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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jonathan Howcroft (earlier) and Scott Heinrich (later)

Australian Open 2020: Serena crashes out, Barty and Djokovic advance - as it happened

Serena Williams
Serena Williams was no match in the end for China’s Qiang Wang, losing in three sets. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Summary

And that’s where our coverage of the day session ends. The story of the day, unquestionably, was Serena Williams’ exit from the tournament at the hands of Wang Qiang. There won’t be an eighth Australian Open title for Williams this year, but there might be for Novak Djokovic. His campaign is well and truly alive after a facile win over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. And while we’re on candidates to go all the way, Australia’s world No 1 Ashleigh Barty was a straight-sets winner over Elena Rybakina. And we said goodbye to Caroline Wozniacki, who retires from tennis after her loss to Ons Jabeur.

But today doesn’t end here. Join us in a short while for our live coverage of the evening session, where Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff will do battle in a much-anticipated clash. As will Roger Federer and Australia’s John Millman. Thanks for your company.

Diego Schwartzman is next for Novak Djokovic, with a spot in the quarters at stake. When asked post-match about his incredible serving effort - he dropped one point off his serve in the opening two sets against Nishioka - and what he was doing to improve that part of his game, Djokovic said: “I’m trying to hit more aces.”

Simple game, tennis, when you think about it.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic put on a tennis masterclass in his win over Yoshihito Nishioka. Photograph: Lynn Bo Bo/EPA

Updated

Around the courts ...

  • Marin Cilic and Roberto Bautista Agut are one set apiece on Melbourne Arena, but Cilic is up a break early in the third set.
  • Maria Sakkari upset 10th seed Madison Keys, beating the American 6-4 6-4 to advance to the fourth round.
  • Hungarian world No 67 Marton Fucsovics was a dominant 6-1 6-1 6-4 winner over Tommy Paul.
  • In the mixed doubles, Nick Kyrgios and Amanda Anisimova were 7-5 6-4 winners over Monique Adamczak and David Vega Hernandez.

Updated

Djokovic beats Nishioka (6-3 6-2 6-2)

Djokovic is taken to deuce for the first time this match but holds to advance to the last 16 of a grand slam for the 50th time in his career. This was a bloodless victory. You could count on two hands the number of points the world No 2 dropped on serve for the entire match. He was in a different class to his opponent. He is in a different class.

Third set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-6 2-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka has something to dine on tonight - and reflect on when he wants to take the positives out of this match - as he holds to love. Anything can happen in sport, but we’re one game away from the conclusion of this match.

Third set: Nishioka 3-6 2-6 1-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Nishioka claims two points off the Djokovic serve - doubling his output for the match - but a trio of aces hands the Serb the game. And he’s now one game away from winning the match.

Third set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-6 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): I wish I could say I saw much of this game. But my laptop chucked a wobbly and I didn’t. I can, however, report that Nishioka held. This is good for him but merely delays the inevitable.

Third set: Nishioka 3-6 2-6 0-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic unfurls a couple of aces and holds serve. That much was inevitable. But he lost a point on serve. Stop the press.

Third set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-6 0-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic forces the game to deuce with a controlled backhand winner down the line. The world No 2 - huh, there’s someone better than this?! - peels off his 28th winner to set up break point. And he capitalises. Of course he does. That’s another break for Djokovic. Ho hum.

Third set: Nishioka 3-6 2-6 0-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Copy. Paste. Djokovic holds to love. That is all.

Third set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-6 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): Looks like Djokovic has a dinner date. Or he just fancies an early night. He breaks Nishioka to love - the Japanese man’s game is falling apart under this barrage - and we are in the final chapter of a landslide. Mercy rule?

Second set: Nishioka 3-6 2-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): You know how this script goes. Djokovic serves for the match, fails to lose a point and wins the second set. Well if you know how it all pans out, why did you make me write it? The Serb didn’t lose a single point on serve in that set. He’s lost just one all match. Unbelievable.

Second set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka, beset by unforced errors, blows the chance to put pressure on Djokovic and the Serb rarely needs asking twice. He shifts through his gears, applies the pressure his opponent cannot, forces more errors and breaks Nishioka’s serve. Next up, this artist of the tennis court will be serving for the second set.

Second set: Nishioka 3-6 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Like shelling peas, cracking pistachios and breathing in and out, Djokovic holds to love. Again. He’s still lost just the one point on serve in this match.

