Radwanska first to the semis

Aga Radwanska has been in sparkling form, although she was stretched in her fourth round match by unseeded Anna-Lena Friedsam, and no doubt Carla Suarez Navarro, should she have fully recovered from her slight injury, will provide a decent test for the fourth seed.  The Spanish tenth seed knows how to beat the Polish fourth seed and this quarter final match should be entertaining.

Carla served first and errors by both players saw 15-15. Aggressive backhand from Carla forced another error from Aga.  More mistakes and deuce arrived. The net was found several times, the latest bringing a break point for Aga. It was converted, appropriately via another Carla error.  1-0 Aga.  A good serve for 30-0. A forehand winner especially shipped in from Poland and Aga had 40-0. One game point saved but game to Poland and 2-0.

A lob long from Aga and it was 30-15 for Carla. 30-30 and Carla struggling.  Double fault and another chance to break.  A Spanish backhand out of court and Aga led 3-0 with two breaks.  A backhand winner from Carla was replied with a forehand winner from Aga.  30-30 after a Spanish long shot. A netted forehand after a long rally from Carla and 40-30 to Aga.  She held for 4-0.

15-0 after a Carla off forehand winner.  40-0 quickly.  An ace put Carla on the board but Aga still controlled proceedings 4-1.  A forehand smash from Carla and 30-30 Aga.  A wild Carla backhand gave Aga game point, saved after a long rally controlled and won by Carla.  Aga eventually held for 5-1. A poor forehand by Carla and 0-15.  A netted forehand and 0-40.  Three set points.  One saved via a good serve, not the next.  Aga Radwanska won the first set convincingly 6-1.

Radwanska held serve and led 1-0 in the second set.  Carla had 30-0 after a winning backhand. Aga hit one of her own for 30-15.  A double fault and 30-30 was worrying.  A perfect lob from Poland earned a break point.  A netted backhand from Spain gave the break to Aga and it was 2-0.

A forehand put away by Aga and 15-15.  A strong forehand from Carla and 30-30.  Another forehand, this a clean winner, and break point for Spain.  Saved by the net.  Another break point created by a stunning backhand down the line by Carla.  Also saved. The third break point was converted once Aga hit one into the net and games were on serve. Aga led 2-1.

Carla had 30-30 before a backhand found the net and Aga had break point.  It was saved after a searching rally.  The net was catching several balls today.  A forehand crosscourt winner from Aga and a forehand wide from Carla caused the break and Aga now had 3-1.

A brilliant backhand down the line from Carla followed by a forehand just as good presented her with three break points.  A slashing backhand saved one but a backhand pass from Carla won the break and Aga's lead cut to 3-2.

Down again on serve 15-30 Carla received an error from Aga gratefully. However the backhand into the net presented a break point to the fourth seed. Saved through aggressive play.  Deuce was reached three times.  A double fault meant another break point.  Saved with a great combination of shots before the best point of the match was played.  Several shots of brilliance and Carla won with a backhand of class.  Still they gravitated to deuce and then another break point. Saved again with attacking tennis from Carla.  The serve was held ultimately and games were 3-3.

Aga had gone through a flat spot but was switched back on and held well for 4-3.  Carla served smartly but a double fault brought it to deuce.  An unforced error and break point to Aga.  Saved but still precarious.  A volley put away presented another break point and this time Carla's unforced error gave the break to Aga.  5-3 to the fourth seed and serving for the match.

15-15 and tight.  A forehand winner from Carla and 15-30.  A great return of serve set up another Spanish winner and two break points.  The first was saved.  A magificent backhand down the line saved the second.  Deuce.  Carla gained another break point with a return.  This was saved with a wild backhand from Carla.  Match point with a serve forehand combination.  The next point was Aga's for the match.

Aga Radwanska defeated Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-3 and would play either Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova in the semi finals.

Zhang edges out inured Keys

Madison Keys, the 15th seed, made the semi finals last year and was a big chance to repeat that effort in 2016, especially with the defeats of Simona Halep and Venus Williams, leaving her as the only seed in this part of the draw.  Her challenge was to move past tonight's opponent, Shuai Zhang, Halep's conqueror in round one.

Zhang served first and immediately Keys had three break points.  A forehand smash winner confirmed the break and the American led 1-0.  15-15 after a Keys error.  40-15 with two netted returns. A double fault and deuce. A big serve forced an errant return but deuce was found again. Another game point was saved with good shot making by Zhang. Finally Keys won and consolidated the break for 2-0.

