Australian Open day 4 live scores: Novak Djokovic v Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson v Stefanos Tsitsipas
Novak Djokovic won the match on the court and a battle off of it while a valiant Jordan Thompson has been toppled by Stefanos Tsitsipas. RECAP THE ACTION
If it bleeds you can kill it.
He might not have delivered the decisive blow, but Alexei Popyrin provided the blueprint to dethrone the King of Melbourne Park when he pushed Novak Djokovic for four fabulous sets on Wednesday night.
The Aussie would have gone to bed in the early hours of Thursday morning disappointed. Not because he lost, but because he could have won – and few have ever been able to say that about a Rod Laver Arena battle with the 10-time champion.
The 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3 score line tells only part of the tale. Popyrin had the match on his racquet and Djokovic on the ropes. But you don’t become a 24-time grand slam champion by chance.
When you go to war with the GOAT, your battle is as much mental as it is physical.
That sobering reality became crystal clear to Popyrin when he squandered four set points in the third.
You didn’t have to be Nostradamus to see it coming.
Like he has so many times in his career – particularly on Rod Laver Arena – the super Serbian’s nerves of steel showed out.
Djokovic’s tiny tells hinted at his frustration. He walked away from the baseline silently seething over unruly fans, and his grins were more of a grimace. But between the ears he was elite.
Meanwhile the Popyrin forehand that had been painting lines and overpowering his opponent was suddenly cannoning into the net cord and landing two metres behind the baseline.
Each missed set point opportunity felt like a body blow.
When Djokovic wrapped the third set up in a tie-breaker, the writing was on the wall.
With the pressure valve released, the world No.1 started playing with everybody.
At one point he walked to the edge of the court and told a fan to “come and say it to my face”.
The grimace was gone and his grin was back.
For Popyrin it spelled the end. The service game that looked nigh-unbeatable as he romped home to clinch the second set, and kept him in the third, deserted him at the death.
Consecutive breaks of serve broke the Aussie’s heart and sent Djokovic into the third round.
Novak Djokovic engages with a member of the crowd looking to get under his skin 👀ðŸ¿#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/jLCWNe9lLE
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 17, 2024
His roar and fist pump after Popyrin’s forehand sailed long to seal the victory said everything. Even the GOAT can feel fear.
Not since Hyeon Chung delivered one of the greatest upsets of all time in 2018 has Djokovic tasted defeat at Melbourne Park.
For a few brief moments, Popyrin dared the world to dream of a sequel.
Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry awaits Djokovic in the third round.
He will be the next to test the maestro on centre court.
Last year Djokovic dropped just a single set en route to his 10th title at Melbourne Park. He has already conceded two in the opening two rounds.
He looks vulnerable. But he’s also Novak Djokovic.
Amazing how often Djokovic toys with his opponent, gives them hope, then just pulls clear when he feels like it #AusOpen
— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) January 17, 2024
“I haven’t been playing my best tennis,” conceded Djokovic.
“I’m still trying to find the form.
“Particularly in the early rounds you play players that have nothing to lose really. They come out on centre court trying to play their best tennis.
“I managed to find a way to win in four, that’s what counts in the end. Hopefully I will be able to build on this as the tournament progresses.”
11.40: THRILLER ON SHOW COURT ARENA
Marta Kostyuk has staged a thrilling win over 25th seed Elise Martens in a shock result in the second round of the Australian Open.
Kostyuk and Martens went into a thrilling final set, which was locked up at 6-all.
The Ukrainian nabbed her first tiebreak lead at 6-5 with the small but vocal crowd behind her, and both players having “visceral and audible” reactions to missing crucial overhead smashes.
Despite a quick break for Kostyuk to replace a shoelace, she managed to line up three match points in the tiebreak, sealing the tiebreak 10-6 to win 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 and win through to the third round.
10:50PM: TSITSIPAS HOLDS ON AGAINST VALIANT THOMPSON
Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas has shaken off some Australian Open cobwebs to book a third-round spot with a four-set win over Jordan Thompson.
Sydney’s Thompson took the first set in brilliant fashion to fan hopes of a stunning upset victory over the No. 7 seed on Wednesday night.
But the Greek star unleashed a withering barrage of forehand winners in the second set tiebreak to break free of the early slump and take control of the match.
Thompson fought back bravely from a break down in the fourth set including reeling off eight-straight points to force another tie-breaker.
But Tsitsipas produced some special volleys at the net on clutch points to extinguish Thompson’s gritty fourth-set comeback attempt and seal the win.
Tsitsipas made a scratchy start to the tournament after losing the first set of his first-round win on Monday, and bemoaned his performance in a doubles’ loss on Tuesday.
But there was no doubt the man who went down to Novak Djokovic in last year’s Australian Open final can again go deep this year after showcasing his power on both sides in the 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win over world No. 43 Thompson.
While Djokovic remains the short-priced favourite to take out an 11th crown at Melbourne Park, Tsitsipas is one of the biggest threats to the champion Serb.
Thompson would be disappointed with the result after making such a bright start in the first set with his precise serving game helping control play.
Thompson, who gave Tsitsipas little room to launch his trademark one-handed back-handed passing shots early, showed flair at the net with a superb crosscourt drop shot late in the first set.
Thompson also powered down a booming serve down the middle of the eighth game to press ahead 5-3 and minutes later claim the first set, bringing Australian fans at Margaret Court Arena to their feet.
While Tsitsipas finally clicked into gear and showed his immense class in the second set, regaining confidence with some searing winners, Thompson showed tremendous heart clawing back into the game in the fourth set after saving two match points.
But Tsitsipas ramped up the aggression after the early errors and dismissed any fears over his back problem.
Tsitsipas entered the tournament under a cloud because of a back injury and his early jitters on Wednesday night fuelled concerns he was still suffering soreness.