Second set: Nishioka* 3-6 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka is nothing if not resolute. In one of his easier service games, the Japanese surrenders just two points. In bad news for Nishioka, however, Djokovic is serving next. Sucks how tennis works sometimes.

Second set: Nishioka 3-6 1-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Not sure I’ve seen a serving performance like it. Djokovic holds to love. Again. Sheesh.

When it comes to snakes, your faithful blogger is firmly in the Indiana Jones camp.

Not John Isner, though.

Second set: Nishioka* 3-6 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Another laboured service game for Nishioka - things are moving in fast forward for Djokovic; for Nishioka it’s slow motion - but a volleyed winner sets up game point, and a net court goes the Japanese man’s way to han d him the game.

Updated

Second set: Nishioka 3-6 0-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic holds. Again. To love. Again. Absurdly easy. Djokovic has lost precisely one point on his serve today. Whatever you’re doing, go away for a moment and just think about that.

Updated

Second set: Nishioka* 3-6 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka races to a 40-15 lead before a deft drop shot from Djokovic robs the Japanese of one game point. And then the next one goes begging courtesy of a double fault. But Nishioka steadies, produces a big winner to settle a 15-shot rally, before returning the game to deuce with an unforced error. He’ll have to be close to perfect to threaten Djokovic today, but he isn’t. Another double fault hands Djokovic break point, and he gobbles it up as Nishioka hits long.

Updated

First set: Nishioka 3-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): There’s no safer bet in the world today than Djokovic’s serve - he has lost just one point on it so far - and he takes the opening set with an ace. Too easy. Imagine being that good at tennis. Imagine being that good at anything.

First set: Nishioka* 3-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic peels off a wristy forehand winner across court to draw first blood. Nishioka responds to take the next two points but errors from the Japanese - unforced and forced - gift Djokovic set point, which surprisingly he doesn’t take. Nishioka holds but Djokovic will now serve for the opening set.

First set: Nishioka 2-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): An amazing rally of aerial ping pong - Djokovic smashing, Nishioka returning high enough to bring rain - goes the Serb’s way as does the game. Again, with no fuss at all. Djokovic is owning his service games as one might expect of this unbelievably good tennis player.

First set: Nishioka* 2-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka prevails in the game’s best rally as Djokovic tries a cute drop shot - and Nishioka was beaten - but the ball lands on the wrong side of the net for the Serb. And from there it’s an easy game for the Japanese left hander, who holds to love.

First set: Nishioka 1-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Another ridiculously comfortable service game for Djokovic. If Nishioka is to do anything here, he’ll have to put more pressure on the Djokovic serve.

First set: Nishioka* 1-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nishioka runs Djokovic around the court to take the game to 15-15 and shows even more dash with a sweetly hit backhand winner across the court to set up game point. Djokovic then crashes his forehand into the net and Nishioka is off the mark.

First set: Nishioka 0-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic looks nailed on to win another service game to love, but an unforced error - confirmation: he is human - means he has to wait another point to hold his serve. And hold his serve he does.

First set: Nishioka* 0-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Nice down-the-line winner wins Nishioka his first point of the match. Leading 30-15, the Japanese hits long and before you know it Djokovic has a break point. I think you know how this story goes. Nishioka hits wide, Djokovic wins the game and has the early break.

First set: Nishioka 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Easy as you like for Djokovic, who holds serve without breaking sweat.

Now onto Novak Djokovic and his third-round match against Yoshihito Nishioka, the Serb’s second Japanese opponent in as many encounters. Djokovic to serve first.

A whip around the courts ...

  • Caroline Wozniacki’s celebrated career is over after she was beaten, 5-7 6-3 5-7, by Ons Jabeur
  • Diego Schwartzman showed he was capable of going deep at Melbourne Park with a 6-2 6-3 7-6 win over Dusan Lajovic
  • Seventh seed Petra Kvitova was untroubled in seeing off 25th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-1 6-2

Incredible performance from Wang to go deeper in a slam than she has before, against an opponent that wiped her in under an hour not long ago.

Wang beats Williams (6-4 6-7 7-5)

Wang takes a 0-30 lead. She can feel victory, taste its sweetness, but with the chance to grab three match points she hits a straightforward forehand wide. Those damn nerves. But a Williams error hands the Chinese two match points - the first of which she hits long, the second of which she shoots into the net. Williams then hits wide to give Wang another match point ... and this time she takes it as Williams crashes into the net. Serena Williams is out of the Australian Open!

