2017. Serena and Venus Williams in the women’s final, Roger Federer in the men’s with Rafael Nadal joining him if he beats Grigor Dimitov tomorrow. The veterans are dominating this Australian Open, although Dimitrov is playing well enough to pour cold water on all this romantic nostalgia. I’ll have coverage of Nadal v Dimitrov tomorrow, but that’s all from me for now. Thanks for reading and emailing. Bye.
Updated
Federer is asked about the possibility of meeting Rafael Nadal in the final for the first time in six years. “It’s real now. I can actually talking about playing a finals for the first time. I’ve been dodging that bullet for the last couple of days. But this is the last one. I’ll leave it all out here in Australia and if I can’t walk for another five months, that’s ok. Rafa is the biggest challenge. This court allows me to be offensive. I’m probably his number one fan. We’ve had some epic battles over the years. It would be unreal to play here. I don’t think both of us though we were going to be here potentially playing in the final because I went to open his academy in Mallorca with him a few months back and I told him ‘I wish we could do a charity match or something’, but I was on one leg and he had the wrist injury and we were playing some mini tennis with some juniors and we were like ‘it’s the best we can do right now’. A few months later, we are maybe going to be in the finals. It’s a very special tournament for us already.”
Federer is asked about the possibility of playing Grigor Dimitrov in the final. “He’s got a very complete game. He can mix it up very well. It’s either going to be him ... or Rafa. Talking about Grigor, I like his game. A lot of players come out and watch him. I didn’t think he was going to be this consistent in this tournament.”
More from Federer. “I did feel he gave a bit of a cheap break. I didn’t really deserve it at that moment. But I served it out. Everything happened so quickly at the end. I had to check the scoreboard. I never, ever in my wildest dreams thought I would come this far in Australia. I’ve got a couple of days off. I’m so happy.”
Roger Federer speaks. “Thank God. I thought he relaxed and I couldnt’ serve as well I did. He let it go and it worked for him. It was hard to stop the bleeding and I was playing tight. Stan was playing nothing to lose. It was very tricky. Good tennis in the fifth. I’ve had a leg thing going on for the week and I felt it from the second game. I don’t know. I don’t really take injury timeouts, but Stan already took his so I thought people won’t be mad and Stan won’t be mad. That physio, he has magic hands. If you go off the court, that means the treatment is ... further ... up ... the ... leg.”
Stan Wawrinka leaves to a huge ovation from an appreciative crowd. What an effort it was from the world No4, who was in tears at the end of the second set. What heart he showed to fight back when he returned from a medical timeout with tape on his right knee. But there was no denying Federer in the end.
Roger Federer beats Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3!
Federer makes a perfect start, a low forehand into the left corner forcing Wawrinka to hoist a backhand wide. Then he runs around a forehand, drilling it down the line to force an anguished Wawrinka to net his forehand for 30-0. Another big forehand is enough to make Wawrinka hit wide again and Federer has three match points. He misses a first serve. He sends the second to Wawrinka’s backhand and the world No4 sends his return long! That’s it! After missing most of last year with a knee injury Roger Federer has reached the Australian Open final at the age of 35! He embraces his vanquished opponent and close friend at the net before accepting the adulation from the crowd.
Updated
Fifth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 5-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): After three hours, Wawrinka is serving to stay in the match. He does so, holding to 15 with a vicious backhand. Federer will serve for the match and a place in the Australian Open final.
Fifth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 5-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Looking to consolidate the break, Federer rediscovers his rhythm on serve and speeds into a 40-0 lead without breaking stride. He holds to 15 with a joyous smash and he’s a game away from his 28th grand slam final.
Fifth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 4-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka takes the first point, but Federer takes the next two thanks to excellent returns. Then Wawrinka squirts a backhand horribly wide to hand Federer two break points, his first of this set, and the world No4 double-faults! Rather uncharitably, the crowd cheers as Federer breaks.
Updated
Fifth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Down 0-15, Federer responds well to win the next two points. Some effective serve and volley makes it 40-15. He hasn’t done that for a while. But at 40-30, Wawrinka hammers a forehand into the right corner to force deuce. Federer has to dig deep, but he’s putting nothing into his shots now and eventually nets a backhand to gift Wawrinka a break point. Now Wawrinka’s tight. He nets a backhand. It’s advantage Federer after he dominates the net and he does enough with a volley to force a sliding Wawrinka, who almost does the splits, to net a forehand. A vital hold.
