AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2021: 8th -21st February. Mens Draw in 1st post.

[Sallydaisy]

The first Grand Slam of 2021 will be delayed due to ongoing Covid-19 policies.

It will now start on Monday 8th February 2021.
More details to follow ... there are rumours of Qualifying not happening.

The new confirmed start date is likely to affect other ATP/WTA events currently scheduled for end of January and in February + any Davis and Fed Cup plans.

Watch this space ...
:skippy:

... and it's happening!!! So herebelow is the Mens Singles Draw.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DRAW

GRAND SLAM Ranking Points per round reached
W: 2000, F: 1200, SF: 720, QF: 360, R16: 180,R32: 90, R64: 45, R128: 10

QUARTER 1
(1) Djokovic v Chardy
Tiafoe v Travaglia
Opelkav Lu
Ramos-Vinolas v Fritz (27)
Wawrinka (17) v Sousa
Fucsovics v WC Polmans
Moutet v Millman
Coria v Raonic (14)
Monfils (10) v Ruusuvuori
Nishioka v Martinez
Bedene v Bublik
Q Stakhovsky v Lajovic (23)
Mannarino (32) v Novak
Kecmanovic v Majchrzak
Daniel v Cressy
Giron v Zverev (6)

QUARTER 2
Thiem (3) v Kukushkin
Koepfer v LL Delien
Q Silva v Kyrgios
Uchiyama v Humbert (29)
Dimitrov (18) v Cilic
Bolt v Gombos
Coppejans v Vesely
Nishikori v Carreno Busta (15)
Shapovalov (11) v Sinner
Sugita v Q Tomic
LL Dzumhur v Duckworth
LL Stebe v Auger-Alissime (20)
Paire (25) v Gerasimov
Mager v Q Karatsev
LL Muller v Londero
Q Ymer v Schwartzman (8)

QUARTER 3
Rublev (7) v Hanfmann
Monteiro v Martin
Q Tu v Lopez
Querrey v Sonego (31)
Ruud (24) v Thompson
Basilashvili v Paul
WC O’Connell v Struff
Albot v Bautista Agut (12)
Goffin (13) v WC Popyrin
Harris v LL Torpegaard
McDonald v Cecchinato
Pella v Coric (22)
Krajinovic (28) v LL Haase
Andújarv Q Halys
Carballes Baena v Balazs
Pospisil v Medvedev (4)

QUARTER 4
Tsitsipas (5) v Simon
WC Kokkinakis v Kwon
Q Van de Zandschulp v Q Alcaraz
Ymer v Hurkacz (26)
Khachanov (19) v WC Vukic
Berankis v WC Nagal
Machach vQ Martinez
Anderson v Berrettini (9)
Fognini (16) v Herbert
Q Laaksonen v Caruso
Cuevas v Seppi
Sandgren v De Minaur (21)
Evans (30) v Norrie
Ivashka v Q Safiullin
Q Mmoh v Q Troicki
Djere v Nadal (2)

GRAND SLAM Ranking Points per round reached
W: 2000, F: 1200, SF: 720, QF: 360, R16: 180, R32: 90, R64: 45, R128: 10

[Sallydaisy]

Update regarding AO from The Tennis Channel

— Players will arrive in Melbourne between January 15 and January 17, on chartered flights paid for by Tennis Australia, with a mandated 14-day quarantine beginning only after the last player arrives.
— Players can train during the quarantine, with only one other player, if they receive a negative COVID-19 test on the second day of the quarantine. They can train with a maximum of four players/coaches after receiving a third negative test on the eighth day of quarantine.
— In total, each player will be tested five times during the quarantine period, on days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14.
— Players may only leave their hotels for a maximum of five hours per day—up to two hours on a court, up to two hours in a gym, and up to one hour eating at the tournament site. Player travel is restricted to Melbourne Park and the Albert Reserve Tennis Centre.
— Players may only bring one coach; Tennis Australia will also pick up the cost of entourage travel and accommodation.
— The tournament will pay full prize money, with possible redistribution of earnings to increase early-round purses. There was no additional indication given about fan capacity.