Updated

Let it out, Caroline, let it all out.

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 5-6 Wang* (*denotes server): What an attack on the nerves playing tennis at this level must be. Wang knows dropping here would be near fatal and misses across the court with a shot she would make blindfolded in training. Williams then takes a 15-30 lead courtesy of a winner before an error - oh, the nerves! - makes it 30-30. It’s soon 40-30 after a Williams challenge and Wang hangs on to take the lead. Yes, a break next game would make things very interesting. But we’ve been here before, haven’t we?

Third set: Williams* 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 5-5 Wang (*denotes server): You didn’t really think Williams would drop serve, did you? She’s been there, done that, got the T-shirt in these situations many times before, and she lets out a huge bellow as she takes the set to 5-5 with a big ace. Williams. Wonderful.

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 4-5 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang has the chance to go to 40-0 but a rare error hands Williams the point. No bother, the Chinese No 1 eases through the next two points to claim the game. A break next game will be very interesting, indeed ...

Third set: Williams* 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 4-4 Wang (*denotes server): On a knife’s edge at 30-30, Williams fails to put a smash away before making amends as the ball just lands in court. But Wang takes the game to deuce, and then to her advantage as Williams hits long, but Williams shows customary courage and polish to restore parity. And it’s all Williams from there. An opportunity lost for Wang.

Oh Caroline ...

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 3-4 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang races to a 30-0 lead before a rare unforced error gives Williams a sniff. At the net, Wang takes the wrong option - zoning in on Williams’ backhand - and she gratefully accepts by unfurling a brutal winner across the court. And follows it up with an almost primeval scream of delight. Now at deuce, Wang’s reliable first serve gifts her the advantage and then the game as Williams finds the net. Compelling stuff. I wouldn’t be looking away even if I wasn’t working.

Third set: Williams* 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 3-3 Wang (*denotes server): Where Williams is mostly anchored to the baseline, Wang is moving around the court like a greyhound. Even from the back court Wang is effective and a Williams mishit into the net takes the game to deuce. But the baseline is Williams’s territory, and she rips a big winner to gain the advantage before taking the game with an ace down the T. No flinch from either player yet.

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 2-3 Wang* (*denotes server): Ditto for Wang, who has really found her first-serve mojo in this deciding set. Dominating the point from the outset allows her freedom to move around the court, and she finishes the game from the net.

Third set: Williams* 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 2-2 Wang (*denotes server): Williams strolls through her service game. Neither player has looked like breaking thus far in the third set.

The end of an era, and Caroline Wozniacki’s tennis career. Go well, Caroline. Thanks for the memories.

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 1-2 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang gets her first serve rocking - producing her fastest of the match to set up game point - before Williams crashes a return into the net to seal a comfortably held game for the Chinese No 1. If Wang is deflated after not wrapping this match up in two sets, she isn’t showing it.

Third set: Williams* 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 1-1 Wang (*denotes server): Williams is an incredible fighter, a real competitor, but Wang won’t lie down. Williams finds the net again to hand Wang the advantage at 15-30 before a crunching forehand winner sets up break point. But a Williams ace takes the game to deuce, then another gives her game point. A backhand winner seals the deal for the seven-time winner and games are going to serve.

Third set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 0-1 Wang* (*denotes server): Taken to a third set from the jaws of victory, Wang needed to hold her serve and she did just that. Williams made a couple of unforced errors, finding the net and hitting long, but she is going for her shots.

Thanks Jonathan. What an engrossing tennis match this is. Here we go with the third set.

From the canvas the champ is back to one set all. Follow the conclusion of this gripping contest with Scott Heinrich.

Second set: Williams 4-6 7-6 (7-2) Wang (*denotes server): An exhausting backhand rally from corner to corner takes every ounce of energy from both players before Wang hits wide. Williams follows it up with an unreturnable serve - and the second set is hers!

Updated

Second set: Williams 4-6 6-6 (5-2) Wang (*denotes server): Wang chokes on a forehand but the gift is returned when Williams double faults - her third of the match. There’s confusion at 3-2 when the rally continues despite Wang hitting long and it takes Hawkeye to confirm the point for Serena after she overhit the following lob. Williams then prevails in a fierce rally with Wang at the net unable to put away a winner.

