Australian Open day 10: Live scores, all the latest news from Melbourne Park
As Novak Djokovic’s quarter-final crept deeper and deeper into the scheduled night session, Australian Open officials tried to salvage the situation with increasingly desperate moves.
Australian Open officials asked defending champion Aryna Sabalenka if she was willing to move her quarter-final match away from Rod Laver Arena to relieve another scheduling debacle.
The possibility of shifting Sabalenka’s match against Barbora Krejcikova to Margaret Court Arena was floated to the pair in a meeting with officials as the final match of the day session between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz ran two hours over time.
But Sabalenka and Krejcikova rejected the idea and instead started just after 9pm, more than two hours after the scheduled start time.
RECAP ALL THE ACTION FROM DAY 10 BELOW
“There was the possibility that one of our matches will be moved, but we just decided to see how the Novak and Fritz match will go, if it’s gonna be too long, then we kind of, like, agreed for the possibility to be moved,” Sabalenka said.
“They asked our opinions, what do we think, and if we want to be moved right now. We just told them that, well, let’s see how this match goes. If it’s going to be really long, then yeah, maybe it’s a good idea to be moved so they’re not going to finish like (Daniil) Medvedev finished the other night.
“But Novak won that (third) set 6-2, and it still was quite early, and we decided to wait for this match.
“I’m happy that it wasn’t a long (five-set) match and we were able to play on the Rod Laver Arena. I think for the quarter-finals match it’s important to be played in such a big stadium.”
Sabalenka, who continued her dominant form with a 71-minute 6-2 6-3 demolition of Krejcikova, said the men’s quarter-finalists, Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev, who were scheduled to play the second night match on centre court, were also asked if they wanted to move their match.
Fortunately thanks to Sabalenka’s impressive showing, the Sinner-Rublev match was able to start at 10.42pm which was a lot earlier than many had been forecasting.
Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, was a victim of a scheduling issue on the opening night of the tournament when she didn’t start her first round match until just before midnight.
Despite starting the tournament a day earlier to relieve scheduling issues, the third round match between Medvedev and Emil Ruusuvuori didn’t finish until 3:49am.
12.20AM: SINNER AND RUBLEV BATTLE LATE INTO THE NIGHT
Both these competitors will not go down easily, trading blow-for-blow on Rod Laver Arena in front of a weary crowd.
Sinner and Rublev have been strong on serve basically all game, as they head deep into the second set.
Will we be all square or will Sinner grab this game by the throat?
EARLIER: ‘UNSERIOUS’ AUS OPEN SLAMMED FOR KYRGIOS INTERVIEW
While fans sat outside Rod Laver Arena eagerly awaiting to get in for the night (maybe morning) session, there was still time for Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic to chop it up on the court.
Kyrgios, who called Djokovic’s clash with Taylor Fritz on ESPN, came out to interview the King of Melbourne Park, who called for the crowd to cheer on the Aussie.
“Good to see you man, great to see you. You’re looking good in that booth but better here,” Djokovic said.
“Hopefully with a racquet soon. We miss Nick. Come on guys. Show him some love.”
Kyrgios asked Djokovic’s thoughts on the match to decide his opponent in the final four, but when the Serbian returned the favour, the Aussie probably echoed the sentiments of fans.
“Are you doing that match?”
“No, no, I’m going to bed.”
And while the pair were able to secure some laughs from the crowd, some fans of tennis were less than amused.
Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg slammed the spectacle, labelling it “unserious.”
As a result of Coco Gauff’s marathon, every following game has been pushed back, with Janik Sinner and Andrey Rublev not stepping on the court until close to 11pm AEDT.
11.25PM: SINNER DRAWS FIRST BLOOD LATE ON ROD LAVER ARENA
Janik Sinner has struck first in this intriguing encounter at Melbourne Park, taking the first set over Andrey Rublev 6-4 in 37 minutes.
Sinner has set the early pace on the court, operating at will with his serve and forcing his Russian opponent into some critical errors.
In the end, only one break was enough for the Italian to take control and claim the opening stanza.
