Australian Open 2023 day 5: Sebastian Korda stuns Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov hits back at crowd
Karen Khachanov has urged crowds to “show some respect” as the son of an Australian Open champion caused one of the boilovers of the tournament.
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It is hard enough being a Russian at the Australian Open this year.
Politics have made the “neutrals”, who are banned from competing under the Russian flag while Vladimir Putin’s troops wage war in Ukraine, widely unpopular.
But Karen Khachanov has found a novel way to make things even harder for himself.
It’s not his fault because he’s a gun player himself, but the Russian has developed a nasty habit of knocking out the crowd favourites.
He beat Aussie hopeful Jason Kubler in the second round then on Friday he eliminated popular American showman Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6 to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time in seven attempts.
“I think it was a very high class match but I also know it was Frances’ birthday so I’m sorry about that,” Khachanov said.
“I beat an Australian as well the other day and I know the crowd did not like it so I’m sorry about that too.”
Tiafoe is one of the most flamboyant and naturally talented players on the tour so the crowd was urging him to force the match into a fifth set after he won the third and fhad six set points in the fourth set tie-breaker.
But he failed to take any of them as Khachanov fought back to seal victory then let the crowd know he wasn’t impressed with them.
“I like the energy, I like the atmosphere here but I just ask to show some respect between the points and not to cheer on double faults,” he said.
“I don’t really think it is very nice. I know you are cheering for the other guy. I don’t have any problem with that. At the end of the day it’s up to you.”
KORDA CONTINUES FAMILY SUCCESS IN AUSTRALIA
Tim Michell
Five years after he was Australian Open juniors champion and 25 years after his father’s glory at Melbourne Park, Sebastian Korda has reason to dream big.
The son of 1998 Australian Open champion Peta Korda announced himself with a straight sets triumph over Daniil Medvedev on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena.
The 29th seed had Medvedev on the ropes from the opening set and held his nerve in two tiebreaks to prevail 7-6 6-3 7-6 and book his place in the Round of 16.
“Yes, I love playing in Australia. My family loves playing in Australia,” he said.
“So we have got a lot of awesome moments here. Yes, super awesome.”
Korda’s sister Jessica won the women’s Australian Open golf at Royal Melbourne in 2012.
Another sister, Nelly, won the same tournament in Adelaide in 2019.
“I don’t know whether I’m going to be right but my mum’s career high was 24. My mum 22,” Korda said.
“My older sister Jessica six. I am definitely the worst athlete in the family so far.”
Korda said he was thrilled with his performance as his attacking prowess proved too much for the No. 7 seed.
“Yes, that was an unbelievable match. I kind of knew what I had to do,” he said.
“I stuck with it. Even when I was going up and down with the emotions but I’m thrilled right now. I played amazing. Unbelievable match for me.”
12.18PM IT’S OVER! MEDVEDEV IS OUT
Sebastian Korda has produced a huge centre court upset, ending Daniil Medvedev’s Australian Open in straight sets, 7-6 6-3 7-6.
Stay tuned for more reaction from Rod Laver Arena.
12.09AM TIEBREAK ON ROD LAVER ARENA
Can Sebastian Korda close this out or are we heading to a fourth set? The tension is high!
12.06AM ZHU TAKES OPENING SET TIEBREAK
No. 6 seed Maria Sakkari has a fight on her hands after losing a first-set tie-break against Zhu Lin.
Zhu is ranked 87th in the world but has the upper hand on Margaret Court Arena after clinching the tie-break 7-3.
11.55PM MEDVEDEV BREAKS BACK
OK … maybe this isn’t over.
Korda lets his lead slip again in the eighth game of the set, as he did in the first.
We’re level at 4-4 and Medvedev might sniff an opening now.
11.47PM KORDA TWO GAMES FROM BOILOVER
Sebastian Korda still has the break and leads 4-2 in the third set. Can he finish Daniil Medvedev off? “I reckon right about next game (Korda’s nerves will kick in),” says Alicia Molik in commentary.
11.38PM FELLOW BRIT TIPS MURRAY RUN TO CONTINUE
Ousted No. 11 seed Cameron Norrie says compatriot Andy Murray can continue to defy the odds after two marathon wins at the Australian Open.
Murray has been on court for more than 10 hours across the opening two rounds in which he knocked out Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
After a 4am finish this morning, Murray next faces 24th seed Roberto Bautista Agut tomorrow night.
Norrie, who was knocked out on Friday, said Murray was capable of something special.
“Andy was finishing at a ridiculous hour. It can be brutal for him. It’s going to be a tough turnaround for him,” Norrie said.
“He looks ready, and he is moving well. If anyone can do it, he can keep going.”
11.21PM KORDA TAKES SECOND SET
Wow! Daniil Medvedev is one set from going out of the Australian Open in the third round. Sebastian Korda finishes the second with a serve and volley to lead 7-6 6-3.