[Stell]

The men's qualifying rounds will take place on 10th January in Doha: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/55199746

[cazza99]

Andy has been awarded a wild card.

[Jane]

Federer has withdrawn from tournament - still injured.

[exislander]

Tsonga has also withdrawn - still recovering from back injury.

[cazza99]

BBC (http://Australian Open to allow up to 30,000 fans to attend per day) - Australian Open to allow up to 30,000 fans to attend per day

BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/55812368) - Australian Open: ATP Cup among six warm-up events at Melbourne Park this week

[HoopGirl]

Does anyone know if the Australian Open is being covered on Prime?

[exislander]

Does anyone know if the Australian Open is being covered on Prime?

I would doubt that - it is on Eurosport as far as I know.

[themass15]

Does anyone know if the Australian Open is being covered on Prime?


Pretty sure in the UK it is only on Eurosport

[cazza99]

The draw is around 3 or 4 am Friday UK time.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-open-2021-draw-date-time-start-b1797336.html

[Hawkeye]

Dan and Cam drawn together in the first round...

[jackie55]

Dan and Cam drawn together in the first round...

Shame:sad:

[suttontennis]

Shame:sad:

Certain of getting a Brit in the second round ! Winner would then play either Ivashka (ranked 110) or qualifier Safiullin (rank 182), then likely to play Nadal, assuming he is fit.

[Sallydaisy]

There's a deal to watch Eurosport for 99p for one month available until 21.2.21.
See separate thread.

[Speedy Hawk]

I have set up FTM for Aussie Open.

Will set up FTD when doubles draw is released.

[cazza99]

Draw - https://ausopen.com/draws

[Nessie]

There's a deal to watch Eurosport for 99p for one month available until 21.2.21.
See separate thread.
Which thread is it on Sally daisy?

[Sallydaisy]

Which thread is it on Sally daisy?
https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?4727-Tennis-on-Eurosport-for-99p-offer-until-21-2-21

[Sallydaisy]

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DRAW

GRAND SLAM Ranking Points per round reached
W: 2000, F: 1200, SF: 720, QF: 360, R16: 180, R32: 90, R64: 45, R128: 10
Q: +25, Q14: 16, Q28: 0,

QUARTER 1
(1) Djokovic v Chardy
Tiafoe v Travaglia
Opelka v Lu
Ramos-Vinolas v Fritz (27)
Wawrinka (17) v Sousa
Fucsovics v WC Polmans
Moutet v Millman
Coria v Raonic (14)

Monfils (10) v Ruusuvuori
Nishioka v Martinez
Bedene v Bublik
Q Stakhovsky v Lajovic (23)
Mannarino (32) v Novak
Kecmanovic v Majchrzak
Daniel v Cressy
Giron v Zverev (6)

QUARTER 2
Thiem (3) v Kukushkin
Koepfer v LL Delien
Q Silva v Kyrgios
Uchiyama v Humbert (29)
Dimitrov (18)v Cilic
Bolt v Gombos
Coppejans v Vesely
Nishikori v Carreno Busta (15)

Shapovalov (11) v Sinner
Sugita v Q Tomic
LL Dzumhur v Duckworth
LL Stebe v Auger-Alissime (20)
Paire (25) v Gerasimov
Mager v Q Karatsev
LL Muller v Londero
Q Ymer v Schwartzman (8)

QUARTER 3
Rublev (7) v Hanfmann
Monteiro v Martin
Q Tu v Lopez
Querrey v Sonego (31)
Ruud (24) v Thompson
Basilashvili v Paul
WC O’Connell v Struff
Albot v Bautista Agut (12)

Goffin (13) v WC Popyrin
Harris v LL Torpegaard
McDonald v Cecchinato
Pella v Coric (22)
Krajinovic (28) v LL Haase
Andújar v Q Halys
Carballes Baena v Balazs
Pospisil v Medvedev (4)