10.25PM: QUEEN ARYNA DOMINATES RLA AGAIN
– Scott Gullan
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has been forced to wait a lot at this year’s Australian Open and her opponents are paying for the inconvenience.
After starting her opening round match just before midnight, Sabalenka waited two hours over the scheduled time for her quarter-final match-up with Barbora Krejcikova.
Another horrible piece of scheduling by Open organisers saw the day session extend to 8.27pm which meant the opening night game on Rod Laver Arena, slated to start at 7pm, was put on ice.
Sabalenka looked less than impressed when she finally walked out into a half-empty stadium as staff frantically tried to get the crowd changeover happening as quickly as possible.
When Krejcikova finally got proceedings under way at 9.09pm, it was evident her opponent was in a hurry.
Sabalenka quickly raced to a 4-1 lead before a rare stumble on her own service game. That was quickly rectified with the opening set going to the No. 2 seed in just 33 minutes.
Apart from a couple of seagulls forcing her to again wait to start her first service game of the second set, the Belarusian star continued steamrolling Krejokova, the 2021 French Open champion, who had no answers to the power of the tournament favourite.
The 6-2 6-3 carnage was over in 71 minutes – although it was her longest match of the tournament.
9.45PM: SABALENKA HEARS THE CALLS OF THE MASSES!
Clearly, the reigning women’s champion at Melbourne Park loves her fans, blitzing the first set of her QF clash.
Sabalenka dominated proceedings from the start, although had a slight blip when her serve was broken by her opponent.
A just over half an hour set was exactly what the fans (and Tennis Australia) were after!
9.15PM: SABALENKA AGAIN VIEWS AN EMPTY STADIUM
The campaign of Aryna Sabalenka started in front of an empty Rod Laver Arena, so it must have been deja vu for the Belarus star as she walked out to “kick off” the night session.
Sabalenka’s clash with Barbora Krejcikova was supposed to start at 7pm, but thanks to some poor planning, here we are.
Andrey Rublev and Janik Sinner will be praying this is a quick one.
#AusOpen pushing Sabalenka-Krejcikova to start asap.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 23, 2024
They walk on court with virtually *nobody* inside the stadium. pic.twitter.com/Tj6gFsG2Vf
8.30PM: HEAT, ANGUISH NOT ENOUGH TO DERAIL DJOKOVIC’S AUS OPEN
– Callum Dick
An Australian Open semi-final on Rod Laver Arena.
For Novak Djokovic it might as well be just another Friday.
For the 11th time in his illustrious career, the world No. 1 will feature in the final four at Melbourne Park after surviving a brutal four-set battle 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 against a gusty Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.
A match that was meant to be beamed into the United States at prime time instead started at almost 10pm on the West Coast and after midnight in New York.
After an 84-minute opening set, it had five-hour epic written all over it.
Fritz fended off a ridiculous 15 points before Djokovic finally broke through in the third set – and even then it came only after the American was clearly hobbled by a foot complaint.
That ailment ultimately cruelled any real chance Fritz had at ending his losing run against Djokovic, who it must be said looked a level below his best. But still it was enough.
EARLIER: DJOKOVIC EXPLODES AS SPICY AUS OPEN CLASH HEATS UP
Things are heating up on Rod Laver Arena, including defending champion Novak Djokovic, who seems to be struggling in the sun in his clash with Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic has been locked in a back-and-forth affair at Melbourne Park, sweating through the day as he plays in the unusual daytime slot for him.
The defending champion has taken the first set 7-6 (3), after saving multiple set points earlier, then immediately rushed off the court, with bag in hand.
The first stanza took an exhausting 84 minutes.
The Serbian exploded at his camp during a change of ends, desperate to get his box’s attention as he searched for something in his bag to help with his energy levels.
Djokovic had earlier asked for multiple towels to be brought out for him, as he tries to stay cool.
The King of Melbourne Park was earlier this week bumped out of the night session, but played under the roof against Adrian Mannarino, who he defeated with ease.
