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

Australian Open 2020: day two, afternoon session - as it happened

Rafael Nadal
The unmistakable form of world No 1 Rafael Nadal, in action against Hugo Dellien on Tuesday. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

And that’s where our coverage of the afternoon session ends. Rafael Nadal was brilliant in seeing off Hugo Dellien, British No 1 Jo Konta will have lots of time for reflection after losing to Ons Jabeur and one wonders if we’ll see Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open again after she was beaten by Donna Vekic. Be sure to join us tonight for our live coverage of the evening session. Bye for now.

Around the courts ...

  • 12th seed Fabio Fognini needed five sets to get past Reilly Opelka.
  • 19th seed Madison Keys was untroubled in seeing off Russian Daria Kasatkina, winning 6-3 6-1.
  • Australia’s Jordan Thompson, the world No 63, was a straight-sets winner over Alexander Bublik.
  • Australia’s Marc Polmans emerged victorious in a five-set epic against Mikhail Kukushkin, winning the first two sets before taking the final set 6-4.

Nadal beats Dellien (6-2 6-3 6-0)

Nadal strolls through this third set in barely over half an hour to advance to the second round. Dellien gave it his all - in the first two sets he matched it with the world No 1 at times - but the effort took its toll and the final set was a celebration of all things Nadal. As you would expect from a man who has eyes on the big prize, he got better as the game wore on. As tenacious and brave as Dellien was, Nadal hit more winners, committed fewer unforced errors and was simply the better player. Twenty in 20? Why not?

Rafael Nadal
Hugo Dellien’s unenviable view of Rafael Nadal in the first round of the Australian Open. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Updated

Third set: Nadal 6-2 6-3 5-0 Dellien* (*denotes server): Another unforced error from Dallien, another backhand winner and service break for Nadal, and the world No 1 is now one game away from winning this match in straight sets. He’s been ruthless in this third set. Completely without ruth.

Third set: Nadal* 6-2 6-3 4-0 Dellien (*denotes server): Where Dallien is tiring, Nadal is getting stronger. The Spaniard rips another winner - his 11th of the set - to set up game point, finishing the deal with his fourth ace. Not long now.

Third set: Nadal 6-2 6-3 3-0 Dellien* (*denotes server): A brutal double-handed backhand winner sets up break point for Nadal. Dellien then finds the net - yet another unforced error - and this, ladies and gentlemen, is where we are at in this match. With two breaks under his belt, Nadal is steaming towards victory.

Third set: Nadal* 6-2 6-3 2-0 Dellien (*denotes server): Brilliant from Nadal, who at 0-30 down again gives Dellien a modicum of optimism before closing the game with clinical ease. Shot of the game, of the match, is a sliced cross-court backhand winner that draws applause from everyone in Rod Laver Arena - Dallien included.

Meanwhile, back in the land of Maria Sharapova ...

Third set: Nadal 6-2 6-3 1-0 Dellien* (*denotes server): Dellien is looking more than a little punch drunk out there. He’s taken some torrid hits at the hands of Nadal. Not literally, of course, but you know what I mean. The thing is, tired, bruised and inevitably deflated, he keeps coming back for more. Nadal holds a 15-40 lead, Dellien withstands the 10-count to take the game to deuce and even sees off five break points, but it’s hard to deliver the killer punch when you’re on the ropes, legs like jelly. Nadal breaks and one wonders how much Dellien has left in the tank.

Updated

Second set: Nadal* 6-2 6-3 Dellien (*denotes server): Nadal holds to love. Nadal wins the second set. Dellien hides under his chair, in the foetal position, sucking his thumb.

Second set: Nadal 6-2 5-3 Dellien* (*denotes server): Oh the pain for Dellien! Nadal breaks back. You can count on one hand (and a finger) how many unforced errors he’s made in this set, but Dellien continues to be best by them. And that tells the tale of this game as Nadal moves to within a held service game of the second set.

Second set: Nadal* 6-2 4-3 Dellien (*denotes server): Dellien recovers from that service lapse to hold two break points. He lets one go begging before sending Nadal on a run around the court, forcing an error and breaking back! Well played. Could easily have rolled over and allowed Nadal to go to 5-2. But he didn’t. I’d hate to get into an argument with Dellien. He’d probably be able to convince me climate change isn’t real.

