Right then, that’s very much all the tennis we’re going to get today, so I shall take my leave. Tomorrow’s order of play is available in full here, but all the senior singles matches are on the main show courts, and this is what is scheduled there. Bye!
Rod Laver Arena
Garbine Muguruza (Spain, 14) v Naomi Osaka (Japan, 3)
Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, 7) v Serena Williams (US, 10)
Dominic Thiem (Austria, 3) v Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria, 18)
Not before 8am GMT/7pm local
Iga Swiatek (Poland, 15) v Simona Halep (Romania, 2)
Novak Djokovic (Serbia, 1) v Milos Raonic (Canada, 14)
Margaret Court Arena
Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) v Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Republic, 19)
Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada, 20) v Aslan Karatsev (Russia)
Thanasi Kokkinakis & Nick Kyrgios v Wesley Koolhof & Lucasz Kubot (4)
Not before 7.30am GMT/6.30pm local
Dusan Lajovic (Serbia, 23) v Alexander Zverev (Germany, 6)
Rafael Nadal has a chat:
I think I didn’t convert the opportunities I had at the beginning of every set, so the situation became a little more difficult. Then of course you play against the best players in the world so it’s normal you suffer a little bit. But I’m happy. Of course I need to keep improving, but I’m in the second week, that’s the main thing for me now.
Of course, the feeling is completely different [without fans], nobody wants this. But it’s not the moment to forget about the situation that we are facing, it’s a moment to be responsibility. Australia is one of the best countries in the world [in combatting Covid], so maximum respect for what they are doing.
We’ve played a lot of times. He beat me a couple of times. He came here after an injury so he will be hungry to play well. A very impressive victory today so he will come to that match in plenty of confidence. Of course I need to keep improving, I need to be ready for it, I hope this can happen.
Rafael Nadal beats Cameron Norrie in straight sets!
Third set: Norrie* 5-7, 2-6, 5-7 Nadal Norrie comes back from 0-30 to 30-30, but from there Nadal earns match point with a brilliant crosscourt forehand, and takes control of that point from the return, eventually forcing a backhand error. Norrie played really very well, but Nadal responded to the pressure the Briton put him under and rose a couple of levels when required.
Updated
Fabio Fognini talks:
I think tonight it was better for me without a crowd. It was tough, but as you say I played a really solid match. I was expecting a lot of running, because he’s one of the faster guys on the circuit. I’m really happy with my performance. Of course my last match was very tiring, but I feel quite OK. I’m not expecting to be feeling good like this, I won, tennis is back, so I’m happy.
Third set: Norrie 5-7, 2-6, 5-6 Nadal* Meanwhile on Rod Laver, Cameron Norrie has gone toe to toe with Rafael Nadal, has pushed him in two of their three sets, and now serves to stay in it.
Fabio Fognini beats Alex de Minaur in straight sets!
Third set: Fognini* 6-4, 6-3, 5-4 De Minaur At 15-30 (two more unforced errors) Fognini hits his best shot for a while, a forehand down the line, and ends up winning that point at the net. So it’s 30-30, at which point De Minaur plays an excellent rally, opens up the court, and then misses it completely! Match point, then, and Fognini nails a first serve down the middle, De Minaur can’t get it back, and it’s over!
Updated
Third set: Fognini 6-4, 6-3, 5-4 De Minaur* Fognini takes a 0-30 lead, but then twice overhits humdrum groundstrokes to make it 30-30, lashes a forehand way wide, and slices a backhand long. The Italian only has his own nerves to conquer, but he’s struggling badly with them at the moment. In the last two games Fognini has hit nine unforced errors and a double fault.
Sorry, I was a little premature with my victory announcement there. Fognini has not won yet.
Third set: Fognini* 6-4, 6-3, 5-3 De Minaur A couple of unforced errors and it’s 0-30. If the comeback’s going to happen, it’s going to happen now!
It doesn’t happen instantly. Fognini wins three points in a row to reach match point, whereupon he double-faults - he has served precisely one double fault per set, so he was just keeping up his average. He earns another with a brilliant angle on his forehand, only to net a backhand. A couple more unforced errors, and De Minaur has a break, and a lifeline.
Updated
It is apparently raining. Both matches are potentially pretty close to completion. They are closing the roof on Rod Laver.
Third set: Fognini 6-4, 6-3, 5-2 De Minaur* De Minaur holds to 15, his only dropped point a double fault, and Fognini will have to serve it out.
Third set: Fognini* 6-4, 6-3, 5-1 De Minaur Fognini is pushed, but he prevails. His forehand has been so strong, and his defensive game outstanding. He’s only got to dot the i’s and cross the t’s to seal a meeting with the winner of the Nadal/Norrie match.
Third set: Fognini 6-4, 6-3, 4-1 De Minaur* Fognini misses break point with an entirely uncharacteristic forehand hit long under little pressure, but he swiftly earns another and this time his return is good enough to force an error. Fognini is up two sets and two breaks, playing superlative tennis, and it would take the mother of all comebacks to deny him a place in the fourth round.
Third set: Norrie* 5-7, 2-6, 1-1 Nadal At 30-30 Norrie hits what should have been a forehand winner a couple of inches wide, but he gets out of the situation extremely impressively, and hits two unreturnable serves to seal the game.
Third set: Fognini 6-4, 6-3, 1-0 De Minaur* The Australian starts the third set in the worst possible style: at 0-30 he slips, allowing Fognini to hit a straightforward winner, and then he double faults to surrender the game. How different this might be if there were fans in the stand, roaring De Minaur onwards, but the 21-year-old is suffering in silence here.
Second set: Norrie* 5-7, 2-6 Nadal From 2-2 in that set Nadal upped his game in the most terrifying style, and has simply blasted Norrie off the court in the last 15 minutes as he wrapped up the set. It has been quite literally awesome. Norrie’s levels haven’t dropped noticeably, he’s just being outplayed.
