Australian Open day three as it happened: Tomljanovic wins in third set; Spanish ace Alcaraz eases through; Kokkinakis wins tense five-set battle

Here are the key matches for day three of the Australian Open.

Well, that’s another day done and dusted. And thankfully we had some Aussies survive to the second round.

First it was Max Purcell. Then Thanasi Kokkinakis in a five-set over four hour thriller before Ajla Tomljanovic closed out the evening with a victory in the third set.

Thanks for joining us today and we’ll see you tomorrow (well, technically later today as we’ve now reached the wee hours of the morning).

Sleep well!

Thanasi Kokkinakis.Credit: Getty

Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic has scraped through to the second round after claiming the third set in a match that went for almost three hours with Croatian Petra Martic.

It was an incredibly physical match, with lengthy games - one lasted over 18 minutes- but the home talent kept the fight and ended with the win: 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-4.

“I really was out at one point, I felt like she was toying with me,” Tomljanovic said before thanking the crowd for staying so late.

“I thought, if you’re here, I should give it my best... I’m really grateful that you all stayed this late.”

The match finished just after midnight.

Unfortunately for the Aussie women’s top contender Ajla Tomljanovic, her late match with Petra Martic on John Cain Arena is the last contest of the third day and the crowd has thinned out significantly.

It’s disappointing given the tension of the match, which hangs in the balance, and the home ground advantage the other Aussies enjoyed today.

Tomljanovic won the opening set in a tie-breaker 7-6 (7-3) before her Croatian opponent Petra Martic claimed the second 6-4.

Now, in the third, Tomljanovic trails three games to four.

Ajla Tomljanovic Credit: Getty

Richard Gasquet fought valiantly against the title contender Carlos Alcaraz in front of a full crowd on Rod Laver Arena but the Spanish ace was too good. Far too good.

The 20-year-old two-time grand slam champion was challenged in the opening set, winning it in a tie-breaker 7-6 (7-5) but then took complete control of the match and claimed the next two 6-1 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz wins opening round.Credit: Getty

Unfortunately for those hoping for a quick(ish) win and early(ish) bedtime, Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic has gone to a third set with Petra Martic.

In good news, however, there’s some quality tennis on display in a match that could go either way.

Tomljanovic claimed the opening set in a tie-break 7-6 (7-3) but dropped the second 6-4.

How do you see this match playing out? Let us know in the comments!

Ajla Tomljanovic and Petra Martic have gone to a third set in their opening round clash.Credit: Eddie Jim.

After being unsuccessfully but impressively challenged by 37-year-old Richard Gasquet in the opening set, 20-year-old reining Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz took control of the match in the second at Rod Laver Arena.

The title contender and two-time grand slam champion gritted his teeth to record the opening tie-breaker victory 7-5 then comfortably won the second set 6-1.

The young gun and No.2 seed looks to have a very exciting run ahead.

Carlos Alcaraz takes control of match in second set.Credit: Getty

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic kept her steely focus and clinched the opening set tie-breaker 7-3 over Croatian Petra Martic.

It’s a tight battle on John Cain Arena.

Ajla Tomljanovic wins opening set in tie-break.Credit: Eddie Jim.

Spanish young gun and title contender Carlos Alcaraz has broken through and taken the first set in 72 minutes by a 7-5 result in the tie-breaker.

His opponent Richard Gasquet is giving him a fair challenge and the pair are putting on a great show on Rod Laver Arena.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain against Frenchman Richard Gasquet.Credit: AP

Richard Gasquet is putting up one hell of a fight against title contender Carlos Alcaraz on Rod Laver Arena.

French veteran Richard Gasquet is making Carlos Alcaraz work.Credit: AP

The French underdog put the Spanish ace on the defence in a 24-shot rally, which Gasquet finished off with one of the best backhands in the business.

The crowd got to their feet in applause for the impressive bit of tennis.

Alcaraz, the second seed, is under the pump. In the opening set he is up six games to five, but fans are impressed by his challenger.

Australia’s No.1 women’s contender, Ajla Tomljanovic, hasn’t let her focus drop once in her opening-round match with Croatia’s Petra Martic.

The pair have their horns locked at five games apiece in the opening set.

The good thing for the home talent is the crowd is well and truly behind her, and the excitement of Thanasi Kokkinakis’ thrilling five-set victory is still hanging in the air from not even an hour before.

She just needs to break through.

Ajla Tomljanovic.Credit: Eddie Jim

Ajla TomljanovicCredit: Eddie Jim