AO - Men’s semis - Djokovic v Federer

In just their 50th meeting, the two youngsters, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer did battle in the first men’s singles semi final on Night Eleven on RLA, 2020 AO.

The crippled Federer needed a long first game on serve to start this one like a hole in the head, but he had to endure it anyway.

Djokovic began nicely, winning the opening two points courtesy of Swiss mistakes. 

An ace was good, the netted forehand not so bright and two break points for the defending champion. Both saved, through Serb error and Swiss winner. Federer wasted three game points before holding with a forehand winner.

Three successive service breaks saw Federer surprisingly lead 3-1, and the problems for Djokovic became bigger when Federer consolidated, three aces contributing.

Djokovic was trailing 1-4 and 0-40, after a double fault, a Federer forehand winner, and Djokovic backhand error. 

Then the comeback. A Federer return error, an ace, and netted Swiss forehand. Deuce. Serve held on second game point. 

Federer’s love game took him to within a game of the set.

Djokovic held, after being down 0-30, leaving Federer to serve for the set at 5-3.

A double fault and 0-15. Backhand found the net 0-30. Forehand out of court 0-40. Three break back points. Forehand netted and the break. 

Djokovic back on serve, and it remained that way until 6-6 and a tie break, Federer surviving two break points in the eleventh game.

Djokovic won the opening point of the tie break, off the Federer serve. He was solid on his two serves, his backhand pass on the second point excellent. 

At 0-3, Federer won his first point with a forehand winner, but a netted backhand saw him fall to 1-4, with two Djokovic serves to come.

An ace for 5-1, and a run to the net then surprising incredible drop shot to bring up five set points. A return backhand winner down the line completed a stellar tie break and won the set 7-6(1).

Federer saved two break points in game two of set two, and another in game six. Games were on serve until Federer went to the line at 4-5.

At 30-15, Federer found the net with a backhand, but a service winner gave him game point. A netted Swiss backhand and deuce. Same again and set point. A brilliant running forehand pass from Djokovic for the set 6-4.

For five games of set three, deuce wasn’t visited. At 2-3, Federer served. A Djokovic lob won the opening point, but a Federer forehand winner, and two Djokovic forehand errors gave the third seed two game points. A Djokovic backhand winner, and Federer backhand error brought it to deuce. Federer hit the net with his forehand and it was break point. A Djokovic off forehand cross court winner confirmed the break and he led 4-2.

At 5-3 the defending champion served for the match.

Two aces for 30-0. A Federer backhand forced an error. 30-15. A Swiss forehand winner. 30-30. Djokovic brought up match point with a forehand winner. It was over when Federer hit the net with a backhand.

Novak Djokovic gave himself a chance to defend his title, winning 7-6(1) 6-4 6-3.

AO - Women’s semis - Halep v Muguruza

Day 11 of the 2020 AO and women’s singles semi finals - the second pitting fourth seed Simona Halep against unseeded but highly credentialed Garbiñe Muguruza.

Halep served first and wasn’t overly troubled to hold. Muguruza on the other hand trod a hard road in her first trip to the line. 

At 30-30, the Spanish backhand was wide.and break point came. Saved when Halep found the net with a backhand. A Romanian backhand winner produced a second break chance. Saved with a forehand put away at the net. A pair of forehand winners levelled things.

At 2–2 Halep had to work hard - her netted forehand and Muguruza winners gave the Spaniard two break points. One saved with a Halep forehand winner. The next with a Muguruza error. Halep held for 3-2.

Serving at 3–3 and 30-30, Halep was all over the place when a Muguruza forehand was fired down the line. Break point. The break came with a backhand put away, set up by a backhand down the line. 

Serving for the set at 5-4, Muguruza missed with a backhand, and netted two forehands. Three break points. A backhand hit the net, and it was 5-5.

Muguruza at 5-6 served to reach a tie break. Two Spanish errors and it was 0-30. An ace for 15-30. A wide forehand from Muguruza and two set points. An ace saved one. A Halep error the other. A tie break was required after Muguruza held.

Muguruza won the first point, against the Halep serve.

After five points Muguruza led 3-2, but the next four points all went against serve, leaving the unseeded player ahead 5-4, two serves to come. 

A service winner and two set points. A Muguruza forehand was long and one set point saved. Halep hit a forehand winner and it was 6-6.

A backhand from Muguruza was long and Halep had set point at 7-6. Saved with a Spanish service winner. A double fault gave Halep another set point, this time on her serve. Saved when Halep hit a forehand wide.

A Halep backhand error gave Muguruza set point. Halep hit the net and Muguruza took the set 7-6(8).

In set two, Halep struggled to hold serve in game two, saving two break points. Then she broke Muguruza to lead 2-1, converting the third of three break points when the Spaniard found the net with a backhand.

Attempting to consolidate, Halep was 30-30 on serve. Her backhand floated wide and a Muguruza forehand winner confirmed a break back. 2-2.

A Halep forehand winner received a Muguruza backhand winner in response, but errors from Spain gave Halep two break chances. These were avoided, both with aces, but two other break points came. A double fault produced one which was saved with an ace. A Halep forehand winner raised the other, which was converted once Muguruza hit a backhand long.

3-2 Halep.

The Romanian consolidated her position to 4-2, but not before she had to save a pair of break points. 

Serving for the set, Halep played her part in an epic game that went to deuce three times and saw her save three break points, but ultimately was won by Muguruza who converted her fourth break point. 5-5.

The Spaniard moved swiftly to the lead 6-5, requiring Halep to now serve to stay in the contest.

Muguruza won the first two points, and with a running down of Halep’s drop shot, to then put away a forehand winner, two match points were created. One was saved, but when a Halep  backhand hit the net, it was over.

Garbiñe Muguruza won her place in the Australian Open final, by winning 7-6(8) 7-5.

AO - Women’s semis - Barty v Kenin

Day 11 of the 2020 AO and women’s singles semi finals - the first pitting top seed Ashleigh Barty against Sofia Kenin (14)

Barty served first, and for five games the pair went toe to toe, neither prepared to give ground on their serves.

At 2-3, Kenin had the first drama with which to deal. 

A forehand miss and double fault saw her at 0-30. A wide backhand from Kenin gave Barty two break points. Both saved when Barty netted  backhands. A third break point arrived following a Barty backhand winner, but her backhand return landed out and it was deuce. Kenin held on her second game point, Barty again finding the net with her backhand. 3-3.

At 5-5, Barty had her first difficulty on serve, surviving three deuces before holding. Kenin took it to a tie break.

The first two points went against serve, Kenin winning with a lob, then losing with a long forehand. 

On serve until at 2-3 Kenin lost a point on her delivery to a Barty forehand down the line. 

Serving at 4-3, Barty made a mess of a forehand and it was level again, but she won the next point on serve, a forehand winner this time.

At the line, and at 4-5, Kenin received a cross court forehand return winner from Barty and two set points arrived.

One was saved when Barty hit the net with her backhand. Barty served at 6-5, but Kenin passed her with a forehand. 6-6.

Kenin hit another forehand winner and led 7-6, with serve to come. Barty’s return hit the net and Kenin was ahead 7-6(6).

After two easy service holds in set two, Kenin was serving at 1-1. The American hit a forehand wide, Barty hit a backhand long, then a forehand return wide, but an Australian forehand winner down the line made it 30-30. A wonderful backhand winner from Barty produced a break point, and after Kenin hit her backhand long Barty achieved the break to lead 2-1.

Barty maintained that break, and neither player was taken to deuce, until the top seed went to the line at 5-4, serving for the set.

Kenin landed wide with her forehand, then a return hit the net. 30-0. Kenin chased down a drop shot, then an overhead forced a Barty error. 30-15. A rifled forehand from Barty drew an error from Kenin and two set points. Brilliance at the net from Kenin saved one. A Barty forehand was way long and it was deuce. 

A Kenin return was too good, and Barty found the net. Break point. Saved when Kenin’s backhand was wide. A sizzling backhand pass gave Kenin another chance. Barty smashed a forehand into the net and was broken. 5-5.

An American love game put the pressure on Barty to stay in the match at 5-6.

Double fault and a wide Barty forehand. 0-30. Forehand winner from the top seed. 15-30. A mishit Barty forehand and two match points for Kenin. One saved with a forehand winner. The match was over when Barty hit a forehand long.