But the 25-year-old, who has made the final four of the Australian Open in four of the past five years and has pocketed almost $45 million (Aus) in prize money over his career, returned to some formidable form, from late in the second set.
Tsitsipas will next play Frenchman Luca Van Assche who survived a scare on Wednesday to topple 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti in five sets.
The loss for Thompson, 29, means he has not progressed past the second round of the Australian Open in 11 attempts.
The pair were again frustrated by moving fans in between games with Tsitsipas approaching the chair umpire about the issue in the first set.
The duo walked away from the baseline several times throughout the game as they waited for fans to find their seats.
Two seagulls also briefly held up play early in the fourth set as they flew around the arena.
But Tsitsipas maintained focus to break Thompson in the fifth game of the fourth set despite the Australian’s efforts to stay assertive at the net.
10.40PM: TSITSIPAS AND THOMPSON HEAD TO TIEBREAK
Jordan Thompson and Stefanos Tsitsipas are heading to a tiebreak after seven dueces in a 14-minute game left the Greek holding on to serve by the skin of his teeth.
Popyrin and Djokovic are trading games in the other match.
10.19PM: POPYRIN AND DJOKOVIC TRADE STUNNING POINTS
Alexei Popyrin has won the third game of the third set, putting him up 2-1 over Novak Djokovic - which in and of itself isn’t notable, except for the way he won them.
The Aussie fended off some thunderbolts off the forehand of the Serbian, lobbing two shots in two points over the head of Djokovic after he came up to the net, both times looking certain to close out the points.
Popyrin is working the crowd masterfully, too, bringing them into the game as they cheer every point he wins.
It’s riveting stuff.
Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson is making Stefanos Tsitsipas work for it in the fourth set, clinging on 5-5 in the fourth with the Greek up 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 from the first three sets.
EARLIER: SABALENKA CLAIMS SAUDI ARABIA ‘BETTER THAN CANCUN’
Amid a barrage of backlash over a mooted move for the WTA Finals to be played in Saudi Arabia, world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka has instead welcomed the idea declaring the Middle Eastern nation “way better than Cancun”.
Women’s tennis greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova this week penned an open letter to WTA Board Members urging them not to play its crown jewel event in Riyadh as is expected.
In the letter, Evert and Navratilova wrote: “Allowing Saudi Arabia to host the WTA finals is entirely incompatible with the spirit and purpose of women’s tennis”.
Sabalenka was asked for her view after she thrashed Czech qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3 6-2 on Wednesday night to reach the third round of the Australian Open.
The 2023 Australian Open champion played in the Riyadh Season Cup in December.
“Yeah it was an amazing experience actually,” Sabalenka said.
“I expected something different. They treated us really well. It was really amazing atmosphere in the stadium.
“People are really like sport people there. They really like tennis. The atmosphere was incredible.
“The level of hospitality was definitely way, way, way better than it was in Cancun. Yeah, I’m happy to go there.”
Cancun played host to the 2023 WTA Finals last November in a tournament marred by horrible weather conditions.
Sabalenka, then ranked world No.1, said she felt “disrespected” and “not safe” while playing in the tournament.
“Honestly, it’s another level of disrespect from the WTA for the players,” she said in November.
“Sometimes, I don’t even feel safe to move on this court.
“That’s not the level I expect from the WTA Finals. Thank you for this challenge I’m facing right now of having to learn to adapt quickly to the conditions.
“Thank you for that. But this is not something I expect from such a high level tournament.”
9.35PM: TSITSIPAS IN CONTROL AFTER SEAGULL DELAY
Stefanos Tsitsipas was dominant in that set and now leads two sets to one over Jordan Thompson.
The Greek star has sapped the energy out of the Australia’s game and took the third set 6-2 to showcase his superiority.
It’s a long way back for Thompson now.
The only respite Thompson got in that set was a bizarre two-minute delay for a seagull who flew between the pair while Tsitsipas was preparing to serve.
Across on Rod Laver Arena, it’s 1-1 in the second set after Novak Djokovic took the first over Alexei Popyrin.
9.22PM: DJOKOVIC BREAKS
Alexei Popyrin has buckled in the eighth game of the first set against Novak Djokovic.
The 10-time Australian Open champion seizes his opening and moves 5-3 ahead.
Djokovic will serve for the set.
9.10PM: ANOTHER PLAYER QUESTIONS AUS OPEN ‘PARTY COURT’
Spanish star Paula Badosa has questioned the long-term future of the Australian Open’s ‘party court’ after winning in front of the rowdy crowd for the second time this tournament.
Badosa has played on Court 6 in the first and second rounds and said she wasn’t a fan.
“In my opinion, I don’t really like it because there’s a lot of noise, as I said,” she said.
“I mean, my opponent in the first round and now also complained. It’s not very comfortable.
“I cannot listen to my team either if they want to say something or if I want to, like, talk to them.
“Even during the points, it’s quite noisy. I don’t know if it’s going to work in the future.”
Other players have questioned whether the noise is too much of a distraction, with Stafanos Tsitsipas’ brother Petros saying after a doubles match he was “not a huge fan of it”.
Another player described it the court as “like playing in a nightclub”.
The court has a two-storey bar with a capacity of up to 400 fans and has featured a DJ playing during games.
8.55PM: TSITSIPAS CLAIMS SECOND SET
Stefanos Tsitsipas has cranked it up a notch, riding the pressure of a second-set tiebreak to draw level with Jordan Thompson in what has been an absorbing second round content.
After Thompson claimed the first set 6-4, Tsitsipas gets on the board by taking the second 7-6.
Thompson saved two set points, bringing the tiebreak level at 6-6, but Tsitsipas served his way out of danger before the Aussie produced a backhand error into the net.
Across on Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin are underway — Novak leads 2-1 on serve.
