That’s all from me today. Thanks for following and until tomorrow. The order of plays for Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena are below.
#AusOpen Order of Play - Thursday January 23 - MCA #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/kvRv8pS8m9
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
#AusOpen Order of Play - Thursday January 23 - RLA #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/vUUTdDVVFq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
Here is Simon Cambers’ interview with Caroline Wozniacki as she plays the final tournament of her career.
Fabio Fognini recovered from two sets down in his first round against Reilly Opelka, winning 7-6(4) in the fifth. Today he blew a two sets lead but got it done 7-6(5) in the fifth. He is very happy about all of this:
Good fight. I think that at the end it was more sweet [than a simple win]. You know why? Because I was winning two sets to zero, then two sets all, then 7-6 in the fifth? Wow, amazing!
It’s perfect, I feel good. Tired for sure. [At] two sets to zero, I played a horrible game on my serve at beginning of the third set and then he was playing better, he was serving unbelievable and that’s OK. That’s the sport. I won two matches 7-6 in the fifth. So, I couldn’t be more happy than that
I had 75 match points, I think. As I say, at the end it’s more sweetie [sic] because it’s too easy winning in three sets.
The crowd laughed and then Fognini went on his way. He has probably ensured with these first two matches that he will hit a physical wall soon, but as long as he is in the draw he is incredibly fun to watch.
Madison Keys marches past Aranxta Rus 7-6(3) 6-2. In less dramatic news, the tenth seed and former semi-finalist eases through with no troubles. Keys is in some of the best form of her career and she usually brings her best tennis in a slam. Watch out.
Fabio Fognini survives Australia's Jordan Thompson 7-6 6-1 3-6 4-6 7-6 (10-4)
What a battle! Fognini sealed the win with a screaming backhand down the line winner from the Italian. Fognini watched as his two set lead crumbled to a valiant Aussie, but he dragged himself back into the match in the fifth set and just about did enough to see it through.
All credit to Thompson for his fight. He battled from two sets down and then he saved four match points across two service games in the fifth set, but in the end he was just outplayed by a better tennis player.
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Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-6 (*3-7) Fabio Fognini: Fognini finally stepped in and took his forehand on, forcing Thompson out wide with a crosscourt forehand to force a Thompson error at *4-3. Fognini then found a great service winner at *5-3 to consolidate the mini-break. At 6-3*, Thompson dumped another backhand into the net.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-6 (3-4*) Fabio Fognini: The Italian takes an early lead in the ten point tiebreak. Thompson has just made a couple of loose backhand errors here. He will need to cut them out because Fognini has decided to load the Thompson backhand, taking as little risk as he can.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-6 Fabio Fognini: Thompson pieces together another miraculous hold, this time from 15-40 and double match point down to push Fognini into a deciding tiebreak. Thompson saved the third match point with a couple of incredible forehands from a defensive position, ending with a forehand winner. On the fourth, he crushed a backhand down the line. Across the net, Fognini is so tense and passive in these big moments. He is just waiting for unforced errors that may or may not come and this may come back to hurt him.
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Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 *5-6 Fabio Fognini: Fognini wobbled there, making two horrendous forehand errors from 40-15 and piling the pressure on himself. But the Italian responded well, rushing Thompson with early ballstriking and brutal ballstriking off both wings in a long point at deuce, eventually forcing the error. Finally, Fognini held with a wicked inside out forehand winner. Thompson will serve to stay in the match again.
On Rod Laver Arena, Madison Keys leads Aranxta Rus 7-6 1-1.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 5-5* Fabio Fognini: A astounding hold from Thompson, who saves two match points to level the set. After being pegged back by a tenacious Fognini from 40-15, Thompson saved the first match point with an ace and the second with a huge down-the-line point-ending forehand.
All the while, Fognini was pressing as much as he could and crushing Thompson’s second serves. But the Aussie stepped up and trusted both ground strokes, pounding his forehand whenever possible and soaking up the constant pressure his weaker backhand received to keep himself alive.