Hugo Dellien
Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien in action against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Updated

Second set: Nadal 6-2 4-2 Dellien* (*denotes server): Dellien hits long to hand a service break to Nadal ... to love. Ouch. That hurts. Thing is, the difference between Nadal’s best and worst is about 10%. Dellien, at his best, rubs shoulders with Nadal. At his worst, he’s rubbing the Spaniard’s bootlaces. Dellien was almost non-existent on serve in this game. A massive drop on his output. And Nadal made him pay.

Second set: Nadal* 6-2 3-2 Dellien (*denotes server): Nadal holds his serve to love. Easier than Ernie Els.

Second set: Nadal 6-2 2-2 Dellien* (*denotes server): When Dellien goes for his shots, which is always, and they find their desired destination, which isn’t always, boy he looks good. A crunching cross-court forehand winner highlights this game and, on serve, this set is game on.

Second set: Nadal* 6-2 2-1 Dellien (*denotes server): Easy is as easy does for Nadal, who holds his serve with ease. Easy.

Second set: Nadal 6-2 1-1 Dellien* (*denotes server): Point of the match, unquestionably, goes to Dellien as does the game itself. The Bolivian looks right at home against - as good as, even - the world No 1 during a breathless 21-point rally that ends with Nadal crashing a forehand into the net. Dellien paints the blueprint. Now to follow it.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal showed his class to take the first set against Hugo Dellien on day two at the Australian Open. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Second set: Nadal* 6-2 1-0 Dellien (*denotes server): New set, same story. Dellien goes after Nadal’s serve but - like a cat with a undersized, overawed and frightened mouse - the world No 1 more or less toys with his opponent to take the opening game of the third set.

First set: Nadal 6-2 Dellien* (*denotes server): Nothing so debilitating as hope. Nadal gives Dellien a peek into the promised land by dropping his serve, but shuts the door as quickly as he opened it. Dellien, again, has his chances, but Nadal keeps his composure better, goes easier on the unforced errors, and breaks serve (for the third time this match) to take the first set.

Dellien must be wondering what he has to do. Statistically, he’s in the match - his first serve is going at 75% to Nadal’s 54%; he’s won just eight fewer points to this juncture - but Nadal just doesn’t give away easy points. And Dellien does.

First set: Nadal* 5-2 Dellien (*denotes server): Toothpicks in hand, Dellien breaks Nadal with what can only be described as a minimum of fuss - the Spaniard wins just one point for the game - and has clawed back one of his service breaks. One gets the impression that no matter the scoreline, Dellien will play his game to the bitter end. This man’s jib, I like the cut of it.

First set: Nadal 5-1 Dellien* (*denotes server): Again, it’s not easy but finally, finally, Dellien holds serve and takes a gamer off the world No 1. The scoreline looks bad for the Bolivian, and it is, but he isn’t playing badly. He’s energetic, has initiative, and is brave with his shots. But unless you’re Federer or Djokovic, or intermittently someone else, beating Nadal is like trying to crack a nut with a pair of toothpicks.

Around the courts ...

  • Australia’s Jordan Thompson, the world No 63, has taken the first set 6-4 against Alexander Bublik.
  • 2014 Australian Open champ Stan Wawrinka is a set and 4-3 to the good (on serve) over Damir Dzumhur.
  • Australia’s Marc Polmans is two-sets-to-love up against Mikhail Kukushkin - but 4-2 down in the third set.

First set: Nadal 4-0 Dellien* (*denotes server): These two are using the full expanses of the court: backhand to forehand to forehand to backhand and any combination in between. Dellien has shown already in this match that he does a good trade in gumption. He holds five game points but can’t capitalise on any of them. Nadal doesn’t give anyone, sucker or otherwise, an even break. Against the world No 1, you need more than gumption. You need to take the take the chances when they arise. Because there won’t be many of them. Nadal breaks again essentially because he made fewer mistakes. That was an epic game counting a total of 18 points. And Dellien still isn’t off the mark. Must be galling for him.

First set: Nadal* 3-0 Dellien (*denotes server): Gracias, Jonathan. Dellien shows plenty of ticker, and no small amount of hustle, to take Nadal’s serve to 0-30 but the Spaniard’s court coverage is just ferocious. He attacks the net, cranks a few volleyed winners and looks set to win the game at 40-30 before ...

... Dellien peels off a ridiculous winner down the line to take the game to deuce. The Bolivian keeps up the good work to hold two break points but unforced errors are his undoing. And, as easy as that, what he might look back on as a gilt-edged chance falls by the wayside. Nadal, anything but comfortably, holds serve. But he holds nonetheless.