8.40PM: TIAFOE STUNNED BY CZECH MACHAC
The seeds are starting to fall and one of the biggest names to exit the Australian Open so far is American Frances Tiafoe.
The 17th seed has gone down in straight sets to Tomas Machac, who came into the tournament ranked a the world’s No.75.
Machach triumphed 6-4 6-4 7-6 in three evenly-fought sets.
The draw has really opened up for fourth seed Jannik Sinner, who next meets 26th seed Sebastian Baez before a potential showdown with Karen Khachanov or Machac.
8.30PM: SABALENKA THE PLAYER TO BEAT
A scintillating Aryna Sabalenka has put her Australian Open rivals on notice with another Rod Laver Arena avalanche on Wednesday night.
The reigning women’s champion looks the player to beat through the opening two rounds after demolishing Czech teenager Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3 6-2 in just 67 minutes.
Sabalenka opened her title defence on Monday with a quick fire 6-0 6-1 win inside an hour and didn’t need much longer to book her place in the third round.
She has spent a total of two hours on-court.
Not since Victoria Azarenka went back-to-back in 2012-13 has a women’s champion successfully defended her title but Sabalenka looks at the top of her game as she vies for a second grand slam crown.
Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic was next-up on Rod Laver Arena and Sabalenka joked she made sure to wrap up her match quickly to not keep him waiting.
Djokovic’s four-set match on the tournament’s opening night meant Sabalenka began her title defence on the stroke of midnight.
The two champions traded schedules on Wednesday.
“I am much nicer to him, I didn’t play for another how many hours that he played the other night … I made sure he will finish earlier,” joked Sabalenka.
The 25-year-old appears to have ironed out the ground stroke yips that plagued her Brisbane International final capitulation to Elena Rybakina earlier this month.
Sabalenka shocked the world with a diabolical 0-6 3-6 defeat to her fellow 2023 Australian Open finalist on January 7 but laughed it off as an anomaly and set her sights on Melbourne Park.
On Wednesday night the Belarusian brutalised her young opponent with a dominant power-hitting display that remains the envy of the WTA Tour.
Almost half of her points came from winners.
Next up for Sabalenka is either Ukranian No.28 seed Lesia Tsurenko or Spain’s Rebeka Masarova.
8.20PM: INDIAN HERO’S FAIRYTALE RESULT
Four months ago India’s Sumit Nagal had just $1,485 in his bank account – barely enough to cover return flights from Mumbai to Melbourne, let alone travel the world on the ATP Tour.
He was denied a wildcard nomination for the Australian Open by the All India Tennis Association because he had refused to travel to Pakistan for a Davis Cup tie – meaning he had to progress through qualifying to get his shot in the main draw.
He’d only been able to get to that point because of his sponsors stepping in, after hearing of his financial troubles, to provide enough funds to keep Nagal from throwing in the towel.
But on Tuesday he delivered arguably the biggest victory in Indian tennis in 35 years, becoming the first Indian male to beat a seeded player in that time – and only the third Indian to win at the Australian Open since 2000.
The victory ensured a $180,000 payday for Nagal, which will jump to $255,000 should he triumph over Chinese teen Shang Juncheng tomorrow.
“These moments you will go through as an athlete. Sometimes you’ll have a good year, sometimes you’ll have a bad year,” Nagal said.
“Last year was probably one of the best year in a term where, like I said, you know, 900 euros, not getting into tournaments for first few months, relying on wild cards in February to finishing 130 again.
“It’s not an incredible, or like, you know, record broken thing.
“From where I started, I was pretty proud of myself to be able to give myself another chance to be here, to qualify, to like I said, play second round on Thursday. It’s a good feeling.”
7.55PM: THOMPSON TAKES THE FIRST SET
Stefanos Tsitsipas can hardly believe it as he shells a forehand at a crucial time and it allows Jordan Thompson to take the first set 6-4.
“He can’t believe he’s missing these shots,” says John McEnroe in Channel 9.
7.45PM: THOMPSON BREAKS, LEADS 4-3 IN FIRST SET
After a couple of looks at break points earlier in the set, Jordan Thompson converts one at a crucial time in the middle of the first set to take a crucial advantage at 4-3.
Even in that match, Tsitsipas saved two break points and it was at the sixth time of asking this set that Thompson capitalised thanks to a forehand error from Tsitsipas.
“Strutting his stuff here so far,” says John McEnroe in commentary.
Todd Woodbridge adds: “He’s playing the best tennis of his career. The forehand has more on t the serve’s got more on it. He comes into this match having beaten Rafael Nadal up in Brisbane. He got a bit of confidence as well.”
7.30PM: HEARTBREAK FOR AUSSIE IN FOURTH SET
Heartbreak for Chris O’Connell on John Cain Arena.
The Aussie fought valiantly from two sets down against Ben Shelton, a 2023 quarter-finalist at the Australian Open.
After losing the first two sets 4-6, 6-1, O’Connell took the third 6-3.
But he produced too many unforced errors in a fourth-set tiebreak and was made to pay as Shelton claimed the fourth set 7-6.
It keeps the grudge match between Shelton and Novak Djokovic a possibility at least...
7.20PM: DE MINAUR’S NEXT OPPONENT
Alex de Minaur will take on another Italian in the third round of the Australian Open after Flavio Cobolli defeated Pavel Kotov in four sets, 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.
Cobolli is 21 years old, came through the qualifiers and just sneaks into the world’s top 100 ranked players.
7.10PM: THOMPSON ON COURT
Stefanos Tsitsipas is serving first in his second round match against Aussie Jordan Thompson.
“I’m interested to see what Jordan Thompson has to offer. He’s never even made it to a third round at the Australian Open. So a great opportunity. Stefanos Tsitsipas, I feel, obviously the pressure is on him,” says John McEnroe on Channel 9.