Second set: Williams 4-6 6-6 (2-1) Wang (*denotes server): Serena holds her serve early in the tiebreak with a nice forehand down the line, she then misses the latest in a long line of second serve returns when Wang drops one in her hitting zone that was begging to be crunched. She makes amends in fortunate fashion, benefiting from a net cord that drops just the right side of the net to steal the mini-break.

Second set: Williams 4-6 6-6 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang nails her first serve, then Serena chunks wildly for 30-0. The first proper rally doesn’t last long, Williams again mishitting, then she hammers a forehand too deep to gift a simple hold in difficult circumstances for Wang.

Tiebreak time.

Second set: Williams* 4-6 6-5 Wang (*denotes server): The momentum from that incredible point doesn’t flow into Serena’s service game. Another series of points littered with errors sees the American down 15-40. Wang frames a return for 30-40. Then an ace - just the fourth of the match from the greatest server in women’s tennis - to pull it back to deuce.

An emphatic serve-forehand combination puts Williams ahead then Wang goes long to confirm the hold. The tide is slowly turning Serena’s way. Now Wang has to serve to stay in the set.

Second set: Williams 4-6 5-5 Wang* (*denotes server): Point of the match! A 24-shot rally at 15-40 and Williams is back in the contest.

She gets on the board first when Wang misses her mark, then she scorches to 0-30 with a fierce backhand return winner. Wang succeeds in drawing her opponent into a rally, with predictable consequences, before she concedes two break points with an unfamiliar error, inviting Williams to showcase her greatness. Is the magnitude of the occasion finally telling?

Second set: Williams* 4-6 4-5 Wang (*denotes server): A rare straightforward hold for Williams.

Wang will serve for the match.

Second set: Williams 4-6 3-5 Wang* (*denotes server): There’s a pattern developing of Williams throwing the kitchen sink at a couple of shots early in a rally then looking less and likely to win the point every time Wang’s supreme movement returns the ball over the net. 30-15 arrives on exactly those terms before one of those unplayable thwacks whistles beyond the 27th seed, still rebounding from her serving motion. A forced error, finally Wang’s defence cracking, opens the door for a break, but it closes quickly with a ghastly error, the 32nd of the match from Williams.

Deuce is on Serena’s racket, forcing Wang into some miraculous defending, but the Chinese star comes out on top, hunting down Serena’s attempts to draw her to the net after repelling everything thrown at her on the baseline. Serving for the hold, not for the first time, she benefits from an American gift.

Williams serving to stay in the tournament.

Second set: Williams* 4-6 3-4 Wang (*denotes server): Williams needs a burst of inspiration but a stop-start game that dribbles to 30-30 doesn’t appear to be it. It gets even worse when she hits the latest in a long line of backhands beyond Wang’s baseline before a forehand winner smuggles her to deuce. The crowd roars its approval at the 143kph shot, urging the living legend back into this contest.

And she holds, eventually, nailing a couple of first serves. But she has to find a break from somewhere, and that looks unlikely against such a composed opponent.

Second set: Williams 4-6 2-4 Wang* (*denotes server): Challenge accepted. Serena powers her way to 0-30, finally dispatching a gentle Wang second serve. But she overhits consecutive backhands to allow her opponent back on track. A third unforced error in a row offers Wang game point but for one of the few occasions this match she misses her target in the middle of a long baseline rally.

Deuce looks to be on Serena’s racket but Wang unfurls the shot of the match, a running forehand that clips the outside-half of the line, Williams then hits yet another backhand long and her travails continue.

Meanwhile, Caroline Wozniacki is digging in.

Second set: Williams* 4-6 2-3 Wang (*denotes server): Serena’s 24th error (to Wang’s seven) opens game five of the second set, and it’s followed by errors 25 and 26 courtesy of some wild hitting after Wang continues to defend with aplomb.

Three break points. And from the second Wang hits a precision forehand in-to-out winner. The Chinese star is a set and a break up on Serena Williams. The tournament favourite is on her way out of the Australian Open.

Second set: Williams 4-6 2-2 Wang* (*denotes server): Williams is not punishing Wang’s errors, again allowing a point to go begging despite a soft second serve. She can’t afford to do that early in points because once rallies form they are on her opponent’s racket. Wang looks increasingly assured as she moves to 40-0 and settles the hold to 15. This looks to be her match to lose.

