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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jonathan Howcroft (later) and Mike Hytner (earlier)

Australian Open day nine: Federer fights back to beat Sandgren, Barty beats Kvitová – as it happened

Roger Federer
Roger Federer celebrates winning a thrilling fourth-set tie-break to send the match into a decider. Photograph: William West/AFP via Getty Images

Summary

Thank you for your company today, that quickly turned into one of the more memorable minute-by-minutes. Turns out we were watching Tennis’s version of rope-a-dope, not The Last Hurrah after all. Can’t wait to do it all again soon.

Don’t forget to slide over to the evening liveblog and find out who Federer will face in his semi-final: Novak Djokovic or Milos Raonic.

Kevin Mitchell’s deadline report is below, putting the afternoon’s events in context.

Updated

Meanwhile, Martina Navartilova and John McEnroe have led a remarkable protest against Margaret Court away from the spotlight on Melbourne Park. As Kevin Mitchell reports:

Martina Navratilova was cut off in mid-sentence when she climbed into an empty umpire’s chair on an outside court here on Tuesday to push for Margaret Court Arena to be renamed in honour of Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

“I’ve been speaking out about an issue for a while now,” the former world No 1 said of her criticism of Court’s homophobia, “and John McEnroe is here to join me and push the conversation forward...”

At that point, the umpire’s microphone goes dead. While there is no evidence Navratilova was deliberately censored, she and McEnroe both made strong statements criticising Court’s controversial views on gender and race before the 77-year-old Australian was presented with a replica of the winner’s trophy on Rod Laver Arena the previous night to mark the 50th anniversary of her calendar grand slam.

Before we sign-off here and handover to the evening liveblog, here’s Kevin Mitchell’s take on Ash Barty’s surge to the semi-finals earlier on against Petra Kvitova.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer, coming to terms with his miraculous comeback. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Some stats, that only to serve to highlight the unlikeliness of Federer’s victory.

Aces - Sandgren 27 / Federer 5
Winners - Sandgren 73 / Federer 44
Unforced errors - Sandgren 53 / Federer 56
Total points won - Sandgren 161 / Federer 160

In Roger Federer’s long and storied career you might not expect a quarter-final victory over an opponent ranked 100 in the world to feature in his list of most memorable matches, but that was something else. At 0-3 down in the third set with the score at 1-1 he was off the court receiving treatment. His movement was impaired and during the fourth set he was a beaten man. Somehow - call it luck, call it grit, call it failure on the part of his opponent - he prevailed.

He still looks as though he can’t believe what’s just happened. Embarrassed, a little dazed, standing with body language that suggests he’s unsure how to respond to questions about his great escape. He credits Milos Raonic for his performance, ahead of a possible semi-final meeting - Novak Djokovic will have a massive say about that of course.

“I believe in miracles,” he says, after describing his groin injury that went on to affect his lower leg. His pride prevented him from retiring, or from receiving treatment on-court, and that stubbornness eventually opened the door for victory after Sandgren failed to put him away.

Federer’s voice is breaking as he talks to Jim Courier. Physically and emotionally exhausted.

Federer: “You’ve got to get lucky sometimes. I was just hoping that maybe he was not going to smash the winner, to keep the ball in play, who knows what he’s thinking about? I got incredibly lucky today. As the match wore on I started feeling better and the pressure went away. I don’t deserve this one but Im standing here and I’m obviously very happy.”

Federer beats Sandgren (6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 6-3)

Fifth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 6-3 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sandgren toughs out the opening point to demonstrate he’s not going to be steamrollered on Federer’s march to glory. He digs deep again to force 15-30 but Federer secures a couple of quick first serve points to engineer his first match point (Sandgren has failed with seven) - and he does it! The great escape complete. What a turnaround from Roger Federer.

Fifth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 5-3 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Federer plays a little fast and loose with Sandgren on the ropes, slipping to 40-15 with some poor shot selection. He concedes the game with a now rare unforced error, slapping a forehand into the net.

Federer to serve for the win.

Fifth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 5-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer is serving as well as he has all day now, and he’s moving smoothly too, this is absurd. 40-15 arrives in textbook fashion and despite requiring a second serve he holds convincingly.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Fifth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 4-2 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren berates himself when he strikes long under no pressure to allow Federer 15-15, then he loses his racket (perhaps accidentally) at 30-30 after Federer pierces his backhand corner. Both times he comes back strongly to win the next point but both times he can’t back it up and Federer forces deuce.

A superb deep return from a stretching forehand from Federer ramps up the pressure on Sandgren, who misses his first serve at break point then Federer clubs a high bouncing forehand that his opponent cannot control. Unbelievable, Roger Federer, from two sets to one down, incapacitated, facing seven match points, is a break up in the fifth.

