The Score: Tinder Buzz in Melbourne, young Aussie learns lesson and Nick Kyrgios hit hard

There’s been a massive spike in Tinder use around Melbourne Park, a young Aussie learns a harsh lesson and Nick Kyrgios is hit hard where it hurts by a gun Frenchman. It’s all in The Score.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 20: Rinky Hijikata of Australia celebrates a point in his first round Junior Boys Doubles match with Otto Virtanen of Finland against Stefan Storch of Australia and Bu Yunchaokete of China during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

• Has ‘Big Brother’ coverage crossed the line?
• The most explosive tantrums in tennis history
• Scud’s ‘old-school’ solution to tennis brat drama

The reaction, or should we say non-reaction, of Serena Williams’ mother to her victory over Simona Halep became one of the biggest talking points out of the match.

As Rod Laver Arena erupted when the 37-year-old snatched a memorable victory, Oracene Price was unmoved.

The rest of Williams’ box, which included fashion icon Anna Wintour, exploded with emotion and jumped to their feet while Oracene remained seated and expressionless behind black sunglasses.

Serena Williams’ mother, Oracene Price, wasn’t in a smiling mood last night. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

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To make things worse for Oracene, her ice cold refusal to cheer her daughter’s big moment was highlighted on the big screen in the middle of Williams’ post-match on-court interview with Channel 9’s Sam Smith.

“Serena, just look at the reaction on this arena. Everyone is on their feet,” Smith said as the awkward shot of Oracene refusing to budge was played on the big screen.

Naturally the vision went viral and drew comparisons to the cult movie ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ where the plot revolved around the main characters carrying around a corpse which they pretended was alive.

Cameras have caught some interesting moments at the Australian Open.

DJOKOVIC ACCEPTS ‘BIG BROTHER’ SOCIETY

They’ve captured some of the best moments of the Australian Open.

The corridor cameras throughout Melbourne Park have given us some memorable images including Roger Federer getting stopped by a security guard without his pass.

But the question has been asked of whether they’re giving too much access.

Novak Djokovic puts it down to the ‘Big Brother’ society we now live in although he does have some concerns.

“The only thing I don’t like is there is no connection between the ice baths, recovery centre and the locker rooms,” the world No.1 said.

“I have seen a lot of players, including Fabio Fognini who is our favourite male model in his bath robe, you know, going back and forth.

“I guess for women, it’s even worse because they have to go out and they are in a towel because they just went out from the bath and they didn’t carry their bag to change their clothes so they have to go back, and there is camera and corridors and people.

“That’s the only thing I mind a little bit.

“But other than that, you know, we live in Big Brother society. I guess you just have to accept it.”

Coach Thierry Van Cleemput with David Goffin before parting ways. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

BOOMING JOB MARKET FOR COACHES

The one bonus about the tennis circuit is that if you’re a half-decent coach you’re never long out of employment.

Take the case of Belgian coach Thierry van Cleemput.

For the past five years he’s been in the David Goffin camp and travelled to Australia with grand plans for the world No.24.

But after a third-round defeat to Danill Medvedev that partnership imploded but Van Cleemput didn’t waste too much time in the unemployment queue.

On Monday night he popped up in Simona Halep’s players’ box for her clash with Serena Williams.

He later confirmed he was on a trial period with the No.1 women’s player as a potential replacement for Australia’s Darren Cahill who gave away the job late last year for family reasons.

Rinky Hijikata is considered one of the rising stars of the sport in Australia. Picture: Getty

YOUNG AUSSIE LEARNS TOUGH LESSON

Old habits die hard for even our youngest players.

Australia’s Rinky Hijikata had his junior campaign ended in the cruellest way possible by a recent rule change.

The No.5 boys seed was knocked out when he effectively opted against contesting match point after forgetting about the new no-let rule.

When you forget you're playing no-let (h/t @jokelley_tennis) pic.twitter.com/abP9GIsWun

— Lee (@yelnats_eel) January 22, 2019

His opponent Zane Khan fired down a serve, which clipped the net on the way through – but the boys singles tournament is operating under rules where let serves that land fair are played as normal.

Instead of playing the point, Hijikata slapped the ball straight into the ground and prepared for a replayed point – which would never come – as the chair umpire announced it was game, set and match to Khan 6-4 6-4.

The no-let rule began being trialled in junior tournaments last year.

TINDER BUZZ AROUND MELBOURNE

Another update about what goes on when the lights go down at Melbourne Park.

Dating app Tinder has reported a “huge” increase in activity throughout the first week of the Australian Open.

According to their stats there has been a 28 per cent increase in Tinder action around Melbourne thanks to the influx of overseas players, coaches and fans.

But even more exciting is the fact that there has been a 20 per cent increase in swipe rights meaning - wait for the tennis pun - there have been a lot more matches off the court.

FRENCHMAN HITS KYRGIOS WHERE IT HURTS

It’s been a tough week for Nick Kyrgios who made a first-round exit and then found himself dragged into the Tomic-Hewitt feud.

And now he has bruises to go with his bruised ego.

Kyrgios was playing a lighthearted game with fellow stars which led to Frenchman Gael Monfils lining up a free shot.

Kyrgios was positioned on the baseline on his knees with his backside facing out, awaiting the savage blow – which was captured by fellow Aussie tennis stars Thanasi Kokkinakis and Dylan Alcott and posted for all to see on social media.

GRAND

The family touch Stefanos Tsitsipas has brought to the Open. After his quarter-final victory - and with some prompting from Jim Courier - he introduced everyone to his support crew which includes his little sister Elisavet, brother Petros, mother Julia, and father Apostolos.

SLAM

It’s a tough job, we get that, but there seems to be an increased amount of delayed calls or plain wrong ones from our lines people this year. It’s certainly contributed to the amount of player blow-ups which also seems to be on the rise this year.

THE WHISPER

Which night on the town for an Aussie young gun resembled The Hangover with nightclubs, convertible cars and plenty of casino chips thrown around?

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