First set: Nadal 2-0 Dellien* (*denotes server): This is my first ever look at Dellien and he’s easy to warm to. Not the tallest player, but strong and compact, gets into his work speedily and hits through his forehand with plenty of zing. He advances to 40-15 with no little help from Nadal, who goes long with a couple of forehands, but the world No 1 fights back to deuce by keeping the ball alive long enough to induce errors.

Dellien comes out on top of the next long rally, hitting the outside of the baseline right in Nadal’s forehand corner. The excellence of that winner is quickly undermined by a double fault.

Nadal ups the ante to force an early break point but Dellien works hard to defend it. The 19-time grand slam champion forces another soon afterwards though, displaying beautiful movement across the baseline to keep ball after ball in play, driving Dellien to distraction. He repeats the trick to secure the break, hammering an emphatic forehand winner. Rafa is rolling.

Right, time for me to handover to Scott Heinrich.

First set: Nadal* 1-0 Dellien (*denotes server): Nadal holds to 30 but he doesn’t land many first serves. Across the net Dellien isn’t afraid to step in and give it some welly but aside from one vicious second serve return he struggles to hold his own in the rallies Nadal lives for.

Plenty of interest in Nadal’s conditioning after he looked fatigued during the ATP Cup. Remember, his 2019 season only ended a few weeks ago after leading Spain to glory in the Davis Cup Finals.

Updated

Nadal, by the way, is a picture in hot pink, his massive guns glistening in the sun as per usual for the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal is out on Rod Laver Arena. And so is his 26-year-old opponent, Hugo Dellien from Bolivia. Dellien is ranked 73 in the world and on an upward curve over the past 18-months, but he has never been on a stage like this before, and never come up against an opponent like Rafa.

Next up on Rod Laver Arena, Rafael Nadal.

This is not a good grand slam for Great Britain.

As my colleague Tumaini Carayol points out, “Sharapova is now down to 366 in the rankings, which is not very good.”

Vekic beats Sharapova (6-3 6-4)

Second set: Vekic* 6-3 6-4 Sharapova (*denotes server): Vekic double faults to open the game and she should be 0-30 behind but Sharapova overhits after dominating the point. Superb defence from the 19th seed, really scrambling desperately to remain alive. It’s a crucial juncture because a couple of good first serves soon hand the Croatian two match points. The first is saved with a highlights reel forehand winner down the line but the second attempted to line drive is wide and Vekic prevails!

That was a topsy-turvy contest, and one that Sharapova will rue, especially the way she relinquished the initiative in the second set after scrapping so hard to get back into the match. The Russian remains a wildcard-earning sponsor-pleasing drawcard, but her on-court performances are starting to beg the question: for how long?

Second set: Vekic 6-3 5-4 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Sharapova steadies her nerves with a couple of cheap points but at 30-0 she has some issues with her ball toss and when she finally gets her serve away Vekic is waiting to pound a huge clean forehand winner. Another solid return sets up a second point in a row and the pressure tells - Sharapova double faulting for the fifth time in the match. And Vekic wins her fourth game in a row, breaking the Sharapova serve again when the Russian fluffs a backhand into the net.

Vekic will serve for the match.

Second set: Vekic* 6-3 4-4 Sharapova (*denotes server): Sharapova’s forehand woes start to come back to haunt her but a searing return down the line keeps her alive at 40-30. Vekic then defends brilliantly at full stretch to keep the ball in play, avoid deuce, and consolidate her break. Pressure right back on the Russian now.

Updated

Good news for Australia! Millman one win away from a possible date with Roger Federer.

Benoit Paire (21), also in that ridiculous eighth of the draw with Tsitsipas, Bautista Agut, Cilic and Raonic.

He takes on Cilic next.

Second set: Vekic 6-3 3-4 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Out of nowhere Sharapova looks tight on serve and double faults on her way to 30-all. Vekic then comes out on top in a reflex volley exchange at the net after failing to nail a drop shot. The 19th seed takes full advantage of her good fortune, drilling a second serve return right on the baseline to force the break back. An unexpected twist in this second set.

You need to get used to the dialect, but Brad Gilbert is a good value grand slam follow.

