Summary
So, it ends on the narrowest of calls, but with a consistent quality of tennis that you’d expect from two semi-finals.
It loomed for the merest of moments as a potential all-Czech final as Karolina Pliskova threatened to back up from her heroics last night in defeating Serena Williams during a pulsating second set in which she was nearly flawless, levelling the ledger against Naomi Osaka. But it was the Japanese who found an extra gear in the third, returning to some of the aggressive, fine-margin tennis that saw her power through the opening set - one break proving enough to grind out a three-set thriller in just shy of two hours. 56 winners and 15 aces from the world No 4; who could leap to world No 1 with a win here in Melbourne.
Her opponent in the final Petra Kvitova also has eyes on that prize, after she progressed in relatively easier fashion against the unseeded American Danielle Collins. In sweltering Melbourne heat, where the temperature rose to 40 degrees centigrade, the Czech had to battle heat as well as the determined outsider Collins. Kvitova looked there for the taking in a tough first set, but the decision to close the roof with the match poised at 4-4 seemed to help settle the Czech, who closed down the match superbly 7-6 (7-2), 6-0 with powerful serving and clever ground strokes.
That’s all for now - we’ll be back later tonight with the first of our men’s semi-finals. Don’t miss it, as Rafael Nadal faces the Federer-slayer, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, live from Rod Laver Arena. Thanks for your company!
Osaka wins - 6-2, 4-6, 6-4!
Serving for the match, Osaka puffs out her cheeks and draws a deep breath after she finds the net with an unforced error to make it 15-15. Is the pressure showing? Another unforced error sees Pliskova level again at 30-30 but the Japanese keeps her cool to bring up match point!
She aces, or at least she thinks she does, but the call is out. She challenges, naturally, and would you believe it, she’s bang on! The ball clipped the line and Osaka is in the semis!
We said it was a game of margins, and a brave Pliskova bows out - game, set, match Osaka!
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Third set: Pliskova* 4-5 Osaka (*denotes server): And under huge pressure the Czech holds on; dramatic tennis, as you’d expect in a semi-final, with a shot at becoming world No 1 for both women also on the line. Osaka pushes for the match, but Pliskova hangs in. The Japanese to serve for the match.
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Third set: Pliskova 3-5 Osaka* (*denotes server): A key third point as Osaka offers up a second serve with the score 15-all. But Pliskova drags her shot long. The Czech then misses a winner by millimetres, but returns well to force 30-40. Another strong return draws the Osaka error for deuce - here we go?
And another excellent deep return at the feet of Osaka draws a shot that drifts long. Break point - and she fires an ace to the corner! Her 14th of the night. Pressure tennis, this. And Osaka holds.
Third set: Pliskova* 3-4 Osaka (*denotes server): Pliskova again finding joy with the pinning serve; she’s not enjoyed too many aces tonight (still just the one?) but she’s targeting her opponent well. Osaka pounces on a weak second serve and fires a cross-court forehand, but Pliskova holds well. She still trails the one break though.
Third set: Pliskova 2-4 Osaka* (*denotes server): The crowd very much behind the young Japanese, despite the quality tennis from both players, and they squeal with delight as she rattles off another service game to love. An interest patch here, with both players holding well, almost for the first time all match.
Third set: Pliskova* 2-3 Osaka (*denotes server): Solid service game, and she kicks wide and curling to evade Osaka. Important steadying game for the Czech.
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Third set: Pliskova 1-3 Osaka* (*denotes server): Just what the doctor ordered as Osaka flies to 40-0, a run of nine consecutive points. Pliskova fires one back, but it’s a relatively comfortable service game for the Japanese. Now to try and turn the screws on her opponent’s serve.
Third set: Pliskova* 1-2 Osaka (*denotes server): Wowee. This match is see-sawing dramatically. Osaka with a big winner, before she digs out a tough cramping serve to open up three break points. She wins to love - could that be the decisive break?
The way the last fifteen minutes has played out you wouldn’t bet on it. But a big service game from Osaka here could spark a run.
