Aha, Sinner tells Eurosport his stomach situation isn’t muscular – he felt “some air” there, probably something he ate, and it soon disappeared. Great news, and now I really am off. Bye!
Sinner will also be pleased with a relatively early finish, just before 1.30am, but let’s hope whatever is up with his stomach clears up during the two days off he now has. Otherwise, though, that’s us done for today; we’ll be back tomorrow with the remaining quarter-finals; Alexander Zverev v Carlos Alcaraz looks the pick, but there’s plenty else about which to experience excitement. But for now, this is us, so peace out.
I guess Sinner showed us one way to beat Rublev: stay solid, don’t do anything silly. That said, Rublev just couldn’t win the biggest points, not something anyone will say about Djokovic, and he’ll need to play a lot better on Friday if he’s to win. In that match, hanging in points won’t work, but I’m sure he’ll come with a plan an I can’t wait to see how it goes.
Sinner acknowledges that he might’ve lost sets one and two, but on the many break points, “I somehow served really well”. Yeah, somehow – if “somehow” means being massive, brilliant, hardworking and tough.
Asked about the breaker, he says it was windy so he knew he had an advantage, then more generally that it’s all about process for him. His team were talking before the tournament saying the main thing is the company you have, and being with them is great. If success comes they’re all happy, but if not they still have great company and great fun, working hard to see how far he can go.
On Djokovic, who he’s beaten twice since losing to him at Wimbledon, he says he’s lucky to face him again – “he won here … some times!” – will fight for every ball and see what happens.
Ah man, poor old Rublev. He seems a really sound sort, and is unlucky that, as number five seed, he met the number four seed in the last eight, but he just couldn’t win the big points tonight and there’s no sense that he’s ever likely to.
Jannik Siner (4) beats Andrey Rublev (5) 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3
Rublev uncorks an inside-out animal for 0-15, but a body-serve cramps him, his return floating long and wide. Sent out wide next delivery, he again goes long, and you feel for him as the camera catches his eyes; I remember Andy Murray saying recently that when he lost the 2012 Wimbledon final to Roger Federer, he had to accept the possibility that he might never win a Slam – that must’ve hurt. Of course he then nailed the Olympics followed by the US, but Rublev is showing no signs of getting closer, and though he makes 30-all when Sinner sends down a rare double, the Italian comes in to hammer a forehand and clean up with an overhead. Another serve out wide and net pat-away follow, and that’s Sinner into the last four – where he’ll once again meet Novak Djokovic, who beat him when they met at that stage in SW19.
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Rublev makes 40-0 then shanks a forehand wide, before thundering down the fastest serve of the match – 209km/h – for an ace which forces Sinner to serve for the match at 5-3 in the third.
I guess the main difference tonight has been Sinner’s serving when down break point, but it’s also fair to say that in general play, he’s looked the more reliable player. And though I’ve said he’s not actually been that good, which I think is fair, if he converts this advantage to a three-set win, it’ll also be fair to say that his tactics have worked: whack it if it’s there but otherwise don’t force it and await the error. Sinner consolidates to 15, and he’s a game away.
It’s just past 1am in Melbourne now – that can’t be right. Anyway, Rublev nets a volley – it’s a poor shot, but Sinner asked the question – then, at 15-all, lands an inside-out forehand on the line, just. At 40-15, though, a fine forehand return takes control of the rally, then another is enough to win the next, Sinner making deuce then unleashing a terrific forehand before changing the direction of the rally with a wrong-footer to raise advantage and break point. And a barrage monstrous forehands, a loopy one to the forehand corner then another to the back and a third to fore – Rublev gives up the chase which suggests he knows where is going – take him two games away at 6-4 7-6 4-2!
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Another minger of a rally that it’s tiring to watch, never mind play, ends with Rublev howling as he goes long to cede 30-15. A succession of forehands then make 40-15, and ace follows, and Sinner leads 6-4 7-6 3-2.
I said earlier that Sinner’s not playing that well and he isn’t, but his serving when down break-point has been superb. But it’s Rublev holding the balls now and two aces help him secure 2-2 in the third in short order.
A fantastic rally to start the game, 30 strokes and featuring an inspired forehand get from Sinner. But when he nets a forehand he faces 0-15 … then Rublev nets his second shot of the next rally and we wind up at 30-all. Not for long, though, Sinner sticking a backhand into the top of the net, and can Rublev finally snaffle a break point the seventh he’s earned today? Er, no, a decent second serve inciting an error, but he soon has another chance when Sinner floats tamely long; but not for long, delivery out wide and clean-up forehand making deuce. And he soon secures another hold, up 2-0, 2-1.
A forehand down the line earns Sinner 0-15 and he’ll know that a break now could end the match as a contest. But perhaps cognisant of that, he goes for too much, handing over the game with a succession of errors and Rublev is on the board in set three.
Rublev is proper anguished here, and well he might be. He’s seen this before, we’ve seen this before, and there’s no sense he’s the tools to make it different this time. Sinner holds to 15 and leads 6-4 7-6 1-0.
Jannik Sinner takes the second set against Andrey Rublev to lead 6-4 7-5(6)
Oh dear, oh dear. Hold tight Sinner, who upped his game to fight back from 1-5 down, but for Rublev to avoid winning another from there is very poor, likewise the backhand he swipes wide when down set point. It’s a long way back from here and he’s going to feel the pain of that collapse for a while.
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A body-serve cramps Rublev, who floats his return long, and 5-1 is now 5-5. Nor is that it, Sinner switching the flow of the next point with a forehand to the corner before cleaning up with an overhead, and at 6-5 he has set point!
But have a look! The players thrash away from the back, hitting down the middle then, sent to the corner, Sinner creams a glorious forehand winner cross-court, on the run, to end the longest rally of the match and retrieve one mini-break … then the other thanks to a very nice backhand down the line. Nothing with Rublev is easy, and though he leads the breaker 5-4, we’re back on serve in it.
If it’s Sinner, it’ll be hard to imagine him losing, but it’s Rublev who forges in front first, a banger of a forehand return too good and securing the mini-break at 2-1. And a fine serve, followed by a fine forehand up the line give him 4-1, then another, inside-out from centre to corner, and it’s 5-1!
Now then! Receiving at 30-40, Rublev alters the flow of the rally with a forehand and sees it through to earn deuce … but from there Sinner closes out quickly and here comes out second-set breaker. I’ve not a clue who’s going to win it.
Rublev holds in short order and he’s playing less carelessly this set, but can he put Sinner under pressure on return? He leads 6-5 in the second.
Sinner’s power hasn’t diminished as a consequence of his stomach situation and a gibongous serve out wide makes 15-0 … but a double and it’s 15-all. He rushes to 40-15, though, but look at that! Rublev rearranges feet well behind the baseline and in the backhand corner, to spirit a forehand winner cross-court. So Sinner shmaises a serve down the T and that’s 6-5 5-5.
