Top 3 seeds in Tapei out in round 1

In St Petersburg and Taipei City more first round matches have been played and two major upsets occurred, albeit one by retirement.

In Taipei City Kiki Bertens, the world number 28, was playing Vera Zvonareva, the former Grand Slam finalist, ranked number 2 in 2010, who played her last match in Poland in April 2015 before marrying and giving birth in 2016.

Her return was in Istanbul, in a lower tier ITF tournament on 27 March 2017. Her first win on that circuit came in July 2017 in Egypt.

Vera’s current ranking is 197 and she started shakily against Bertens, losing her opening service game.

However four straight games ultimately gave her the set against an obviously struggling Dutch player.

Bertens was ill and retired at the sets conclusion - not the way Zvonareva wanted to register her first win over a top 30 player since her return to tennis but that is the story.

The bigger upset was in St Petersburg, without mitigation, and was from qualifier Elena Rybakina, ranked 450 from Russia, and at 18, ten years younger than her Swiss opponent Timea Bacsinszky, currently in the world’s top 50.

The teenager won 6-4 6-3, and in a match decided on return of serve Rybakina won 50% of points on the Swiss serve and Bacsinszky won slightly less on the Russian serve at 42%.

Other winners on Day Two of main draw matches in St Petersburg were:

Daria Kasatkina (8) defeated qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova 1-6 6-4 6-1.

Dominika Cibulková defeated Sorana Cirstea 7-5 6-2.

Julia Goerges (5) defeated Maria Sakkara 6-2 7-6(5).

Qualifier Roberta Vinci defeated another qualifier Tereza Martincová 6-2 6-2.

Irina-Camelia Begu defeated Andrea Petkovic 7-6(5) 6-1.

After losing the second seed on Day One of the main draw matches, Taipei City saw the loss of numbers one and three seeds, leaving the tournament wide open from the start.

All but first round matches have been completed and the second batch done are these:

Ana Bogdan defeated Shuai Peng (1) 6-4 6-1 and next up Eugenie Bouchard 

Wildcard Eugenie Bouchard defeated Lin Zhu 1-6 7-5 2-0 retired

Yafan Wang defeated Risa Ozaki 6-2 6-4 and will play Pauline Parmentier (8) 

Pauline Parmentier (8) defeated Kurumi Nara 1-6 6-4 6-1 (same score line as Kasatkina v Kuzmova in St Petersburg)

Johanna Larsson defeated lucky loser in qualifying Jing-Jing Lu 6-3 6-1 and will play Magda Linette (7).

Magda Linette (7) defeated qualifier Xinyun Han 6-2 6-0.

Sabine Lisicki defeated qualifier Yuxuan Zhang 6-3 1-6 7-6(3) and will play Nao Hibino.

Nao Hibino defeated Samantha Stosur (3) 7-6(6) 6-2.

Timea Babos (4) defeated Arina Rodionova 6-3 6-2 and will play qualifier Dalila Jakupovic.

Slovakian Qualifier Dalila Jakupovic defeated Australian qualifier Lizette Cabrera 6-0 6-1.

WTA Tour running day after AO ends

No rest for the wicked ! Just a day after the 2018 Australian Open closed down, the WTA Tour kicked off again. - in two continents.

Asia in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei - the Taiwan Open

Europe in St Petersburg, Russia - the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy

Unbelievably, Caroline Wozniacki is playing in Russia so soon after winning the Australian Open in such a mighty struggle.

She is heading a strong field as top seed. There are three other top ten players and three further in the top twenty.

The four top seeded competitors have first round byes, which must come as a relief to them all, especially Wozniacki.

First round results so far have seen:

Home nation wildcard Anastasia Potapova, ranked 235, upsetting Tatjana Maria 6-2 6-4.  

Her next test will be a little tougher - Caroline Wozniacki.

Alicia Cornet defeating Mona Barthel 6-3 7-5.

Alicia will play the winner of eighth seed Daria Kasatkina and qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova.

Katerina Siniakova defeating Donna Vekic in two hours 6-3 2-6 6-4.

Katerina meets the winner of Russian pair, sixth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ekaterina Makarova.

In Taipei City, the field is not as strong, the top seed Shuai Peng ranked 31, and only four of the worlds top 50 competing.

The tournament does boast a Grand Slam singles winner - 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur - and she will be hoping for better fortune than her Aus Open first round exit.

Results so far:

Zarina Diyas (6) defeated qualifier Anna Blinkova 6-2 7-5 and will next play Monica Niculescu who defeated Ons Jabeur 6-1 4-0 (retired)

Yulia Putintseva (5) defeated qualifier Junri Namigata 6-2 6-4 and will next play wildcard Kai-Chen Chang who defeated fellow wildcard Ya-Hsuan Lee 7-5 6-2.

Ying-Ying Duan defeated Miyu Kato 6-2 4-6 7-5 in over two and a half hours. She will next play Kateryna Kozlova who upset Shuai Zhang (2) 6-2 6-4.

Federer beats Cilic - great AO finale

The last match on RLA and the final match for the 2018 Australian Open guaranteed much and delivered more.

The two combatants were Marin Cilic (6), 2014 US Open champion and 2017 Wimbledon finalist, and a promising Swiss player by the name of Federer. Promising to win a 20th Grand Slam title. Marin would be his first real test of the past fortnight.

Cilic won the toss but lost his first service game. It was typical Roger.

At 30-15 Cilic looked comfortable, but when he hit a loose backhand Federer saw an opening and shot a winning backhand setting up a break point which was enough to win him the game.

Two forehand winners signalled that Roger was serious and the love game took him to 2-0.

A scary Swiss magician across the net was spooking Cilic and he made a mess of his next service game, littering it with mistakes and falling behind 0-3.

Federer confirmed his ideal start, forcing Cilic into error on his backhand twice and throwing in a winner for good measure. 4-0.

An ace and winning backhand finally saw Marin on the scoreboard, but Roger simply replied with a love game to take him a game away from the first set.

Cilic served his first love game, complete with two aces, before Federer’s two aces at 5-2 brought him two set points, the first one converted and the Roger led 6-2.

The Swiss fast start may have worried most players into a straight sets loss, but Cilic had begun to find his range in the latter stages of the set and was more competitive.

The proof was Cilic leading 1-0 and with two break points on the Federer serve in the second set. Federer did his normal thing and solved the problem with an ace and winning backhand. He levelled at 1-1.

Then Cilic was taken from 40-15 to break point down. He saved it but wasted three game points before ultimately holding a crucial serve.

Roger held serve swiftly and Marin saved another break point to hold and lead 3-2.

The next three games saw only three points in total go against serve and it was 4-4.

Cilic saved a break point with an ace, and sealed a 5-4 lead with a winning forehand.

A Federer double fault gave Cilic set point but it was squashed and 5-5 was reached.

Two successive love games ensured a tie break came quickly.

The tie break reached 4-4 and Cilic won the next point on his serve.

Two set points arrived when he hit a forehand winner on one of Federer’s serves. Despite a Swiss ace, Cilic won the tie break with another forehand winner.

The set was Croatian and the match was even 2-6 7-6(5).

An angry Roger began set three with a pair of aces and led 1-0.

Cilic levelled before the next couple of aces helped deliver us to 2-1.

A Croatian ace and winning forehand and 2-2.

Federer, at 3-2, broke thanks to errors from Cilic, and the predictable two aces in the next game guided him to 5-2.

Cilic’s love game only motivated Federer to replicate, but his included three set points, and Roger now led 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3.

Cilic began set four with an ace and sat at 30-0.

He proceeded to fire four unforced errors and drop serve.

Federer held serve, almost tripping over Cilic errors littering RLA.

A Croatian double fault gave Federer another break point to which a forehand winner and and ace were perfect responses.

Cilic held for 1-2.

2-3 came and went with no drama and then the shock - Cilic broke Federer to love and the set was back on serve.

Cilic once more reacted to a break point with a winner and an ace to lead 4-3.

The eighth game was pivotal. Federer found himself down two break points all due to errors. Those were saved, no winners involved. A game point was saved, thankfully by a forehand winner from Cilic.

A Federer ace gave him another game point but two winners from the next three points achieved the service break. 5-3 Cilic.

A Cilic love game and the match was square 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6.

With Federer taken to deuce three times in the opening game of the deciding fifth set, and facing two break points, Cilic was looking good.

However Federer saved those break points and Cilic crumbled after that.

From 40-30, Cilic served a double fault surrounded by unforced errors to be down 2-0.

Two aces in a love game and he still had a chance at 1-3.

Roger had other ideas though, and lost just one more point to win the title 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1.

Meritorious performance from Marin Cilic over the fortnight and especially for forcing a five set final which was so special.

But this was another historic moment for Roger Federer.

He equaled the record of 6 Australian Open titles held by Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic.

He also reached 20 Grand Slam titles - remarkable, considering he had been stuck on 17 from Wimbledon 2012 to Aus Open 2017.

Roger has won three of the last five in his mid thirties.

Who knows when it will stop - while Roland Garros maybe a stretch, Wimbledon awaits.

Caro beats Simona to win 1st major

Those viewing the Women’s Singles final at the 2018 Australian Open were fortunate to be witness to one of the highest quality matches of recent times, and the loser could easily have been the winner had the ball spun or bounced slightly the other way in one or two instances.

Caroline Wozniacki (2) opened the drama and was on song, holding serve forcing Simona Halep (1) into three errors.

Winners from both wings brought up two break points and Wozniacki broke Halep with the second, forcing a backhand mistake. 2-0.

A Wozniacki double fault was offset nicely by a pair of winning forehands as she extended her lead to 3-0.

Halep impressed with a love game to put her on the board.

Wozniacki replied with purpose, dropping a single point and leading 4-1.

Halep was playing top drawer tennis now and another love game was delivered, all points won with forehand winners.

Then Halep’s forehand coughed up three errors, enabling Wozniacki to move to within a game of the set 5-2.

A couple of winners assisted Halep to 3-5, and Wozniacki had the chance to serve for the set.

Three unforced errors and Halep had three break points. Two saved, but not the third, and games back on serve.

Halep held serve to love, with two aces, levelling at 5-5.

Wozniacki steadied with a love game of her own, before Halep sent things to a tie break with her service hold.

Wozniacki forced Halep into error twice against the Romanian serve to lead 5-2 with serves to come.

A Danish winning forehand presented 4 set points to Wozniacki and she needed just one to take a big advantage 7-6(2).

Both players held their initial serves in set two but Halep struggled in game three, saving four break points, and wasting two game points in an 18 point game. A third game point was used to hold serve. 2-1.

A Wozniacki double fault didn’t prevent her from levelling 2-2.

Halep held serve with much less stress this time, to love in fact, forcing Wozniacki to error four times.

Wozniacki held serve despite another double fault included. 3-3.