6.45PM: THE ‘30 PER CENT’ JOHN CAIN ARENA EFFECT
Storm Hunter has credited the John Cain Arena crowd with helping her clinch her best result in a Grand Slam singles tournament.
The court — which has become synonymous with boisterous Melbourne crowds — was the same venue where Thanasi Kokkinakis and Ajla Tomljanovuic triumphed on Tuesday.
“Obviously Rod Laver and Margaret Court, the tickets are more expensive so it’s maybe more for people that love watching tennis. I feel like John Cain just gets the crowd that wants to get behind the Aussies,” Hunter said.
“I felt there’s a lot of Aussie fans in the stands, and they were, you know, chanting my name, which was, yeah, which was awesome.”
Hunter said the energy of the crowd lifted her in a tense third set against Laura Siegemund.
“I think in the second set there I just dropped my energy levels a little bit. And in the third, you know, even my coach was yelling out, like, Come on, you’re an Australia, you’re in Australia, use that, use that advantage, because it is so special what we have here,” she said.
“Like you said, John Cain Arena, because it’s ground passes and it’s a big court, it’s loud. I love that. It’s an awesome experience. I definitely thrived off that today.”
Asked to quantify the difference the home crowd made, she said: “Maybe 30 per cent at least. Maybe even more.”
6.28PM: O’CONNELL FIGHTING BACK
Aussie Chris O’Connell has found a pulse in his match against Ben Shelton, battling back to claim the third set.
After being blown away 6-4 6-1 in the opening two sets on John Cain Arena by the 16th seed, O’Connell rallied to take the third set 6-3.
KHACHANOV BLOWS UP AFTER BALL KID BLUNDER
The Australian Open’s 16th seed Karen Khachanov has blown up after a moment of controversy in his match against Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The Russian was leading 2-1 in the second set, having won the first, when a return from Kovacevic appeared to be sailing wide.
But, rather than let the ball bounce, one of the ball kids caught it on the full, much to the frustration of Khachanov.
It led to a terse exchange between Khachanov and the chair umpire, before Kovacevic conceded the point in a show of sportsmanship which was applauded by the crowd.
Here is how the exchange unfolded: Khachanov: “Where is the rules?”
Chair umpire: “He needs to let it bounce”
Khachanov: “It doesn’t matter, no.
*At this point, Kovacevic approaches.
Chair umpire: “Ladies and gentleman, even though the ball did not bounce on the court, Mr Kovacevic is conceding the point to Mr Khachanov.”
After winning the game, Khachanov fired up again to question how the point was ruled.
As the umpire explained she could not be certain the ball would have been out, Khachanov said: “How many years are you on the chair? So you’ve never seen (a) situation where the ball was wide... (inaudible).”
She replied: “I have to follow the procedures.”
Khachanov went on to win the second set 6-3 and the match in four sets.
RUSSIAN FLOORED BY SOCIAL MEDIA SPIKE
Russian Maria Timofeeva has revealed her shock at her booming social media popularity after reaching the third round of the Australian Open.
Timofeeva, who defeated 2018 champion Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday to progress to the third round, was floored when she learned she had gained almost 8000 Instagram followers during the match.
“That’s crazy. I just checked the Instagram. I was, like, What the hell happened (laughing)? I was doing mine for like three years,” she said.
“I had 5000 followers. Now I opened. Like, I gained 8000 in one match. That’s crazy.”
Timofeeva is no stranger to social media, running a tennis vlog during tournaments on YouTube.
“Well, we’re doing this as a hobby like for ourselves. Mostly it’s, yeah, just Tennis Channel where we vlog from tournaments and how it’s going. Yeah, from here also will be the one, so that’s it,” she said.
As of 5.15pm, she had more than 14,000 Instagram followers.
5PM: DEMON’S PRAISE FOR HUNTER
Alex de Minaur has hailed the late-career improvement of Storm Hunter after his United Cup teammate surged into the third round of the Australian Open.
The 10th seed said he hoped Hunter would put a greater onus on her singles career after sealing a career-best Grand Slam finish.
“I think I told her there I was so impressed with her level in the mixed. I thought it was unbelievable and the tennis she played throughout whole of United Cup,” De Minaur said.
“You know, I think it’s a pretty amazing achievement what she’s accomplished, considering the lack of preparation she was able to have going from United Cup straight into qualifying. “So I think that needs to definitely be mentioned and taken into account. Now she’s in the third round of singles, which is great.
“You know, hopefully this gives her the belief to pursue the singles career a lot more.”
4.45PM: WOZNIACKI SAYS SAUDI DEALS CAN HAVE SILVER LINING
Former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki says sports should embrace the chance to promote “change” in Saudi Arabia after Rafael Nadal’s deal with the gulf state.
Nadal’s deal with the Saudi Tennis Federation was announced on Tuesday and met with widespread scepticism.
Wozniacki said it was “inevitable” Saudi Arabia’s sporting reach would expand and it was up to sports to find silver linings.
“Honestly, I haven’t read much up on Rafa and what he’s doing, but obviously Saudi is coming into sports in a very strong way. I think both in golf and football or soccer and now in tennis,” the 2018 AO champion said.
“I think it’s inevitable that that’s going to happen, and I think when that does happen, I think we have a chance to make a change and do something good there.
“I obviously realise, you know, the human rights and everything else, but I think when it’s inevitable that they have so much money to put into sports, I think when you’re put in that situation, you can maybe change, make a change and do something positive.”
John McEnroe has been one of the most vocal critics about tennis’ growing influence in Saudi Arabia.
“Personally, I disagree with it completely, with the golf and the tennis,” McEnroe said.
“The ladies are going to play the WTA Finals there? Are you kidding me?
“Because they treat women so well? That part is to me laughable.”
4.30PM: HUNTER’S $255K PAYDAY AFTER CAREER-BEST RESULT
Aussie qualifier Storm Hunter is through to the last 32 in a grand slam for the first time after overcoming German veteran Laura Siegemund in three sets in a rollercoaster Australian Open encounter on Wednesday.