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Two errors from Rublev give Sinner 0-30, but the stomach is still an issue; Rublev halves his arrears with an ace, levelling the game with a service-winer out wide. But then he cracks a forehand into the top of the net without good excuse and this might be the crucial point of the match coming up, at least if Sinner takes it. But he can’t his return short, and behind in the rally he nets a backhand for deuce. No matter! Rublev goes wide with his serve and Sinner reads it, moving early to cart a tremendous forehand winner cross-court … only to hit long after hitting a couple of lines earlier in the rally; back to deuce. I’m Rublev, I’m seeing Sinner’s injury and trying to make him run and stretch, but as I type that he makes a nonsense of my inexpert coaching at advantage down, monstering a fantastic and unexpected winner that regains deuce. This is now another of those games that, if it goes to the Italian, will feel decisive, but Rublev closes out well and Sinner must now serve to stay in set two leading 6-4 4-5 – after Rublev’s been for a lag, and to check in with us.
Sinner slaps a backhand long and again hand goes to stomach. If it’s muscular and presumably it is, there’s not a lot can be done about save a painkiller, and if it’s a serious problem, even if he gets through this match, he’s not beating Djokovic with an injury. He doesn’t look about to give up though, clenching fist when Rublev, up 15-30, wastes a second serve by netting his return. And really good backhand, deep to the forehand corner, means he’s got break point for the third Sinner service-game on the bike … but again he can’t take it, needlessly flapping a backhand long. That is very poor indeed – he wasn’t attempting a winner, or to hit a line, so the imprecision is unacceptable – and very quickly, the game is taken away from him. Sinner leads 6-4 4-4, and the pressure mounts.
Down 15-40, Sinner does really to take command of the next rally, hammering away with forehands to incite the error, but he then floats long on the return and Rublev holds for 4-3. This set is getting tense.
I wonder about Sinner. Obviously he’s superb, and when Djokovic goes there’ll be opportunities, but does his game have enough to it to win Slams? His serve is fantastic, likewise his temperament, but my sense is he needs to get better at curtailing points against the better players. It’s rare he does something to take your breath away, and generally, that quality unites all major winners in the men’s game. Anyroad, he makes hard work of this latest service-game, from 40-15 up finding himself at deuce thanks to a Rublev winner and an unforced error. Eeesh, he’s holding his stomach – I hope that’s not a muscular thing – then slams a forehand down the line that lands fractionally outside of it. Break-point down, he fingers his tummy again then wallops down an ace. meaning Rublev is now 0/5 and, perhaps stung by that, the Russian again loses patience, swiping wide, before directing a return into the net. Still, though, Sinner touches his stomach gingerly – geddit! – so though he leads 6-4 3-3, it might be that the match is changing/
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My coverage cuts out, returning for me to see we’re at deuce on the Rublev serve – no great surprise as last time he missed break points, he was then broken. But he serves his way out of this through deuce, and leads 3-2 in the second.
Good work from Rublev, his forehand carrying two decent rallies that give him 30-all. Sinner, though, is unfazed, quickly winning the next point, but again Rublev sticks about for long enough to make deuce when his opponent errs. He’s not been to the bog, no, but perhaps his coaches are checking in with us because he’s now following our advice, staying patient before sticking a forehand on to the line; an ace and Sinner has deuce. So far, he’s sort of doing to Rublev what Rublev did to D-Min on Sunday, winning enough of the big points to always stay in front, but a double means he’s faced with another break point, Rublev again biding his time before ulnoading the suitcase on a pair of forehands, the second dropping fractionally wide. This is a much better match now and this is the longest game of it – we’re up at around eight minutes when a wrong-footing backhand gives Sinner advantage – and a service winner takes him to 6-4 2-2. Rublev is now 0/4 on break points.
Sinner attacks a second serve, landing a backhand return on to the line, then Rublev shanks a forehand wide – a dreadful shot in the circumstances. But he hangs in the next rally well, not going for too much, making 15-30 when his opponent nets. Problem being he then does the same and Sinner, without doing all that much, has two break points; a service-winner saves the first … then another the second, which makes deuce. Excellent from Rublev then, after a cunning drop, the ball is there for Sinner who, with a big gap down the line, directs ball into net, then again with his next return, and that is a colossal hold for the Russian, who might’ve detonated had the game gone against him. His knees and racket are grateful and he leads 2-1 trailing 1-0.
Up 30-0, Sinner, who’s looked close to impregnable on serve since saving break points in game two, nets, then clouts wide with the rally seemingly won. Naturally, an ace follows, making 40-30, then high-kicking second-serve expletive secures the hold and 1-1 in the second. Rublev isn’t that angry, but an explosion could be imminent.
Rublev will be relieved to know I’ve a plan for him, so all he needs to do is take a slash and check the GBG. Anyway, rather than go for lines, he needs to bring his sight in just a little, aiming to take the ball early and keep Sinner moving so he can’t plant feet and thrash away. Real talk, to win the first set he didn’t have to, he just had to be solid, knowing that Rublev is the better shot-maker without being a good enough shot-maker to override the misses. Still, he holds to 15 in the first game of set two, and is playing better now than at the start. Sinner 6-4 0-1 Rublev
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Jannik Sinner takes the first set against Andrey Rublev 6-4
Sinner has been really consistent here; perhaps he knows that Rublev will go for loads, so if he’s solid, he should win unless his opponent has a worldie. He makes 15-0 when a return loops long – Rublev has to do better with that – then dominates a rally for 30-0 and raises three set points when a return hits the net. Another big serve does the rest, and Rublev needs to rethink, because unless he hits a Stanimal in a major final kind of seam, he can’t win playing as he is.
Up 30-0, Rublev unleashes an inside-out monster, follows it with a service winner, and he’s playing a little better now. But is he too late to rescue this set? Sinner will shortly serve for it at 5-4.
A long rally and Rublev nets, so attacks his knees with his racket, which should teach them. That’s not the first time he’s done that and again, as in Turin, he draws blood … then makes his way to 30-all which, in the context, represents a chance. But a body-serve forces him to float a return long, then again on the second delivery – that’s excellent from Sinner, who’s a game away from set one at 5-3 and generally looks the more together human.
Down 0-15, Rublev monsters a forehand winner, but a double puts him under pressure; a service-winner alleviates it, and from there he closes out to trail 3-4.
Rublev has dipped, his forehand not finding its range, and that’s the thing with him: he goes for so much, that when it doesn’t work, games can disappear quickly. So he’s soon down 30-0, before a Sinner drop drifts wide, giving him a sniff and his first point in 12. But when another error gives him 40-30, an ace down the T secures the hold and a 4-2 lead. Neither man is playing that well yet, so the one who makes fewer erros leads.