Zhang held serve with her forehand winning some points, and Keys saved a break point and led 3-1.  The American was hitting the ball hard as expected and Zhang was absorbing the speed well.

Both players continued to hold serve with confidence and only one point was lost against the server in the next four games.  Keys led 5-3 and Zhang needed to hold once more to remain in the set.

A series of unforced errors put Zhang in trouble at 0-40 before Keys joined in and committed three successive mistakes of her own.  A winner out of all the disasters came from the American and the break point was subsequently converted, the first set won 6-3 by Keys.

First up in set two Keys used her forehand to great effect and held well for 1-0.  Zhang levelled thanks in large part to the failure on the backhand side of the 15th seed.  Then Keys was broken with an unforced backhand error on the single break point available to Zhang.  2-1 to Zhang and a medical time out for Keys.  It seemed an injury to the leg.

Serves were held in the next two games, Zhang sealing hers with a winner, Keys with an ace, and Zhang was ahead 3-2. Keys was clearly struggling with her leg injury but found herself with three break back points courtesy of unforced errors from Zhang.  All were saved and Zhang led 4-2.  Keys had two break points to negotiate in her next service game and she bravely fought them off with backhand and forehand winners. She closed out the game with an ace and trailed 3-4.

The last two games of the set were difficult to watch, as Keys could put little pressure on the Zhang serve,  and then was broken in the ninth game, double faulting twice to lose the set.  6-3 Zhang and one set all.

How Keys managed to continue in the third set is amazing considering how hampered she was in her movement around the court, but credit to her for trying to the end.  Others have given up for much much less.  The opening game was comfortable for Zhang despite a winning backhand from Keys and she led 1-0. 

A double fault did not stop Keys from levelling at 1-1 and then the American forehand caused trouble for Zhang.  0-40 and only one break point saved.  Madison Keys was now ahead 2-1 with a break and defying a serious leg injury in the process. Whatever happens she deserves plaudits.

The momentum was still with Keys as she reached 30-0 thanks to a pair of aces.  Sadly four unforced errors cost her the serve and Zhang was back on serve 2-2.  More errors made it easy for Zhang to once agin lead 3-2.

A Zhang forehand winner created break point, saved by Keys whose own winning forehand clinched the game to level 3-3.  

Zhang held serve comfortably and then a forehand winner converted a break point on the next Keys serve.  5-3 and serving for the match.

Forehand winners set up an easy service hold and Shuai Zhang won the match 3-6 6-3 6-3

Zhang continues her incredible ride as a qualifier ranked in the 100s.  She will now play unseeded Konta in the quarter finals, guaranteeing an unseeded semi finalist for Kerber or Azarenka to meet.

One has to feel for Madison Keys though.  Her battle from early in the second set against Zhang and leg injury was brave and competitive.  It was in turn sad and inspiring to witness.  

Murray outplays improved Tomic

For all the hype over Andy Murray's record, and the cold water people such as Roger Federer have poured on Bernard Tomic's Top Ten aspirations, the first night match between Andy and Bernard promised much.  Tomic had it all to do  Murray's form had been amongst the very best and he has weapons that Tomic may struggle to match.  However the last 12 months have seen a vast improvement in the work ethic of the Aussie and his ranking has jumped to top twenty as a result.

He should give Murray a decent battle, and while not expecting Tomic to win, the entertainment value of the match will be high in my opinion.

Tomic served first.  Two drop shots from Murray set up two break points, and a superb return of a second serve made the break and the lead 1-0. A double fault made it 15-15 and an error by Murray caused by a good Tomic return brought it to 15-30.  Tomic was patient in a long rally ending in deuce. Andy's first whinge came with what was on the video screen.  Poor Andy.  And now the fans saw nothing after the umpire relented to his wishes.  Serve was held and the miserable Scot led 2-0.

Tomic was missing shots but the net was his biggest problem - he was having no issue missing that.  A beautiful passing shot from the Aussie gave him game point but he missed another long.  Excellent point from Tomic to win the game, running Murray all over the court - pity the crowd couldn't watch that replayed on the video screen but one player in the whole field couldn't hack having vision playing and so demanded it stop. 2-1 Murray

0-30 after errors from the second seed.  An ace helped some.  Break points for Tomic after a failed drop shot.  The first was saved but Tomic's patience and accuracy was good enough for the break and it was 2-2.