An ace and 2 winning forehands sent Halep to 4-3, and then the top seed broke Wozniacki, a forehand winner converting the second of two break points. 5-3.

From 40-15, Wozniacki saw her game lead diminish to deuce as Halep hit winners from both sides.

The second seed saved two set points and wasted a game point.

Finally a backhand forced error from the Danish racquet gave the game and set to Halep 6-3. The final was alive and going to a decider.

Wozniacki survived deuce to hold serve and lead 1-0 in the decider.

After having two game points, Halep lost the last three and dropped serve to trail 0-2.

Wozniacki had two game points for a 3-0 lead but didn’t use them, and despite saving five break points, she couldn’t save the sixth, Halep breaking for 1-2.

Wozniacki bounced back with a love game to break Halep and lead 3-1.

Forehand problems for Wozniacki and the fourth successive service break occurred. 2-3 Halep.

A backhand winner and an ace helped Halep to 3-3 and the top seed broke Wozniacki after the second seed led 40-30, but lost three straight points through errors.

A forehand winner from Wozniacki set up a second break point after Halep had saved the first with her winning forehand.

The break came and scores were level 4-4.

With two game points at her disposal, a Wozniacki double fault was ill timed. Fortunately for her, Halep hit a loose shot and trailed 4-5, now having to hold serve to remain in the contest.

Halep showed fight, hitting a clean winner and forcing Wozniacki into error, to have the lead 30-15.

A double fault was a killer blow and it was 30-30.

Wozniacki earned a match point when she hit a thrilling forehand winner.

Once Halep netted a backhand the battle was over. 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4.

Caroline Wozniacki had broken through for her first Grand Slam title and had claimed the number one ranking once more.

Simona Halep was valiant in one of the best finals seen in the Australian Open in the open era.

From this tournament, ranking changes included:

Caroline Wozniacki 1 up from 2

Elina Svitolina 3 up from 4

Karolina Pliskova 5 up from 6

Jelena Ostapenko 6 up from 7 (new career high)

Caroline Garcia 7 up from 8 (new career high)

Angie Kerber 9 up from 16

Madison Keys 14 up from 20

Ash Barty 16 up from 17 (new career high)

Magdalena Rybarikova 19 up from 21 (new career high)

Elise Mertens 20 up from 37 (new career high)

Federer in final - Chung retires injured

The last singles semi final, and the one to determine who would play Marin Cilic (6) in this years Men’s Final, was played on Night Twelve on RLA.

It starkly presented the new and the old, Hyeon Chung the fresh face who’d been the story of the tournament, and Roger Federer (2) who had done what he’d done multiple times since 2004 in reaching this point.

Federer won the toss and elected to receive serve, a tactic clearly aimed at achieving an early break of serve, testing the nerves of Chung.

It worked. Three Korean errors, two forced, gave Chung two break points to save.

Swiss mistakes brought it to deuce, but finally more errors from Chung donated the break to Federer.

Two successive aces took Roger to 40-15, but he made another mistake and Chung hit his first winner to send it to another deuce.

A break point was wasted by Chung and Federer hit two winners to hold serve and lead 2-0.

Chung’s forehand winner sealed a confident service game.  

2-1 Switzerland.

A much simpler service hold this time for Federer - a love game including an ace and a service winner. 3-1.

Federer forced two errors on the Korean backhand en route to a pair of break points, the first of which was converted with a loose forehand by Chung. Federer has a double break 4-1.

A double fault was more than compensated by two Swiss service winners and an ace as Federer put the foot down. 5-1.

In a game lasting eight minutes and sixteen points, Chung saved four set points before he doubled faulted, setting up a fifth chance which Federer took, hitting a forehand winner. The set was Rogers 6-1.

On a roll, The Fed Express served a love game with two aces to open set two.

Chung surrendered just a single point in levelling at 1-1.

Federer nonchalantly extended his run of points won on serve to 10 and led 2-1.

A couple of Swiss winners contributed to Chung being broken next game and things looking increasingly grim. 1-3.

Two aces and a Korean error, and Roger flew to 40-0, 13 straight points won on his serve. That was stopped with two forehand mistakes, but an ace won the game and the Swiss lead was 4-1.

Hyeon unfortunately had a serious foot issue which had not helped him in the match but Federer was still playing too well as you would expect.

Chung held manfully and the score was 4-2 Federer.

Roger held to love but more importantly was the foot injury which was clearly an issue affecting Chung’s ability to continue.

Only four more points were played, Chung retiring at 1-6 2-5 and 30-30.

A sad end to a match which promised so much.

Hopefully Chung will recover quickly from his foot injury and continue his rapid rise in the tennis world - he has been a revelation this tournament.

Roger Federer now proceeded to yet another final where he will play Marin Cilic (6).

Cilic was beaten by Federer in last years Wimbledon final, and Cilic beat Federer en route to capturing his 2014 US Open title.

Having avoided expected other top names in reaching the final, Roger will face his first real test once there.

To date he has had others clear the deck of the likes of Nadal, Dimitrov, Thiem, Zverev and Djokovic, any of who could have been a significant barrier but for players like Chung and Sandgren putting their noses in the way.

Irrespective, it should be a great contest with Marin.

Cilic in final - 3 sets over Edmund

The first men’s singles semi final was played on Night Eleven on RLA, and it was a contest between Marin Cilic (6) and surprise semi finalist Kyle Edmund. Edmund was unseeded.

Cilic opened badly, down two break points, but three successive service winners had him at game point and he eventually held serve.

Edmund’s first effort was a double fault, however four errors on Cilic’s backhand donated the game to Kyle. 1-1.

2-2 came for the loss of just 3 points between the pair.

A love game from Cilic was followed by the Croatian breaking Edmund through forcing errors off the UK racquet.

5-2 with another Cilic hold and Edmund was serving to stay in the set.

A loose Edmund forehand at 30-30 and it was set point.

A Cilic forehand winner closed the set 6-2 Croatia’s way.

Set two began with both players serving love games, and both including an ace and a winning forehand in those games. 1-1.

An ace and forehand winner did the trick again for Cilic and he led 2-1.

Edmund saved a break point with an ace and levelled at 2-2.

Cilic won a service game for 3-2, and Edmund hit two aces and two clean winners in a love game. 3-3.

Only six more points were lost on serve before Edmund came to the line to deliver at 5-6.

At 40-15, Cilic hit two forehand winners, but deuce didn’t worry Edmund and a tie break followed.

Points were on serve until a forehand error on the seventh point from Edmund gave Cilic a 4-3 edge.

The sixth seed took the advantage and at 6-3 had 3 set points.

One was saved on the Edmund serve but a backhand winner from Croatia won the set 7-6(4).

Cilic led 6-2 7-6(4).

Cilic broke Edmund in the third game of the third set, after the two had exchanged easy service games.

Cilic 2-1.

Four game points were kicked away by Edmund before Cilic finally consolidated the break for 3-1

A double fault presented Cilic with a break chance but it was saved and Edmund won the game for 2-3.

Cilic followed up quickly with a love game. 4-2.

One break point was saved by Edmund and three game points were used and wasted by the UK. Cilic created a second break point with a winning forehand. It was converted and Cilic led 5-2.

An ace and a forehand winner helped set up 2 match points.

Only one was necessary and Cilic won:

6-2 7-6(4) 6-2.

Marin Cilic (6) won into his, and Croatia’s, first Aus Open final.

He will play either Roger Federer (2) or Hyeon Chung.

Kyle Edmund played a fine tournament, his excellent win over third seed Grigor Dimitrov the highlight.

His ranking will improve to 26 from 49, a new career high (previously 40).

Cilic moves to his career high of 3.

Halep finalist - beats Kerber in ripper

The final opponent for Caroline Wozniacki (2) is the winner of the second semi final between the top seed and world number one Simona Halep, and Angie Kerber (21), the 2016 champion here.

Kerber served first and an off forehand Halep winner plus Kerber errors brought up two break points, the first converted and Halep 1-0.

A backhand winner from Kerber was insufficient to prevent Halep from rolling along to 2-0.

Two more break points on the German serve and Angie was broken on the first once more. 3-0 Halep and a poor start from Kerber.

A Romanian backhand winner and an ace helped Halep to 4-0 and the opening set was virtually over.

A lucky net cord went Halep’s way, plus a backhand return winner, and an off forehand winner. Three break points. One of them was used and Halep was serving for the set at 5-0.

Just 13 minutes for all of this carnage.

Double fault from Halep - two in fact. An error and three break points. A Kerber forehand did the trick. 1-5.

Three sizzling forehands from Kerber and a backhand from Halep highlighted the best game so far and still the top seed was in control 5-2. Serving a second time for the set.

Two Kerber backhands forced errors from Halep and three break points arrived. A thrilling backhand return broke Halep and the score was 3-5.

Three errors on the Kerber serve and a resultant three set points for Halep. Backhand winner saved one, but next one couldn’t do it and Halep led 6-3.

A couple of aces and Halep 1-0. Three forehand winners and Kerber levelled at 1-1.

Halep served well for 2-1.  

0-30 after a forehand winner from Halep and a Kerber error. 30-30.

Halep’s forehand forced an error and break point. Saved.

Second break chance. Broken and Halep led 6-3 3-1.

Kerber smashed a backhand return for a winner, then hit another backhand stunner for 0-30 Halep. The top seed recovered to 40-30, including a winning backhand. Then a netted forehand and deuce.

Break point created and converted.

Kerber 2-3 and back on serve.

A big forehand winner gave Angie game point and she won it to be 3-3.

Strong serving and forehand assisted Simona to a love game and 4-3.

Close to the finish for the Romanian. Pressure on Angie.

Winning forehand and backhand from Halep and break point.

Saved by Kerber’s forehand winner. Break point again with a Halep winning forehand. Saved with another German forehand winner.

Angie won for 4-4.

An off forehand and backhand winner and 30-30 for Halep.

Forehand winner from Kerber and deuce.

Break point. Converted with a wayward Halep shot.

Kerber serving to takes this to a decider.

Two set points. One saved with a forehand winner. And the second. Deuce. Third set point. Kerber did it  and levelled 3-6 6-4.

In the decider, Kerber broke Halep upon the Romanian error. 1-0.

Halep broke back after three break points were saved, sealing it with a backhand winner.

Halep consolidated and led 2-1, two forehand winners helpful.

Serve was held consistently and it was 4-3 to Halep.

Then three unforced errors were faced by Kerber. One was saved by a backhand winner, but a backhand error couldn’t survive the second.

Halep led 5-3 and served for the match.

Kerber broke back, three straight winners finishing off the game.

Two match points were saved by Kerber in the tenth game and three deuces were surfed on the way.

In game 11, Angie broke to lead 6-5 and served for the match.

Two match points saved - this time by Halep - and it was 6-6.

Two aces and a service hold. Simona 7-6.

Unforced errors from Halep, and Kerber levelled at 7-7.