Now then. Four points on the spin is soon six on the spin, Sinner making 0-30, then Rublev slaps a forehand into the net and must now save three break points. He cannot, netting another, and Sinner did not have work hard for that, eight points in a row giving him control of set one at 3-2.
Sinner nets a forehand for 15-all, then a backhand following what I think is the longest rally of the match so far; if he can keep wining those, he’s a good chance of progressing. And when he clouts a backhand close to the sideline, the wide riposte raises two break-points, and already this is a big moment because there probably won’t be many of them. But a long forehand burns the first and a colossal serve extinguishes the second, then an ace down the T secures the game from advantage; decent statement from Sinner. We’re 2-2 in the first.
Service winner, ace, big serve and clean-up forehand; Rublev quickly makes 40-0, but two errors then invite Sinner into the game. And when Sinner forces him to play a volley to win a point he’s dominated, he nets and out of nowhere, we’re at deuce. No matter, he closes out with another barrage of serves and forehands, so leads 2-1.
My file is lagging because of how many posts are in it, so please bear with me, but Sinner rushes through a love-hold secured with an ace down the T.
Rublev’s first serve is a helluva stroke; the problem comes when he misses, because his second is far less so. But he holds to 15 for a 1-0 lead.
Right, away we go.
Rublev has made the quarters of every Slam, but is 0-9 from those matches – a weight he carries on to court with him. He’ll be desperate to win this.
Here come Sinner and Rublev. These two are pretty similar players, both of them powerful hitters from the back. But Sinner just does it all a little bit better, is in better form having played less, and has a more equanimous demeanour. Rublev’s serve and forehand can take any match away from anyone, but he’s never reached the semis of a Slam and the reason is an inability to beat players ranked above him when he really needs to.
Back to Sabalenka, what stood out was her power because it always does, but otherwise it was her touch – at least in the first set. I’m sure that’s partly because she didn’t think Krejcikova could hurt her and that won’t be as much the case against Gauff, who can return power with power and perhaps keep her moving more. But it also reflects the work she’s done, her growing confidence on it, and how comfy she feels on Laver. If her level stays roughly the same, she’s going to retain her title and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But playing at her peak when under pressure is something with which she’s struggled previously, so let’s see.
Coming up next: Jannik Sinner (4) v Andrey Rublev (5)
Sabalenka thanks the crowd, saying it reminded her of last year’s final, and asked why she’s playing so well here – she’s yet to lose more than three games in a set, never mind lose a set – says she’s lots of Aussies in her team and also name-checks the crowd. Explaining her recent consistency – she’s 8 and 0 in Slam quarters, and has made at least the semis in the last five – she says she’s worked hard, then off she goes. Good luck, Coco old mate.
Aryna Sabalenka (2) beats Barbora Krejcikova (9) 6-2 6-3
A booming return is too good, giving Sabalenka 0-15, then she asks a ball kid to remove an insect from the court. Another weapons-grade return follows, Krejcikova unable to respond, and when a backhand loops wide, ending another rally dominated by the champ, she has three match points. Ands she only needs one, a brutal backhand return seizing control of a rally eventually finished with a difficult volley made to look easy. A stunningly, terrifyingly good performance from the champ, making a fellow major winner look like a child, and if she maintains that level – one I’ve never seen in the women’s game – she’s near enough unbeatable.
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Krejcikova gets Sabalenka on her bike, making 15-30 with a decent forehand to the corner. So Sabalenka dematerialises a forehand down the line, a service winner down the T … and another out wide. At 6-2 5-3, she’s game away from the semis.
As Iron Mike said later on…
And here we are again at 0-30, whereupon Sabalenka goes long on the forehand then nets a backhand return … and another backhand. An ace out wide follows, Krejcikova’s second of the match, and the shriek of celebration tells us she’s still fighting and still believes. Sabalenka leads 6-2 4-3, with a break.
Krejcikova, racing in as soon as she can, picks out Sabalenka with two overheads but makes 0-15 nonetheless, then a netted backhand gives her a sniff of taking back one break; a netted forehand and she’s two points to keep the match alive. An ace follows, then Krejcikova stretches desperately to get something on a mahoosive serve down the T … and Sabalenka nets the overhead putaway! When this happened in set one, she remonstrated by winning the next two games, and no one would be surprised to see that happen again. Sabalenka leads 6-2 4-2.
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Sabalenka is relentless and she makes 0-30 when she stays in the point with fine defence and Krejcikova wilts under the abuse, netting the kind of forehand putaway she dispatches as a matter of routine. A humungous forehand-overhand winner follows, raising two points for the double-break, the first saved via cunning drop … but the second taken when a swiped backhand falls wide. Sabalenka leads 6-2 4-1 and Krejcikova is powerless against an onslaught of this ferocity. It must be frustrating – and painful and embarrassing – because she’s a top player and tactician, but as Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan till they get hit in the face.”
Down 0-15, Sabalenka devastates an overhead from on top of the net that bounces right close to it on the other side, flying off into the crowd; she apologises, but clearly knew what she was doing. An ace follows, but when she slices into the foot of the net, Krejcikova has a sniff at 30-all … but not for long, Sabalenka extinguishing hope in short, violent order. She leads 6-2 3-1.
My system crashes, returning in time for me to see that Sabalenka has broken for 6-2 2-1, and Krejcikova is not long for this match.
With Sabalenka, the battle has always felt like a mental one and I guess she feels comfy on Laver having finally won her major on it last year. She’s yet to drop a set this tournament, having won one match 0 and 1 and another 0 and 0, holding to 15 here and securing the game with a barely believable inside-out forehand that lasers flat over the net for a winner. She leads 6-2 1-1.
This is a huge game in the context of the match and Krejcikova serves it out well enough, sealing a hold to 15 with a service-winner out wide. Still no word, by the way, on what’s going on with Rublev v Sinner but presumably they’re assuming Sabalenka wins this in two and they’re on within 45 minutes.
Aryna Sabalenka (2) takes the first set against Barbora Krejcikova (9) 6-2
I’m afraid this isn’t close or even close to close, Sabalenka just hitting it too well and too consistently; she looks unbeatable, though of course she can always beat herself and Coco Gauff, who faces the winner, will ask some sterner questions. But a love-hold seals a 6-2 set in 33 minutes, and this is stupefying, petrifying stuff.