Sofia Kenin was victorious 7-6(6) 7-5, and marched into her first final at Grand Slam level, with it jumping into the world top ten.

AO - Semi Finalists

These are the 2020 Australian Open singles semi finalists:

Women’s Singles

Ashleigh Barty (1) v Sofia Kenin (14)

Simona Halep (4) v Garbiñe Muguruza 

Barty has a 4-1 record in meetings with Kenin

They met four times last year with Barty winning three, including the round of 16 at Roland Garros

 Kenin won the most recent match in Wuhan in the round of 16.

Muguruza has a 3-2 record in meetings with Halep, but three of those matches were played in 2014-2015.

The most recent clashes saw a hard court win by Muguruza in Cincinnati in 2017, 6-1 6-0, and a clay court win by Halep at Roland Garros in 2018, 6-1 6-4

Men’s Singles 

Dominic Thiem (5) v Alexander Zverev (7)

Roger Federer (3) v Novak Djokovic (2)

Thiem has a 6-2 record in meetings with Zverev, with five of those decided on clay. 

Zverev won the Madrid Masters 1000 final against Thiem in 2018, but Thiem has won the last two meetings, the Roland Garros quarter final in 2018, and the ATP Finals semi final at the end of last year.

Djokovic enjoys a 26-23 record over Federer, including a 3-1 record at the Australian Open, albeit those matches were in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2016.

The pair have met four times since the 2016 Australian Open semi final which Djokovic won. Djokovic won the Cincinnati Masters 1000 final and the Paris Masters semi final, both in 2018. Last year, Djokovic won the historic Wimbledon final, and at the end of the year Federer won a round robin match at the ATP Finals.

AO - Night 10 - Nadal v Thiem

The last quarter final of the 2020 AO pitted 2019 Roland Garros finalists Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem against each other on RLA on Night Ten.

Nadal served first, and after seven games the opening set was on serve, the Spaniard ahead 4-3. Thiem had lost just one point in holding his serve, while it had been a longer road for the top seed, Nadal needing to save a break point in the fifth game.

For all that Thiem was the one under the first real pressure.

After holding to love, Nadal broke Thiem, also to love, and led 5-3,

Serving for the set, Nadal was denied when he had a set point, then Thiem broke back, converting the third of three chances.

Back on serve, and that’s how it remained until a tie break.

Nadal won the first point against serve in the tie break and had the early lead 2-0. Thiem grabbed the initiative on the fourth and fifth points, winning both off the Nadal delivery, the first a running forehand pass, the second a Nadal forehand failure.

Nadal put it back on serve, winning the seventh point off a Thiem serve, courtesy of a forehand winner, but Thiem won the next two points off the Nadal serve to earn three set points. A forehand winner down the line sealed the set for Thiem 7-6(3).

Nadal broke Thiem to love in the fifth game of set two, but Thiem retrieved things in game eight, breaking with the second of three opportunities.

4–4 became 6-6 but not before Nadal saved a set point when serving to send it into a tie break.

Thiem won the first four points of the breaker, but Nadal drew level after taking the fifth and eighth points, both off the Thiem serve.

Serving at 4-5, Nadal played a drop shot but Thiem ran it down and hit a forehand winner. On the first of the resultant two set points, a net cord helped Thiem then put away a forehand to win the set 7-6(4).

Set three saw both players comfortable on serve for nine games, neither taken as far as deuce.

At 4-5, Thiem missed with a backhand, then his forehand landed wide. 0-30. An ace helped, but another backhand mistake gave Nadal two set points. One was saved when the top seed returned a serve long, but the set went to Spain 6-4 after Thiem found the net with a backhand.

Thiem saved three break points in a long second game of set four, then broke Nadal in the third game, the top seed bringing three errors to the table after leading 30-15.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Thiem hit a winning forehand 15-0. The next forehand was overhit and landed long. A double fault and 15-30.

A netted Thiem forehand and two break back points. An ace saved one, but a forehand missed and Nadal levelled at 5-5.

A tie break arrived and the first five points were won against the serve, leaving Thiem ahead with two serves to come.

Points went with serve until Thiem had 5-4. He served out wide and Nadal could only find he net. Two match points. One saved when Thiem smashed the net with an easy forehand. Back on serve. Nadal saved the next match point when Thiem hit a forehand long.

6-6. Thiem earned a third match point with a brilliant passing backhand. This time he converted when Nadal hit the net.

Dominic Thiem was into the Australian Open semi final after winning 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(6).

AO - Day 10 - Wawrinka v Zverev

2014 champion here, Stan Wawrinka, was meeting young gun Alexander Zverev in a quarter final of the 2020 AO on Day Ten on RLA.

The first set was a Swiss whitewash, Wawrinka breaking Zverev in the second game, converting the third of three break points. He also broke him in the fourth game, needing only the one chance.

Wawrinka won 16 of 19 points on his own serve for set one which he won easily 6-1.

Zverev regrouped, and while holding serve in set two five times, without dropping a point, he broke the Swiss serve in the second and eighth games to win the set 6-3 and level the match.

Both players lost their opening serves in set three, and in the fifth game, Wawrinka saw a game point drift away and instead his serve be broken a second time.

At 4-5, Wawrinka faced more pressure at the line, required to save two more break points which in fact were set points. He managed this task, but Zverev still could serve it out.

The German number one came from 15-30 to win the final three points and the set 6-4.

Wawrinka fell behind 0-40 in the opening game of set four, and despite saving two break points, the third was beyond him, and he was broken. After Zverev held, Wawrinka had three separate chances to convert a game point and keep in touch, however he failed on each occasion. Ultimately, Zverev was offered one chance for a double break, and he obliged, leading now 3-0.

Three more break points arose in the set, all in game five, and all saved by Wawrinka.

Zverev served at 5-2 for the match and he won his way into a semi final at Grand Slam level for the first time, the score 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.

AO - Day 10 - Muguruza v Pavlyuchenkova

The last of the women’s singles quarter finals was unexpected. Unseeded Garbiñe Muguruza met 30th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Dual major winner Muguruza had knocked out 5th seed Svitolina and 9th seed Bertens en route to here, while Pavlyuchenkova showed 2nd seed Pliskova the door.

Muguruza led at various stages of set one, but it took hard work. Pavlyuchenkova broke first, in game three, not willing to concede a point to her opponent. Muguruza fought back immediately, breaking for the loss of just one point.

The fight continued, with the Spaniard toughing out the fifth game. Two break points were hurdles successfully cleared, and a 3-2 lead achieved.

Pavlyuchenkova was causing a headache for Muguruza and it wasn’t improving once she was broken in the seventh game to trail 3-4. However, no panic had set in, and in the longest game so far,  Muguruza worked her way around the winning ways of the Russian and broke back, using the third of three break points. At 4-4, Muguruza had patiently planned a course of action which could counter the Pavlyuchenkova offensive and in addition turn the match trajectory toward Spain.

Although taken to deuce, the serving of Muguruza looked consistent and reliable and at 5-4, pressure now was with Pavlyuchenkova. The 30th seed levelled at 5-5, but a swift love game from Muguruza forced Pavlyuchenkova back to the line again.

With her first set point, Muguruza shut the door on Pavlyuchenkova 7-5.

Muguruza led 3-2 in set two, after the pair exchanged breaks of serve at the start. 

The key stage was game six where Pavlyuchenkova was broken to love, giving Muguruza a 4-2 lead.

Serving at 5-3 for the match, Muguruza was quickly to 40-0, and she won with the second of two match points 7-5 6-3.

AO - Day 10 - Halep v Kontaveit

Third quarter final in the women’s singles was the first match on RLA on Day Ten of 2020 AO.

It featured fourth seed Simona Halep against Anett Kontaveit, the latter in her first major quarter final.

After the pair held their opening serves, Kontaveit couldn’t convert three game points and Halep broke through with her first break chance for 2-1.  

In game five, Kontaveit saved four break points, but Halep used the fifth to extend her lead to 4-1.

After saving a break point and holding for 5-1, Halep then broke Kontaveit for the third time, converting the second of two set points for a dominant 6-1.

Set two was even quicker. 