11.10PM MURRAY BROTHER’S SOLUTION TO AUS OPEN SCHEDULING
Jamie Murray has been one of the most outspoken players about the night scheduling at the Australian Open this week. Here’s his latest idea for future tournaments.
Aus Open has 4 courts that they use for night sessions with a 7pm start. Start one of those courts at 8pm (ideally a women’s match as it’s shorter) and then if someone gets injured within an hour on RLA you can move the 8pm match to RLA and you don’t have an issue with refunds.
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) January 20, 2023
11.03PM TONIGHT’S WOMEN’S MATCH ABOUT TO GET UNDERWAY
Maria Sakkari and Zhu Lin are finally on court after having to wait out the Hurkacz-Shapovalov five-setter.
10.49PM HURKACZ PREVAILS
Tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz is through to the fourth round after outlasting Denis Shapovalov.
Hurkacz struggled to seal the match despite dominating the fifth set, eventually prevailing 7-6 6-4 1-6 4-6 6-3 to deny Shapovalov’s gallant comeback.
10.45PM KHACHANOV WINS!
Frances Tiafoe led the fourth set tie-break 6-1 and just couldn’t get it done! Karen Khachanov produces an incredible comeback to win the tie-break 11-9 and send Tiafoe packing. It finishes 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6 on John Cain Arena. The power of those two … seriously. There was some bonkers tennis played tonight on JCA.
10.42PM KORDA CLAIMS FIRST SET
After 85 minutes, Sebastian Korda claims the first set 7-6 in a tie-break over Daniil Medvedev! Upset alert?
10.21PM KORDA BROKEN SERVING FOR SET
Sebastian Korda has broken Daniil Medvedev three times in the opening set but was broken himself at the worst possible time. Serving for the set at 5-4, Korda slipped up and Medvedev pounced. The Russian now leads 6-5 and you get the sense these two might have us in for a very long night — again!
9.53PM MEDVEDEV BROKEN AGAIN
Sebastian Korda has broken twice in the opening set and leads 4-1 against Daniil Medvedev. He’s playing some incredible tennis right now.
9.43PM MEDVEDEV RECEIVING TREATMENT
Daniil Medvedev has twice had his wrist/hand looked at in the opening three games of his match against Sebastian Korda. It doesn’t appear to be a major issue, but is one to monitor. Korda has a break and leads 2-1.
9.40PM HUGE MOMENTUM SWINGS
Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe have found a way back into their respective matches, winning the third set and taking a break in the fourth. Are we looking at another two five-setters? Shapovalov leads 2-1 in the fourth set and Tiafoe is 1-0 up after breaking in the first match of his fourth set against Karen Kachanov.
9.28PM MEDVEDEV ON COURT
The men’s night match has started about an hour earlier than last night and Sebastian Korda has made an early statement by breaking Daniil Medevdev at the fourth time of trying. Our main who was here into the early hours this morning Julian Linden is already predicting a 1am finish after the opening game lasted almost 10 minutes. It’s ominous if you want some sleep after staying up for Murray-Kokkinakis.
8.55PM AZARENKA MOVES CLOSER TO THIRD AUS OPEN TITLE
A decade after she last won the Australian Open, Victoria Azarenka has moved a step closer to glory in Melbourne.
The Belarusian crushed American 10th seed Madison Keys 1-6 6-2 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena, the scene of her 2013 triumph over Li Na.
Azarenka also won the Australian Open in 2012 and those triumphs remain her two Grand Slam wins.
She stepped away from tennis after giving birth in 2016 but has faced a long road to get back to the top of the sport.
Azarenka will face either sixth seed Maria Sakkari or Zhu Lin in the Round of 16 — they play tonight.
"Where's mine?" 😂@vika7 • #AusOpen • #AO2023pic.twitter.com/xe3S5jzN0G
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2023
8.45PM TENNIS UPDATE
Yes, amid all the talking points week one of the Australian Open has dished up there’s some tennis going on.
The most colourful man at Melbourne Park Frances Tiafoe is in trouble against Karen Kachanov after losing the opening two sets, 6-3 6-4.
Hubert Hurkacz is up and set and a break against Denis Shapovalov and Victoria Azarenka is on course for a three-set win over Madison Keys on Rod Laver Arena.
DJOKER DEMANDS ACTION OVER DUMMY DRAMA ‘LYNCHING’
Novak Djokovic has questioned why he has not been apologised to publicly by a broadcaster who said he “defied” a chair umpire by taking a toilet break.
The Serbian superstar took a toilet break five matches into his first-round win at the Australian Open.
On Wednesday, broadcaster Eurosport tweeted: “Novak Djokovic defied the umpire to take an early bathroom break in his first match at the Australian Open (eyes emoji)”
On Thursday, Djokovic took to social media and urged Eurosport to “please get your informations checked.”