Fifth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 3-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer proves his fitness by executing a forehand drive volley (from memory the first he’s nailed all match, including a couple of notable misses). He is now serving at his highest average speed per set for the match and ripping backhand winners down the line. He holds to 30 but it feels more comprehensive than that.

Fifth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 2-2 Sandgren* (* denotes server) It’s a tired bedraggled game from both men but Sandgren won’t mind. He holds to 15.

Here’s that ball-kid incident from earlier.

Nick Kyrgios’s tournament is over.

Fifth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 2-1 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer holds to love, featuring just his fifth ace of the day.

Did he switch bodies with a stunt double between sets? Is that the secret to his success all this time? Somewhere in the bowels of RLA there’s a knackered Federer v1.0 icing up while 2.0 seals the deal. Maybe this is where Paul Rudd got the idea for that TV show ‘Living With Yourself’ and the in-joke about Tom Brady was all a red herring?

Fifth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 1-1 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Pop! From the back right corner Federer pings a forehand crosscourt winner - the first of its kind in an age - to reinforce his Lazarus-like resurrection. What does he do next? Another! Vintage Federer. Sandgren stops the rot and both players trade points until deuce. Here Sandgren rattles the net with a backhand, trying to shorten a point ahead of schedule. Break point is on Federer’s racket but he can’t pierce his opponent’s ungainly reflexes at the net.

Federer gets a second look at deuce two, and Sandgren is increasingly disillusioned out there, chatting to the chair umpire again. There’s a phone ringing somewhere, the umpire’s mic’s dropped out, the tension is at fever pitch. Sandgren saves, getting smartly in behind a first serve, then he scuds his 25th ace to move to game point, and he takes it.

This is becoming quite a saga. And the longer it drags on the less into it the American seems to be.

Fifth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 1-0 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer is twisting much freer now than at any point since the second set. There’s pop to his forehands and bend in his spine on his serves, all of which means he holds to 15 in pretty routine fashion. By contrast, Sandgren looks heavy-legged and hangdog.

Sandgren has left the court.

The trainer is back on working on Federer’s right groin while the legend is briefly bare-chested switching shirts in some fan-fiction made real cutaway.

Sandgren is back but he’s having a heated debate with the chair umpire, complaining that Federer has now gone for his bathroom break.

We need Bill Lawry telling us it’s all happening right now.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sandgren puts serious heat on his serve to stay in the set to force 8-8 but then Federer digs in, really digs in, grunts, stretches - you can practically feel his ageing sinews screaming in pain - and he forces the mini-break. Can he convert? YES! WOW!

This is unbelievable. Federer defends doggedly from the baseline then lobs up a testing overhead. Sandgren twitches - and we’re going five. Holy moly.

Tiebreak: 10-8

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sandgren earns another match point immediately with a fierce serve that Federer can’t return. Federer then misses with the first serve, inviting a long baseline exchange - 19 shots - and Sandgren slices into the net! The crowd erupts, then takes the roof off RLA after their hero follows up the save with a thumping smash winner to edge ahead.

Tiebreak: 8-7

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Two awesome serves from Sandgren, and he is within touching distance of the biggest result of his life. Federer, serving to remain alive, survives a fourth match point after a tentative 19-shot rally. Match point five comes and goes with a solid first serve.

Back to Sandgren, with ball in hand, can he do it? No! Federer just keeps the ball in play from the baseline then somehow prevails with Sandgren all over the net.

Incredible.

Tiebreak: 6-6

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer continues the serving masterclass, but then there’s controversy. What happened? Oh my! The ball-kid ran into Sandgren’s outstretched left leg while he was leaning to put his towel on his bench. That’s Sandgren’s taped leg, by the way. Oh boy, that could have been a story. Sandgren grimaces but plays on - and he wins the next point, earning the mini-break when Federer finds the net.

Tiebreak: 3-4

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sandgren nails his pair of serves without being required to play any further shots.

Tiebreak: 2-3

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer dominates the opening point on Sandgren’s serve but misses the volley at the net to secure the mini-break. He serves clinically twice to edge his nose in front.

Tiebreak: 2-1

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 6-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) In the circumstances, that was a quick, solid service hold to 15 for Federer. Tiebreak time.

Nick Kyrgios taking the scenic route, again...

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 5-6 Sandgren* (* denotes server) The crowd is well into this now, hollering its approval when a Sandgren error hands Federer an early advantage. They’re respectful in their applause when Sandgren hammers a couple of first serves to regain the ascendancy. There’s a nervous murmur when the American double faults and a weird anxious shriek when Federer finds a forehand winner that hits the line. He can’t convert his break point though, Sandgren turning from hunted to hunter in the blink of an eye to force deuce.

Sandgren looks to be struggling to know how to approach this dip for the finish line. He escapes with a poor put-away volley at deuce but fails to hold when he hits long soon after. Any nerves are settled with some pristine serving, returning all the pressure to Federer.