Kontaveit was broken in the second and fourth games, while Halep was never taken to deuce.

The Romanian won 6-1 6-1 in just 53 minutes firing a warning to anyone left in the draw.

AO - Night 9 - Djokovic v Raonic

Night Nine of 2020 AO on RLA saw defending champion Novak Djokovic play Canadian Milos Raonic in a quarter final.

Djokovic had won all previous nine encounters between the pair.

The #2 seed opened impressively, a winning drop shot and two unreturned serves in a love game.

Raonic levelled, including two forehand winners. Djokovic served a second love game, sealing it with a forehand winner.

Raonic was the first in strife on serve. An ace was countered by a double fault and a break point came after a series of errors.

It was saved, as were two others.

Djokovic casually threw in his third straight love game, to lead 3-2, then again pressured the Canadian delivery, creating another break point. Raonic saved it for 3–3.

Both players saved a break point in the next two games, and the score reached 4-4. Djokovic came within a game of taking the set after a comfortable hold in the ninth game.

Raonic served at 4-5. He had a game point at 40-30 after Djokovic won the first two points. Raonic mucked up a volley and it was deuce. Djokovic forced an error and produced set point. Saved by a huge unreturnable serve. Another big serve brought up game point. Wasted when Raonic hit out of court. A second set point after a Djokovic forehand gem. Saved by a Raonic forehand winner. A third set point arrived following a double fault. Saved by a typical giant serve. A fourth set point came with a forehand error from Raonic. This one was converted once a Canadian forehand sailed wide. Djokovic led 6-4.

At 1-2 and on serve in set two, Raonic ran into trouble. He saved two break points, but fell on the third, and Djokovic increased his lead to 3-1. Games then went with serve, although Djokovic was taken to deuce three times in the second game before holding.

Serving at 5-3, Djokovic contributed a love game to take a 6-4 6-3 lead.

Only one break point arose through ten games of the third set, and that was in the second game, but predictably Raonic saved it.

At 5-5, in an eighteen point game, Raonic saved four more break points.

Djokovic served another love game to take it into a tie break.

Djokovic took the first and fifth points off of the Raonic serve, leaving the Serb ahead 4-1 with two serves to come. He won points off both those to bring him five match points. He won the tie break, the set, and the match off the next Raonic serve.

Novak Djokovic joined Federer in the semi finals 6-4 6-3 7-6(1).

AO - Day 9 - Federer v Sandgren

Tennys Sandgren would have his work cut out against the most experienced and one of the best ever, Roger Federer, in a quarter final of the 2020 AO on RLA on Day Nine.

After five games Federer led 3-2 on serve. He had saved one break point while Sandgren had saved five.

In the sixth game, Federer converted another break point and the lead was 4-2.

No more break chances and Federer served out the set 6-3.

Sandgren was taken to deuce before he held serve in the opening game of set two.

Federer missed an easy volley, and a backhand down the line winner from Sandgren had the third seed at 0-30. Federer missed a forehand and faced two break points. An overhit Swiss overhead cost Federer and he trailed 0-2.

Games went to serve until Federer was at the line at 2-5.

At 15-15, a wild forehand miss from Federer, and a netted backhand from the same racquet, produced two set points for Sandgren. One was saved, but Federer found the net once more with a backhand and Sandgren won the set 6-2.

Sandgren opened set three with a hold of service, then broke the Swiss serve to lead 2-0. 

Down 0-40, Sandgren recovered and saved all three break points, a forehand winner, a Swiss backhand error, and a backhand winner.

He held for 3-0.

Federer took time out for an injury check.

No more break points until Federer served at 2-5. A twenty point game, including seven deuces and five saved set points, ended with a sixth set point being converted when Federer netted a backhand.

Sandgren led 3-6 6-2 6-2

Federer’s condition improved as the pain killers took effect and the fourth set was a tight contest, with no break points for the first nine games. 

Serving at 4-5, Federer led 40-15, but Sandgren hit a backhand winner, Federer hit a backhand wide, and then a forehand into the net. Match point. Saved when Sandgren hit the net. Second match point saved when Sandgren hit a forehand wide. Third match point saved when a Sandgren forehand found the net. Federer levelled at 5-5.

A tie break was ultimately required.

Points were on serve for 3-3. Then Sandgren won a point against Federer’s serve when the third seed netted a forehand. 

Sandgren won both points on his serve to give him three more match points.

Federer saved two of them when it was his turn to serve. Then the third seed saved the other against the Sandgren delivery to make it 6-6.

Sandgren won the next point, giving him his seventh match point (on the Federer serve this time) and it was saved like all the other six.

Points went on serve to 8-8, Sandgren saving a set point along the way.

Federer won the 17th point of the tie break which was against the Sandgren serve, then served out the set with his next delivery. 7-6(8)

Set five, the decider, went with serve for five games, Sandgren saving two break points in the second.

Federer made the breakthrough in game six, when Sandgren wasted a game point before the third seed took the last three points and a 4-2 lead.

Roger Federer served the match out 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3, to complete a great escape.

AO - Day 9 - Barty v Kvitova

The standout quarter final on paper was the second one on RLA on Day Nine of 2020 AO.

Top seed Ashleigh Barty against seventh seed Petra Kvitová, the pair that met in a quarter final of last years AO as well. Kvitova won that battle, and Barty was keen to reverse the result.

The Australian served first, and after winning the first three points, the third with an ace, Barty fell into a hole. Kvitova put away a neat volley at the net, Barty netted a backhand, sent another backhand long, and saw a Kvitova return backhand race past her. Break point arrived. Saved through a Kvitova forehand mistake. Serve eventually held with a service winner.

Kvitova won her first game a lot quicker, without losing a point. 

With momentum, the Czech star troubled Barty, a drop shot winner and forcing errors with powerful ground strokes, bringing up three break points. A forehand return winner sealed the break and Kvitova led 2-1.

Barty delivered the third straight love game to immediately break back, two double faults not welcomed by Kvitova.

A fourth love game came, this one giving Barty consolidation of her break, an ace included in the game. Kvitova held on for 3–3, saving a break point.

The seventh game was critical, and Barty was at the line for what seemed like an eternity, but was 20 points. Down 0-40, Barty saved all three break points, but then failed to convert four game points. 

Another two break points came, but they too disappeared, and ultimately Barty won the game of seven deuces.

At 5-5, Barty serving, Kvitova hit a forehand winner, and Barty missed with her forehand. 15-30. A missed Australian backhand and two more break points which had to be handled. One saved thanks to a winning forehand drive. The next after a Kvitova mistake. Barty held on.

Kvitova held serve and a tie break came.

At 1-2, Barty hit a forehand long and was behind a mini break. It was redeemed on the sixth point where extraordinary defence from Barty kept her in the rally - the longest of the match - and eventually drew a Czech error. 

Kvitova had set point at 5-6 but it was on the Barty serve. Barty won both points on her serve to lead 7-6 with a set point, now with Kvitova at the line.

A Kvitova backhand drifted long and the set belonged to Barty 7-6(6).

Barty broke the Kvitova serve in both of the seventh seeds first two trips to the line in set two. The top seed held both of her serves in comparison. 4-0 and closing in on victory.

Kvitova enjoyed a good patch over the next two games, initially holding to love, the backhand working well, then attacking the Australian serve successfully. The retrieval of one of the breaks meant that Kvitova was serving at 2-4.

At 30-30, Barty forced a Kvitova forehand error, and the break point was converted when the seventh seed double faulted.

Barty would serve for the match.

A missed Australian forehand and a Czech forehand winner. 0-30. Forced Kvitova forehand error. 15-30. Missed Barty forehand and two break points. Ace saved one. Forehand winner saved the other. Service winner and match point. Ace and Ashleigh Barty won a semi final berth 7-6(6) 6-2.

AO - Day 9 - Kenin v Jabeur

The first women’s singles quarter final on RLA, Day Nine, 2020 AO was between American Sofia Kenin and Tunisian Ons Jabeur.

Jabeur served first and two forehand winners helped her on the way. After Kenin levelled, she had Jabeur on the run, forcing her into error. Jabeur then made two unforced errors and faced triple break point. A wide forehand cost her and Kenin led 2-1.

At 3-2, the pair exchanged service breaks, and then we had some lengthy games.