Two winners from 30-30 took Halep to 8-7.

Match point to Halep. Saved.

Second match point of the game converted with an unforced Kerber error.

Halep won her second epic match of the tournament 6-3 4-6 9-7.

Simona Halep (1) or Caroline Wozniacki (2) will be the 2018 Aus Open champion and therefore take home a first Grand Slam tournament singles trophy.

Wozniacki first to the final

Women’s semi finals on Day Eleven of the 2018 Aus Open, and first up was the contest between Caroline Wozniacki (2) (still a chance for both a debut major crown and to regain the number one ranking) and unseeded Elise Mertens.

Elise will not be unseeded for much longer given how she has performed this summer - no sets dropped in the tournament to date.

Wozniacki began proceedings with an ace. Despite a backhand and overhead winner from Mertens, Wozniacki held for 1-0.

Solid Mertens serving and 1-1.

Wozniacki broke in the fourth game and extended her lead to 3-1

The second seed saved a break point but strong serving gave her 4-1

5-2 and Wozniacki looking safe for a set lead.

Double fault and deuce. Game point after netted Wozniacki shot.

Two mistakes and set point Wozniacki.

Saved. Ace for game point. Held and 5-3.

Caroline serving for set. Backhand winner and three set points. One required.

6-3 Wozniacki.

Mertens served first in set two. Double fault and two break points.

Backhand winner saved one. Big serving saved the other and also won the game. 1-0.

A love game to Wozniacki and 1-1.

A volley put away by Mertens and she led 2-1. Wozniacki easily holding serve again, backhand winner and ace helping. 2-2.

Three unforced errors from Mertens and she lost serve to be in trouble 3-6 2-3.

A love game to Wozniacki, signed off with an ace, took her to 4-2 and closer to the final.

5-3 after another Wozniacki love game, full of Mertens errors.

Mertens held to love and forced Wozniacki to serve for the match.

At 30-30, Wozniacki contributed two double faults in the last three points to drop serve. 5-5.

An ace and winning forehand took Mertens to 6-5 and a game away from levelling the match.

Four deuces and two set points saved by Wozniacki and finally a tie break.

Mertens lost the first three points through unforced forehand errors.

She then hit two forehand winners. 2-3 down.

After two more unforced errors, one from either side, Mertens trailed 2-5.

A Wozniacki backhand winner set up four match points.

Only one was needed and the second seed sailed into her first Aus Open final 6-3 7-6(2).

Caroline Wozniacki will play the winner of Simona Halep (1) and Angie Kerber (21).

If Halep wins her semi final we will have a debut major winner.

If Wozniacki wins the final she will also be the new number one.

Berdych bows to the great one

Roger Federer (2) and Tomas Berdych (19) played the last quarter final of both men’s and women’s singles at the 2018 Aus Open, and it was on Night Ten on RLA as Roger had decreed in his various contracts with the ITF, ATP, Tennis Australia, Seven Network and the United Nations.

Tomas Berdych has beaten the Swiss emperor, king or lord, depending on which Seven commentator is bowing down to him at the time, in Grand Slam tournaments previously - 2010 Wimbledon and 2012 US Open quarter finals.

Mind you, Federer has done the Czech battler over in the round of sixteen at Wimbledon 2006, Aus Open 2008 and 2009. And more recently at the Aus Open in the quarter final 2016 and third round 2017.

The toss was won by who knows but Roger determined how the coin spun once it was airborne.

Tomas won the first service game, a forehand winner and ace the sealers, not impressing the defending champion, intent on crushing from the outset.

The crush was on the other foot with Tomas achieving a break of serve, not built into the bilateral contract with Roger the Repeater, the first break point coming from a double fault, but saved, the second not saved, with two errors scattered around the messy arena. 2-0 and Czech.

Berdych hit a loose forehand, the only blemish in a consolidating game to have the almighty three games to none down.

Three winners and an ace signalled a return from apathy, and Federer trailed 1-3.

Berdych continued to hold serve well, an ace punctuating the fifth game for 4-1.  

At 5-2 the gods, with the exception of Roger, appeared to be smiling on Tomas, but he was about to feel the wrath of Basel.

Federer won three successive games, Berdych saving three break points before losing the ninth game, and the supreme being levelling at 5-5 with a love game.

At 6-6 the Swiss sorcerer decreed a tie breaker should commence, and so it did proceed.

Two forehand winners off the blazing Swiss racquet helped Roger to 3-0, and on the way to 5-1, he donated the single point as a gesture of goodwill.

The magical sword sent the orbs flying for victory twice to win the set for Roger the Racqueteer. 7-6(1).

Both combatants saved break points to reach 2-2 without a break of serve.

His majesty hit three aces to lead 4-3.

Three more and he broke the Berdych serve. Once more Czech.

Serving for the set, two set points were created from the magic pot - one was released but the other used to win and progress the holy one further 7-6(1) 6-3.

Set three a break apiece and 2-2.

Federer broke again and consolidated, featuring an ace and two forehand winners.

A love game awarded to Tomas for services rendered to Sir Roger presented a score line of 4-3 to the crown.

God laid a hand on his favourite son and four winning ground strokes were unleashed to the land.

The earth sounded its voice of unity and bowed as one, as the master was close to immortality.

Berdych was allowed one more piece of history, winning his serve to give the opportunity for President Federer to stamp home a victory.

Two winners in a love game and it was universally loved that the man had made the semi finals of the Aus Open 7-6(1) 6-3 6-4.

 Czech Mate.

Regal Roger will bestow the privilege to Hyeon Chung of playing the master in the semi final.

The contracts with the ITF, ATP, Tennis Australia, Seven Network, and the United Nations, will be renegotiated with Lord Federer, stipulating which things Mr Chung must do and not do in the presence of royalty across the net when the contest arises.

Halep mauls Pliskova serve - in last 4

Simona Halep (1) had her biggest challenge yet in this years Aus Open on Day Ten against Karolina Pliskova (6).

The big serving Czech player would be tested by the excellent return of serve abilities of Halep.

Pliskova strolled through a couple of deuces without hurting herself and held the first service game of the match.

She then broke Halep for the loss of a single point.

A service winner and winning backhand assisted Pliskova to 3-0 and she looked to be on song.

She was out of tune very quickly though as she failed to win another game for the set.

Halep saved a break point, and visited deuce four times just to tease Pliskova, before holding for 1-3.

The lethal forehand of the top seed drove her to break Pliskova and then hold to love. 3-3.

Two backhand winners sealed another break, and three more winners were the backbone of the service hold for 5-3.

Three set points on the Pliskova serve - one saved but a double fault on the second donated the set to Halep 6-3.

The rot continued for Pliskova in set two as she was broken in game two.

Halep had held serve in the first game, albeit needing to negotiate two break points.

The top seed led 3-0 with a break before Pliskova registered a sound.

Her service hold in game four needed a break point save and she won the game with a backhand.

The next two games went to serve, Halep easily and Pliskova not so, the Czech star saving three break points before two aces saved the day.

4-2 Halep.

Halep held serve for 5-2.

Serving to stay in the match, Pliskova tossed up a double fault and two errors. Halep was into the semi final, winning 6-3 6-2.

Simona will play Angie Kerber to confirm one of the finalists.

Chung beats Sandgren - into final 4

Match two on RLA on Day Ten was the unexpected quarter final between unseeded pair Hyeon Chung and Tennys Sandgren.

The two have provided excitement for fans, knocking out far more highly credentialed players en route to the final eight.

Chung is a member of the new brigade and is predicted by those that should know for top ten status before long.

Sandgren is 26 and for the first years of his career he stayed on the Challenger circuit.

He took to the ATP tour somewhat recently, and the Grand Slam events also.

He recorded a win over Nick Kyrgios in Washington last year.

Sandgren lost In qualifying in Auckland this year (how things have changed in a matter of weeks) but won a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser.

He lost in the first round to his opponent today, Hyeon Chung.

Sandgren opened with a love service game.

Chung levelled then broke the American serve, Sandgren not helping with a double fault.

Down two break points himself, Chung saved those and finally held serve to lead 3-1.

Sandgren also saved two break points on the way to holding for 2-3.

Chung’s service hold featured an ace and a winning forehand.

At 5-4, and serving for the set, Chung forced Sandgren into error, bringing up three set points.

Only one was needed.

6-4 Chung.

In set two Chung brought up break point in the first game with a clean winner and broke Sandgren to lead 1-0.

Holding serve, the Korean lead doubled to 2-0.

Sandgren hit a pair of aces as he held serve for 1-2.

Forehand errors from Chung and he was broken back. 2-2.

Serves were held until Chung lost his at 3-4, thanks to two loose forehands at the end of the game.

Sandgren did likewise, throwing forehand mistakes in to drop serve and lead 5-4.

Chung held serve for 5-5, despite a double fault.

Three forehand winners highlighted Sandgren’s service game which he won. 6-5

Winners from either side and Chung won his way into a tie break.

First two points against the serve. Then Chung won the next for 2-1.

3-2 and mini break to the Korean.

A loose forehand from Korean and 3-3.

4-3 on serve. Serve volley winning the next two for Sandgren and 5-4.

5-5 with Chung serving. A shank shot from Sandgren and serving to stay in the set at 5-6.

A backhand hit long and Chung won the day.

Korea’s current favourite son led 6-4 7-6(5).

Quick fire service holds had the pair at 1-1, two winners from Chung and two aces from Sandgren highlights.

Chung lost three points in succession from 30-0 to face break point, saved that and another, then won the game with an ace. 2-1.

Despite an early ace, American errors had Sandgren facing two break points.  

The fifth break point was converted and Chung led 3-1.

Chung won his next game to love, signed off with two aces. 4-1.

5-2 after another Chung game to love, an ace and two winners included.

Match point after Sandgren netted a shot at 30-30.

Saved.

Sandgren held serve and Chung served for a semi final spot at 5-3.

In the final game Chung won the first three points to set up three match points.

Those were saved by Sandgren who created two break points in a game lasting nine minutes.

Finally Chung managed to convert a fifth match point.

Incredible game with Sandgren showing all the defence you could want before Chung finally won through 6-4 7-6 (5) 6-3.

Chung will play the winner of Roger Federer (2) and Tomas Berdych (19).

Tennys Sandgren will see a ranking change from 97 to 55.

His previous career high was 85.

Hyeon Chung has moved from 58 to a live ranking of 29. His previous career high ranking was 44.

Kerber crushes Keys and enters last 4

First quarter final on Day Ten on RLA was Angie Kerber (21) against Madison Keys (17).

Nothing were on streaks of great form and this was likely to be a top match.

Keys served first and not well. Down three break points - all saved. Not the fourth and Kerber led 1-0.

Keys brought up a break point with a clean winner, but it was saved.

A second break chance also saved.  

Another break point was converted on the Keys serve and 3-0 for Kerber.

