Thanasi Kokkinakis is on the board in 2024 after outmuscling big-hitting Austrian Sebastian Ofner over 5 units to safe an Australian Open second spherical berth.
Twelve months after he and Andy Murray performed out one of the crucial memorable five-setters of all-time at Melbourne Park, Kokkinakis flipped the script towards his highly-rated Austrian rival in one other prompt basic.
“I want I might do it simpler however I can’t, I’ve acquired the psychological focus of a three-year-old so nevertheless I might get it achieved,” joked Kokkinakis after the near-five hour slog.
“(I used to be) battling some critical demons, that’s for positive.
“It was an unbelievable courtroom. Typically I wrestle for motivation throughout the yr however January and the Aussie Open positively isn’t a type of occasions.
“I had a form of powerful finish to final yr, powerful begin to this yr and I do know it’s a primary spherical however this one meant so much.”
Kokkinakis started the yr at a career-high No.65 within the ATP Rankings however had already dropped 23 locations by the point he stepped onto John Cain Area on Tuesday after consecutive first spherical defeats to open his 2024 season.
One other first-up exit would have put him on the cusp of falling exterior the highest 100.
Nevertheless the fan-favourite Aussie acquired his summer time again on monitor with a powerful 7-6 (1) 2-6 6-7 (4) 6-1 7-6 (8) victory over world No.37 Ofner, who introduced tennis’ model of hit and hope to their first spherical encounter.
The Austrian unleashed 77 winners – one of many highest figures of the match thus far – however blended with it a wayward 61 unforced errors within the course of.
Together with his opponent swinging for the fences on each level, Kokkinakis was compelled to play the endurance sport.
The Aussie leant on his trademark tremendous serve, firing down 26 aces to Ofner’s 15, however was in any other case completely satisfied to simply accept any gifted factors off the errant Austrian’s racquet.
After falling in a slender third set tiebreak, Kokkinakis kicked into gear and blew Ofner off the courtroom with a shocking fourth set efficiency that acquired the house followers out of their seats.
The vocal crowd continued to roar power into the house favorite’s physique whereas providing some selection phrases to Ofner, who began to unravel within the face of the two-pronged onslaught.
Fittingly the fifth set went to a tiebreaker, the place Kokkinakis exorcised the demons of his 5h45m defeat to Murray final yr and ebook a spot within the second spherical.
“I had a few junkies come as much as me at Crown On line casino ripping me for that loss to Murray … glad I might make amends for that five-setter right here,” he stated.
It was a vital victory for Kokkinakis, not simply to proceed his Australian Open marketing campaign but additionally chalk a maiden win of the 2024 season.
The South Australian started his yr in Brisbane however was bundled out in straight units by fellow Aussie Rinky Hijikata within the opening spherical.
He suffered one other first-up exit at dwelling in Adelaide the next week when he misplaced to Serbian Dusan Lajovic in three units.
Subsequent up for Kokkinakis is Brisbane champion and 2017 Australian Open semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov.
Right here’s how the tiebreak went…
Ofner 1-0
Tied 1-1
Kokkinakis 2-1
Kokkinakis 3-1
Kokkinakis 3-2
Kokkinakis 4-2
Kokkinakis 4-3
Kokkinakis 5-3
Kokkinakis 5-4
Tied 5-5
Kokkinakis 6-5
Tied 6-6
Ofner 7-6
Tied 7-7
Kokkinakis 8-7
Kokkinakis 9-7
Kokkinakis 9-8
Kokkinakis 10-8
9.07PM: AROUND THE COURTS
Whereas we’ve been drilled in on the Kokkinakis-Ofner five-setter, there have been a number of different high quality video games occurring at Melbourne Park.
Alexander Zverev is tied at a set apiece together with his compatriot Dominik Koepfer, whereas Elena Rybakina Emma Raducanu and twelfth seed Qinwen Zheng are by way of within the ladies’s draw.
8.33PM: KOKKINAKIS TIES IT UP AT 6-6
Did I say that is tense? Effectively, it simply went up one other notch. First to 10 factors within the tiebreak goes to the second spherical.
8.28PM: OFNER HOLDS, 6-5
That is tense. If Kokkinakis goes by way of, it’s going to be through a match tiebreak.
8.25PM: THANASI AND OFNER LOCKED AT 5-5 IN FIFTH
With their time on courtroom nearing 4 hours, we’re nonetheless no nearer to realizing whether or not Thanasi Kokkinakis or Sebastian Ofner will he heading to the second spherical.
Ofner is working out of steam however throwing every thing he has on the Aussie, wincing after lacking two gilt-edged alternatives to place Kokkinakis beneath extra strain on serve.
That is going to be harsh on whoever loses in 10-Quarter-hour time.
8.13PM: DRAPER EXPLAINS — WHY I VOMITED AFTER WIN
Jack Draper has defined the chaotic scenes after his five-set win over Marcos Giron the place he needed to rush to a bin to vomit.
Draper revealed he was scuffling with a decent chest all through the match which was referring ache to his again.
Requested what triggered him to vomit, Draper informed reporters: “It was bizarre. I clearly performed such an extended level, perhaps it was form of a response to lastly getting over the road.
“I don’t know. I form of felt dangerous as a result of I clearly simply beat the man, and I used to be saying, I must shake your hand, mate, however I must get to that bin.