Kenin attempted to consolidate when serving at 4-3. She began with a winning forehand, but errors, one forced by an excellent return, gave Jabeur break point. It was saved when Jabeur couldn’t clear the net on return. A second break point was saved with a winning backhand, and serve was finally held with two more winners.

Jabeur saved two set points and held for 4-5.

Serving for the set, Kenin saw three set points pass by, and then had to save a break back point before Jabeur hit a forehand wide on the fourth set point in the game. Kenin ahead 6-4.

In set two, the first four games were split 2-2, with no break points faced.

Jabeur saved a break point to lead 3-2, but in a sixteen point game, failed to convert three opportunities on the Kenin serve. The American held on for 3-3, then proceeded to attack Jabeur. 

Jabeur missed with a forehand twice, and then found the net with a backhand to give Kenin three break chances. All of those were saved, but a fourth reared its head and Jabeur put a forehand wide to give away a break. Kenin led 4-3.

Two love games later, Kenin served at 5-4 for the match.

After a double fault, things went smoothly for the American, with Jabeur inaccurate from both wings, twice from the forehand. Two match points came and a serve out wide was a winner.

Sofia Kenin won her way into the semi final 6-4 6-4.

AO - Quarter Finalists

These are the 2020 Australian Open singles quarter finalists:

Women’s Singles

Ashleigh Barty (1) v Petra Kvitová (7) 

Sofia Kenin (14) v Ons Jabeur

Anett Kontaveit (28) v Simona Halep (4)

Garbiñe Muguruza v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (30)

No one left in the women’s draw has won an Australian Open before, and Simona Halep is the only one to have made a final (2018)

Four have won majors - Barty, Kvitova, Halep, Muguruza (two are reigning major champions, Barty and Halep)

Irrespective of results to come, after the Australian Open Barty and Halep will be ranked #1 and #2 respectively.

Men’s Singles 

Rafael Nadal (1) v Dominic Thiem (5)

Stan Wawrinka (15) v Alexander Zverev (7)

Tennys Sandgren v Roger Federer (3)

Milos Raonic (32) v Novak Djokovic (2)

Four left in the draw have won the AO before - Djokovic (reigning champion) 7 times, Federer 6 times, Nadal and Wawrinka once each.

Depending on results to come, after the Australian Open:

Nadal could be either #1 or #2

Djokovic could be either #1, #2 or #3

Federer could be either #2, #3 or #4

Thiem could be either #3 or #4

AO - Night 8 - Nadal v Kyrgios

The last Australian standing in the men’s singles at the 2020 AO was Nick Kyrgios, and he faced top seed Rafa Nadal on Night Eight on RLA in a round of sixteen match.

Nadal was taken to deuce in the first game of the match, but thereafter he found little difficulty in holding serve in the opening set.

Kyrgios likewise, except in the fourth game, where he surrendered a 40-15 lead to be broken with the second of two break chances.

Nadal served out the set to love and was ahead 6-3.

Kyrgios was in strife in the opening game of set two. Down 40-15 he managed to save the two break points and one other. He wasted two game points before finally holding on.

At 2-1, Kyrgios shocked the Spaniard by converting a break point out of nowhere and leading 3-1.

Three out of the next four games went to love, and Kyrgios served for the set at 5-3.

The Australian levelled when taking the set 6-3.

For seven games of set three, only a total of six points were scored against serve. Then Kyrgios had to stave off a break point to reach 4-4, and Nadal visited deuce twice en route to 5-4.

Kyrgios also survived a couple of deuces before holding and ensuring a tie break.

Kyrgios lost his first point on serve, and after that points remained on serve until Nadal led 5-3 with another delivery in hand. Kyrgios won the point and levelled at 5-5 with the first of his next two serves.

An extraordinary two double faults, one each, followed, and eventually Nadal led 7-6.

Kyrgios had two serves to come, but Nadal won the point on the first of these, and with it the set 7-6(6).

In set four Kyrgios contributed a terrible service game early and was broken to trail 1-2. 

No other breaks occurred in the first nine games - in fact no break points arose. Nadal won 16 of 18 points on his serve in that period, so at 5-4 when serving for the match, things looked pretty good for the top seed.

Kyrgios wasn’t going away, and broke the Spaniard, converting the second of two break chances.

5-5 became a tie break, although Kyrgios did need to save two break points in arriving there.

After exchanging loss of points on each other’s serve, things moved with serve until 3-4 on the Kyrgios serve. The Australian inexplicably tried a drop shot which failed dismally and it gave Nadal the break he needed. 

At 5-4 with two serves to come, the top seed won both points and the match 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) 7-6(4)

Nadal played a brilliant match, attacking ground strokes hitting the mark most of the time, yet he barely won on the scoreboard, proof of the excellent fight and great tennis displayed by Kyrgios. Just a few poor choices of shot at key moments were costly for the Australian, but his disappointment should be used to fuel a motivation for greater things this year - he would have beaten anyone else this night.

AO - Day 8 - Muguruza v Bertens

Unseeded Garbiñe Muguruza met ninth seeded Kiki Bertens on RLA on Day Eight, 2020 AO for a place in the quarter finals.

The first two games were not the finest in terms of pure tennis, Muguruza broken in her opening venture, and Bertens having no more success when at the line.

Muguruza improved her output, and held serve for 2-1, an ace included. Two Bertens forehand winners overshadowed a double fault and she levelled at 2-2.

After a Spanish love game, Bertens found herself in trouble after a trio of errors. One of the two break points was saved, but a wayward backhand gave Muguruza a 4-2 edge.

Muguruza was serving well, and an ace was supported by a winning forehand to secure a 5-2 lead. 

After Bertens held comfortably, Muguruza served for the set.

Three big first serves, with no returns landing in play, gave Muguruza three set points. One was saved, but a forced Dutch backhand error ended the set, Muguruza ahead 6-3.

Set two began in strange fashion, both players dropping their opening serves. Bertens was quick to redeem things, a forehand winner kick starting a love game, and giving her a 2-1 lead.

At 2-2, Bertens was assaulted by a barrage of Spanish groundstrokes, her own forehand winner insufficient to counter the power of the shots being fired at her. Dragged to both sides of the court, Bertens was unable to position herself well enough to land enough shots in play and the forced errors left her facing two break points. A double fault gave Muguruza the break and a 3-2 lead.

An ace and forehand winner for Muguruza continued her momentum and she consolidated the service break for the loss of just one point. 4-2. A love game from Bertens kept her close, two delightful drop shots and a forehand winner down the line the highlights.

Muguruza began the eighth game with an ace. A backhand error was a mere blip as she threw in another ace and a service winner to produce two game points. A Bertens mistake saw Muguruza progress to within a game of the quarter finals.

 

Bertens served at 3-5. A Dutch drop shot winner 15-0. Muguruza ran down the next drop shot and put away the forehand 15-15. Bertens missed a forehand 15-30. A Bertens forehand winner 30-30. Backhand netted by Bertens and match point. A backhand way long from Muguruza and deuce. Bertens sent a forehand wide and long. Second match point. A forehand winner was the appropriate way to finish the match for Garbiñe Muguruza who was victorious 6-3 6-3.

Experience showing in Aus Open

AGES OF THE 2020 AO QUARTER FINALISTS

MEN

Roger Federer 38y 4m

Stan Wawrinka 34/8

Rafael Nadal 33/6

Novak Djokovic 32/6

Milos Raonic 29/0

Tennys Sandgren 28/5

Dominic Thiem 26/3

Alexander Zverev 22/7

Average 30.7

WOMEN

Petra Kvitová 29y 8m

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 28/5

Simona Halep 28/3

Garbiñe Muguruza 26/3

Ons Jabeur 25/4

Anett Kontaveit 24/0

Ashleigh Barty 23/7

Sofia Kenin 21/2

Average 25.8

As much as the teenagers and the NewGen have excited us, and provided further grounds for expectation of future success, they will not be the centre of attention in the second and deciding week of the Australian Open.

AO - Day 8 - Monfils v Thiem

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem faced 10th seed Gaël Monfils in the second match on RLA on Day Eight, 2020 AO.

The round of sixteen match began with Monfils serving. He held, but only after saving a break point forcing Thiem into error with his driving forehand.