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Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 *4-5 Fabio Fognini: Fognini follows up with a quick hold of his own, sealed with a curling ace. The momentum has clearly shifted and Fognini is strolling through his service games. Thompson will serve to stay in the match as Fognini looks to make his momentum count.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 4-4* Fabio Fognini: Thompson blinks first, dumping a forehand into the net at 30-30. But he responded with such clarity on break point, serving out wide and sweeping to the net to dispatch the volley. At deuce he swept into the net again, burying a crosscourt backhand before eventually finishing the point with another overhead. He closed it off with great body serve. Nothing short of a bold, excellent hold. We go on.
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Serena Williams’ “testy” win over Zidansek.
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Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 *3-4 Fabio Fognini: Another solid hold for Fognini. So far, both Thompson and Fognini have won a total of 3 return points each in this set. With the exception of Thompson’s escape from 0-30 at 1-2, neither have had anything to worry about. That will change soon.
Here is Kevin Mitchell on Dan Evans saying that he probably will not compete in the Tokyo Olympics.
First set: Madison Keys *3-4 Aranxta Rus: On Rod Laver Arena, 2016 semi-finalist Madison Keys is being given plenty to think about by 93rd-ranked Aranxta Rus, an extremely consistent lefty who is continually forcing the American to hit an extra ball. Still on serve.
Fabio Fognini holds for 3-2 against Jordan Thompson.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 2-2* Fabio Fognini: A stunning hold from Thompson. After falling down 0-30 by dumping a forehand volley into the net, he responded by coming forward again and dispatching a volley, a couple of big serves and then the crown jewel at 40-30: an absurd running down-the-line backhand passing shot. Incredible work. He is still in it.
Fifth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 *1-2 Fabio Fognini: Fognini looks a lot sharper early in the fifth set. He is serving well and sweeping up short balls, piecing together two easy holds in the process.
Fourth set: Jordan Thompson 6-7(1) 1-6 6-3 6-4 Fabio Fognini:
We’re heading to 5 sets on Margaret Court Arena. After being thoroughly outclassed in the opening set, the Aussie has turned it all around in front of his home crowd.
Wozniacki's quote on Yastremska's MTO... pic.twitter.com/ED3MripU51
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 22, 2020
Millman on facing Federer after his win at the USO: 'If lightning strikes twice, I wouldn't say no to it. Look, it's what you want to do. You don't play sport to not want these moments. Home slam against someone like Roger, it's pretty cool.'
— Ravi Ubha (@raviubha) January 22, 2020
Speaking of Aussies, Jordan Thompson is currently attempting an incredible comeback from two sets down against twelfth seed Fabio Fognini. It is the final match of the evening on Margaret Court Arena, with Madison Keys vs Aranxta Rus moved to Rod Laver Arena. The score is currently 6-7(4) 1-6 6-3 *3-2.
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Federer also spoke about his upcoming match with Aussie John Millman, who beat him at the 2018 US Open in suffocating humidity:
Great guy. I’ve practiced a lot with him. I almost passed out when I played against him in your city in New York. It was so hot. He had no problem; he’s from Queensland, so he’s like: ‘Normal stuff.’ He never came to check on me if I passed out actually, after the match! But I didn’t, I’m here.
He’s a super good guy, unbelievably tough opponent. There’s not many guys fitter than him out there. Those are the guys I respect the most actually because he gets absolutely the most out of the game. I hope it’s going to be a great match with some great rallies and I hope you guys enjoy it.
Roger Federer spoke to John McEnroe after the match. McEnroe opened his interview by fawning over Federer’s great performance:
“They didn’t tell you to say that, right? You mean it? I’m very happy, it’s a great start to the season so far. I’m feeling really relaxed out on court. You train hard and you hope it pays off and not that it was all for nothing this week. I’m happy, I’m still going and I’m looking forward to the next one of course. Hopefully another good match.