Djokovic's box is agitated. Goran screaming to Nole as well.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 23, 2024
7.45PM: NOLE CHANTS EXPLODE AS DJOKER PUSHES AHEAD
Now that set looked more like the Novak Djokovic we know!
The crowd of Djokovic supporters have burt to life as their hero raced to a 6-2 set win.
The reigning champion took just 38 minutes to take a two sets to one lead, and is now one set closer to his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic dominated the rallies in that set, working Fritz over and gaining steam as we get further into the trenches, as he so often has done.
7.10PM: FRITZ FIGHTBACK PUSHES NIGHT SCHEDULE FURTHER AWAY
Well, the only saving grace of this late start to proceedings was a straight-sets win for either man, but that won’t be the case.
Taylor Fritz is well and truly back into this one, claiming the second set 6-4, as his opponent continues to become agitated.
Djokovic has been at odds with his own box and even the crowd at times, as this one pushes the night session further away.
Aryna Sabalenka’s clash with Barbora Krejcikova was meant to kick off around now, with Andrey Rublev and Janik Sinner still to come after that.
EARLIER: LATE AUS OPEN NIGHT AWAITS AS NOVAK REIGNITES FEUD
Three years after he was accused of faking an injury, en route to the 2021 Australian Open title, Novak Djokovic gets a chance to exact revenge on American Taylor Fritz.
However, his match looks likely to create a late night in Melbourne, appearing on court more than two hours after it was scheduled thanks to Coco Gauff’s epic win.
Gauff’s clash with Marta Kostyuk lasted 3hr and eight minutes – the third-longest women’s match of the Open so far.
Djokovic battled an abdominal tear during the 2021 tournament, which he suffered during his third-round win over Fritz, and which left him in considerable and obvious pain during that match.
Against a hobbled Djokovic, Fritz came back from two sets down to force a decider, only to fall flat as the Serbian star delivered a knockout blow.
Immediately afterwards, Djokovic revealed he thought his title defence could be over – and refused to confirm whether he’d be fit to play his fourth round match. Though ultimately he was able to power through the pain and win his 18th grand slam title.
But his post-match words fell flat with Fritz, who inferred the Australian Open king was faking the severity of his injury.
“If he was really, really injured, he wouldn’t have kept playing,” Fritz told reporters.
“He looked like he was struggling in the third and fourth, he didn’t look like he was struggling in the fifth.
“Maybe he fought through it. I’m happy for him he had such a good recovery.
“Fifth set, he looked pretty good to me! I have to give credit in the fifth set, he was really good. Nothing like the third and fourth set.”
The pair will resume hostilities on Rod Laver Arena this afternoon, with Djokovic aiming to continue his 8-0 domination of Fritz at ATP level.
5.00PM: A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?
Well, for those hoping to avoid a late night may be fearing what could occur on Rod Laver Arena this evening.
Novak Djokovic’s clash with Taylor Fritz already started late, and a 16 minute opening game with nine deuces was probably not the recipe fans were hoping for.
Both had multiple chances to claim the opener, but Fritz eventually holds serve to grab the first game of the match.
Is it too late to talk about that curfew again?
4.35PM: COCO CLAIMS EPIC THREE SETTER TO MAKE FINAL FOUR
– Rebecca Williams
Teenage star Coco Gauff has emerged triumphant following an epic three-hour quarter-final battle against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk on Rod Laver Arena.
The No. 4 seed booked herself a place in her first Australian Open semi-final after fighting off a spirited Kostyuk in three sets on centre court.
After being forced into tie-breakers in the first two sets, Gauff kept her composure to storm past the world No. 37 in the deciding set, securing the win 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (7-3) 6-2.
Leading 5-0 in the final set, Gauff looked like dishing out a bagel before Kostyuk took one final swing.
The match lasted 3hr and eight minutes – the third-longest women’s match of the Open so far – forcing a very late start for the afternoon clash between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.
Defying the spate of fallen seeds in the women’s draw, the 19-year-old American had to dig deep to keep her campaign for a second grand slam crown alive.