Fifth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka shows the first sign of weakness on serve for a while, netting a backhand to make it 0-15. Then, when Federer cracks a backhand from left to right, he nets a volley for 0-30. Wawrinka’s response is a second serve ace out wide. Oh, I say! Then Federer skews a forehand into the crowd to make it 30-all, before knocking a backhand return wide off a second serve. Wawrinka holds with a massive forehand down the line. Four points in a row and he holds and it was all thanks to that second serve ace at 0-30.
Fifth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): An ace down the middle from Federer is a fine way to start the game. He can’t put away two smashes during the next rally and loses it when he nets a volley, before serving well for 30-15. The camera picks out Mirka, his wife, in mid-prayer. Does she know something we don’t? Wawrinka makes it 30-all with a superb return and then defends well, earning a break point when Federer nets a tentative backhand. Wawrinka has a look at a second serve and his return is outstanding. Federer hangs in there and it’s his turn to attack. Wawrinka’s defence is also good. Federer tries a drop shot. It’s not great, but Wawrinka pokes his backhand wide at the net and Federer goes on to hold. That could be huge. Federer breathes an almighty sigh of relief.
Fifth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 1-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Federer leaves a return short, allowing Wawrinka to barrel a forehand away for 15-0. This is a fine service game from Wawrinka, who swerves an ace out wide to lead 40-0. He holds to love.
Updated
Fifth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer finally returns, without any taping on his knees, and begins the final set with an ace. Wawrinka, who was busily keeping himself warm during the timeout, challenges unsuccessfully. Federer holds to 15. How he needed a routine service game. “You may have pulled off the greatest jinx of all time, Jacob,” says Krishnan Patel. “12-5 and 4 breaks since the time you said you couldn’t see Wawrinka coming back.”
While we wait for Roger Federer to return from his medical timeout, here’s a Joy of Six on the great man.
“If StanTheMan manages to come back to win and go on to won the tournament does that mean that he’s a “greater” player than our beloved Sir Andy?” says Jordan Spooner. “Yes – Andy is more consistent but Stan would have 4 majors compared to Andy’s 3. Personally I would be happy to have an extra major than be called consistent. Oh yes – Andy, Stan and me are on first name terms!”
I can see where you’re coming from, though Murray also has two Olympic titles and is the world No1. You can spin it either way. One thing: the form he’s been in, I doubt Murray’s going to stay on three majors.
Roger Federer has left court. He had the trainer on at the end of the fourth set. Well, if it worked for Wawrinka...
Stan Wawrinka wins the fourth set 6-4 to level the match!
Serving for the set, Wawrinka slices an ace down the middle to lead 30-0. A big serve brings up three set points and Federer nets a backhand return! We’re heading into a fifth set and even Federer might be powerless to resist this Wawrinka comeback!
Updated
Fourth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka’s on the defensive during the first point, but it’s Federer who loses it, sending a frustrated forehand long. That gives Wawrinka the encouragement to wallop a forehand into the right corner for a 0-30 lead. Federer tries to serve-volley, but Wawrinka opens up his racquet and guides a crosscourt forehand past him to earn three break points! Federer saves the first two with some stubborn serving. He approaches the net on the third. Federer volleys into the right corner, but Wawrinka moves smoothly, reaches down and flicks a forehand from right to left to break! He’ll serve for the fourth set! He was down, out and injured after the second set and now look!
Fourth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-4 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka finds the line with a forehand winner for 15-0. Federer wastes a challenge for no apparent reason. On we go. Wawrinka clips a forehand into the corner to lead 30-0. But Federer enjoys a little slice of luck when a forehand clips the top of the net and forces Wawrinka forward. Federer picks him off with a backhand down the line for 30-15, then smashes for 30-all. Suddenly it’s an awkward game for Wawrinka, who’s relieved to see a Federer backhand flash wide. Wawrinka nets a forehand, though, and the game goes to deuce, but he holds after a couple of staunch points.
Fourth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-3 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Two successive aces from Federer, a hold to 15. Another comfortable hold. For Federer, the finishing line is in sight, but they remain on even terms in this set.
Fourth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 3-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka holds to 15, a stress-free game. There’s no sign of his injured knee holding him back. It feels like both players are biding their at the moment.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer begins the game with a double-fault. He ends it with a preposterous forehand down the line to hold to 15.
Fourth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka settles himself down with a hold to 15. The intensity momentarily dips.
Fourth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): At 40-0, Wawrinka lobs Federer at the net. Federer runs back to the baseline and tries a tweener. Wawrinka wins the point with a smash. But Federer holds to 15, Wawrinka netting a forehand. The pendulum has swung again.
