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Australian Open 2019: Day 4 live coverage from Melbourne Park

26-year-old Alex Bolt is the second Australian wildcard tonight to go through to the third round, defeating France’s Gilles Simon.

Courtney Walsh and Adrian McMurray
15 min read
7:28AMJanuary 17, 2019.
Updated 10:37PMJanuary 17, 2019
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Australia's Alex Bolt celebrates after winning the fourth set against France's Gilles Simon. Picture: AP
Australia's Alex Bolt celebrates after winning the fourth set against France's Gilles Simon. Picture: AP

Welcome to live coverage of Day 4 of the Australian Open from Melbourne Park. Play begins at 11am AEDT.

10.34pm: Serena gets the win

Serena Williams is one match closer to a historic 24th career major after making light work of Eugenie Bouchard to move into the Australian Open third round.

A seven-time winner at Melbourne Park, the 37-year-old blasted past the Canadian 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 10 minutes.

Williams, who has only dropped six games in two matches, will now meet Dayana Yastremska before a potential fourth-round clash with world No.1 Simona Halep or sister Venus.

10.06pm: All eyes on Serena

9.18pm: Another wildcard through!

Wild-haired wildcard Alex Bolt has given Australia its best start to the Australian Open in 15 years with a pulsating second round win over veteran Frenchman Gilles Simon.

Bolt saved four match points in a thrilling 2-6 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 fightback over the former world No.6 to leave fans on Court 3 in a frenzy.

With fellow wildcard Alexei Popyrin upsetting 2018 French Open finalist Dominic Thiem earlier tonight, Australia now has five men and women in the last 32 at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2004.

AAP

8.21pm: Another Aussie wildcard upset?

8.17pm: Halep outplays Kenin

7.57pm: Popyrin through to third round!!!

Another Australian teen sensation Alexei Popyrin is into the third round of the Australian Open after Dominic Thiem retired midway through the third set of their Melbourne Arena clash.

The 19-year-old was well on top before the Austrian seventh seed and 2018 French Open finalist called it quits while trailing 7-5 6-4 2-0.

Thiem, who had a five-set first round win, called for the trainer midway through the second set citing general fatigue.

Wildcard Popyrin, who had only played one grand slam match before this tournament looked fearless.

Using his big forehand weapon, Popyrin hit almost double the winners of Thiem, who looked sluggish from the outset.

Despite standing 195cm Popyrin showed impressive speed around the court as he pressed the tiring Thiem.

Popyrin said he felt in control after wrapping up the second set. “It is never easy winning like this - Dominic played a tough first round,” Popyrin said.

“I always thought that I was in the match to be honest but when I won the second set is when that thought really kicked in and that I could actually win the match.”

AAP

7.52pm: Can this Aussie cause an upset?

Alexei Popyrin is currently dominating Dominic Thiem, who is ranked 142 places above him.

Are we headed for a huge Australian Open upset?

7.56pm: Venus dominates

She was just too good! Venus Williams beats Alize Cornet after an incredible third set.

7.32pm: Young Aussie in trouble

7.00pm: Kenin and Halep battle it out

Adrian McMurray 5.27pm: Raonic wins four-hour epic

There it is! Raonic wins it 6-7 (4) 7-6 (6) 7-6 (11) 7-6 (5) in match that lasted just over four hours.

“It feels like four hours passed by in about 15 minutes,” Raonic said post-match.

“You forget about a lot of it quickly, it’s the heat of the battle, the adeneline takes over … I was very fortunate to stay alive in that fourth set, made the most of it there … it could’ve gone the other way.”

The 16th seed said he “wasn’t a fan” of Wawrinka’s big service game, something he prides himself on. But he was thankful for the turn in weather.

“I do a little better indoors than I do outdoors, I guess that helps me in my own way, so thank you for raining up there,” he said, gesturing to the roof.

We’re exhausted just following it, we can only imagine the toll it took on the players.

“Once I step in the ice bath I won’t feel anything, and I’ll probably appreciate I don’t feel anything,” he quipped.

Adrian McMurray 5.14pm: Yes, another tie-breaker

We go again after Raonic holds his serve. This is the fourth of the match! The Canadian could win it here, or we’ll be off to a fifth.

Adrian McMurray 5.12pm: Another tie-break?!

Wawrinka pulls off a convincing break to hit the lead 4-2, holding his serve to move to within a game of the set. But Raonic breaks, holding his serve to level the set 5-all. Wawrinka holds, pressure back on Raonic at 6-5 in favour of the 2014 champ. Another tie-breaker incoming?