4-0 to the 2016 champion following a love game on serve, laced with 3 forehand winners and an ace.

Keys at last held serve, and convincingly.

At 1-5, a double fault from Keys, and errors led to a dropped serve and the set win for Kerber 6-1 - only 23 minutes long.

Kerber lost just two points in the first two games of set two, including the break of Keys in game two. 2-0 and cruising.

Game three a little tougher and two points lost en route to 3-0.

Keys was on the board in the fourth game and trailed 1-3.

Incredibly, against the run of play, the American broke the German to love, and at 2-3 was statistically back in the match.

Not according to Angie who only surrendered three more points in the match.

6-1 6-2 in 51 minutes and Kerber was into the semi final - this was a crushing win and surely Kerber deserves favouritism for the title, given that she is in the last four, is playing at the top of her game, and is the only player left in the tournament with a major to their name.

Wozniacki beats Suárez Navarro for Semi

The second and final match on Night Nine on RLA was the quarter final between Caroline Wozniacki (2) and Carla Suárez Navarro.

Carla had played a great tournament and showed that she could well return to her previous top,ten ranking, given an injury free run.

Caroline had displayed the tennis which could justify a real chance of a first major.

The first set was a Wozniacki treat and a non stop frustration for Suárez Navarro.

Wozniacki hit two aces in holding serve and led 1-0.

A break of the Spanish serve and 2-0.

Wozniacki saved a break point and went to deuce four times before holding serve for 3-0.

Another service break and 4-0.

Carla served at 0-5 and didn’t want a love set against her name.

Wozniacki saved four game points before she converted the first set point to lead 6-0.

Wozniacki survived a break point and four deuces to lead 1-0 in set two.

Carla finally won a game, and it was to love, including an ace and a clean winner.

In the fifth game Suárez Navarro broke the Wozniacki serve to love, forcing the second seed into error. 3-2 to Carla who had changed her game plan successfully, the backhand now more potent.

3-4 Wozniacki after she saved a break point to hold serve.

Suárez Navarro lost serve from 30-15 after a series of unforced errors.

Wozniacki took a 5-4 lead after a love game on serve.

No more service breaks and this went to a tie break.

From 3-3 Carla won four straight points to win the tie break and the set 

A remarkable come back to level at 0-6 7-6(3).

Wozniacki broke early in the decider, and consolidated to lead 3-1.

A further break and Carla was under real pressure.

Serving at 5-2 for the match, Wozniacki had three match points and was successful on the second to fly into a semi final.

6-0 6-7(3) 6-2.

Wozniacki will play Elise Mertens for a spot in the final.

Cilic in semi final - Rafa injured

One of the highest quality matches was expected on Night Nine of Aus Open 2018 when the quarter final between Rafa Nadal (1) and Marin Cilic (6) finally happened.

Both had played top drawer tennis throughout the course of the tournament and this would be entertaining.

The two opened with love games on their serves, and Rafa lost just just a single point on his second venture to the line.

Taken to deuce in game four, Cilic simply hit a winner and an ace for 2-2.

In the sixth game, Cilic battled for twelve minutes, saving five break points in the process, finally winning the game with a winning forehand.

3-3.

Nadal saved a break point in the next game then broke serve to lead 5-3.

Cilic saved two set points with winners but couldn’t save a third when Nadal hit the winner for 6-3.

Cilic saved a break point in game three of set two to lead 2-1.

Nadal saved one as well to level at 2-2, then broke Cilic for 3-2.

Cilic broke back, converting the second of two break points.

Two aces in a love game gave the Croatian a 4-3 lead.

Three successive errors from 40-30 on Nadal’s next service game saw Cilic move to 5-3 and serve for the set.

Two aces assisted with that task, one which was the final point.

One set apiece.

Nadal saved a break point in game three, and two more in game seven, of set three. Cilic faced none in this period.

Cilic saved the only break point he faced for the set in game ten, and it was 5-5, no service breaks.

Two more holds and a tie break required.

As for all of the set, the tie break was tight, and 5-5 was reached.

Nadal won the final two points, the last a forehand winner.

The top seed led 6-3 3-6 7-6(5).

Cilic rebounded strongly, holding serve in the opening game of set four, finishing it off with a pair of aces.

Nadal levelled before Cilic struggled through two deuces, finally winning his game. 2-1 Croatia.

Nadal led 30-15, but Cilic forced him into error twice and that brought up a break point which was converted with a forehand winner.

Three clean winners helped Cilic soundly consolidate the break and lead 4-1.

Two service holds and Cilic was a game away from sending this to a fifth set. 5-2.

From 40-30 Nadal hit two loose shots and on the set point created Cilic hit a forehand winner.

Two sets each.

As the fifth set began, Nadal looked frustrated from what appeared to be an injury, perhaps to the hip. He had a medical time out at 1-4 down in the fourth set but looked to be moving ok after that.

However now it was clear things were problematic.

Cilic broke Nadal easily and at 2-0 the number one seed sadly retired.

Cilic was through to the semi finals - not in the ideal fashion, but he played a great match, hitting an astonishing 83 winners, and deserved a spot in the final four where he will play Kyle Edmund.

Dimitrov dumped by Edmund

Second quarter final of Day Nine on RLA was that between Grigor Dimitrov (3) and Kyle Edmund.

Dimitrov was coming off a huge match between himself and Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round and Edmund had played some of his best tennis ro defeat Andreas Seppi in rhe round of sixteen, but his top scalp had been Kevin Anderson (11) in round one.

Edmund broke the Dimitrov serve in the opening game, using the second break point and shocking everyone but perhaps himself and his mum.

Then he held to love, an ace and forced errors doing the trick. 

2-0 to the UK.

Dimitrov held serve, his backhand back on track with a couple of winners.

The Edmund forehand was causing Dimitrov some grief as it was the catalyst for another service hold, and Edmund led 3-1.

From 3-2 and 40-30, Edmund served a double fault and threw in two loose ground strokes to lose serve and it was 3-3.

At 4-4, Dimitrov was facing two break points - on the second Edmund hit a winner to bring him to 5-4 and serving for the set.

Saving three break points the UK hero ultimately won the game and set 6-4.

Dimitrov opened with a love game on serve in set two, then at 30-30 Edmund hit two loose shots to surrender his serve and trail 0-2. 

Dimitrov was trailing 0-40 but won the remaining points in the game to hold with a winning forehand to lead 3-0.

Edmund saved two break points in a four deuce game to register on the scoreboard, while Dimitrov was quicker in making it 4-1.

A double fault had Dimitrov facing break point in the seventh game but he managed a path through that mess and held for 5-2.

Soon he served for the set at 5-3 and that proved no problem.

Now it was a set apiece.

Edmund held serve in the opening game of set three, saving a break point, and Dimitrov equalised.

The UK player hit a couple of aces in his next service games and 2-2 arrived with Dimitrov’s hold, a break point saved on the way.

3-3 after a Dimitrov love game.

4-3 Edmund following a love game of his own, and then a break of the third seed for 5-3.

Serving for the third set, Edmund brought up set point with a forehand winner, and clinched it forcing a Dimitrov backhand error.

Edmund was the unlikely leader in this match 6-4 3-6 6-3.

At 30-15 in the fifth game of the fourth set, Dimitrov committed three successive unforced errors and lost serve - 3-2 Edmund.

Dimitrov broke straight back, then held for 4-3, saving a break point.

Edmund levelled at 4-4 then broke, and served for the match at 5-4.

An Edmund ace presented the first match point and a Dimitrov error ended the contest.

6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Kyle Edmund is the first person through to the semi finals and will play the winner of Rafa Nadal (1) and Marin Cilic (6).

Edmund had a previous career high ranking of 40. Now his live ranking is 26.

If the unbelievable were to happen, and he made the final here, his ranking would rocket to 19 and he would be the UK number one ahead of Andy Murray (20).

Of course that will happen anyway in due course as Murray undergoes rehabilitation from his recent operation.

Mertens in semis after smashing Svitolina

First quarter final is the second match on RLA on Day Nine of Aus Open 2018.

Elina Svitolina (4) won in Brisbane first up and has been in sparkling form this tournament.

Elise Mertens has also been in great form in Melbourne, and of course you would expect them to be to reach this stage.

Mertens won her second successive Hobart title this year.

Svitolina served first and was in early trouble, saving a break point and holding serve.

Mertens, who had yet to drop a set in the tournament was also struggling, saving a break point in a three deuce game and it was 1-1.

Four clean winners in a love game saw Mertens break serve and she led 2-1.

3-1 with an easy hold by Mertens, and 2-3 following the best game displayed by Svitolina so far - three winners in a love game.

Mertens served a love game for 4-2, featuring two clean winners.

Then a break point was converted with a winning Belgian backhand.

Mertens lost serve when she double faulted on the first of two break chances. 3-5 with a Ukrainian serve to come.

Svitolina was taken without permission to deuce, but escaped her capture and found herself at 4-5.

Not safe enough because Mertens hit an ace and a pair of winners in a game which clinched the set 6–4.

Set two and Mertens destroyed the fourth seed, surrendering no games and winning 27 of the mere 40 points played.

Elise Mertens won 6-4 6-0 to be the first player advancing to the semi finals, where she will play the winner of Caroline Wozniacki (2) and Carla Suárez Navarro.

Mertens ranking will move from 37 to 20, a new career high, and if she happens to make the final, she could be as high as 15.

Pliskova wins Czech battle with Strycova

A battle of two fine Czech players was the final night match on RLA on the second Monday of the 2018 Aus Open.

Karolina Pliskova (6), one of the favourites in the tournament, against Barbora Strycova (20) one of the most improved performers on tour, a consistent ranking of around 16-25 over the last few years.

The opening game was long - three deuces and a break point saved before Pliskova had enough and hit two winners to hold serve and lead 1-0.

The next two games were comfortable for servers, but Strycova struck difficulty in the fourth game.

Two double faults were responsible for creating two of four break points, all of which were saved, and serve was held. 2-2.

At 4-4 Pliskova saved a break point and from there it was guaranteed a tie break.

Pliskova won the first point but Strycova the next four.

The sixth seed fought back to 5-6 and with serve, but hit a loose backhand to give the set to Strycova 7-6(5).

Pliskova broke in the first game of set two, then held for 2-0.

In the fifth game Strycova saved three break points but was eventually broken and trailed 4-1.

Strycova retrieved one of the breaks and it was 2-4.

A service hold closed the gap to 3-4, and Pliskova had to save a break point to move to 5-3 and a game away from squaring the match.

A Pliskova forehand winner converted a set point on Strycova’s serve and it was even at 6-7(5) 6-3.

The two exchanged breaks of serve and were 1-1 in the decider.

Pliskova held to love then broke for 3-1.

4-2 with two holds of serve.

Pliskova won her next service game, including a couple of vital winners.

Strycova needed to hold service to stay in the match.