Gauff had to fight back from 5-1 down in the opening set and was unable to shake off the 21-year-old in the second.
While Gauff largely kept her composure throughout the match, Kostyuk let her emotions spill out on court on several occasions, shouting at herself and throwing her racquet.
4.00PM: TOP 20 STAR ‘TOO OLD’ FOR BRAND DEAL
– Callum Dick
The top 20 tennis star who knocked two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka out of this year’s tournament is apparently “too old” to land a brand deal.
Former WTA Finals winner Caroline Garcia, 30, took to social media on Tuesday with the tongue-in-cheek declaration after apparently being turned down by a potential sponsor.
“Good morning everyone!” Garcia wrote on X.
“Just got my first ‘you are too old for us to sign you’ … welcome to the 30 club group! The hard truth behind the sport industry.
“But you know I will always value more truth and honesty.”
The Frenchwoman defeated Osaka in straight-sets in the opening round of this year’s Australian Open, before bowing out two days later against Magdalena Frech of Poland.
The 2022 US Open semi-finalist also lost her women’s doubles quarterfinal clash on Tuesday.
Garcia is one of just two women aged 30 or older in the WTA top 20, alongside 33-year-old Czech star Petra Kvitova.
Good morning everyone !
— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) January 22, 2024
Just got my first “ you are too old for us to sign youâ€
Welcome to the 30 club group !
The hard truth behind the sport industry
But you know I will always value more truth and honesty 😉👵ðŸ»
3.40PM: EMOTIONS HIGH IN OPEN EPIC
American Coco Gauff is facing a huge fight in her quarter-final on Rod Laver arena after Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk forced the match into a deciding set.
After fighting back from 5-1 down to take the opening set in a tie break, the No. 4 seed was unable to fend off the spirited Kostyuk in the second set.
Gauff held a 5-3 lead in the second set before Kostyuk fought back to force another tie breaker, going on to take the second set 7-6 (7-3).
Kostyuk showed her emotions early in the set when she screamed “stupid” at herself as she sat on the ground after sliding for a shot and then threw her racquet at the end of the point.
But she found her composure to put Gauff on the back foot again to force the match into a decider.
In a battle which has already lasted two and half hours, it is the first time Gauff has been pushed beyond two sets during this tournament.
It also means a very late start for the next match scheduled on Rod Laver Arena between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.
3.00PM: GAUFF ON VERGE OF SEMI-FINALS
Coco Gauff has one foot in the semi-finals after securing the crucial break in the second set against Ukranian Marta Kostyuk.
Gauff has had her chances to take control of the second set, and secured them with a second break point in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead.
After stealing a gruelling first set tie-break, having fought back from 1-5 down, Gauff is just two games away from a maiden appearance in the Australian Open semi-finals.
2.30PM: GAUFF ROARS BACK AFTER HORROR START
– Rebecca Williams
It looked like another upset could be brewing early in the first of the women’s quarter finals.
But then Coco Gauff found her groove.
The No. 4 seed was in trouble early in the opening set against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk on Rod Laver Arena before staging an aggressive fightback to take the first set in a tie break 7-6 (8-6).
Kostyuk, the world No. 37, got the first break then opened up a 5-1 lead over the American before Gauff pushed back.
In a massive momentum swing, Gauff then went on to win the next five games to take the lead before Kostyuk forced the set into a tie break.
Kostyuk called for a medical time out right just before the tie break to attend to blisters on her left foot.
Gauff had to keep fighting in the tie break, but eventually wrapped it up in 76 minutes – longer than most of her matches have been so far this fortnight.
Gauff has so far had a comfortable path through the tournament at Melbourne Park, yet to drop a set in her first four matches.
She is aiming to add the Australian Open crown to the maiden grand slam title she won at the US Open last year.
2.20PM: NADAL’S RETURN REVEALED
Rafael Nadal will return to the ATP Tour next month at the Qatar Open in Doha, keeping alive the possibility of a final French Open run for the tennis megastar.