Fourth set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 1-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka bangs an ace down for 15-0. Federer responds with a peach of a backhand pass from left to right for 15-all, which should make him feel a bit better about the way this has gone in the past 30 minutes. The game goes to 30-all and a baseline rally ensues. It ends with Wawrinka sending a backhand long and Federer has a break point. A brutally strong forehand from Wawrinka forces an error from Federer, whose forehand goes long for deuce. A double-fault from Wawrinka gifts Federer a second chance, though. Here’s another long rally. Federer’s in control, though, and there’s a hint of desperation about Wawrinka’s final shot, a backhand that drifts long. Federer breaks to stop the rot.
Fourth set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 0-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer looks completely confused, a double-fault making it 15-30. The wind was taken out of his sails when Wawrinka went for that medical timeout and he hasn’t been able to handle the situation. Wawrinka’s loose. With nothing to lose, he’s just come back out and spanked the fuzz off the ball. He earns a break point when Federer sends a forehand wide. Federer serves wide and moves forward; Wawrinka just wallops a backhand pass from left to right to seal a third successive break. Federer has lost from two sets up on four occasions. He’s in serious peril of it happening for a fifth time now.
Stan Wawrinka wins the third set 6-1; Roger Federer leads 7-5, 6-3, 1-6
That medical timeout seems to have affected Federer more than Wawrinka, who takes a 30-0 lead with an ace out wide. Another storming backhand from Wawrinka brings up three set points and Federer nets a backhand. A horrible, unfocused third set from Federer and the 2014 champion is right back in this! Against all the odds, we’re heading into a fourth set!
Updated
Third set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer looks frazzled now, netting a volley to make it 0-15, then dragging a simple forehand wide to make it 30-all. Wawrinka earns a break point, bullying Federer with a forehand down the line. Monstrous hitting from Wawrinka unsettles Federer, who sends a forehand miles long. Wawrinka breaks again and will serve for the third set!
Third set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-4 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Looking to consolidate that unlikely break, Wawrinka marches into a 40-0 lead. He holds to 15 when Federer knocks a backhand wide. This semi-final has taken a surprise turn and we can’t be sure where it’s heading now.
Updated
Third set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-3 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Hang on a moment, though! Two forehand errors from Federer and it’s 0-30. Another one hands Wawrinka three break points. Suddenly Wawrinka is hitting without any inhibitions, letting it all hang free. Wawrinka can’t take the first, missing a forehand, but he nails the second, whipping a backhand past Federer at the net to break for the first time!
Third set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 1-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka holds to 30. He’s not let his injury hold him back yet, but it’s difficult to see how he can get back into this semi-final.
Updated
Third set: Federer* 7-5, 6-3, 1-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer holds to love. The dramatic tension has evaporated for the time being.
@jessica4stein pic.twitter.com/JwITb0jJIC
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 26, 2017
Third set: Federer 7-5, 6-3, 0-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Apologising to Federer as he returns, a teary eyed Wawrinka has hobbled back on court with tape on his right knee. We’ll see how long he can continue. He’s fighting on gamely for now, but the last thing anyone needs against Federer is to be physically hindered. Eyeing a quick kill, Federer takes a 15-30 lead. But two scratchy backhand errors make it 40-30 and Wawrinka, gritting his teeth, holds with a powerful forehand.
Updated
Stan Wawrinka was limping at the end of that second set and he’s just walked off court with the trainer for a medical timeout. He was in tears. It’s likely to be a knee problem.
Updated
Roger Federer wins the second set 6-3 to lead 7-5, 6-3!
At 15-0, Federer serves and volleys to great effect. Wawrinka nets his forehand on the run. Federer quickly earns three set points with a backhand down the line. A forehand down the line does the job with the minimum of fuss. That, you fear for Wawrinka, could well be that. The world No4 has fought back from two sets down on six occasions in his career, but he looks drained of belief now.
Updated
Second set: Federer 7-5, 5-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka holds to 30 to ensure that Federer will have to serve for the second set. Federer has only lost six points on serve in this set.
Second set: Federer* 7-5, 5-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): While Wawrinka continues to fume, Federer is an ocean of calm. More splendid tennis sees him hold to 15, his serve so difficult to read. All of a sudden, he’s a game away from a two-set lead. Wawrinka is all over the place now. His emotions are getting the better of him.
Updated
Second set: Federer 7-5, 4-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): A potentially significant moment at the start of this game. Federer spanks a forehand return back at Wawrinka, who does well to stay on his feet. It’s called out, but Federer mounts a correct challenge and it’s 0-15. It’s not long before it’s 0-30 after another sublime Federer forehand and it’s 15-40 when Wawrinka spoons a forehand long. Wawrinka saves the first with a crisp forehand winner. Not the second, though. Federer hangs in the rally - one backhand slice looked like it was going to drift wide, only to land in - and Wawrinka eventually cracks, netting a backhand. Down a set and a break, he lets out his frustration by breaking his racquet in half with his knee, earning a code violation for racquet abuse. A double punishment.