Two shots wide from Tomic had him at 15-30 and a superb backhand from Murray created two break points.  Tomic saved one but was broken with another self inflicted error.  Murray led 3-2.  Aces helped Murray easily hold and consolidate his break to lead 4-2.

Loose tennis from the Aussie gave Murray another break and at 5-2 he would serve for the opening set.  Tomic did well and broke Murray who was not happy but still led 5-3.  A Murray volley winner brought Tomic to 30-15 but Tomic won the game, in fact two games in succession to trail 4-5.

Murray served for the set a second time, and you would think by his demeanour on court that he was down by two sets.  He is not someone you need if you want to be cheered up.  30-15 and not far from capturing the first set.  Two set points after a Tomic mistake.  Murray won the set 6-4.

15-30 on the Tomic serve became 15-40 and two break points.  One saved with an insipid Murray forehand, but an attacking Murray groundstroke allowed him to rush the net and put away a volley and lead 1-0.

A backhand winner from Tomic and it was 30-30 on the Murray serve.  Break point with a Murray blunder.  A failed drop shot and the break back occurred. 1-1.  All the while the commentators are explaining to each other why Tomic can never be top ten because he can't beat Murray, why he cannot possibly beat Murray, and Courier is describing why he can't have a career in this era.  For goodness sake the guy is already 17 in the world.  Why pick on him and drag him down instead of being constructive and assist in building his career ?

Andy Murray broke back quickly to love and led 2-1, and held comfortably for 3-1. Tomic set up a backhand point with another backhand in preparation to win the point, but he was soon down 15-40.  One break point was saved with a winning forehand.  The next was dismissed with an ace.  Andy produced another break point with a cross court backhand.  Tomic dispensed with that as well.  A fourth chance for Murray was netted by the Scot himself.  Tomic held serve to trail 2-3.

Serve held by both and it was 4-3 Murray.  A wonderful down the line backhand from Tomic had the score at 15-15 and a Murray shank made it 30-30.  40-30 following a fine off forehand from Murray.  A drop shot setting up the easy put away gave the 5-3 lead to Murray.

A massive forehand surprised Murray and Tomic had 15-15.  30-30 after Murray found the net.  Game point with a long Murray forehand. Deuce. Both tried to be cute at the net and Bernard ended up cuter.   Murray then made another mistake giving Tomic the chocolates for 4-5.  Still it was Murray who would serve for the set.

Andy Murray served a love game and won the second set 6-4, now leading two sets to love.

An early break for Murray and he led 2-1 but Tomic had 0-40 on the next Scot serve.  One of the three break points saved. The return of serve forced an error and the break came. 2-2.  An ace for 15-0 and a forcing forehand delivering 30-0 to Tomic. An amazing backhand passing shot just in front of the net and crossing in front of Andy's eyes, following terrific scrambling gave Tomic a love game and the lead 3-2.

Murray held serve to level at 3-3.  Tomic out rallied Murray to lead 30-0 and big serving moved him to 4-3. Level once more at 4-4.

Fine rallying by Tomic had Murray running all over Melbourne and into parts of Sydney before winning the next two points.  An error into the net had it at 30-30.  A big serve gave Tomic game point.  Deuce thanks to a great return.  A great response from Tomic forcing a long shot from Murray and finally an awesome half volley winner from the Aussie put him ahead 5-4.

Murray started with an ace and a Tomic down the line just missed. Another ace and the resultant love game saw the score reach 5-5.  Tomic was at 30-0 helped by a net cord.  Danger at 30-30.  Wonderful down the line forehand for game point but an error placed them at deuce.  Deuce a second time before an ace.  Deuce number three then a sensational Murray backhand for break point.  Saved by a wicked Tomic backhand. Ace for game point.  Wide forehand and deuce number five. Volley put away for game point. Another of the same and game to Tomic for 6-5.

30-0 and tie break imminent.  Clever tennis by Tomic and 30-15.  40-15 with loose down the line shot by Tomic.  Winner by Murray and games were 6-6 so tie break.