QUARTER 4
Tsitsipas (5) v Simon
WC Kokkinakis v Kwon
Q Van de Zandschulp v Q Alcaraz
Ymer v Hurkacz (26)
Khachanov (19) v WC Vukic
Berankis v WC Nagal
Machach v Q Martinez
Anderson v Berrettini (9)

Fognini (16) v Herbert
Q Laaksonen v Caruso
Cuevas v Seppi
Sandgren v De Minaur (21)
Evans (30) v Norrie
Ivashka v Q Safiullin
Q Mmoh v Q Troicki
Djere v Nadal (2)

Might help if you're still thinking of doing FTM!
:skippy:

GRAND SLAM Ranking Points per round reached
W: 2000, F: 1200, SF: 720, QF: 360, R16: 180, R32: 90, R64: 45, R128: 10
Q: +25, Q14: 16, Q28: 0,

[Stell]

This is a quiz about the Brits at the past Australian Opens:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/55946831

[RoastLamb]

Djoko's draw doesn't look bad at all. I have a sneaky feeling Medvedev is going to win this. Last night tho' all five Canadians won their 1st round matches so yay for that!

[cazza99]

oop for Tuesday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23421

Hev - 2nd on court 10

Dan - 4th on court 8

Jo - 4th on court 13

Francesca Jones - 4th on court 5

[cazza99]

Cameron has just taken Dan out in 4.

[Jane]

Sad to see Dan out of the singles at this stage, but happy to see Cam go through. I hope he goes far into the tournament, but if he wins his next match he is likely to come up against Nadal.
Both have doubles matches tomorrow - Dan second on court 10 at about 1.00am and Cam fourth on court 15, against Jamie and Bruno.

[JAMES4578]

Obviously Evans and Norrie meeting at this stage was not ideal however overall Cameron done well to fight back in the 4th to seal the win. I actually was quite happy for him. Dan though did not seem to have best day (only seen around half of match really) which was a bit of a pity . Perhaps he had bit of a let down after the tournament win.

[cazza99]

oop for Wednesday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23426

[cazza99]

oop for Thursday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23431

[cazza99]

oop for Friday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23436

They have put Thiem vs Kyrgios as the night match on John Cain arena rather than on Rod Laver.

I saw the last part of Kyrgios beating Umbert on there yesterday - brilliant atmosphere. And Kyrgios was just lost for words after had won. So weird to hear a real loud audience in a tennis match - not used to it LOL.

[cazza99]

Well done Rafa and Cam :clap: :clap:

[Hawkeye]

oop for Friday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23436

They have put Thiem vs Kyrgios as the night match on John Cain arena rather than on Rod Laver.

I saw the last part of Kyrgios beating Umbert on there yesterday - brilliant atmosphere. And Kyrgios was just lost for words after had won. So weird to hear a real loud audience in a tennis match - not used to it LOL.Kyrgios' favourite court so makes sense.

[cazza99]

Kyrgios' favourite court so makes sense.

Yes Kyrgios always requests that court, but Eurosport commies yesterday didn't think they would put it on there as he was playing Thiem.

[banskogirl]

Yes Kyrgios always requests that court, but Eurosport commies yesterday didn't think they would put it on there as he was playing Thiem.

Yes, glad to hear they've gone with Nick's favourite, the atmosphere should be amazing. Not like commies to get something wrong.

[RoastLamb]

They've put Denis vs Felix on MC at 7 too. Hmmm. Very sad only one Canuck will go through to the next round. Btw who is John Cain???