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 5-5 Sandgren (* denotes server) Loose forehands are exchanged to open the game before a sharp serve and a Sandgren unforced error allow Federer the chance of a straightforward hold. He doesn’t get it though because Sandgren rattles RLA to its foundations with a couple of beefy bashes to up the ante on the next point - and Federer duly slashes a backhand wide with plenty of court to aim for.

That’s not the worst of it. A limp forehand into the net at deuce offers Sandgren match point... but a nervy rally ends Federer’s way when the American hammers a backhand into the net.

Deuce two begins in identical fashion, with Federer off-balance dumping a forehand into the net. Again he stays in match point long enough to induce an error from his opponent.

Deuce three follows the same pattern - Sandgren mishitting his third match point.

Federer finally sneaks an advantage after deuce four and he holds! Much to the delight of a raucous Rod Laver Arena. Have we gone from Ali-Holmes to Ali-Foreman rope-a-dope? Federer lives to fight another game.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 4-5 Sandgren* (* denotes server) For the first time in an age there’s a smidgen of pressure on Sandgren’s serve at 15-15 but Federer’s reluctance to stretch for a makable forehand then inability to even contemplate a tough backhand allow Sandgren to move up 40-15. An error reduces the margin but any nerves are obliterated with a 20th ace.

Federer serving to stay in the championships.

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 4-4 Sandgren (* denotes server) The painkillers from that medical time out might be kicking in, or maybe it’s adrenaline, but Federer reaches 30-0 in vintage fashion, serving strong and showing finesse at the net. He has two game points at 40-15 but Sandgren dismisses one of them with a blistering running two-handed backhand down the line that catches the spiderwebs in the corner. He backs that up with a punishing forehand return winner to an innocuous second serve.

Deuce one comes and goes with Federer unable to accept a third game point, but deuce two is enough for the hold. Federer’s serving motion is looking increasingly fluid and it’s reflected on the speedgun.

Meanwhile in the mixed doubles, Nick Kyrgios has put last night’s disappointment behind him.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 3-4 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren holds to love in the time it takes me to copy and paste the score over from the previous game. I repeat: it is hard to see Federer forcing a break unless Sandgren completely implodes.

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 3-3 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer starts well, easing up 30-0 but an error then another demonstration of his impaired movement leads to 30-30. The crowd gets to its feet when Federer comes out on top in a thrilling exchange at the net, but they’re back in their chairs when he concedes deuce shortly afterwards.

The conservative serving approach disappears briefly for two quick points and nuggety hold. He’s toughing this out as long as he can.

“Hi Jonathan!” hi Scott Campbell. “Such a strange match, though as Fed tries to push back the waves it is worth considering that were Sandgren to crumble, and Fed were able to stay upright and somehow win, is there any guarantee that Fed would make it onto the court for Thursday’s semi? We’d then be in a (unique?) situation whereby either Djokovic or Raonic get a walkover into the final, which wouldn’t be good for anyone. By anyone, I mean those remaining in the top half of the draw. That being said, the above scenario does seem desperately unlikely.” Indeed, a walkover semi is far from ideal for tournament organisers, but it’s hard to see Federer winning the next two sets to bring that possibility into reality.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 2-3 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Ace. Ace. Unreturnable second serve. Unreturnable second serve. It is hard to see Federer forcing a break unless Sandgren completely implodes.

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 2-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) There hasn’t been much memorable proactive tennis recently but Sandgren’s running backhand pass at 30-0 deserves commendation. 30-15 quickly becomes 30-30 but Federer finds his serving range, however impeded, to remain in contention; just.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 1-2 Sandgren* (* denotes server) During a nine-shot rally at 0-15 Federer is in business but a backhand long precedes a couple of points of Sandgren savagery that are too hot for the now maladroit maestro. An angled crosscourt winner to secure the hold rams home Federer’s immobility.

The stadium DJ plays Stayin’ Alive during the change of ends. He might need to upgrade to Livin’ on a Prayer pretty soon.

Fourth set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 1-1 Sandgren (* denotes server) A stop-start game inches its way to 30-30 before Federer executes a perfect point - serving wide, stepping in and crunching the backhand crosscourt winner - to set up game point. Sandgren overhits to confirm the hold.

Sam Groth, courtside, suggests it’s a rotational issue for Federer, which is clearly a big deal. The No 3 seed is digging in for now though, banking on his unheralded opponent eventually feeling the weight of the circumstance. Something that has yet to happen.

Fourth set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-6 0-1 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Are we in for an Ali-Holmes style drubbing that leaves a bitter taste? Or is Federer going to rage against the dying of the light? 15-30 suggests the latter but Sandgren muscles up to power his way to a hold.

Third set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer’s average first serve speed has dropped 10% since the medical time out (and that’s in a tournament where his average serve speed was already down on previous years). He’s plugging away nonetheless, and looks on course for a hold at 40-15 but consecutive errors introduce deuce into the equation.