Meanwhile Osaka has breezed past Zidansek 6-2 6-4. The Japanese fans in attendance at MCA were treated to another win for one of their players, after Nishikori’s epic five-set victory earlier.

Osaka thanked her fans after the match, promising she’ll “try to play better next time”.

Adrian McMurray 4.44pm: Play resumes around Melbourne Park

Osaka has won the first set against Zidansek 6-2 as Chung romps home in the second set, the Korean and Herbert locked at one set apiece.

Matches on the outside courts are slowly starting to resume, Barty/Azarenka have won through to the next round, pipping Peng/Yang 7-5 6-4 7-5.

Adrian McMurray 4.24pm: Milos magic

Huge passage of play, Wawrinka winning three straight points to move to set point, but Raonic saves it. The Canadian moves to a set point of his own, before he drops it! Raonic doesn’t fluff his lines for a second time, winning the tie-break and moving to a 6-7 (4) 7-6 (6) 7-6 (11) advantage. Monster tie-break, monster set … monster match!

Adrian McMurray 4.05pm: Play resumes, another tie-break

The roof’s on and the players are back on court. You better believe we’re heading for another tie-break, Wawrinka winning his service game to love.

The rain has subsided with Naomi Osaka- Tamara Zidansek going ahead on MCA and Chung-Herbert resuming on Melbourne Arena, thanks again to a roof on each court. Play is yet to resume on the outside courts.

Adrian McMurray 3.40pm: Rain halts play

Play has been suspended for the first time this tournament, rain hitting Melbourne Park. They’re closing the roof on Rod Laver Arena, play to resume shortly between Warinka and Raonic.

Adrian McMurray 3.30pm: McEnroe ‘worried’ for Kyrgios’ career

Tennis legend turned commentator John McEnroe says he’s “worried” about Nick Kyrgios’ future, after the unseeded Aussie crashed out of the Australian Open in the first round to Milos Raonic.

Kyrgios, who took a thinly-veiled swipe at Lleyton Hewitt on social media last night, appears to have waded into the war of words sparked by Bernard Tomic when he accused Hewitt of abusing the wildcard system.

John McEnroe. Picture: AAP
John McEnroe. Picture: AAP

McEnroe, who’s worked with the young Aussie during the Laver Cup, said he’s a “Kyrgios fan” and hopes the World No 52 can turn his career around.

“I’m hopeful, I’m praying, because I’m a Nick Kyrgios fan, I like him a lot. He’s a great kid, he’s a great team player,” McEnroe told Channel 9.

“Hopefully he can do that on his own, it’s questionable, I’m worried … I’m pulling for him.”

But McEnroe insists there’s still time for Kyrgios to turn things around, admitting it isn’t easy to try and help the 23-year-old, who was spotted around Melbourne Park earlier today laughing with friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Nick Kyrgios. Picture: AAP
Nick Kyrgios. Picture: AAP

“Sometimes you try and reason with Nick and … he’s not old enough yet where you can write him off.

“It’s getting to where there’s some real concern, but you could say that about a lot of guys.

“When you see a guy as talented as him you want to see him reach his potential.

“Nick Kyrgios should be seeded at the Grand Slams, there’s no doubt about it.”

Adrian McMurray 3.02pm: Epic looms on centre court

Raonic has struck back, taking the second in another tie-break and levelling the match. They’ve been out there for two hours already … At this rate, these two are going to be here tonight!

Huge tie-break in the fifth and final set on Margaret Court Arena between Nishikori and Karlovic. The first super tie-break on the men’s side this tournament (although I stand to be corrected). And the eight seed takes it! Nishikori prevails in an astonishing five-set thriller, winning 6-3 7-6 (6) 5-7 5-7 7-6 (7).

That’s Nishikori’s 20th five-set victory, having only lost six. Fair record!

Birrell and Hon have won the second after dropping the first, setting up a decider.

Barty/Azarenka pinch a break in the third against Peng/Yang. Can Barty cope with the workload before tomorrow’s clash with Maria Sakkari?

Adrian McMurray 2.15pm: Action heats up on day four

It took a tie-break to separate them, but after a mammoth first set Wawrinka prevailed 7-6 (4).

Raonic however has broken in the second, up 3-2.

Karlovic, meanwhile, has sent it to a fifth. After dropping the first two sets he has staged an epic comeback, winning the next two 7-5 7-5. This one’s already gone 2hr 48min … we’re in for the long haul!