[Sallydaisy]

They've put Denis vs Felix on MC at 7 too. Hmmm. Very sad only one Canuck will go through to the next round. Btw who is John Cain???
On 3 February 2020, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Andrews) announced that the arena would be renamed "John Cain Arena" in honour of the the late State Premier of Victoria (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cain_(41st_Premier_of_Victoria)), who is regarded as a critical figure in keeping the Australian Open (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Open) in Melbourne in the mid 1980s.[5] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cain_Arena#cite_note-5) The new name came into effect in December 2020.
(from Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cain_Arena

[Sallydaisy]

Brits in action Sat 13th Feb, all times are UK:

Murray/Mattek-Sands vs Duan/Bopanna 2nd c13
Skupski/Skupski vs Millman/Monteiro 3rd c3
Bambridge/Inglot vs Dodig/Polasek 3rd c8
Salisbury/Ram vs Brkic/Qureshi 3rd c17
Evans/Albot vs Melo/Tecau 4th 1573 Arena

Norrie vs Nadal 2nd after 8:00am RLA - one to watch over breakfast
:skippy:

[Sallydaisy]

Kygrios playing lights out tennis in front of a huge home crowd (the last such for 5 days) on MCA.
He's running rings round Thiem and leads 2-0 sets, sealing the 2nd with an underarm Ace!
6'4, 6'4 is the score so far.
:taz:

[JAMES4578]

Certainly an atmosphere for this one, as a result of Nick losing a bit of the fire and Dom stepping up 3rd set goes to Thiem 6-3. Still a long way back and will be tough but hope he can do it. The last spectators for 5 days due to Victoria's lockdown.

https://ausopen.com/articles/news/australian-open-statement

[Sallydaisy]

Thiem takes the 3rd set 6'4. He came out playing much better and Nick lost focus although he was getting back into the points and holding his own serve easily after that single break know the opening game.

Will the 'high stakes NK ' be back to win the 4th set or will Thiems' dogged approach prevail in 5.
That partisan crowd has to leave the Arena by 11.30(2hrs time) so a long match will favour the Austrian.

[Sallydaisy]

Thiem wins a battle for the 4th set 6'4.
Into 5th, will it be a rollover for Thiem or???
:nailbiter:

Just one hour left for the crowd.....

[JAMES4578]

Tight service game but Thiem finding better form at right time to take this into a decider, hopefully more excitement! 1 all in 5th.

[Hawkeye]

There’s the inevitable break for Thiem.

[Jane]

Brilliant - Thiem wins :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Thiem takes it in 5, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Nick had chances in that last set but wayward shots let him down.

Well done Dom!!!
Next for him is Dimitrov in R4.

[JAMES4578]

Quite a battle but Thiem proving the stronger and takes decider 6-4, well done Dom, played quality tennis when it counted having been outplayed initially !:cheer::cheer: Obviously one of Nick's better performances but was not quite enough and shot selection not always smart.

[RosieBear]

GSM Thiem. What a match. Hope Domi goes all the way - love watching him, good balance of exciting play and mental calmness. Heart goes out to Nick for losing from 2 sets up at home.

Can't wait wait for Domi/Dimi next - should be a great match.

[patlowe]

Great mornings entertainment. I do like Nick, but this time I wanted Domi to go thru simply because I think the tournament needs him more. The DC like crowd noise will keep on ringing in my ears for the next 5 days until the crowds are allowed back. Pity this wasn't the final, I'd have settled for that! Well played both guys, esp Domi and thank you for a great match.

[Hawkeye]

The match that epitomises why Nick has never/will never amount to more.

[Hawkeye]

And the Djoker struggling on Laver right now...

[patlowe]

Can't help wondering if Djok is putting on a bit of an act? He has done this before and ended up winning. We'll see what the result brings. Crowds now being asked to leave, how will that affect rest of match?

[Hawkeye]

Into the decider, Djoko leads 3-2*.

[Hawkeye]

Djoko breaks.

[Sallydaisy]

Djokovic breaks, will serve at *4-2 up.
That 9min break for crowd clearing deffo helped him ease whatever problems he had.

[Sallydaisy]

Yuck. Time for my daily walk so I'm back in good time to watch Andy.
:GBflag:

[patlowe]

I somehow suspected Djok would come thru this. One of the reasons we need the likes of Domi.