“At 0-40, 5-1 [fourth set], I was thinking it wasn’t 100% fair that he played three and a half hours yesterday and me zero! But the rain helped me so you gotta take them when they fall that way. Yeah, I do feel a little sorry for it but you have to take advantage of it, I don’t know.”
Roger Federer defeats Filip Krajinovic 6-1 6-4 6-1
Roger Federer completes an efficient performance with a quick break to 15, sealed with a wicked forehand crosscourt winner.
Federer should be very happy with that. He started incredibly well and his game flowed for much of the match, but it was the little blip in the second set that should please him the most. When Krajinovic finally showed some resistance to break his serve, Federer responded quickly. Good win.
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Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 5-1* Filip Krajinovic: With an ace down the T after more excellent serving, Federer holds to 15 and moves to within a game of victory. This probably will not take too long.
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Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 *4-1 Filip Krajinovic: Krajinovic actually called out the doctor to treat his arm, so naturally Federer immediately tested it out by drawing him into a long rallies with ample slice and margin. Krajinovic sent a forehand well long at 15-30 after one such rally and then he mishandled a tough volley on break point. Double break secured.
Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 3-1* Filip Krajinovic: Medical timeouts can be controversial. They often affect the opposing player, arresting their momentum and giving them time to think about what they are doing. Apparently this doesn’t apply to Federer! He strolled back to the baseline after the break, slammed down a few aces and held to love in what felt like a couple of seconds.
Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 *2-1 Filip Krajinovic: Great work from the Serb to keep himself in the game. He saved break point thanks to a Federer unforced error but otherwise he pummelled the ball throughout and moved forward to the net whenever he could.
Krajinovic generated one game point from deuce with a sizzling backhand down the line. When Federer scuppered the game point with a searing forehand winner of his own, the Serb just kept on going. He eventually saw out the hold with a big serve followed by a point ending forehand down-the-line.
Krajinovic has now called the doctor.
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Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 2-0* Filip Krajinovic: Federer consolidates the break with a quick hold to 15 and no problems whatsoever. He closed it off with a beautiful low forehand volley off a serve and volley on game point.
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Third set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 *1-0 Filip Krajinovic: The Serb’s resistance was fun while it lasted. Krajinovic handed over his service game with a double fault on break point after some sloppy errors earlier in the game. However, kudos to Federer for a glorious angled backhand passing shot at 15-30. The finishing line is slowly appearing in the distance.
Roberto Bautista Agut moves into the third round. A big third round battle with Marin Cilic, who is beginning to show some form, awaits.
RBA is through 💪
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 22, 2020
Next up: Cilic 👀@BautistaAgut | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/yACgwtt30Y
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 6-4 Filip Krajinovic: Federer blinked for one brief second, but the Swiss overcame his second set stutter with aplomb. A nice hold to 15 to close off the set with ample big serving, sealed with a big service winner down the T. One set away.
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Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 *5-4 Filip Krajinovic: That did not last very long. Federer tightened up his game and refused to miss but that was fairly disappointing from Krajinovic. He missed a routine backhand at 15-30 and then dumped a backhand volley into the net at 15-40. Still, Federer should be pleased with how quickly he recovered the break and tightened up his game.
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 4-4* Filip Krajinovic: Filip Kraijinovic breaks! And how deserved it was. He is returning extremely well now and he put Federer’s serve under constant pressure in that return game, forcing three errors off Federer’s first shot after his serve.
On break point, Krajinovic refused to hesitate this time, crunching the ball and then moving forward behind a big forehand to force a Federer error. Bold.
Is this the best shot of the day? 😱@RogerFederer gets a huge cheer from the crowd after an incredible point 🔊
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 22, 2020
🇦🇺 Watch the #AusOpen LIVE
📺 Eurosport 1 and 2
📱💻🖥 Eurosport Player: https://t.co/0Fa7uXMVB9 pic.twitter.com/RzEaZGt0cN
Elsewhere, the two other top seeds in action are flitting to victory almost as quickly as Federer now.