The third set point of a game lasting 16 points and five deuces was enough for Pliskova to use and win the set and match 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2.

She will now play world number one Simona Halep in a quarter final.

Chung outplays Djokovic - into 1/4s

The first RLA night match on the second Monday of Aus Open 2018 featured Novak Djokovic (14) and one of the new sensations Hyeon Chung who has based his game in a lot of ways on Djokovic himself.

Chung has already ditched fourth seed Sascha Zverev from the tournament and would give Novak a decent workout.

The first two points of the first game, Djokovic serving, went as expected with the fourteenth seed forcing errors and leading 30-0.

Then the world changed - two unforced backhand errors followed by two awful looking double faults resulted in a break of serve and a gift to Chung.

Djokovic had two chances to break back but Chung buried those and hit an ace and a pair of winners to consolidate the break. 2-0.

Novak continued his horrible start with a pair of double faults and a Chung winner had the Serb down three break points. One was saved but eventually an unforced error saw Hyeon lead 3-0.

Djokovic hit a winner in Chung’s next service game, but was more than matched by a litany of mistakes, making the Korean task simple, and Chung lead 4-0.

Whatever was wrong with Djokovic, the six time champion was not going to let this start stop him from digging in and fight for the set.

He finally held serve, then on a fifth break point converted to trail 2-4.

Djokovic struggled through three deuces to hold serve and close to 3-4.

Chung was within a game of the set after three forehand winners helped him clinch game eight and extend his to 5-3.

Djokovic won the next two games, including the break of Chung as he was serving for the set at 5-4.

Only one point was lost by Novak in this two game stretch.

5-5 became 6-6 as the next two serves were held, with Djokovic saving a break point, and a tie break was needed.

At 3-3 in the tie break, Djokovic lost both of the points on his serve.

Accordingly, Chung brought up three set points, the second which was used to win him the opening set 7-6(4).

The opening game of set two lasted about nine minutes, with Chung saving four break points and winning it with a forehand.

He then broke Djokovic and held again for 3-0.

It became 4-1 as serves were comfortably held.

Djokovic proceeded to win three games in succession, saving a break point in the sixth before breaking the Korean serve and then levelling at 4-4.

At 5-6 Djokovic had game point, but he crumbled with a double fault and two wayward shots to hand the second set to Chung 7-5.

Djokovic broke Chung in the opening game of set three before Chung won the next three games.

Djokovic broke in the fifth game after wasting three chances.

The two both saved break points en route to 4-4.

No real drama until the tie break.

Chung won the first three points, then Djokovic responded with the next three, only a single point decided with a winning shot.

That was the final winning point for the returning six time champion as Chung ticked off the remaining four to win his biggest match yet.

7-6(4) 7-5 7-6(3).

The first quarter final in a Grand Slam tournament for Hyeon Chung and he will play American unseeded Tennys Sandgren, who knocked out Dominic Thiem (5), after earlier dispensing with Stan Wawrinka (9).

Sandgren and Chung have done a lot of clearing work for Federer.

Federer into final 8

Roger Federer (2) again is the gatherer of all the luck, soft draw and great scheduling at the Australian Open 2018.

First three matches all at night at Rod Laver Arena so no issues with the heat.

And now, on the first day session he has been ordered to play a match - the final one on Day Eight, it is still on RLA and against an unseeded player.

He is Marton Fucsovics, ranked 80, from Hungary. An unfortunate surname to pronounce, but he beat Sam Querrey (13) in the second round on the way to this match.

In the first game, Federer served and won just a single point with a winner to lead 1-0.

Marton equalised, finishing with an ace.

A winning Swiss backhand surrounded by errors confirmed a sloppy start to the match and 2-1 to Federer.

Four errors from the Federer racquet donated the next game to Hungary, while the fifth game was won to love, allowing Roger to hit a couple of winners.

Marton saved three break points from 0-40, eventually squaring at 3-3.

Three winners in the next Federer service game, two from Roger himself and a 4-3 lead to Switzerland.

Fucsovics sealed 4-4 with an ace, and the early service break that Federer is supposed to obtain, according to the ATP Tour guidelines, to this point had not been given. Marton should expect a hefty fine.

An angry Federer forced errors from both sides of Hungary and the love game moved things to 5-4,

Then a single unforced error from Fucsovics set up a set point which Roger converted with a forehand winner.

6-4 to the second seed.

A love game continued the Fed Express in set two highlighted by an ace and a winning forehand prepared in Basel.

A Swiss mix of errors and a sole winner was hungrily devoured by the Hungarian who levelled at 1-1.

Yet another love game from Roger - two aces on this occasion.

Two break points on the next Fucsovics serve - one saved, the second too with three straight Federer mistakes. 1-1.

Two winners and yes another Swiss love game.

2-2 as Marton stuck fast.

No break points until Marton served at 5-6. In a game lasting over five minutes he saved a break point and managed to reach 6-6 and a tie break.

Things were tight at 3-3, but at 4-3 Roger hit three straight winning forehands to take the tie break 7-6(3).

Federer survived a break point to win the opening game of set three, then broke Fucsovics, an ace and backhand winner significant.

Fucsovics held for 1-2 but it was all down hill from there.

Federer won the next three games to lead 5-1.

Fucsovics held serve,requiring Federer to serve for the match.

He did successfully.

6-4 7-6(3) 6-2

Federer through to a quarter final against Tomas Berdych (19)

Angie struggles but wins against Su-Wei

Angie Kerber (21) has moved to almost favourite for the Aus Open 2018 as her performance has been dominant at every step.

Her opponent today, Su-Wei Hseih, has knocked out Muguruza so she has deserved her spot in the fourth round match against the 2016 champion.

In the opening game, Su-Wei had her serve broken, Kerber ending it with a backhand winner.

Next was a Kerber hold, thanks to errors from Su-Wei. 2-0.

Kerber led 2-1 then was broken for 3-3.

Both held for 4-4. Kerber saved three break points but not a fourth, and she was broken and trailed 4-5.

From deuce, Hseih hit two winners to take the set 6-4 and put Angie under pressure for the first time this tournament.

Hseih saved four break points to lead 3-2 in set two.

Kerber broke serve and took the lead 4-3, based on a double fault and errors from Su-Wei.

Su-Wei hit back immediately, breaking Angie and holding serve for 5-4.

Kerber was one game from exiting the tournament.

Three winners highlighted an excellent Kerber service game levelling things at 5-5.

From 40-15 Hseih lost 4 points in a row, Angie securing the break with a winning forehand.

Two winners from the German racquet helped Kerber to a love game and the second set 7-5 - the 21st seed was much more content but still worried about what Su-Wei could conjure.

Set three began with an exchange of breaks and 1-1.

Then Angie went on a burst of four games and led 5-1 with Su-Wei serving to stay in the match.

She saved two match points before holding serve with a clutch winner.

However Angie Kerber had no trouble serving it out, a forehand winner the punctuation mark.

4-6 7-5 6-2 and Angie worked extremely hard to make it to a quarter final where she will play Madison Keys (17) who is in seriously hot form

Watch out for a rise up the rankings in 2018 for Su-Wei Hseih - she should be back in the top thirty. She already will jump about 17 spots to 71 or 72 thanks to her exploits here.

Angie is happy to know that her ranking will be in the upper top twenty regardless of what happens from now.

She will be number 9 with a win over Keys

Garcia locked up by Keys

A mouth watering clash between Caroline Garcia (8) and Madison Keys (17 first up on RLA Day Eight at the Aus Open, a top quality fourth round match expected.

The first two games lasted eleven minutes, initially Keys saving two break points but losing serve with a double fault, then Garcia saving one break point before also dropping serve with a double fault.

1-1.

Keys held to love.

Garcia held, giving up just one point.

Keys held to love again, then broke the French serve, a forehand converting the break point. 4-2.

5-2 after another American service hold, a break point saved along the way.

Garcia stopped the run, sealing her service game with 2 forehand winners.

Two clean winners then two aces and the set was US bound, locked up by Keys 6-3.

Forehand errors from Garcia presented a break to Keys in the opening game of set two.

Keys consolidated but not without having to go through deuce twice.

A,second break point resulted in a netted response from Garcia and she was broken again. 3-0 Keys.

Three clean American winners and 4-0.

Garcia fought back, holding serve and breaking Keys for 2-4.

Keys broke straight back, this time to love, and led 5-2

Serving for the match, an ace for 30-30.

A forehand winner and match point.

Double fault and deuce.

A brilliant half volley forehand winner won the match 6-3 6-2.

Next in the quarter final for Keys will be the winner of Angie Kerber (21) and Su-Wei Hsieh.

Dimitrov prevails over gallant Kyrgios

The most anticipated match on the middle Sunday was of course the night match on RLA between Grigor Dimitrov (3) and Australia’s own Nick Kyrgios (17).

Dimitrov yet to show his best form and Kyrgios probably close to his best at this stage of the Open, and luckily our expectations were met, because both players lifted their games to a level which resulted in one of the matches of the tournament.

Dimitrov opened proceedings and was quickly to 40-0 before a double fault and two winning Aussie forehands brought him to deuce.

Another double before a service hold.

Grigor took five minutes to register a score - Nick took 90 seconds.

1-1.

Aces and winners then became the norm as the crowd became dizzy at the skills displayed.

Dimitrov an ace and two winners 2-1

Kyrgios two aces 2-2

Dimitrov an ace and BH and FH winners 3-2

etc etc

Game Six was where it suddenly became difficult for Nick.

He began with a typical ace, but Grigor’s two wicked backhands and a double fault left Nick facing two break points.

A winning forehand and an ace dispensed with those, but Dimitrov came up with a forehand to give Nick another break point with which to deal.

A forehand developed in Australia, matching the one released in Bulgaria, saved Nick from his immediate peril and games were 3-3.

4-4 with 2 more aces apiece.

5-5 and another 3 aces to add to the pack - poker hands potentially star studded 

Game eleven and the time for Dimitrov to strike a little drama.

He was up 40-15 when a double fault and a Kyrgios winner brought him to deuce, a place he’d previously visited when serving in the opening game of the set. He doesn’t like that destination so he left it and led 6-5.

Nick served three aces to force a tie break.

The Aussie basically made a mess of the tie break, wasting chances of contesting, and losing it 7-3 and the set 7-6(3).

Set two was similar to its previous version, with big serves and big forehands, and ancillary stuff to thrill the audience.

Except we saw breaks of serve on the way to this tie break

Nick began with his quota of two aces and a winner, while Grigor replied with his regular one ace and two winners.

Grigor’s next service game was problematic with two deuces negotiated before closing the deal with an ace. 2-2.

A series of unforced Kyrgios errors donated a service break to Dimitrov and the lead 4-3.

A love game and 5-3.

Nick survived deuce, liking it as much as Grigor, and now faced his mate who was serving at 5-4 for a two set lead.

