But that’s about all from me, I’ve been Joey Lynch and thanks for your company during this past few hours. A thank you, too, for everyone that joined Jo Khan earlier today.
We’ll be launching an evening blog in a few hours to take you through all the later action from Melbourne, which is to be highlighted by the Demon, Alex de Minaur (6) taking on Serbian world number 90 Hamad Medjedovic on Rod Laver.
As mentioned, while we were following Alcaraz’s win, things weren’t so good for Emma Raducanu, who was bounced in the second-round by Anastasia Potapova.
Tumaini Carayol was there for that one and it doesn’t sound like a good day at the office for the Brit at all – Tumaini describing it as a “tepid, error-strewn performance in Melbourne”.
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Coming into this game as the world number one, Alcaraz was expected to dispatch the 102-ranked Hanfmann handily but after the way he was pushed today he says it’s not that simple.
A lot of people are just watching watching the rankings. Yeah, I’m number one and they’re in the 100s and people thinks that it’s going to be an easy match. But it isn’t, to be honest. Every match is different. The style of the play is quite different. Some players at this level suits pretty well to yours, and then you feel really comfortable. And then there are others that make you feel really uncomfortable on the court. Yannick has a kind of style that [means] I’m not really comfortable on the court. So that why it wasn’t really easy today.
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Alcaraz is speaking on court, acknowledging the pressure Hanfmann put him under in that opening set.
I knew he was going to play great. I know his level. I played him a few times already. We came through the challenges together; I played in challenges against him. It was tougher than I thought at the beginning. I didn’t feel the ball that good -- not as good as I wanted. The ball was coming in as a bomb, forehand, backhand, serve. I had to be really ready for that. Really happy that I got through a very difficult first set, and then I started to to feel a little bit better. Tactically, I think I played much, much better. Happy to have played at a really good level at the end of the match and get through.
The pick of the live action is out on the Kia Arena, where Reilly Opelka has battled back from two sets down to take Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (14) -- no stranger to marathons at the Australian Open -- to a fifth set. Aussie hope Jordan Thompson is also in a battle, facing off in the third set with Nuno Borges with the pair locked at one set apiece.
In results elsewhere, Coco Gauff (3) has cruised past Olga Danilovic on Margaret Court Arena, Daniil Medvedev (11) has bounced back from a tiebreak loss in the first set to beat Quentin Halys, and Victoria Mboko (17) has downed Caty McNally in straight sets.
Another Aussie has fallen after Hailey Baptiste handily saw off Storm Hunter on ANZ Arena, with Emma Raducanu’s (28) campaign also ended on that court after she lost to Anastasia Potapova. Yulia Putintseva has seen off Elsa Jacquemot and Clara Tauson (14) has downed Polina Kudermetova
So a straight sets win for Carlos Alcaraz but probably a stiffer challenge than one he was expecting from his 34-year-old opponent Yannick Hanfmann, who had entered the tournament ranked 102 in the world.
The world number one was taken to a tie break in a mammoth, 78-minute first set but a rib injury gradually sapped the ability of Hanfmann to go with the Spaniard.
Alcaraz now moves into the third round, where he’ll face either Michael Zheng or Corentin Moutet (32). American qualifier Zheng took out first set against the Frenchman in their ongoing match on Court 6 but Moutet looks set to take out the second.
Carlos Alcaraz wins 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-2
Alcaraz* (1) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann The longest rally of the match ends when Alacaraz ends an 18-shot exchange by sending a backhand into the net. Alcaraz’s serve then faults at the exact wrong time, first giving up an easy serve and then double-faulting.
The top seed finally gets on the board with his second serve when Hanfmann sends a forearm long and then gets to the net and places a deft shot out of his reach to make it 30-40. Alcaraz then sends a second-serve out wide that Hanfmann can’t return to bring up deuce but sends what didn’t look to be that difficult a forehand into the net on the next exchange to surrender another break point.
He erases that break point and then brings up match point by sending a second serve straight down the T, inducing his opponent to go long with his backhand return.
Once more, Hanfmann’s courage is on display as he refuses to go down, bringing it back to deuce and then, after giving up another match point to a big forearm, dragging it back once more with an incredible forearm return.
The third match point of the game, however, proves a bridge too far: Hanfmann sending a backhand return from the baseline long to see Alcaraz into the third round.