Djokovic was quizzed about the issue after his second-round win on Thursday night, telling Serbian media he felt he had been subjected to a “public lynching”.
“Again, I have been placed in a situation where I have to react publicly,” he reportedly said. “For the second time in six months, I have a problem with Eurosport.
“Eurosport have engaged a new company in London that is running their social media. I saw that it was someone new and they confirmed it ….
“I can’t remember the details of exactly what happened six months ago, but at the time I said I will not be giving any interviews to Eurosport.
“Subsequently they apologised to me, and everything was OK; but here we are again where Eurosport is sensationalising something which is completely taken out of context.”
Djokovic said the ATP and WTA needed a system to protect players or “someone who will react, do something about these things”.
“I am an easy target to be the villain. That is how they portray me, for me that is now a normal occurrence – but I will not tolerate injustice,” he reportedly said.
“Some things I can tolerate, some I cannot – they do not deserve for something like this to just be allowed, to get away with it.
“Usually I don’t react, even though I could have reacted a thousand times over different things in the past. Today they went completely overboard. Nobody apologised to me publicly. Are they going to publicly apologise to me? I don’t think so. Eurosport is broadcasting the Australian Open, they are one of the biggest sports channels in the world. They could issue a public apology.”
He later added: “Again, I am publicly asking a question: why didn’t the ATP or the Grand Slam come out and explain the situation, when they can see that the media are publicly lynching me? This has been happening continuously, there have been many situations like this one – but in the end nothing, it’s all the same. At the end of the day, if we are members of this Tour, surely there has to be some responsibility towards the players, some sort of protection. But no, ‘you do what you want and roast him as much as you want in media, while we remain silent.’”
8.30PM STAR’S DAD BECOMES TIKTOK SENSATION
Coco Gauff has fast become a household name in world tennis but it’s her dad’s daggy dancing which is stealing the spotlight on social media.
The American rising star posted a video of her dad and mum Candi copying a dance she taught them on TikTok which has attracted more than 280 comments and more than 54,000 likes in four days.
Now Gauff’s father is being recognised in the street because of the reel.
“I would say my mum was the best dancer in the TikTok. I think it really went viral because of my dad because he did so bad in it," she said.
“He was saying that people on the street (were) recognising him from the TikTok. Then he also asked me if he was getting a cheque from the video and I was like ‘I don’t think Tiktok pays you’. Then my dad told me he’s not going to make any more videos because he’s not getting paid for it.
“He said if he’s going to look a fool on the internet he might as well get paid for it. I know I can get him on Tiktok more because my dad is all fun and games.”
Her coach Diego Moyano is next on her list of targets for a dance video.
8.15PM STAR LAUGHS OFF ‘NETFLIX CURSE’ CLAIMS
Felix Auger-Aliassime says he was only made aware of the Australian Open’s supposed “Netflix curse” on Friday morning.
The Canadian No. 6 seed, who is through to the fourth round, is one of only two players left who featured on Netflix’s tennis documentary series Break Point.
The other is Maria Sakkari, who plays in the third round tonight.
Auger-Aliassime said he initially thought the idea of a curse on players involved in the series was “funny”.
“My girlfriend showed me today,” he said on Friday.
“I wasn’t aware. I was aware that players werelosing, I’d see players were losing, but it didn’t cross my mind until, yeah, she showed me the thing this morning. I thought it was funny.
“I don’t know. I don’t think it’s connected. I don’t know. Maybe the players that lost, maybe they do feel like it’s connected somehow. I don’t think they do. I don’t think it’s connected anyhow.
“But, yeah, so funny how things work out sometimes.”
It'll all be on Felix to break the curse if Sakkari is beaten tonight by Zhu Lin.
Eight down, two to go.#NetflixCurse never sleeps.#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/bjSCXFw87P
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 19, 2023
7.50PM ANOTHER MEN’S SEED GONE
Seven of the top-17 men’s seeds at the Australian Open won’t make the second week — and there could be more later tonight.
11th seed Cameron Norrie has become the latest seeded casualty after losing in five sets to Jiri Lehecka.
The match finished 6-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-4 as Lehecka rallied from two sets to one down.
Norrie joins Rafael Nadal (No. 1), Casper Ruud (No. 2), Taylor Fritz (No. 8), Alexander Zverev (No. 12), Matteo Berrettii (No. 13) and Lorenzo Musetti (No. 17) in making an earlier-than-expected exit.
7.30PM NIGHT MATCH UPDATE
Karen Kachanov has an early break against Frances Tiafoe, Hubert Hurkacz leads 3-1 against Denis Shapovalov and Madison Keys’ match against Victoria Azarenka is on serve at 2-1.
7.25PM TIME FOR AN AUS OPEN TATTOO?