Barty and Azarenka took the first set of their doubles match 7-5, while yesterday’s surprise winner Kimberly Birrell is paired with Priscilla Hon, the local duo trailing Harriet Dart and Anett Kontaveit 4-3.

Madison Keys is also on top 6-5 3-3 over Anastasia Potapova, the pair each pinching a service game off each other to leave the second set tentatively poised.

Adrian McMurray 1.29pm: Heavyweights trade blows on centre court

Raonic and Wawrinka are trading service games out on RLA, some huge serves from both players — the 2014 champion reaching 208km/h. We’re all locked up at 4-all.

Back at Margaret Court Arena, huge break for Karlovic in the third to move to 6-5. And he holds his serve to take the set! Nishikori still with the 6-3 7-6 (6) 5-7 advantage, but we could see the momentum shift the way of the Croatian.

No joy for Sharma and Wallace in the doubles, but fellow Aussies Alison Bai and Zoe Hives progressed, downing Luksika Kumkhum and Evgeniya Rodina 2-6 6-3 6-4.

Ash Barty is back in action, this time the doubles, partnering Victoria Azarenka. The pair are up 2-1 in the first against China’s Zhaoxuan Yang and Shuai Peng.

Adrian McMurray 12.50pm: Victory and more for Svitolina

Svitolina progresses to the third round, defeating Kuzmova 6-4 6-1. She won it with an ace, just for good measure.

Post-match, Svitolina was asked about Gael Monfilis, who was seen with the sixth seed’s team in the crowd. The Ukrainian laughed nervously.

“Well, everyone saw him, he’s supporting me,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll see him more in the future, not just in my box but on the court as well.”

Elina Svitolina following her win over Viktoria Kuzmova. Picture: Getty Images
Elina Svitolina following her win over Viktoria Kuzmova. Picture: Getty Images

There you go, it appears we’ve got confirmation of a relationship between the two stars.

Right, back to the tennis before this gets out of hand.

Pliskova well and truly steadied the ship after losing the first, serving out the match 4-6 6-1 6-0 after Brengle gave the seventh seed an early fright.

Nishikori was pushed hard in the second by Karlovic, leading 6-3 7-8 (6).

Out on RLA now are Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic in what looms as an intriguing match-up.

Adrian McMurray 11.51pm: Day four begins

We’re off and running on day four! Kei Nishikori is taking on Ivo Karlovic on Margaret Court Arena, the World No 9 taking the break and, a game later, the set 6-3.

Sixth seed Elina Svitolina is out on centre court, locked in a tense stand-off with Slovakian Viktoria Kuzmova. Neither player has dropped a service game, 4-all.

Karolina Pliskova has dropped the first set to World No 89 Madison Brengle, in what looms as an upset.

Taking a look at the doubles there are some heavy hitters in action, with the first seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic winning the first 7-5 against Italians Simone Bolelli and Andreas Seppi.

Aussies Astra Sharma and Isabelle Wallace meanwhile have taken the first set off Jennifer Brady and Alison Riske 6-4.

10.59am: Headband warrior tells Sabalenka: ‘I’ll be back’

One of the women involved in the struggle over a headband tossed into the crowd by Aryna Sabalenka at yesterday’s Australian Open says she’ll return to support the Belarusian star when she plays her third round match tomorrow.

Cathy Willett, right, and another fan fight over a headband worn by Aryna Sabalenka. Picture: AAP
Cathy Willett, right, and another fan fight over a headband worn by Aryna Sabalenka. Picture: AAP

Melbourne woman Cathy Willett (above, right) became a social media sensation overnight when footage of her fighting with another woman over Sabalenka’s headband went viral.

Ms Willett, a Sabalenka fan who yesterday proudly waved a Belarusian flag — signed by Sabalenka after her first round victory earlier in the week — believes Sabalenka threw the headband to her to thank her for her support during the match.

Ms Willett cheered from the front row for the entirety of Sabalenka’s 6-3 6-4 victory over Great Britain’s Katie Boulter yesterday and refused to back down when another woman simultaneously caught the headband.

“I went and saw Sabalenka play on Monday. She came over to me after the match and said ‘thanks for your support’ and signed my flag,” Ms Willett said.

“She looked at me when she threw the headband and I got most of it, but this woman next to me started fighting with me for it.

“There was a lady on my side (of the scuffle) who was sticking up for me saying the other lady should give the headband to me.

“The other woman only came down to the front row after the match to get photos.”