Krejcikova hasn’t held since the first game and at 15-all another unexpected slice incites an error, then good defence – and grunting – sees her stick in a rally until her opponent goes for too much. Krejcikova, though, benefiting from a net-cord that brings Sabalenka to the net, saves the first break point by passing her … only to direct a moon-ball just long, and she’s broken for the third successive time. Krejcikova 2-5 Sabalenka
Is it just me who thinks of Sheffield United every time someone says “Laver”? No I am not well, but back on court, a double gives Krejcikova 0-30 and a soupçon of hope, then Sabalenka swats wide on the backhand, meaning she must now defend three break points. Naturally she saves the first with a service winner, but when a backhand clips the top of the net and sits up, Krejcikova gives it the treatment, punishing a winner cross-court to make 2-4.
Another winner gives Sabalenka 0-15 – her forehand is a terrifying weapon – then, out of nowhere, she ends a long rally with a backhand slice that lands on the sideline, in the service-box! She is feeling herself because touch-shots are absolutely, resolutely not her thing, but Krejcikova quickly makes 30-all; can she hang on? Er, perhaps not, a ball that sits up allowing Sabalenka to drill it back, eliciting the floaty riposte which drops long to raise a point for a double break. And again, the champ attacks the second serve with another murderous forehand, and that’s 4-1. If the men are waiting to see whether this one is a blowout before deciding where to play, chances are they opt to wait till Laver is free.
Ominous: Sabalenka opens her consolidation game with an ace, then clatters a backhand winner down the line for 30-0. She holds to 15, another winner sealing the deal, and this is not currently close. However, Krejcikova has come from a set down to win three of her four matches in this tournament and, a grand slam champ herself, won’t panic. Still, she trails 1-3.
At 15-all, Sabalenka punishes a forehand winner down the line then, when Krejcikova comes in, the ball is directed towards her with such velocity that even a doubles player of her renown can’t control the volley. And the number two seed only needs one break point, finding a fantastic angle to disburst a weapons-grade flat forehand cross-court for a winner. She leads 2-1 in the first.
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Sabalenka, of course, was in the news after her second-round win over Brenda Fruhvirtova, saying this about playing in Saudi when asked about the WTA tour finals moving there:
“It was an amazing experience. I expected something different. They treated us really well. It was really amazing atmosphere in the stadium. People really like sports there. They really like tennis. The atmosphere was incredible. The level of hospitality was definitely way, way, way better than it was in Cancun. Yeah, I’m happy to go there.”
Er, well, um. She holds for 1-1.
I’m looking forward to this one, a proper clash of styles. Krejcikova has proper court-craft and variety, whereas Sabalenka, though she’s improved her hands is, says coach Calv Betton, “the most one-dimensional player in the top 20.” Anyroad, Krejcikova holds comfortably enough, to 30 – though the punishment meted out to her second serve at 40-15 is worth noting.
Righto, off we go – Krejcikova to serve with the crowd still coming in.
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I’m not sure why the men aren’t just getting on with it on Court. I guess the organisers want them on Laver if possible, but even if the women’s match is done in an hour, by the time they come it’s late enough for a five-setter to extend way beyond what makes sense for athletes, one of whom will have to compete again on Friday.
Ah, we were misinformed: Krejcikova and Sabalenka are coming out now.
Krejcikova and Sabalenka, says Eurosport, were asked if they’d move to Court and they said no; good for them. Apparently, they’ll then see how the first set goes before deciding what to do with Sinner v Rublev, but whether they shift it or postpone it, no way they have that starting late doors, because were it to finish in the early hours, its winner would be at a massive disadvantage for their semi. Ultimately, the system needs sorting, because we should not be having this conversation – we might start earlier, only play one match at night, or use faster courts and balls to speed up the game. But something needs doing.
I think we’re an hour or so away from starting Krejcikova (9) v Sabalenka (2), and it should be a jazzer. I’ll be back with you for that, but in the meantime, to recap our day sesh, Coco Gauff overcame her nerves to beat Marta Kostyuk in three – she faces the winner of our next match in the last four – then Novak Djokovic beat Taylor Fritz in four.
Djokovic tells Babsy that he doesn’t want to get too close to her because he’s smelly and sweaty, then explains that he started feeling better in the third set, taking Fritz’s legs – though he says Fritz also took his. Asked about blowing kisses to Kyrgios in the booth, he reckons his mate is great for the game, liking the way he speaks his mind, and then advised that every time he’s reached the semis in Melbourne, he’s gone on to win the title. “Let’s be a bit humble,” says Djokovic when Babsy raises his arm, “but the confidence is there.” Who knew?
Nick Kyrgios walks on to court to interview Djokovic, the two kindred spirits in some ways. “Looking good in that booth but better over here, hopefully with a racket soon,” he’s advised, then asks the crowd to show their man some love.
“I suffered a lot first two sets,” Djokovic says, explaining that Fritz served well and was hitting close to the lines, “kind of suffocating me”. He felt it hard to find his timing, especially given the heat, asking the crowd to show appreciation for his opponent, then says it felt like playing Kyrgios, with his serve. Djokovic knew, having seen Fritz play Tsitsipas, that he was playing someone in nick, but he upped his game, served really well, and thinks he managed more aces – he did.
On the semis, he says Sinner and Rublev present different challenges but both are great players in great form. He watched Rublev beat De Minaur, noting some of the nailsest rallies he’s ever seen on Laver, also saying that Sinner was great at the end of last season, giving him all he could handle in the Tour Finals – though, of course, Djokovic still won.
Finally, Kyrgios asks to be shown Djokovic’s favourite tree as he needs some of its luck to get back playing; Djokovic says he’ll show him if he keeps it secret, and then he must climb to its highest point and hang upside down for 33 minutes and 33 seconds.
Fritz played well today and is a much-improved player. I guess he might’ve fancied himself, in that form, to have beaten anyone else in the draw, but his ill luck, for the second major on the spin he was draw to play the freakiest freak of nature we’ve ever seen. What can you do?
Novak Djokovic (1) beats Taylor Fritz (12) 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3 6-3
Up 15-0, Djokovic delivers yet another ace, but an error invites Fritz into the game only for him to stray fractionally long and cede two match points. And of course the bionic man needs just one, an inside-out forehand picking out the corner, and that’s Djokovic’s 33rd straight win on Laver. He’s now made 48 Grand Slam semis and it’s just absolutely abominable how amazing he is. He meets Sinner or Rublev next; good luck, lads.
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Er, um, yeah. Down 0-30, Fritz swipes a forehand into the sideline, his despair visible, then a tame double means that Djokovic will now serve for the match at 5-3 in the fourth. The American will be thinking about that game for a while.
It must be so demoralising to get into the best possible shape, then face a man 10 years your senior apparently 10 times as fit. But what’s this?! Fritz punishes a backhand down the line for 0-30, the first time he’s scaled such heady heights since breaking the start of set two. And have a look! Djokovic goes long on the backhand meaning he faces three break-back points, and though he saves the first, a net-cord coverts a forehand into a drop, and we’re back on serve in set four at 4-3 Djokovic!