There will be no repeat of her coach’s Wimbledon tribute tattoo if Elena Rybakina wins this year’s Australian Open.
The No. 22 seed’s coach Stefano Vukov had her name and the date of the Wimbledon final inked on his arm after she defeated Ons Jabeur.
Rybakina was the 17th seed at Wimbledon but is 22nd seed at Melbourne Park partly because she did not gain any ranking points by winning at the All England Club.
Rybakina was asked after setting up a clash with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek whether another tattoo was on the cards for her coach if she triumphed in Melbourne.
“No. No. It was only one-time bet, and he said no chance he’s going to do another one,” she said.
“Yeah, we see. Maybe he will change his mind.”
DJOKER’S HUGE PRAISE FOR AUS OPEN EPIC
Novak Djokovic has lauded Thanasi Kokkinakis as a “warrior” after his five-set loss to Andy Murray which finished at about 4am this morning.
Djokovic posted pictures of Kokkinakis and Murray on his Instagram, saying of the Aussie: “Amazing effort. You are a warrior.”
The Serbian followed up with his praise for Murray: “Phenomenal fighting spirit of a great champion! Really inspirational! Well done mate.”
6.15PM ‘WHAT’S HE DOING HERE?’
So, this blogger wasn’t the only one asleep at the end of the Kokkinakis-Murray epic then? While some tennis fans presumably loaded up on coffee and prepared for an all-nighter, many of the Australian Open’s stars were tucked up in bed.
Stefanos Tsitsipas had this hilarious response to a question with started with ‘I’m guessing you were asleep’ when asked about the late finish.
“: Guessing I was asleep? At 4 in the morning?”
The Greek star said he spotted Murray on Friday and wondered why he was at Melbourne Park instead of sleeping.
“It’s no fun for Andy. I saw him today before my match. I was thinking to myself, What is
he doing here? He should be in bed.”
Tsitsipas set up a fourth-round clash with Jannik Sinner by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-2 7-6 6-3.
5.50PM TILEY ACCUSED OF HAVING ‘HEAD IN THE SAND’
One of the world’s top tennis writers has accused Australian Open boss Craig Tiley of having his “head in the sand” over criticism of the tournament’s early-morning finishes.
Responding to a report on Tiley stating there was no need to alter scheduling, The Times chief sport reporter Stuart Fraser tweeted on Friday: “Another tennis chief (who was nowhere to be seen in the early hours) with head-in-the-sand stuff.
“Any chance of someone with a bit of power in this sport realising that matches are generally lasting longer now and that old scheduling formats are no longer fit for purpose?”
It comes after Thanasi Kokkinakis and Andy Murray’s second-round epic lasted almost six hours and finished about 4am this morning.
Another tennis chief (who was nowhere to be seen in the early hours) with head-in-the-sand stuff. Any chance of someone with a bit of power in this sport realising that matches are generally lasting longer now and that old scheduling formats are no longer fit for purpose? https://t.co/6MKIRor0hR
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 20, 2023
HUGE BLOW UP OVER ‘SORRY’ PENALTY
Is it too late now to not say sorry?
American Alison Riske-Amritraj has blown up during a tense women’s doubles match after being penalised for apologising for hitting a ball into one of her opponents.
Riske-Amritraj and partner Linda Fruhvirtova trailed 6-7 1-3 in their match against Natela Dzalamidze and Alexandra Panova when the controversial incident occurred.
She struck the ball and thought it had caught one of her opponents, a view that was not shared by the chair umpire who awarded the point to Dzalamidze and Panova after Riske-Amritraj said sorry.
The call led to a tense confrontation between Riske-Amritraj and the umpire, with a supervisor called onto court to sort out the drama.
The umpire explained that because Riske apologised while he deemed the ball in play it had gone against her team and he had deemed the point to still be live.
Riske-Amritraj did not agree.
Here’s a sample of how it went down:
Riske: Once it hit her, that’s when I said sorry. I wouldn’t have said sorry if I didn’t hit her. It hit her leg, it didn’t hit her arm or racquet.
Umpire: If I don’t see that, I cannot judge it.
Official/supervisor: The umpire has to determine …
Riske: What the hell’s he doing up there then? That’s (muted) ridiculous Caroline. That’s ridiculous. Is he sleeping? I wouldn’t say sorry.
Official: You believe it hit her.
Riske: It hit her, so I said sorry. It was my point.
Official: He’s seen it differently …
Riske: That makes nooooo sense. (Mocking) The way you see it, the way you see it. I’m sure you see it that way. That’s ridiculous. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Pay attention dude. That’s tennis 101.
Umpire: Why are you doing that?
Riske-Amritraj and Fruhvirtova somehow recovered to win the match 6-7 6-4 7-5 after the almighty blow up.