Nadal, 37, was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a micro tear in a muscle sustained during his loss to Aussie Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International on January 5.
The 22-time grand slam champion was just three matches into his comeback from a 12-month injury lay-off when he was hurt during the quarter-final clash on Pat Rafter Arena.
He withdrew from the Australian Open days later, before flying back to Spain to receive treatment.
Nadal declared before the tournament that it would likely – but not definitely – be his last time playing in Australia.
It is expected that he will retire at the end of this year.
He said health and his ability to physically compete on the ATP Tour would be the deciding factors for whether 2024 is his final year of professional tennis.
Nadal will use his protected ranking to enter the February 19 ATP 250 event in Doha, which will also feature Australian Open quarter-finalists Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.
It is expected Nadal will focus his attention on the French Open and a possible final run at a record-extending 15th title at Roland Garros.
Aussie fans may not have had a chance to say goodbye to the tennis legend Melbourne, but we may at least get to see the master of clay in his element for one final time.
2PM: KOSTYUK BLOWS 5-1 LEAD AGAINST GAUFF
Armed with a double break, Ukranian Marta Kostyuk was not so long ago serving for the first set.
But it has all blown up in her face, with American fourth seed Coco Gauff securing a vital break of serve to save the first set – and before rattling off the next three games to draw level at 5-5.
1.30PM: KYRGIOS REVEALS ‘SECRET’ NOVAK TACTIC IN GRAND SLAM PURSUIT
Nick Kyrgios admits has hasn’t always put in the hard yards during his tennis career.
But he says that’s all about to change.
The Wimbledon finalist, currently sidelined through injury that has prevented him from playing this year’s Australian Open, jokingly said he’ll start to put in the hard work to win his first grand slam.
But he’s going to wait until Novak Djokovic retires.
Djokovic is a warm favourite to win an astonishing 11th Australian Open this month – which will take his career grand slam tally to a record 25 titles.
“I think when Novak decides to pack it all up you’ll see a bunch of guys winning Slams,” Kyrgios said.
“Secretly that’s my tactic, I’m just waiting for Novak to go, then I’ll go into hibernation, get in the best shape of my life, protected ranking.
“It’s been my plan all along. Leave me alone Novak.”
1PM: PHILIPPOUSSIS STILL BRINGING THE HEAT
It’s that time of the tournament, when the legends dust off their tennis racquets and make a return to the court.
Former Aussie tennis star Mark Philippoussis and Cypriot Marcos Bagdhatis had a first-up win in their legends’ doubles match on Rod Laver Arena.
The pair defeated Swedish duo Thomas Johansson and Robert Lindstedt 6-2 6-3.
“Any time we can walk off court and not be limping, it’s a win,” Philippoussis quipped after the win.
Bagdhatis admitted his “lack of fitness” was an issue, but he was excited to be sharing the court with Philippoussis.
“It’s an unbelievable pleasure to be back here in Melbourne,” the former Australian Open runner-up said.
“I have such great memories in this city, in this court and playing with Mark, we know each other the last few years … and it’s an absolute pleasure to play with him.”
The all-Australian combination of Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua also had a first-up win in their legends doubles match on Kia Arena.
The duo defeated Iva Majoli and Andrea Petkovic 6-4 6-2.
12.20PM: GAUFF V KOSTYUK QUARTER-FINAL NOTES
The first of the quarter-finals is almost here – with fourth seed Coco Gauff up against Ukranian Marta Kostyuk on Rod Laver Arena, after 1pm.
It will be an intriguing match-up, with the two having faced just once before – with Gauff prevailing on the hardcourts of Adelaide in 2022.
Gauff is aiming to become the first player since Naomi Osaka, in 2019-20, to win the US Open and Australian Open back-to-back.
But both are in unfamiliar territory, with today’s match their first appearance in the Australian Open quarter-finals, and both will fancy their chances after watching the carnage of the women’s seeds over the past 10 days.
Gauff will be a firm favourite, but do not discount Kostyuk, who owns three victories over top 10 players.