Alcaraz (1) 5-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann* The air has gone out of this one, alas, and Alcaraz will now serve for the match after breaking Hanfmann once more.
The top seed doesn’t celebrate after a fortunate bounce off the net gives his opponent no chance to respond on the first point but then sends his return of a second serve long to tie things up. The big German gets to the line and kisses a lovely backhand away from Alcaraz to move ahead but ends a baseline exchange by firing a forehand into the net to level things back up.
The Spaniard somehow manages to get in front of a massive forearm and keep his return in to bring up break point but Hanfmann answers back with a big forearm to bring up deuce.
Alcaraz loads up another break point when a tame Hanfmann forearm from the baseline can’t clear the net and he then takes the game when a forearm from the German sails wide.
Alcaraz* (1) 4-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann Alcaraz starts off the game with an ace and then moves further ahead when he moves forward and powers a big forearm winner away from Hanfmann. A well-placed second serve forces an error from Hanfmann with another ace.
Alcaraz (1) 3-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann* Hanfmann refuses to be broken… figuratively at least. He holds to love for the second time this set to keep the contest going.
Alcaraz* (1) 3-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann Hanfmann is continuing to fight on and despite Alcaraz piling on the pressure is battling – going point for point across the opening serves of the game. But the power of the top seed gets him ahead with a leaping forearm winner that powers across the court and Hanfmann then can’t reach a drop shot in enough time to send a return back in play.
Alcaraz (1) 2-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann* Concerns from the commentary team over Hanfmann’s ability to see this game out as he quickly falls behind 0-30 and eventually gives up the early break.
The German gets back on the board with a serve down the line that Alcaraz can’t return but drags a cross-court forearm out on the next serve to give up two break points.
Alcaraz loops the return of a 140 km/h second serve long on the first of those and is forced around in the next exchange, only to survive long enough for Hanfmann to fire out to give up the break.
The physio is back out as the players grab a drink, with the commentators musing on if Hanfmann risks further injury if he continues on.
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Alcaraz* (1) 1-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann Alcaraz falls behind in his first service of the third set but finally gets on the board with an ace… and then another… and then another… and then another (on a second serve) to answer back.
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Alcaraz (1) 0-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 Hanfmann* An early test of Hanfmann’s ribs as he serves first in the third set and it’s one he answers.
Alcaraz sends a forearm and a backhand out to give him the first two points and Hanfmann then gets to the line and watches a return sail well over his head to move further ahead. Alcaraz then sends a backhand long, seeing Hanfmann hold to love to start the third.
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Time on is called and Hanfmann returns to his feet. He’s looking ginger but it looks like he’s ready to go for this third set.
Hanfmann’s medical timeout is continuing, with the big German still receiving treatment on his left ribcage as Alcaraz paces the baseline.
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Hanfmann has given absolutely everything to this one and despite being two sets down has probably given Alcaraz – and most observers – a much bigger fight than they were expecting. However, this might have taken a toll on the German, with his shirt of multiple physios called out to assess him.
The chair is saying he’s got an issue with his left rib cage.
Alcaraz wins the second set 6-3
Alcaraz (1) 5-3 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann* Alcaraz races ahead to take the opening two points but Hanfmann refuses to go quietly as he takes the next two. The Spaniard uses his body to manipulate his opponent before firing across a forearm winner to bring up set point and then takes it with a magnificent cross-court backhander.
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Alcaraz (1) 5-3 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann* Some really entertaining tennis – Alcaraz doing what he does even in points he ends up losing and Hanfmann continuing to artfully deploy the drop shot – but in the end it’s the German dropping just one point and easing to another important hold.
But he’s going to have to break the world number one to keep this set alive.
Alcaraz* (1) 5-2 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann Some beautiful work from Hanfmann sees him work Alcaraz across the court and fore him to send a backhand into the net. But the world’s number one player answers back by lobbing a forearm over the advancing German.
Hanfmann is then even able to move back ahead but Alcaraz then gets into gear, winning three straight points to hold serve and put himself in a commanding position to claim the second set.
Alcaraz (1) 4-2 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann* Against the ropes, Hanfmann comes up with an important, and straightforward, hold. He forces Alcaraz deep and wide with a forehand to win the first point. He then follows that up by moving Alcaraz around the baseline and then two aces to take the game.
Alcaraz* (1) 4-1 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann You get the feeling that Alcaraz has absorbed the haymakers that have been thrown at him by Hanfmann and is now starting to bear down on the German.