Murray had early mini break 1-0.  Tomic won it back straight away.  A bad miss cost Tomic a chance for another point on Murray's serve.  Murray stretched his lead to 3-2 with a break.  4-2 at the end change.  5-2 with an ace.  6-2 and four match points following a Tomic error.  One saved.  6-4 and Tomic trying to the end.  A big serve did it and Murray won 6-4 6-4 7-6.

Andy Murray will play David Ferrer in the quarter finals.

Bernard Tomic played well against the world number two and his goal of reaching the top ten is a realistic one, despite his ignorant detractors.

Milos upsets Stan - match of the Open so far

2016 could well be the year that 13th seed Milos Raonic takes the step into the big league.  He already has shown that he fears Federer no more, having dismissed him in straight sets in Brisbane, and his form in reaching the fourth round in the Aus Ooen this year has been impeccable.  Today however is a different story.  He faces the big hitting Stan Wawrinka, fourth seed and 2014 winner of this major.

I believe this could be the match of the tournament to date.

A couple of aces and a couple of deuces and Stan was ahead 1-0 after holding serve.  Raonic levelled, an ace helping his cause, before two double faults were not enough to prevent Stan taking a 2-1 lead.

Raonic made it 2-2 and his serve was going to be difficult for Stan to break if he kept this consistency. Stan hit a number of forehand winners to lead 3-2, while Raonic used his backhand to great effect in making it 3-3.  Stan held comfortably for 4-3.

Raonic levelled at 4-4 and then broke Stan's serve after the fourth seed double faulted and missed with shots he'd normally make.  Serving for the set, Raonic hit winning volleys three times and won the set 6-4.

A mixture of forehand and backhand winners gave Stan the first game of set two, and he broke Raonic with a pair of winners to lead 2-0.

Serving a second time, a serve volley gave Stan 15-0.  A missed forehand by each player and 30-30. A break point after Stan found the net. The break back after a wild Swiss forehand wide of the line.  1-2 with Raonic to serve next.

Double fault then ace from Raonic 15-15.  Sweet forehand volley from the Canadian. Another ace and a forehand winner for 2-2.  Stan faced 30-30 with sound volleying from Raonic. Another winning shot at the net brought up break point.  A slashing forehand down the line saved that one, but another one came with a forced error.  A poor forehand ended in the net and Stan was broken for the second time in a row.  3-2 Raonic.

Three aces and Raonic led 4-2.  15-15 and two pretty Stan backhands assisted him to 40-15.  Milos stuffed up his final shot and Stan remained in contention in the set 3-4.  At 30-0 superb covering of the net by Raonic won him the point and it was 40-0.  A forehand winner closed out the game for the loss of a single point and the lead was 5-3.

Stan was struggling and a netted backhand made it 15-15. 30-30 with another poor Swiss forehand.  A winning return from Raonic and we had deuce.  Raonic kept the pressure on with winning shots and another break chance, this a set point, arose.  Stan hit another loose shot and Raonic won the set 6-3.

The Canadian led 6-4 6-3

Raonic held easily for 1-0 in the third set

Stan began with a forehand winner taking him to 30-0.  He had three game points but lost one after being outfoxed at the net. A backhand winner at the net won the game and Stan levelled at 1-1.  Serve volleying success for Raonic 15-0.  Two aces and 40-0.  The game was won and it was 2-1 Raonic.

A fine Swiss overhead nullified by a netted forehand and it was 30-30. A forehand return winner created break point which was well saved by Stan.  Two big serves gave him a 2-2.  Huge and varied serving from Raonic put him in front 3-2.

Stan served better and at 30-15 Raonic hit one long giving Stan two game points, only one of which he needed.  3-3.  A great lob from Stan and it was 30-15 for Raonic.  A Canadian stop volley was fantastic and produced two game points.  The second one was used perfectly and Raonic led 4-3.

Wawrinka survived a scary deuce moment and levelled at 4-4.  Raonic swiftly moved to 5-4 missing two points but never really under pressure.  A double fault was ill timed for Stan but he still had 30-15.  Games were 5-5 and Raonic to serve.  A fine return from Stan produced an error and 0-15.  A misread cost Raonic who let an easy volley go and it landed in.  A passing forehand gave Stan two break points.  An ace saved one.  Poise at the net saved the other.  A further break point was donated by Raonic with an unforced error.  The break came with an almost identical off forehand mistake.

Stan led 6-5 and served for the third set.