[Hawkeye]

Djokovic wins. I fance Medvedev for the title.

[patlowe]

Djokovic wins. I fance Medvedev for the title.

I would be very happy to see Meddy become champ. Or Domi or Stef will also do me! Or on second thoughts, it would actually be quite nice to see Rafa get #21.

[RosieBear]

They've sped up Laver this year and I think that has affected Novak,'s performances. Certainly not as seemingly invincible as past years. I hope they keep the faster court next year, it will suit Andy better - Shanghai-esque would be perfect.

[banskogirl]

The match that epitomises why Nick has never/will never amount to more.

I really like him but was just waiting to see when he would throw it away! Well done Dom for being ready to pounce but I feel, by the fourth, it was nick’s to lose ��

As for Nole, it felt more like a hissy fit, I thought because he thinks most covid rules are over the top and shouldn’t affect him. Just my opinion but I don’t trust him at all.

[Mickey]

I really like him but was just waiting to see when he would throw it away! Well done Dom for being ready to pounce but I feel, by the fourth, it was nick’s to lose ��

As for Nole, it felt more like a hissy fit, I thought because he thinks most covid rules are over the top and shouldn’t affect him. Just my opinion but I don’t trust him at all.
I never trust him, he should get an Oscar!

[cazza99]

oop for Saturday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23441

[exislander]

Cam just broke Rafa for 3-2 but got broken straight back.

[Sallydaisy]

Cam seems to be holding his own, easy service hold for 4-4.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa breaks Cam in game 12 to take the first set 7-5.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa moving up a gear, takes the 2nd set 6-2.
Too big a mountain for Cam to climb now.

[Jane]

3-3 in the third set.

[Sallydaisy]

5-5 and 30-30 all on Rafa's serve.

[Jane]

Rafa wins, but Cam played well and made it difficult for the Spaniard at times

[Jan]

Yes Cam certainly put up a good fight.

[patlowe]

Well Cam certainly did not disgrace himself. Hope he will hold his head up high knowing he made Rafa work hard for the W. Should also help Cam going forward.

[Speedy Hawk]

Some reason my stupid brain keep thinking name Carrie instead of Norrie. I even type that in FTM before my mistake and spot it and change it before post it. :laugh: :laugh:

[Sallydaisy]

MENS LAST 16

[1] Djokovic vs. [14] Raonic
[23] Lajovic vs. [6] Zverev
[3] Thiem vs. [18] Dimitrov
[20] Auger Aliassime vs. [Q] Karatsev
[7] Rublev vs. [24] Ruud
[4] Medvedev vs. [PR] McDonald
[5] Tsitsipas vs. [9] Berrettini
[16] Fognini vs. [2] Nadal

[JAMES4578]

I was quite impressed with Cameron, though pity the 2nd got away from him relatively quickly. Mind you was not the best of Nadal but Norrie gave him a bit to think about at times.

[cazza99]

oop for Sunday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23446

[JAMES4578]

Medvedev had a battle with Kranjinovic in interesting exchange after taking a stong lead but did run away with the 5th, after a close first set with Lopez Rublev took control. Certainly Dom v Dimi is the pick of the last 16.

[Sallydaisy]

4th round shocks!!!

Dimitrov beat Thiem 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 !?!?!
Qualifier Karatsev beat 20th seed FAA 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Zverev has just beaten Lajovic in 3, 6-4, 7-6, 6-3.

[Sallydaisy]

Karatsev, for context:
He's 27, this is his first ever Grand Slam event, and his first 5 set match.

From Enrico Riva :

477 matches all levels since 2009:618.000$ (US)
4 matches in the 2021 Australian Open:407.000$ (US)
From Tumaini Carayol:

Aslan Karatsev was ranked 263 in Nur Sultan last March when the tour stopped. He had spent just one season in the top 200 over the past decade of his career.

has now risen to... 63.

