NewsBite

Updated

Australian Open Day 10 live: Kyrgios interview slammed amid late night ‘farce’

The Australian Open narrowly avoided a complete disaster in another late night finish as Nick Kyrgios was caught up in the chaos.

Alex Blair and Andrew McMurtry
12 min read
January 24, 2024 - 5:39AM
Nick Kyrgios interviews Novak Djokovic. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Nick Kyrgios interviews Novak Djokovic. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The Australian Open has avoided a complete disaster after its scheduling was once again called out for an early morning finish.

There were only four singles matches scheduled for the day, all on Rod Laver Arena from 1pm after a Legends doubles match kicked the day off at 12pm.

Coco Gauff defeated Marta Kostyuk 7-6 6-7 6-2 in three hours and eight minutes, before Novak Djokovic downed Taylor Fritz 7-6 4-6 6-2 6-3 in three hours and 45 minutes.

While the sessions are sold as day and night sessions, meaning the tournament can essentially double dip by selling all the seats twice each day, night session pass holders were made to wait outside until the Djokovic-Fritz match finished.

This included a full on-court interview between Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic.

Nick Kyrgios interviews Djokovic after his quarterfinal win. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Nick Kyrgios interviews Djokovic after his quarterfinal win. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Journalist Ben Rothenberg was incredulous about the move.

“Night session started more than an hour a half ago, why are they doing a full-length interview right now? The #AusOpen is utterly unserious when it comes to scheduling,” he wrote on X.

By the time Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejcikova entered the court, it was two hours later than scheduled.

Mercifully, Sabalenka continued her ruthless roll through the tournament, winning 6-2 6-3 in 71 minutes, which was her longest match of the tournament.

The AO owe Sabalenka big time. Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP
The AO owe Sabalenka big time. Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP
And Sinner too. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
And Sinner too. Photo by David GRAY / AFP

It was revealed before the match began that the pair rejected the AO’s approach to shift their match to Margaret Court Arena.

Post-match, Sabalenka revealed that the possibility of being moved was hanging over the match the longer the Djokovic-Fritz match went on but that she and Krejcikova decided to wait it out.

“If it’s gonna be too long, then we kind of, like, agreed for the possibility to be moved,” Sabalenka said.

“But Novak won third and fourth sets, so we just, yeah, just went on court as normal.”

She admitted they “probably” would have moved if it had gone to five sets.

“If it’s going to be really long, then yeah, maybe it’s a good idea to be moved,” Sabalenka said.

“So they’re not going to finish like Medvedev finish the other night.”

It meant, it meant the match between Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev didn’t start until 10.20pm AEDT.

In a result that somewhat saved the blushes of the tournament organisers, Sinner claimed a 6-4 7-6 6-3 win to book his first semi-final appearance at an Australian Open and second grand slam semi-final overall.

Sinner consoles Rublev, who lost his 10th grand slam quarterfinal. Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP
Sinner consoles Rublev, who lost his 10th grand slam quarterfinal. Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP

He last made a grand slam semi-final at Wimbledon last year where he faced world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who will also be his opponent at Melbourne Park.

The straight sets result meant the match finished at 1.25am AEDT.

The Australian Open can thank its lucky stars the match didn’t go longer however, as it finished in two hours and 39 minutes.

Some five set matches have gone nearly five hours, while Daniil Medvedev’s five-set thriller with Emil Ruusuvuori finished at 3.20am.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Djokovic said there were some things the Australian Open could do to ensure there are less late night/early morning finishes.

“There are different ways to address this,” Djokovic said.

“Maybe scheduling less matches on the centre court, doing it in one session, which is most likely not going to happen, because every session carries a lot of economical value for them.

“So of course they are going to communicate it and try it that way and try to get as many people for different sessions.

“And TV broadcasting, there’s a lot of elements that are in play, you know. TV broadcasting pays a lot of money to the tournament and sponsors the tournament.

How is this good TV? Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
How is this good TV? Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“So obviously, you know, in the end of the day, they are the ones drawing the line and saying, you know, we want to see this player at that session or et cetera, et cetera, you know.