15-15 after a forehand pass from Raonic.  Wawrinka raced to 40-15 and now presented a far brighter persona and didn't seem resigned to a loss anymore.  He won the set 7-5 and we were heading to a fourth set, Raonic ahead two sets to one.

Stan began smartly winning the first point on the Raonic serve in set four.  15-30 with Stan playing with an inventiveness and excitement not seen for awhile. Raonic trusted his volley and had game point, but Wawrinka had come back to play and a forehand brought it to deuce.  A double fault and deuce a second time.   A third deuce was followed by a nice return creating a break point for Wawrinka.  A safe volley saved the break point.  A fifth deuce arrived, and a sixth.  The two were exchanging good shots but could not put two together. Another break point was saved with the Raonic serve. Seven deuces were visited before Raonic finally held for 1-0 and that only took about 12 minutes.

A forehand winner from Raonic for 0-15.  One even better from Stan for 15-15.  Stan had changed up his body language and was more vocal - this was something needed earlier but he certainly wasn't out of the match and levelled at 1-1.

Raonic served well for 2-1.  Wawrinka was at 30-30 and a loose forehand long gave Raonic a chance. The break was avoided with a framed shot from Raonic. A double fault presented a second break chance, saved with a winning Swiss forehand.  Wawrinka won the game with audible relief and games were 2-2.  

Raonic found danger at 15-30, Wawrinka hitting a clean winner.  Two break points came through a netted Canadian backhand.  A big serve saved one but a fine return caused an errant shot and the break came, Wawrinka now in charge of the set 3-2.

0-15 via a splendid backhand from Raonic.  No problems after that for a confident Wawrinka who was winning the ground stroke battle and led 4-2.  Raonic had 30-15 and a forehand surprise created two game points.  A volley made it 3-4.

Wawrinka was in a little bother at 15-30 and that was compounded with a double fault.  One break point was saved with a netted return.  Another poor return - long - obliterated the other break point.  Wawrinka's mistake produced a third break point but he dismissed it with a big serve.  A fourth break chance forced by a big shot from Raonic was again saved.  Another long game with huge consequence was ultimately won by Wawrinka who led 5-3.

Raonic kept his slim set four chances alive with a strong service game and forced Wawrinka to serve for a fifth set decider.  A backhand stunner and it was 30-0.  Two points later and we had a fifth set, Wawrinka taking the fourth 6-4.

Five games on serve quickly and Wawrinka to serve next.  15-15 after a backhand set up the volley put away from Raonic.  15-30 and the first concern for Wawrinka.  30-30 a wasted point from the Canadian.  A fantastic forehand passing shot found the Swiss racquet but no shot could be played and that brought it to deuce. So much fun was had at deuce they went there a few more times.  Then Raonic had break point.  On second serve he hit a shocking return wildly way out.

Another break point was produced and a missed Swiss forehand confirmed that Wawrinka had lost serve. 4-2 Raonic.  An ace nullified the lost opening point and it was 15-15.  Clever net tactics made it 30-15. Two game points with a big serve. An ace sealed a 5-2 lead and Raonic was within a breath of a quarter final.

15-15 and Wawrinka needing to hold to stay in the tournament.  A great forehand pass by Wawrinka for 30-15.  A slashing backhand down the line by Raonic for 30-30. Deuce after an exchange of errors.  Another error from Wawrinka and match point had arrived. Saved emphatically by a Swiss forehand. A brave hold of serve and Raonic would serve for the match at 5-3.

A sharp volley for 15-0.  A brilliant forehand winner for 30-0.  Three match points after a big serve. Another volley won the set and match.

Milos Raonic defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-3 and would meet Gael Monfils in the quarter finals.

Azarenka continues to fly

Vika Azarenka has played to her lead up form for the first three rounds and her opponent Barbora Strycova is also in fine touch, her upset win over 3rd seed Muguruza evidence of that.

Today would be harder - Azarenka's Melbourne Park pedigree is difficult to match.  However this should be the first real test for the Belarusian.

Strycova served first.  Strong serving did not allow for the renowned return of Vika to be displayed, especially the two aces.  1-0 Strycova.  Vika had no bother holding serve, and was able to compete in more rallies on the next Barbora serve, creating three break points.  One was saved but the deep ground strokes were still going to cause concern for the Czech player as the match wore on.  Both remaining break points disappeared but another arrived.  Surprisingly Vika netted a forehand.  A great forehand winner from Barbora gave her game point which she converted and led 2-1.