I guess the likelihood is that Djokovic wins in four, which should mean we’re OK for Krejcikova v Sabalenka – and what a match that should be – but I’m not certain we’re getting Sinner v Rublev, given the hour at which it’d necessarily start; it’s currently 8.18pm in Melbourne. I hope not because I’m buzzing for it, so let’s get back to the present moment, and consecutive errors from Fritz that leave him down 15-30. Ach, and there’s another a forehand sent long at the end of another sapping rally, meaning Djokovic – who makes so many balls it’s silly – now has two break points. And he only needs one, a backhand into the net making it 3/5 when previously it was 0/16, and I’m afraid this is only going one way. Djokovic leads 4-2 in the fourth and is just two games from victory.
I should say, because this is an afternoon sesh-match that started late, we’ll need an hour or so once it’s done to get the crowd in and out. And, should it go five, we might not be able to start at all – if’s past 11, I think the players have to accede – but let’s see. Djokovic holds easily for 3-2.
Fritz makes 15-0 but then nets a tame, tired backhand. A backhand winner follows, Djokovic howling frustration at himself, then an ace, but two punishing groundstrokes make deuce, and this feels ominous. Fritz, though, plays a fantastic point, coming in to foil fine defensive work, then closes out the game, again at the net. He’s not a natural there but he’s much improved, and this looks like his only potential route to victory. We’re 2-2 in set two, Djokovic by two sets to one.
Fritz is playing just a little better now and he finishes a long rally with a big inside-out forehand to the corner. But Djokovic still holds easily for 2-1 2-1 and him being broken looks extremely unlikely, though if the American can hang in there for a tiebreak, he’ll have a shot.
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Excellent point from Fritz to make 30-15, but when we reach deuce, Djokovic finds a lovely forehand from mid-point to corner; this feels like curtains, but Fritz delivers a service winner to save yet another break point. Then, facing another – his 19th, and when was the last time that happened to him? – a backhand cross-court catches the outside of the line, but he’s having to empty everything just to stick in this game and that isn’t sustainable. Still, though, he eventually seals his hold with his first ace in quite some time, and we’re level at 1-1 in the fourth, Djokovic by two sets to one.
I hate to say it, but I’ve not a clue what Fritz can do here. He’s exhausted and he’s playing the greatest ever, in a major, on a court on which that aforementioned greatest almost never loses. Djokovic holds to love, and I guess all the American can do it try shortening the points, whether by coming to the net or trying to hit winners from the back. Thing is, I don’t think he served an ace in the third set and now trails 17-14 in that area, which tells you all you need to know about the difficulty of his task.
Novak Djokovic takes the third set against Taylor Fritz 6-2 to lead 2-1
Eesh, up 0-15, Djokovic shows Fritz how it’s done, fading a luscious drop that takes him two points away from the set. It’s just revolting how fresh he looks, a fine return makes 0-40, and a return out wide – does it come off the frame? – allows a simple putaway. This man is something else.
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At 30-15, Fritz tries a drop but gives it way too much air; real talk, he probably wanted the rally over so forced the issue. Djokovic retrieves, he can’t get his lob into court, and seconds later it’s 5-2, meaning the American must now hold to avoid falling 2-1 behind.
Fritz finds a fantastic forehand from the back, whipped hard and breaking the sideline for 30-0; Djokovic, paragonic altruist that he is, applauds, then pastes back a frankly despicable return from wide on the forehand side, cross-court for a ludicrous winner. From there, Fritz closes out but, a-la-la dee-day, he’s running to stand still. Djokovic leads 4-2 in the third.
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Fritz looks tired now and perhaps he’s the one who needs to let things go, taking the rest of the set off for another go in the fourth. And as I type, Djokovic punishes an ace down the T for 40-0, his second of the game then Fritz plays a fine point, finishing at the net – to what avail, I’m not sure. A third ace duly follows, and the greatest leads 7-6 4-6 4-1.
Up 30-0, Fritz nets, and I wonder if Djokovic will press here – when a break up, he often allows his opponent to hold easily, so he’s no rhythm when trying to break back. Very quickly, it’s 1-3.
Djokovic consolidates to love for 3-0, meaning he’s won 12 of the last 14 points, and we’ve all seen this one before – with Djokovic, but also with his historical equivalents and comparators across all sports. It’s in the balance, until it isn’t.
A fine point from Djokovic, skipping in to retrieve a drop then conjuring a winner from a stretch backhand volley, makes 0-15; Fritz clumps a forehand winner to level things. We then move to 30-all and pressure, Djokovic upping it on the forehand to direct his opponent to the corners before cleaning up; break point, for the 16th time of the match … AND THIS TIME DJOKOVIC TAKES IT! That forehand takes over the rally early doors and though Fritz does really well to stick about, looking to have forced his way back in with a deep backhand, Djokovic finds a lovely angle to the opposite corner and, in normal circumstances, this is a turning point. We shall see, but for now, Djokovic leads 2-0 in the third.
These two also met in the last eight of the US Open, during which match I noted that Fritz has a huge serve but misses his spots under pressure. And that day, he was given a lesson in consistency by Djokovic, who’s sneakily grown into one of the best servers of all time in his thirties. Now, though, he looks a different player and, as I type, he galumphs all over the court to sustain a rally with get and tweener – it’s incredible stuff and I wonder if his cunning opponent prolongs it to keep him running – before a lob drops wide and an ace seals the game. Djokovic leads 7-6 4-6 1-0.
Fritz disappears between sets and for quite some time; I’m not surprised, it’s apparently hotter than hell out there, and after the emotional dump of serving out – how well did he do it, by the way? – a quick change of clothes is probably useful to help him reset to go again.
Taylor Fritz wins the second set 6-4 to level his match with Novak Djokovic at one set all!
Fritz quickly makes 15-0, then 30 with a big serve, a big forehand, and a calm overhead putaway. I watched an interview with him yesterday and he spoke like a man who believes this could be his moment; rightly so, because Djokovic nets and tha raises three set points … but Fritz only needs one, an ace down the T and after two hours 20 minutes, we’re level! This is tremendous stuff, and you know what? We’ve got hours more of it, then hours more after that!
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Thanks Joey and good morrow one and all; what a moment to begin! Can Taylor Fritz see this set out?
Djokovic holds to 30, forcing Fritz to serve for the second set. Under pressure, the Serb has the answers, lifting his finger to his lips after making it 40-30 and then finishing things off with a drive volley.
I think that’s just about enough from me, though, I’m exhausted and I’ve only been watching these two go at it. I’ve been Joey Lynch and I’ll now leave you in the capable hands of Daniel Harris for the rest of this match and beyond.