5.25PM HUGE CHEERS AS SPANIARD AVOIDS BAGEL
Iga Swiatek was clinical in her 6-0 6-1 victory over Cristina Bucsa.
The No. 1 seed demolished Bucsa in 55 minutes, not dropping serve on her way to the fourth round.
But arguably the biggest cheer of the match was when Bucsa broke her duck and avoided a 6-0 6-0 defeat — often referred to as a bagel.
She serve successfully in the sixth game of the second set and Swiatek had the settle for a 6-0 6-1 annihilation instead.
4.45PM NO. 2 SEED VOWS TO ‘KEEP FIGHTING’
Popular Tunisian Ons Jabeur has vowed to “come back stronger” after her shock exit in the Australian Open second round.
Jabeur revealed she had been battling “health issues” on Friday after going down 1-6 7-5 1-6 against Marketa Vondrousova on Thursday night.
“Despite the health issues, I will keep fighting and come back stronger and stronger,” Jabeur tweeted.
“Time to recover and get healthier. Thank you All for your support. Thank you Australia. ️See you soon!”
Despite the health issues, I will keep fighting and come back stronger and stronger. Time to recover and get healthier. Thank you All for your support ðŸ™
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 20, 2023
Thank you Australia â¤ï¸ See you soon! pic.twitter.com/Wl1FcArqL3
RUNE CLARIFIES ‘JEERS’ FROM AUS OPEN CROWD
I was saying Roo-urns.
Yes, it’s the famous line from The Simpsons and we’re please to say it applies to this year’s Australian Open.
Some fans were left confused when it appeared No. 9 seed Holger Rune was being booed during his second-round win over Maxime Cressy.
But of course, it was wasn’t the boo boys at all.
It was fans of course the fans cheering ‘Ruuuuuuune’ and celebrating during the Dane’s straight-sets triumph.
Ruud, who has firmed for the men’s title after four of the top seeds bowed out, explained after the Round 2 match: “It was unbelievable. I know it sounds like boo but I hear Rune so it’s amazing.
“It all started at the US Open, so it’s super nice that we can bring it to Australia. Please keep going.”
Last year at the US Open women’s star Madison Keys said she thought Rune was being booed by her home crowd.
Even Rune wasn’t completely sure whether the crowd was supporting him or not when the chants first happened in America (see below).
Holger Rune himself was confused whether the crowd was booing Novak Djokovic or chanting 'Ruuune!'
— Musab (@Musab_Abid) September 1, 2021
"At one point they were cheering for me; another point they were booing. I was like, what is going on?"#USOpenpic.twitter.com/au9vGRwSjP
"they are not booing, they are saying roon, roon!" a classic line which might stay with us during young holger's career.
— Bismarck (@von_bis_marck) January 17, 2023
strong opener from rune, 2-3-4 and done in 2 hours.
I was confused and thought they were booing too. They’re chanting “Rune†#USOpen
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) September 1, 2021
4.35PM MURRAY MISSES OUT ON CENTRE COURT
More than 10 hours on court already — a 4am epic.
And again on Margaret Court Arena.
It’s a fair point, what does Andy Murray have to do to be on centre court?
We know Novak Djokovic is Australian Open royalty but surely Murray earned an upgrade after his heroics against Thanasi Kokkiankis?
His Round 1 win over Matteo Berrettini was on Rod Laver Arena and Murray couldn’t have done much more to earn another crack.
The Scotsman is playing with a metal hip after all.
What does Andy Murray have to do to play on Rod Laver Arena?
— Emily Benammar (@EmilyBenammar) January 20, 2023
Back on MCA tomorrow v Aguthttps://t.co/0J18B1so4W
3:30PM ROCKET’S WORDS FOR KOKK
Rod Laver has reached out to a hurting Thanasi Kokkinakis after his marathon match on Thursday.
The Australian star, who crashed out to Andy Murray in five sets, took to Instagram to share the pain.
“This f****g sport man.”
Kokkinakis received a plethora of replies from his tennis peers, with Laver even reaching out.
“You did us all proud Thanasi. It was an exceptional battle against a seasoned warrior. Keep fighting, you have so much talent, you will get there. Never give up. Rocket”
This fucking sport man…..😔
— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) January 19, 2023
3pm MASSIVE COMEBACK OR CHOKE?
Jannik Sinner comes back from two sets down the first time in his career to beat Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0.
This means muscle mania is over for 2023.
Also through to the fourth round is Barbora Krejcikova who ousted Anhelina Kalinina.
Good news for the Aussies in the doubles with Purcell and Thompson through to the second round as are Alex Bolt and Luke Saville.
MURRAY BLAMES 4AM FINISH ON BALLS
Andy Murray blamed the balls for the marathon rallies that have been a feature of the Australian Open, saying the issue needed to be looked at.