When it became clear neither woman would let go, security was forced to intervene, escorting them outside to see if an end could be brought to the stand-off.

“She (the other lady) wanted to cut it in half!” Ms Willett said.

“Security said it (the headband) was going to their security manager to see who got it first.”

While both women’s phone numbers were taken, Ms Willett has yet to hear back.

However, she said she has no doubt the headband was meant for her.

“I was the only one there with a Belarusian flag … the other woman didn’t even know what flag it was. I bought it myself online and even printed Sabalenka’s name on it.”

7.30am: Kyrgios takes swipe at Hewitt

Nick Kyrgios appears to have burnt his Davis Cup bridges by having a second dig at Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt.

Kyrgios declined to back Bernard Tomic’s inflammatory criticism during the Australian Open of Hewitt but the firebrand lit up social media with his own attack last night.

Nick Kyrgios posted this poll to Instagram last night … but quickly deleted it. Source: Instagram
Nick Kyrgios posted this poll to Instagram last night … but quickly deleted it. Source: Instagram

Kyrgios posted a screenshot on Instagram of Hewitt doing television sideline commentary from Alex de Minaur’s players’ box during his second round win. Kyrgios posted a poll to his followers, asking whose match Hewitt was watching. He provided two options: “Demon” and “No one else”.

Kyrgios removed the post not long after it appeared but it added weight to Tomic’s comments that there was a rift in the Davis Cup camp. That post followed one by Kyrgios earlier this month on Twitter when he was asked why Hewitt didn’t watch he or Thanasi Kokkinakis play during the Brisbane International.

“He has what some call abandon us (sic),” Kyrgios responded in a tweet he later deleted and claimed he was joking.

Now Australia’s fourth-ranked player, regardless of the comments, Kyrgios is unlikely to be needed for Australia’s Davis Cup qualifier next month against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Adelaide.

Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios during Davis Cup action. Picture: AAP
Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios during Davis Cup action. Picture: AAP

Australian No.2 John Millman said his experience playing Davis Cup under Hewitt had only been positive and felt the captain’s player selections had been justified.

“I’ve always felt actually quite well-supported by the captain, by the coach, by the support staff,” Millman said after his second round loss to Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

But he also said he’d like to have Kyrgios and Tomic back in the fold. Millman described Tomic as a “larrikin” and Kyrgios as a “top bloke”.

John Millman (left) and Nick Kyrgios share a laugh during Davis Cup duties back in 2015. Picture: Elise Derwin
John Millman (left) and Nick Kyrgios share a laugh during Davis Cup duties back in 2015. Picture: Elise Derwin

“I think sometimes we go a bit hard on him when you don’t see what he’s doing off the court,” Millman said of Kyrgios.

“He has his own charity and that’s more than me. I think sometimes we forget about those things when we’re just having a go at performances.”

Millman said any personality clashes were put aside once the Australian team got together.

“When we get in camp, it’s just all about getting the win.”

AAP

Courtney Walsh 7.15am: Spotlight firmly on Hewitt

As Lleyton Hewitt steps out of a storm provoked by Bernard Tomic and on to the courts at Melbourne Park for doubles today, the debate surrounding the Davis Cup captain’s influence and role in the game has continued.

The 37-year-old has received backing from Australian legends, current tour players and at least one tournament director from around the world amid suggestions his relationship has soured with players including Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios.

Lleyton Hewitt. Picture: Getty Images
Lleyton Hewitt. Picture: Getty Images

Jordan Thompson, who partnered Hewitt to the semi-finals of the Sydney International last week, declared he did not see a problem with the former world No.1 continuing to play doubles against the backdrop of a recent ­review at Tennis Australia that­ ­focused on the high-performance and participation departments

The review is due to be delivered in coming weeks as a blueprint for the national body. A similar probe a couple of years ago led to a restructuring in coaching ranks.

The Australian understands Hewitt had his contract extended last year, though there has been a change in the format of the Davis Cup, with Australia to host Bosnia-Herzegovina in a two-day tie in Adelaide next month in the hope of qualifying for the finals held in November.

Read the full story here.

Courtney Walsh 7am: Day 4 preview — Aussies in action

After a hectic day three at Melbourne Park that saw Ash Barty and Kimberley Birrell post fine wins before Alex de Minaur and John Millman gave their all with contrasting reward, there are only two Australians in action.

But those with a broader love of tennis are certain to enjoy the action on offer, including Novak Djokovic’s clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a rematch of their 2008 final.