The doubles world No. 1 continued her career-best singles form to beat the 35-year-old 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and became the first Australian woman through to the third round at Melbourne Park since champion Ash Barty and Maddison Inglis in 2022.
The nerves looked clear when Hunter, who was up 4-1 early in the final set, lost her serve trying to go 5-2 up on John Cain Arena as Siegemund defied the parochial Aussie crowd to stage a fightback. That made it 4-3 but Hunter immediately broke her opponents serve to make it 5-3.
Given her chance to serve the game out, the 29-year-old Australian would not be denied and gave an almighty roar when the German put her final shot into the net leaving Hunter victorious and enjoying the biggest week of her singles career.
Hunter’s victory sets up a showdown with Czech ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova, who also took out her German opponent, Tamara Korpatsch, on Wednesday afternoon.
It also ensures the 29-year-old left-hander will leave Melbourne Park with at least $255,000 and significant steps forward in her bid to improve her singles ranking in 2024.
She’s balancing her underdog run through the singles draw with the expectation of a deep doubles run with her new partner Katerina Siniakova, as the third-seeded pair won through the first round in straight sets on Tuesday.
Hunter was recognised as a Newcombe Medal finalist last month for her tremendous 2023 on the doubles circuit, as her and Belgian partner Elise Mertens reached the Wimbledon final and were crowned ITF world champions.
She entered the Australian Open ranked No. 180 in the world but had no problems accounting for the 78th-ranked Siegemund, who has also enjoyed more success in doubles but reached the singles quarter-finals at Roland Garros in 2020.
It comes after Hunter beat Italian former world No. 5 Sara Errani in straight sets on Monday.
Ajla Tomljanovic is the only other remaining Australian in the women’s singles draw after her three-set opening round win over Petra Martic on Tuesday night.
Wildcard trio Taylah Preston, Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki were all bundled out of the first round in straight sets.
4.19PM: HUNTER WINS!
Storm Hunter has done it. She holds her nerve and is into the third round of a Grand Slam singles draw for the first time.
4.15PM: HUNTER BREAKS BACK
Huge! Storm Hunter shows incredible resilience to break Siegemund and will serve for the match at 5-3 in the third set.
4.08PM: SIEGEMUND RALLIES, HUNTER UNDER PRESSURE
After having an opportunity to go 5-1 ahead to serve for match, Storm Hunter has a huge fight on her hands.
Laura Siegemund has rallied, putting the third set back on serve at 4-3 after breaking Hunter in the seventh game of the set.
“I think the way through this and forwards, if she is to win it she has to continue to be aggressive,” says Alicia Molik in commentary on Channel 9.
Molik adds: “It’s tough, though... (at) 4-1, steam rolling or what appears like. It’s just such a subtle change for this momentum to shift in the favour of Laura Siegemund.”
Earlier, fourth seed Coco Gauff won through in straight sets 7-6 6-2 against fellow American Caroline Dolehide.
3.50PM: HUNTER BREAKS IN THIRD SET
That could be a huge moment for Storm Hunter.
After dropping the second set 6-3 against Laura Siegemund, she has the break and has held serve to go 4-1 ahead in the third.
The Aussie is potentially two matches away from her best result as a singles player at a Grand Slam.
On Channel 9, Sam Stosur details how she would attack the end of the match: “I’d say play to your strengths, attack Siegemund’s forehand whenever possible and play for the win.
“Don’t be tentative, absolutely go for it. She’s been doing well when she’s been playing aggressive, especially these last six games or so. So everything you can try and put the foot down right here.”
3.30PM: COURIER JUMPS TO DEFENCE OF ‘MISUNDERSTOOD’ AMERICAN
As his feud with Novak Djokovic comes closer to being reignited at Melbourne Park, American firebrand Ben Shelton has been described as “misunderstood”.
Djokovic revealed in recent days he copied Shelton’s ‘phone hang up’ celebration after knocking him out of the US Open as a response to what he deemed a lack of respect from Shelton.
Shelton is one of the most outwardly-confident players on the tour and has been described as arrogant.
But fellow American Jim Courier said “misunderstood” was a better description.
“I would go with misunderstood,” Courier said on Channel 9.
“I think that Ben is a confident young man and has a lot of swagger on the court. Some people might not take to that, but a lot of people do.
“I think if you get to know him personally, I think you’ll fall in love with him.”
Shelton and Djokovic are on a potential collision course in the fourth round.
3PM: AUSSIE EYES ONE OF BIGGEST CAREER WINS
Qualifier Storm Hunter — ranked 172nd in the world — leads world No.78 Laura Siegemund one set to love as she eyes a place in the Australian Open’s third round.
The 29-year-old Queenslander has never reached the third round in the singles at a Grand Slam, matching her second-round appearance at the French Open when she defeated Sara Errani in the opening round at Melbourne Park.
Hunter took the first set 6-4 and players are tied at 1-1 early in the second set.
She has reached the finals of a Grand Slam as a doubles player and is a mixed doubles Gram Slam champion, but is trying to go where she never has before as a singles player.
2.40PM: DE MINAUR MAULING ARNALDI
He declared his intent to exact Davis Cup revenge and Alex de Minaur is a man on a mission today.
After taking the first set 6-3, the Aussie 10th seed has stormed to a 5-0 lead in the second set and is running rings around Matteo Arnaldi.
FOLLOW LIVE HERE in our De Minaur blog.
FOURTH SEED SINNER: I FEAR NO ONE
Jannik Sinner says he fears no one as the Italian world No.4 plots a path to his maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
Sinner dispatched Jeser de Jong in straight sets on Wednesday, crushing the Dutchman 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 to ease into the third round.