“Yeah, as I stated, I don’t actually do that usually, however it was a response.”
Earlier, he informed how his stress ranges rose because the match grew to become extra tense in powerful situations.
“When you’re very confused, particularly in sizzling situations, and you might be enjoying a man as properly, you may be form of too centered on your self whereas you might be enjoying him as properly,” he stated.
“I simply felt like my chest was very tight. It was referring to my again, and I simply felt I couldn’t actually maintain myself up. I believe, yeah, that’s what stress does to you.
I believe it can assist so much coming by way of this match. I really feel like perhaps in a few days it might be very completely different as a result of I’m a bit extra relaxed now perhaps.”
8.05PM: STAR BRUSHES OFF TALK OF ‘NETFLIX CURSE’ RETURN
There isn’t a such factor as a “Netflix Curse” says No.8 seed Holger Rune – and if there was, it nonetheless couldn’t cease Novak Djokovic.
Rune, 20, is among the stars of the second season of the streaming service’s ‘Break Level’ docuseries, which follows the world’s prime tennis gamers behind the scenes at main tournaments all year long.
Followers latched onto the concept of a Netflix Curse final yr after lots of the gamers featured within the present’s first season struggled to make it by way of the early rounds of the Australian Open.
The Dane dispatched Japanese dynamo Yoshihito Nishioka in 4 units on Tuesday to ebook a spot within the second spherical.
Afterwards he was requested if he feared falling foul to the curse.
“I believe it’s silly, to be sincere. No offense,” stated Rune.
“I believe it’s nothing to do with that. I believe Novak might do ten Netflix sequence and nonetheless win 20 Grand Slams or 24. It’s actually one thing that it’s not about that.
“I believe (Aryna) Sabalenka did a couple of already and she or he gained the Australian Open final yr. I don’t know. Yeah, that’s it.”
7.25PM: LEGEND’S FEARS FOR MURRAY LEGACY
Aussie tennis nice Wally Masur fears Andy Murray is hurting his legacy by enjoying on and has flagged Wimbledon as the right alternative for the Scotsman to farewell the game.
Masur stated Murray — who misplaced within the first spherical of the Australian Open towards thirtieth seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry — was at a stage the place he was “making up the numbers”.
“From the surface trying in, it’s like an previous boxer, having gained too many fights,” Masur stated on Channel 9.
“You don’t wish to see him tarnish his legacy by simply making up the numbers. Look, his selection, I get it…however let’s hope that Andy enjoys his time on the courtroom slightly extra going ahead than he did yesterday. However perhaps Wimbledon is time.”
7.08PM: CROWD STUNNED AS THANASI FACES EARLY EXIT
Sebastian Ofner is enjoying some form of tennis.
We produced some gorgeous winners down the stretch within the third set, together with within the tiebreak, to go two units to at least one forward.
“It’s a must to additionally recognise Ofner is doing one thing that you don’t see in males’s tennis. Even Djokovic the perfect at returning laborious serves on courtroom,” Jim Courier says on Channel 9.
“He doesn’t go for winners, he goes for deep place and goes to work. Ofner has hit seven or eight clear winners off a primary serve. That’s unbelievable.”
Momentum is with Ofner and his aggression is paying off.
6.55PM: AUSSIE BIRRELL’S OPEN OVER
After staging a courageous battle within the first set, Kim Birrell has gone down 6-7 1-6 towards eleventh seed Jelena Ostapenko.
The Aussie had native followers daring to dream when she took the primary set to a tiebreak, however she was outclassed within the second by Ostapenko.
AUSSIE ANGERED BY SECURITY GUARD DISTRACTION
Aussie first-round winner Max Purcell is bewildered by the uniforms of safety guards within the stands at Melbourne Park, calling their fluorescent yellow tops an pointless distraction throughout factors.
In an entertaining press convention after his four-set win over Hungarian qualifier Mate Valkusz, the 25-year-old Sydneysider raised the grievance when he was requested if he had an issue with spectators transferring to and from their seats earlier than the change of ends – a rule change which drew the ire of fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson on Monday.
“Nah it’s fantastic, I didn’t assume it was a problem. The one factor that was annoying me was the safety guards on the entrance carrying fluro yellow,” Purcell stated.
“So (Valkusz) was throwing up balls on his serve and I’m like, ‘what the f— are you doing, I can’t see the ball … every other color please!’
“They didn’t assume that one by way of, however so far as the individuals (transferring into seats), that was fantastic.”
The query to Purcell was prompted by a dialog he initiated with the chair umpire halfway by way of the fourth set, however he revealed a rogue ballkid was the explanation he was riled up.
“A ballkid simply took a drink bottle and began strolling off the courtroom throughout the level, subsequent to the web,” he stated.
Purcell superior to the second spherical of the lads’s singles for the primary time at Melbourne Park, and can face eleventh seed Casper Ruud in a tantalising conflict on Thursday after he beat the Norwegian on the Cincinnati Open in August.
6.45PM: INDIAN’S HISTORIC WIN
Qualifier Sumit Nagal has develop into the primary Indian singles winner on the Australian Open in 11 years after his first-round triumph on Tuesday.
Followers chanted his title and requested him for autographs on courtroom six after he pushed apart No. 31 seed Alexander Bublik in three units.