Fritz holds serve to take a 5-3 advantage in the second set. This is getting absolutely ridiculous. Just plain silly.
Djokovic brings up another break point at 30-40 but, guess what? Fritz sees it off, fighting back to deuce. Then the Serb brings up another break point but, after a 25 shot rally – the games longest – the American survives again. A third break point eventuates but so does another backhand winner from Fritz. Another break point comes and another backhand winner down the line to save it. Fritz then claims the advantage and takes the game with an ace.
That’s now 15 (15!!!) break points faced down by the twelfth seed and he’s seen off every single one.
Djokovic holds to 15, sending through an ace to keep Fritz within touching distance in this second set. The Serb maintains a one set advantage, 7-6(3) 2-4.
Magnificent movement 🏃♂️💨 @DjokerNole@Kia_Worldwide • #Kia • #MakeYourMove • #MovementThatInspires@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/LXHzpVZywH
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Fritz holds and maintains his advantage! It’s remarkable. It’s ridiculous. Djokovic has brought up 11 break points in this game but Fritz has save each and every one.
The American falls down another two break points in this game but rallies back to force deuce, send through an ace to take the advantage, and then Djokovic sends a return long to give him the game.
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Djokovic holds to love, making it 2-3 in the second set. The top seed opens with an ace of his own, setting the tone for a service game that features another ace and ends with Fritz unable to return a well-delivered serve.
Fritz holds to 15, taking out the game with a powerful cross-court ace that Djokovic doesn’t attempt to return.
Djokovic holds to love, still down but strongly getting himself on the board in this second set.
Fritz holds serve to consolidate his advantage, taking a 2-0 lead in the second set. Djokovic does his best to immediately break back, sending the game to multiple deuces, but Fritz drives through two aces to take the game and consolidate his advantage.
Fritz breaks to open the second set. Well how about that! After neither man was able to convert their opportunities in the first set, the American goes straight out in the second and takes one off Djokovic at the first opportunity, sending it to deuce before taking it out with a big forehand winner.
A flying start for @Taylor_Fritz97!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
The first break of the match comes in the first game of the second set. The American will now look to consolidate.#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/89UwJtwXj2
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👋👋👋
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Novak spots Nick!@NickKyrgios • @djokernole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/r2DgxPSpqy
Novak Djokovic wins the first set against Taylor Fritz 7-6 (3)
Fritz is able to hold his nerve with his serve and see of the opening two of Djokovic’s five set points but the Serb makes no mistake when he gets the ball back in his hand, inducing his opponent to send it into the net and give him the opening set.
"The best produces his best!"
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
His court, his crowd, his set. @DjokerNole leads Taylor Fritz 7-6(3)#AusOpen • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/FsNZM4jOhp
If that felt like a long one, it should. That was the longest first set of the tournament – a marathon 84 minutes in the Melbourne afternoon sun.
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An awesome cross-court backhand from Djokovic flies across the face of Fritz as he crashes the net and brings up five set points for the Serb.
The tie break change of ends comes with Djokovic now holding a 5-1 advantage after he races to the net and places a return where Fritz has no hope of reaching it.
Djokovic moves out to a 4-0 lead and boy did he like that one, releasing a guttural roar and a fist pump to the crowd after sending in a drop shot that Fritz couldn’t return.
The tie breaker for the first set begins and Djokovic quickly moves out to a 3-0 lead, bringing up that third point with an ace.
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Djokovic holds serve and we’re off to a tie break! Fritz brings up two set points – the first time he’s brought up break point all match – but the World No 1 rallies to force deuce.
The American sends a backhand long to surrender the advantage but after a few interruptions from the crowd – a crying baby, it looks like -- interrupts the serve Djokovic can’t convert. No harm no foul for the Serb, though, who bounces back and forces a seven point tie break.
Let’s face it, after that opening service game went 16 minutes we all knew it was headed here.
The local commentators noting that there was a bit of yelling between Djokovic and his box before this latest servicel the Serb’s request for salts initially falling on closed ears as they talked amongst themselves.
Fritz throws down the gauntlet, holding to love and Djokovic will now serve looking to send this opening set to a tie break.
Djokovic holds to 30 and after more than an hour, we’re locked at 5-5 apiece.
*Bald Eagle cry is heard in the distance*
Is that jacket... Taylor made?#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/KxVweg9v9j
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Fritz holds again, the first to five and Djokovic will now serve to stay in the set.
The American fell behind two break points in that one but he was able to see both of them off and force deuce. A strong cross-court forearm winner then gave him the advantage and before he induced a net shot from his opponent for the game.
Djokovic has had eight break points thus far and hasn’t been able to convert once.
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And now Djokovic holds to 30, sending a second serve straight at Fritz and jamming him up. No breaks to be had in this one so far, so if you hadn’t already guessed from that opening service game, folks, it looks like we’re in for a long one.
Fritz holds to 30, perfectly placing a forehand winner down the line to take it out. After a couple of shaky early service games, he’s beginning to look a lot more composed with his serve.
Djokovic with another easy hold to 15, finishing the game off with two consecutive aces. It’s 3-3 in the first set.
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The most comfortable hold of the game yet for Fritz, holding to 15 and finishing things off with an ace.
Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner are supposed to face off later tonight but, judging how long some of these early service games are going, they may be waiting a while before they get out to the court.
Rublev and Sinner fans looking at this 16-minute opening game between Djokovic/Fritz 😐#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/8hLXQGYoaq
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 23, 2024
Djokovic holds to 30. Fritz gets into an advantageous 15-30 position early on but Djokovic stays calm, dictates the flow and direction of play and takes the game. Just over half an hour in, we’re locked at 2-2 in the first set.
Tough work for live bloggers, let alone the tennis players actually out there.
Nine deuces and 16 MINUTES later, @Taylor_Fritz97 holds serve in an extraordinary first game!#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/ita8McL2zG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Fritz is living dangerously but holds serve again. The American gives up three break points to fall in an early hole but recovers, forcing deuce with an ace and then taking the game with a powerful serve that Djokovic can’t return.
Djokovic holds to love, a mercifully shorter service game than its 24 point predecessor – the Serb not dropping a point on the way to finishing things with the games first ace.
After a mammoth opening game – a casual 16 minutes – Fritz holds serve. The first service game goes to deuce and after a long rally Fritz gives up break point after sending a forehand long. He saves it with a well-placed backhander down the line and brings up an advantage of his own by coming in and digging out a volleyed drop shot but Djokovic responds to things going.
And things keep going … and going … and going … it taking to the ninth deuce of the opening game before the American finally is able to string two points together to take it.
The local commentators were calling that one a must-win for Fritz by the end of it, such was the amount of work he did against the tournament’s top-seed.
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Fritz has won the toss and will serve first, he takes the first point with a strong forehand down the line and we are underway!