Thiem levelled by dropping just one point. Monfils faced a break point in his second service game, despite an ace. Thiem’s forehand winner put him in danger. Monfils hit the net with a backhand and dropped serve. 

At 2-4, 30-0, Monfils serving, Thiem won four straight points. Monfils missed long with a backhand, Thiem bashed a forehand to the flailing Frenchman, then hit a backhand high volley winner, and finally hit a backhand winner at the net. 5-2.

On the third of three set points Monfils hit wide and Thiem took the set 6-2,

The only break points in set two came in game seven. Monfils was broken on the fourth of these when he mucked up a volley. Thiem served a love game to lead 5-3, then Monfils held to trail 4-5 and leave Thiem to serve for the set.

Apart from a double fault, Thiem eased to two set points, A forehand winner on the first set point gave Thiem a 6-2 6-4 lead. 

Monfils was broken in the opening game of set three, and saved break points in games three and five.

Thiem faced no break points for the set.

The Austrian served at 5-4 for the match, and a love game did it. Dominic Thiem won 6-2 6-4 6-4.

AO - Day 8 - Halep v Mertens

The round of sixteen was to be concluded on Day Eight of 2020 AO and on RLA fourth seed Simona Halep did battle with sixteenth seed Elise Mertens.

After both held serve comfortably, Mertens had a long drawn out saga with her second attempt to hold. In a sixteen point debacle, she saved three break points, wasted two game points, but ultimately fell to a fourth break chance.

At 3-2, Halep had her own problems, being broken back with the second of two break points converted.

Mertens just was not having a good day when at the line. She looked decidedly wobbly in the seventh game, scraping through after saving two more break points, then crashed again in the ninth on the first of another two break opportunities.

Halep tortured Mertens when serving for the set, dragging the inevitable out to where a fourth set point was required to settle the issue.

6-4 Halep.

The horror story continued into set two, where Mertens dropped her serve in the opening game. Halep consolidated for a 2-0 lead.

Mertens led 40-30 assisted by a couple of winners, but Halep put away an overhead, then went down the line with a forehand return winner to have break point. Another forehand winner confirmed the break and a 3-0 lead.

Mertens immediately retrieved one of the breaks, forehand and backhand winners helping. 

Serving at 4-3, Halep was victim to a Mertens lob, answered it with a forehand pass, but was forced into error, then was beaten by a Mertens off forehand. Break point. A volley winner from Mertens levelled things at 4-4.

Mertens saved four break points in the next game, but a backhand volley on the fifth sent Halep to 5-4 and to the line serving for the match.

A service winner, forehand winner, and an ace gave Halep three match points. Mertens hit the net with a backhand and Simona Halep won 6-4 6-4.

AO - Night 7 - Federer v Fucsovics

Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics had done extremely well this year, and earned a round of sixteen meeting with third seed Roger Federer on RLA, Night Seven, 2020 AO.

For six games deuce was not visited, and at 3-3, Federer was at the line. Fucsovics converted the third of three break points and shocked the crowd by leading 4-3. He served out the set 6-4.

Roger was an angry man, and broke the Hungarian first chance he had in set two after delivering a love game himself. 

Federer saved a break point in game five then achieved a double break in the next game.

The set was cleaned up 6-1.

Still fuming after the first set calamity, Federer broke Fucsovics twice in the first three games of set three. The Swiss third seed lost focus and needed to save a couple of break points in game four. He was successful then - not so two games later when Fucsovics converted the second of two chances.

At 2-4, Fucsovics fancied his chances of regaining ground in the contest. No such luck as Federer broke for a 5-2 lead.

The set was Swiss, after a slight wobble trailing 30-40

Set four was the last we’d see of Marton Fucsovics in singles at Melbourne Park for 2020. Federer broke him in games one and seven, and served out the match 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2, not facing a break point in the last set, in fact only visiting deuce on his serve in the final game.

AO - Night 7 - Barty v Riske

Top seed Ash Barty hadn’t beaten American Alison Riske in their two previous meetings, including last year at Wimbledon, so the Australian was after revenge in the round of sixteen match, Night Seven on RLA, 2020 AO.

Barty began well, holding serve, then breaking Riske for a 2-0 edge. In the fourth game, Riske survived two break points which would have seen her down a double break. That boost to her fortunes continued in the next game where she began with a forehand winner down the line. Barty hit a forehand long and trailed 0-30. A brilliant Riske volley created two break back points. One was saved with an American backhand miss. Barty hit a backhand wide and the break was secured.

Barty found the net and Riske was ahead 15-0, but things went downhill thereafter. Riske missed with a forehand twice, and when a backhand found the net, Barty had two break chances. A forehand winner down the line gave Barty a 4-2 lead.

Quickly to 40-0 to consolidate her break, Barty included a backhand winner and an ace. One game point disappeared, but another ace sealed a 5-2 advantage.

Riske held, but Barty converted the second of two set points when serving for it. 6-3 and half way to a quarter final.

Riske opened set two leaving the disappointment behind her, a love game on serve to start. Barty led 30-15 on her serve, but frittered away that lead with a forehand error and a double fault. The break point was converted with a backhand miss.

At 1-3 Barty had a chance on the Riske serve, but the American won the next four points and held.

At 1-4 and 30-30, Barty hit long with a backhand, and long with a forehand. Riske at 5-1 served successfully for the set and levelled the match 3-6 6-1.

The deciding set began with Barty in better shape, ahead 2-1, games on serve.

The break came in the fourth game, and the top seed was back in control ahead 3-1. After love games, Barty was at he line leading 4-2.

From 30-15, the Australian slipped and Riske broke back. Three games from America in a row saw games at 4-4.

Barty served next and began with two forehand winners. At 40-15, an ace finished the game which moved her to within one of a quarter final.

Riske was passed by a forehand 0-15. A Barty backhand landed long. 15-15. A Riske forehand winner 30-15. Barty forced a backhand error. Riske netted a backhand and it was match point.

Sadly a double fault finished it.

Ashleigh Barty won a quarter final spot 6-3 1-6 6-4.

AO - Day 7 - Djokovic v Schwartzman

Round of sixteen match between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Argentine 14th seed Diego Schwartzman, on RLA, 2020 AO.

Djokovic was taken to deuce when he served the opening game, the only time either player was extended that far from the line in the first seven games,

Schwartzman served at 3-4, and battled his way to game point after Djokovic hit the net with a forehand. A splendid rally ended with a Djokovic backhand cross court winner. A second game point evaporated with a double fault. Djokovic at this best then completed a cameo with an off forehand winner to have the first break point of the match. Schwartzman found the net and trailed 3-5.

Serving for the set, Djokovic missed a backhand, and so did Schwartzman. A double fault was the last worry for Djokovic though, and a forehand winner, and Schwartzman error presented set point. Schwartzman found the net and Djokovic found himself ahead 6-3.

Djokovic rode some momentum, and broke the previously reliable Argentine serve twice, making it three successive times he had been broken. Djokovic led 3-0.

Seemingly out of nothing, Djokovic surrendered his delivery. Two unforced errors and 0-30. A clean forehand winner helped, but Schwartzman won the point of the match, running to reach a drop shot, then putting a backhand past Djokovic at the net. Break points. One saved with a big serve. Not the second as Schwartzman passed Djokovic down the line with his backhand.

No more break points and Djokovic served for the set at 5-4. A forehand winner, a service winner, and Schwartzman return error. Three set points. A backhand from Schwartzman hit the net and Djokovic was up 6-3 6-4.

No break points in the third set until the fifth game where Djokovic broke Schwartzman to love. Two long games followed, in which break points were saved, and serves were held. Another two games went to serve (more conventional holds) and Schwartzman trailed 4-5.

Djokovic served for the match. An overhead Serb winner, a Schwartzman forced forehand error, and Djokovic backhand winner produced three match points. Schwartzman hit a return wide and Novak Djokovic won 6-3 6-4 6-4.

Roger controlling the seeds

Roger Federer is a magician - we know he can manipulate matches in which he participates, but he also has the mystical power to control outcomes of other contests.

This year at the Australian Open, he has so far arranged for all the seeded players drawn to meet him to be defeated.