Twelfth seed Fabio Fognini is up 7-6(4) 6-1 on Aussie Jordan Thompson and Ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut now leads Michael Mmoh 5-7 6-2 6-4 *4-1.
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 4-2* Filip Krajinovic: Krajinovic really could have changed the second set there. After a couple of loose points from Federer including an errant slice under no pressure, Krajinovic found himself up break point and with a big opportunity on his favoured backhand. Instead of burying the short ball and moving the set to 3-3, he sent the ball flying wide as he screamed in frustration. Federer quickly dusted himself off, found his first serve and held. Opportunity gone.
The look on the face of Filip Krajinovic.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) January 22, 2020
1-6, 2-3 after 37 minutes. Not even playing badly.
Federer still on his Exho tour.
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 *3-2 Filip Krajinovic: A good hold from Krajinovic, who saved two break points to keep himself in the set. Federer helped with the shank on the first break point, but the Serb continued to be aggressive and advance to the net. He finished with some beautiful hands at the net as Federer desperately attempted to pass him.
It should be noted that Federer came up with the shot of the match at 15-30. Krajinovic hit the most perfect backhand volley right into the corner, only for Federer to chase it down and effortlessly flick a forehand past him.
Elsewhere, ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut just took the third set against Michael Mmoh to lead 5-7 6-2 6-4 in Melbourne Arena. In Margaret Court Arena, Fabio Fognini leads Australia’s Jordan Thompson 7-6 4-0.
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 2-0* Filip Krajinovic: The one thing Federer’s first set performance lacked was his typical good serving. He won only 71% of points behind his first serve and struggled to hit his spots. Sadly for Krajinovic, that seems to be changing. Federer held for his second consecutive love hold with a searing ace down the T.
Second set: Roger Federer 6-1 *1-0 Filip Krajinovic: Krajinovic attempted to change things up with some net forays. He hit a couple of really nice volleys, but then at 30-30 he dumped a volley into the net behind an attempted serve and volley. At 30-40, Krajinovic stayed back and Federer bullied him at the baseline with a vicious inside out forehand. He cannot win in any part of the court.
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Roger Federer hit 13 winners and 4 unforced errors in the first set, which is close enough to perfect. Across the net, Krajinovic hit 7 winners and 5 unforced errors. He had a positive ratio yet still won only one game. That doesn’t exactly help with the confidence.
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First set: Roger Federer 6-1 Filip Krajinovic: Roger Federer takes the first set with some great serving and his first love hold of the day. It is fair to say that Federer has indeed hit the ground running.
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First set: Roger Federer *5-1 Filip Krajinovic: The Serb averts the break with thanks to some sloppy forehands from Federer, who swung for the fences with the knowledge that he will have many opportunities to serve this out. The third seed will serve for the set.
First set: Roger Federer 5-0* Filip Krajinovic: Krajinovic has played some lovely points and he has showed his talent, this time moving to 30-30 on Federer’s serve for the second time. However, the score is 5-0 in 15 minutes and for good reason. From 30-30, Federer slammed down an unreturned serve and then crushed an inside out forehand winner to move ahead. One game away from the first set.
First set: Roger Federer *4-0 Filip Krajinovic: Krajinovic finally had a chance to put himself on the board at 40-30, but in the blink of an eye it was gone. Federer saved the break point by crunching a forehand down the line winner and then he found another brutal inside out forehand to snatch the second break. Meanwhile, the Krajinovic forehand is already landing too short and leaking too many errors.
First set: Roger Federer 3-0* Filip Krajinovic: Federer consolidates the break with no problem and plenty of help from his opponent. Krajinovic actually pushed him to 30-30 for the first time, only to errantly stop the point in order to challenge Federer’s serve. The ball was in. Federer then feathered in a sublime forehand dropshot at 40-30 to put clear distance between the two.