It was the 26-year-old’s second grand slam win and the primary Indian triumph within the males’s singles draw at Melbourne Park since Somdev Devvarman triumphed in 2013.
The 178cm right-hander entered the match towards Bublik because the rank outsider however gained the admiration of the gang for his feisty efforts in sizzling situations to prevail 6-4 6-2 7-6 (7-5).
It was one of many largest fairytale wins of the lads’s draw thus far with Nagal having fun with extra success on the internet after blunting Bublik’s sooner serve.
Nagal began the match ranked world No. 128 however will transfer inside placing distance of the top-100 with a second-round victory.
Nagal’s solely earlier grand slam win got here in 2020 on the US Open.
6.30PM: STAR VOMITS AFTER FIVE-SET EPIC
Jack Draper definitely can’t be accused of leaving something on courtroom throughout his first-round victory over Marcos Giron.
The Brit got here from two-sets-to-one right down to prevail 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-0 6-2 in a match which lasted three hours and 20 minutes.
And the gruelling encounter cleary took its toll, with Draper succumbing to sickness afterwards on courtroom.
6.10PM: THANASI DROPS SECOND SET
Thanasi Kokkinakis has a critical battle on his arms on John Cain Area.
Sebastian Ofner is pulling off some good pictures and has clinched the second set 6-2.
There’s some worrying indicators for the Aussie who was damaged twice in that set and solely gained 22 per cent of factors when pushed to his second serve.
In the meantime, Kim Birrell is producing some critical battle towards eleventh seed Jelena Ostapenko, with their first set locked at 5-5.
KOKKINAKIS TAKES FIRST SET AFTER UMPIRE CLASH
Thanasi Kokkinakis needed to overcome a late argument with the chair umpire to see off Sebastian Ofner and take the primary set on John Cain Area.
With a few matches left within the opening set, Kokkinakis appeared to argue with the umpire about a problem associated to his towels.
However after being pushed to a tiebreak by the Austrian, Kokkinakis fired beneath strain to take the tiebreak 7-1.
After 59 minutes, Kokkinakis banks the primary set 7-6.
5.10PM: OPEN FAVOURITE’S PARTY COURT CRITICISM
Stefanos and Petros Tsitsipas have slammed the full of life environment on the Australian Open’s new courtroom six, saying the additional noise and motion on the “social gathering courtroom” was extremely distracting.
Gamers have lined as much as criticise the brand new rule on the match which permits followers to maneuver between seats on the finish of video games relatively than ready for every change of ends.
However one of the crucial common new spots for tennis followers which incorporates an open bar and DJ setup alongside courtroom six has additionally come beneath a contemporary assault from one of many largest names on the tour.
After shedding his first-round doubles match alongside his brother on Tuesday, Stefanos Tsitsipas stated tennis was the fallacious sport to place a courtside bar and DJ sales space inside earshot of gamers, saying “I’m not a fan” of the buzzing social gathering courtroom.
“You may argue that it needs to be imposed and achieved in different sports activities,” Tsitsipas stated.
“Tennis is a really completely different sport to soccer for instance, and even basketball.
“Sure it (social gathering courts) could be a brand new change in direction of the path which modernises tennis and makes it extra entertainment-style.
“However if you find yourself attempting to zone in and get within the zone, it’s troublesome whenever you see motion and also you see stuff taking place.
“There’s a tiny little yellow ball flying round and it requires your focus typically over 100 per cent.
“And if that may have an effect on you even at 5 per cent we’re in bother.
“It’s why Wimbledon is certainly one of my favorite tournaments as a result of there’s silence and you’ll simply focus and focus on your sport.
“Hopefully someday (it really works) however for now (it’s) not fairly there.”
His brother, Petros, was additionally blunt in his evaluation of the match’s new exterior courtroom initiative, with followers pouring in early on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of Stefanos, who was final yr’s Australian Open singles finalist.
“It’s a very bizarre idea for my part,” Petros Tsitsipas stated of the social gathering courtroom.
“It’s too accessible in a approach for the general public. It was noisy as properly.
“So it was not really easy to pay attention. Clearly the smaller courts are at all times like that.
“There’s a lot occurring, with individuals shouting additionally and different courts.”
There have been about 400 followers in attendance to observe on because the Tsitsipas brothers went right down to Daniel Altmaier and Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela 7-5 7-5 in 95 minutes.
However the assault on the social gathering courtroom got here as a shock to the onlookers who had been properly behaved and solely chanted “Tsit-si-pas” as soon as in help of the Greek pair throughout a break in play early within the first set.
4.55PM: AUS OPEN CONTENDER GAMBLES ON SUCCESS
Casper Ruud says avoiding Melbourne’s Crown On line casino will assist his push for a maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
The Norweigian star, who will meet Max Purcell within the second spherical, stated he had been attempting “to not get dragged to the on line casino each evening”.
“That’s been serving to. Yeah, it’s tempting whenever you move by each evening, however I haven’t
gambled an excessive amount of this time, so I assume that’s serving to,” he stated.
“However, in all seriousness, I like coming right here, despite the fact that I haven’t had the perfect outcomes in comparison with different slams.”
Ruud crushed Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1 6-3 6-1 earlier at present.
Ruud was the second seed finally yr’s Open when he misplaced within the second spherical.