The duo exchange points – including one in which Alcaraz somehow manages to get back and sky a return, only for Hanfmann to smash home a forearm winner – but the top seed takes the game with a commanding ace.
Alcaraz (1) 3-1 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann* A big break for Alcaraz. New balls are brought in and they’re greeted by Hanfmann double faulting to fall behind. He slips further back when he sends a forearm wide but is eventually able to get on the board with an ace.
Alcaraz responds with some deft return work that sets him up to slice a drop shot across the court and bring up two break points. Hanfmann sees off the first one by getting to the net and ending a 15 shot rally when Alcaraz finds the net with a backhand.
But he can’t defend the second break, getting to the net but proving unable to return a well-struck backhand from Alcaraz beyond his side of the net.
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Alcaraz* (1) 2-1 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann A forearm from Alcaraz goes long to start things off but a Hanfmann backhand down the line goes wide to level things. Alcaraz then moves ahead with an ace before smartly placing a second serve down the T that induces an error.
Hanfmann’s forearm gets him back into it and he then brings up deuce when he forces Alcaraz deep and forces him to end the exchange by sending a shot into the net. A powerful serve from Alcaraz gets Hanfmann on the backfoot and sets him up to move back ahead with a backhand winner but the German levels once more by getting to the net and placing a forehand behind the top seed.
But two well-placed serves put Alcaraz in position to hold serve, seeing things out with cross-court forearm winner.
Alcaraz (1) 1-1 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann* Hanfmann is winning less than 50% of his second serves and drops another to fall behind early. He shakes that off to take the next two points but, on another second serves, sends a forearm into the net to level things once more.
But the German works Alcaraz around the baseline and induces a backhand into the net and then uses a powerful serve and volley to hold serve.
Alcaraz* (1) 1-0 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann An apparent medical issue in the crowd delays the start of the second set but eventually we get things underway, with Alcaraz to serve first.
Hanfmann’s attempt to return serve with a backhand goes long to start but he responds by meeting a between the legs shot with a cheeky drop shot that ties things up. Alcaraz wins the next two points to reclaim the initiative and then takes the game by calmly working his way towards the net and deftly depositing a backhand winner.
Alcaraz wins first set 7-6 (7-4)
Alcaraz (1) 7-6 (7-4) Hanfmann Hanfmann serves first but falls behind when Alcaraz fires a backhand winner down the line, only to answer back immediately by ending a long exchange in which he worked his foe around the baseline with yet another deft drop shot.
Alcaraz holds to move ahead 2-1 but can only watch as Hanfmann whips his third ace of the match down the T to keep pace. The top seed then struggles to get a racquet to the next serve that forces him to lunge right but shows his class with a magnificent cross-court forearm winner.
A slice from Hanfmann induces Alcaraz into a slice of his own, only for the latter to hit the net. But the German can’t press forward and is pegged back and then falls behind. Smelling blood, Alcaraz wrongfoots Hanfmann with a backhand down the line to bring up two set points.
He then ends a 78 minute first set by firing across a serve that forces Hanfmann wide an unable to keep his forearm return in.
Alcaraz* (1) 6-6 Hanfmann Two errors from Hanfmann sees Alcaraz race ahead, before he moves to 40-0 with a devastating ace. A cheeky little drop shot from Hanfmann on second serve sees him get on the board but he then sends a backhand well wide. We’re off to a first set tiebreak!
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Alcaraz (1) 5-6 Hanfmann* Could Hanfmann regret that error at 15-30 in the last game? Maybe that was playing on his mind as he sends a backhand long to give up the first point and then delivered another backhand error that moved Alcaraz further ahead.
The German gets on the board by forcing Alcaraz deep with a forehand and forcing an error and then moves back level with a powerful first serve the Spaniard can’t send back. A double fault – Hanfmann’s first of the game – brings up break point but he responds exactly how he needs to: firing a powerful ace down the T to bring up deuce.
Hanfmann sees of another break point and then just, just moves into advantage when a forearm sent down the line by the Spaniard sails just wide. More back and forth follows, with both players missing the opportunity to press ahead thanks to errors, as well as a sublime drop shot from Alcaraz to bring up a fifth deuce, but Hanfmann is eventually able to put things together and hold serve.
We’ve already gone past the hour mark in this one. Get the feeling you should settle in, folks.