Second set: Fognini* 6-4, 6-3 De Minaur At 30-15 Fognini plays just a wonderful point, pushing De Minaur around, from one side of the court to the other, before eventually forcing him so wide that he opens up the whole court for an easy winner. De Minaur nets a forehand next point, and that’s the set.
Second set: Fognini 6-4, 5-3 De Minaur* De Minaur has been broken on Margaret Court and Fognini is also a set and a break up, and about to serve for a two-set lead.
Second set: Norrie* 5-7, 2-4 Nadal Nadal comes out swinging, wins the first couple of points and is handed the next thanks to a double fault. At 0-40 he stretches to hit what should have been a defensive shot, only he manages to pummel it down the line; Norrie hoists the ball upwards and Nadal puts away the overhead! That’s eight points in a row for Nadal, who is in control of the set now.
Second set: Norrie 5-7, 2-3 Nadal* Nadal’s pride seems to have been piqued by his inability to break, and his hitting goes up a notch in viciousness as he holds the next to love.
Second set: Norrie* 5-7, 2-2 Nadal At 15-30 Norrie hits a straightforward forehand wide and he has two break points to save. This he does, the second after a long and well worked rally, and he ends up sealing the hold with a very good sliced forehand from midcourt, with Nadal haring forward expecting a drop shot.
Second set: Fognini* 6-4, 3-2 De Minaur It’s going with serve in the second set here, though Di Minaur has at least had a break point. Fognini’s lack of success on his opponent’s serve is surprising since the Australian’s first serve percentage in this set is a dreadful 31%.
Second set: Norrie 5-7, 1-2 Nadal* From 0-30 Nadal hits an ace, Norrie sees a forehand hit the net cord and bounce backwards, and the Spaniard ends up holding to 30, sealing it with a lovely down-the-line forehand of his own.
Second set: Norrie 5-7, 0-1 Nadal* Nadal holds at the start of the second set, but there’s a fabulous down-the-line forehand winner from Norrie along the way that the Briton can save and show his grandchildren when he tells them about the time when he used to be quite good at tennis.
First set: Norrie* 5-7 Nadal And now he crumbles under that pressure. Two unforced errors and one not-good-enough approach shot, which led rapidly to a volley he couldn’t get back into play, and it’s 0-40, and Norrie saves the first break point with a fine forehand, but loses the second with an overhit one.
First set: Norrie 5-6 Nadal* Cam Norrie is hanging on in there. He’s already had to serve to stay in the set once, and after Nadal rips through a service game in no time, is about to do it again.
First set: Fognini 6-4 De Minaur* Fognini hits a perfect double-handed backhand down the line to set up another break, and also set, point. De Minaur saves it, forcing Fognini out wide for a forehand he hits into the net, but Fognini wins another and this time it’s the Australian who hits into the net, and that’s the end of set one!
First set: Fognini* 5-4 De Minaur De Minaur breaks back to love. Still, it was fun while it lasted, eh?
First set: Fognini 5-3 De Minaur* A break on Margaret Court, where De Minaur is broken to 15, starting the game with his first ace followed by his first double fault, and Fabio Fognini will serve for the opening set.
First set: Norrie* 3-3 Nadal Nadal breaks back to love. Still, it was fun while it lasted, eh?
First set: Norrie 3-2 Nadal* And from nowhere, Norrie breaks! That’s really very good play from the Briton, staying in rallies, asking questions, not giving Nadal any easy points.
First set: Norrie* 2-2 Nadal Norrie saves another break point. He has won a cumulative total of one point against Nadal’s serve so far, and is having to do a lot of fighting to stay level. For someone who has been in the world’s top 100 for the best part of three years now, it has taken Cameron Norrie a while to come up against one of the big three. This is his first meeting against Federer/Djokovic/Nadal, he’s only played four of the world’s current top 10 and the only one he’s ever beaten is Diego Schwartzman.
First set: Norrie 1-2 Nadal* Nadal holds to 15, and the 34-year-old looks in splendid nick. He’s already 6-1 up on winners, 2-0 up on aces.
First set: Norrie* 1-1 Nadal Nadal wins the first two points with forehands down the line, the first after running round his backhand, the second after what had been a good rally from Norrie. From 0-30 Norrie battles back to 40-30, lets Nadal come back to claim a break point, and then wins the game anyway. It’s an impressive hold in the circumstances, if not a game that will exactly strike fear into the Spaniard.
Updated
First set: Norrie 0-1 Nadal* And we’re back! Cameron Norrie, for the first time in his career, plays Rafael Nadal, and the Spaniard gets the ball rolling with a hold to love.
There are currently no matches in progress. Take five, everyone.
Second set: Kontaveit* 4-6, 3-6 Rogers And while Barty was sealing victory Shelby Rogers was doing likewise on Rod Laver, where she dominated Anette Kontaveit after a troublesome first few games and earns a match against Ash Barty in round four. Barty won when the two played in the Yarra Valley Classic last month, but it was close enough for the American to feel encouraged. Anyway, here’s a bit of what Rogers had to say on court:
I feel incredible. I’m missing the fans a little extra, so that’s a bit bittersweet. I’m so excited to be playing well and moving on here. It’s just so cool to be back here the last few weeks and have some sense of normalcy. But I feel support from home, my friends and family are watching. It’s been really cool to be here and have the atmosphere, and it’s a little extra motivation to make it through five more days, right?
Ash Barty seals a place in round four!
Second set: Barty 6-2, 6-4 Alexandrova* While Berrettini was battling his body on John Cain Barty broke back in the second, and soon after Alexandrova served to stay in the match. She had two game points to keep things going but Barty upped her game in the key moments, used her backhand slice well as she had all night, and seals victory with a wrongfooting forehand down the line!
