different strokes to respond to.

Ito is 31, but this is only the fourth time he’s ever passed the opening round of a grand slam. He’s never reached round three. His career prize money doesn’t match what Djokovic earned for winning here last year.

Our attention now turns to Novak Djokovic against Tatsuma Ito of Japan. A greater mismatch you’re unlikely to see all tournament.

Elise Mertens (16) through to face Heather Watson in R2.

Remember, if you want to join in, you can do so via email: jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com or Twitter @JPHowcroft.

Speaking of Wozniacki, she is on the receiving end of some questionable tactics.

Thank you very much Scott.

A quick scoot around the courts to recap on the day so far:

Rod Laver Arena: Straight sets wins for Petra Kvitova (7) and Ash Barty (1).

Margaret Court Arena: A routine win for Naomi Osaka (3) and now an almighty rollercoaster affair between Caroline Wozniacki and Dayana Yastremska (23). The Dane is a set up but it’s anyone’s match. Retiring after the AO, it is potentially the last match in the 2018 champion’s career.

Melbourne Arena: Dangerous floater Julia Goerges upset 13th seed Petra Martic in three sets. Teenage sensation Coco Gauff is now on court but she’s a set down to Sorana Cirstea.

1573 Arena: Massive upset earlier with Spanish veteran Carla Suarez Navarro downing 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka. Elise Mertens (16) is on court and on course for a routine win.

Court 3: Sofia Kenin (14) and Ekaterina Alexandrova (25) are safely through. Benoit Paire (21) is currently a set down to the unseeded Marin Cilic.

Court 8: Alison Riske (18) and Anett Kontaveit (28) eased through. The Estonia prevailed over Australian Astra Sharma. Diego Schwartzman (14) is up a set.

Court 12: Heather Watson gave Team GB something to cheer by defeating Krystina Pliskova.

Court 19: Dan Evans (30) is a set down to Yoshihito Nishioka.

Updates throughout the afternoon...

That was certainly a clinical display from Ashleigh Barty, who’s safely through to the third round and palpably in great form. There’s so much more on today at windy Melbourne Park, and I can’t think of anyone better to bring it to you than Jonathan Howcroft. Over to you, Jonathan.

Poetry in motion.

But enough from me. It’s over to Ashleigh Barty ...

Today was really special. It’s been incredible. Another clean match and I’m glad to get out of that one. The wind played a massive factor. Polona has the ability to blow you off the court and it was just about me being able to take my opportunities.

It’s nice playing in front of a full crowd on this beautiful court. Thanks to everyone for your love and support, not just here but around the world.

Ashleigh Barty
Ashleigh Barty is through to the third round of the Australian Open after beating Polona Hercog in straight sets. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP

Updated

Barty beats Hercog (6-1 6-4)

A cute lob shot gives Hercog two break points, but again Barty responds as a champion does. The Slovenian hits wide off a Barty serve and the Australian has won. The second set wasn’t the stroll of the first, but it tested her in ways she’ll likely appreciate. That was easy enough.

Updated

Second set: Barty 6-1 5-4 Hercog* (*denotes server): Likely the longest rally of the match goes Barty’s way as - you guessed it - an unforced error from Hercog decides the point. And that is all the opening Barty needs. Another unforced error - Hercog’s 30th today - settles the game as Barty breaks. She is now just one game away from wrapping this up.

Second set: Barty* 6-1 4-4 Hercog (*denotes server): Oh the scourge of the unforced error! Hercog will live to regret this chance, as gilt-edged as they come, holding two break points only to hit long and usher Barty back into the game. The Australian hits a deep winner, takes the game to deuce and holds.

Second set: Barty 6-1 3-4 Hercog* (*denotes server): At 15-30, Barty looks ready to go for the jugular and break at an important stage of this second set. But Hercog holds her nerve, unfurls a forehand winner, and holds. Games still going to serve in this set.