Alcaraz* (1) 5-5 Hanfmann Alcaraz works Hanfmann around with his first serve and the German ultimately sends a baseline backhand long. The German then responds with a forearm return on second serve that is just kissed down the line and then moves ahead when Alcaraz smashes a baseline forehand into the net. A second serve return backhand gets away from Hanfmann as things get tied up at 30-30, a powerful 206 km/h down the T puts Alcaraz back in the ascendency, and he then takes the game by forcing Hanmann wide and then whipping a backhand down the line.
Alcaraz (1) 4-5 Hanfmann* The longest game of the match thus far is eventually held by the German.
Hanfmann pushes Alcaraz wide with his second serve and his attempted return goes long. The top seed answers back but Hanfmann responds by commandingly serving and moving forwards to set up a big forearm winner.
Alcaraz levels the game with a dominant forearm winner down the line to cap off a big-hitting baseline exchange. A second serve sent straight at Alcaraz forces him to squat straight down to make the return and Hanfmann takes advantage with a powerful forearm sent wide. Hanfmann goes to his second serve again but this time Alcaraz is aggresive with his defending and eventually forces his opponent to fire a backhand into the net and bring up duece.
A 201 km/h serve is just returned by Alcaraz but Hanfmann is already moving forward to smash home a forearm but Alcaraz does well to keep the game alive, as well as see off the next two advantages he’s forced to stare down. Eventually, though, he’s worn down and at the end of a seven-shot baseline exchange he sends a return into the net.
Alcaraz* (1) 4-4 Hanfmann A powerful serve forces Hanfmann to send a backhand into the stands to give the opening point to the top seed but the German answers back by charging towards the net and sending a winner behind Alcaraz. The Spaniard responds with a powerful baseline forearm winner and then forces Hanfmann deep on the following point when his foes sends a backhand into the net. Anther powerful serve can’t be returned by Hanfmann, giving Alcaraz the game.
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Alcaraz (1) 3-4 Hanfmann* Hanfmann has his serve cooking early, taking the first three points and capping this run off by moving Alcaraz around the court and firing across a gorgeous cross-court drop shot. Alcaraz is able to get a point back but sends a backhand from the baseline wide on the next serve to give the game to the German.
Alcaraz* (1) 3-3 Hanfmann A baseline battle from Alcaraz’s opening serve ends when Hanfmann sends a forearm long, with Alcaraz then switching things up with a gorgeous and unplayable drop shot. A powerful backhand winner gets the German on the board but Alcaraz quickly fires down two powerful serves that put him in a commanding position to take the next points and hold serve.
Alcaraz (1) 2-3 Hanfmann* A boomerang break; Alcaraz breaks right back.
Hanfmann takes the first point after a seven-shot exchange ends with an Alcaraz backhand going wide. The Spaniard works some powerful shots from the baseline to claim the next two points but a powerful first serve forces him to send a backhand long. An error from Hanfmann brings up break point and Alacaraz then fires a powerful forearm winner down the line to take it, letting out a guttural “Come on!” in celebration.
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Alcaraz* (1) 1-3 Hanfmann Hanfmann breaks Alcaraz early in the first set!
The German continues to put early pressure on, a between the legs shot from the Alcaraz sailing out as he moves to 0-30. The Spaniard gets a point back only for his opponent to bring up two break points immediately in response. The top seed survives the first but then double faults to give up the break.
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Alcaraz (1) 1-2 Hanfmann* Hanfmann continues his good early work. He takes the first two points but a great forehand return from Alcaraz gets him on the board. A rally then ends with Hanfmann sending a baseline backhand into the net to bring it back to 30-30, only for the German to rocket down a powerful serve that his opponent does will to even get a racquet on, forget sending it back. The German then works the top seed around the, forcing a backhand to be sliced long and wide and taking the game.
Alcaraz* (1) 1-1 Hanfmann Alcaraz is on the board, but he had to work for it!
The top seed starts his first service with a good forearm winner before Hanfmann sends a backhand long. Alacaraz sends a backhand long to give up a point but a return straight into the net puts him back into a commanding position.
However, a great return from Hanfmann keeps him in it and Alacaraz then slices a backhand into the net as he advances, bringing up deuce. The Spaniard spurns an initial advantage and then finds himself starting down an early break. He survives but needs a further three advantages until he can see off the German and take his opening service.