Third set: Pliskova 1-1 Osaka* (*denotes server): A big winner fires the Japanese after dropping the opening point. She follows with a curling ace and the crowd respond to lift. A big return from Pliskova earns a break point, but Osaka saves it with a fiercely struck forehand, and fires off a big “Come on”!
She drags a forehand just long and Pliskova looks at a second break point - again though it’s a bigger winner down the line from Osaka to save. Pliskova earns a third break chance with a big winner of her own, but she just clips the tape of the net on the next and slams her racquet in frustration. Osaka eventually holds - what a marathon game!
Third set: Pliskova* 1-0 Osaka (*denotes server): Pliskova pins her opponent again with the serve; that’s the risk when standing so close while receiving, I guess. The radar is looking better tuned now from Pliskova and she opens the third set with a hold.
Just three errors in that entire second set - she may have started it a woman looking like she’d played her final yesterday (against Serena Williams) but Pliskova finishes it like a woman who means business.
Pliskova takes the second set 6-4!
It’s a shot dragged long from Osaka to open, before a powerful forehand clips the tape and drops fortuitously over for Pliskova. She offers the customary apology, but it can barely conceal her pleasure. What a time of the match for a moment like that! An error from Osaka offers up three set points, and Pliskova is good enough to take the first.
Well, this is a turn about. One set a piece: game on!
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Second set: Pliskova* 5-4 Osaka (*denotes server): It starts comfortably for the Czech, but a big Osaka forehand in the corner and then a double fault open a small window. Pliskova looking much stronger in this second set though, and she holds to put the pressure on Osaka.
Second set: Pliskova 4-4 Osaka* (*denotes server): Pliskova with a big forehand winner down the line off a looping second serve, but Osaka punches a sharp jabbed backhand winner in return. They trade blows like two heavyweight boxers as Pliskova slogs a winner down the line for deuce. Osaka survives a break point, and rattles off a big winner to hold. A huge game. Pliskova was almost serving for the second set.
Second set: Pliskova* 4-3 Osaka (*denotes server): A terrific rally on the second point, as Pliskova again forces her opponent to cover a stack of ground. A first ace of the match - remarkably - takes the Czech to 40-15 and she closes out the game well.
Second set: Pliskova 3-3 Osaka* (*denotes server): Booming ace down the T to open - a seventh of the match so far. She drops a solitary point through a double fault, but it’s a temporary blip as the Japanese closes with an ace.
Second set: Pliskova* 3-2 Osaka (*denotes server): First look at a second serve and Osaka monsters it from a metre inside the baseline. Pliskova comes to the net next point, but Osaka fires a cross-court winner past her. Pliskova then pins her with a well-directed serve, before the Japanese reels off another powerful forehand winner. A real battle, but she holds the Czech - a big game.
Second set: Pliskova 2-2 Osaka* (*denotes server): Osaka fires some near perfect shots, deep and under the feet of the 6ft+ Czech, before serving well, to round out a first game of the match to love.
Second set: Pliskova* 2-1 Osaka (*denotes server): It’s advantage the returner as Osaka races to bring up three break points, 0-40. Pliskova saves the first, and the second, and then the third after a hard-fought rally. Three big first serves to dig her way out of a hole, and that’s a great service hold, and perhaps a big morale boost too.
Second set: Pliskova 1-1 Osaka* (*denotes server): Pliskova with a strong winner down the line, before Osaka punches one wide. The Czech brings up two break points, Osaka saves the first with an ace, but she can’t prevent the second. A break straight back - this is more positive from the world No 7.
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Second set: Pliskova* 0-1 Osaka (*denotes server): She’s creating angles from nowhere, Osaka, as she fires a sharp cross-court forehand winner to start the game, before firing a winner down the line. She misses the overhead smash, to allow Pliskova a foothold back in the game. But Osaka pounces once again - a set and now a break; it’s a blistering start for the Japanese.
Osaka wins first set 6-2!
Pliskova draws the error on the opening point as she mixes her pace on returns, but Osaka fires an ace in response. Osaka challenges an out call and is proved correct by a few millimetre, and turns round a crucial point for 40-30. Then closes with a big ace. Upon such fine margins championship matches can turn!