4.30PM: AUS OPEN STAR’S TOUCHING GESTURE FOR BALL KID
American Peyton Stearns has been praised for coming to the help of a ball child who was struggling in Melbourne’s warmth on Tuesday.
Simply as she was set to serve for the second set, Stearns rushed from the courtroom and took an ice towel to a ball child who needed to be handled within the warmth.
The gang applauded her gesture and Stearns was rewarded when she served out the third set.
She then misplaced the third to 14th seed Daria Kasatkina, happening 2-6, 6-3, 2-6.
One fan known as Stearns “the perfect and nicest”.
4.20PM: PURCELL OVERCOMES FOURTH-SET IMPLOSION
— Ed Bourke
Australian world No. 45 Max Purcell has overcome a sluggish begin to ebook a maiden second-round singles look at Melbourne Park with a grinding four-set win over his qualifier opponent.
Purcell squandered 5 match factors however held his nerve to overcome Hungarian world No. 214 Mate Valkusz in 4 units, bringing a packed Kia Area crowd to its toes with an ace to win the match 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 7-5.
The 25-year-old Sydneysider was the sixth Australian by way of to the second spherical after wildcards Olivia Gadecki and James McCabe had been each despatched packing on Tuesday.
Purcell’s win units up a second-round bout with eleventh seed Casper Ruud, who he beat final August on the Cincinnati Open to assert his first ever victory over a top-10 opponent.
The previous Wimbledon doubles champion had Valkusz on the ropes at 5-4 on his serve within the fourth set however didn’t win any of his 5 match factors as he handed the Hungarian a break with a double fault.
However Purcell bounced again to take the subsequent sport to 0-40 earlier than one other double fault from Valkusz handed him one other alternative to seal the match.
“I positively wanted you guys’ help right here deep within the fourth, I used to be gagging it so laborious so that you guys actually helped me recover from the road in that final sport,” he stated on courtroom after the match.
“The man was pummelling me (within the first set), I didn’t actually stand a lot of an opportunity there … he cracked, and I acquired by way of it.”
In commentary, John Fitzgerald famous: “Purcell has been actually erratic in a few of this match…some unusual selections on shot choice. It’s powerful to learn him.”
4.15PM: BARTYS ROLE IN SWIATEK RISE
High seed Iga Swiatek credited Australian tennis star Ash Barty for altering her mindset and offering the “large inspiration” that drove her to the world No.1 rating after passing the primary hurdle in her quest for a maiden Melbourne Park crown.
After an early wrestle towards former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin, the Polish star booked her ticket to the second spherical with a straight units win on Rod Laver Area.
Swiatek was compelled right into a tie-break within the opening set towards the American 2020 Melbourne Park champion, however cruised by way of the second set to advance with a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 win.
The 22-year-old has been in ominous type main into the opening grand slam of the yr and has now claimed 17 straight wins.
After a victorious begin to her Melbourne marketing campaign, Swiatek hailed the affect of former world No.1 and Australian Open champion Barty for serving to elevate her sport.
The French and US Open champion stated Barty, who retired from tennis in March 2022, had motivated her so as to add extra selection to her sport.
“Ash modified my mindset going into 2022 and I believe that was like a breakthrough for me,” Swiatek stated after her first-round win.
“I used to be a top-10 participant, however I used to be feeling that she had such a terrific tennis (sport) that despite the fact that I knew what she was going to play it was nonetheless powerful to play towards her and to win factors.
“She actually motivated me and it’s not clearly the one cause, however I felt prefer it’s one of many causes I later grew to become world No.1 as a result of I simply felt I had extra selection as a result of I began practising this form of stuff to have the ability to play towards her, getting again slices and every thing.
“So for positive I’m actually grateful for her and I don’t know if I’d be world No.1 if she was nonetheless enjoying, however for positive she was an enormous inspiration.”
3.58PM: DARE TO DREAM?
A boilover may very well be brewing on Rod Laver Area.
Yoshihito Nishioka has taken the second set towards eighth seed Holger Rune 6-4.
The Japanese world no.61 prevailed 6-4, combating again in spectacular trend after being blown away 6-2 within the first.
3.48PM: TOMORROW’S KEY MATCHES
Aussie Alexei Popyrin must wait till the final match on Rod Laver Area for his conflict with Novak Djokovic.
Here’s a have a look at the important thing matches for Wednesday:
PURCELL TRIUMPHS
Max Purcell is thru to th Australian Open’s second spherical for the primary time after a four-set victory over Mate Valkusz.
The much-improved Aussie needed to overcome a sluggish begin, dropping the primary set 3-6.
However from that time he was the dominant participant on courtroom, peeling off 19 video games to 1 within the remaining units to prevail 3-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2.
3.35PM: AUSSIE CHAMP’S ONLY MAJOR REGRET
Retired Aussie favorite John Millman says not with the ability to attain the Paris Olympics will go down as the best remorse of his profession.
Millman, whose singles profession ended with an Australian Open qualifying loss final week, featured on the Tokyo Olympics, the place he reached the second spherical.
Reflecting on his profession on Channel 9, Millman stated: “The tennis goes to be performed at Roland-Garros. It is going to be my one remorse in my profession that I couldn’t prolong it yet one more yr and get to Paris.”
Millman stated clay king Rafael Nadal would have been eyeing the Paris Olympics “for 3 years”.