[JAMES4578]

Not sure what happened to Thiem (unless he had not fully recovered from the Kygrios match) but have not seen that one yet, however was a good win for Dimitrov who I am also a fan of but cannot see him being a real slam contender. Looks like FAA was crusing earlier, some response from Karatsev.

[cazza99]

oop for Monday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23451

[cazza99]

This is from the BBC about Thiem - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/56059378


Thiem, last year's runner-up, did not shed any light on what his physical issues were, saying he did not "want to find any excuses".
"But the thing also is that I'm also not a machine. I mean, sometimes I would like to be, but there are really, really bad days," the third seed said.
"I think a combination of some things, some little physical issues, plus a real bad day, plus the fact that he's a great player. So a combination of those three things, and a result like that can happen."

[JAMES4578]

Here is report from Australian open, 3rd straight win for Dimi over Dom mind you and seems some physical factors-his error count way higher . https://ausopen.com/articles/match-report/dimitrov-halts-passage-thiem

[Speedy Hawk]

I watch FAA match and Thiem match. FAA was playing well 2 set and looks like will win 3rd set then part way he start having trouble his service games and other guy started play better too. Other guy was getting better longer match went on so he managed get level good enough in time 3rd set.

Thiem match: he didn’t play high level and he wasn’t rubbish either. More like middle level and other other guy just play really well. If Thiem was playing high level and even if the other guy play well Thiem still win.

[patlowe]

It's ironic, but it's Milos who is the one who seems to be struggling more with an injury which is impacting his game. :facepalm:

[Hawkeye]

Nole serving for the match.

[patlowe]

Hey Hawkeye, love your avatar!!:thumbup:

[Mickey]

As I said before Djokovic should get an Oscar for his acting skills, he always seems to have an injury, then get over it.When he has distracted his opponent he is able to win, and his next opponent thinks I’m playing an injured Djokovic, and way and behold he is as fit as a fiddle. We’ve seen this so often in the past.

[Hawkeye]

No sign of Rafa's pre-tournament injury either, but he always seems to get off scot free from criticism.

[Sallydaisy]

No sign of Rafa's pre-tournament injury either, but he always seems to get off scot free from criticism.
Fair comment, sort of. He has spoken about his back problems in press a lot and says he skipped practice to rest it the other day so he's at least been up front about the problem and what he's doing about it. That helps keep the press off his back (!) and the locker room aware. After the Cam match he said this:

"It's less pain. That's all. The back was not getting better each day, it was getting better today," Nadal smiled."Today is better, yeah. First day I feel an improvement, and that's the most important thing for me today, more than any other thing.

"I need to come back to my normal serving. I was serving quite well. So of course I was not serving my normal serve for the last 15 days.

"Today is the first day that I started to serve again my normal serve. But yesterday I didn't practice, so today just warming up with the new, with the normal movement.

"So of course I didn't serve bad, but I can do better, I think. And I'm looking forward to do it better, no?

[RosieBear]

So Thiem/Dimitrov a total bust. Shame, would have been highly stylish and entertaining if both guys brought their A game. Can only imagine Domi still drained after the Kyrgios match. Would love to see Dimi really capitalise and progress, but that's probably wishful thinking.

[RosieBear]

As for Djokovic injury debate...

For me, criticising players for taking "strategic" MTOs/bathroom breaks and other things we can see with our own 2 eyes, like taking too much time or not playing to servers speed is one thing, but when it comes to injuries nobody apart from the player and their team ever really knows what's going on. Andy was borderline accused of lying about his back problems until he had surgery, so I don't like to make similar accusations against others. Just my opinion, of course.

[banskogirl]

No sign of Rafa's pre-tournament injury either, but he always seems to get off scot free from criticism.