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First set: Pliskova* 2-5 Osaka (*denotes server): Terrific rally on the fourth point, Osaka like an spring ready to uncoil on every groundstroke. Pliskova works her well to the edges, but the Japanese punches a winner. The Czech saves a break point with a fine backhand winner, but Osaka forces her through two deuces. A double fault hands her younger opponent a second break, and a chance to serve for the set.
First set: Pliskova 2-4 Osaka* (*denotes server): Few chinks in the armour on that service game, as Osaka drops just one point. She serves well to the edges, and attacks each shot with verve, rattling off several winners.
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First set: Pliskova* 2-3 Osaka (*denotes server): Far more comfortable on serve from the Czech, and she makes short work of that game. Now to put pressure on Osaka’s serve.
First set: Pliskova 1-3 Osaka* (*denotes server): Osaka looking really sharp, and she drops just one point during a pretty comfortable service game. But it’s her speed across the court that’s worrying Pliskova.
What can the Czech come up with over the next few games?
First set: Pliskova* 1-2 Osaka (*denotes server): A huge return of serve from Osaka gets Pliskova on the run before a double fault brings up two break points. She saves the first with a well worked rally, before cramping Osaka on the next with a clever serve. Osaka works her opponent well after a blistering winner down the line though, and she grabs the first break of the match!
First set: Pliskova 1-1 Osaka* (*denotes server): Osaka drops the opening two points but builds her way into the game. A big ace at 30-30 helps steady the early nerves but again it goes to deuce. Pliskova also pouncing on the early second serves, but she can’t quite fashion the break. Osaka holds, as Pliskova makes any early unsuccessful challenge to a line call.
We're underway!
First set: Pliskova* 1-0 Osaka (*denotes server): The tall Czech serves first with noticeable taping on her left knee. Hopefully that won’t affect her game today. It’s a mixed bag as Osaka looks to attack the second serve early and earns herself a break point. But Pliskova fires a strong serve down the T to save, before holding the game following a long rally.
Both players make their way out onto the Rod Laver Arena, first Pliskova, followed closely by Osaka. A decent reception for both, but the Australian crowd leaning slightly towards Osaka in terms of support.
And it’s hit 40 degrees in Melbourne. So much for a top of 36, predicted pre-game!
They begin their warm ups. Pliskova with a 6cm height advantage over her opponent; she’s never won a grand slam, despite making No 1 a few years back. Osaka, of course with the one grand slam victory, in that remarkable win at the US Open against Serena Williams last year.
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So, to find out who will be Kvitova’s opponent in the final, and on to our second semi-final, between Karolina Pliskova and Naomi Osaka.
There were some shots of Osaka earlier taking a keen look at the “heat stress” index graphic just before the roof was closed. My understanding is we’ll stay with the roof closed for this second semi - not sure if that will favour anyone in particular.
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A relieved Kvitova talks to Jim Courier. “The first set was very tight for myself, I’m really glad it came (together) in the tie-break.”
“I’m glad the roof closed, I prefer to play indoor.”
Certainly it was something that seemed to change proceedings, with the game tight at 4-4, and Kvitova’s serve getting noticeably better in the controlled environment. Still, her ground game proved too strong for Collins, and surely nobody would malign the Czech a finals appearance.
Game, set, match: Kvitova wins 7-6 (7-2), 6-0!
A big volley from the net, a strong serve down the T, a forehand from Collins dragged wide, and she finishes with a big forehand winner! And so ends the brave run of the unseeded Danielle Collins - but it’s a return to a grand slam final for Petra Kvitova!
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Second set: Kvitova 5-0 Collins* (*denotes server): She won’t go down without swinging, however Collins. After some shaky serves she runs Kvitova from corner to corner, winning a long baseline volley before smashing a high double-backhander cross-court. Kvitova steels herself with a punchy return of serve, before Collins misses a drop shot. And the Czech leaps on yet another second serve to break for a third time this set.
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Second set: Kvitova* 4-0 Collins (*denotes server): She has arguably the best service game of the four remaining women, and in the controlled conditions the tall left hander begins to consistently hit her strides. Collins no chance on a sliding serve out wide, but she anticipates an overhead volley from the net well to scramble to 30-30. Kvitova closes out the game calmly though, and holds.