“He’ll desperately need that Olympic gold and extra so the Olympic gold in singles. It’s the Olympic gold in singles. It’s the one factor that’s lacking,” Millman stated.
3.17PM: PURCELL ON THE CHARGE
Max Purcell is one set from the Australian Open’s second spherical.
The Aussie has fought again from a set down and now leads Mate Valkusz 3-6 7-6 6-4 on Kia Area.
In the meantime, there’s an inrtiguing sport occurring throughout at John Cain Area the place Grigor Dimitrov is serving to try to take the third set to a tiebreak towards Marton Fucsovics.
On Rod Laver Area, Holger Rune cruised by way of the primary set 6-2 towards Yoshihto Nishioka.
3PM: LEGAL OR NOT? TENNIS DIVIDED OVER STUNNER
It has been hailed ‘the shot of yr’.
Which, contemplating 2024 is simply 16 days previous, is a few endorsement.
Melbourne Park favorite Stefanos Tsitsipas was trailing Belgium’s Zizou Bergs when he pulled off an unbelievable shot which had the tennis world in awe.
With Bergs serving to go 1-1 within the second set – after claiming the opener – Tsitsipas hustled to the web and audaciously slammed a forehand sideways throughout the courtroom and handed his opponent.
The Greek star needed to pull out strikes which might have been becoming of a dance ground to not contact the web, spinning on the spot after which dodging the web like he was Neo within the Matrix.
Tennis guidelines state {that a} participant loses the purpose in the event that they contact the web.
The opposite key guidelines referring to a participant being that near the web are:
– The ball can’t be hit earlier than it passes the web.
– A participant’s swing is allowed to complete on their opponent’s facet of the web.
Replays seem to indicate Tsitsipas leaning throughout the web a break up second after the ball had viciously spun again from the Greek’s facet of the courtroom.
Channel 9’s commentary staff had been in little doubt concerning the legality of the shot.
“He made it. It was legit. It was unbelievable,” the commentators famous.
However the little-used ruling confused tennis followers on social media.
“I’m confused (as a result of) the ball by no means acquired to stef’s facet of the web, it was at all times happening on the opponent’s facet. is the attain on this case not a penalty?” requested Jay.
One other stated: “Attain over. Contact on opponent’s facet of the web. Level to opponent.”
Tsitsipas claimed the final three units 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 to storm into the second spherical.
2.40PM: PURCELL FIGHTS BACK, RUUD CRUISES
Max Purcell has pulled a set again in his battle with Mate Valkusz.
Purcell rebounded after dropping the primary set by grinding out a 7-6 second set, arising trumps with a dominant tiebreak.
He completed the breaker by repelling an tried passing shot from Valkusz with a pinpoint volley in an indication of intent.
In the meantime, eleventh seed Casper Ruud has crushed Spaniard Albert Ramos Vinolas 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to surge into the second spherical.
Ruud hit 42 winners to 16 and was commanding on the internet.
2.30PM: AUSSIE OPEN HALTED BY BIZARRE DELAY
Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov was compelled to attend to start his match over a weird hold-up regarding his opponent’s outfit.
There was a quick delay at John Cain Area as Hungarian veteran Marton Fucsovics was ordered to vary his shirt earlier than the first-round match might start.
The difficulty gave the impression to be the variety of logos seen on Fucsovics’ prime – gamers are usually not restricted on the subject of the promoting of accredited tennis clothes producers on their equipment, however can solely show as much as two industrial logos of a sure measurement.
Fucsovics was allowed to proceed the warm-up within the illicit shirt as his staff retrieved one other for him to put on within the match.
Tennis Australia was contacted for remark concerning the order to Fucsovics.
The intervention from the official did the 31-year-old no hurt as he claimed an early break over Dimitrov, the thirteenth seed.
The Australian Open is the favorite grand slam of the previous world No. 3, who has made the quarter-finals thrice and reached a semi-final in 2017.
Dimitrov enters the Open contemporary off his triumph within the Brisbane Worldwide, the place he didn’t drop a set after Andy Murray took the primary off him in his opening match of the match.
2.20PM: SWIATEK OVERCOMES FIRST-ROUND DANGER GAME
World No.1 Iga Swiatek has handed the primary hurdle in her quest for a maiden Australian Open crown after an early wrestle towards former Melbourne Park champion Sofia Kenin.
After being compelled right into a tie-break within the opening set, the highest ladies’s seed cruised by way of the second set to ebook her ticket to the subsequent spherical of the season-opening grand slam with a straight-sets win.
Swiatek was compelled to claw again from a sluggish begin towards the American 2020 Australian Open champion, earlier than taking the primary set 7-6 (7-2) in a tie break on Rod Laver Area.
However the 22-year-old discovered her groove within the second set, which she gained 6-2.
Kenin confirmed her frustration at occasions all through the match, swinging her racquet on the floor in dismay and speaking to herself animatedly.
Swiatek has been in ominous type main into the Australian Open and has now claimed 16 straight wins courting again to September final yr.
The 22-year-old is chasing her first Australian Open crown, having reached the semi-finals right here in 2022, so as to add to her three French Open crowns and 2022 US Open win.
2.10PM: SHOCK WIN HERALDS TENNIS’ NEXT BIG STAR
Mirra Andreeva – keep in mind the title.