From 40-30 Dimitrov delivered three errors, two forced, and the break came. 5-5

Nick held, clinched with an ace. 6-5

Grigor ensued a tie break 6-6.

This time the two were locked at 4-4 when Nick lost the key point again, Grigor proceeding to a 7-6(3) 7-6(4) lead.

Dimitrov survived two deuces before winning the opening game of set three. Kyrgios saved a break point and an ace and backhand winner were his allies in levelling it at 1-1.

Nick broke in the fifth game to lead 3-2,

Serves were held through to the ninth game with Grigor saving a set point in that same game.

Nick won the set with a love game - three aces and a clean winner.

6-7(3) 6-7(4) 6-4 match alive.

Kyrgios saved two break points in the fourth game of the fourth set for 2-2.

Dimitrov saved one in the next game.

Grigor broke in the eighth game for 5-3,

Kyrgios immediately broke back and consolidated at 5-5.

Serves were held and a third tie break was needed.

All even until Nick lost the seventh point, which was on his serve.

Grigor then claimed three of the last four points with forehand winners.

The match was over 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4) to Dimitrov.

A high class match and Grigor has a quarter final appointment with unseeded Kyle Edmund.

Nick has nothing to be ashamed of - he pushed the number three seed all the way but was just short of the mark.

Not much to say about the women’s fourth round match between fourth seed Elina Svitolina and unseeded Denisa Allertova.

Svitolina started slowly, being broken in the third game, but then she won eleven of the next twelve games to win 6-3 6-0 in less than an hour.

Elina’s quarter final opponent will be unseeded Elise Mertens.

Nadal beats competitive Schwartzman

Last day match on RLA on the middle Sunday saw top seed Rafa Nadal take on Diego Schwartzman (24)

Although Diego is short by comparison to most on tour, he packs a punch bigger than his size would suggest. And importantly he is a better than good tennis player. 2017 proves that.

Still, today against Nadal he would need to play above himself to book a quarter final.

The opening games were shared with no breaks and Schwartzman was the one who served aces.

2-2 and no breaks - Diego had served 5 aces already - none to Rafa.

Rafa saved the first break point of the match to lead 3-2.

Schwartzman served a love game to level at 3-3.

Nadal needed to save three break points in the seventh game, and as an elite player he did, and won the game to lead 4-3.

From 0-30, Diego fought back to game point but he couldn’t convert it.

He saved three break points but not a fourth and Nadal was a game away from the set.

A love game and the top seed led 6-3.

Schwartzman led 40-15 in the first game of set two but again couldn’t convert - he once more saved three of four break chances but Nadal used the fourth and broke for 1-0.

The unthinkable happened immediately when Nadal committed an unforced error and had break point against him.

Schwartzman’s forehand levelled things at 1-1.

The two both held serve without drama, then Nadal drew blood in the fifth game, Schwartzman gifting some mistakes from his forehand side.

3-2 to the top seed, 

Schwartzman broke back for 4-4, Nadal sharing his mistakes on both wings.

In game 11, the second break point caused sadness for the Argentine as Rafa cashed in and took a 6-5 lead.

Serving for the set the world number one blew his chance as Diego converted the second of two break chances.and a tie break was required.

Each player lost points on serve but at first change of ends it was on serve 3-3.

At 4-4 Schwartzman hit a backhand winner and Nadal had two serves to come.

He made a mess of a forehand which gave a set point to Diego, then he stuffed up a backhand and Schwartzman won the set 7-6(4): the first one dropped by Nadal in the tournament.

Still coming to terms with losing set two, Rafa struggled to hold serve in the opening game of the third set, saving two break points in so doing.

Diego’s love game levelled but Rafa broke him to love in the fourth game.

Consolidating his break, the lead was 4-1.

Schwartzman hit an ace and two winners and stuck close at 2-4, but Nadal only lost one more point on serve for the rest of the set, serving it out with 2 aces in the last couple of points. 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 and back in control.

Nadal led 40-15 in the second game of set four before he had to stave off three break points - he managed to and Diego was disappointed to see 1-1 on the scoreboard.

Especially so when from 40-30 he was broken by Nadal in the very next game.

Rafa held for 3-1, and Schwartzman saved two break points to be at 3-4 a little later.

Nadal saved two break points with an ace and a forehand winner and eventually won the eighth game to lead 5-3.

Diego served, trying to stay in the match, and he saved two match points.

He then wasted two game points, and when a third chance to win the match presented itself, Nadal hit a backhand winner.

6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3.

A great contest given by Schwartzman.

Nadal through to the quarter finals and battle Marin Cilic (6).

Wozniacki rushes to the final eight

Second on RLA was the battle between Caroline Wozniacki (2) and Magdalena Rybarikova (19).

Wozniacki served first and held comfortably as did Rybarikova next, complete with two aces.

Rybarikova hit four winners to break and led 2-1. 

Wozniacki broke back, using the fifth of five chances.

Caro then broke to love including three clean winners.

She led 4-2  which became 5-2 swith 2 winners and an ace.

A hold from Rybarikova forced Wozniacki to serve for the set which she did with three forehand and one backhand winners.

Set two was a disaster for Rybarikova, with no games won.

Wozniacki won 80% of points on both her first and second serves.

11 winners to two and 25 points to six.

6-3 6-0 to Caroline and she will play Carla Suárez Navarro in a quarter final.

Carla first to quarter finals

First up on RLA on Day Seven were Carla Suárez Navarro and Anett Kontaveit (32).

Carla had good wins over Timea Babos and Kaia Kanepi in the second and third rounds respectively.

Anett defeated Mona Barthel in round two before upsetting Jelena Ostapenko (7) in the third round.

Kontaveit had a height advantage of seven inches over her Spanish opponent, but Carla has been dealing with that for years.

Carla served first and held easily, a forehand winner from each lady.

Anett held serve equally as easily.

2-2 and no surprises yet.

Kontaveit finally broke serve for 3-2 after wasting three previous break chances.

4-2 Kontaveit after saving a break point.

Anett led 5-3 after saving two more break points, sealing the game with an ace and a clean winner.

Carla held serve but could nit prevent the Estonian from serving out the set 6-4, three winners helping.

Kontaveit broke serve in the third game of set two and led 2-1.

She extended the lead with another service break, and when she held serve again the lead was 4-1, Carla in deep trouble

From nowhere Carla won the next five games and the set was hers 6-4

We were going to a decider.

The first four games of set three went to serve, each player saving a break point or more.

Neither one giving ground and 4-4.

The ninth game, served by Carla, was key and it was long, five deuces and two break points.

The second break chance was taken with massive forehand by Kontaveit.

She would be serving at 5-4 for the match.

The break back was quick, and full of Kontaveit errors.

A love game from Suárez Navarro, clinched with two winners, and she led 6-5,

6-6 after a solid serving game from Kontaveit.

Pressure back on Anett following another excellent Spanish service game. 6-7 Kontaveit.

Match point - saved with a netted ground stroke.

Match point thanks to lucky net cord - saved.

Match point - done for Spain 

Carla Suárez Navarro the first quarter finalist

4-6 6-4 8-6

Next for Carla the winner of Caroline Wozniacki (2) and Magdalena Rybarikova (19)

Federer beats Gasquet-yet again

Roger Federer (2) played Richard Gasquet (29) in the final night match on the middle Saturday on RLA.

Gasquet has beaten Federer twice, in 2005 and 2011.

Not likely to add to that this year.

In set one, both players began with love games before Federer broke in his customary early fashion, converting a second break opportunity with a clean winner. 3-1.

Two winners, one from each side, confirmed the break and a 4-1 advantage.

After a number of Federer errors, Gasquet hit a winner to hold serve, but had no answers in Federer’s next service game and it was 5-2.

Gasquet served to stay in the set.

Two winning Swiss backhands set up three break points, one which was saved, but a second received a French double fault.

Federer led 6-2.

The second set was a real contest, with no break points in the first ten games.

5-5 and winners outweighing unforced errors.

Out of the blue, Gasquet faced three break points, saved two but not the third, and Federer served for a two set lead.

A backhand winner from Switzerland brought up set point and it was converted.

Federer led 6-2 7-5.

In the third set, Gasquet was broken in game two and Federer consolidated for 3-0. The end looked near.

4-2 after three more service holds.

Four deuces and two break points in the Federer service game, the seventh of the set. The second was converted with the third of three straight unforced Swiss errors.

4-4 after a Gasquet hold.

Federer held serve to love and after being down game point, and having wasted a break point, he hit 3 outright winners to break and win the game set and match.

6-2 7-5 6-4 and the defending champion won through to the fourth round.

Two more wins from a possible semi final against Djokovic.

Kerber thrashes Sharapova

The first match on RLA on the middle Saturday at night featured the only 2 ladies to have won the singles title here before, and both dangerous here.

Angie Kerber (21) has been unquestionably the form player on tour, undefeated through the Hopman Cup and winner of the Sydney International.

Maria Sharapova has been impressive in the two rounds of the Aus Open, defeating Tatjana Maria and Anastasija Sevastova (14) without dropping a set.

The match began with Sharapova losing serve in her first effort to trail 1-0

Kerber forced four errors, three on the Russian forehand.

The German swiftly made it 2-0 before Sharapova held serve and trailed 1-2. It wasn’t easy, going to deuce three times and saving a break point.

That was all the joy Sharapova could glean from set one.

Kerber won the next game, losing only one point due to a double fault and led 3-1.

Attacking the Russian backhand, the 21st seed broke again and it was 4-1.

Backhand and forehand winners from Kerber took her to within a game of the set, and a third break, this time to love sealed the deal 6-1 in half an hour.

Kerber broke Sharapova in game two of set two, but was broken back the next game.

A love game from Sharapova levelled things at 3-3 and it appeared that a contest may be happening.

No such luck - Kerber saved a break point en route to 4-3, then broke Maria’s serve, and held again to win the set 6-3.

The match was done and dusted 6-1 6-3 and Kerber marched into the round of sixteen.

Chung finishes all over Zverev

The second match on RLA on Day Six was a little late beginning thanks to Halep and Davis but it rates as a good one between fourth seed Sascha Zverev and Korean Hyeon Chung.

Both opened well with strong service games and 1-1.  

Caroline Garcia (8) defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-3 5-7 6-2.

30-30 on the Zverev serve. A break point created was saved by Zverev who proceeded to win the game and lead 2-1.

Two games full of errors - mostly forced - saw serves held for 3-2.

Chung was taken to deuce but didn’t like it there so served an ace and hit a clean winner to move to 3-3 which was more to his liking.

Zverev served an ace and a service winner, together with a pair of forehand winners in a love game to lead 4-3.

Chung levelled at 4-4 and again at 5-5. Zverev was down 0-30 in the ninth game, but held on.

Zverev put the pressure on Chung to hold and stay in the set after holding himself for 6-5.