He is the latest player to weigh in on what appear to be fluffier, and slower, balls, with nine-time champion Novak Djokovic and Spanish great Rafael Nadal also commenting.
“It’s strange because the courts are fast, the courts are not slow,” Murray said after beating Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in a gruelling five hours and 45 minutes epic that finished after 4am.
“But the balls, I mean, when we started, like at the beginning of the match, it felt like there was no pressure in the ball, like flat almost.
“That was what I was complaining about quite a lot during the match, as well. It’s just difficult to hit winners once you’re in the rallies.
“You’ve seen it. I think there was a 70-shot rally, multiple 35, 45-shot rallies, which is not normal. Yeah, probably need to look at that.”
The incredible 70-shot rally came in a match between home favourite Jason Kubler and Russian 18th seed Karen Khachanov at John Cain Arena.
With neither player making a mistake nor able to find a winner, the slugfest kept going until a backhand from Kubler clipped the net dropped over to win the point.
OUTRAGEOUS 🤯
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 18, 2023
Jason Kubler has just won a 70-shot rally to break, absolute scenes on JCA! ðŸ˜#GoAussies • #AO2023pic.twitter.com/dkZCshl1qh
Title favourite Djokovic said he too had noticed that the longer you played “the fluffier or the bigger the ball becomes and it’s slower”, which can make for longer matches.
“The outside courts are pretty quick. The stadium courts are a bit slower. But the ball is slower, so that affects the play,” he noted this week.
2:30PM THINK OF THE CHILDREN
While Andy Murray praised the fans who remained till the bitter end of his clash with Thanasi Kokkinakis, he raised concerns about the ball kids.
“If my child was a ball kid for a tournament, they’re coming home at five in the morning, as a parent, I’m snapping at that,” said the Scot, himself a dad.
“It’s not beneficial for them. It’s not beneficial for the umpires, the officials. I don’t think it’s amazing for the fans. It’s not good for the players.” Czech world number 86 Marketa Vondrousova, who shocked second seed Ons Jabeur in a match that finished on neighbouring Rod Laver Arena after 1am, said even that was too late.
“It’s kind of crazy. I think for the body also, I don’t think it’s healthy to play at 1am,” she said. “Also, like, if you are playing three sets, it’s crazy.”
2PM TENNIS STAR POOED ON BEFORE CRASHING OUT
Alexander Zverev was pooed on by a bird during his second round clash at the Australian Open – much to the hilarity of the Melbourne crowd.
The German, 25, claimed the first set against American Michael Mmoh, winning a tie-break on the Margaret Court Arena
The pair were then locked together at 2-2 in the second set when an embarrassing moment struck for the 2020 US Open finalist.
As he prepared to serve at 0-15 down, Zverev put his hand to the back of his head.
And he realised instantly what was lurking in his blond locks as he trudged to his seat to find a towel.
The crowd began to catch wind of what had happened and started to hysterically laugh at the bizarre scene.
Zverev finished cleaning the poo out of his hair and then apologised to Mmoh for the delay.
He did seem to see the funny side as he smiled on his way back to the baseline.
The Australian Open spectators then cheered Zverev on as he prepared to resume the match following the mishap.
Being pooed on a bird is considered good luck in some quarters – but it certainly was not the case for Zverev.
The No 12 seed never regained his rhythm as Mmoh fought back to claim a stunning 6-7 (1) 6-4 6-3 6-2 win. It is the first time since Wimbledon in 2019 that Zverev has entered a Grand Slam and failed to make it to the third round.
1PM MOST HEARTBREAKING IMAGE OF THE OPEN
Ons Jabeur suffered a shock second-round exit at the Australian Open becoming the latest seed to fall at Melbourne Park and there were heartbreaking scenes as she left the court.
The Tunisian went down in three sets to world No. 86 Marketa Vondrousova on Rod Laver Arena and was in tears as she left the arena.
Vision of the 28-year-old went viral.
It shows Jabeur waiting until she was out of crowd sight before falling to her knees, clearly shattered.
It was past 1am AEDT in Melbourne when the match finished, something Vondrousova said was not right.
“I think for the body also, I don’t think it’s healthy to play at 1am,” she said.
“Also, like, if you are playing three sets, it’s crazy.
At this level you have to be ready for every point. I don’t think it’s very healthy, but it’s night session, so you have to prepare for it.”
💔 Ons Jabeur luego de quedar eliminada del #AusOpen2023pic.twitter.com/0qQQfzuGpz
— BATennis (@BATennisCom) January 19, 2023
She said it had been a “very crazy” week of weather and waiting around the player area amid ongoing delays and scheduling dramas.
“I was also tired, but I think she was too,” Vondrousova said.
“You know, it was 2am., so I don’t think it’s very healthy, and I don’t think you can prepare for this also.”
She planned to sleep and then will back up with doubles on Friday afternoon.