Second set: Barty* 6-1 3-3 Hercog (*denotes server): Unforced errors continue to be a blight on Hercog’s game - or is merely playing the world No 1 pressure in itself? - and despite taking Barty to 40-30, she surrenders a half-chance to break serve as the Australian rips a brutal cross-court winner.

Second set: Barty 6-1 2-3 Hercog* (*denotes server): A very watchable rally goes Barty’s way - Hercog looked in control after yet another drop shot before Barty won the point from overhead - but the Slovenian stays true to her game, making Barty work with expansive groundstrokes, and she holds serve. Hercog’s execution is very inconsistent but when it works, it works.

Second set: Barty* 6-1 2-2 Hercog (*denotes server): Hercog controls Barty’s serve, peeling off a deft drop shot en route to a volleyed winner and before you know it she holds a 0-30 lead. Great players, however, have gears, and Barty cranks up the pressure to snuff out any threat to her service game, winning the next four points. That’s now 21 unforced errors for Hercog. Barty has eight.

Second set: Barty 6-1 1-2 Hercog* (*denotes server): Hercog’s first serve clicks as she races to a 40-0 lead, but a Barty winner and a fourth double fault from the Slovenian gives an opening to the Australian. But, growing into this game, Hercog controls her next serve to force Barty into a backhand error. Games going to serve in this second set.

Second set: Barty* 6-1 1-1 Hercog (*denotes server): Better again from Hercog, who remains happy to engage Barty in baseline rallies before working the expanses of the court. She succeeds in making Barty run, taking the Australian’s serve to deuce, but Barty is too good for this tactic to work all the time. An unforced error from Hercog, followed by a Barty ace, means the world No 1 holds all the same.

Second set: Barty 6-1 0-1 Hercog* (*denotes server): Hercog manages deeper penetration with her first serve - and manages to get some of them in - and she holds in her best service game of the match. The Slovenian had been off for almost four months prior to this tournament, so perhaps she might be warming to her task.

First set: Barty* 6-1 Hercog (*denotes server): When Hercog can get to Barty’s backhand this is more of a match, but the world No 1 can afford to make the odd unforced error and still stroll through this first set. That was painless, bloodless and clinical: Barty takes the first set. In 25 minutes.

Ashleigh Barty
Ashleigh Barty in action against Polona Hercog at the Australian Open. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

First set: Barty 5-1 Hercog* (*denotes server): Hmmm. Hercog makes a clear effort to engage Barty in rallies - perhaps shelving the desire to go for winners - but this doesn’t work, either. Barty seems happy to go shot-for-shot, knowing full well Hercog will most times make an unforced error first. And so it proves. Barty breaks again, this time to 15, and this is one-way traffic.

First set: Barty* 4-1 Hercog (*denotes server): Speaking of trends, Barty again holds serve with ominous ease. Hercog is unable to place enough pressure on the Australian’s serve, and that never bodes well in a tennis match.

First set: Barty 3-1 Hercog* (*denotes server): A worrying trend is emerging here. Quite apart from Barty seeming the vastly superior player, Hercog can’t get enough on her serve to maintain pressure and this is putting it on a platter for her opponent. It means Hercog will rely on winners to stay in this match - and she peels off a nice one down the line as the game goes to deuce before ripping one across court to set up the game. Hercog is, unconvincingly, off the mark.

First set: Barty* 3-0 Hercog (*denotes server): Not quite the stroll of her first service game - a missed drop shot and an unforced error put Hercog in the game - but a crisp forehand winner closes the deal and Barty is off to a flyer.

Over to you, Naomi ...

Updated

First set: Barty 2-0 Hercog* (*denotes server): Hercog holds a 30-15 lead before an unforced error restores parity. A delightful cross-court forehand winner sets up game point but another unforced error - again into the net - sees the game go to deuce. A double fault gives Barty a sniff and no right-thinking person gives a world No 1 a sniff. Barty breaks serve and that is just the beginning she was after following a less-than-assured start to her match on Monday.