Second set: Vekic* 6-3 2-4 Sharapova (*denotes server): How Vekic must wish grand slams allowed coaching. She has yet to figure out Sharapova’s forehand is back on song and serving to it is no longer the smart option. Still, she escapes with a hold despite looking second best.

Second set: Vekic 6-3 1-4 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Maria Sharapova is absolutely flying now. After a slow start to the opening set she has dominated this contest. The 19th seed has to figure out a response, and fast.

Woah! That is one heck of a comeback from Fabio Fognini. The 12th seed was down and out overnight but he has regrouped to squeak past big-serving Reilly Opelka. The Italian very grateful for the Melbourne rain.

Madison Keys (10) is in excellent form, and that result is a lot more comprehensive than I might have expected it to be.

Second set: Vekic* 6-3 1-3 Sharapova (*denotes server): That momentum swing finally tells on the scoreboard for Sharapova! 0-40 arrives in quicktime with Vekic targeting her opponent’s forehand but Sharapova has tightened up her game and is no longer a liability on that flank. Vekic claws a point back but at 15-40 double faults to hand the initiative to the former champion. That feels like a decisive moment in this contest - if Sharapova has the legs to run the match out.

The young Pole is on course to meet Roger Federer in round three.

Second set: Vekic 6-3 1-2 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Another easy hold to love for Sharapova. Vekic has her hands full now.

Second set: Vekic* 6-3 1-1 Sharapova (*denotes server): Late in that first set the momentum definitely swung Sharapova’s way and Vekic’s latest service game continues the trend of points being played on her opponent’s racket. Sharapova earns 0-30 with some purposeful tennis but a low-percentage forehand opens the door for the 19th seed and she backs that up with a strong first serve to claw her way back to 30-30. But here Sharapova executes a flowing forehand return winner that has balletic lines under the bright sunshine on RLA.

Vekic is a fighter though and nails a couple of first serves to save break point and move up in the game before seeing off the threat with a forehand winner off the net tape following a long grunt-filled rally.

Second set: Vekic 6-3 0-1 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Excellent hold to love from Sharapova to start the second set. She’s not far off the mark today despite obvious rustiness, especially with those forehand errors. A big service game coming up for Vekic.

First set: Vekic* 6-3 Sharapova (*denotes server): Is this match swinging Sharapova’s way? A very fortunate net cord lands favourably to secure the first point of the game. But then consecutive unforced errors on the forehand side (her 10th and 11th of the match) gift the initiative back to Vekic. An assertive point from the Russian puts her opponent under pressure at 30-30 and Vekic cracks, allowing an easy second serve to be thumped back at her with interest. But with the crucial break at her mercy Sharapova dumps yet another forehand into the net.

Guess what? Another Sharapova forehand error at deuce hands Vekic set point - and the Croatian finally accepts the invitation - nailing her first serve that her opponent can only deflect way over the baseline.

First set: Vekic 5-3 Sharapova* (*denotes server): A few errors creeping into Vekic’s game now, coinciding with Sharapova finding some rhythm and not overplaying, just keeping the ball in court. Sharapova wins her best point of the match at 30-15, controlling from the baseline then advancing and putting away a tough volley on her shoelaces.

Can Vekic take her second chance at serving out the set?

First set: Vekic* 5-2 Sharapova (*denotes server): Vekic can’t serve out and Sharapova gets a break back.

First set: Vekic 5-1 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Vekic’s power is pushing Sharapova deep during their baseline exchanges and the 19th seed exploits that advantage with a canny drop shot to move up 0-15. Sharapova double faults to invite pressure on her serve but she responds, forcing Vekic wide and controlling a couple of points from the centre of the court. The same pattern repeats at 30-30 but the veteran misses an easy forehand winner to concede a break point. And another unforced error - Sharapova’s tenth (to Vekic’s three) - gifts a second break of the set.

First set: Vekic* 4-1 Sharapova (*denotes server): Sharapova wins the opening point but Vekic responds with consecutive aces and eases to 40-15 by getting in quickly behind her serve and hitting behind her wrong-footed opponent. Sharapova digs in but at 40-30 she can’t find the baseline with her return.

First set: Vekic 3-1 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Superb start to the game from Vekic, defending and moving smartly across the baseline, advancing to 0-30 with a terrific point. That quickly becomes 0-40 with a Sharapova error and the break follows soon after with the Russian quickly looking off the pace and lacking match sharpness. Vekic, by contrast, is buzzing.