IT'S ON 🍿#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/v08rH3G1ac
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
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Both players are out on the court going through the last phases of their warm ups now. Getting started shortly.
It’s unusual to see Djokovic playing during the day session of the Australian Open at this stage of the tournament. How unusual? The last time it happened was in 2009, when he lost to Andy Roddick, when the duo were bumped in favour of Jelena Dokic’s run to the last eight and a certain Roger Federer.
The American No 1 and this tournament’s twelfth seed, Fritz has fallen to defeat in all eight of his previous meetings with Djokovic, including a five set third round defeat here in Melbourne back in 2021, despite the Serb suffering an abdominal injury mid-match.
Nonetheless, 26-year-old is feeling positive after upsetting seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round, triumphing 7-6(3) 5-7 6-3 6-3
“I have a lot more level to bring than I’ve previously brought against [Djokovic],” said Fritz.
“The last three games [against Tsitsipas], I really, really turned it on, almost like I was in a trance. It’s been a while since I’ve had that feeling, so it gives me a lot of confidence.”
Djokovic against Fritz is coming up next, both players undergoing their final warm-ups in the rooms before making their way out on to the court.
After being taken to four sets in his opening two matches of the tournament as he battled illness, Djokovic has found a bit more rhythm in the third and fourth round, not dropping a set in downing Tomás Martín Etcheverry 6-3 6-3 7-6 (2) and then handling Adrian Mannarino 6-0 6-0 6-3.
“It’s going in a positive direction health wise, tennis wise, so I’m really happy,” he said.
Our first semifinalist. Her first AO semifinal ✨
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Welcome to the final four, @CocoGauff!#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/BBeRQBOg8w
Coco Gauff (4) beats Marta Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6(3)-7 6-2
The American has done it! Gauff surges past Kostyuk in the third and deciding set and into the final four of the women’s singles for the first time, taking the match in just over three hours.
Both players showed the guts and determination throughout -- Gauff trailing 1-5 and facing down several set points before winning the first and Kostyuk rallying back from 5-3 down in the second to force a third set – but ultimately it’s the fourth seed moving on to face the winner of this evening’s match between Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejcikova.
There was one last act of defiance from the Ukrainian as she rallied back to win back a couple of service games after Gauff raced to a 5-0 lead but there was to be no remarkable turnaround this time.
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Kostyuk holds to 30 to again stay alive, needing to break Gauff again to keep this extraordinary match going.
Kostyuk will not go quietly, breaking Gauff to make it 5-1 in the third and forcing at least one more game.
Gauff breaks Kostyuk again, this time to love, to make it 5-0 in the third and give her the chance to serve out this match. After an 18 shot rally the American brought up three break points in that one and there almost looked to be a level of resignation of Kostyuk as she served and was promptly broken.
Gauff holds to 30 and moves into a commanding 7-6(6) 6(3)-7 4-0 lead. Across from the fourth seed Kostyuk is clearly getting frustrated, remonstrating with her coach and saying “I don’t care” about something I couldn’t make out.
The Ukrainian faces a big hole to get out of but, then again, if the form from the first two sets holds, where the player doing the early running ended up losing it, she may have Gauff right where she wants her.
Gauff breaks to 15 to seal an early double break in the third! Are the wheels starting to come off for Kostyuk? She commits three errors to give up three break points, smashing her racket in frustration. She’s able to see off the first of them before another error gives the game to her opponent.
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Gauff is made to work for it but holds her serve to press her early third set advantage. The American gets to the net and smashes her attempted winner straight down and into the net to make it 0-30. But she’s able to rally and bring it back to deuce and win hold serve as Kostyuk sends a return serve long.
Kostyuk serves to open the set but is broken by Gauff! The Ukrainian double faults to bring up two break points but is able to rally and force it back to deuce.
A magnificent backhand passing shot down the line brings up the advantage for Gauff before an error hands the American the early break
Thanks Martin and hi everyone, Joey Lynch here to take you through the third and deciding set of this gripping clash between Kostyuk and Gauff on Rod Laver Arena and then the start of Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.
Reinforcing what Martin said about Kostyuk hitting winners, she really is dominating in this regard, leading that statistic 17 to five in the second set.
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Marta Kostyuk wins the second set against Coco Gauff 7-6 (7-3)
We’re heading into a third set as Kostyuk holds her nerve in the tie-breaker.
Much of the match has been decided on Kostyuk hitting winners or making unforced errors, but this time it is Gauff making the mistakes when it counts.
Joey Lynch will now take over the blog to guide you through what looms as a gripping third set.
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Kostyuk pushes to a 4-0 lead in the tie-breaker.
The Ukrainian continues to attack boldly even with the match on the line.
A pair of errors from Gauff are followed by a powerful backhand winner from Kostyuk. The Ukrainian is three points away from taking this to a third set.
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The second set will be decided in a tie-breaker.
Kostyuk is taken to deuce yet again but an aggressive second serve while holding the advantage forces an error from Gauff and makes it 6-6.
There has been little to separate Kostyuk and Gauff so a second tie-breaker loss would seem harsh on the Ukrainian.
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Gauff is tested but holds serve for a 6-5 lead.
Another Gauff service game goes to deuce as both players find their range with winners, but the American quickly closes it out from there.
Kostyuk once again will serve to stay in the match, this time aiming to push the second set into a tie-breaker.
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Kostyuk holds serve to love to make it 5-5.
The Ukrainian makes it seven points on the trot as she holds serve to love.
Four forehand errors from Gauff hand Kostyuk her easiest service game since early in the first set.
Kostyuk breaks back to stay in the match.
The 21-year-old steps up when it counts and breaks Gauff to 15. A pair of stylish backhand winners are especially impressive as Kostyuk’s positive intent pays off.
Kostyuk has shown throughout the tournament so far that she can keep going as a match drags on, but we’ll firstly see if the Ukrainian can she hold her serve to push this into a third set.
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Gauff breaks to make it 5-3 and serve for the match.
Kostyuk is again made to work hard through a lengthy service game that Gauff eventually takes.
The point of the match so far – a 21-shot rally where Kostyuk and Gauff each had turns to defend and attack – went to the Ukrainian, but the No 4 seed then won the next three points to make it 5-3.
Gauff will now serve for the match.
Kostyuk breaks back to love.
Gauff starts with a double fault then can only watch on as Kostyuk hits three winners in succession to put the second set back on serve.
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Gauff breaks to take control of second set at 4-2.
The sixth game of the second set is a snapshot of the match so far, as Kostyuk continues to search for winners but pays the price for her unforced errors.
The game goes to deuce as Kostyuk then forces Gauff into an error but follows up by hitting a simple backhand too long.
A double fault and another backhand error then give Gauff some breathing space for the first time in the match.