Rated as one of the best chances of denying Novak Djokovic an 11th Australian Open, Sinner sounded a warning to his title rivals after the victory.
“It doesn’t really matter who you play against. You fear against nobody, but a lot of respect for everyone. This is what I try to show to everyone,” he said.
“It’s good to play in front of you guys. It means a lot to me.”
Sinner was asked about his conditioning for the tournament and quipped on Channel 9 he was aiming for a “Baywatch” look.
“I’m happy with my physicality at the moment. Of course, it’s the dream to have the Baywatch physicality, but it’s OK,” he responded to have the crowd in stitches.
2.05PM: OPEN CONTENDER ALCARAZ’S FLEX APPEAL
When you’re trying to take down Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park, it pays to have a weapon up your sleeve — literally.
Nick Kyrgios was impressed by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz’s biceps, which were on show during his straight-sets win over Richard Gasquet yesterday.
Speaking on Eurosport, where he is a commentator for the Australian Open, Kyrgios asked Alcaraz whether the singlets he wore on tour had inspired the No.2 seed to get the guns out.
“It seems like that,” Alcaraz said.
“No I had, you know, to scare the opponents in a certain way, not with my forehand or backhand. With my arms, or I am trying that.”
Alcaraz was having a laugh, but it’s pretty clear he never skips arm day.
1.40PM – WOZNIACKI OVERWHELMED BY QUALIFIER
Former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki is out of this year’s tournament after falling to an opponent ranked outside the top 150.
A wildcard entry this year, mother-of-two Wozniacki was overcome by qualifier Maria Timofeeva in her second round match on John Cain Arena, 1-6 6-4 6-1.
Despite what appeared to be a one-sided first set on paper, the 2018 Australian Open winner was forced to dig deep against her 20-year-old opponent during some lengthy games.
Timofeeva then got her game going in the second set.
This is Timofeeva’s Grand Slam debut and she holds a world ranking of 170.
Wozniacki stepped away from tennis after the 2020 Australian Open and had two children – Oliva and James.
Her first Grand Slam back was the US Open last year, where she made the fourth round.
The 33-year-old progressed to the second round after her first-round opponent – 20th seed Magda Linette – was forced to retire due to injury during the second set.
Wozniacki said after her first match that she felt she had “nothing to lose and everything to win” at the Australian Open this year.
1.30PM: DEMON ON COURT FOR SECOND ROUND CLASH
Alex de Minaur is on court a little earlier than expected today – following the stunning straight sets defeat of sixth seed Ons Jabeur in the first match on Rod Laver Arena.
The Australian will be firm favourite to advance to the third round when he takes on Matteo Arnaldi, and he should be fresh after a shortened round-one match against Milos Raonic, who retired with a hip complaint.
If you’re keen to follow live updates of that match, we’re running a separate blog over here.
1.20PM: TEEN PHENOM DESTROYS IDOL, SIXTH SEED IN SHOCK
A 16-year-old rising star has made her mark on the Australian Open, pulling off a huge upset win over sixth-seed Ons Jabeur on Rod Laver Arena.
Russian-born Mirra Andreeva – competing in her first Australian Open at only the fourth Grand Slam of her career – sent Jabeur packing with an emphatic 6-0 6-2 second-round win on Rod Laver Arena.
Jabeur was lost for answers after the first set, seeking guidance from her coach Issam Jellali during the break in play.
Her racquet went flying during the second set as she attempted to reach a shot at the net and her frustration became clear.
The Tunisian champion, 29, was a runner-up at Wimbledon last year and was previously a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 2020.
It was Andreeva’s first win over a top-10 player.
“I was really nervous before the match because I’m really inspired by Ons,” Andreeva said.
“Before I started to play on a WTA Tour, I always watched her matches and I was always so inspired by the way she plays. Now I had a chance to play against her and, honestly, in the first set I showed amazing tennis. I honestly didn’t expect that from myself. I just wanted to go to play on this big court for the second time and just to enjoy tennis, just to enjoy the time, and I did.”
Andreeva was asked what had changed in her game, to which she replied: “I just feel like I am a bit more mature than I was before.”
She was reminded: “You’re only 16”, before she responded, “Well, that’s true, but last year I was 15”.
1:10PM: TWO-TIME CHAMP CALLS OUT AUS OPEN HYPOCRISY
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has pointed out the hypocrisy behind the tournament’s pledge to be more sustainable - despite continuing to sell plastic products throughout the Melbourne Park grounds.
The Australian Open has for the past few years made a concerted effort to be more environmentally friendly, partnering with Australian startup Samsara two years ago to recycle thousands of plastic bottles throughout the two-week event.
But the presence of plastic in all other areas of Melbourne Park is jarring for Azarenka, who expressed her confusion after a first-round win against Camila Giorgi on Tuesday.
“We have water bottles that are recyclable, but then we have plastic everywhere around. What are we actually doing?” said Azarenka, who won back to back titles in Melbourne in 2012-13.
“It’s like one step we’re trying to take to absolutely sustainability and et cetera, but you’re selling plastic all over the stadium.
“And those big bottles, I don’t know how much I have to drink. So to me it’s confusing.
“I want to make sure that we do something that is important. But like this, it looks like - what’s that sentence - smoke and mirrors? You can say that?
“I don’t like that. If we’re going to do something important as try to be sustainable, okay, let’s actually do that.
“But if you look at all the things around, we have chocolate individual wrappers all over the stadium. What are we doing?”
12.50PM: RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
Yes, it’s that time again – a weather update from Melbourne.
The news, as it was before, is goodish. The weather is definitely clearing up but it takes time to dry all of the outside courts.
So it’s been confirmed there’ll be no play on outside courts until at least 1.30pm. Fingers crossed for no further rain today.