11.45AM: AUSSIE ICON’S CHEEKY SOCIAL MEDIA JAB
Morgan Riddle’s Vegemite bet has taken on new life, with the iconic Australian brand reaching out to the girlfriend of Taylor Fritz.
Riddle had pledged to eat a jar of the spread should Fritz take down Stefanos Tsitsipas and win through to the quarter-finals.
When he wrapped that challenge up in straight sets, Riddle attempted to stay true to her word – and started out with a teaspoon of the black gold.
As expected, it did not go down well, with Riddle heard dry-heaving in the background after quickly moving off camera.
But Vegemite, noting that a spoonful of their product is rarely the right way to consume it, reached out on Instagram.
“If you’re going to do it, at least do it right,” the brand wrote.
“Australia, thoughts?
oh she's an australian icon now pic.twitter.com/ROgWn3tDJO
— emily (@janniksinners) January 22, 2024
11.10AM: ZVEREV FUMES OVER RUN-IN WITH SECURITY
Men’s sixth seed Alexander Zverev had some choice words about the Australian Open security – and not just because of a pro-Palestine protester who dumped pamphlets all over Margaret Court Arena during his fourth-round win over Cameron Norrie.
Zverev was especially annoyed by the strictness of security in the players’ area, after being denied access to the player gym after his gruelling four-hour victory.
One of the most recognisable players on the planet, Zverev was knocked back because he had forgotten his player accreditation.
“I went to the locker room, and the gym area is right next to the locker room – they wouldn’t let me into the gym because I forgot my credential in the locker room,” Zverev said.
“What are you doing? You’re protecting players from players. That’s not really the whole point.
“It should be where it’s already the quarterfinals and you know the players.
“Especially there’s obviously screens and TVs everywhere in front of all the security guys, if you’ve seen somebody play for four and a half hours, it’s okay to go stretching in the gym, even if you forgot your credential.
“That’s not sounding arrogant. I understand they’re all doing their job.
“But I think when something like this happens, it shouldn’t be another fan dragging the other person out.
“It should be the security guys that should be there quite quickly. It shouldn’t take them three, four minutes, that long.”
10.30AM: ‘WORST ROOMMATE EVER’: FRITZ SPILLS THE BEANS
Ahead of his massive quarter-final showdown with Novak Djokovic, American star Taylor Fritz has spilt the beans on the important questions at this Australian Open.
Namely, who is the roommate of your nightmares?
Fritz – speaking with Collingwood’s US-born star Mason Cox – had kind words for powerhouse Tommy Paul, who he described as a ‘clean freak’ as well as being one of his close friends.
But fellow American Francis Tiafoe was shown no mercy.
“He is hilarious, always a good time,” Fritz said of Tiafoe.
“But I’ve roomed with him many times before …. One of the worst roommates ever. He is not the roommate you want.”
10.00AM: LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL AFTER DEMON HEARTBREAK
– Rebecca Williams
Former Australian players John Millman and Alicia Molik remain confident Alex de Minaur has the game to be a grand slam challenger as they predicted he could produce his best on grass at Wimbledon following his heartbreaking exit at Melbourne Park.
After de Minaur’s fourth-round exit against No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open on Sunday, the Australian star still has just the one quarter-final appearance to his name at grand slams.
De Minaur reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows in 2020, but has since suffered five fourth-round exits, including three at his home grand slam at Melbourne Park.
Questions remain over whether the 24-year-old has the weapons in his game – particularly with his serve – to match the players at the pointy end of the world top 10 and put himself in contention to win a major.
But former Billie Jean King Cup captain Molik, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 2005, was adamant world No. 10 de Minaur was capable of winning a grand slam.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
9.30AM: TENNIS GOLDEN BOY ROASTED OVER AWKWARD INTERVIEW GAFFE
Rising superstar Carlos Alcaraz came under fire from ‘tennis Twitter’ after the most awkward of post-match interviews seemingly exposed his lack of knowledge about the women’s tour.