I love the sound that the ball makes. It feels a bit like practice so obviously we’re used to it. Sometimes I overuse the slice, but it was something I wanted to implement a lot tonight, to change the tempo of the match. I was happy with the control I had. I’ve never played with her before, never hit with her before. Her start was pretty good but I was really happy with the run I was able to get on, and obviously a good last few games there.
“I really miss the crowd and people,” says Berrettini. “I have to be honest, a stadium like this and looking at it empty is not the best feeling, but we are living in hard time and we have to adapt. There are worse things in the world. Hopefully in a few days they’re going to be back and I really hope that I’m going to be able to play in front of them again ... Now I have to think about my body. I really hope I can find my best in two days.”
Third set: Khachanov 6-7, 6-7, 6-7 Berrettini Khachanov takes a 5-3 lead before losing three successive points, giving Berrettini a match point at 5-6. His first serve goes into the net and from the second serve Berrettini sticks in the ensuing rally long enough for Khachanov to send a forehand into the net as well! Berrettini is clearly injured, needed to win that game if he was to stay in the tournament, and now has a couple of days to recover before he plays Tsitsipas in the next round!
Second set: Barty* 6-2, 3-4 Alexandrova Barty has been broken in the second set, and having cut out the excessive unforced errors - she led 16-9 on those in set one, but it’s 8-8 in the second - and massively improved her first serve percentage from 45% to 74%, Alexandrova is genuinely competitive.
Third set: Khachanov 6-7, 6-7, 6-6 Berrettini* Berrettini holds to love, and it’s tie-break time. Berrettini might not be able to finish another set, but Khachanov has to force him to play one.
Third set: Khachanov* 6-7, 6-7, 6-5 Berrettini Khachanov has clearly found Berrettini’s injury distracting, and this is his weakest service game for some time and includes a double fault at 30-30. Berrettini’s injury has come, at least, when he is potentially two games from victory. The Russian saves break point, just, with a stretching drop-volley that clips the cord on its way over the net, and completes the hold from there.
Third set: Khachanov 6-7, 6-7, 5-5 Berrettini* Without wanting to state the bleeding obvious, this is bad news for the No9 seed. Berrettini gets through his service game, but he does not look comfortable, has significantly reined in his service speed, and Khachanov will know this match is far from over.
Injury latest: Alexandrova is back in action on Margaret Court, but on John Cain Matteo Berrettini has called a medical time out of his own, and is getting his left abdomen massaged.
First set: Kontaveit 4-6 Rogers* Shelby Rogers completes a remarkable first-set turnaround, winning the set from 3-0 and 4-1 down.
Third set: Khachanov* 6-7. 6-7, 5-4 Berrettini Not only has there not been a break in this third set, or indeed in the second, but in the last two games there hasn’t even been a point won against serve and all indicators are that we are once again tiebreak-bound.
First set: Barty 6-2 Alexandrova* Barty has wrapped up the first set. It has been far from perfect from Barty - just 44% of her first serves have landed, for a start - but she is well on top and Alexandrova has now called on a doctor.
First set: Kontaveit 4-4 Rogers* In further comeback news, Anett Kontaveit won the first three games of this match, but now finds herself pegged back at 4-4. The pair have previously played twice in singles and twice in doubles, and Kontaveit has won them all.
First set: Barty 4-2 Alexandrova* Ekatarina Alexandrova is in a whole heap of trouble. From 0-2 it’s now 4-2, with Barty winning her third break point with a forehand that forces her opponent so wide she’s practically in the Tasman Sea, and from where she can’t get it back in play. After a bright start it’s four games in a row now.
First set: Barty 2-2 Alexandrova* Barty levels at two games apiece by holding and then breaking to 15, often not really trying to win points, just to extend them long enough for Alexandra to self-destruct. This level of unforced error production is not really sustainable, certainly not against the world No1.
First set: Barty 0-2 Alexandrova* At 15-15 Alexandrova, after an excellent forehand forces Barty into a desperate defensive lunge, misses four straightforward chances to end the point in her favour before growing overdesperate to do so and clobbering a drive volley well long. Otherwise hers has been an impressive start, breaking Barty in the first game - helped by a break-point double fault - and then saving three break points on her way to holding, winning the game with the best shot of the match so far, a brilliantly angled on-the-run crosscourt forehand.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7, 6-7 Berrettini A set without a single break point is decided on an appropriately wafer-thin margin, with Berrettini taking a two-set lead, 7-5 in the tie-break, settled with an ace. Given that he lost the first-set tie-break 7-1, Kachanov need only keep up this improvement and he’ll have this match wrapped up in about three more hours.
Hello world! As the players involved in the first matches gather in subterranean corridors waiting for their grand entrances into disappointingly empty arenas, a reminder of the order of play in the evening session on the two top show courts:
Rod Laver Arena
Anett Kontaveit (Est, 21) v Shelby Rogers (USA)
Cameron Norrie (GB) v Rafael Nadal (Spa, 2)
Margaret Court Arena
Ash Barty (Aus, 1) v Ekaterina Alexandrova (Rus, 29)
Fabio Fognini (Ita, 16) v Alex De Minaur (Aus, 21)
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 5-6 Berrettini* (* denotes server): A sumptuous cross-court winner hands Khachanov the early advantage in Berrettini’s service game but Berrettini is equal to the challenge, moving to 30-15 with a deft drop shot before showcasing his brute strength to go to 40-15 . An error from the Italian then gives Khachanov hope, but a forehand winner closes the deal as Berrettini moves to a 6-5 lead.
That’s all from me. Over to Simon Burnton.
Second set: Khachanov* 6-7 5-5 Berrettini (* denotes server): A Berrettini lob somehow lands in but he then gets carried away with his good fortune - and blows a chance to take a 0-30 lead - by hitting long. Khachanov cashes in, winning at the net and then taking the set to 5-5 with a booming ace.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 4-5 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Berrettini does his own impression of a man in a hurry, holding serve with almost ridiculous ease and securing the game with a nice drop shot that comes back but is volleyed away. No room for error now from Khachanov.