Here, Sandgren smells blood and asserts himself on his wounded foe, pouncing on a second serve and hunting Federer at the net to earn break point. Federer saves it after an 11-shot rally, but gifts it straight back with a half-volley into the net. A sharp serve down the T saves another day but deuce three again goes Sandgren’s way when his opponent slaps an inside-out forehand into the net. Somehow Federer staves off set point yet again, only to offer a fourth with a double fault. This one is repelled with an unreturnable serve and Federer links points together to force his way ahead. With the hold begging Federer taps a backhand volley into the net for deuce six!

Again Sandgren capitalises on a second serve to invite Federer into trading meaty forehands from the baseline, each one surely making the superstar wince. Set point five? Saved, of course, Sandgren unable to redirect a sliding backhand in court. Set point six arrives immediately after though, and this time Sandgren converts.

Roger Federer is on the ropes. Tennys Sandgren is zen, steeling himself for the knockout.

Third set: Federer 6-3 2-6 2-5 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Federer has never retired mid-match in his career, but that outcome is being discussed by Jim Courier and Todd Woodbridge on TV. He’s battling on, for now, keeping the ball in play without trying to force the issue, and he works his way to 15-30 before Sandgren batters a series of serves with the subtlety of a competitive woodchopper. There is a blunt force to the American’s style that is in contrast to his opponent’s refinement, and for the time being, much more effective.

It’s been a tournament of relatively few news stories (once the air quality improved). Hardly any tantrums, not many startling upsets, but this looks like it’s going to take top billing.

Third set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 2-4 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer races to a love hold but it is now visible that he is in some discomfort. There’s no bend in his serving motion, no pop in his forehands and he’s barely pushing off to reach strokes more than a half-step away. Big news.

Third set: Federer 6-3 2-6 1-4 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren has been ice cold since the opening set. He looks completely unfazed and holds to love in quicktime. Seven winners to just six unforced errors this set (to Federer’s 2-8) with the match figures standing at 26-22 Sandgren, 17-30 Federer.

Third set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 1-3 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer jogs back out with no visible strapping and immediately gets into his work, serving fluidly to hold to 15 with the minimum of fuss. Let’s hope the half-time pep talk from the doctor perks up the Basel ballerina.

Tennys Sandgren spends the opening couple of minutes of the time out working on his headband knot. In so doing it highlights his MASSIVE GUNS. I don’t mean to dwell on this, but he has cannons for biceps and bazookas for triceps.

Then he does this:

The medical time out is taken.

Here we go - the physio has been called and Federer departs RLA for an assessment. Tactical? The explanation for Roger’s poor play? TV comms speculate it might be a hip or groin issue if it’s something that can’t be worked at on-court to begin with. Federer has recent history of back issues, which could be at the heart of any short-term problems.

Third set: Federer 6-3 2-6 0-3 Sandgren* (* denotes server) A rare Sandgren unforced error then a double fault lifts Federer’s spirits. The crowd then erupts for the first time all match when the Swiss secures three break points at the end of a 28-shot rally. Sandgren saves the first with a solid point then Federer upbraids himself after dumping a backhand into the net. That curse earns Federer a code violation, which he accepts grumpily, first discussing the incident with the line judge who picked up on the comment, then approaching the chair umpire for confirmation. Sandgren holds his nerve to save break point three, then serves imposingly twice to defend his turf.

That felt like a pivotal game. Sandgren did superbly to tough it out in difficult circumstances. Federer is seriously rattled. It’s already a long way back into this set, let alone a match drifting away from the veteran.

Third set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 0-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) This is edging into worrying territory for Fed fans. 0-30 arrives quickly and Sandgren is in the next point before missing his target. A good serve wide to the Sandgren backhand claws him level but another huge missed forehand mid-rally - that was a poor poor shot - hands his opponent another break opportunity. And yet again he donates it meekly, dumping a mistimed forehand into the net.

Something is going awfully wrong for the great man right now. There’s no sign of illness or injury. Can he interrupt this pattern of the match?

Third set: Federer 6-3 2-6 0-1 Sandgren* (* denotes server) This is not going to be the quick match Federer needed if he’s any hope of outlasting Nadal or Djokovic in later rounds. He may not even reach that far, of course, and Sandgren is doing his darnedest to prevent him, serving smoothly to 40-0 then holding to 15.

In open play the match has been even, perhaps even leaning towards Sandgren, since the outset. Now the American is competing on serve it’s little surprise to see him poking his nose in front.

Second set: Federer* 6-3 2-6 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer has looked a touch ragged on occasion today, none more so than conceding the opening point of this service game. Scrap that, when he punches a drive-volley forehand wide to drop to 15-30, that was his most ragged moment. That error begets another error and Sandgren has two set points. The first comes and goes in the blink of an eye but the second is a rasping 16-shot affair that only ends when Federer makes his 15th unforced error of the set (to Sandgren’s six).