Drawn to meet Hubert Hurkacz (31) in the third round 

- Hurkacz beaten by John Millman ranked 47 in the second round

Drawn to meet Denis Shapovalov (13) in the round of sixteen 

- Shapovalov beaten by Marton Fucsovics ranked 67 in the first round

Drawn to meet Matteo Berrettini (8) in the quarter finals 

- Berrettini beaten by Tennys Sandgren ranked 100 in the second round

If Roger makes the semi finals, he will not have played a seeded player in reaching the final four.

AO - Day 7 - Kvitova v Sakkari

The round of sixteen had been reached in the 2020 Australian Open, and on Day Seven on RLA last year’s finalist Petra Kvitová met Greek rising star Maria Sakkari to determine one of this years quarter finalists.

Sakkari began the better, breaking the Czech serve, recipient of a suite of unforced errors. Kvitova improved immediately, but even two backhand winners couldn’t prevent Sakkari from consolidating her break, a drop shot one of her highlights.

Kvitova continued to improve her serving display, and won 16 of 20 points in her next four trips to the line.

Sakkari maintained the break however, not facing a break point, and served for the set at 5-4.

Following errors by each player, Sakkari missed a forehand and backhand both long, and faced two break back points. Another backhand floated wide and games were 5-5.

Incredibly that sparked a run of three service breaks - two failed attempts by Sakkari to serve the set out meant a tie break was required.

Kvitova won the first two points in the tie break, but after six points, it was all square, four decided against the serve. Serving at 4–4, Kvitova double faulted, and with two serves of her own to come, Sakkari first drew a return error from Kvitova to earn two set points. She only needed one, as a swinging serve out wide was a winner. 7-6(4) and Kvitova had some work to do.

Set two was indeed strange. There were break points in all of the first six games, and service breaks in four, all up meaning games were 3-3.

Sakkari served in the seventh game, and Kvitova began it with a backhand return winner. Sakkari responded with a forehand winner down the line. A killer forehand return split Sakkari wide open and a double fault produced two break points. One was saved by a generous Czech mistake, but charity stopped when a blinding backhand return clinched a break. Kvitova led 4-3.

The eighth game didn’t follow the script as there was no break point - Kvitova held serve easily, surrendering a single point, donating a backhand down the line winner, a forehand just as effective, and a serve too big for Sakkari. A forehand pass sealed a 5-3 position.

Sakkari unforced errors pushed Kvitova to two set points. One was saved when Kvitova missed wide. A double fault gave the set to the seventh seed 6-3.

For seven games of the deciding set, the only threat on serve came in the second game. 

Sakkari was at the line, and received a Kvitova forehand down the line winner. She then dumped a shot into the net. 0-30. An ace for 15-30. A backhand cross court winner from Kvitova and two break points. A lucky net cord saved one, a Kvitova netted forehand the second.

A game point was wasted with an unforced error, and a third break point came with a wild forehand.

A Czech forehand forced Sakkari into ruin, and the break was completed.

At 2-5 Sakkari was serving to stay alive in the tournament. Two Greek backhand errors  0-30. A slashing backhand return and three match points. One saved with Czech error. An ace saved the second. Sakkari netted a forehand and Petra Kvitová won a quarter final berth 6-7(4) 6-3 6-2.

AO - Round of Sixteen Match Ups

These are the 2020 Australian Open round of sixteen match ups determined by what has happened in the first week:

Women’s Singles

Ashleigh Barty (1) v Alison Riske (18)

Maria Sakkari (22) v Petra Kvitová (7) 

CoCo Gauff v Sofia Kenin (14)

Ons Jabeur c Wang Qiang (27)

Anett Kontaveit (28) v Iga Swiatek 

Elise Mertens (16) v Simona Halep (4)

Garbiñe Muguruza v Kiki Bertens (9)

Angelique Kerber (17) v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (30)

Men’s Singles 

Rafael Nadal (1) v Nick Kyrgios (23)

Gaël Monfils (10) v Dominic Thiem (5)

Daniil Medvedev (4) v Stan Wawrinka (15)

Andrey Rublev (17) v Alexander Zverev (7)

Tennys Sandgren v Fabio Fognini (12)

Marton Fucsovics v Roger Federer (3)

Milos Raonic (32) v Marin Cilic 

Diego Schwartzman (14) v Novak Djokovic (2)

AO - Night 6 - Medvedev v Popyrin

#4 seed Daniil Medvedev faced young Australian Alexei Popyrin on RLA on Night Six, 2020 AO.

The pair held their respective opening serves, but Medvedev converted  a break point in the Australian’s next attempt from the line to lead 2-1.

Neither player was broken thereafter for the set, although Popyrin missed a chance to break back in game eight, where the fourth seed let slip a 40-15 position to have to save a break point, and only hold with his fourth game point.

Medvedev took the set with his second set point 6-4.

As in set one, Medvedev broke Popyrin in the third game, and retained that advantage throughout, almost securing a double break in the fifth game, where Popyrin bravely fought off two break points.

At 3-5, Popyrin dropped serve once again, surrendering set two to the Russian 6-3.

Medvedev broke Popyrin in game two of set three, and through the next six games, the contest was as close as it had been for the entire match, no threat on either serve.

At 2-5, though, Popyrin relented to the constant pressure exerted by the Russian, and the second match point was converted.

Daniil Medvedev was impressive, victory coming 6-4 6-3 6-2.

AO - Night 6 - Svitolina v Muguruza

Garbiñe Muguruza, dual Grand Slam tournament champion, but unseeded for the 2020 AO, was the third round opponent for fifth seed Elina Svitolina on Night Six on RLA.

The Spaniard opened impressively, dropping just two points in her first two service games, and creating two break points in the first Svitolina service game.

Game four saw the first service break, Muguruza converting the second of two chances. The consolidation to love included more of what she had been displaying - attacking tennis with few mistakes and plenty of clean winners. At 1-4, another highly rated seed had a battle on her hands.

Svitolina was at the line again. A backhand winner after Muguruza charged the net. Errors from both and 15-30. Another backhand winner, this time off a second serve. Two break points. An ace saved one, but a driving Spanish backhand forced a Svitolina netted forehand, and in a flash Muguruza would be serving for the set.

Yet another forehand winner from Muguruza, plus a pair of aces, gave her two set points. Svitolina saved one with a forehand winner down the line. However Muguruza fixed it next point when a serve out wide drew an errant return.

An outstanding set of tennis won by the Spaniard 6-1 in just over 20 minutes,

Svitolina held serve in the opening game of set two. Including a backhand winner and an ace. Muguruza levelled, beginning with an ace, following with a couple of winning forehands, interrupted by a double fault and a Svitolina forehand winner, but cleaning up with a touch half volley from the top drawer. 1-1.

An overhead winner from Spain, and exchange of errors. 15-30 for Svitolina. A forehand winner down the line and Muguruza crested two break points. A fabulous drop shot sealed it and Muguruza led 2-1 with serve to come.

The break consolidation incorporated errors from Svitolina, and a couple of additional winners from Muguruza.

The fifth game was by far the longest of the night, and required real grit from Svitolina - a double break would be almost curtains for her. At 15-40, with everything against her, even a net cord, it appeared bleak. Two break points there were saved, both with forehand winners. 

Two game points came and went, and in between another break point saved. Fourth and fifth break chances were not converted by Muguruza, and a stoic Svitolina held on for 2-3.

The disappointment of missing so many chances was not reflected in the next Muguruza service game, which she won comfortably, despite a drop in her first serve percentage.

Svitolina began game seven with a backhand winner, but from there no joy. A backhand winner from Muguruza, a forehand winner from the same racquet, and a glorious backhand again produced two points for a double break. A powerful backhand return made it impossible for Svitolina to do anything other than make contact with her racquet. Muguruza would serve for the match at 5-2.

Svitolina hit a forehand winner. 0-15. Svitolina missed with a backhand. 15-15. Muguruza backhand error 15-30. Svitolina backhand winner and two break points, the first Muguruza had to face for the match. Missed backhand from Svitolina and 30-40. Quality rally won by Muguruza with overhead at the net. Deuce. Forehand winner and match point. Another forehand winner for the match.

Garbiñe Muguruza won 6-1 6-2 in one of the very best performances in the women’s draw this tournament.