Second set: Khachanov* 6-7 4-4 Berrettini (* denotes server): Khachanov holds serve in possibly the quickest game, like ever. Well, maybe not. But he ripped his way through that game. Held to love. Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stuff.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 3-4 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Berrettini quickly regathers his composure, sending Khachanov to all parts of the court before moving to 40-0 with an assured backhand winner down the line. The Russian claws one point back but in the end it’s a very cozy service game for Berrettini.
💥 How's that for a serve? 💥
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
Matteo Berrettini BREAKS the backboard with a SCORCHING ace! 😳
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/TYsz5RZN3Z#9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/NvWkAvfk8v
Second set: Khachanov* 6-7 3-3 Berrettini (* denotes server): Berrettini loses his focus just a tad with errors creeping in. And in such a tight game Khachanov capitalises, holding to love in a quick and comprehensive service game.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 2-3 Berrettini* (* denotes server): A ripper of a backhand winner from Khachanov has Berrettini in some bother at 0-30, but the Russian forces the issue too much and commits errors, including off the second serve, to let Berrettini back in the game. The Italian has the chance to close out the game only to hit long, forcing the game to deuce. Another lightning fast serve from Berrettini takes him to game point, and he ices it with a drop shot and a volleyed winner. Good composure to withdraw triumphant from a tricky position.
Second set: Khachanov* 6-7 2-2 Berrettini (* denotes server): Khachanov finds his range on serve, peeling off his third ace of the match to go to 40-0, but a brace of errors - one forced, one not - gives Berrettini a sniff at 40-30. But the Russian then puts away a shallow forehand to make it 2-2 for the set. Could well go all the way, this one.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 1-2 Berrettini* (* denotes server): More than a few uneasy moments for Berrettini but he has a chance to close out the game at 40-30 only to mess up his forehand down the line. The Italian then just touches the baseline at deuce to force the error from Khachanov and from there he holds. But only just.
Second set: Khachanov* 6-7 1-1 Berrettini (* denotes server): Big, big forehand winner from Berrettini, who for all money looks set to play a standard forehand but in the end rips it hard down the line to take a 15-30 advantage. But he can’t supplement his gains as an unforced error hands the server game point. And Khachanov duly holds.
Second set: Khachanov 6-7 0-1 Berrettini * (* denotes server): The game is delicately poised at 30-30 and a long rally builds the play to breaking point as Khachanov blinks first, sending his forehand just wide. Berrettini maintains the pressure to close out the game and draw first blood in the second set.
First set: Khachanov 6-7 (1) Berrettini: Berrettini is in commanding form early in the tiebreaker, racing to a 4-0 lead and then 5-1 courtesy of some brave, attacking strokeplay. Khachanov is now staring down the barrel as his attempted drop shot crashes into the net, handing the Italian five set points. He only needs one, however, as Khachanov again finds the net to hand Berrettini the first set.
Updated
First set: Khachanov 6-6 Berrettini* (* denotes server): One game away from claiming the first set, Khachanov starts brightly to claim the first point on Berrettini’s serve but the Italian hits back with a 215kmh serve to level the game score. He then works the Russian around the court to go to 30-15, peels off another big serve and then watches as Khachanov hits long to send the set to a tiebreaker.
Updated
First set: Khachanov* 6-5 Berrettini (* denotes server): A big backhand winner gives Khachanov a handy advantage on serve before a volleyed winner hands him three game points. He squanders one of them, and then another as he finds the net, but Berrettini muffs his backhand into the net to spare the Russian blushes.
First set: Khachanov 5-5 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Khachanov swings hard from the baseline but the ball ricochets off the top frame onto the bottom frame and so long it might have missed a second court. A venomous forehand from Berrettini then takes the Italian to 30-0 and from there it’s a procession, the ninth seed holding his serve to love.
Updated
First set: Khachanov* 5-4 Berrettini (* denotes server): Khachanov crashes into the net to give Berrettini a big sneak at 15-30. But the Italian can’t capitalise, and suitably slumps his shoulders after sending his regulation backhand thudding into the net. He recovers to move to break point, but again is left to scold himself after finding the net when he should have done much better. And that’s the only opening Khachanov needs as the Russian forces an error from Berrettini to hold a difficult service game.
First set: Khachanov 4-4 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Berrettini plays a limp forehand into the net but redeems himself with a tidy forehand winner down the line. And he then ups the ante with a nice ace across the court and then an even better one to take the game and restore parity to the set score.
First set: Khachanov* 4-3 Berrettini (* denotes server): Khachanov flies through his service game, winning to 15 and closing the deal with an ace. So that’s how it’s supposed to go on serve, eh?!
First set: Khachanov 3-3 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Berrettini to serve, looking to hold for the first time this match. Both men go at it from the baseline and it’s Berrettini who blunders first as he finds the net to end a long rally. At the good position of 15-30, Khachanov plays a loose shot that travels long. And the Italian soon takes it to 40-30 courtesy of another crooked shot from Khachanov that lands very wide. And now, for the first time today, Berrettini has held serve. So after four breaks from six games, the match is essentially going to serve. Sort of.
First set: Khachanov* 3-2 Berrettini (* denotes server): Khachanov sits back and waits on the baseline and the Italian blinks first, attempting an audacious cross-court forehand that misses by some way. Berrettini then restores some lost glory with an exquisite down-the-line forehand winner before the Russian hits long to hand Berrettini break point ... an invitation he gleefully accepts with a forehand winner that takes a fair chunk of the tape on its way. Five game and four breaks of serve!
First set: Khachanov 3-1 Berrettini* (* denotes server): Berrettini begins his service game briskly, speeding to a 30-0 lead, before crashing the net to give his opponent a look-in. The Italian does it again - and again!!!!!! - to go from a comfortable lead to 30-40 down. Khachanov then picks up the drop shot early, racing to the rising ball and putting it away to break Berrettini twice from two times of asking.