Updated

First set: Vekic* 2-1 Sharapova (*denotes server): Still no threat to either serve. Vekic looks on her game today, hitting some skimming forehands so flat they are a nightmare to send back over the net.

First set: Vekic 1-1 Sharapova* (*denotes server): Easy hold for Sharapova, dispelling concerns over her fitness, especially her serving arm which has been the subject of a number of injuries recently.

23-year-old Vekic in enjoying the form of her life. The Croatian reached two WTA finals in 2019, and progressed to the US Open quarter-finals.

First set: Vekic* 1-0 Sharapova (*denotes server): Vekic holds the opening service game comfortably.

The Sharapova factor obviously gives this match a high profile, but it remains to be seen where the 32-year-old’s game is at. The Russian has five grand slam trophies in her cabinet but she has only reached two slam quarter-finals since the beginning of 2016 as suspension and injury have wreaked havoc with her career.

Ok, time to focus our attention on the next contest on Rod Laver Arena, the court now bathed in sunshine, between 19th seed Donna Vekic and wildcard Maria Sharapova.

The 32nd seed is also in that ridiculous eighth of the draw featuring Tsitsipas, Cilic and Bautista Agut.

A quick whip around the courts...

Belinda Bencic (6) is leading Anna Karolina Schmiedlova by a set but it’s currently 5-5 in a rollercoaster second set over on MCA.

Fabio Fognini (12) started the day two sets down to Reilly Opelka but the Italian has won the first set of the day on 1573 Arena to remain in the tournament.

Roberto Bautista Agut (9) is on the brink of victory against Davis Cup and ATP Cup teammate Feliciano Lopez over on court 13.

While on court 15, Dusan Lajovic (24) took the opening set against 2018 semi-finalist Kyle Edmund.

Some rare good news for Australian fans:

Pliskova beats Mladenovic (6-1 7-5)

Second set: Pliskova* 6-1 7-5 Mladenovic (*denotes server): Plsikova doesn’t look confident serving from the glare end either and stumbles to 0-30. She picks up her game quickly though, levelling at 30-30 then forcing an error to enjoy her first match point - which Mladenovic gifts her with an overhit return.

That was a tough workout in the second set after racing through the opener. The second seed is probably grateful of being pushed, preparing her for higher-pressure challenges to come.

Tough on Mladenovic who played well enough to beat plenty of other players in the draw.

Marin Cilic reached the final here just two years ago but after a shocking 2019 finds himself unseeded. He remains a dangerous floater in the section of the draw featuring Roberto Bautista Agut and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Second set: Pliskova 6-1 6-5 Mladenovic* (*denotes server): Back serving from the danger end Mladenovic lacks the same rhythm as recent games and she slides to 15-40. At this point she fluffs her lines, double faulting tamely to hand Pliskova a vital break.

The No 2 seed will serve for the match.

Second set: Pliskova* 6-1 5-5 Mladenovic (*denotes server): Pliskova gallops to a hold to love. Serving clearly much easier from the side nearest the TV cameras in RLA at present.

In case you weren’t aware, Pliskova has a new coaching team this season after splitting from Conchita Martinez. Former WTA player Olga Savchuk and stalwart of the men’s coaching circuit Dani Vallverdu are now in her box. There’s long been a suspicion Pliskova has had the talent but not the mentality to win the biggest prizes and she’s been through a number of coaches in her career in a bid to find that missing piece of the puzzle.

Second set: Pliskova 6-1 4-5 Mladenovic* (*denotes server): Mladenovic once again races to 40-0 but then drops a point with a very edgy double fault. She pushes it out of her mind quickly though, securing the game with a forehand winner.

Pliskova now serving to stay in the set.

Second set: Pliskova* 6-1 4-4 Mladenovic (*denotes server): There is one end at RLA (I’m afraid I can’t be more specific about which) where the ball toss is directly into the sun, increasing the degree of difficulty. Mladenovic struggled with it in her previous service game, and Pliskova is ill at ease here, slipping to 30-40 and offering Mladenovic her seventh break point of the match. And finally she takes one! Pliskova dumping the ball into the net after Mladenovic kept the ball on her toes from the baseline.

This one is not over just yet.

Here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report from Jo Konta’s first round defeat.