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First set: Roger Federer *2-0 Filip Krajinovic: If this is the perfect start for Federer, it is already a bit of a nightmare for the Serb. Krajinovic flitted to the net twice in succession, one to Federer’s forehand and the other to Federer’s backhand. How did Federer respond? He slotted in an easy passing shot both times. It took Federer a couple of break points, including one gorgeous drop volley from Krajinovic at 30-40, but he broke on the third.
First set: Roger Federer 1-0* Filip Krajinovic: The perfect start for Federer, who holds to 15 with ease. The third seed slammed down some big serves and then he slotted an easy forehand down the line winner on game point. No problem.
What can we expect from Filip Krajinovic? Krajinovic is an elegant player with a lovely backhand and a lot of variety. He likes to play dropshots and come to the net, plus he is a decent returner. His problem against Federer is that he simply doesn’t serve well enough and his forehand can be too tentative under pressure. If he brings his best tennis, he can certainly push Federer for a set or so but anything else would usually be a big surprise.
However, this isn’t a normal occasion. Federer is arriving in Melbourne with minimal preparation after he spent his off season traveling around South American for lucrative exhibitions. His form is still a huge question mark and he really needs to hit the ground running this week if he wants another good run in Melbourne.
Only the three roofed courts are in play right now:
Third seed Roger Federer and Filip Krajinovic are warming up on Rod Laver Arena.
Jordan Thompson has a narrow 6-5* lead against twelfth seed Fabio Fognini on Margaret Court Arena.
Michael Mmoh and ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut will finish their second round match on Melbourne Arena. The current score: 7-5 2-6 2-1.
Another great win for Australia’s John Millman, who moves into the third round with a brilliant 6-4 7-4 6-3 win over 31st seed Hubert Hurkacz. He will face the winner of the upcoming match between Roger Federer and Filip Krajinovic.
🇦🇺 Millmania has officially hit Melbourne! 🇦🇺@johnhmillman putting a smile on many Aussie faces tonight 😊#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/1BWqPvlD3U
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
Serena Williams on her second round win:
It was a good match for me. She was a real good fighter and she didn’t just let me win [laughter]. Everyone plays me like that though so it’s nothing new. I was up 40-0 on both of her serves so I was a little frustrated. I think I made so many errors in a row so I had to battle through that; my own internal emotions.
I knew I had to play better. I couldn’t keep making unforced errors like that. I knew I had to just step up or it was going to be a very long evening for me. So, I don’t know. I know I have a great forehand, I know I have a great backhand so I just have to rely on it a little bit more and not question myself so much
Serena Williams outclasses Tamara Zidansek 6-2 6-3 to reach round three
After a host of missed returns and wayward forehands, of course Serena Williams finished it off with a dismissive forehand return winner.
The comfortable scoreline belies the fact that this was often a struggle and the American was frustrated with her level of play throughout. This could have been a statement win for Williams, but no matter. Victory is the most important thing for her and she will have another opportunity to play her best tennis in round three.
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Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 5-3* Tamara Zidansek: A well consolidated break from Serena Williams to move within a game of victory. At 30-15, she slammed down a big unreturned serve and then she pressured the Zidansek forehand on game point, eliciting an error. Although Williams continues to cheer and shout, she seems slightly more relaxed with the break secured.
Hitting her stride...@serenawilliams breaks for a 6-2 4-3 lead over Zidansek#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LGacNlNVhV
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2020
Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 *4-3 Tamara Zidansek: At last, Williams finally breaks. Once again, she moved to 0-40 with for a third consecutive game, but this time she nailed a point ending backhand down-the-line and cheered to her team. This seems like the decisive break.
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Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 3-3* Tamara Zidansek: Serena digs out a hold, but what a struggle that was. She missed numerous routine forehands, screamed dramatically after every winner and dumped one particulary dire forehand drive volley into the net as her mother, Oracene, screamed “why?” to the heavens.
However, Williams also found big serves on the break points and she held with a great backhand down the line. Still on serve.