Second set: Kvitova 3-0 Collins* (*denotes server): A rare foray to the net from Collins, but the Czech is good enough to loop her opponent, and then comes to the net herself to line up two break points. Huge cross-court backhand to win it, and Kvitova brings up a second break.
Second set: Kvitova* 2-0 Collins (*denotes server): Kvitova begins to find her groove, firing some strong first and second serves, and races through the game, dropping just one point.
Collins needs to find something, including some more first serves if she’s to chase this match.
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Second set: Kvitova 1-0 Collins* (*denotes server): Now Collins argues the toss after a faulty let call. It’s one thing to be “feisty”, but she seems rattled here. A second mechanical let call sounds on a fault and the American is deeply unhappy in not being allowed to reserve. Trailing 15-40 she changes her racquet, and saves a break with a sharp forehand winner. But she misses one from the deep, and Kvitova enjoys an early break.
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Kvitova wins first set 7-6 (7-2)!
We start on serve, but it’s a first mini-break to Kvitova as Collins cries in frustration as the Czech fires a forehand deep and fast to the corner. Collins clips the tape to go down 3-1, before framing a serve deep. Kvitova fires a backhand winner to race to 5-1. Collins argues the toss with the chair umpire Carlos Ramos as a serve is called wide. Kvitova fires an ace down the T, then volleys home from the net.
Ice cool, from the now cooled down Czech - who fires a glowering look back over the net. First set, Kvitova.
First set: Kvitova 6-6 Collins* (*denotes server): The game opens with a 17-hit rally, and it’s Kvitova who seems to expend the most energy during it. Collins races to 40-0 as Kvitova punches a wild forehand well wide. Another love hold, and we have a tie-break.
First set: Kvitova* 6-5 Collins (*denotes server): Why all this temperature chat matters is of course that with the roof closed, serving conditions are now a little more comfortable. In theory that aids Kvitova, but there are plenty of permutations such as racquet tension, ball speed etc that are affected, and require adjustment.
Kvitova doesn’t make light work of her second service game in the new conditions, being dragged to deuce with an unforced error. She holds on the first advantage point though, and pumps the fist.
First set: Kvitova 5-5 Collins* (*denotes server): So much for that pre-game forecast of 33; it’s just hit 38 degrees in Melbourne, hence the roof closing. At least we’re not in Adelaide today, it’s 47.
Collins continues to miss her first serve, but she’s defending her second serves well. Kvitova misses a straight-forward enough drop shop, and Collins holds - snarling a glare over the net at her opponent.
First set: Kvitova* 5-4 Collins (*denotes server): So we recommence after a 6-7 minute break as the roof is closed. Both women are beginning to become more vocal as Collins rattles off a big “Come on” after firing a blistering forehand winner. The let cord gives Kvitova a lucky drop and she offers her opponent the customary apology. She goes on to hold, as Collins cries out in frustration after a return flies long.
And, hello “heat stress” - our tournament referee has come lurking out of the shadows to announce the roof will be closed, with the on-court heat stress indicator hitting 5. Collins argues the toss, but to no avail. She presumably fancies her chances against Kvitova in the heat, but that’s moot now, the roof shuts.
First set: Kvitova 4-4 Collins* (*denotes server): New balls and Collins utilises the extra pace well, racing through her service game. Big forehand down the line on route to a first hold to love of the game.
First set: Kvitova* 4-3 Collins (*denotes server): A positive start for the Czech, who fires a booming ace down the T, then snaps a forehand winner down the line to race to 40-0. Kvitova then with a double fault before Collins fires a sliced return that earns the crowd’s admiration. Kvitova steadies however, and holds.
First set: Kvitova 3-3 Collins* (*denotes server): Collins striding between serves with purpose but again her first serve percentage remains low. Kvitova monsters a few second serves. An errant forehand from Kvitova sees her miss a chance to break straight back, and again she fires long on a second break point. Collins saves to deuce before Kvitova snarls off her first celebratory growl of the day after bringing up a fourth break point. Collins fires back an ace to save, but it’s fifth time a charm, as Kvitova breaks straight back.