Vika played all court tennis how it should and won her service easily for 2-2.  Two loose forehands from Barbora gave Vika a break point, and a netted backhand donated the game to the fourteenth seed who inherited the lead 3-2.

The scream factor with Vika is far less than Maria and while unacceptable can be withstood because of its consistency.  Maria's is louder and increases at critical times.

The tennis from Vika increased in quality.  A backhand for 30-0 was scintillating.  Her overall game began to impose itself on Barbora, and the effect was clear.  The freedom of shot making was slightly suppressed even though she was winning her fair share of points.  A backhand brought up break point which was saved.  The next break chance was pounced on with a backhand sneaked down the line.

5-2 to Vika and serving for the set.  No worries on serve and the fourteenth seed was half way to the quarter finals. 6-2.

Strycova held well to lead 1-0 in the second set.  After drawing a couple of errors from Azarenka, an annoyed Belarusian replied with excellent racquet work to hold serve for 1-1.  Misses from both sides from Azarenka gave Strycova game points, the second of which she took advantage to lead 2-1.

A winning forehand and 30-0 for Azarenka and one from Strycova forcing Azarenka wide 39-15. Game points following a netted Strycova forehand, one saved via a Strycova backhand, the game won with a backhand of the Azarenka version. 2-2

Strycova was meeting many of the Azarenka challenges this set, and she unfortunately double faulted for 30-30.  Luckily Azarenka missed an opportunity by not missing the net, then a great half volley won the game, keeping Strycova ahead 3-2.

Brilliance at the net by Strycova with a volley winner saw 30-30, replied by a sweet backhand pass by Azarenka.  Game to Azarenka and 3-3.  Azarenka simply ran Strycova all round the court and brought up a break point. A driving forehand off an inadequate drop shot sealed the break and Azarenka was a big step closer to a quarter final leading 4-3.

A wild forehand from Strycova and 15-0. An amazing backhand on top of brilliant retrieving from Strycova made it 15-15.  A wide backhand from Azarenka and 15-30.  Azarenka's clever volley steadied her at 30-30.  Unsteady after a rare double fault and a break point occurred following an unforced error.  That came and went but another arrived with a Czech forehand winner down the line.

Azarenka saved it with a forehand winner.  A sizzling backhand from Belarus and game point to Azarenka.  Another one and the lead was 5-3.

Lovely volley by Strycova at the net for 15-0.  A forehand down the line was exquisite from Strycova and not so the double fault which followed 30-15. A wild forehand from Strycova made it 30-30 but she helped things with a volley smash combination.  A backhand setting up a simple volley winner won the game for Strycova.  5-4 to Azarenka and she would serve for the match.

Backhand winner from Azarenka down the line 15-0.  Strycova hitting long and 30-0.  Strycova still striving with backhand winner crosscourt in front of Azarenka's eyes. A forehand long from Strycova gave two match points to the 14th seed.

A netted Czech backhand was the final point and Vika Azarenka won 6-2 6-4.  The scoreline doesn't reflect the closeness of a high standard match.

Azarenka has never lost to Angelique Kerber and they will meet in a quarter final.

Kerber conquers Beck

Seventh seed Angelique Kerber had fourth round duties against fellow German Annika Beck.  The 55th ranked player had upset 11th seed Timea Bacsinszky in round one and so this would not be a walk in the park for Kerber.

Beck double faulted on the way to losing serve in the opening game of set one.  Kerber hit a backhand and a forehand winner to make it 2-0 before Beck was on the board at 1-2, hitting a winning backhand of her own.

Kerber saved three break points in the fourth game, one with an ace, but Beck created a fourth chance and Kerber couldn't deny this one, games now 2-2.  Beck lost her momentum with a double fault and unforced errors taking her to 0-40.  She fought back to deuce, but failed to prevent a break of serve and trailed 2-3.

A controversial and seemingly incorrect call by the umpire when Kerber was at game point in the sixth game seemed to unnerve the normally cool seventh seed and she double faulted at deuce, ultimately dropping serve and games were 3-3.  However she struck back immediately, taking the first break opportunity to lead 4-3

 

Having broken serve for 4-3, Kerber needed to consolidate.  30-30 all based on unforced errors.  Break point was created and saved, again both from unforced errors.  Finally a winner from Kerber gave her game point. This was saved due to a strong Beck ground stroke forcing a mistake from Kerber.  Four deuces and this game was becoming increasingly critical in the scheme of things. A forehand winner from Beck gave us a fifth deuce and another set up break point. A volley put away sealed the break back and games were 4-4.