Updated
Second set: Federer* 7-5, 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Another Federer service game whizzes by. The ease with which he holds at times places so much pressure on his opponents.
Updated
Second set: Federer 7-5, 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka smacks a forehand down the line, then bangs down an ace for 40-0. He plays a couple of scratchy points to let Federer back in the game, but holds to 30 with an angry, booming forehand.
Second set: Federer* 7-5, 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka has a glimmer of hope at 15-30, but Federer stamps it out with some expert volleying. He holds to 30. Wawrinka simply hasn’t been able to take his chances yet.
Second set: Federer 7-5, 1-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka sails into a 40-0 lead and holds to 15. He needs to stay focused.
Second set: Federer* 7-5, 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): For most players, losing that first set would be fatal. Just remember, though, that Wawrinka fought back from a set down to beat Djokovic in the US Open and French Open finals. He’s not out of this yet. Federer begins this set confidently, though, holding to 30.
Roger Federer wins the first set 7-5!
Serving to stay in the set for a second time, Wawrinka finds himself down 0-15 when Federer reaches a drop shot and prods a clever backhand down the line. Soon it’s 15-30, Wawrinka following up a gorgeous backhand with a wild one. At 30-all, Wawrinka misses another backhand. Federer was nowhere near it, but Hawkeye confirms it was wide and here’s a set point! Federer chips and blocks to stay in the point and Wawrinka finally blinks, netting a forehand down the line! Wow. After almost an hour of sumptuous tennis, Federer is two sets away from the final!
Updated
First set: Federer* 6-5 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer nets a backhand to make it 0-15. A stunning drop volley sets him up for a smash for 15-all, but another missed backhand makes it 15-30. A few errors are creeping into his game. Another serve and drop volley routine makes it 30-all, but a superb backhand from left to right from Wawrinka forces Federer to net. Here’s a break point at a crucial time. Can Wawrinka take it? No! Federer sends a forehand down the line and Wawrinka nets. Federer eventually holds when he stops a rally to challenge a Wawrinka backhand that he suspects was long. HawkEye confirms that there’s no need for Federer to see an optician.
First set: Federer 5-5 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): The first two points are shared, but Wawrinka remains rock solid on serve, stomping into a 40-15 lead. Federer hits back with a ferocious forehand for 40-30, but Wawrinka rips a forehand pass away to hold. On we go.
First set: Federer* 5-4 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Federer smashes commandingly at the net to seal an easy hold. Wawrinka will serve to stay in the set.
First set: Federer 4-4 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka lands himself in trouble when he clips the top of the net on the forehand. He’s easy prey at the net for Federer, who bides his time before unleashing a venomous backhand for 15-all. Federer nets a forehand, though, and Wawrinka makes it 40-15 with some brilliance of his own. Another hold.
First set: Federer* 4-3 Wawrinka (*denotes server): Wawrinka manages to read a Federer smash and surprises his opponent with a backhand on the run. Federer can only net a forehand volley. He’s suddenly looking edgy. He almost frames a smash on the next point, then nets a drop shot to make it 15-30. Outstanding defensive work from Federer makes it 30-all, though, and it’s 40-30 when Wawrinka nets a backhand. Federer holds with a beautiful backhand winner. This is outstanding.
First set: Federer 3-3 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Federer’s having a chuckle after a preposterous, spinning backhand drop shot takes Wawrinka by surprise at 30-0. Wawrinka, who charges forward to net a forehand, can’t help but smile too. But let’s be serious, guys. It’s a shot that gets Federer back into the game and Federer makes it 30-all with some aggressive hitting and volleying. Wawrinka shakes his head clear and moves to 40-30, before holding with an ace. Federer challenges, but it clipped the line.
First set: Federer* 3-2 Wawrinka (*denotes server): When the rallies are long, Wawrinka is the favourite. He raps an aggressive forehand down the line and Federer nets. Now Federer’s under pressure. A forehand clips the top of the net and flies long for 0-30. It’s not long before Wawrinka has two break points, Federer butchering another forehand. What a boost this would be for Wawrinka, to break a game after fighting back from 0-40. But Federer stays cool. Is that news? He saves the first with a fine serve, the second with an excellent forehand for deuce. Federer holds from deuce. This is a fascinating match.