First set: Kvitova* 2-3 Collins (*denotes server): Both players are retreating to the shade at the back of the court between serves, and it’s Kvitova who blinks first, allowing her opponent a look at two break points. Collins squanders the first as Kvitova fires a second serve up the T, but a terrific cross-court backhand secures the break! First blood, Collins.
First set: Kvitova 2-2 Collins* (*denotes server): Kvitova prowling very much inside the baseline looking to pressurise the Collins serve, it doesn’t come off to start with, but she fires another forehand winner to bring it back to 30-15. Collins mixes up her pace to draw the error on return, but another double fault puts her under pressure. Kvitova challenges a line call but it’s long. Collins holds.
First set: Kvitova* 2-1 Collins (*denotes server): Huge serve to the American’s backhand for Kvitova, who then rattles of a strong winner. Another baseline rally sees Kvitova fire long, but she snaps a forehand cross-court to take the game.
A note on the heat, I was perhaps a touch blasé earlier - the new “heat index” is being looked at quite closely; should it persist much higher we could see a temperature break.
First set: Kvitova 1-1 Collins* (*denotes server): Collins starts brightly, racing through the first points before Kvitova launches a fine cross-court winner. A double fault and a nervy second serve brings the world No 6 to the net, but she only finds the tape. Collins settles to hold.
Game on!
First set: Kvitova* 1-0 Collins (*denotes server): Kvitova serves first and starts by losing the first point before blasting the second past Collins’ forehand. The American attacks the serve well to take 15-30, but a long rally sees the Czech fire a precision pass to level. Kvitova steadies and holds.
Both players have headed out on to Rod Laver court and begun their warm ups; so we’re not too far away with live action.
Flicking through the history books re an unseeded player running deep into the tournament, here’s the seeding of the player that’s won the women’s singles over the last ten years or so:
5, 2, 1, 3, 3, 1, 4, 1, 7, 2, 2.
The year before that (in 2007) it was in fact an unseeded player who won, but that was Serena Williams; so not exactly an unknown quantity. Before that? Christine O’Neil in 1978.
Much has been made of Collins’ mental toughness, we’ll see how she fares on that front shortly.
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Obviously the grand slam title is the thing at this stage of the tournament, but an interesting subplot is who will be crowned women’ss world No 1 come tournament’s end?
Simona Halep’s exit at the hands of Serena Williams means one of three women could claim the crown - including Petra Kvitova - with our second semi-finalists Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova also in the frame.
She’s never been to the summit before, Kvitova (although she climbed to world No 2 in 2011) - will that add pressure or provide extra incentive for the Czech today?
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It’s a crisp 33 degrees in Melbourne today, with tops of 36. So positively balmy given recent temperatures. It shouldn’t affect players too much, but we’ll watch that as the matches progress.
If you’re just waking up from an extensive slumber and double checking your guides as to who Danielle Collins is, here’s a fine backgrounder from Whitney McIntosh on the unseeded American:
Some terrific quotes, here.
“I’m feisty. I love making it kind of a war. If somebody wants to get in my face on my unforced errors, I have no problem getting right back”. Your move, Kvitova.
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Hello to all and sundry - good evening, good morning, to thee and thine from wherever you’re following Guardian Australia’s coverage today.
It’s Richard Parkin in the chair, and as ever please enlighten your fellow readers with your best insights, witticisms and general observations. Fire me an email or tweet to join the coverage.
First up, who do you fancy to win today, and why?
Preamble
And so to the day after the night before. With the dramatic late capitulation of Serena Williams the women’s draw at the Australian Open has been blown wide open. Today we find out who will capitalise on that space.
Danielle Collins has had a fairytale run at the tournament, as the scourge of both Julia Goerges and Angelique Kerber looks to continue her remarkable run. Standing her way is Petra Kvitova who must certainly be eyeing a third grand slam with the biggest guns in the women’s draw falling before the semi finals.
We’ll have first action shortly, so put your kettle to the metal and clear your evenings, it’s women’s semi-finals action, live from Melbourne.
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