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Alcaraz v Hanfmann is under way!
Alcaraz (1) 0-1 Hanfmann* A good start for Hanfmann, working his serve well to take the opening three points before Alcaraz gets to the net and fires across a winner for his first. The German keeps his head, though, firing down a strong first serve that Alcaraz can only send long with his forearm return and taking the opening game.
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An absolutely gorgeous day in Melbourne to mark this one… and I’m not just saying that because I live here.
It’s 22 degrees celsius on the court a minute from this one getting underway, which Google tells me is 71.6 in freedom units.
Right, time for the fashion files.
Alcaraz is wearing a bright lime green sleeveless top, combined with shorts that that continue the electric lime down one of his legs. Suspect is hatless, repeat, hatless.
Hanfmann, meanwhile, is observing the local Australian custom of slip, slop, slap – wearing a white hat in combination with a grey tshirt, black shorts, black socks, and black shoes. It’s a no-nonsense outfit.
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The music on the broadcast shifts from calming piano to movie trailer beats and soundbites of former champions as Alcaraz and Hanfmann make their way out onto the court.
Scoring highly on the Name Recognition Index™, Alcaraz gets the biggest cheer from the fans as he emerges.
Back on Rod Laver, the newly engaged Hanfmann is starting to go through his final preperations before he heads out to meet the crowd.
A serene ocean backdrop is emblazoned on the video screens surrounding him – probably a contrast to the storm that awaits him on the court.
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Around the precinct, Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria has kept his clash with Andrey Rublev (13) alive by taking the third set and Daniil Medvedev (11) is being pressured early by Quentin Halys, who has forced his well-credentialled foe to a tiebreak in the opening set.
Reilly Opelka and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (14) have just got things underway on the Kia Arena, as have Victoria Mboko (17) and Caty McNally on the 1573 Arena, Polina Kudermetova and Clara Tauson (14) on Court 6, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry and qualifier Arthur Fery on Court 7.
Baptiste has broken Hunter early in their second set on ANZ Arena, while Yulia Putintseva has just completed a comfortable straight sets win over Elsa Jacquemot, claiming the match 6-1, 6-2.
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To once again recap the already completed around Melbourne Park today, beyond our featured Sabalenka win.
Elina Svitolina (12) moved past Linda Klimovicova on John Cain Arena, while Francisco Cerundolo (18) and Tommy Paul (19) made relatively quick work of Damir Dzumhur and Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Zeynep Sonmez defeated Anna Bondar in other women’s singles action, as local wildcard Talia Gibson fell to Diana Shnaider (23) and Fabian Marozsan has moved past Kamil Majchrzak after winning a third set tiebreak.
Aussie pair Lizette Cabrera and Taylah Preston downed Xinyu Wang and Saisai Zheng in the women’s doubles, while the fifth seeded pairing of Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani eased past McCartney Kessler and Jessica Pegula. It won’t take long for Kessler and Pegula to reunite, however: they’re scheduled to face each other in the second round of the women’s singles – Pegula seeded sixth in that draw.
Hanfmann booked his place on Rod Laver Arena today by defeating Zachary Svajda in the first round, taking out a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) win over the American in just under three hours.
It’s the first time that the German has advanced to the second round here in Melbourne since the one and only other time he did so back in 2022, when he eliminated local favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets only to be bounced himself by Rafael Nadal.
The only other time he has advanced to the second round of a Grand Slam came at the French Open back in 2023. But alas for his hopes of a third round breakthrough in 2026 he’s now got to deal with Alcaraz.
How did this pair get here?
Alcaraz didn’t have it all his own way but ultimately moved past Queenslander Adam Walton in straight sets in the first round, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena.
Seeking to claim the one Grand Slam that has so far eluded him in his career – or even just make it past the quarterfinals in Melbourne for just the first time, the men’s top seed and world number one had some praise for the Australian, who broke him in the second set and took him to a tie break.
“It was, I would say, a difficult match for me,” Alcaraz said.
“In the first set, just one break … I think he was playing really good, really solid. I think he was trying to find the position to attack every time he could.
“Then, in the second set I think he found more spots to be aggressive … it was then more complicated for me.”
Ultimately, though, showing his class, the Spaniard ground down his Australian challenger.
“For Alcaraz, I think he moves a bit different to the rest of the guys on the tour,” Walton said.
“He has that extra venom on the short balls and on the balls that sit up a little bit more.