Three set points to Zverev after a pair of winners from both sides.

One saved. The second converted with a netted ground stroke from Chung. 7-5 Zverev.

Dominic Thiem (5) won the first two sets from Adrian Mannarino (26) 6-4 6-2.

Zverev closed out the opening game of set two with a pair of aces, and Chung wasted three game points before forcing errors and levelling at 1-1.

Again Zverev finished his service game with two aces to lead 2-1.

Chung levelled due to three loose German forehands, and Zverev again took the lead with a comfortable hold.

An opening double fault was forgotten when a lunge volley winner was delivered by Chung. His forehand winner confirmed the scoreline of 3-3.

After 4-4, Zverev delivered two aces, a service winner, and a forehand winner, surrounding a double fault, taking him within a game of a two set lead.  

Three game points to level again. Only one needed and 5-5.

A fourteenth ace from Zverev sealed the eleventh game and forced Chung to hold and stay in the set via a tie break.

Only one point lost to Chung’s serve and indeed a tie break necessary.

Chung took the first point, and off the German serve.

2-0 to the Korean.

Zverev retrieved the mini break and 1-2 became 3-2 after his two serves.

3-3 and an end change.

A backhand winner from Chung off a Zverev serve and 5-3.  

6-3 and three set points. Only one needed and sets are level one each.

The third match scheduled for RLA (Barty v Osaka) has had to be shifted to Margaret Court Arena because the Halep Davis match lasted too long, and time is too tight considering the start of the night session.

Dominic Thiem (5) has defeated Adrian Mannarino (26) 6-4 6-2 7-5.

Marton Fucsovics leads Nicolás Kicker 6-3 6-3 2-0

In game two of set three Zverev survived two deuces but the in next game a break point was converted by the fourth seed and he led 2-1.

Two service holds and 3-2.

Two break points saved by Zverev. And game won by him for 4-2.

Quickly it was 5-2 after Chung was broken to love, and Zverev a game away from two sets to one.

Two set points arrived via Luftwaffe and one was converted through a forced error. Set to Zverev and he led 7-5 6-7(3) 6-2.

Chung broke Zverev in the second game of set four and consolidated the break to lead 2-0.

A twelve minute game and two break points saved saw Chung lead 3-0.

Zverev fought back from 40-0, winning five points in succession, and trailed 1-3.

Chung held for 4-1.

Serving for the set at 5-3, Chung hit two winners and an ace to level at two sets apiece.

Two double faults from Zverev in the opening game of the decider and he lost his serve to love.

Chung strung together 13 points in succession as he won the fourth set and took a 2-0 advantage in the fifth.

Chung extended the lead to 3-0 with another break.

Another double fault and errors all over RLA from Zverev. Chung just cleaning up the mess. 5-0 and serving for the match.

An ace and service winner and three match points - no problem - Chung made the round of sixteen in a major for the first time, defeating a top ten and top five player for the first time.

5-7 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 6-0.

Next the winner of Novak Djokovic (14) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (21).

Barty overwhelmed by Osaka

Ash Barty (18) had a third round meeting with hard hitting Naomi Osaka on Margaret Court Arena, shifted from RLA because of timing.

Ash started as favourite but Osaka would cause a lot of competition.

Barty served first, and after two errors she delivered an ace and service winner and reached 30-30. However Osaka created a break point and converted it thanks to more Barty errors.

An ace and clean winner highlighted Osaka’s service hold - 2-0.

Barty held to feature on the scoreboard 1-2.

Two break points to Barty - both saved, the second with an ace.

Osaka held for 3-1.

A swift hold by Ash left her close but behind a break 2-3.

Osaka held easily for 4-2.

Two break points for Barty which were stamped out by Osaka who proceeded to hit a series of winners and capture the opening set 6-4.

Barty, for the third match in succession, would need to win in three.

From 30-0 Barty dropped serve in the first game of set two.

She had deuces in Osaka’s next game but was unable ro break and trailed 4-6 0-2.

Osaka broke again, sealing it with winners.

4-0 after three successive aces in Osaka’s next service game.

0-30 for Barty but she fought back to finally see a score registered on the board this set for her. 4-1 Osaka.

Osaka served for the match at 5-2. Down 0-30 she served brilliantly when it mattered to win the match 6-4 6-2.

Next for her world number one Simona Halep.

Halep defeats Davis in epic

First up on RLA on Day Six was top seed Simona Halep from Romania, doing battle with unseeded Lauren Davis from the US.

Having a problem with an ankle injury suffered in her first round match, Halep has managed her way through to this clash, but the question is can her talent alone carry her over the line today ?

Davis won the opening game, solving a deuce issue, and a Halep backhand winner saved the top seed from a break of her initial serve.

1-1.

The second exchange of serves was easier, but Halep was first to deliver a break of serve in game five. Three American errors contributed. 3-2 Halep.

A backhand winner from Davis brought up two break back points and she converted the second for 3-3.

4-4 came and went before Davis struck once more - at 4-5 Halep committed three errors to set up two break points.  

A Davis winning forehand on the first won the game and set 6-4.

A problem now for the world number one.

Davis held serve solidly to start set two but after Halep held comfortably, Davis lost her momentum and her serve - from 15-40 four straight points lost, the last with a double fault.

A love game consolidated the break and Davis then held for 2-3.

Halep saved a break point to make it 4-2, and Davis saved three to progress to 3-4.

At 5-4 Halep served to level the match - 3 unforced errors from Davis brought up 3 set points and Halep hit a backhand winner immediately.

The top seed was even at 4-6 6-4.

The decider was 1-1 after easy holds from both players.

Madison Keys (17) defeated Ana Bogdan 6-3 6-4.

The third game could well have been the match decider as Halep broke to love - all points a result of American unforced errors.

Another love game on serve and the lead for Simona was 3-1.

After Halep won her tenth point in succession, Davis steadied to hold for 2-3.

Two break back points - both saved. Another one created with a volley winner. Saved. A forehand forced an error and a fourth break chance.

Saved. Fifth chance taken and 3-3.

Two forehand winners, thwarted by a double fault, didn’t stop Davis launching to 4-3.

Halep regrouped and held strongly for 4-4.  

A backhand winner from Halep and an unforced error from Davis had the American down two break points. One was saved, the second not.

Halep served for the match - opening point to the top seed, then a double fault.

Break point after Halep error - games 5-5 following break of serve.

Two more break points for Halep and a second chance to serve for the fourth round.

Breaks of serve all over the place as Halep failed again to serve it out.

6-6.

7-7 with easy service holds at last.

However, Halep used the second of two break pointe to lead 8-7 and have a third crack at serving it out.

No luck for Simona again - 8-8.

After a long game and three break points, Lauren held serve and led 9-8.

Trading forehand errors it was 15-15.

Winners from both sides by Davis and deuce - Halep did well to hold and 9-9.

10-9 Davis and Halep 15-30 serving to stay in the match.

Two errors from Davis and game point - saved.

Another chance for Halep to even things but deuce again - ace and off forehand winner. 10-10.

30-30 and problems for Davis - but attacking worked for 40-30 and then the game. 11-10.

Ripping Davis backhand. 0-30, then three match points.

All saved.

Eventually 11-11.

Medical timeout for Davis. Back on court in strife at 15-30.

Double fault and two break points. One saved. And the second.

A third break chance. Saved. Fourth and fifth break points saved.

A remarkable service hold - correction: this match has gone beyond anything remarkable - and Davis led 12-11.

Karolina Pliskova (6) defeated Lucie Safarova (29) 7-6(6) 7-5 in an all Czech clash.

Davis led 13-12 after two comfortable service games. 

30-30 on Halep’s serve and she managed to hold for 13-13.

Davis lost the opening point on her next serve. And 0-30.

A third forced error and three break points.

One saved. Not the second and for the fourth time Halep would serve for the match. This time she looked the fitter player..

15-0 the ideal start but a netted shot from Halep complicated things somewhat. 30-30 after a netted shot from Davis.

Match point for Halep. A wide shot from Davis and the epic was finished.

Halep the victor 4-6 6-4 15-13 in three and three quarter hours.

Wozniacki in two sets over Bertens

Number row seed, Caroline Wozniacki, who was two points from exiting the 2018 Aus Open in the second round, played Kiki Bertens (30) in a third round match on RLA night five.

Two winners from Kiki gave her break point in the opening game but Caroline saved it and then broke the Bertens serve to lead 2-0.

At 30-30 a clean winner helped Wozniacki to hold for 3-0.

Bertens finally was on the board at 1-3

Wozniacki held to love and Bertens managed a deuce game and it was 4-2.

Wozniacki was more comfortable on serve but at 5-3 she was the one broken, Bertens with a pair of forehand winners and forcing errors on the Wozniacki backhand.

Serving at 4-5, Kiki was broken to love, and the set went to Wozniacki 6-4.

Wozniacki opened set two with winning the first three games and looking odds on to taking the match.

Bertens was committing too many errors and saved a break point to prevent a 0-4 scenario.

2-5 arrived and Bertens held serve to stay in the match.

Wozniacki was primed to serve it out, but it was far from easy.

An 18 point game, with 6 deuces and 3 break points, but the second seed forced three successive errors on the Bertens backhand to win 6-4 6-3.

Next challenge Magdalena Rybarikova (19).

Kyrgios defeats Tsonga in classic

The best match, in my opinion, played so far at Aus Open 2018, was on RLA night 5.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (15) took on Nick Kyrgios (17) and treated the crowd to a serving exhibition like none seen for many a time.

Tsonga opened with an ace and 2 forehand winners to set the trend for the match, and Kyrgios replied with his love game, including an ace and service winner.

No surprises yet.

Then an exchange of service breaks to shock everyone - Tsonga lost his serve from 0-30 in the third game with four unforced errors and Kyrgios lost his in the sixth game, again due mainly to his own mistakes.

3-3 and from there it was just Kyrgios hitting aces and Tsonga serving also serving brilliantly and volleying too well for many of the Australian’s passing attempts.

A tie break was the only way set one could be resolved because no one could break serve anymore.

No points were lost against serve for the first eight points - then two errors from the forehand of Tsonga, one on his serve, gave Kyrgios 6-4 and two set points.

The first was on his racquet but he was disappointed when Tsonga hit a forehand winner.

However when serving to level at 6-6 the Frenchman double faulted to give Kyrgios the set 7-6(5).

Set two began with both men holding serve comfortably until the fifth game where Tsonga broke serve on the back of Aussie unforced errors.

Kyrgios was up 40-0 in the seventh game but was brought back to break point which he saved.

Tsonga held serve for the remainder of set two and levelled at 6-7(5) 6-4.

No breaks of serve in set three, not even a break point, and another tie break.

Kyrgios won the first point against serve with a forehand winner to lead 4-2, but Tsonga hit back and it was 5-5 soon after Nick’s unforced error at 4-4.