12.35PM: SIXTH SEED BAGELLED IN AUS OPEN SHOCKER
- Chris Cavanagh
Ons Jabeur is having a nightmare on Rod Laver Arena at the moment – and a huge upset is brewing, with women’s sixth-seed Ons Jabeur having a battle on her hands against 16-year-old rising star Mirra Andreeva.
The Russian-born Andreeva took the first set in commanding fashion, 6-0 in just 20 minutes.
Jabeur was a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 2020 and was the runner-up at Wimbledon last year.
Currently ranked No.47 in the world, Andreeva is competing at just her fourth Grand Slam and first Australian Open.
Jabeur was spotted in an animated conversation with her coach after the first set.
That was something special ✨
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
16-year-old Mirra Andreeva takes the opener 6-0 against No. 6 seed Jabeur!#AusOpen • #AO2024@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennispic.twitter.com/Uci8DiXPEZ
12.00PM: WOZNIAKI CONTINUES HOT OZ OPEN START
- Chris Cavanagh
One-time Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki is continuing her strong start to her first tournament in four years at Melbourne Park, holding qualifier Maria Timofeeva at bay in the first set of her second-round match.
The 2018 Australian Open champion, Wozniacki took the first set 6-1 in 45 minutes against an opponent 13 years her junior.
It was not all easy for Wozniacki, with her final service game going to deuce four times as Timofeeva continued to push.
Wozniacki progressed to the second round after her first-round opponent – 20th seed Magda Linette – was forced to retire due to injury during the second set.
Wozniacki stepped away from tennis after the 2020 Australian Open and had two children – Oliva and James.
Her first Grand Slam back was the US Open last year, where she made the fourth round.
11.45AM: RAIN CONTINUES TO MESS WITH AUS OPEN PLANS
It’s definitely easing, but the rain is still delaying play on the outside courts at Melbourne Park.
And it will do so until at least 12.30pm, according to officials.
There is some live tennis, however, thanks to the roofed stadiums. Early matches on Margaret Court Arena and Rod Laver Arena are about to get underway and Caroline Wozniacki’s first-round clash with qualifier Maria Timofeeva heading towards the end of the first set on John Cain Arena.
11.30AM: AUSTRALIAN OPEN WEATHER UPDATE
- Chris Cavanagh
It’s been a wet morning at Melbourne Park, but the rain is clearing in welcome news for Australian Open organisers.
Melbourne’s soaking summer continued overnight and into this morning, with the city receiving some 19.2mm of rain to 11am.
However, the radar shows the worst of the storms have now passed and the afternoon is clearing up.
Australian Open organisers announced earlier this morning that there would be no play on the outside courts before midday as a result of the rain.
Play on John Cain Arena is beginning as scheduled at 11am, while matches on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena are due to begin at midday.
The forecast for the rest of the week looks much better, with 0-1mm of rain possible on Friday but no rain expected on any other days.
11AM: TENNIS BAD BOY QUERIES DOMESTIC ABUSE PROBE
Controversial tennis player Tennys Sandgren has hit out at the tennis media for grilling Australian Open stars on the domestic violence charges levelled at sixth seed Alexander Zverev.
News of Zverev’s abuse allegations – and confirmation that he would stand trial in Germany in May – swept through Melbourne Park on Tuesday, with players grilled on the topic and in particular how it impacted Zverev’s role on the professional tour players’ council.
One by one the players from leading names Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, to another member of the players’ council, Grigor Dimitrov, were probed on the topic.
All declined to comment in any detail, citing a lack of knowledge on the case.
But Sandgren objected to the line of questioning.
“Why are the press asking players about domestic violence? Like yes domestic violence is bad why the weird ‘got ya’ game?” he asked on Twitter.
“We are independent contractors bro go ask the ATP big wigs chill tf (the f**k) out.
“It’s not the players job to make sure another player is in good standing with the atp.
“The fact that he’s on tour playing makes it self-evident that he is. But of course they know that.”
Sandgren is no stranger to courting controversy.
In 2022, he pulled out of the Australian Open due to the COVID vaccine mandate – ending a decade-long run of competing at the tournament.
He was also a vocal critic of the tournament’s quarantine measures in 2021, when he flew into Australia while COVID-positive at the height of the pandemic’s grip on Australia.
The outspoken star has previously been linked to the controversial alt-right, and deleted tweets after denying far-right sympathies.
10.30AM: ‘WE WANT REVENGE’: HEWITT’S DEMON PLEDGE
Alex de Minaur will have extra motivation when he faces Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi later this afternoon.
Not only is a spot in the Australian third round on offer, but Australian legend Lleyton Hewitt believes the world No.10 will be out for revenge after last year’s Davis Cup heartache.
Arnaldi put Italy on the path to victory in the Davis Cup semi-finals when he toppled Alexei Popyrin, before De Minaur was rolled by Jannik Sinner.
And the defeat still stings the Australians, with Hewitt admitting to having nightmares about the missed opportunities as he suggested de Minaur will want to take it out on the rising Italian star.
“We want revenge. I’m still having nightmares where Arnaldi won a cliffhanger against Alexei Popyrin,” Hewitt, Australia’s Davis Cup captain, said on Wednesday.
“If we were somehow able to win that match we would have held up the Davis Cup trophy. That’s been tough. That will be in the back of Alex’s mind.”
“It was a tough pill to swallow. To come so close yet again two years in a row. I know how much it hurts the boys. That will drive them on to bigger and better things.”
10AM: DAY FOUR START DELAYED BY RAIN
A day after the temperatures soared into the 30s, leading to players battling in the heat – and England’s Jack Draper vomiting in a bin after a gruelling five-set win – Melbourne’s weather is showing it’s full range today.
Because, of course, it’s raining.
That means there’ll be no play on the outside courts until midday at the earliest – and we could be facing a backlog of matches if there are any significant delays.