Second set: Williams* 4-6 2-1 Wang (*denotes server): Wang is timing her mid-rally shots so sweetly she’s making Serena look cumbersome, especially when she hits behind the veteran. At 0-30 Wang is all over the 23-time grand slam champion, forcing Williams to put every ounce of effort into every attempted winner just to claw her way back to 30-30. A 15-shot rally full of purpose then evolves, each hit met with a shriek of exertion, neither player giving an inch knowing the set is on a knife’s edge. Williams, playing catch-up, prevails in the most fortunate manner when the ball clips the net and dribbles tantalisingly onto Wang’s side of the court. The hold follows in similarly exhausting fashion with Wang’s ability to scramble taking Serena way out of her comfort zone but a tough backhand drive volley seals it.

This is a far from routine day at the office for Serena Williams.

Second set: Williams 4-6 1-1 Wang* (*denotes server): Williams has her game face on and is ready to step it up at 15-30 but Wang is in her zone today, focussed, moving effortlessly, and hitting her targets from the back of the court. A second serve at 30-30 is begging to be punished but Williams can only find the net. An ace seals a steely hold.

No sign of nerves from the outsider.

Second set: Williams* 4-6 1-0 Wang (*denotes server): It looks like a statement game from Williams, serving big and backing it up with intensity to race to 40-0 but then Wang reminds her she’s around, scrapping to 15 then drilling a forehand down the line for 30. It’s to no avail though when a forehand finds the net.

Wang is 11 winners to five unforced errors. Serena is 14 winners to 18 errors.

First set: Williams 4-6 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang is not giving an inch. Williams comes out firing to bludgeon the opening point but the Chinese 27th seed stays with her stroke for stroke, forcing Williams to play shots she doesn’t think she’ll need to, eventually provoking three errors in a row before a return long hands the opening set to Qiang Wang.

We are deep in upset territory on Rod Laver Arena.

First set: Williams* 4-5 Wang (*denotes server): Sloppy from Serena; a forehand into the net with plenty of court to aim for follows a double fault. She then tries a drop shot but for the second time in the match Wang is up into the net in quicktime to put away the winner. Three break points - but she only needs one! A huge moment in this match, the 27th seed breaking to love.

Williams, far from peak form right now, has it all to do. Not great news for Serena’s close friend Caroline Wozniacki either.

First set: Williams 4-4 Wang* (*denotes server): Wang chips away to 40-15 and looks destined fora straightforward hold but Serena unloads a couple of huge forehand returns to redirect all the momentum. Wang then finds the net at deuce offering Williams a break point, but the American can’t convert.

Just when she needs a confidence boost Wang nails consecutive first serves to see off any threat.

Diego Schwartzman through to round four, and a probable date with Novak Djokovic.

First set: Williams* 4-3 Wang (*denotes server): Wang is reading Williams well off her racket, defending smartly from the baseline on both flanks and accelerating forward to collect anything short. Serena is unable to force the short points she craves and looks vulnerable at 15-30. Uncharacteristically, Wang gets her length wrong before she is bullied out of a couple points by the eighth seed who secures a hard-fought hold.

Still on serve in the first set, but this one could go either way.

First set: Williams 3-3 Wang* (*denotes server): There’s still little flow to this contest with both players guilty of regular errors. One thing that is in rhythm is Wang’s footwork and she uses it to great effect to keep herself in points that could easily be Williams winners. A bits and pieces game leaks to 30-40 but Williams overhits her return looking for a break point winner.

Deuce comes and goes on Wang’s racket before Serena steps in and absolutely destroys a clean forehand second serve winner that was hit with fearsome violence. She looks on course for the break but Wang is lightning around the court and extends what looks to be a Williams point into a longer rally, and the longer the points go the more assured Wang looks.

Williams earns a third break point with some fizzing groundstrokes, knowing she doesn’t want to be drawn into a war of attrition with a much nimbler opponent. That strategy is her undoing though when she’s wide with the big forehand.

Deuce four is another example of Wang’s ascendancy in points that extend beyond a couple of shots, then she nails her first serve to secure the hold.

Here’s your report from Ash Barty’s victory earlier today.

First set: Williams* 3-2 Wang (*denotes server): Wang is looking the spritelier of the two so far and converts that energy into an excellent opening point winner. Serena responds with a two shot point that ends with a “come on!” and fist pump. She knows she’s in a battle today. A pair of aces are then separated by a backhand into the net for 40-30, with the hold secured after Wang fails to land a second serve return.

Serena, as is her wont, is serving her way out of trouble in these early exchanges but Wang looks the likelier once rallies have formed.