First set: Federer 2-2 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): The pair of them trade backhands at first. Wawrinka misses his and it’s 0-15. Soon it’s 0-30. Federer attacks the net, volleying superbly again, and Wawrinka knocks an unsteady forehand long. A half-volleyed backhand from left to right, a shot only Federer could hit, causes all sorts of problems for Wawrinka. Pulled out of position, he misses his backhand to hand Federer three break points. He can’t take them, though. He nets two backhand returns, while Wawrinka saves the other with a big forehand. Deuce. Federer doesn’t earn another break point and eventually Wawrinka holds.
Updated
First set: Federer* 2-1 Wawrinka (*denotes server): The first two points are shared. The next rally’s lengthy. Federer slaps a forehand into the net for 15-30. He responds with an ace for 30-all. Then comes another long rally. This time it’s Wawrinka who nets with a backhand down the line, but the game goes to deuce when Federer punches a difficult volley long. He should have won the point with an overhead backhand, but didn’t do enough with it. His next backhand volley hits the spot, though, and Wawrinka goes long with an all or nothing backhand. The next point’s one to savour. Federer leaves a volley in the air, tempting Wawrinka forward. Wawrinka slashes a backhand from left to right, but Federer’s reflexes are Kryptonian. He’s there with a volley. Wawrinka scampers back and hooks a forehand over the net, but Federer is waiting with a decisive volley.
First set: Federer 1-1 Wawrinka* (*denotes server): Wawrinka isn’t just playing Federer - he’s also got to take on the crowd. It’s not that they’re against Wawrinka, it’s that they’re desperate to see a Federer victory, which is why a cheer goes up when Federer wins the first point of this game. Wawrinka has grown accustomed to this trend over the years, though, and he doesn’t allow it to affect him. He crunches away with the next three points, then sprays a vintage one-handed backhand away to hold to 15.
First set: Federer* 1-0 Wawrinka (*denotes server): The all-Swiss semi-final begins with Roger Federer serving and doing so effectively enough to restrict Wawrinka to one point. Federer’s quickly into a 40-15 lead, the accuracy of his serving making for a smooth start. He holds when Wawrinka blasts a forehand return down the line, only for Federer to reach back, stoop down and flick an absurd defensive backhand slice from left to right.
The players are out. Tok! Tok! Tokity tok! They’re knocking up. On Eurosport, an interview with Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who thinks it’s going to be “a really close game”.
While we wait, here’s Kevin Mitchell’s report on the Williams sisters both reaching the women’s final. What a story!
The nagging concern for Wawrinka is that Federer leads their head-to-head 18-3. All of Wawrinka’s wins came on clay. He’s never beaten Federer on a hard court and lost 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 when they met in the US Open semi-final in 2015. History, as you’d expect, is on Federer’s side.
Preamble
Hello. Before the fans on Rod Laver Arena get to watch the McEnroe brothers take on Pat Cash and Goran Ivanisevic in the men’s legends’ doubles, first they’ve got to sit through a semi-final between Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. What a drag. After all, we all know how this one’s going to go - 6-0, 6-0, 6-0 to Federer, who will barely have to adjust his halo during the hour he’s about to spend on court, so dominant will he be. It’s written in the stars. It’s a fairytale. Oh, the romance! Roger, we love you!
Yes, we do love him. But on further reflection, it’s probably not going to be that easy for Federer to reach his first grand slam final since the 2015 US Open. His buttocks glistening in the Melbourne sun, Wawrinka stands poised to poop all over this party. Scissors at the ready, he’s about to tear up the script. The younger and slightly less revered Swiss genius is no mug and the world No4 has the power game to overwhelm any opponent. While Federer has not won a slam since Wimbledon 2012, Wawrinka has three since picking up his first here in January 2014. He’s the reigning US Open champion and a player who relishes the big occasion. Having emphatically stepped out of Federer’s shadow, little brother has grown up.
But just look at Federer. Not many people expected him to get far or for his tennis to hit these heights. Just back from the knee injury that curtailed his 2016 campaign, he was expected to be rusty and there were certainly a few awkward creaking sounds in his first two matches, but he hasn’t looked back since demolishing Tomas Berdych last Friday. He beat Kei Nishikori, the world No5, in five sets and then he thanked Mischa Zverev for knocking out Andy Murray by walloping the world No1’s unlikely conqueror in three easy sets, providing yet another reminder of why he’s the greatest player of all time. Is that 18th slam finally on the way? Don’t bet against it. Then again, are you brave enough to bet against Wawrinka?
Play begins at: 7.3opm in Melbourne, 8.30am in London.
Updated