AO - Day 6 - Nadal v Carreno Busta

A Spanish duel between top seed Rafa Nadal and Pablo Carreno Busta was the final day session match on RLA on Day Six, 2020 AO.

Nadal served first, and held, a backhand winner the highlight. For Pablo, not as easy. Three break points arrived, a Nadal forehand winner, another forehand as good as a winner, and then a Pablo backhand error. One break point saved with a winning volley. The break came and Nadal led 2-0.

Just one point went against serve for the next three games, including two Nadal love games.

At 1-4, Pablo served. Nadal hit a forehand cross court winner. Pablo responded with a backhand down the line winner. A backhand winner from Nadal. A stunning running forehand from Nadal brought up two break points. Both saved, together with a third. A fourth break point came and was converted.

Nadal served for the set, and lost just a single point in taking it 6-1.

Set two began with Nadal breaking Pablo to love. For the next five games, only one point was dropped against serve, and each player delivered two love games. Pablo went to the line trailing 2-4, then faced three break points after Nadal hit a forehand winner, Pablo missed with a forehand, and Nadal repeated the forehand. An ace saved one, but then Nadal chased down a drop shot and passed Pablo with a delicate forehand while at the net.

Nadal served out the set 6-2

No game went as far as deuce in set three, except for the fifth where Pablo served. Nadal hit a forehand winner, threw in an unforced error, then Pablo contributed a forehand winner. 30-15. A Nadal backhand winner, and a forehand which Pablo barely touched, brought up break point. Pablo was helpless when another Nadal forehand was fired at him and the break was complete.

Nadal led 3-2, and after the break serve was held reliably until the top seed was required to deliver at 5-4.

Ace for 15-0. Forehand winner for 30-0. Service winner and three match points. Pablo hit the net with a backhand and the match ended.

Rafa Nadal won 6-1 6-2 6-4.

AO - Day 6 - Halep v Putintseva

2018 AO finalist, 2018 Roland Garros champion, and 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep had Yulia Putintseva from Kazakhstan as her opponent in the second match on RLA on Day Six, 2020 AO.

Halep served first, and a love game was the perfect beginning. It became better next game after she broke the Putintseva serve, a Kazakh double fault and Romanian forehand significant contributions.

Putintseva immediately broke back, converting the third of three break points, employing the drop shot and lob to great effect.

Three service breaks in succession, after a string of errors from Putintseva and two forehand winners from the fourth seed. Halep led 3-1.

At 1-4, and 40-15, Putintseva shanked a forehand, was fooled by a Halep drop shot, and misfired with her backhand. This produced break point. It came when Putintseva found the net.

Halep would serve for the set at 5-1.

The first set point came following a Halep ace. It was saved with a Putintseva drop shot-lob combo.

The second set point was used better - a service winner. The set was over 6-1.

Putintseva saved three break points before holding in the opening game of set two. 

After four games of service holds, there was a trio of service breaks for the second time in the match, leaving Halep ahead 4-3 and at the line.

At 30-15, Putintseva hit a forehand into open court, and then returned powerfully, forcing Halep to miss a forehand. The break point was saved, as was another, the second via a Halep winning forehand.

Serve was held, extending the Romanian lead to 5-3.

Putintseva held, leaving Halep to serve for a round of sixteen spot.

Two match points arrived rather easily, largely due to Kazakh mistakes. Only one was needed, when a Putintseva drop shot attempt failed.

Simona Halep won 6-1 6-4.

Stupid Tie Break

While John Millman has himself to blame for tossing away a huge opportunity to win his match against Federer, the match itself was decided by a ridiculous tie break rule introduced by idiots unfortunately in charge of tennis at this level.

Tie breaks have been accepted for all but deciding sets for many years, and there has never been any good reason for introducing them in fifth sets for men or third sets for women at Grand Slam level. (Still, the US Open has done it, and in the past couple of years, Wimbledon and our Aussie Open have joined in, but with weird and hard to substantiate versions)

The argument referencing matches going to advantage for extreme lengths and a need to look after the players welfare is pathetic, as those matches represent about 0.3% of matches played at any major.

However, if the deciding sets are to be finished via a tie break, then why in the hell should it be a convoluted one, and not the same one used earlier in the match ? 

For Millman, if the conventional tie break had been employed, his 7-4 position statistically would have won him the match. Yes, things may have played out differently had the players known that the stupid tie break wasn’t to be used, but it does bear contemplation. 

Ruining the finish of excellent tennis contests by cobbled together means is an insult to the competitors and paying spectators.

AO - Day 6 - Pliskova v Pavlyuchenkova

World #2 Karolína Pliskova, a semi finalist last year, was first on RLA on Day Six, 2020 AO. She would be playing Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, someone she had beaten in all of their previous half dozen contests.

Pavlyuchenkova held serve in the first game without much drama, but Pliskova took an eternity to draw level, 30 points required. 12 deuces and 6 break points saved.

At 1-2, errors from the Czech racquet and a backhand winner from Pavlyuchenkova brought up three break points. Two aces saved a couple. A failed backhand meant that the third couldn’t be saved and Pavlyuchenkova led 3-1.

Serving at 4-2, Pavlyuchenkova wasted a game point when she double faulted, and break back point arrived with a wayward forehand. It was saved with a rifled backhand down the line. A second break point was faced after a less than satisfactory backhand, and the break was confirmed when a backhand floated long. 

5-5 came without another deuce, then Pavlyuchenkova endured her longest stretch at the line, saving five break points before edging ahead 6-5.

Pliskova wasted no time taking it to a tie break, serving a love game.

The #2 seed won the first point, against serve, with a forehand passing shot. Pavlyuchenkova won two points against the Pliskova serve, a Czech backhand error on the third, and a Russian backhand winner on the sixth. 4-2 Pavlyuchenkova at the end change.

The ninth point saw a double fault from Pavlyuchenkova, and the tie break was back on serve. A forehand winner from Pavlyuchenkova created two set points, and the set was hers 7-6(4) after Pliskova netted a forehand.

In set two, Pavlyuchenkova broke Pliskova in the opening game, but was broken back in the sixth.

Pliskova survived a 24 point game to take a 6-5 lead, and Pavlyuchenkova tied it at 6-6, saving two set points in so doing.

This tie break was 2-2 when Pliskova hit the net, and Pavlyuchenkova led with a mini break. Serving at 2-5, Pliskova suffered a Pavlyuchenkova forehand winner, setting up four match points. One was saved  with a Czech backhand winner. The match ended next point when the #2 seed netted a forehand.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova won 7-6(2) 7-6(3).

AO - Night 5 - Federer v Millman

The match designed to split crowd favouritism was second on Night Five on RLA, 2020 AO.

Everyone’s darling Roger Federer was playing Australian John Millman, the man who famously trashed St Roger’s chances at the 2018 US Open.

Of course that wouldn’t happen in 2020, would it ? Maybe the Swiss ace would be kind enough to let slip just a set to the Aussie nice guy on the way to his rightful place in the round of sixteen.

Millman served first and was mean, giving literally nothing to the third seed who committed more errors in one game than he’d possibly contributed in the month to date.

Roger hit the first winner of the match and levelled the contest 1-1. Millman held serve a second time before sending a shockwave around the stadium.

Federer hit the net with a forehand, then escaped scrutiny after committing a pretty ordinary drop shot to the script. An ace eased his mind for a few seconds, but two lousy forehands gave him a headache and Millman a break point.

They visited deuce after Millman failed a backhand test, but Federer was competing for backhand inferiority and a second break chance resulted. Millman hit the mark with a backhand out of reach of someone who indeed looked like Federer, but trailed 1-3.

The happier player on court smiled even more when he avoided danger in the fifth game. Down 30-40, he selected a gold standard forehand winner from his bag, and used it to perfection. He moved further ahead 4-1.

Later, after the pair had exchanged pleasantries, unwilling to break each other’s service games, Mr Millman expressed a desire to take home the first set. Mr Federer argued the merits of this, and at 3-5, receiving service, he forced his adversary forward twice, once into error, and next to witness a passing forehand. Following errors from each, a backhand missile from a previously neutral Switzerland devastated Mr Millmans mission, albeit temporarily.