Second set: Pliskova 6-1 4-3 Mladenovic* (*denotes server): Mladenovic races to 40-0 but nerves seem to creep in and suddenly it’s deuce. The Frenchwoman needs a big point - and that’s exactly what she gets, roaring an Allez after dominating behind her second serve. She follows that up with a double fault though, then concedes a break point that Pliskova swarms all over, suffocating Mladenovic until she forces the error.

Crucial break of serve, and what feels like a decisive moment in this contest.

Second set: Pliskova* 6-1 3-3 Mladenovic (*denotes server): Pliskova holds to love in the time it took me post a tweet and confirm who Sinner faces in the second round.

Shame to see Max Purcell bow out so early, but Jannik Sinner is a kid going places. The Next Gen Finals champ has Márton Fucsovics next.

Second set: Pliskova 6-1 2-3 Mladenovic* (*denotes server): A curious hold from Mladenovic. At 30-30 she seems confused, following up a 110 kph nothing serve with a 180 kph howitzer. Pliskova can’t fathom how she’s behind on the scoreboard after controlling a series of rallies, but she forces deuce with a running forehand down the line. She can’t capitalise though and Mladenovic holds after a long gritty game.

The set now seems to depend on Mladenovic’s second serve. Occasionally she is lobbing down some very tame efforts that are inviting trouble. Pliskova is currently a fraction off her range but if/when she settles back into her groove there are some easy second serve returns on offer.

Second set: Pliskova* 6-1 2-2 Mladenovic (*denotes server): Mladenovic is grinding her way into this contest after a slow start, chasing every ball and forcing Pliskova to hit winners. The second seed is a tour-leading server, and has been for some time, but slips to deuce after lobbing a second serve right in the slot for her opponent to run around and slam a forehand down the line.

Mladenovic ups the ante one point later, slapping a forehand crosscourt for consecutive clean return winners. She fails to convert though, missing her fourth break point of the match.

She earns a fifth with some gorgeous court craft, lulling Pliskova into a false sense of security from the back of the court then finessing a drop shot winner. Again though, Pliskova serves her way out of trouble, sending down three booming right-handers to level at 2-2.

In the first set Pliskova made just four unforced errors - she’s up to seven already this set. We have a match on our hands.

Over to Rod Laver Arena now for some close attention on second seed, and genuine title contender, Karolina Pliskova. The Czech scorched the first set 6-1 against Kristina Mladenovic, the star of France’s recent Fed Cup triumph. The Frenchwoman won all three matches against Australia, including victory over Ash Barty.

We’re on serve at 1-1 in the second set.

Jabeur beats Konta (6-4 6-2)

The biggest seeded casualty of the opening round of the Australian Open so far is 12th seeded Johanna Konta.

For nine games it was pretty even but from the moment Jabeur broke Konta to take the opening set the momentum was all with the Tunisian, and by the end it was a straightforward upset.

Konta looked to be playing within herself - injury perhaps? - I’m sure we’ll find out more with Kevin Mitchell soon enough.

Next up for the promising 19-year-old Yastremska - Caroline Wozniacki.

Johanna Konta (12) holds to love to snap Ons Jabeur’s four-game streak, but the Tunisian hits back with a comfortable hold of her own.

Konta is now serving to stay in the championship 2-5 down in the second set.

Jabeur holds for 4-1. Time running out for Konta (12).

Updated

This is going off script fast for Jo Konta (12)! Three games in a row for Ons Jabeur, including two breaks. Jabeur is all over Konta’s serve at the moment. The Sydney-born Great Briton is floating her serves conservatively and Jabeur is making her pay. The outsider a set and 3-1 up.

Meanwhile, over on RLA Karolina Pliskova (2) is a break up early on Kristina Mladenovic, while Belinda Bencic (6) is cruising through the opening set against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova on Margaret Court Arena.

Fazed? Not Ons Jabeur. She breaks back immediately, showcasing her trademark variety, including a game-winning drop-shot from the baseline that checks like a Tiger Woods pitching wedge.

She follows that up by holding to love for a 2-1 second set advantage. Jo Konta has some thinking to do to figure out a strategy to force her way beyond the world No 85.

These two have met twice before, sharing a win apiece, although Jabeur took out their most recent meeting in Eastbourne last year.

Chastened by losing the opening set, Konta has come out all guns blazing in the second, breaking Jabeur in quicktime. She’s moving well despite some fitness concerns, and looking especially dangerous mixing things up and coming into the net.