First set: Khachanov* 2-1 Berrettini (* denotes server): We pick up this “top 20” encounter in the third game of the first set. Games had been going to serve. Well, actually against serve with both men having their first service games broken. Normality, and sanity, has now been restored, with Khachanov holding to 15 to take a narrow lead.
Around the courts ...
- Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed, will face Casper Ruud in the fourth round after beating Feliciano Lopez in straight sets, 7-5 6-2 6-3, on Margaret Court Arena.
- Elise Mertens, the 18th seed, has taken the first set 6-2 against 11th seed Belinda Bencic on Rod Laver Arena.
And over in Rod Laver Arena...@elise_mertens has secured the first set over No. 11 seed Belinda Bencic in a quick 6-2.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/XRD96kNDhL
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 13, 2021
If you’ve somehow missed Jonathan Howcroft’s stellar work this week at Melbourne Park, here’s your chance to make things right.
Tsitsipas beats Ymer (6-4 6-1 6-1)
A few difficulties in the opening set but Tsitsipas shifted through his gears in the second and third sets to keep his Australian Open campaign very much on track. A match count of 24 winners to 13 and 19 unforced errors compared to Ymer’s 28 tells the story.
Flying through to the round of 16 💥@steftsitsipas looks in ominous form at #AO2021 🇬🇷💪#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/nyGgZU4S9r
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 13, 2021
"I see every single day as an opportunity to get closer to my dream of potentially winning a slam"@steftsitsipas has his eyes on the prize 🏆🇬🇷#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/7Q6WRVx1iC
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 13, 2021
Updated
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-4 6-1 5-1 Ymer (* denotes server): In a spot of bother at 0-30, Tsitsipas releases the pressure with a big ace. Ymer then misses across the court, by some way, and suddenly the Greek holds serve with another ace. Rather too easy from a position of strife.
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-4 6-1 4-1 Ymer* (* denotes server): We pick up this match well into the third set with Tsitsipas on his way to victory on John Cain Arena. The Greek has just broken Tymer (again).
Around the courts ...
- Daniil Medvedev will face Mackenzie McDonald in the fourth round after the American world No 192 saw off Lloyd Harris, 7-6 6-1 6-4.
- Jennifer Brady, the 22nd seed, was in a different class to Kaja Juvan, beating the Slovenian 6-1 6-3.
- Casper Ruud is into the men’s singles fourth round after beating Radu Albot 6-1 5-7 6-4 6-4.
- On John Cain Arena, fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is flexing his muscles against Mikael Ymer, leading 6-4 6-4 1-0
- Elina Svitolina will face Jessica Pegula in the fourth round after the unseeded American crushed Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic 6-2 6-1.
- Andrey Rublev is leading his encounter with Feliciano Lopez on Margaret Court Arena, 7-5 4-2.
The critical break goes to @AndreyRublev97 🇷🇺
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 13, 2021
Rublev takes the first set over Lopez 7-5 #AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/r7oTzGhOuh
Medvedev beats Krajinovic (3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-6)
Medvedev peels off a sweet backhand winner across the court to go to 15-30 and within two shots of victory. Krajinovic claws his way back with a nice volley but Medvedev movers to match point with another deft drop shot. And he doesn’t need asking twice as Krajinovic crashes into the net to put an end to his brave resistance ... and to a very odd game of tennis. Both men will sleep well tonight.
There's a first for everything ☝️🇷🇺@DaniilMedwed comes through in five for the first time in his career, advancing to the 4R of the #AusOpen for the third consecutive year.#AO2021 pic.twitter.com/Cfb7xq7KHs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 13, 2021
Updated
Fifth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-5 Medvedev* (*denotes server): A crisp backhand winner from Medvedev takes him to 30-15 on serve before a Krajinovic mishit hands him game point. The Serb then finds the net with a meek groundstroke to all of a sudden find himself within one game of defeat. Remarkable turn of events. After a remarkable turn of events.
Fifth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-4 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic looks to be doing it comfortably before a deep forehand from Medvedev takes the game to 30-15, which then becomes 30-30 as Krajinovic finds the net. Game point for the Serb then becomes deuce as Medvedev rips a big forehand winner. Krajinovic then reels off a big winner of his own to go to game point, but he can’t finish the job as the game returns to deuce. Krajinovic then hits wide to present the fourth seed with a double break point, but now it’s Medvedev’s turn to squander his opportunities as he crashes the net with a regulation backhand. But it’s soon break point again and this time he doesn’t fluff his lines, cracking a forehand winner down the line to go to a 4-0 lead.
Fifth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server): The question is: will Medvedev capitalise on his early gains. The answer is yes as Krajinovic hits long at 30-30 before the Russian holds serve courtesy of a deep, penetrating first serve. Pardon the pun, but the ball is now very much in Krajinovic’s court.
Fifth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-2 Medvedev (*denotes server): Cracks start to emerge in Krajinovic’s service game as Medvedev races to a 0-40 lead. An ace saves one break point but Krajinovic can do nothing about Medvedev’s all-or-nothing forehand winner which whistles across the court. Against the run of play, that is a big break of serve for Medvedev.
Updated
Fifth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 0-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Medvedev drops the first point before fighting back to 40-15 with the type of strong, clean hitting we saw earlier in the match. And he closes the game with an ace, a service game reminiscent of the prehistoric days of the opening two sets.
Fourth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3 Medvedev (*denotes server): Medvedev works Krajinovic around the court to take the game to 15-15 but again can’t take the next step, crashing the net with a forehand he would have nailed earlier in the match. Another error then hands Krajinovic two set points. He wastes the first one, double faulting, and then wastes the second one ... again double faulting!!!!! Oh dear. I won’t lie: this isn’t the prettiest of matches. But there’s plenty attractive about Krajinovic’s drop shot to take him to another set point. This time he cashes in as Medvedev finds the net with a wretched return off a half-paced second serve. Two sets each. I know who my (figurative) money is on.