After dispatching Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets, the world No. 2 was discussing his love of watching tennis – and made note of current rivals Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev.
But when pressed by Jim Courier on which of the tour’s female stars he watches, Alcaraz was immediately stumped.
“I’m going to put you on the spot though, what about WTA?” Courier asked.
Alcaraz was less forthcoming.
“I watch WTA as well. I mean, when I can obviously,” Alcaraz said.
“When I turn the TV on if it’s WTA, ATP, whatever. I like to watch it obviously.”
Social media was not kind to the young star, with fans mocking the 20-year-old’s inability to name one female star.
Alcaraz asked who his favourite players to watch are - he lists Medvedev, Djokovic, Sinner.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 22, 2024
Then Jim Courier asks him about the WTA 😬
"I watch WTA as well. I mean, when I can, obviously. I turn the TV on, if it's WTA, ATP, whatever, I like to watch it." pic.twitter.com/JewUTjm8nQ
Did Jim Courier just get Carlos Alcaraz to do his version of the ‘name a woman’ challenge?
— Matt Roberts (@MattRobertsTTP) January 22, 2024
Alcaraz after his win
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2024
Courier: “Who do you like to watch?â€
Carlos: “Daniil, Novak, Sinnerâ€
Courier: “What about WTA?â€
Carlos: “I watch WTA as well… When I can obviously. When I turn the tv on. (Smiling)If it’s WTA, ATP, whatever, I like to watch
pic.twitter.com/1Rouk3Crpr
9.00AM: SABALENKA EAGER TO EMERGE FROM CARNAGE
In the women’s draw, while many seeds have fallen by the wayside, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka’s title charge remains firmly on track.
The Belarusian world number two tackles ever-consistent Czech star Barbora Krejcikova.
Sabalenka was ruthless in her fourth-round match and has conceded just 11 games so far to position herself as the red-hot title favourite.
But she too is expecting a more thorough examination from ninth seed Krejcikova.
“Barbora, we played a lot of matches. She plays really well. I think she’s coming back after injuries, so also super-motivated. Always a tough battle,” she said.
Awaiting the winner will be either US Open champion and fourth seed Coco Gauff or unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
Like Sabalenka, Gauff is another in player in form and said she had learned from her experience of winning at Flushing Meadows last year.
“Super-happy to be in this position and be here. Hopefully I can keep going for more,” she said. – AFP
8.30AM: DJOKOVIC SET TO SWEAT IN TRICKY QUARTER-FINAL
Novak Djokovic will take the next step in his bid to win an extraordinary 11th Australian Open title today, with a tricky quarter-final to negotiate in Melbourne.
Serbian top seed Djokovic faces American 12th seed Taylor Fritz in one of the day matches on Rod Laver Arena – and it will be on one of the hottest days of the tournament, with temperatures set to rise to 30 degrees.
Djokovic, gunning for an 11th title and record 25th grand slam crown, ran rings around fourth-round opponent Adrian Mannarino, losing just three games.
But he is expecting a harder test from Fritz, who beat last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up their afternoon showdown at Rod Laver Arena.
“I’m really excited to enter the second week. I look forward to the battles because obviously the opponents are higher-ranked,” said the 36-year-old.
“I play Fritz. There’s no easy matches, no doubt about that.
“But the experience of knowing what I need to do with my own body, with my training, with the maintaining of the kind of level, I guess tennis-related specifics that I need to work on, and also recovery has been on point.”
The winner will meet either in-form Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner or Russia’s fifth seed Andrey Rublev, who face off in the evening.
Both are targeting their first taste of a Melbourne Park semi-final. – AFP
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16-year old Emerson Jones triumphs as Family Connection Takes Center Stage
World number one junior Emerson Jones made her Far North debut on Wednesday, but for the 16-year old with a bright future, it was an acknowledgment of the past shared with her older brother that was at the forefront of her performance.
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WADA appeals World No.1’s doping decision, pursues ban
Jannik Sinner is “very disappointed” but confident after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision to clear him in his steroid case, seeking a ban of up to two years.
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