At 4-5, a momentarily more content Federer leapt into despair, rocked by a series of incidents not all of his own making. Millman’s forehand success, and Federer’s double fault headlined the hit show, supported by a couple of unforced errors, and the finale was a 6-4 set win for the Australian.

The pair hit the road for the second leg of the tour, and they entertained thousands with their exploits on the court, serving strong and each determined to avoid break point territory. 

Deuce was only visited once through eight games, and love games were on show in games nine and ten.

6-6 was inevitable, and a tie break next. Federer was the star of this encore, a streak of five successive points taking him to five set points, all based on attacking with his serve and forehand. The set was in the Swiss bag 7-6(2).

Set three continued the serving delight, Federer not interested in deuce. Millman was taken there in the fourth game, and also in the eighth, an unpleasant period where he was held hostage over a break point. Negotiations for release included the condition that Millman pass Federer with a forehand winner. He agreed to the demand and was freed.

Sadly the Australian was recaptured, a long hunt finally successful after one failed set point attempt. Federer ahead 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4.

In the fourth chapter Millman had escaped and was on the run, this time chasing after Federer. He made up ground by 3-3, and was ready for the assault. Federer was at the line, but misfired with a forehand. Millman also missed with his first two attempts. A more accurate forehand drive wounded the Swiss king, and he was further injured when he hit the net. Another shot into the net, and Federer was down 3-4.

Millman left the sore and sorry Federer behind as he raced to pick up the fourth set bonus.

Serving at 5-4, Millman saw Federer miss with a backhand three times and finally a forehand, to lose his gold and silver.

The ultimate showdown began with the warriors fit and ready - well ready - for war. Apart from the third and fourth stanzas, where services were breached, security was sound and no break ins to either compound occurred. Twelve battles were fought and the results were shared evenly. The outcome was to be decided by a unique (an in this writers opinion ridiculously flawed) tie break. First to 10 with a two point advantage.

Millman reached a 8-4 lead and seemed set to rule over the kingdom, but alas - Federer had stolen his ammunition at an end change !

The king shattered the heart of John Millman by winning the last six shoot outs and the epic contest 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 4-6 7-6 (10-8)

AO - Night 5 - Osaka v Gauff

For 15 year old American CoCo Gauff, the first match on Night Five on RLA, 2020 AO, would be her debut on this court in a Grand Slam tournament. Her task ? Simply to defeat the reigning AO champion Naomi Osaka.

Gauff served first, and other than a pair of Osaka forehand winners, held with poise. Osaka imposed her heavy hitting early and levelled at 1-1. Gauff matched the power, and a winning backhand highlighted her next service game. Games three and four were decided to love, and Gauff led 3-2. 

Serving at 3-4, Osaka led 30-15, but two unforced backhand errors from the third seed gave Gauff a break chance. It was gifted to her when Osaka found the net for a third time. Gauff would serve for the set in front of a stunned crowd.

A smart serve out wide caught Osaka flat footed, then the Japanese backhand failed again. 30-0. Yet again a backhand hit the net and Gauff had three set points. The Osaka backhand landed wide and a schoolgirl was half way to showing the defending champion the exit gate. 6-3.

Osaka began set two with an ace. But the unforced errors continued to flow, and 15-30 presented danger time. Gauff missed a chance to pass Osaka at the net, but it didn’t matter because next a careless Osaka volley stuff up donated break point to the American. No need for Gauff to do anything special, as Osaka was currently a wreck. A forehand disaster confirmed a service break, and Gauff steamed ahead, up by a set and a break.

Sensing something amazing could be happening, Gauff may have let the occasion affect her, because at 40-15, about to consolidate the break, a double fault entered the mix. Osaka sensed an opportunity and volleyed successfully twice to create a break back point.

That was saved, but not a second, created with another double fault. Gauff lost her serve when she dumped a backhand into the net.

The disappointment didn’t last long and for the next four games, serve was held. Osaka led 3-3 and was at the line.

Osaka hit the net with her backhand and then hit long with the same shot. 0-30. Another terrible shot hit the net. Three break points. One saved with a forehand winner down the line. The break arrived though with a backhand into the net.

Gauff served a second love game in succession, all based on Osaka mistakes, but the serving was excellent in any case, and probably had an effect.

Osaka served at 3-5 to stay alive in the tournament, and managed the task, at least the forehand working for her.

Gauff had no difficulty serving for the match, Osaka offering little resistance, only three errors. The first of three match points was converted when Osaka appropriately hit the net. 

CoCo Gauff won easily 6-3 6-4 and the future, while extremely over hyped, does look bright for this talented young player.

Osaka, as defending champion, was a monumental disappointment, sulking her way through most of the match, appearing not to have the determination or heart to fight back. There was a certain acceptance of defeat in her body language - not a good look.

AO - Day 5 - Djokovic v Nishioka

Third match on RLA on Day Five, 2020 AO - defending champion Novak Djokovic v Yoshihito Nishioka.

Djokovic served first and it was a love game. He then broke the Japanese player, winning the last three points.

Nishioka held serve without another issue, until the eighth game, where he faced a break point. This he successfully negotiated.

The problem was dealing with the Djokovic serve. The #2 seed surrendered just one point on serve for the entire set, and so he comfortably took it 6-3.

Nishioka opened set two with difficulty. He seemed ok at 40-15, having just passed Djokovic at the net with a forehand. However, the next Djokovic drop shot was too good, setting up a volley put away. Deuce arrived after a double fault, and another game point lost after a backhand error. Double fault and long forehand confirmed a break of serve.

At 2-4, Djokovic struck again, this time breaking to 15, and the set was served out to love. He led 6-3 6-2.

Set three began with Djokovic breaking the first two serves of a hapless Nishioka. The challenge had not been all bad when Nishioka was serving, until now - he just could not lay a handle on the amazingly accurate serving of Djokovic.

At 5-2, Djokovic experienced the first break point against his delivery for the match. His remedy was an ace, and he secured victory on his second match point.

The win was ever so clinical 6-3 6-2 6-2.

AO - Day 5 - S Williams v Wang Qiang

Second match on RLA on Day Five, 2020 AO - Serena Williams (8) v Wang Qiang

At the 2019 US Open Williams thrashed Qiang, dropping only one game in their quarter final.

Here, Williams served first, and held with ease, including an ace and winning forehand. Qiang levelled, just dropping one point.

Williams saved a break point to lead 2-1, and no problems existed on serve other than that until the sixth game.

Qiang faced a break point at 30-40 but it was saved when Williams missed wide. A forehand winner brought up game point, which was erased by Williams forcing an error. A second break point came when Williams smashed a return forehand down the line. Saved by Qiang running down a drop shot and hitting a backhand past Williams. A third break chance after a Williams forehand winner. Saved as the eighth seed missed wide.

Qiang held eventually for 3-3, sealing it with a forehand winner.

At 4-4, Williams double faulted, then netted a forehand for 0-30. Qiang ran down another drop shot and passed Williams with a backhand.

Three break points. A backhand winner for the break. Qiang led 5-4.

Serving for the set, Qiang netted a forehand. Williams returned into the net, then hit the net with a forehand. 30-15. A Williams backhand landed wide and produced two set points. A backhand return was long and Qiang took the set 6-4.

The second set went with serve until the fifth game where Qiang broke the American serve. Williams missed with a backhand twice, then with her forehand, and faced three break points. One was saved, but a Qiang forehand winner did the trick.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Qiang felt a Williams surge, and it began with a forehand forcing an error. A Williams backhand return winner made it 0-30. A backhand mistake from the eighth seed and 15-30. Two break back points when Qiang found the net. A sensational forehand from Williams secured the break and 5-5.

Williams survived two break points, and Qiang served to love, the result being a tie break. Williams took control from 3-2, and the match was level, 4-6 7-6(2).

For eleven games of the deciding set, only two break points arose, one in game two, another in game eight, both on the Williams serve. Neither were converted, and the game score was 5-6 with Williams at the line.

Williams hit a forehand wide 0-15. A Williams backhand wide and 0-30. Qiang returned wide 15-30. Williams sent a backhand long. Two match points. Qiang sent her backhand long 30-40. Qiang netted a forehand Deuce. Williams put a forehand wide Match point #3 

Williams hit the net with a backhand and Wang Qiang upset the tournament favourite 6-4 6-7(2) 7-5.