Fourth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 5-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server): And we’re back, or more to the point Medvedev is back. Looks to be walking freely enough. Tactical time-out, maybe? 30-15 becomes 30-30 as Medvedev misses a shot he should have swallowed up, but he regains his composure to hold serve. Krajinovic to serve for the fourth set next, though.
Fourth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 5-2 Medvedev (*denotes server): Medvedev unfurls a lovely cross-court winner to get back to 30-15 but an even better drop shot takes Krajinovic to 40-15 and then to game. Krajinovic is suddenly bossing his service games. Medvedev walks to his chair, shooting death stares to the Melbourne sky and shouting the word: “Unbelievable!” Looks like his coach might be returning to his seat. And now Medvedev has called for an injury time-out. Glute? Krajinovic sits and waits. Bit like a tragicomedy, this. Shame nobody is there to see it!
Medvedev was NOT happy with his coach after dropping the third set!
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/TYsz5RZN3Z#9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/ErcwFPQ6bX
Fourth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 4-2 Medvedev* (*denotes server): A comfortable service game for Medvedev. My, did he need that. Maybe his coach doing a runner will do the trick.
Fourth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 4-1 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic has found another gear, fresh reserves of energy. While Medvedev looks planted on the court, the Serb is moving freely and this was a very, very comfortable holding of serve. Incredible, really. Medvedev looks dead-set shot. Looks to be some bickering between Medvedev and his coach between games. And I’m not 100% sure but it looks like said coach has now left the building. Just upped and left. Goneski!
Fourth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 3-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Will Medvedev get his serve back on track? He needs to. Krajinovic has a spring in his step and goes to a 0-30 lead before Medvedev executes a brave winner across the court. Then, at 30-30, Krajinovic leaps into a cross-court winner before breaking serve courtesy of a Medvedev error. This match has turned on a dime. Medvedev’s first serve percentages this set are below 50%. They were near 90% in the first two sets. Danger signs.
Fourth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 2-1 Medvedev (*denotes server): And it’s even more comfortable for Krajinovic, who gets his first serve going to speed to a 40-0 lead. Medvedev claws one point back, and then another with a cross-court winner that kisses the outside of the line, but a baseline error from the fourth seed hands the game to Krajinovic. Games going to serve.
Fourth set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 1-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Medvedev hasn’t had a comfortable service game for some time but this is more like it racing to 30-0 and then 40-15 after Krajinovic barrels a return of serve into the net. And it’s soon one game apiece as Medvedev holds with relative ease.
Fourth set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 6-4 1-0 Medvedev (*denotes server): Let’s see how Medvedev responds after dropping his first set of the tournament. Krajinovic hits long to fall to 15-30 and then hits long again to gift two break points to Medvedev, who himself goes long returning a deep, fast first serve from the Serb. Another big first serve by Krajinovic takes the game to deuce but he then lets Medvedev back in courtesy of a wild miss down the line. And now Medvedev commits an unforced error on break point, hitting long, before Krajinovic rushes the net to claim the advantage. And he finishes the job, saving three break points to hold serve. He has a chance here. Medvedev is not at the level he was in the first two sets.
Third set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 6-4 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Interesting. Very interesting. Medvedev looks to be rushing his serve and it’s Krajinovic who races to a 0-30 lead. But sealing the deal has been an issue for Krajinovic, who lets Medvedev back in at 30-30 before going to set point. An unforced error - the ball hits the tape but can’t cross onto Medvedev’s side - takes the game to deuce, but Krajinovic shows much the better composure as Medvedev hits wide on set point to hand the Serb the third set. Two breaks of serve there for Krajinovic, who has worked his way back into this match nicely. And twelve winners in that set for Krajinovic compared to eight for Medvedev, whose first serve percentages were tellingly off after two very good sets in that area. Game on.
Third set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 5-4 Medvedev (*denotes server): Medvedev rips another wonderful two-handed backhand winner down the line, and then a forehand winner to take a 30-15 lead, and an error from Krajinovic suddenly hands Medvedev two break points. The Serb saves one, and then another as Medvedev hits long under pressure. Good hustle from Krajinovic, who then claims game point at the end of a gruelling rally. But Medvedev is nigh on impossible to deny. He creams another cross-court winner to take the game back to deuce before advancing to break point as Krajinovic crashes the net after another lengthy rally. A big serve takes the game again to deuce, and Krajinovic’s bravery is awarded with a sweet backhand winner down the line. The Serb keeps his composure to hold serve, bossing the point from the net to keep Medvedev at bay just that little bit longer.
Third set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 4-4 Medvedev* (*denotes server): An early point for Krajinovic raises hopes for the Serb and he follows up with a delightful winner to go to a 0-30 lead. A mishit at the net from Medvedev awards Krajinovic two break points. Big time of the match. Now or never from Krajinovic. Medvedev saves one break point, and then another courtesy of his eighth ace. From deuce it’s fairly straightforward for Medvedev, who stares adversity in the face and stares it down. Four games all reads better for Medvedev than Krajinovic serving for the set.
Third set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 4-3 Medvedev (*denotes server): Really nice court coverage from Krajinovic, and remarkably good reaction hitting at the net, takes the Serb to 40-30 and it’s soon game over as Krajinovic holds comfortably. He’s largely outclassed against the fourth seed but not going out without a fight.
Third set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 3-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Another baseline rally and both men work hard, but it’s Medvedev who emerges with the first point. But Krajinovic fights back well, forcing a volleyed error from Medvedev to take the game to 30-30, and then to deuce after hitting hard and working Medvedev around the court. Another ace hands Medvedev game point before Krajinovic hits long to make it three games apiece in the third set. Not the most comfortable of service games for Medvedev, but a held one all the same.