Ladies’s tennis’ rising star has formally arrived after successful her first Australian Open match at lower than 17 years of age.
At 16 years and 261 days, Czech world No.47 is the youngest participant since Coco Gauff to win a match at each Grand Slam.
And we all know how that has labored out for Gauff, who’s now ranked fourth on the planet and certain one of many main threats to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park.
Andreeva has already racked up prizemoney of greater than $800,000 in her quick profession, which included reaching the spherical of 16 at Wimbledon final yr.
Her subsequent opponent, Ons Jabeur, had this to say: “I do know she’s 16 years previous, however she’s very powerful. I is likely to be her idol, however she desires to go there and kick my ass, for positive.”
1.55PM: MORE AUSSIES FACING THE EXIT
World No.45 and Aussie Max Purcell faces an uphill battle to keep away from a primary spherical Australian Open exit after dropping the opening set towards Mate Valkusz.
The Hungarian didn’t drop a second serve throughout a powerful set on Court docket 3, denying Purcell 6-3.
In the meantime, fellow Aussie James McCabe may very well be two video games away from having his match ended by Alex Michelsen.
McCabe claimed the second set however the American leads two units to at least one and 4-1 within the fourth.
1.44PM: ANOTHER SEED ON THE ROPES
Grigor Dimitrov is formally in bother on John Cain Area.
The Bulgarian ace went down a set and a break to Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics and, typically, regarded slightly out of types.
He’s managed to interrupt again, from 0-30 down, to stage issues at 2-2 within the second set however the strain is on for the one-time Australian Open semi-finalist.
1.20PM: WOMEN’S TOP SEED IN A FIRST-ROUND SCRAP
Life is hard on the prime – and Iga Swiatek is having a tough previous time of it on centre courtroom proper now.
The world No.1 copped a reasonably terrible first-round draw, matched up towards Sofia Kenin – an Australian Open champion simply 4 years in the past.
And she or he’s being made to work for her victory for the time being, compelled to avoid wasting set level on Kenin’s serve.
The highest ladies’s seed clawed again from a sluggish begin , earlier than taking the primary set 7-6 (7-2).
Kenin confirmed her frustration as she swung her racquet on the floor in dismay after the Polish star opened up a 5-2 lead within the tie-break.
Swiatek has been in ominous type main into the Australian Open, claiming 16 straight wins courting again to September final yr.
The 22-year-old is chasing her first Australian Open crown, having reached the semi-finals right here in 2022, so as to add to her three French Open crowns and 2022 US Open win.
12.55PM: AUSSIE PUNISHED IN BRUTAL 56-MINUTE BEATDOWN
Australian Olivia Gadecki’s bid to enhance on a second-round look at Melbourne Park has fallen on the first hurdle after she was knocked out in straight units by American Sloane Stephens.
After breaking Stephens within the opening sport of the match, Gadecki held serve – after which misplaced 12 of the next 14 video games to go down 6-3 6-1 as Stephens booked a ticket to the second spherical on the Australian Open for the primary time in 5 years.
The world No.43 took simply 56 minutes to dispatch the 21-year-old Gadecki, who reached the second spherical of the Australian Open final yr.
A semi-finalist on the Australian Open in 2013, former US Open winner Stephens has been bundled out within the first spherical at Melbourne Park the previous 4 years.
12.35PM: SEAGULLS TAKE OVER AUSTRALIAN OPEN
It’s not simply rowdy followers which might be distracting gamers on the opening days of this yr’s Australian Open – there are different native nuisances.
On match level in Australian Rinky Hijikata’s defeat to Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday evening, a neighborhood seagull entered the fray.
Through the tense deciding tiebreak, with Struff on match level, the seagull landed within the fringe of the courtroom.
It put the German off, momentarily, as Hijikata saved the primary of two match factors – however in the end Struff was in a position to see off the younger challenger.
12.10PM: DASHA’S TEARFUL AUSSIE OPEN EXIT
Daria Saville has taken her first-round exit to Poland’s Magdalena Frech to coronary heart, pouring her coronary heart out on Instagram.
After successful the primary set in a tie-break, Saville went down 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 5-7, and she or he was nonetheless feeling the ache on Tuesday morning.
“Yesterday damage. This morning it nonetheless hurts,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Struggling to provide you with something optimistic to say about my efficiency apart from combating actual laborious ultimately.
“Due to everybody who got here and supported me and I’m actually sorry however hey … a minimum of I’m wholesome and awoke feeling half respectable.”
11.40AM: AUSSIE WILDCARD WIPED IN UGLY FIRST SET
That first set acquired ugly quick for Australian wild card Olivia Gadecki.
After breaking Sloane Stephens within the opening sport, and leaping out to a 2-0 lead, she conceded the subsequent 5 video games – together with a double break – earlier than shedding the primary set 6-3 in simply 25 minutes.
It’s a troublesome ask towards a grand slam champion, however the 21-year-old might want to regroup rapidly to keep away from a first-round exit right here.
11.25AM: GADECKI TRADES BREAKS WITH US STAR
Olivia Gadecki jumped out to the right begin towards 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, breaking her extra skilled rival of their opening sport.
The Australian wildcard rapidly consolidated for an early 2-0 lead however was damaged on the subsequent try in a tense opening to their first-round encounter.