It has been drizzling in Melbourne for some while and the roof is now sliding into action on Rod Laver Arena. Meanwhile, Michael Mmoh and Roberto Bautista Agut, who are competing on an outside court, have been sent to the locker room.
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Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 *2-3 Tamara Zidansek: Once again, Williams worked her way to 0-40 before faltering. She missed the first break point with a backhand return into the net, the second after failing to track down a sweet drop shot from Zidansek and the third with another netted backhand return. At deuce, Williams sent a forehand return flying many metres wide and then she shanked final forehand return close to the back fence.
In other words, she just missed four returns in five points. Oh dear.
Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 2-2* Tamara Zidansek: The good news for Serena is that she is winning the vast majority of the big points here, even as she seethes and shows her displeasure at some of her play. This time, she fell down 15-30 after some great play from the Slovenian. Her response? Three unreturned serves in succession to hold.
Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 *1-2 Tamara Zidansek: Zidansek digs out another hold! This time she saved four break points with winners that included a gutsy net point and a searing down the line backhand winner. She is showing her ability and Williams is getting increasingly frustrated with every point. A small amount of pressure for the American.
Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 1-1* Tamara Zidansek: After another underwhelming hold from Williams, she is understandably not happy. Williams led 40-15 before a couple of errors, including a limp forehand into the bottom of the net at 40-30, brought her back to deuce. Williams then found two big serves to hold.
Second set: Serena Williams 6-2 *0-1 Tamara Zidansek: That was an infinitely better start to the set from Zidansek. At 30-30, she hooked a brilliant forehand down-the-line winner into the corner before executing a delicate dropshot to hold immediately. Williams has hit 14 unforced errors today and she may well hit more errors with more games like that from the Slovenian.
First set: Serena Williams 6-2 Tamara Zidansek: Serena Williams snatches the first set with few problems on her second set point, sealed with a huge body serve service winner. Business as usual on Rod Laver Arena.
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First set: Serena Williams *5-2 Tamara Zidansek: Good effort from Zidansek, who saved set point with an unreturned body serve and then marched to a second hold of the match. She kept her depth in the rallies and actually managed to push Williams back on game point, forcing a wayward backhand error from the former number one. Williams will serve for the first set now.
First set: Serena Williams 5-1* Tamara Zidansek: Serena Williams has raced to a 5-1 lead but she has not had it all her own way here. She saved break point before holding for 3-1 and then Zidansek pushed her to deuce at 4-1. Serena seems to be overplaying a little and she dumped an easy overhead into the net on her first advantage. However, she came through with a service winner followed by a booming crosscourt forehand.
Tommy Paul beats Grigor Dimitrov in thriller
Tommy Paul defeats Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 (10-8). What an effort from Tommy Paul to recover from a break down in the final set. By far the biggest win of his career and his first ever slam third round.
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Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov vs Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 6-6 (3-9*): Match point for Tommy Paul after Dimitrov dumped a backhand into the net.
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Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov vs Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 6-6 (3-8*): Dimitrov sprayed a forehand long and then bunted a volley out. Paul to serve for an incredible win.
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Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 6-6 (*3-6): Tommy Paul took the minibreak and then he nailed two brilliant crosscourt forehands in successive points. Great serving from him there and he has a significant lead in the tiebreak.
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Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov vs Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 6-6: We are heading to a final set tiebreak after Dimitrov held with some good serving and then a great combination of volleys at the net.
This is very difficult to call - Paul looks more likely to take the ball on and make something happen in the tiebreak, but he is also visibly tired. Dimitrov could probably run for another 10 hours, but he is so tense on the big points.
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First set: Serena Williams 2-0* Tamara Zidansek: Serena Williams has started on Rod Laver Arena and she is already in full flow. She battered Zidansek’s serve to open the match with a break, then she pieced together a brilliant hold to 15, punctuated with a 187kmh unreturned serve.
Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov defeats Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 *5-6: Paul looks absolutely exhausted out here and nothing in his short career has prepared him for such a tense 5 setter on the biggest stage, but here he is fighting his heart out. After an unreturned serve at 30-15 and an ace out wide at 40-15, he will get at least a deciding tiebreak.
Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov defeats Tommy Paul 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 5-5*: Incredible scenes as Tommy Paul breaks back for 5-5! Dimitrov was 30-0 up but as the Bulgarian faltered, Paul threw the kitchen sink across the court. At 30-30, he nailed a backhand down the line and then, after a long and tense rally, he attacked the net and forced a backhand error from Dimitrov to break back. The Bulgarian is far too passive in these tense moments and he is paying for it.
Serena Williams and Tamara Zidansek have arrived on Rod Laver Arena. Serena could not have had a better start to the year, really. She started her season with a tough, hard fought title in Auckland and she looked fantastic in her opening round against Anastasia Potapova. This is another opportunity for her to show her level against a lesser opponent. We’ll see if the 22 year-old can disrupt Williams with her slice and defence. It will be certainly be hard.
Fifth set: Grigor Dimitrov 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 *4-3 Tommy Paul: Tense, tense moments on Margaret Court Arena with a flurry of breaks. First Dimitrov broke for 3-2, then Paul broke straight back, but Dimitrov was unperturbed. He restored the break lead with a pair of brilliant points: at deuce, he broke up a long 20 stroke rally with a wicked down the line slice that forced a Paul forehand error. On break point, he nailed a backhand down the line passing shot. We’ll see if Dimitrov has the nerve to finish it.
What has happened so far today? The good news for most of the top seeds: not much has happened. Petra Kvitova, Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka are all through in the women’s draw, while Caroline Wozniacki pulled off a great 7-5 7-5 win over Dayana Yastremska, recovering from a double break down in both sets to brush aside retirement for one more day. Coco Gauff, meanwhile, edged out Sorana Cirstea 7-5 in the third to book another meeting with Naomi Osaka. 13th seed Elise Mertens fell to Julia Goerges, a superior player despite the rankings, while 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka was outplayed by former top 5 player Carla Suarez Navarro, the woman with the glorious single-handed backhand, who will retire at the end of theyear.
In the men’s draw, Dan Evans was ousted by Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan, Novak Djokovic was an easy winner, Stefanos Tsitsipas received a walkover and Milos Raonic also won. The major upset so far is 8th seed Matteo Berrettini, who fell in five sets to Tenny Sandgren
The big match in progress right now is between 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov and young American Tommy Paul on Margaret Court Arena. 22 year-old Paul started incredibly well, but the the Bulgarian has admirably fought back from two sets down to force a fifth set. The current score at 4-6 6-7 6-3 7-6 1-1* and there will be a one set shootout for a spot in the third round.
Here is Kevin Mitchell on Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, who will meet again on Friday after their victories today.
Preamble
Hello! Welcome to our coverage on night three of the Australian Open. After the 88 completed singles matches yesterday, today has thankfully been a little more relaxed and the tournament will be hoping that we are also in store for a relaxed night as its two most famous players return to the Rod Laver Arena.
Serena Williams will kick off the night session with her first ever meeting against Tamara Zidansek. The Slovenian is a resourceful, intelligent player with great movement, but she is also quite underpowered and the lack of weight behind her shots will make this a tough match-up against the supreme weaponry of Serena Williams.
It will likely be a similar scenario when Roger Federer faces Filip Krajinovic, a stylish Serbian player with a lovely backhand and ample variety. However, Krajinovic’s game also lacks the heft required to go toe-to-toe with the 20 time slam champion’s vicious aggression. Still, the pair have played three times before and, although Krajinovic lost each meeting, he should take heart from snatching a set against Federer in 2018.
On Margaret Court Arena, Australia’s Jordan Thompson will face 12th seed Fabio Fognini and 10th seed Madison Keys, a former semi-finalist, will be up against Aranxta Rus.
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