First set: Williams 2-2 Wang* (*denotes server): Williams looks to be easing into her work, hitting her marks with more pop than earlier games to move up 0-30. A sloppy overhit brings Wang back into the game then a superb backhand crosscourt from the 27th seed draws her level. She carries that momentum into what becomes an impressive hold, sealing the game with a rally that drags her veteran opponent from corner to corner, exhibiting impressive footwork of her own in the process.

This is far from the two previous steamroller displays we’ve seen from Serena.

First set: Williams* 2-1 Wang (*denotes server): The first really imposing point of the match from Williams sees her move up 30-0 with a forehand winner but consecutive errors into bring Wang back into the game. Both players then exchange wide forehands in search of winners but at deuce Wang brilliantly redirects a powerful drive over the net and down the line to earn a break point. Serena defends it superbly with a backhand winner from the baseline that finds an outrageous angle.

Another assertive point from the veteran opens up a game point and she takes it with some fierce hitting provoking an error from her Chinese opponent.

On serve so far early in the match with neither player yet exhibiting any rhythm.

Updated

First set: Williams 1-1 Wang* (*denotes server): An error-strewn game goes Wang’s way in quicktime. Serena not yet up to full speed.

First set: Williams* 1-0 Wang (*denotes server): The match gets off to a tame start with both players making early errors for 15-15. Williams then steps it up to win the first significant rally of the match before launching her opening ace. A safe hold for the tournament favourite.

Wang is seeded 27 and she has two WTA titles on her CV. She was coached until recently by the late Peter McNamara.

These two have met only once before, Serena coming out on top in last year’s US Open quarter-final 6-1 6-0.

Next up on RLA and the focus of our attention right here: Serena Williams v Qiang Wang.

Elsewhere, Diego Schwartzman (14) is two sets up and flying against Dusan Lajovic (24), while Caroline Wozniacki has just stepped on court for her match with Ons Jabeur. Doubles action is dominating the outside courts.

“Probably the best I’ve played all summer,” Barty beams afterwards. “A lot of those games were long and tough and I was glad to get out of them.”

That could have been a much tougher assignment for Barty. 29th seed Rybakina arrived in good form, bolstered by victory in the Hobart International, but after winning two of the opening three games the 20-year-old committed too many unforced errors (30 to 16) and failed to nail her major weapon, her serve (just two aces and a 53% first serve percentage), to trouble a player as composed as Barty.

The world No 1 showed an impressive ability to remain calm in those opening exchanges and then figure out the smart approach to work her way past such a powerful hitter. Her backhand slice was on point but it was the sliced forehand, drawing Rybakina forward, that proved the most useful club in the bag.

Barty beats Rybakina (6-3 6-2)

Second set: Barty* 6-3 6-2 Rybakina (*denotes server): Rybakina isn’t going down without a fight. Her power drives Barty to 15-30 then 30-40 with forehand after forehand hammered back at the Australian. Barty saves break point then eases into her first match point after coming out on top of a forehand baseline exchange. The crowd whoops its approval at the opportunity then raises the roof when Rybakina slices a backhand wide.

Barty moves comfortably through to round four.

Second set: Barty 6-3 5-2 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Rybakina races to 15-40 after Barty turns in a pretty ragged return game, but the top seed finds a forehand crosscourt winner out of nowhere then drills a forehand down the line to engineer an unlikely deuce.

Rybakina can’t convert her third game point when Barty executes a delightful lob, but she does prevail on her fourth, ripping a forehand that catches plenty of white paint as it shoots across court.

Barty to serve for the win with new balls.

Second set: Barty* 6-3 5-1 Rybakina (*denotes server): A rare look at the Barty serve here for Rybakina, moving to 0-30 after defending stoutly then landing one of her massive forehands. Barty responds with an ace but another clean winner - this time on the backhand - offers two break points. Barty saves the first with an ace then engineers the saving of the second with another superb serve - both went down the T.

Deuce is a lovely point, both players attacking and defending like fencers, waiting for an opportunity to pounce, which Barty does, slamming a forehand winner to Rybakina’s backhand corner. She can’t secure the game though, framing a forehand wide next point.

The second deuce comes and goes with Barty again failing to convert her ascendancy, before the third edges Rybakina’s way, the 29th seed unexpectedly coming out on top of a sliced exchange. Barty saves break point with a forehand winner.

The fourth deuce is the last of the game with Barty successfully returning to the strategy of drawing Rybakina forward before piercing her defence, then serving out for the hold. One more game to go.