“Even though of course Craig Tiley here, who is a great person, and I respect him a lot, and he’s always trying to do his best for the players. He’s a tournament director and he’s obviously trying always to communicate with players and take their opinions and consideration.

“But, you know, TV broadcasting channels have the biggest power. We know that. Which is not unusual because, you know, they are the ones that are giving us the stage, as well, the platform to reach out to millions of people around the world, which is great for us.

“It’s hard to say what the best scenario is in this case.”

Wednesday’s matches are scheduled to start at 12pm AEDT but all four matches are again scheduled for Rod Laver Arena.

12.41pm – Sinner’s unthinkable comeback

Andrey Rublev has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the second set, dropping a 5-1 lead to lose the second set to Jannik Sinner.

Sinner couldn’t make any mistakes — and he didn’t as he took the tie-break 7-5 after reeling off six straight points to take out the set.

Rublev was furious, ranting at his team before smashing his fist on an advertising board.

It’s understandable as the Russian had done all the hard work but gave it up in quick time.

11.22pm – Sinner claims the first

Fourth seed Jannik Sinner has claimed the first set in a tight battle with fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

Sinner had to stave off two break points before claiming the one opportunity he had to claim the first 6-4.

It took just 38 minutes for the Italian to claim the set, which gives fans some hope that it won’t be too late a night if Sinner maintains his perfect record at the 2024 Australian Open.

He’s yet to drop a set in the tournament and hasn’t even been to a tie-break.

10.22pm – Sabalenka’s ruthless quarterfinal thrashing

Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open defence has continued in ruthless fashion — drubbing Barbora Krejcikova 6-2 6-3.

It’s a mercifully brief finish, taking 71 minutes, shorter than the 84-minute first set in the Djokovic-Fritz match.

Sabalenka’s weapons were on full display as she blew Krejcikova off the court with 20 winners to six in a dominant display.

Sabalenka will play fourth seed and US Open champion Coco Gauff in the semi-final.

9.55pm – Rejection exposes Aus Open scheduling farce

Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejcikova didn’t want to shift their match despite the night session being delayed by almost two hours.

As Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz stretched past the 7pm night session start time, the two female stars were reportedly asked by organisers if they’d like to shift to Margaret Court Arena.

The move would have allowed them to start their match at the scheduled timeslot of 7:15pm and allowed Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev to get underway on Rod Laver Arena shortly after 9pm.

The offer to shift away from Rod Laver Arena, reported by Eurosport’s Barbara Schett, was rejected.

Post-match, Sabalenka revealed that the possibility of being moved was hanging over the match the longer the Djokovic-Fritz match went on but that she and Krejcikova decided to wait it out.

“If it’s gonna be too long, then we kind of, like, agreed for the possibility to be moved,” Sabalenka said.

“But Novak won third and fourth sets, so we just, yeah, just went on court as normal.”

She admitted they “probably” would have moved if it had gone to five sets.

“If it’s going to be really long, then yeah, maybe it’s a good idea to be moved,” Sabalenka said.

“So they’re not going to finish like Medvedev finish the other night.”

9.30pm – Unwelcome court invasion

A ballkid has gone above and beyond the call of duty this evening, chasing down a massive cricket that invaded Rod Laver Arena midway through the first set between Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka.

The cricket proved a handful for the ballkid. Photo: Channel 9
The cricket proved a handful for the ballkid. Photo: Channel 9
Now that's a cricket. Photo: Channel 9
Now that's a cricket. Photo: Channel 9

9.10pm – Sabalenka finally gets underway

The second last match of the evening has finally begun, with the first serve hitting the deck at 9.11pm local time.

Fans who shelled out for tickets for the evening session were forced to wait outside while the Djokovic match wrapped up. To make matters worse, the match between Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev is likely to start somewhere around 11pm if this match takes a standard amount of time.

Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka were reportedly asked if they wanted to commence their game earlier, but on Margaret Court Arena, so Sinner and Rublev could start earlier for the thousands of fans with night tickets.

But former Aussie tennis star Barbara Schett reported they denied giving up the headline spot at the biggest arena.

8.30pm – Djokovic is through to the semis

Novak Djokovic has made it through to another semi-final at the Australian Open, serving his way through a commanding fourth set against Taylor Fritz.