The No 100 ranked Sandgren levels at one set all with 20-time grand slam champion Federer.

Second set: Federer 6-3 2-5 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren is serving much better this set, up over 70%, and his second serve is much more potent. Consequently, Federer is getting much less to work with before we even get to his own inconsistencies. He scraps hard to 30-30 before Sandgren batters a pair of first serves to move within one game of the set.

Second set: Federer* 6-3 2-4 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sam Groth is suggesting the extra bounce may be causing a few issues for Federer who is playing in the warm sunshine of RLA after a series of matches under lights. The bounce doesn’t cause him any concern on his way to 40-0 but Sandgren plays a lovely point to pinch one back. A splendid first serve seals the hold.

Second set: Federer 6-3 1-4 Sandgren* (* denotes server) This is really uncharacteristic tennis from Federer, he’s conceding points with high-percentage shots like stand and deliver backhands in baseline exchanges, let alone the strokes with a high degree of risk. Sandgren cruises to 40-0 and looks destined for a simple hold but Federer claws back a couple of points. A backhand volley into the net erases any hope of that crucial break back.

Second set: Federer* 6-3 1-3 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer sprints to a hold to 15 in more familiar fashion. Can he break back?

Second set: Federer 6-3 0-3 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Federer’s unforced error count for the second set is already in excess of his tally for the opening set. Sandgren holds easily for 3-0.

Tennys Sandgren
Welcome to the gun show. Photograph: William West/AFP via Getty Images

Second set: Federer* 6-3 0-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) Some rare pressure on the Federer serve. He leaks to 0-30 after missing a forehand put-away at the net then he’s forced to watch in awe as Sandgren muscles a backhand down the line. Points are then shared, leaving Sandgren with two break opportunities - but he only needs one! Excellent defence from the American forces Federer into hitting one more shot than he wanted, and he smashes a deep overhead long.

This not what Federer ordered, but this has been an error-strewn start from both men.

Second set: Federer 6-3 0-1 Sandgren* (* denotes server) The exchange of errors continues like a bad round of office secret santa. Sandgren reaches 40-15 in a game that can be politely described as average to that point, before Federer executes beast mode for a couple of shots, obliterating a forehand then a backhand that overpowered Sandgren like a tsunami. He backs that up with some smart court craft, dropping a shot into the breeze with his opponent miles behind the baseline.

Sandgren holds despite slipping to deuce, serving powerfully then profiting from a poor Federer backhand.

First set: Federer* 6-3 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer is serving around 70%, without overreaching (only two aces, no doubles) and that’s enough for him to skip to the opening set.

The crowd offers a polite ripple of applause. This is not the Nadal v Kyrgios blockbuster of last night, nor does it have the investment of Barty’s match that preceded it.

First set: Federer 5-3 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren is serving under 50% and he’s winning just 20% of points on second serve - not a great combo. Again he crawls to 0-30 but battles back to 30-30 with some fierce forehands. Federer errs with a backhand slice to concede a game point then a forehand to relinquish any chance of a break.

Once the ball is in play Sandgren is Federer’s equal, but there is a major disparity on serve so far.

Updated

First set: Federer* 5-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) Federer wraps that gift from Sandgren in a safe hold, despite his rival winning the point of the game, whipping a backhand crosscourt for a clean winner with the No 3 seed at the net.

Federer, by the way, is in Wimbledon white today, offset by a maroon headband and shorts. It’s been a pretty ordinary tournament for tennis fashion (imho).

First set: Federer 4-2 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Sandgren is no slouch either, which gives little time to admire his outfit - which deserves admiration. Think Mötley Crüe or Van Halen in their mid-80s snowstorm days. Sleevless shirt, teamed with loud shorts and a busy headband. He has massive guns too, perhaps as big as anyone on tour. They don’t help him hold serve though, Federer comes back from 30-0 to secure the first break as the American’s serve breaks down under limited pressure.

First set: Federer* 3-2 Sandgren (* denotes server) A classic example of Federer racing through his obligations. He holds to 15. It’s like watching Ronnie O’Sullivan or Jimmy White race around a snooker table.

First set: Federer 2-2 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Brad Gilbert has nicknamed Tennys ‘Enter Sandgren’, which is clearly excellent. But it’s exit Sandgren this game as Federer continues his momentum from the previous game, skipping to 0-40 in a run highlighted by a whipped forehand pass that curved like a Xherdan Shaqiri free-kick.

Sandgren is a fighter though and he finds his range off the tee to claw his way back to game point with the minimum of strokes, including a 207 kph ace. Federer then dominates the final point of the game before Sandgren whips a miraculous single-handed backhand from deep in the corner beyond his net-guarding opponent and through for a winner.

Say your prayers Tennys fans.