Jabeur, who missed last year’s Australian Open with a back injury, won Madrid and Berlin trophies last year in a breakout season which propelled her to second in the rankings.
She hit back at the start of the second set but was broken again when serving for the set at 5-3.
Jabeur then blew a set point on Vondrousova’s next service game, but at 6-5 created another chance and this time converted.
It was a rare moment to celebrate in a desperate performance devoid of any spark against an inspired opponent who simply made fewer errors.
12:10 PM THE SHOW GOES ON FOR THE KOKK
Thanasi Kokkinakis took to Instagram this morning to address his overnight loss to Brit Andy Murray.
Kokkinakis said he would be back stronger after the heartbreaking defeat, with his peers voicing their support for the 26-year old.
“Unbelievable effort my man,” was the comment by Aussie tennis legend Dylan Alcott, while Russian Karen Khachanov said that both competitors were deserving winners.
Kokkinakis had a two set lead before Murray came storming home in the early hours of Friday morning to move onto the third round.
The contest came under heavy scrutiny after it finished at 4am Melbourne time Friday morning.
Kokkinakis wrote “Don’t really know what to say … Wow, this f*****g sport man. Gave it everything I had last night and fell short. You’re a warrior Andy Murray and a honour to share the court with you. To everyone that supports me, THANKYOU. I’ll keep working … the show goes on.”
12PM LOOK WHO IS BACK
One question springs to mind here … WHY?
Andy Murray, who left Melbourne Park at 7am is back at midday.
Should have had a camp bed set up for him perhaps.
After playing past 4am & leaving around 7am, Andy Murray's already back at Melbourne park 😤👊
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 20, 2023
ðŸ–¥ï¸ #AusOpen LIVE | https://t.co/80XjQpwd6J#9WWOS#Tennispic.twitter.com/8eVzFeQW3z
11:30PM DON’T STOP PLAY
Not everyone was unhappy about last night’s 4am finish … but they do work for Channel 9.
Jelena Dokic and Casey Dellacqua have come out in defence of the Kokkinakis and Murray match being played into the wee hours.
“This happens in tennis more often than not,” Dokic said this morning.
“It’s just I don’t think we sometimes hear about it.
“At the US Open we always have matches that go to 3 or 4am. It is normal in tennis. Not lot of other sports have that.
“Yes it is tough but I don’t think anybody thought this was going to go on for six hours. “Scheduling and putting players on and especially they play a lot of events they don’t just play singles, they play doubles and mixed. It is harder than it looks.”
Dellacqua was inclined to agree.
“When you put a match that’s called just before 10 you never imagine it will go for six hours it is difficult for the players and I empathise but we are used to going to events and dealing with different conditions.”
11:20AM: AMERICAN FANS, STARS VOICE DISPLEASURE WITH ESPN
While most people in Australia missed the finale of Kokkinakis and Murray because they were asleep, American fans missed out due to the host broadcaster ESPN.
ESPN, which holds the rights to the tournament until 2031, chose to continue its regular programming across its channels, rather than showing the epic five-setter.
Morning talk shows such as ESPN First Take were given the platform, with the Australian Open shown on their subscription service ESPN+.
American great Andy Roddick voiced his grievances with the move on Twitter, criticising the move to go with “talking heads,” instead of the match.
Would love to watch this ……. At least I can watch the same talking heads “analyst†show on two different channels.
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 19, 2023
It's a travesty that we have great tennis from the @AustralianOpen on near lunchtime on the East Coast and ESPN has it behind a paywall for two different versions of the same show on linear television. https://t.co/GT4ystoyPc
— Mike Phillips (@MPhillips331) January 19, 2023
ESPN+ is $9.99 USD per month and gives subscribers exclusive content.
11AM: STARS PAST AND PRESENT SLAM 4AM FARCE
Tennis fans and players around the world are calling on the Australian Open after last night’s marathon between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The 6 hour epic, finished at 4am Melbourne time, with the Brit prevailing in five sets.
American tennis legend Andy Roddick weighed in after Murray was denied a chance to use the toilet after taking the fourth set, having used his allocation of breaks.
Correct. This is just so dumb https://t.co/dA23OutBYY
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 19, 2023
Elsewhere, Martina Navratilova called it “crazy” the finish time between the pair, suggesting the sport needs to find a way to fix this issue.
It is essential we create better rules in tennis regarding the weather(light and wind) and starting times or cutoff times for matches. Murray and Kokkinakis will finish around 4am. Crazy- no other sport does this @AustralianOpen@ITFTennis
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 19, 2023
Craig Tiley said on Channel 9 this morning that there would be no schedule changes at this time.
10:30PM WHO DOESN’T LOVE A 6AM WINE?
This wouldn’t be available in Sydney eh?