11.15AM: AUS OPEN BOSS RESPONDS TO ‘WOKE’ BARB
Jordan Thompson on Monday evening slammed the Australian Open because the ‘wokest match ever’ for permitting a controversial new rule change which allowed followers to maneuver round on the finish of video games – relatively than the change of ends.
And, on Tuesday, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley returned serve, saying the transfer was made to keep away from the ‘worst state of affairs’ for followers.
“It simply disrupts everybody’s rhythm,” a fired-up Thompson stated after his round-one win.
“If somebody is strolling out the again and you might be throwing the ball (for the) toss-up it’s inconceivable to see as a result of you’ve got a transferring particular person behind it.
“It’s for my part not good.”
World No.1 Novak Djokovic was one other vocal critic of the elevated crowd motion.
When requested particularly about Thompson’s ‘woke’ feedback and criticism from gamers, Tiley defended the choice and stated there’d been ‘no rule change’.
“What we’ve stated is we would like followers to take a seat of their seats when play is on – that’s the expectation coming into the stadium and that’s at all times been the case. And that hasn’t modified this yr both,” Tiley informed Channel 9.
“What we now have achieved is attempt to get their followers into their seats faster – the worst state of affairs you possibly can have as a fan is ready exterior the stadium for 3 video games, for 5 video games, you might be ready for as much as 20-Half-hour earlier than you get in.
“We don’t need that for the followers both.
“There’s been no rule change aside from attempting to get the followers into the stadium as rapidly as doable.
“The followers know, that come and watch tennis, whenever you’re in your seat the concept is to not disrupt play.”
11.00AM: DAY TWO UNDERWAY AT MELBOURNE PARK
The primary matches are about to get underway this morning, with Australia’s Olivia Gadecki dealing with a stiff problem on John Cain Area towards American Sloane Stephens.
Ladies’s 14th seed Daria Kasatkina can also be up towards an American, with Peyton Stearns her first-up opponent.
Within the males’s, Australian James McCabe can be seeking to be a part of the likes of Alex de Minaur, Chris O’Connell and Alexei Popyrin within the second spherical when he takes on American Alex Michelsen.
Later tonight, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Ajla Tomljanovic will fly the Aussie flag by way of till the early night.
10.40AM: THE END? TENNIS GREAT’S SAD ADMISSION
– AFP
5-time finalist Andy Murray stated Monday there was a “particular risk” that he has performed his closing Australian Open after slumping out on the first hurdle.
The 36-year-old put up stiff resistance in a 61-minute first set towards Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, however the thirtieth seed slowly floor him right down to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
Murray had a irritating finish to 2023, successful only one match in his final 4 tournaments, and stated beforehand that except his type picked up the curtain may very well be coming down on his profession.
“Yeah, it’s a particular risk that would be the final time I play right here,” he stated.
“Compared to the matches that I performed right here final yr, it’s the exact opposite feeling strolling off the courtroom. Want I concerned the gang extra. Simply upset with the way in which I performed. Powerful, powerful approach to end.”
10.15AM: NADAL TAKES SAUDI CASH AMID SPORTWASHING CRITICISM
– AFP
Rafael Nadal was named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation on Monday, because the Gulf kingdom goals to host extra skilled tournaments as a part of a broader sports activities push.
“All over the place you look in Saudi Arabia, you possibly can see development and progress and I’m excited to be a part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of twenty-two Grand Slams, stated in a federation press launch.
“I proceed to play tennis as I like the sport. However past enjoying I wish to assist the game develop far and broad internationally and in Saudi there’s actual potential.”
Nadal was as a result of function within the ongoing Australian Open having been out of the sport since injuring his hip on the 2023 version.
After successful his opening two matches on the warm-up occasion in Brisbane, nevertheless, to tore a muscle and was compelled to overlook the primary grand slam of the yr.
Sport is a serious element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Imaginative and prescient 2030 reform agenda, which goals to remodel Saudi Arabia right into a tourism and enterprise hub whereas transitioning the world’s largest crude oil exporter away from fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia has lured soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to play within the Saudi Professional League, hosted heavyweight bouts and funded the upstart LIV Golf tour to tackle the PGA Tour.
The dominion has additionally been named host of the 2034 World Cup.
However Saudi Arabia has been accused by its critics of “sportswashing” through the use of sport to enhance its worldwide fame after widespread criticism for its human rights and environmental file.
9.50AM: ZVEREV SET TO FACE TRIAL IN GERMANY
German tennis participant Alexander Zverev is ready to go on public trial in Might over allegations he allegedly assaulted former accomplice Brenda Patea in 2020.
Information of the listening to broke forward of the present six-seed on the Australian Open’s first spherical match towards fellow German Dominik Koepfer.
Zverev has been “accused of bodily abusing a lady and damaging her well being throughout an argument” in Berlin over three years in the past.
Zverev, the sixth seed at Melbourne Park, begins his Australian Open match on Margaret Court docket Area tonight towards countryman Dominik Koepfer.
9.30AM: MCENROE SLAMS ‘LAUGHABLE’ MONEY-GRABBING PLOY
Tennis legend John McEnroe has hit out at recommendations Saudi Arabia might host this yr’s WTA Finals – calling the transfer ‘laughable’ as he identified the Petrostate’s questionable remedy of ladies.