Updated

First set: Federer* 2-1 Sandgren (* denotes server) Sandgren controls the net like a giant volleyball blocker to earn the opening point of Federer’s second service game, but it’s routine thereafter with the maestro easing into his work after an iffy start.

Federer is playing rapid tennis this tournament, rattling through points, making them as short as possible, and wasting no time between serves.

Sad to see the end of the teenage tearaways in the women’s doubles.

First set: Federer 1-1 Sandgren* (* denotes server) Indifferent start by both men on serve. Without reaching anywhere near his best Federer enjoys two break points at 15-40 but can’t convert either, the second the latest in a series of forehands into the net. At deuce the Swiss chooses a poor time in the rally to come into the net, allowing Sandgren to pass him with a forehand down the line. An overhit return levels the mismatch on the scoreboard.

Sam Groth makes the astute observation that Federer is coming off three night matches during this tournament so the daytime conditions may take some getting used to.

On nominative determinism, Derek Kickett, an Australian rules footballer, is one of my favourites.

First set: Federer* 1-0 Sandgren (* denotes server) Not the cleanest opening for Federer, dumping a couple of forehands into the net to slide to 30-40. A strong couple of serves sets up game point but a tame forehand volley into the net drags things back to deuce. That was the second poor drive-volley of the game for the veteran. The second deuce is over in a flash with a couple of aces.

Sandgren has his left knee strapped, incidentally, but his movement looked unimpaired in the opening game.

The players are out, the formalities have been observed, time for tennis.

It’s sunny in Melbourne Park, temperatures in the mid-20s C, but there’s a cool southerly breeze that may become a factor as the match wears on.

Sandgren is an unlikely quarter-finalist. He’s 28, but this is only his 11th main draw at a slam. He’s spent the bulk of his career grinding on the Challenger and Futures tours. He’s matching his career best today after reaching the same stage of the Australian Open in 2018. Back then his overnight stardom caused a few issues.

Since that breakthrough event he’s won his first (and so far only) ATP Tour title and spent most of his time ranked 50-100. During his run this month he’s upset eighth seed Matteo Berrettini and 12th seed Fabio Fognini, as well as neutralising the in-form big-serving Sam Querrey.

Federer, by contrast, is into his 57th slam QF, 11 more than the next most prolific, Novak Djokovic, and he’s 14-0 in quarters at Melbourne Park. He lifted four titles last season and continues to rank near Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in rarefied air near the top of the rankings.

The 38-year-old’s run to the quarters has been far from a cakewalk. He looked supreme beating Steve Johnson and Filip Krajinović but got out of jail in a fifth set tiebreak against John Millman before dropping the opening set to Márton Fucsovics. If he’s to earn a record 21st slam he’s probably going to have beat Djokovic then Nadal in consecutive matches. If he’s to accomplish that unlikely feat he’ll need all his strength. Anything other than a breezy day out today will count against him.

Before we get too far into Fed v Sandy, here’s your match report on Ash Barty’s historic victory.

Thanks Mike.

So my stint on the blog is all about 20-time grand slam champion and one of the icons of his generation, Roger Federer, against the king of nominative determinism, Tennys Sandgren (Anna Smashnova is the queen, obvs). This is the first time these two have met in competition, Federer coming into it ranked third in the world and the overwhelming favourite, Sandgren, the massive underdog, ranked 100.

Remember to retune your dials so that emails go to jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com and tweets @JPHowcroft.

Well, that was a novel exercise in post-match interviewing. But Jim Courier’s gig won’t under too much threat for the timebeing.

Anyway, another excellent performance from Ash Barty, who becomes the first Australian woman into an Australian Open semi-final since Wendy Turnbull in 1984. An incredible achievement, but pretty much in keeping with this remarkable athlete, who remains on course for a second grand slam title. Fourteenth seed Sofia Kenin is next up, and it would take a brave person to bet against Barty continuing her run at Melbourne Park after that ruthless second-set display against Kvitová.

And with that, I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Jonathan Howcroft, who will take you through Roger Federer’s game with Tennys Sandgren, coming right up on Rod Laver Arena. Cheerio.

Here’s Barty on court, speaking to Casey Dellacqua, who is dragged onto court: “I love putting you on the spot,” says Barty. “I knew I had to bring my best today against Petra.” Barty pays tribute to her coach, Craig Tyzer. “He does everything to the nth degree.”

On Kvitová: “She’s the perfect competitor. She fights her best, regardless of when she always got a grin on her face. I love testing myself against her.”

On her next match, against Kenin. “She’s having an incredible run. She has developed her game over the last 18 months. I’ll have nothing but a massive smile on my face when I come out onto this beautiful court.”

Game, set and match Barty

Second set: Barty* 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 Kvitová (* denotes server) Doubts creep in when Barty gets a challenge wrong at 15-30 down but an ace bails her out and saves the first of two break points. Kvitová then gets a challenge of her own wrong and Barty gets it back to deuce. An ace follows and she is on the brink of the semis... Barty then hammers down another ace, her fifth of the day, to secure her place in the final four!