Fritz was looking as if he was faltering at the beginning of the fourth, but pulled off a spectacular love game to break Djokovic’s serve to bring it to 4-3 in the Serbian’s favour.

But Djokovic returned the favour in his next service game and put himself in the box seat at 5-3.

He blitzed an ace to take it to 30-0, but hit the next point into the net. Fritz looked towards his box, who told him to just go for it. But he hit yet another return long and gave up a match point opportunity for Djokovic.

The 36-year-old then hit a signature crosscourt forehand that went out of Fritz’s reach and won him the match just inside of four hours.

The final score was 7-6 4-6 6-2 6-3.

Can’t stop, won’t stop.
Can’t stop, won’t stop.

7.45pm – Djoker takes third set

Novak Djokovic is showing once again why he’s one of the best to ever do it.

The Serbian ran away with the third set 6-2 against Taylor Fritz, capitalising on the US star’s weaknesses as he showed some fatigue. Fritz fell off a cliff in the third, winning under 50 per cent of points off his first serve. Djokovic, on the other hand, was up around the 80 per cent mark.

The Serbian clearly feels more at home in the evening, with his service games improving as the night rolls in.

Those with a day pass to Rod Laver Arena have got their money’s worth today, with the match ticking over the three hour mark at the start of the fourth set.

6.55pm – Crowd on their feet after rally of the match

Novak Djokovic was staring down his 13th break point opportunity but as he’s done all game long, Taylor Fritz refused to give it up as the American and Serbian duked it out.

In what turned out to be a 25-shot rally, it was Fritz who prevailed after a forehand at an almost impossible angle handed him the advantage.

Fritz made it 14 straight break points defended only moments later as he looks to hold serve and move to 5-3 in the second set.

He held serve and took the set 6-4.

Taylor Fritz has taken the second set 6-4.
Taylor Fritz has taken the second set 6-4.

6.30pm – Fritz takes early lead in the second set

After throwing away some crucial points in the opening set, Taylor Fritz has bounced back in the second with an early break before holding his own serve to capture the early 2-0 lead.

At one change of end, Djokovic took issue with the lights inside Rod Laver Arena being turned on despite the stadium roof still being open and the sun shining.

“Is it really necessary having them on so bright? We can see just fine,” he was heard asking the chair umpire.

6pm – Djoker loses his cool, but still takes the set

Novak Djokovic was left fuming at his own team.
Novak Djokovic was left fuming at his own team.

Novak Djokovic was fuming at his box after he failed to get their attention during a changeover. The world No. 1 appeared to be asking for salt in his water as he battled through a marathon first set.

Taylor Fritz held his own against the Melbourne Park king, forcing him to a tie-break after duking it out for almost 90 minutes.

But the Serbian ramped it up when it mattered, showing just how good he really is despite his little spat.

As soon as the tie-break commenced, the 36-year-old blasted two breaks and buried Fritz 7-3 to take the longest first set of the tournament.

Clearly annoyed with the crowd’s jeers, the 24-time grand slam winner put his finger to his ear after taking the sixth point in the tie-break.

5pm – Marathon first game sets up quarterfinal classic

Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz are duking it out on Rod Laver Arena.
Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz are duking it out on Rod Laver Arena.

It might be a long one this afternoon.

Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz opened up their quarterfinal clash with a 16-minute game that saw the pair trade advantages a whopping nine times before the American eventually broke through.

Djokovic, chasing a record 25 grand slam victories, has already shown off some of his deadliest tricks, slotting a perfect backhand return at the net that the US star could only ogle at.

But Fritz has also shown glimpses of greatness, hitting a perfectly timed drop shot that the Djoker gave up on completely.

Fritz eventually pierced through the tense deuce to hold serve.

The pair were locked at 4-4 as the first set crept closed to the one-hour mark.

The match was already forced back due to Coco Gauff’s three-hour quarterfinal with Marta Kostyuk. If it goes to five sets, it might be another long night at Melbourne Park with Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev scheduled to begin at 8.15pm.

3.40pm – Coco Gauff through to the semis

Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk sent her quarterfinal against Coco Gauff to a third set decider after the US world No. 4 dropped a 5-3 lead in the second set.