Jeddah will host the ATP Subsequent Gen Finals till 2027, and it has been speculated that extra tournaments are on the radar of the oil-rich nation.
McEnroe, who’s in Australia to commentate on the Australian Open, has additionally seen reviews that Saudi Arabia is keen to buy high-profile tennis tournaments the Miami Open and Madrid Open, and was not afraid to voice his opinion on that improvement.
“It wouldn’t shock me,” McEnroe informed ESPN previous to the match beginning.
“Let’s put it this manner: cash talks. ‘Oh, no, I wouldn’t do this. How a lot was I supplied? On second thought perhaps I’ll do this.’
The transfer that really offends McEnroe is that of transferring the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia.
“Personally, I disagree with it utterly, with the golf and the tennis,”
“The women are going to play the WTA Finals there? Are you kidding me?
“As a result of they deal with ladies so properly? That half is to me laughable.
“On the identical time, which can also be laughable, is the individuals that may criticise tennis gamers or golfers for doing one thing that just about each enterprise and the federal government do, which is cope with Saudi Arabia.
“This concept that tennis gamers need to set the ethical customary, or golfers for that matter, once they’re all making the cash, it’s a complete joke so far as I’m involved. We’ll see what occurs.”
One participant who went on file lately as having touted the positives of a LIV Golf-style tennis breakaway match was controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios.
“I’d have been the primary one to leap off. I’d have gone. I’d have simply let the ATP ship sink,” Kyrgios informed the Athletic of a hypothetical Saudi-backed tour.
9.00AM: RADUCANU RETURNS, IGA’S OMINOUS THREAT
Ladies’s world primary Iga Swiatek is in imperious type, with 16 straight wins beneath her belt, together with 5 on the latest United Cup. She begins her Australian open journey at present, as Emma Raducanu makes her grand slam comeback from damage.
The Polish participant, 22, opens her account with a rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros closing towards former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, which Swiatek gained.
“It was good to play some high-quality matches towards the highest gamers (on the United Cup),” stated Swiatek, who has by no means gone previous the fourth spherical in Melbourne.
“I realised that I’m feeling fairly assured, slightly bit higher than final yr. Hopefully this sense goes to stick with me.”
Final yr’s crushed finalist Elena Rybakina, contemporary from successful the Brisbane Worldwide, takes on former world primary Karolina Pliskova.
Fifth seed Jessica Pegula can also be in motion and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka faces Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
Former US Open champion Raducanu, now ranked a lowly 296, is an unknown amount after an eight-month layoff.
The British participant surprised the tennis world when she triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as a qualifier however solely on one different event has she reached the fourth spherical of a Grand Slam.
Nevertheless, she is assured she will get better her greatest type after a irritating interval.
“I believe my stage, to be sincere, is simply too good to not come by way of if I put constant work collectively.”
8.45AM: ALCARAZ KEEN TO TOPPLE RLA KING
– AFP
Carlos Alcaraz is the headline acts within the males’s draw on day three of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
Wimbledon champion Alcaraz is vying with Novak Djokovic for the coveted primary spot throughout the match at Melbourne Park.
The Spaniard, 20, edged the Serbian nice in an exhilarating closing on the All England Membership final yr to win his second main.
Since that assembly at Wimbledon world primary Djokovic, a 10-time winner in Melbourne, has come out on prime twice towards his younger opponent, together with on the ATP Finals in November.
However Alcaraz, who missed final yr’s Australian Open with a hamstring damage, is undaunted as he prepares for his first match towards veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
He stated the problem of toppling Djokovic – king of Rod Laver Area – gave him “further motivation”.
“I at all times wish to play towards the perfect gamers on the planet to see what my stage is,” he stated.
“Clearly it’s a very good take a look at, enjoying towards him within the locations or within the match that he’s virtually unbeaten.
“Yeah, I’m seeking to attain the ultimate and hopefully enjoying a closing towards him. It could be nice, clearly.”
Elsewhere, sixth seed Alexander Zverev makes his bow whereas Grigor Dimitrov launches his marketing campaign contemporary from a title success in Brisbane.
8.30AM: ‘NO REGRETS’ FOR OSAKA AFTER FIRST-ROUND EXIT
Naomi Osaka stated she had no regrets and had achieved “the perfect that I might presumably do” after her Grand Slam comeback got here to an abrupt halt on the Australian Open on Monday.
A single break proved sufficient for French sixteenth seed Caroline Gracia to win the opening set towards her rusty opponent earlier than dominating a second set tie-break to win 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) within the first spherical.
Japanese star Osaka, who has gained 4 Grand Slams, stepped away from tennis in September 2022, citing psychological well being issues.
After giving delivery to a child lady, Shai, in July, she determined to return for the 2024 season.
“I felt like I did the perfect that I might presumably do. It was simply very nice to be on Rod Laver once more, hear the viewers, how a lot they interacted with the match. That was enjoyable,” she stated.
“In fact I’ve to inform myself, ‘Hey, like six months in the past you had been pregnant’, stuff like that. In fact, there’s a voice in my head that’s, ‘Who’re you to assume you possibly can come again and instantly begin successful matches?’
“I don’t know. I form of at all times anticipate myself to face an opportunity in any case. So I assume simply being nicer to myself is sort of a key factor that I discovered in my time away.”