The first break of the match comes at the worst possible moment for Jo Konta. The 12th seed is now one set down on Ons Jabeur who stepped up a level at 30-30, monstering a Konta second serve then hammering a forehand down the line.

This is interesting. Anyone who saw Serena yesterday knew she served superbly, but a rating of 96 for Sam Querrey! Poor Borna Coric (25) on the other side of the net.

Jabeur holds for 5-4, despite Konta forcing a break point and a couple of deuces.

For people who care about this kind of thing it’s an old-school European tennis apparel clash with Konta (Ellesse) up against Jabeur (Lotto). Very late 80s football casual areas.

Still on serve at 4-4 between Konta and Jabeur. The Briton is striking cleanly from the back of the court while her Tunisian opponent is offering more variety, looking to unsettle Konta’s rhythm.

1573 Arena, in case you wondered, is not the 1573rd court on the precinct. It’s the old show court 2 - the fourth-biggest venue, and largest without a roof. It’s named after a Chinese booze company.

For our UK audience who may still be up hoping for some news on Jo Konta (12), she was one of the 10.30am starters and is currently 3-3 against Ons Jabeur on 1573 Arena.

Weather forecast

The headline news is it’s dry and forecast to remain dry all day. However, it will be cool, with temperatures in the 17-21C range kept in check by a southerly breeze. There will be more cloud than bright sunshine for the majority of the action.

The air quality forecast is good to moderate.

Order of play (outside courts)

Second up on Melbourne Arena is the in-form Madison Keys (10) against the dangerous Daria Kastakina. After them comes Stan Wawrinka (15) before a match-up that promises plenty of entertainment with crowd favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (28) taking on Australian Alexei Popyrin.

Lots to enjoy on 1573 Arena (show court 2) with Jo Konta (12) in action early, followed by the resumption of Fabio Fognini’s first round match - the 12th seed is two sets to love down to the giant Reilly Opelka. Then we have our first look at teenage phenom Felix Auger-Aliasime (20) before perennial contender Elina Svitolina (5) has a hit-out. In a quirk of scheduling Svitolina’s match precedes that of her partner Gael Monfils (10). The tigerish Aryna Sabalenka (11) rounds off a bumper line-up.

Aussies John Millman and Jordan Thompson are in the first two matches on court 3, while court 7 is where you need to be for the conclusion of Max Purcell’s grand slam debut (he’s two sets to love down overnight), as well as Marc Polmans, Alex Bolt, and Priscilla Hon.

Three more Australians in action on court 8 with James Duckworth, Arina Rodionova, and Astra Sharma taking the court.

There’s plenty more besides and we’ll bring you all the breaking news as it arrives throughout the day.

Updated

Order of play (show courts)

Rod Laver Arena: Up first we have possibly the battle of the round with big-serving second seed Karolina Pliskova taking on the dangerous Kristina Mladenovic. After that, wildcard Maria Sharapova will be up against it when she takes on 19th seed Donna Vekic. By mid-afternoon it will be time for world number one Rafael Nadal to strut his stuff against Bolivian outsider Hugo Dellien.

Margaret Court Arena: Not a show-stopping line-up on MCA with sixth seed Belinda Bencic leading off, followed by fifth seed Dominic Thiem. Ajla Tomljanovic will then hope to improve on Australia’s poor showing yesterday but she will start as underdog against the wily 31st seed Anastasija Sevastova.

Preamble

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of day two of the year’s first grand slam. We’ll be around here to cover the day session at Melbourne Park before handing over to a separate liveblog for all the action under lights.

After yesterday’s rain we’re in for an action-packed session with play getting underway on the outside courts at 10.30am to begin the process of making up lost time. The headline acts hit the show courts at 11am.

Yesterday was as straightforward as an opening day gets for the big names with the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic progressing in the men’s draw and Ash Barty and Serena Williams in the women’s. Federer and Williams in particular looked their vintage selves despite their advancing years.

A few seeds tumbled out but only the departure of 13th-ranked Denis Shapovalov caused anything like a ripple of shock.

Today attention turns initially to Rafael Nadal, and the start of his quest to match Federer’s record haul of 20 grand slam titles. Before we get to him Maria Sharapova has a chance to kickstart her stuttering career on Rod Laver Arena, while second seed Karolina Pliskova will have her hands full against Fed Cup hero Kristina Mladenovic.

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.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is the star attraction on day two of the Australian Open. Photograph: Mike Owen/Getty Images
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