Second set: Barty 6-3 4-1 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Rybakina has been unable to press home any advantage today and the pattern repeats. She breezes to 30-0 but somehow finds herself facing break point - then double faulting - her fourth of the match, to gift a decisive margin to Barty.

Rybakina won two of the opening three games, she’s won just two of the following 11.

Second set: Barty* 6-3 3-1 Rybakina (*denotes server): Wow! Barty moves to 40-0 with a backhand slice winner that has to be seen to be believed. From behind the baseline it comes off the racket and barely scrapes above net-height throughout its journey before landing mid-court as softly as a butterfly visiting a daisy. Comfortable hold to love and the Barty party continues.

Second set: Barty 6-3 2-1 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Rybakina is more patient this game, staying with Barty stroke for stroke, and at 40-15 looks destined for a comparatively straightforward hold. Barty then shows brilliant defensive instincts to keep the game alive, scrambling to great effect, forcing her opponent to keep hitting shots, eventually provoking the 20-year-old into pushing a low-risk shot beyond the baseline. But that’s as good as it gets for the Australian, Rybakina getting on the board for the set when the No 1 seed misses her target.

Second set: Barty* 6-3 2-0 Rybakina (*denotes server): Much better from Rybakina, battling back from 40-15 to deuce with some stinging deep hits from the baseline.

The first deuce is shared but the second heads Rybakina’s way with a powerful backhand down the line that’s too hot for Barty. The Kazakhstani can’t convert though and Barty moves to a game point of her own when Rybakina concedes her 20th unforced error.

This topsy-turvy game doesn’t end there though with Ryabkina skimming the line then provoking an error from Barty for another break point - that the Australian saves for a fifth deuce. That quickly turns into another break opportunity when Rybakina smashes a return winner, but Barty defends gamely yet again.

Deuce six is a crosscourt slugfest until Barty draws Rybakina forward with a neat forehand slice. She then sees off the longest game of the match with an easy forehand put-away.

Seven of the last eight games have now gone Barty’s way and she is bang on top of this third round contest.

Second set: Barty 6-3 1-0 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Can Rybakina find some serving mojo in this second set? Not straight away, slipping to 0-30 with a double fault. Barty then earns two break points at 15-40, converting the second when she opens her body and smashes an inside-out forehand into the corner after using massive topspin to drag her opponent out of position.

First set: Barty* 6-3 Rybakina (*denotes server): Barty nails the first set in 32-minutes with her second ruthless service hold to love. This game was full of intent with the Australia asserting herself around the court, coming in to slot a winner at the net and then sealing the deal with a whipped forehand that bruises the line.

First set: Barty 5-3 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Ten straight points for Barty sees her up 0-30 as Rybakina’s issues on serve continue. The run ends when the Australian hammers the net attempting a forehand winner down the line, then she struggles to return a rare Rybakina first serve. Break point arrives soon afterwards though with the 29th seed producing her 15th unforced error of the set. She defends it safely though then serves strongly to hold for the first time today.

Rybakina landing just 48% of first serves.

First set: Barty* 5-2 Rybakina (*denotes server): The first routine service hold of the match, Barty racing to a love game. That’s four in a row for the top seed and after a difficult start she is storming towards the opening set.

First set: Barty 4-2 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Barty will be disappointed to miss out on the opening point of the game after reaching a Rybakina drop shot but deflecting it wide. A powerful serve doubles the 29th seed’s advantage but Barty hits back to 30-30 with some controlled point development showcasing all her court craft and patience, mixing big forehands with angled backhands, sending Rybakina one way then the other. Unexpectedly, Barty is gifted a break point when Rybakina smashes an overhead into the net, then she misses an acre of open court with a winner begging to donate yet another break of serve.

Barty now a break up and benefiting from her opponent serving way below expectation.

First set: Barty* 3-2 Rybakina (*denotes server): An ace and some more magical backhand slicing sees Barty once again go up 30-0 on serve. Rybakina finds a winner to narrow the margin but Barty keeps her at arm’s length with an unreturnable serve. Game point is a long methodical affair and eventually the Kazakhstani finds the net.

After five games we have the first service hold. Barty in front for the first time in the match.

First set: Barty 2-2 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Rybakina begins her latest service game with an ace followed by a double fault in a neat summation of the match so far. She slices a backhand into the net for 15-30 but when she returns to her huge forehand she quickly levels the score. That shot is a heck of weapon, consistently putting Barty on the defensive. The Australian does defend brilliantly, lobbing her way imaginatively out of trouble, but she misses her mark when the opportunity presents itself to strike the winner. Rybakina can’t capitalise though, erring without provocation to gift Barty deuce.