An Aussie forehand winner on the Jo-Wilfried serve and it was set point.

Converted and Kyrgios was two sets to one up 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(6).

Kyrgios was playing catch up in the fourth set but again no breaks of serve and a third tie break was required.

Tsonga was in control after a double fault from Kyrgios on the second point and a winner from the French racquet on the Aussie serve, to bring it to 5-2 and two Tsonga serves to come.

Kyrgios won the next five points - four from French errors - to steal the set and match.

7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(6) 7-6(5)

Amazing match with nearly 60 aces hit and Kyrgios beating a childhood hero in their second encounter - next for Nick a fourth round test against third seed Grigor Dimitrov, the man he beat in Brisbane recently.

Dimitrov in 4 over Rublev

Grigor Dimitrov (3) (Bulgaria) is due to play the final day match on RLA today against Andrey Rublev (30) (Russia).

Grigor was fortunate to scrape through his second round clash with lowly ranked Mackenzie McDonald while Rublev has handled David Ferrer and Marcos Baghdatis.

In their sole meeting, Rublev defeated Dimitrov in the 2017 US Open.

In the opening service game, 3 unforced Bulgarian errors equaled the number of break points. Two were saved, one with an ace. But the third was not and Rublev led 1-0.

Rublev continued to start well and held for 2-0.

Dimitrov put a score on the board, sealing with an ace. Then four unforced errors cost Rublev his serve and Dimitrov was thankful.

Down two break points himself, Grigor survived for 3-2.

Rublev served a love game and levelled at 3-3.  

Dimitrov held serve and then created three break points on the Rublev serve and would have the chance to serve this out.

A double fault and 0-15. An ace and 15-15. 30-30 and tricky for Dimitrov. Set point reached though.

It went to Dimitrov 6-3.

Elise Mertens defeated Alize Cornet 7-5 6-4.

Kyle Edmund defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6(7) 3-6 4-6 6-0 7-5.

Both players started with comfortable service game holds in set two.

Two break points on the Rublev serve were saved but not a third and Dimitrov led 2-1.

A backhand winner from Grigor for 40-0 and then a love game - 3-1.

A couple of service holds and 4-2 Dimitrov.

A double fault and 30-30 but Rublev held ok for 3-4.

Pablo Carreno Busta (10) defeated Gilles Muller (23) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 7-5.

A Dimitrov forehand winner saved a break point, but a double fault donated another chance to Rublev. A winning forehand saved that and a game point was saved by Rublev.

Deuce arrived again. Break point number three successfully converted and games level at 4-4, with three successive errors from the Bulgarian racquet.

Rublev felt 100% better than he did just a short time earlier.

Having held serve, Rublev had Dimitrov down 0-30.

It came to deuce. Then set point for Rublev.

Errors from Dimitrov and sets were even for the Russian 3-6 6-4.

In set three Rublev saved three break points in the third game and it eventually was 2-1.

Rublev, having saved all those break points, broke Dimitrov in the sixth game to lead 4-2.

Dimitrov returned the favour and it was 4-3.

Another hold and serve and Dimitrov served for the set at 5-4.

Three deuces but Grigor worked through those and won the set 6-4.

In the opening game of set four, Rublev saved a break point and games were 1-1 when Dimitrov held serve afterwards.

Two Russian winners brought up 30-30 but a netted ground stroke presented a break point to Grigor - saved with an overhead winner.

A game point was converted and Rublev led 2-1.

Dimitrov had no difficulty evening things at 2-2.

Three double faults from Rublev in the fifth game gave a break chance to Dimitrov but it was saved. The game was won by the Russian and he kept the lead 3-2.

Two break points for Rublev and the first saved. Plus the second.

A double fault brought up a third break chance. Saved with a forehand volley combo. Ace followed for game point. Ultimately game to the Bulgarian - 3-3.

Dimitrov broke in the seventh game and led at the right time 4-3.

He consolidated for 5-3.

Rublev held to love and Dimitrov served for the match at 5-4.

Break back point due to forced error - saved. 

A second break chance - saved.

Match point - Dimitrov the victor 

6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 

Next for Dimitrov is the winner of Tsonga (15) v Kyrgios (17)

Svitolina too strong for 15 year old

Match two on Day Five on RLA sees a battle of the Ukraine.

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina playing 15 year old Marta Kostyuk.

Kostyuk was ranked 522 before making it this far and because of her success she will jump to at least 247.

First up she broke Svitolina to love, with two winners the highlight.

A double fault from the teenager donated a break point to Svitolina and the fourth seed won the game to level at 1-1.

Elina won the third game, clinching it with an ace. Kostyuk won her second game, a backhand winner the final point.

Svitolina won the next two games, the first to love and then another break, taking 14 points, four deuces, and three break points.

At 2-4, Kostyuk was struggling against a top five opponent in top form - Elina held serve comfortably and broke once more to take the set 6-2.

The first two games of set two were shared, but Svitolina then won the next three, breaking the Kostyuk serve twice in the process.

Kostyuk stopped the bleeding with a strong sixth service game, forcing errors from the Svitolina racquet three times.

2-4 became 2-5 as the fourth seed won yet another love game.

Two match points, and a double fault was enough to give the victory to Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-2.

Next for Elina will be qualifier Denisa Allertova.

Martic defeats Kumkhum

Day Five of the Aus Open 2018 and the temperature threatens to reach 42 C.

The first match on RLA features unseeded players Petra Martic, ranked 89, from Croatia, and Luksika Kumkhum, ranked 125, from Thailand.

Neither woman has faced a seeded player but Martic took out Irina-Camelia Begu who had dispensed with Ekaterina Makarova (31).

Luksika Kumkhum defeated Belinda Bencic who knocked out Venus Williams (5).

Luksika served first and was quickly down 0-30. Four unforced errors from Croatia gave the game to Thailand.

In another game full of errors Kumkhum gained a break from her second chance and led 2-0.

Martic had a break chance in game three and won it with a terrific drop shot.

An ace and a forehand winner highlighted Martic holding serve for 2-2.

A Thai double fault and errors presented Martic with break points, the second of which was converted and 3-2.

Break point for Kumkhum was saved, but a backhand winner set up another. A long shot from Martic confirmed the break and 3-3.

A Kumkhum double fault and a Martic forehand winner created two break points - one was needed and Martic again took a lead, 4-3 with serve to come.

A comfortable hold by Martic and just one game from the set.

0-30 and trouble for Kumkhum. Set point with a Kumkhum error.

Another mistake and Martic a set to the good 6-3.

Denisa Allertova won the first set from Magda Linette 6-1

Four clean winners to Kumkhum and she won the opening game of set two, breaking Martic.

Two winners from 30-30 and Kumkhum led 2-0.

Martic held serve, sealing it with an ace, but trailed by a break 1-2.

Kumkhum held for 3-1. The two traded forehand winners before Martic had game points. One was saved by a Thai backhand winner. A Croatian forehand winner took Petra to 2-3 still a break down.

Another break for Kumkhum following a safe hold, two winners the final game points.

0-30 after a double fault when serving for the set. Two break points and the first one was used. 3-5 Martic.

30-30 and trying to stay in the set. A set point after a Kumkhum winner.

The Thai player won and levelled the match 3-6 6-3.

Denisa Allertova defeated Magda Linette 6-1 6-4.

Kyle Edmund leads Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6(0) 3-3.

After being up 40-0, Kumkhum lost the next five points to be broken in the opening game of the deciding set.

Three break back points and only one needed for 1-1.

The rally of the match was concluded with a Kumkhum forehand winner out of the air. 

A repeat for 30-0. Two game points arrived. One required and 2-1.

Martic 40-0 and three game points. One saved but a Kumkhum error for 2-2.

Basilashvili has levelled his match with Edmund 6-7(0) 6-3.

At 30-30 Kumkhum netted a volley for break point but a winning forehand saved it. Another shot wide of the mark and second break point. Also saved. A slashing backhand from Kumkhum ended the new ‘point of the match’ but the resulting game point was saved. A clean backhand winner brought up another game point but it was saved.

Now a break point. Saved. Another. Saved with a volley into open court.

Game of 19 points to Kumkhum and 3-2.

3 forehand winners aided Martic to level at 3-3.

Kumkhum was outstanding with a forehand, then followed with an ace.

A service winner and another ace was just the tonic and retained the lead for Kumkhum 4-3.

Kumkhum won the important first point, and a double fault had Martic at 15-30. Two break points and in deep trouble. One saved. And the second. Service held and 4-4.

5-4 Kumkhum after a service game with 3 winners.

30-30 following a drop shot winner from Kumkhum. Game though to Martic 5-5.

From 40-15 Kumkhum lost four straight points and was broken - the last three double fault and unforced errors.

Martic serving for the match at. 6-5.

15-30 with 2 forehand winners from Kumkhum.

Match point was taken and Petra Martic won 6-3 3-6 7-5.

She will play the winner of Elise Mertens and Alize Cornet.

Federer finds Struff tough

Roger Federer (2) was not going to be fussed in his second round match with Jan-Lennard Struff, currently ranked 53, even though the German is coming off a successful 2017, making two semi finals and three quarter finals. He beat Tomas Berdych in Doha this year before falling to eventual winner Monfils.

Roger began as usual, breaking the serve of his opponent early, not quite as early as he would have liked, but in the fifth game, with a forehand winner.

Struff had saved a break point in his second service game and generally had played a good match to this point. 

Love games from both players and we arrived at Swiss 4-3.

Federer held for 5-3 then Struff impressed with a service game forcing the second seed into three errors and capping it off with an ace.

Despite a good set of tennis from the German, Roger served it out 6-4, managing two deuces in the process.

Set two was also competitive, Struff saving two break points in the third game but failing to avoid Federer breaking in the key seventh for 4-3.

The Swiss maestro proceeded to deliver a second set 6-4 to his bag of riches.

Set three, which is the final set of matches that Roger mostly plays, was the closest that he has been to defeat of any kind for awhile.

After both opened with love games, Struff survived three break points for 2-1 in a game lasting 14 points.

Then the unthinkable - a Swiss broken serve ! Three forced errors from Roger gave the break to Jan-Lennard on his second chance and he led 3-1.

At 40-30, and so close to consolidating his break, Struff served a double fault. Seeing a chance, Federer whipped in with forehand and backhand winners to break back. 2-3 and on serve.

Federer saved a break point and levelled at 3-3 before Struff served a love game for the lead once more.

Roger replied with the same and Struff surrendered just one point to bring up 5-4.

A double fault when serving at 5-5 had the German in strife at 15-40, but he saved those break points and then watched Federer easily serve the two into a tie break.

Struff opened the tie break with a double fault but an unforced error from Switzerland cancelled that. 

Two loose German forehands gave Federer 6-3 and three match points, the second of which was enough to catapult the defending champion into a third round match against Richard Gasquet. 

6-4 6-4 7-6(4)