Beck showed her pace around the court and led 30-0. A forehand winner from Kerber followed by another levelled at 30-30 and a forehand volley gave break point.  An error from Kerber saved Beck but only for a moment as she netted a ground stroke.  This break point also vanished, and a double fault replaced it. The break came this time and Kerber led 5-4 with her serve to come for the set.

First point to Beck.  15-30 and Kerber struggling a little.  A winning forehand steadied things and set point came with a Beck error.  Another backhand out of court from Annika signalled an end to the set.

6-4 to Angilique Kerber, but the match was close and Annika was still a chance.

Kerber struck straight away and broke the Beck serve to lead 1-0.  A forehand put away at the net together with a forehand smash drove Kerber to win her serve and edge away 2-0, despite a double fault interfering, and a visit to deuce.

Kerber hitting more winners was now having a real effect on the match. Beck faced 15-30 and then a brilliant forehand down the line brought up break point. The break came and the seventh seed was in front 3-0 with two breaks.

Unforced errors from Beck were well received by Kerber, not so the forehand winner and it was 30-15. Kerber's forehand winner was a fine reply and her backhand won the game. 4-0.

A stunning backhand return winner from Kerber and backhand winner down the line were followed by a forehand pass.  This led to 0-40 and three break points.  Another return winner confirmed the break and a 5-0 advantage.

Angelique Kerber served out the set to win the match 6-4 6-0 and this form augurs well for the quarter finals. It will need to be at least this good because her likely opponent will be Vika Azarenka who thrashed her in Brisbane just the other week.

Federer too good for Goffin

Roger Federer had won his matches easily and 15th seed David Goffin had worked hard to reach this fourth round match so it was hard to mount a case for the Belgian beating the 3rd seed.

Federer started by serving well, an ace included in the opening game 1-0.  Goffin levelled, the Swiss player ridding himself of some cobwebs in the form of unwanted unforced errors.  Another simple hold of serve had Federer at 2-1 and then he broke the Goffin serve as the script suggested he would for a 3-1 lead.

Serving and volleying now with ease, Federer consolidated the break and the 4-1 was a major concern to Goffin whose skill set looked rather limited next to what was on the other side of the net.

A better game was the sixth for the 15th seed where his ground strokes forced Federer into error enough for Goffin to register his second game.

Another ace featured in the next Federer service game which of course he won to lead 5-2.  Goffin was  quickly at 0-40, saved two set points, but messed up a forehand and the set was over.

Federer had taken just twenty one minutes to win it 6-2.  Those who had an extra drink before moving to their seats would have missed the set.

The trend continued in the second set, Federer winning to love in the first game, before Goffin levelled surpringly with comfort after dropping the first point.  Federer fired two aces in moving to 2-1 and proceeded to take Goffin to the cleaners.

Federer was clean himself with winners everywhere and forcing errors off the Belgian racquet whenever he pleased.  A forehand winner closed out the fourth game which was a break of the Goffin serve, and the sixth game saw four break points, the final one converted with a Swiss backhand winner.  Six deuces in the game which was excruciatingly long and in the end that much more painful for Goffin to lose.  Federer ahead 5-1

Federer won the set 6-1, his forehand too much for a rattled Goffin.

When Federer broke in the opening game of set three, most expected a fast finish.  However Federer had to negotiate two deuces before taking a 2-0 lead.  Goffin had 40-0 but a double fault triggered a long haul, two deuces before an ace made it 1-2.

A love game for the third seed and it was 3-1.  Winners from Federer brought him two break points and he used the second to break again.  4-1 and close to the quarter final.  Out of the blue Goffin pressured Federer into error and forced a break point which he converted with a winning backhand.

A love game from Goffin and it was 3-4.  Federer had enough of this and decided that Goffin should win only two more points for the match.

The win was comprehensive 6-2 6-1 6-4

Roger Federer was very good tonight, although enthusiasm for his performance should be tempered by his opposition which was several levels below what will be coming in the quarters with Tomas Berdych.