The pair regularly traded momentum throughout the match, with neither being able to put the final nail in to advance to the semis.

But Gauff finally found her rhythm in the third set and secured a quick double break to lead 5-0 for an opportunity to serve for the match.

Kostyuk still had some life in her, and hit a powerful winner to take the game to deuce and eventually broke Gauff’s serve to bring it to 5-1.

She held serve, bringing it to 5-2 and sending a hush through the crowd. But Gauff was simply too good at the end of the three hour clash and served out a love game to advance to the semis.

The final score was 7-6 6-7 6-2.

Novak Djokovic will commence his match against Taylor Fritz shortly.

2.30pm – Gauff takes the first set

US star Coco Gauff has taken the first set after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk sent it to a tie-break.
US star Coco Gauff has taken the first set after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk sent it to a tie-break.

US star Coco Gauff has taken the first set after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk sent it to a tie-break. Gauff was on the back foot immediately in the quarterfinal clash, but somehow scraped her way back down 1-5 to clinch the set.

Coco Gauff is a hot favourite to take home the tournament after a blistering rise through the WTA rankings. Her win at the US Open last year has built a hype train behind the 19-year-old, and she has begun to show signs of her best out on Rod Laver Arena this afternoon.

Gauff’s mum had a wholesome moment in the crowd as well, catching the ball and doing a “ta-daa” pose for the cameras.

12.30pm – Djokovic change to suit America

For the second match in a row, Novak Djokovic has been relegated to the day session on Rod Laver Arena.

Alex de Minaur was given the evening slot in the fourth round, and now Jannik Sinner will get to play on centre court at night time.

Djokovic says his favourite conditions to play in are in the evening at Rod Laver Arena, but his afternoon quarterfinal against Taylor Fritz will be played in prime time in the United States.

The timeslot doesn’t seem to bother Djokovic though. He won his fourth round match with ease in straight sets.

Novak Djokovic is playing in the afternoon again. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)
Novak Djokovic is playing in the afternoon again. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

12.15pm – Hewitt act raises eyebrows

Lleyton Hewitt has been a fixture in the players’ box of Alex de Minaur and his teenage son Cruz during their matches, but his dual commentary and coaching roles have raised eyebrows.

Hewitt was just happy to see Cruz have fun out on the showcourts in his Australian Open debut in the boys’ tournament.

But the Aussie tennis legend took on a coaching role in de Minaur’s matches, offering him encouragement and advice from his player’s box.

During those matches, Hewitt wears an earpiece so he can give occasional snippets of commentary to broadcaster Channel 9.

Lleyton Hewitt watching Alex de Minaur.
Lleyton Hewitt watching Alex de Minaur.
Lleyton often commentates while sitting in an Aussie player’s box. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Lleyton often commentates while sitting in an Aussie player’s box. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

CODE Sports’ Linda Pearce wrote: “It is de Minaur’s box, not Hewitt’s TV studio.

“But surely a division of duties would be more appropriate. Which cap — backwards or otherwise — is he wearing? The TV or Davis Cup variety?”

Hewitt was spotted trying to tell de Minaur to get Andrey Rublev to run around, but cameras caught him trying to gesture to the young Aussie from the opposite end of the court, which isn’t allowed.

Australian Open Day 10 Schedule of Play (all times AEDT)

Women’s singles

Marta Kostyuk vs. [4] Coco Gauff — Rod Laver Arena 1pm

Barbora Krejcikova [9] vs. Aryna Sabalenka [2] — Rod Laver Arena 7pm

Men’s singles

Novak Djokovic [1] vs. Taylor Fritz [12] — Rod Laver Arena from 2.30pm

Jannik Sinner [4] vs. Andrey Rublev [5] — Rod Laver Arena from 8.15pm

More Coverage

Desperate Lleyton busted by the big screen
James Dampney
Novak takes another shot at Federer

Originally published as Australian Open Day 10 live: Kyrgios interview slammed amid late night ‘farce’

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-day-10-live-lleyton-hewitt-act-raises-eyebrows/news-story/61a25644d826b8eee0df8a49225f5589