“Anytime he can get set on a forehand, he hits it at a different speed that I’m not used to.”
Thanks Jo and howdy y’all! It’s ya boi Joey Lynch.
I’ll be sure to keep bringing you updates on the fortunes of Hunter and Baptiste but as Jo said, for now we’re going to switch focus back onto Rod Laver Arena, where Carlos Alcaraz (1) will soon take the court against Yannick Hanfmann.
Joey Lynch is here now to cover Alcaraz v Hanfmann. Thanks for joining me!
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Baptiste wins first set 6-2
*Hunter 2-6 Baptiste Her serve isn’t as strong as Baptiste’s but nonetheless Hunter is forcing the errors from the American. The Australian takes the advantage with a scrambling backhand. But Baptiste brings it back to deuce with a backhand down the line. Baptiste has her first set point with a leap and a volley. And takes the first set as Hunter overhits.
Elsewhere, Talia Gibson has gone down to Russian Diana Schnaider.
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Hunter 2-5 Baptiste* A serve and volley doesn’t work for Baptiste but Hunter is struggling to handle her first serve. Two unforced errors from Hunter on return and one mishit backhand and Baptiste has the game.
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*Hunter 2-4 Baptiste Baptiste fires a forehand which Hunter can’t read and is left standing helpless in the middle of the court. Hunter is into the game after Baptiste overhits her return. Hunter hands away break point though after hitting a forehand wide. Back to deuce, Hunter comes to the net with a measured drop shot to take the advantage and her final serve is too much for Baptiste to return. Hunter holds.
Hunter 1-4 Baptiste* Let’s go to ANZ Arena where Hunter is playing Baptiste, down four games to one at the moment.
Around the grounds
Other results are starting to trickle in from around Melbourne Park this afternoon. Over on John Cain Arena, Sweden’s Elina Svitolina (12) had defeated Poland’s Linda Klimovicova 7-5, 6-1.
Across to Margaret Court where Russia’s Andrey Rublev (13) is up two sets on Portugal’s Jamie Faria.
Flying the home flag is wildcard Talia Gibson up against Diana Schnaider (23). They have one set each and its 3-4 to the Russian in the third.
Daniil Medvedev (11) has just started against Quentin Halys on John Cain. As has Australian Storm Hunter against Hailey Baptiste on ANZ Arena.
In the women’s doubles, Australian pair Cabrera and Preston have defeated China’s Wang and Zheng in straight sets.
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At the Australian Open there is a huge celebration of the tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley and First Nations cultures. Melbourne Park is highlighting Indigenous art and music today, as well as the work that Cawley’s foundation does giving First Nations children the opportunity to give tennis a go.
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Here are a few pics from the match.
Sabalenka will face either Anastasia Potapova or Emma Raducanu in the third round. They play on ANZ Arena this afternoon.
I am SO happy that Bai actually got into that match though. My goodness she looked like she was going to roll over at the start, but after the first four games she found some rhythm, fought her way back into it. Sabalenka is undeniably in another class but she struggled to stay consistent.
Sabalenka is speaking on court now.
I feel great, happy to get this win. She was a tricky opponent, she stepped in the first set. I thought ‘what should I do, she is crushing it.’
I was trying to tell myself just one at a time, keep fighting.
Sabalenka beats Bai 6-3, 6-1
Sabalenka (1) 5-1 6-3 Bai* Sabalenka absolutely charges to the finish line! It all ends as Bai slams a backhand into the net. That was NOT as easy as it looked like it was going to be at the start.
*Sabalenka (1) 5-1 6-3 Bai Sabalenka is too good for Bai, ending the first rally with a classy volley into the open corner. Oof yes a lovely drop shot from Bai to end the second rally in her favour. When Bai comes to the net she does not panic, unlike Sabalenka who has appeared rushed at times. That said, she is No 1 for a reason and doesn’t waste any more time in this game, two forehand winners, one straight down the line and one juicy slice to wrap it up.
Sabalenka (1) 4-1 6-3 Bai* Sabalenka is making Bai work hard even on serve. She has two break points but a nice serve from Bai followed by a perfectly placed forehand right in the corner takes them to deuce. Bai saves another break point then takes advantage as Sabalenka’s forehand return soars past her. Bai holds after Sabalenka again fluffs her return. The World No 1 shouts in anger as she loses that one.