Third set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 3-2 Medvedev (*denotes server): But Krajinovic is no Thiem. Medvedev dominates early in the game to go to a 0-30 lead, but an error and then a dominant point off a big first serve restores parity at 30-30. Game in the balance, Medvedev curls a winner past Krajinovic off a tepid volley to claim a break point. Strong serving from the Serb takes the game to deuce before a poor volley from Medvedev hands Krajinovic game point. To and fro, the game returns to deuce before Medvedev hits the baseline to go to advantage but yet again he can’t take the break. Oh lord, Krajinovic then misses an absolute sitter of a volley before hitting wide to hand Medvedev an immediate break back of serve. Not-so-easy come, easy go.
Third set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 3-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): A rare sloppy shot from Medvedev gives Krajinovic a 0-15 lead, then another to take the game to 0-30. Could this be Krajinovic’s moment? Now at 0-40, it may very well be. Medvedev misses his first serve but still wins the point off his second serve to save the first of three break points. A delicious drop shot then sets up the point for Krajinovic, who seals the deal and finally breaks Medvedev’s serve.
Hmmm. Game on? Players do win from two sets down ...
#AusOpen
— The Field (@thefield_in) February 12, 2021
Dominic does it!
Thiem fights back from two sets down to beat Nick Kyrgios, backed by a loud home crowd, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
WHAT A MATCH from the US Open champion!pic.twitter.com/BrOGopudcK
Third set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 2-1 Medvedev (*denotes server): It’s all Krajinovic, who holds to love in a rare spell of dominance over his opponent. But to get back in this match, he must break. And to do that, he must take his chances when they present.
Third set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 1-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Krajinovic tries to match motors at the baseline with Medvedev, but he seldom has the quality or composure to do so. The Russian wins a long rally to take a 15-0 lead and then a 30-15 lead as Krajinovic’s ambitious down-the-line attempt just misses. He then gets it right across the court to take the game to 30-30. Medvedev then hits long from deep court to award Krajinovic a break point. First serve wide, Krajinovic now has a big chance to break for the first time but Medvedev has heart. He charges the net off his second serve, forcing the error from Krajinovic, before strolling the next two points to yet again hold serve.
Third set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-6 1-0 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic looks to be running out of ideas, or puff even, as more more lazy strokeplay gives Medvedev a 15-30 lead. A nice first serve then forces a 30-30 stalemate before a drop shot juuuuuuust lands in to hand the Serb game point. He accepts the invitation to hold serve but it wasn’t exactly convincing.
Second set: Krajinovic 3-6 3-6 Medvedev* (*denotes server): An early blow for Krajinovic, who takes a 0-15 lead after Medvedev finds the net from the baseline. Another error from the fourth seed takes the score to 15-30 before Krajinovic peels off a big winner down the line to claim two break points. Medvedev saves one and then the other off his second serve as Krajinovic gets edgy from the baseline and hits long. That was Krajinovic’s chance and he blew it: Medvedev first rips a fast second-serve ace - !!!!!!!! - before deuce is restored, only for Medvedev to own the game from the net and claim the second set as Krajinovic meekly sends his backhand into the net, and barely halfway up it for that matter. Too good, Just too good.
Second set: Krajinovic* 3-6 3-5 Medvedev (*denotes server): The two men slug it out from the baseline and it’s Krajinovic who shows better to advance to a 30-0 lead. But yet another unforced error from the Serb, again from the baseline, puts Medvedev back in the game. A glorious double-backhand-volley cross-court winner from mid-court puts Medvedev even more into the contest, but Krajinovic holds his nerve to hold his game. Next, though, Medvedev will serve for the second set.
Second set: Krajinovic 3-6 2-5 Medvedev* (*denotes server): A nice ace from Medvedev - his fifth of the match - sets him on the right course and Krajinovic is barely a bystander as the Russian races to a 40-15 lead. Medvedev hits wide to fluff his first chance to hold but the next point has his name on it and it’s another cosy hold of serve for the fourth seed. Krajinovic just doersn’t look like breaking, and that’s proving to be more than a trifling problem.
Second set: Krajinovic* 3-6 2-4 Medvedev (*denotes server): As good as Krajinovic’s serve can be, he lacks Medvedev’s consistency and Medvedev soon assumes control, ripping a cross-court backhand winner to go to 0-30, then 0-40 and three break points courtesy of a Krajinovic error. Another Krajinovic error, unforced hitting a backhand into the net, sees Medvedev break to love. This would be the turning of the screw.
Second set: Krajinovic 3-6 2-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server): A rare false shot at the net from Medvedev gives Krajinovic a sniff at 15-15. But as soon as the door opens it seemingly closes, Medvedev shifting through his gears on first serve to hold to 15. Medvedev is winning on almost 90% of his first serves. Hard to break a service game of that quality.
Second set: Krajinovic* 3-6 2-2 Medvedev (*denotes server): Delightful serve-volleying from Krajinovic, who goes deep and then rushes the net to go to a 40-15 lead. Under pressure from another strong first serve, Medvedev then hits long as games go to serve in this second set.
Second set: Krajinovic 3-6 1-2 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Medvedev commits his first double fault of the match to slip to a 0-15 deficit but he soon regains command with solid serving and assured ground strokes to speed to 30-15. But a rare unforced error restores parity at 30-30 and then, blimey, another double fault hands Krajinovic his first break point of the match. But Medvedev is having none of it, taking risks and playing bold tennis to unleash a big down-the-line winner from well behind the baseline. Break point duly saved, Medvedev then closes the case with ease to hold serve. Krajinovic must find a way to crack this hard nut.
Second set: Krajinovic* 3-6 1-1 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic is a finer server when he’s on and it’s seen to good effect here as Medvedev struggles to cope with the Serb’s strong first serve. But Medvedev is never out of it and he scraps his way back to 40-30 before Krajinovic rushes the net and wins the point to hold serve.