Second set: Barty 7-6 (8-6), 5-2 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Kvitová fights back from 0-30 down on her serve, levelling at 30-all, but that’s all she’s got. Barty brings up break point, at which point the Czech can only muster a double fault. The Australian world No 1 will now serve for the match and a place in the semis.

Second set: Barty* 7-6 (8-6), 4-2 Kvitová (* denotes server) Kvitová’s not done yet though and things have just got slightly more interesting as the Czech breaks. She needs another one to get back into this match, but could this be the start of a remarkable comeback?

Petra Kvitová
Petra Kvitová celebrates a point. Photograph: Scott Barbour/AAP

Updated

Second set: Barty 7-6 (8-6), 4-1 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Kvitová steadies the ship, some excellent shotmaking this time hitting the mark. She wins to love, although she still has a mountain to climb now if she is to derail Barty, who is just two games away from a spot in the semis, with the ball in her hands next.

Second set: Barty* 7-6 (8-6), 4-0 Kvitová (* denotes server) New balls prompt Kvitová swings from the hip. Initially it works for the Czech, opening up a 30-0 lead, but her gung-ho shot-making does for eventually this game as a lack of precision allows Barty back into it, and eventually hold serve.

Second set: Barty 7-6 (8-6), 3-0 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Barty is flying here. She storms to 30-0 on Kvitová’s serve, and it looks pretty grim for the Czech. Barty stumbles momentarily as she finds the net before a Kvitová double fault hands her two more break points. On the second, a glorious lob – at the third time of asking – clears Kvitová’s frame at the net and lands just inside the basline. A set and two breaks up, Barty is looking good at this point.

Second set: Barty* 7-6 (8-6), 2-0 Kvitová (* denotes server) You get the feeling Barty senses blood now. Kvitová, for all her shotmaking, is beginning to look a bit tired. The Australian really couldn’t find a better way to confirm that break than this – a quick hold to love.

Second set: Barty 7-6 (8-6), 1-0 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Barty’s forehand is wheeled out to good effect to bring up deuce, but Kvitová once again finds a precision winner to save the break point that follows. When faced with a second break point though, a tired shot finds the net, and Barty has the early advantage this second set.

A few first-set stats for you: winners (Barty 10-19 Kvitová), unforced errors (21-28), return winers (0-4), win first serve (70%-75%), break points won (33%-11%).

Barty wins first set 7-6 (8-6)

First set tie-break: Barty 8-6 Kvitová The Czech goes long and Barty has set point on Kvitová’s serve... can she mini-break and secure the first set? Yes she can! Kvitová goes long again at the baseline and Barty has the opener in her back pocket! As expected though, this is an incredibly evenly-matched contest.

First set tie-break: Barty 6-6 Kvitová Barty gets the mini-break but she can’t confirm it as Kvitová pulls level at 4-4. Barty then aces (her third of the day) before Kvitová pulls out one of those forehand winners of hers – 5-5 now. An un-returnable serve later and the Czech has set point, but she can’t get it this time. Six-each as we change ends...

First set tie-break: Barty 3-3 Kvitová There has been so little between these two during the first set it comes as no surprise the tie-breaker is a tightly contested affair. Nothing exemplifies that more than a marathon 22-shot point with Kvitová leading 3-2 – Barty’s powers of retrieval are astounding as she continually manages to get to Kvitová’s balls, return then, and then eventually win the point.

Updated

First set: Barty 6-6 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Off to a tie-break we go after Kvitová benefits from a net cord and wraps up another service game. 59 minutes on the match clock.

First set: Barty* 6-5 Kvitová (* denotes server) Commentator’s curse! Barty gives an inch, maybe even two, as she falls to 15-40 and gives Kvitová a glorious chance to break at a crucial point. But the Czech fails to capitalise – again. That’s been nine break points she has had so far today, and she’s managed to take just one – an 11% conversion rate, by my calculations. And she is made to rue that particular stat as Barty holds.

Rod Laver Arena
The view from the stands on Rod Laver Arena. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA

Updated

First set: Barty 5-5 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Kvitová opens with a double fault... not the best way to start such a crucial game, but she recovers soon enough and – via a brilliant, quick reaction to a net cord midway through the game – she holds. Neither player is giving an inch at the moment.

Updated

First set: Barty* 5-4 Kvitová (* denotes server) Kvitová has few answers to Barty’s opening salvos this game, although a weak shot from the Australian into the net gives the Czech a sniff at 30-40. A double fault follows and having seemingly been cruising, Barty finds herself at deuce. But she then displays all her craft with a couple of perfectly-executed slices on the next rally, to set up game point and she emerges with a hold. Now would be a pretty good time for her to find another break...