*Sabalenka (1) 4-0 6-3 Bai The sun is out in Melbourne and I just have no idea how Sabalenka plays without a cap (obviously she is very used to it, but it makes me squint just watching). The Belarusian’s serve is firing, Bai unable to make good contact for two three points in a row. Bai can forces two errors, Sabalenka shouts in frustration, it’s deuce. An ace at 152kmh gets her the advantage, no chance for Bai. And Bai can’t handle Sabalenka’s backhand down the line, sending her shot past the baseline.
Sabalenka (1) 3-0 6-3 Bai* Bai stays calm and runs in to meet Sabalenka’s first return, dropping it just over the net out of reach. The next Bai wins with a forehand right on the sideline. Sabalenka gets it back to 30-all with a monstrous backhand. Bai double faults to give away advantage and Sabalenka shows her class, breaking Bai with a dangerous forehand.
*Sabalenka (1) 2-0 6-3 Bai Bai wins the first point with a lovely volley back past Sabalenka, who then loses the second by attempting the same. Plenty of unforced errors on both sides here, Sabalenka with only a few less than Bai. Sabalenka takes advantage with an ace, back to deuce, another ace and Sabalenka ties it up with a powerful forehand crosscourt.
Sabalenka (1) 1-0 6-3 Bai* Bai is serving to start the second set. Can she keep up this energy? We are getting a bit more variety now. Sabalenka pushes Bai around the court before coming to the net and taking the point with a half-volley. At 30-30 another devent rally and Bai just can’t keep up, Sabalenka winning with a strong backhand across her body. She wraps up the game with some great shots. That was much better from the World No 1.
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Sabalenka wins first set 6-3
*Sabalenka (1) 6-3 Bai I thought this was heading rapidly towards 6-0 but Bai has entered the match now. Sabalenka is getting frustrated with her mistakes, some patience is needed. Sabalenka goes from winning a point by snapping a forehand down the line, to losing the next with a silly unforced error. Set point is up again for the fifth time but Bai brings it back to deuce with a clever soft volley falling short of Sabalenka.
Sixth set point. Sabalenka with too much power again! Seventh set point and finally she has it, Bai can’t get on top of her powerful serve. First set to the Belarusian.
Sabalenka (1) 5-3 Bai* Bai looked like a different player at the end of that game (and in this one) compared to the first few. A strong first serve forces an error from Sabalenka. Bai’s serves have improved too, Sabalenka looks uncomfortable unable to move her body out of the way to return smoothly. But a lovely forehand from Sabalenka to the top corner brings them to deuce. Bai overhits a backhand across the court to give Sabalenka the first set point but its back to deuce from an unforced error.
On third deuce and Bai’s first double fault for the match gives Sabalenka second set point which she squanders. Now it’s her third go at set point but she finds the net. Fourth set point lost! Sabalenka is sending her forehands flying over the baseline.
The game is going over 10 minutes (longest by FAR). Bai wins! Her final volley hits the net but pops up and over. Sorry Sabalenka.
*Sabalenka (1) 5-2 Bai* I don’t think Sabalenka is happy to have lost a game. There is some added aggression to her and it’s resulting in her overhitting. She loses the first two points. Bai has perhaps also adjusted now to the pace of play. Sabalenka hits the net and Bai has her first break point. And she breaks Sabalenka!
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Sabalenka (1) 5-1 Bai* They’ve only been playing for less than 20 minutes so far. The sixth game starts with the longest rally so far which ends with an unforced error from Bai. She rebounds nicely with an ace though, that’s her third point. Sabalenka is trying to keep coming forward but it’s not always working, as evident in her exasperation. Bai hits a second ace and then forces an error from Sabalenka at full stretch to win her first game!
*Sabalenka (1) 5-0 Bai Sabalenka goes for the serve volley and nails it, then tries again the second point and hits the net. Third go works to but it’s not seamless. She follows with a classy ace. Oh and a lovely backhand winner from Bai (first winner of the match) on return. Sabalenka responds by pushing in close and slamming down a volley just to remind everyone who is on top here.
Sabalenka (1) 4-0 Bai* Really hoping Bai can warm up and get into some sort of groove. At the moment it’s very straightforward for Sabalenka, who is smashing Bai’s serve back with disdain. The fourth game is over in three minutes. Bai is being pommelled.