—

ALEXEI POPYRIN v 7-DOMINIC THIEM (Austria)
• When: Not before 6pm on Melbourne Arena
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: Popyrin is a highly-talented teenager who, like Alex de Minaur, spent a reasonable portion of his life developing in Spain. After becoming the first Australian in 50 years to win the French Open junior title when victorious at Roland Garros in 2017, he performed admirably in senior ranks in 2018 and is continuing to develop. Thiem, clearly, is a difficult challenge. The French Open finalist needed five sets to progress on Tuesday night but is a high-class rival.

Alexei Popyrin serves during his first round victory over Mischa Zverev. Picture: Getty Images
Alexei Popyrin serves during his first round victory over Mischa Zverev. Picture: Getty Images

—

ALEX BOLT v GILLES SIMON (France)
• When: Not before 4pm on Court 3
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: It was good to see the South Australian post a sound win in the opening round over the talented but wayward Jack Sock. The left-hander has returned to the sport in good fettle after a sabbatical a couple of years ago and is working towards the top 100. Simon is a classy, seasoned rival who has been among the upper-echelon of the sport for several years. His match last week with John Millman in Sydney was brilliant to watch. It will be a contest of contrasting style and the Australian will need to land winners on a regular basis to prevail.

Alex Bolt has a tough second round clash with Gilles Simon today. Picture: AAP
Alex Bolt has a tough second round clash with Gilles Simon today. Picture: AAP

—

Other highlights to look for …

STAN WAWRINKA (Switzerland) v 17-MILOS RAONIC (Canada)
• When: Second match on Rod Laver Arena
• Head-to-head: 4-2
• Preview: When Roger Federer predicted last week that there were a lot of “dangerous floaters” in the Australian Open draw given the array of talent outside the seeds, this is the type of match-up he was talking about. Wawrinka, a three-time grand slam champion, is unseeded yet shapes as another dangerous foe for Raonic, who had the better of Nick Kyrgios on Tuesday night. The 2014 Australian Open champion has won four of their six outings, though Raonic claimed the last two including a win in New York in August in the US Open.

Dangerous floater … Switzerland's 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka. Picture: AP
Dangerous floater … Switzerland's 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka. Picture: AP

—

EUGENIE BOUCHARD (Canada) v 16-SERENA WILLIAMS (USA)
• When: 7pm on Rod Laver Arena
• Head-to-head: 0-2
• Preview: Williams looked particularly impressive on her return to Melbourne Park when an easy first round victor. The American superstar is chasing a 24th grand slam season. When Williams was last in Melbourne, a clash with Bouchard could well have proven a whitewash given the Canadian spent some time in the doldrums. But the former Wimbledon finalist is showing signs of regaining her best form, which adds an element to this clash. Williams trounced Bouchard at their most recent meeting, but that was back in 2014 in the season-ending championships.

Serena Williams smashes a return during her first round victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria. Picture: AFP
Serena Williams smashes a return during her first round victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria. Picture: AFP

—

1-NOVAK DJOKOVIC (Serbia) v JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (France)
• When: Night session, second match on Rod Laver Arena
• Head-to-head: 16-6
• Preview: Eleven years after the Serbian edged Tsonga in a high-quality Australian Open final to claim his first grand slam, they meet again. And while the world No.1 will start a dominant favourite, the Frenchman retains the serve and the talent to test him, as he did in the four-set thriller back then. The pair have met 22 times, with Tsonga managing to trump the 14-time grand slam champion on six occasions, the majority of those matches occurring in major tournaments around the world. It is great to see the old sparring partners, who boast contrasting styles, pitted against each other again.

All fired up … world no.1 Novak Djokovic. Picture: David Caird
All fired up … world no.1 Novak Djokovic. Picture: David Caird

6.45am: How Aussies fared on Day 3

WOMEN’S SINGLES, SECOND ROUND
• Kimberly Birrell bt 29-Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-2 6-3
• Astra Sharma lost to Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-1 6-4
• Zoe Hives lost to 19-Carolina Garcia (FRA) 6-3 6-3

MEN’S SINGLES, SECOND ROUND
• Matt Ebden lost to 2-Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-3 6-2 6-2
• John Millman lost to 22-Roberto Bautista-Agut (ESP) 6-4 6-1 3-6 6-7 (8-6) 6-4
• Jordan Thompson lost to Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3 6-4 6-4
• 29-Alex de Minaur bt Henri Laaksonen (SUI) 6-4 6-2 6-7 (9-7) 4-6 6-3

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