The first deuce point is superb, both players hammering forehands from corner to corner, Barty covering down the line then nailing that backhand slice to set up the winner. Rybakina hits straight back then enjoys another game point after Barty returns long. She can’t take it though, and concedes a break point of her own after missing a forehand drive volley. And Barty secures the fourth break of the match! All the spins and slices on display in the vital point from the Queenslander, bamboozling her opponent.

First set: Barty* 1-2 Rybakina (*denotes server): Barty is easing into her work now, cruising to 30-0 and looking fluid on both flanks. A lovely running backhand winner brings Rybakina back into the game and she steps up another level with a brilliant drop shot from the baseline that catches Barty off guard following a long precise rally that showed both women in excellent touch. Another rally goes Rybakina’s way when Barty tugs a forehand wide, but she saves break point with an ace right on the stem of the T.

The 29th seed quickly earns another break point with a rasping return winner - and she seals it on the second attempt with a couple of massive forehands into the right corner eventually proving too strong for her Australian opponent.

All three games have gone against serve so far but the standard of tennis is high.

Updated

First set: Barty 1-1 Rybakina* (*denotes server): Barty gives no indication her opening game will have any lasting effect, racing to 0-40 with a string of points including a superb forehand winner. Rybakina nails a serve to grab a point back but Barty secures the immediate break back.

First set: Barty* 0-1 Rybakina (*denotes server): In perfect conditions on centre court Rybakina begins strongly, controlling the opening point from the baseline before striking a crosscourt forehand winner. Very uncharacteristically Barty then dumps a hat-trick of unforced errors into the net to concede her opening service game to love! Rybakina looks assured out there, striking her shots from the baseline very deep, restricting Barty’s ability to execute her trademark backhand slice.

If you’re interested in that kind of thing, Barty, the No 1 seed, is currently third-favourite for the title, behind Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.

Ash Barty walks out to warm applause around Rod Laver Arena.

And here comes her opponent, Elena Rybakina. She will be no pushover today. The 29th-seeded Kazakhstan representative (she formerly competed under the Russian flag) has already won the Hobart International this season, and at just 20-years-old she is on a rapid rise to the top. This is already her best performance at a grand slam.

Rybakina is tall and broad, and she uses that frame to good effect on serve. She is currently second only to Karolina Pliskova for aces sent down this season so far.

This pair have never met before in competition.

Weather forecast

After a topsy-turvy few weeks in south-eastern Australia featuring ash-laden smog, golf ball sized hailstones, and gale-force winds, the forecast is settled for the next week or so.

Today will be cool (17-23C) and mostly sunny with a westerly breeze causing flags to flutter but hopefully not interfere with play. Thereafter the forecast is for warm dry days with the temperature ramping up into more familiar Aus Open territory towards the back end of next week.

Order of play

Days at the tennis don’t come much better than this. First out on Rod Laver Arena is home favourite and world number one Ash Barty, up against rising star Elena Rybakina. Serena Williams will then look to continue her impressive form against 27th-seeded Wang Qiang. Novak Djokovic rounds the session off as clear favourite against Japanese outsider Yoshihito Nishioka.

We’ll also be keeping an eye on Margaret Court Arena where a host of even seed v seed contests are taking place. While over on Melbourne Arena, Lleyton Hewitt is in action early in the doubles before Caroline Wozniacki again bids to delay her retirement.

Updated

Preamble

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of day five of the Australian Open. Today marks the start of round three in the singles draws and action will be underway at 11am.

Our attention will focus on Rod Laver Arena where a mouth-watering schedule offers first world No 1 Ash Barty, then 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams, followed by the current holder of the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, Novak Djokovic. There will be updates from around the Melbourne Park precinct with the likes of Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki also in action.

It’s been a remarkably stable tournament to date. For the first time since 2007 the top ten seeds in the women’s singles are all through to round three, while only two of the top-16 seeds in the men’s singles have suffered upsets. That means every contest from hereon is likely to be much harder to call as the last-32 in each draw is packed with big match pedigree.

If you want to join in at any point throughout the day, you can reach me by email: jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com or Twitter: @JPHowcroft.

Serena Williams
Serena Williams is back in action on day five of the Australian Open. Photograph: Xinhua/Barcroft Media
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