*Sabalenka (1) 3-0 Bai Bai finally has a point. Sabalenka goes for a backhand across the court and it doesn’t have the height to go over. A double fault follows, then Bai hoops her return over the baseline. Even Sabalenka’s second serve is too much for Bai, who gives the third game away with two unforced errors.
Sabalenka (1) 2-0 Bai* Bai starts with a slower second serve which Sabalenka easily returns and Bai meekly hits her backhand into the net. Bai is clearly nowhere near Sabalenka’s level. The Belarusian takes the second game and Bai hasn’t got a point yet.
Quiet please. PLAY!
*Sabalenka (1) 1-0 Bai Sabalenka dominates from the get-go. Hitting two backhand winners off Bai’s serve return. She’s loud and looking confident. Make that three, Bai doesn’t even bother stretching to reach it. And the first game is done and dust in slightly over two minutes as Sabalenka fires down a forehand which Bai flails towards but can’t make any contact.
Beautiful conditions out on Rod Laver Arena, I can report from my desk about 40km away.
The warmup is complete. Here we go.
Sabalenka and Bai are on the court, the coin is tossed and the No 1 will serve. They will have a short on-court warmup now.
It’s Bai’s second time playing in the second round here in Melbourne.
Fashion notes: Sabalenka is in her BRIGHT orange, pink and black dress. Bai is in a classic (almost football jersey-esque) blue T-shirt, black shorts and white cap.
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On to the match at hand, and Sabalenka will be hoping for a smoother run than her first-round match in which French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah provided a somewhat tricky start.
The Belarusian is, of course, a two-time Australian Open champion already, after lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2024. Last year she lost to American Madison Keys in the final.
Elsewhere around Melbourne Park, defending women’s singles champion, Madison Keys, overcame a wobbly start to defeat Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova, who was nearly successful in throwing off her opponent with her unusual style.
Tumaini Carayol took a closer look at that encounter:
And Jannik Sinner powered through to the second round after retired.
… Australia’s day three recap continued …
There were torturous late-night losses suffered by Daria Kasatkina and Kimberly Birrell, but Australia still has six women in the second round.
Nikola Bartunkova defeated Kasatkina 7-6 (7), 0-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy contest. And Maddison Inglis who defeated Birrell 7-6 (6), 6-7 (9), 6-4 in an all-Australian clash that lasted three hours.
But in exciting news, earlier Dane Sweeny and James Duckworth increased the count of Australian men in the second round to five. Duckworth outlasted the Croatian lucky loser Dino Prizmic in five sets by winning the last two.
Sweeny, 24, shared a compelling meeting of opposites which also marked the final appearance at Melbourne Park for the French veteran Gaël Monfils. The Australian dropped to the ground in elation after defeating the 39-year-old from France 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5
Australia day three recap
OK tennis, yes! There were shocks, heartbreak and elation as one little known local knocked out a much-loved veteran.
It started with Australia’s top-ranked women’s singles player, Maya Joint, losing her opening match to Tereza Valentova in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. She was understandably devasted by vowed to come back stronger.
Then, local wildcard Taylah Preston defeated China’s Shuai Zhang, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, which was her first grand slam win ever! Preston now meets 13th seed Linda Noskova of Czech Republic.
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Before I get into any kind of day three tennis recapping, we need to take a moment for the outfit of the day (or maybe of the tournament?).
Of course it was the one and only Naomi Osaka who completely stole the show with her entrance on to Rod Laver for the final match of the evening session.
Guardian journalist Matilda Boseley messaged me urgently about this, and summarised my feelings well.
Literally screaming crying throwing up over Osaka’s outfit. Amazing.
More players need to get around this walk-on outfit trend. Maybe Sinner could dress up as a mustard bottle.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to our Australian Open day four blog. I’m Jo Khan and I’m here to bring you the action from women’s No 1 Aryna Sabalenka v Zhuoxuan Bai who are up first on Rod Laver Arena this morning.
Then my colleague Joey Lynch will take over to cover the men’s No 1 Carlos Alcaraz v Yannick Hanfmann following on centre court.
The two top singles players breezed through their opening matches – and the same is certainly expected for Sabalenka today. Alcaraz faces the No 102 ranked men’s singles player who may make him work for it a little more.
It’s overcast in Melbourne this morning, and considerably cooler than yesterday, which I imagine both players and spectators will be happy about.
Any thoughts, please do send me an email to jo.khan@theguardian.com.
Let’s go!