Second set: Krajinovic 3-6 0-1 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Medvedev finds himself in a bit of bother at 30-30 before good, old-fashioned composure gets him to 40-30. The rally of the match then goes to Krajinovic as Medvedev hits long before a drop shot, and then a winner at the net that almost cuts Krajinovic in half, awards advantage to the fourth seed. But an error from Krajinovic then hands Medvedev his service game. The second set goes to script and to trend: Krajinovic is winning some points, but Medvedev is winning the points.
First set: Krajinovic* 3-6 Medvedev (*denotes server): Great court coverage from Medvedev, and yet more clean striking, puts Krajinovic under pressure. An error takes the score to 30-40, and a set point for Medvedev. His attempt down the line just misses but Krajinovic can’t capitalise at deuce, finding the net to give his opponent another set point. Krajinovic can’t save this one, however, as another unforced error - his tenth of the set - hands the first set to Medvedev. Really good signs from the fourth seed.
Medvedev has claimed the first set!
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/TYsz5RZN3Z#9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/4psFL5uYVW
First set: Krajinovic 3-5 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Medvedev has looked almost unbeatable on serve today - all tournament, to be fair - and Krajinovic is powerless against one of the cleanest strikers of a tennis ball in the game. Winners here, errors on the other half of the court there, and Medvedev holds to love. Impressive.
First set: Krajinovic* 3-4 Medvedev (*denotes server): Better again from Krajinovic, who goes to a 30-0 lead on the back of some aggressive net play. He’s looking far more dangerous the more he moves around the court. Medvedev would seemingly prefer this match to be played from the baseline. Strong serving throughout sees Krajinovic hold to love but that break still belongs to Medvedev.
First set: Krajinovic 2-4 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Another good rally but again it’s Medvedev who wins the point as his clean, powerful hitting is too much for Krajinovic to handle. The Russian closes out the game with a crunching first serve that Krajinovic slices back into the net. Medvedev has settled much the better and is good value for his lead.
First set: Krajinovic* 2-3 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic runs Medvedev around the court around the court to take a 30-0 lead, then a 40-0 lead following a nice rally that was decided by a Medvedev mishit at the net. Another comfortable enough service game from the Serb but it’s still Medvedev with the break.
First set: Krajinovic 1-3 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Krajinovic draws first blood but parity is soon restored at 15-15 as Medvedev rushes the net and volleys truly. A wide miss, and then an error after a big first serve from Medvedev, sees the Russian speed to 40-15 and before you know it, Krajinovic hits long to surrender a little too meekly.
First set: Krajinovic* 1-2 Medvedev (*denotes server): Better serving from Krajinovic - or more specifically, better first serving - and Medvedev is under pressure all game as the Serbian holds to love to get on the scoreboard.
First set: Krajinovic 0-2 Medvedev* (*denotes server): Both men are happy to let these early exchanges take place from the baseline. Medvedev is the happier of the two, however, as more errors from Krajinovic takes the score to 40-0, then 40-15, then 40-30 as the Serbian approaches the net and smashes a big winner, but Medvedev holds his nerve to take a 2-0 lead in the first.
First set: Krajinovic* 0-1 Medvedev (*denotes server): Krajinovic to begin and his service game is immediately under the pump as some unforced errors from the baseline sees him teetering at 0-30. Medvedev then blunders himself before unfurling a sweet cross-court winner to claim two break points. And he doesn’t need asking twice, hitting another cross-court winner to take the early break.
Back to the Thiem-Kyrgios drama-fuelled epic, Jonathan Howcroft was not only there last night but good enough to burn what midnight oil was left to file this report. Treat yourself to a read.
Around the courts...
- On Margaret Court Arena, fifth seed Elina Svitolina encountered few difficulties in disposing of 26th seed Yulia Putintseva, the Ukranian winning 6-4 6-0 to advance to the fourth round.
- And just a few moments ago on Rod Laver Arena, sixth seed Karolina Pliskova blew a 5-0 lead in the second set to go down 5-7 5-7 to 25th seed Karolina Muchova, marking an almighty choke and the exit of another big name.
- On John Cain Arena, Jessica Pegula continued her impressive run with a 6-2 6-1 win over fellow unseeded player Kristina Mladenovic.
Speaking of Svitolina, how’s this for a winner to settle a rally?
Elina Svitolina getting 3-0 , 2nd set like (📹Eurosport/AO_ pic.twitter.com/eOFsSfRPxI
— Elina Svitolina FP✨ (@SvitolinaNL) February 13, 2021
Updated
Preamble
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of day six of the Australian Open. Today is day one of Victoria’s five-day lockdown, meaning Melbourne Park will be devoid of spectators until Thursday. It is to be hoped these five days will be the end of it.
Thankfully, the tennis won’t miss a beat. As Tennis Australia said in a statement yesterday: “The AO broadcast-only contingency plan will commence from Saturday until restrictions are lifted. Play will continue uninterrupted on the broadcast, albeit without spectators onsite.” We can live with that.
All protagonists - players and fans - made it count last night on John Cain Arena as Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios counted down to lockdown with a beast of a battle. The feisty Australian is no longer of this tournament after going down in five sets, having looked set to topple the third seed after establishing a two-set lead.
Fingers crossed today’s action is as pulsating and unpredictable. Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal will be headlining tonight’s action, but before the sun goes down Daniil Medvedev, the fourth seed, faces Filip Krajinovic on Rod Laver Arena in the day session’s most appealing match-up. Elsewhere, high seeds Belinda Bencic, Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be looking to further their claims at the year’s first major.
Your involvement is encouraged and welcomed, as always. To get in touch, drop me an email or tweet @scott_heinrich.
Australia was right there with you @NickKyrgios 🇦🇺#AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/xoHeL4PEun
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 12, 2021