First set: Barty 4-4 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Kvitová discards her headband midway through this game as things heat up on court, but her radar is off with an over-cooked volley at the net that goes out at the baseline to bring up deuce and offer Barty a glimmer of a break. She gets that chance soon enough but Kvitová saves it and goes on to hold. Barty blows out her cheeks as the opportunity lost. Still nothing to separate these two, and we’re all square in this first set.

First set: Barty* 4-3 Kvitová (* denotes server) Oof, Kvitová shows her class at 15-0 up on Barty’s serve, opening up her body to fire a beautiful forehand winner back past the Australian. A stunning backhand follows and the Czech has three break points... but Barty manages to save all three! Five deuces follow before another stunning hit from Kvitová’s forehand brings up another break opportunity... she’s wide of the mark though and we go to a sixth deuce... and then a seventh after a fifth break point is saved! Finally, after the longest game of the match by far, Barty manages to hold as we tick over the half-hour mark. Kvitová may have lost that game, but some of ball-hitting was the stuff of champions.

Petra Kvitová
Kvitová’s return of second serve has been devastating at times. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Updated

First set: Barty 3-3 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Another double fault from Kvitová puts the Czech in a spot of bother at 15-30 but she emerges with a much better serve down the T which Barty can only return into the net. She’s wild with a backhand on the next point though and Barty has a chance to break again... no dice this time though as Kvitová aces with impeccable timing. And another ace a point later eventually secures the hold.

First set: Barty* 3-2 Kvitová (* denotes server) Blink and you’ll miss it stuff now. And much better from Barty this time around with the ball in her hand as she races through a service game – the third game on the trot that ends to love. Back on serve on Rod Laver Arena.

First set: Barty 2-2 Kvitová* (* denotes server) But then, just like that, Kvitová wobbles with a poor service game, that includes her first two double faults of the day, allowing Barty to break back straight away with a love game of her own.

First set: Barty* 1-2 Kvitová (* denotes server) Here we go then, Kvitová continues her ominous start to this match with the first break of the day! To love at that, and secured with a belting forehand crosscourt winner that Barty can’t get anywhere near to. The Czech is looking good so far.

First set: Barty 1-1 Kvitová* (* denotes server) Kvitová sets out her stall early in an entirely more comfortable service game, which she wins to love. Probably a good time to remind yourselves of the Czech’s incredible journey over recent years, courtesy of this interview with Simon Hattenstone:

Updated

First set: Barty* 1-0 Kvitová (* denotes server) Here we go then, Barty to serve first. The Australian eases into the swing of things, opening up a 40-0 lead before Kvitová goes on the attack, moving aggressively into the net on several points and eventually bringing up a break point opportunity. Barty saves it though, and then her serve comes to the rescue as she manages to get herself out of a small hole and hold serve.

The players are out on the court, and have just finished warming up. “Ladies and gentlemen, find your seats quickly please,” says the umpire, and we’re just about ready to go.

Sofia Kenin awaits in the semi-finals

Kenin, of the US, is through to her maiden grand slam semi-final, having just beaten Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4 after an hour and 32 minutes in the first match of the day on Rod Laver. Kenin, the first woman through to the semis, will play the winner of Barty v Kvitová next. But the American 14th seed says she doesn’t care who she meets. “I’m in the semi-finals, at this point whoever I play they’re playing really well.” She’ll be watching on though. “I’ll watch it’ll be an exciting match.”

Preamble

With the nation’s recently-installed favourite athlete of all-time, Nick Kyrgios, now departed from the single’s draw, home hopes firmly rest on the shoulders of Ash Barty, a woman who genuinely has a lock on a place in Australian hearts. Today on Rod Laver Arena, the world No 1 faces her toughest challenge yet at this year’s tournament at Melbourne Park.

Barty comes into this clash having won her last three matches against Petra Kvitová, but also with the memory of last year’s drubbing at the hands of the Czech at the same stage of the Australian Open lingering in the back of her mind. Of course, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then – including wins for Barty in Miami, Beijing and at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, not to mention a French Open triumph and her ascension to the summit of the rankings – and she should be quietly confident of going further than she has been before at this tournament by booking a spot in the semi-finals.

Kvitová does hold a career 4-3 head-to-head record against Barty, though. And the Australian is expecting a tough outing against the two-time Wimbledon champion. “I think I’m looking forward to another battle against a quality opponent,” she said earlier this week. It promises to be an intriguing afternoon of tennis in the sunshine on Rod Laver Arena.

And later on, Roger Federer takes on the unseeded American, Tennys Sandgren in the men’s quarter-finals before Novak Djokovic headlines the evening session on Rod Laver with a match against Canada’s Milos Raonic.

All that and more to come. Time now just quickly for some housekeeping before we get underway – do email your thoughts to mike.hytner@theguardian.com or if Twitter is your thing, it’s @mike_hytner.

Updated

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