Journalists in vast numbers walked out of Melbourne Park at around 5:30AM, watched the sun rise over the MCG and went for a well earned glass of red, or white, or whatever your tipple is.
Nothing better than a 6am glass of red and slice of pizza on way home from another ordinary day at the Australian Open, with the sun coming up. pic.twitter.com/2f0uXKR6Lk
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) January 19, 2023
Yes, we have just recorded a podcast at 6.18am.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 19, 2023
Up soon, here - https://t.co/Il45KaIQotpic.twitter.com/Vb0Aeu5fNh
💔 Ons Jabeur luego de quedar eliminada del #AusOpen2023pic.twitter.com/0qQQfzuGpz
— BATennis (@BATennisCom) January 19, 2023
8AM AUS OPEN WON’T ALTER SCHEDULE DESPITE PLAYER ANGER
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says there is no need to change the schedule following the 4am finish between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Appearing on Today, Tiley said it is hard to account for a match of that length.
“It was an epic match and when you schedule a match like that just before 10:00 in the evening before you’re not expecting it to go close to six hours.
“It does and when you have 25 sessions, two weeks, hundreds of thousands of people coming through the gate, all the best players 5 00 of them in the world here, you’re going to have those moments,” he said.
7:30AM ‘THIS F******G SPORT’: KOKK SHARES BRUTAL IMAGE
Thanasi Kokkinakis, like a lot of tennis fans was not happy with the late finish to his epic encounter with Andy Murray.
The Australian’s match with Andy Murray did not finish until 4.05am this morning, in a five-set battle for the ages that left many fans without sleep.
Kokkinakis took to Twitter to voice his frustration after the battle.
This fucking sport man…..😔
— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) January 19, 2023
The 26-year-old also posted this on his Instagram after the match.
The tournament has been under criticism for its schedule after two days of unplayable conditions left players on the outside courts without a chance to play, causing a backlog.
Kokkinakis’ friend and doubles partner Nick Kyrgios, voiced his support for the Aussie afterwards.
I love you @TKokkinakis you did amazing bro â¤ï¸ head up ðŸ™ðŸ½ you are playing sick tennis 🗣
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 19, 2023
7:00AM NETFLIX’ HILARIOUS RESPONSE TO AUS OPEN ‘CURSE’
Netflix’ in-depth tennis program Break Point has made waves across both the tennis and the sports world, giving fans a look at the players behind the scenes across 2022.
However, its impact might not be limited to just television, with most of the stars from the program either eliminated from the Australian Open or missed the tournament entirely.
Clearly, the feedback from certain fans about the shows stars has gotten to the desk of the streaming giant, with its UK & Ireland platform tweeting this today.
To clarify: this is purely a coincidence... 🙄 https://t.co/5bTgimuH94
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 19, 2023
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanović missed the tournament entirely, while Thanasi Kokkinakis was eliminated early this morning by Andy Murray.
Other high-profile stars from the show are among the handful of big names to have been eliminated from the Aus Open so far.
The Netflix curse is real 💀
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 19, 2023
Tomljanovic - Out of AO with injury
Badosa - Out of AO with injury
Kyrgios - Out of AO with injury
Berrettini - Out of AO in R1
Ruud - Out of AO in R2
Fritz - Out of AO in R2 pic.twitter.com/aAbzKDLQT7
AUS OPEN NO NAMES CREATE CRAZY GRAND SLAM STAT
Owen Leonard
The men’s race to the semi-finals has been burst wide open in one quarter of the draw – and it’s good news for Novak Djokovic.
Seeded players dropped like flies on Thursday, headlined by No. 2 seed Casper Ruud (knocked out by Jenson Brooksby) and No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz (beaten by Alexei Popyrin), who on paper looked likely to play out in a quarterfinal.
It means a host of unfamiliar names will now be battling it out for quarterfinal berths, with 12th seed and 2020 semi finalist Alexander Zverev also bundled out on a barren day for players ranked inside the top 30.
Thursday’s carnage gives New South Welshman Popyrin a conceivable run to the quarterfinal – if he knocks off Ben Shelton in the third round, he’ll face either JJ Wolf or Michael Mmoh, ranked world no. 67 and 107, in the fourth.
One of these dudes will make the #AusOpen semifinals:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 19, 2023
Popyrin
Shelton
Wolf
Mmoh
Murray
Kokkinakis
Holt
#24 Bautista Agut
Paul
Brooksby
The day five decimation also gives Djokovic a dream run. If Djokovic gets through his quarter – which still includes Andrey Rublev and Holger Rune, it should be noted – there is now every chance he’ll be facing off against an unseeded opponent forums spot in the final.
After being denied the chance to compete in 2022, it seems fate has turned back in the Serb’s favour.
Originally published as Australian Open 2023 day 5: Sebastian Korda stuns Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov hits back at crowd
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