Gauff taken to deuce but wins game for 3-2 lead.
The service games of both players are looking fragile but Gauff fights her way into a position to set up the game with a forehand winner at deuce.
Kostyuk again looks to be aggressive but plays a sloppy backhand to allow Gauff to hold serve.
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Kostyuk holds serve for first time in five games.
After a fast start to the match the Ukrainian had been giving up her serve too easily, but finally responds to make it 2-2 in the second set.
Kostyuk has something to build on as well, with a forehand winner followed by two Aces that clinch the game to 15.
Gauff breaks back then holds serve to take a 2-1 lead.
The second set is on track to be as unpredictable as the first, with Gauff breaking back immediately to 15 as Kostyuk again fails to hold her serve.
The unforced errors are building up on both sides but the American closes out her serve.
Kostyuk starts second set with a break.
The Ukrainian seems happy to show her emotions on the court but is just a quick to brush aside any disappointment.
After dropping the first set Kostyuk breaks Gauff to love.
Coco Gauff wins the first set against Marta Kostyuk 7-6 (8-6)
Gauff completes the comeback.
A rollercoaster first set carried on much the same way into the tie-breaker, but after trailing 1-5 and facing down several set points Gauff comes out on top.
Kostyuk had the first set within her grasp but three costly errors late in the tie-breaker hand it to the American at 8-6.
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The first set tie-breaker remains in the balance with unforced errors on both sides making it 5-5.
Kostyuk rolls the dice with a forehand winner to clinch a set point at 6-5, but tries to end the next rally too quickly as another powerful forehand shot crashes into the net.
The tie-breaker is being decided off Kostyuk’s racquet, with a blistering backhand winner mixed among three errors that give Gauff a 4-2 lead.
A double fault from Gauff makes it 4-3 to the American, with the second serve not even close to clearing the net.
Here we go with the tie-breaker for the first set.
Kostyuk doesn’t even try to hide her emotions after starting the tie-breaker with a double fault, but bounces back immediately with a crosscourt backhand from the net to make it 1-1.
Kostyuk breaks back to take the first set to a tie-breaker.
The Ukrainian rediscovers her touch after losing five games in a row, and after dropping two break points from 15-40 wins the next two points to level the set at 6-6.
Kostyuk calls for a trainer to look at an issue with her left foot, and in particular the tape wrapped around it, as a medical time-out is called.
Meanwhile, Gauff heads back onto the court to keep her serve flowing – which played a significant part in her change of fortunes as the first set progressed.
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Gauff breaks and leads the set for the first time.
A dramatic turnaround is almost complete on Rod Laver Arena as Gauff breaks Kostyuk to 15.
Gauff is the player now looking to hit winners while Kostyuk pays the price for another double fault with the game on the line at 15-40.
The American has won the last five games on the bounce and will now serve for the first set at 6-5.
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Gauff holds serve to even up the set at 5-5.
The momentum has swung back to the American after Kostyuk raced out to a 5-1 lead in the first set.
Gauff’s first serve has warmed up and she has been able to then punish Kostyuk from the baseline or even win points at the net.
The No 4 seed closes out the game with an Ace and now has the Ukrainian on the ropes.
Gauff seals back-to-back breaks to tighten up the first set.
Kostyuk starts as she ended her previous service game – with a double fault.
Gauff follows up with a pair of winners – first on the forehand, then on the backhand – to again take a 0-40 lead off Kostyuk’s serve.
The Ukrainian fights back to 30-40 but an unforced error hands the game to Gauff and puts the set back on serve at 5-4.
Gauff holds serve after saving set point for Kostyuk.
The game goes to deuce as Kostyuk eyes the first set, but positive play from Gauff keeps the American alive at 5-3.
Kostyuk still has an opportunity to serve for the first set.
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Gauff breaks back to stay in the set.
Another slow start to her service game from Kostyuk gives Gauff hope as the American edges in front at 15-30.
Kostyuk can’t turn it around this time as a pair of double faults allow Gauff to break back for the first time and makes it 5-2.
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Kostyuk breaks Gauff for a second time.
The game goes to deuce and once again Gauff double faults to give Kostyuk an advantage then hits an unforced error to drop her serve.
The American’s first serve is failing her too often, going at 55%, and the Ukrainian is primed to pounce.
Kostyuk holds after trailing 0-40.
Gauff puts the pressure straight back on to Kostyuk, but in a confidence booster for the Ukrainian she fights back to deuce then closes out the game on the second attempt.
Kostyuk is picking her moments but seems to be more confident playing down the line, and has hit seven winners to Gauff’s one so far. It’s 4-1 to Kostyuk in the first set.
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Kostyuk breaks Gauff.
In an early case of the live bloggers’ curse, the Ukrainian pushes out to a 30-0 lead until Gauff works her way back to 30-30.
A double fault hands the advantage back to Kostyuk as a costly error from Gauff on the next point makes it 3-1.
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Kostyuk is again taken to deuce after first opening up a lead on her serve.
Some powerful hitting from the Ukrainian forces Gauff into a pair of errors that close out the game for a 2-1 scoreline, though the American looks threatening early.
The big-serving American Coco Gauff gets on the board, holding her serve to 30 without too much difficulty to make it 1-1.
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Marta Kostyuk serves first against Coco Gauff as we get under way on Rod Laver Arena.
The Ukrainian controls the early points from the baseline to push out to a 40-15 lead, but some unforced errors allow Gauff back into the game.
Kostyuk looks frustrated as the early advantage slips away but after two break points for Gauff, the world No 37 holds serve to clinch an early 1-0 lead.
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For a heart-warming tale on two decades of persistence paying off even on the tennis circuit, dive into Jack Snape’s interview with India’s Rohan Bopanna as he secures a career-high ranking – and potentially the men’s doubles No 1 – at the age of 43:
While we wait for the women’s singles quarter-final between Coco Gauff and Marta Kostyuk to start on Rod Laver Arena, a reminder of former world No 3 Elina Svitolina’s unfortunate exit from the tournament when facing Linda Noskova:
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Preamble
Conditions are perfect at Melbourne Park as quarter-final action kicks off at the Australian Open 2024 with the afternoon session on day 10.
The women’s singles will start with No 4 seed Coco Gauff facing Marta Kostyuk on Rod Laver Arena – you can follow that match here from 1pm local time.
Following that will be Novak Djokovic meeting Taylor Fritz, as the No 12 seed looks to upset the reigning champion. Joey Lynch will be on deck to keep you across that match.
We’ll also be covering the evening session including the heavyweight clash between the men’s No 4 and 5 seeds, Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev.
On the women’s side this evening, No 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka will be up against No 9 seed Barbora Krejcikova.
But for now, get in touch with any thoughts and ideas as we get into the business end of the tournament.
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