Updated

First set: Barty* 1-0 Hercog (*denotes server): A nerveless start for the world No 1, who holds her serve to love and frankly never looks like losing a point.

Updated

Barty will serve first ...

Melbourne weather watch: Not quite the glorious summer day of yesterday. We’re looking at a top of 32-34C but with gusty northerly winds. Tonight could be interesting - hazardous winds, a cool change, chance of thunderstorms and rain from 10pm is the forecast. Well, we will play the Australian Open in Melbourne.

If that isn’t enough sunshine in your day, this should brighten things up. Oh Caroline, we will miss ye.

So what else is on today?

In the early match on Margaret Court Arena, reigning champion Naomi Osaka was largely untroubled in seeing off China’s Saisai Zheng, 6-2 6-4. Caroline Wozniacki’s valedictory tour writes its next chapter against Dayana Yastremska (that match has just started) before the afternoon session on MCA concludes with Tommy Paul facing eighteenth seed Grigor Dimitrov.

In the early match on Rod Laver Arena, seventh seed Petra Kvitova didn’t have it her own way against Paula Badosa but did enough to emerge a 7-5 7-5 victor. Tonight, Serena Williams is in action against Tamara Zidansek, followed by Roger Federer’s second-round encounter with Filip Krajinovic. We will have both matches covered live.

And there’s plenty happening on the outside courts, the pick of which will get a mention on these pages.

But without further ado, it’s time for some Alexander Zverev love.

Updated

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to day three of the Australian Open. How much do we love Ashleigh Barty? Let us count the ways:

  • She’s pretty good at tennis.
  • She had the bravery and self-awareness to ditch tennis for cricket when the former sport “became a bit of a slog for me”. The rest, as they say, is history.
  • Her idea of celebrating a year in which she scaled the heights of her sport was to have a few beers on the couch.
  • Where some players see ball girls and boys as banana-peeling fodder, she sees them as human beings and treats them as such.
  • She is, by all accounts known to humanity, a thoroughly good person.

Luckily for us, Barty is in action today. The world No 1 takes on Slovenian Polona Hercog, ranked 47 places beneath, in the second round on Rod Laver Arena. That match isn’t far away at all and will be followed by second seed Novak Djokovic’s clash with No 146-ranked Japanese Tatsuma Ito.

And, as ever during week one at the Happy Slam, there is plenty else on. If you’d like yo have your say, get in touch on email or tweet @scott_heinrich.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Forget blue light blocking for better sleep — this is the hidden iPhone feature to use instead
This hidden gem iPhone feature turns my phone from a carnival of excitement to an absolute snoozefest. Here's how to do it.
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Florida woman ghosts her date after a nightmare meetup. A week later, he sent her something she’ll never forget
A first date going wrong are nothing new. But this Florida woman’s experience proves that sometimes, a person’s true character comes out days after the bill is paid. 
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Rescue group in Las Vegas tries to catch a toucan that escaped its owner before it's too late
The life of a toucan seen flying around the Las Vegas desert is at risk unless it can be captured soon
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
‘Im too scared’: Texas woman orders Sausage McGriddles at McDonald’s — only to find teeth fragments in her breakfast
It’s not unusual to have a weird food experience at a food joint in the United States. Sometimes, you may find something missing, while other times you may find something that doesn’t belong. In the case of user @kai_michelle24 on TikTok, who is from Texas, unfortunately, it’s the latter. In…
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Even Fox News hosts struggling to make sense of RFK Jr’s and Kid Rock’s workout video
‘Listen, somebody needs to tell RFK Jr. it’s okay to wear shorts. I mean, bro, don’t be upset about your legs,’ Fox News military analyst Johnny Jones said
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
NC Parents: Miss Too Many School Days and You Could Face Fines
Waking up to a coughing child with a fever triggers an immediate focus on their health. You naturally keep them home to recover and shield their classmates from germs. However, those recovery days accumulate quickly. Soon, a letter arrives in the mail that feels more like a legal threat than…
Budget and the Bees
Budget and the Bees
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play