â˜”ï¸ It's raining in Melbourne. No play on the outside courts before midday.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2024
9.30AM: WHY POPYRIN CAN RATTLE DJOKER
It’s the toughest test in world tennis, but can Australian upstart Alexei Popyrin pull off the shock of the tournament tonight and dethrone the king of Melbourne Park?
Popyrin will be on centre court later tonight with world No.1 Novak Djokovic eyeing off more Australian Open glory.
It’s a seemingly impossible task, but retiring Australian star John Millman has said the young star has the weapons to unsettle Djokovic.
While Millman had an 0-3 record against the Serbian star, he said Popyrin was better equipped to pull off an upset.
“The thing that I didn’t have that Alexei has is a serve. He’s got an amazing serve,” Millman told Channel 9.
“He’s tidied up his action a little bit with (Belgian great) Xavier Malisse.
“He won’t be wasting any of those emotions pre-game, and he’s going to have to come out swinging, because that’s the only way to beat Novak. You have to hit him off the court.”
8.45AM: FEMALE STARS IN ACTION ON WEDNESDAY
Aryna Sabalenka faces her second consecutive qualifier today as she looks to get her title defence off to a flyer.
Sabalenka will be on centre court ahead of Novak Djokovic, facing Czech qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova.
The powerful Belarusian second seed dropped just one game in obliterating her first-round opponent, with Fruhvirtova set to face more of her wrath.
US Open champion Coco Gauff, who romped through her first match, will follow on from Sinner against fellow American Caroline Dolehide in her quest for a maiden title at Melbourne Park.
Other players in action include women’s sixth seed Ons Jabeur against exciting Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva and former champion Caroline Wozniacki.
8.15AM: AUSSIE STANDS IN NOVAK’S WAY
Novak Djokovic resumes his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title Wednesday against home hope Alexei Popyrin.
Serbian superstar Djokovic dropped a set against unheralded Croat Dino Prizmic in his opening clash and will not want to do repeat the feat against 43rd-ranked Popyrin.
But the 10-time Australian Open winner heads into the night match on Rod Laver Arena with lingering concerns over his health after admitting he was “a bit under the weather” against Prizmic.
“Look, it is what it is. You just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it,” he said.
Should he come through against the Australian, the world number one will face a third-round clash against veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils or Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who ended Andy Murray’s tournament.
Men’s fourth seed Jannik Sinner is also in action, against Dutchman Jesper de Jong on Margaret Court Arena as he looks to maintain his recent impressive form, which has included a win over Djokovic.
Men’s seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, last year’s losing finalist, meets Australian Jordan Thompson, but is not worried about a hostile crowd, with a big Greek contingent in Melbourne.
7.45AM: ALCARAZ HELPS BREAK STUNNING GRAND SLAM RECORD
The 2024 Australian Open has broken new grand slam ground with a record 30 seeded men’s players progressing to the second round.
When No.2 seed Carlos Alcaraz dismissed Richard Gasquet in straight sets late on Tuesday night he put the bow on an incredible three days that saw only No.18 Nicolas Jarry and No.31 Alexander Bublik fail to progress.
Never in the history of Grand Slam tennis have 30 seeded men’s players reached the second round.
The previous record was 29, which has happened five times: US Open (2001, 2015) and Australian Open (2005, 2009, 2014).
7.00AM: DEMON’S REVENGE MISSION AGAINST DAVID CUP CONQUEROR
He survived the early stumbling block of Milos Raonic and now Alex de Minaur has revenge in mind when he goes to war with tricky Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the second round on Wednesday.
De Minaur was forced to dig deep into his bag of tricks on Monday night to survive the super serve of Raonic, who eventually retired early in the third set with a hip injury.
His next test is world No. 41 Arnaldi, who has shown a knack for knocking Aussies out of big tournaments and is fast becoming public enemy number one Down Under.
Arnaldi, 22, outdueled Alexei Popyrin in last year’s Davis Cup Finals as Italy went on to lift the trophy with a 2-1 victory over Australia.
Though de Minaur was matched against world No. 4 Jannick Sinner that day, he still feels some responsibility to get one back on Arnaldi, whom he has never played before.
“It’s no secret Davis Cup is a huge priority for me and it’s been shattering the last couple of years to get so close to the holy grail and just barely miss out — so yeah, I do associate Matteo as the guy that beat us in the Davis Cup Final,” De Minaur said.
“So I’ll do my best to hopefully get some revenge. He’s a quality opponent but I’ll be ready for it.”
Arnaldi rose 91 spots in the ATP Rankings last year off the back of some impressive scalps, including a straight-sets win over world No. 11 Casper Ruud and three-set victories against No. 22 Cameron Norrie and No. 23 Jiri Lehecka.
The Italian also sent Aussie Jason Kubler out in the first round of the US Open and twice defeated Popyrin, including the Davis Cup Finals tie.
He opened his maiden Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Queenslander Adam Walton on Sunday and now has the Aussie No. 1 in his sights.
But de Minaur is different gravy, especially this version.
After his incredible start to 2024, which began with three top 10 scalps in the United Cup – including Novak Djokovic – de Minaur will be heavily favoured going into this one.
Win and he will set up a third round meeting with another unseeded player.
Many are already eyeballing a mouth-watering fourth round clash with world No. 5 Andrey Rublev as the first real test of de Minaur’s credentials.
But the Aussie, who has never gone beyond the fourth round at the Australian Open, said his focus was firmly on Arnaldi.
“To be completely frank I have no idea about my draw,” De Minaur said.
“I don’t look at the draw, I don’t like it, I think it’s a way of getting ahead of yourself and there’s no moment like the present.
“For me the only thing I’m really focused about is my next opponent which is obviously Arnaldi.
“(He) is a quality Italian player with a lot of firepower and he’s started the year really well, so I’m going to be ready for that battle and whatever happens, happens after that.”
Read related topics:Australian Open Tennis
Join the conversation
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.
Read more
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.
Read more