It's when it happens on court and with Andy that I take it personally. And never forget :skippy: didn't have an elephant :getcoat:

[Sallydaisy]

Mens' Quarter Finals :

(1) Novak Djokovic, SRB v (6) Alexander Zverev, GER
(18) Grigor Dimitrov, BUL v Asian Karatsev, RUS
(7) Andrey Rublev, RUS v (4) Daniil Medvedev, RUS
(5) Stefanos Tsitsipas, GRE v (2) Rafael Nadal, ESP

Monday, R4 results
Nadal d Fognini 6'3, 6'4, 6'2
Medvedev d McDonald 6'4, 6'2, 6'3
Tsitsipas had a W/O after Berettini withdrew with an Ab injury.
Ruud retired with an Ab injury when 0-2 sets in his match v Rublev.

[cazza99]

oop for Tuesday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23456

[Speedy Hawk]

In 3rd set on Dimitrov service game. He just given up. He can’t even bother serve properly and not bother hit balls back from other guy. Just let it pass him. Give that game and set away on purpose. I never see anyone do that my life any tennis matches. So strange. I feel sorry for other guy and must be awkward for him when he trying his hardest beat Dimitrov. Medical timeout.

Now 4th set. If he really that injured then he should retire match instead just give up playing properly.

[Speedy Hawk]

Match over. It does look like Dimitrov was injured but he can serve normally cos he did in 4th set that makes last game in 3rd set looks really really bad and disrespectful to other guy really. Dimitrov out.

[Sallydaisy]

Karatsev d Dimitrov 2'6, 6'4, 6'1, 6'2
Into his first SF at his first ever Grand Slam appearance at age 27.
:thumbup:
Where he'll face Djokovic or Zverev ...

Speedys' commentary above sheds light on the match ...
;)

[Jan]

Huge congratulations to Alfie and Gordon who are wheelchair doubles champions :bravo::GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Naomi Osaka d Su-Wei Hsieh 6'2, 6'2.

Serena Williams is a break up in the first set against Simona Halep
and serving at *5-3.

[JAMES4578]

Well done Alfie and Gordon!:clap::clap:

Was expecting closer match with Williams and Halep, however Serena took it 6-3,6-3. Serena able to dominate but Simona erred on some key points. Naomi Osaka seemed to be playing pretty well,will meet Serena Williams in semis.

Bit of a topsey turvey encounter between Djokovic and Zverev. Sacha up 4-1 in 3rd but at 4-2 two consecutive doubles and Novak wins 5 consecutive games to take a 2 set to 1 lead. Zverev as 3-0 up in the 4th but lack of first serves and it is now back on serve at 3-2. possibly throwing this away!


Djokovic takes the match on 4th set Breaker 8-6, a few interesting exchanges but Zverev failed to capitalise on his chances. He also has 2 bps at 4-3 and set point at 6-5. Would appear to have relatively straightforward semi as will face Karatsev. Disappointing for Dimi.

[cazza99]

oop for Wednesday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23461

[suttontennis]

In 3rd set on Dimitrov service game. He just given up. He can’t even bother serve properly and not bother hit balls back from other guy. Just let it pass him. Give that game and set away on purpose. I never see anyone do that my life any tennis matches. So strange. I feel sorry for other guy and must be awkward for him when he trying his hardest beat Dimitrov. Medical timeout.

Now 4th set. If he really that injured then he should retire match instead just give up playing properly.
There was much anger directed at Henin when she retired from the 2006 Aus Open final, thus robbing Mauresmo of her moment of glory. Some players will play on standing on one leg and serving underarm, others retire far more readily. It says much about Dimitrov that he carried on, without any hope of victory.

[JAMES4578]

Medvedev through in straight sets against Rublev 7-5,6-3,6-2. Looks like he will face Nadal in the semis as he currently leads Tsitsipas 6-3,6-2. A disappointing display from Stefanos , misfiring too often even if Nadal showing some top form. The Greek though has made better start to 3rd and leads 3-2.


Tsitsipas steps up and takes 3rd set on Breaker 7-4, got an opening from Rafa though. Hopefully will see a competitive 4th too!


Becoming exciting,Stefanos really set pace in 4th, finally got break and served it out 6-4! Need to see if he can maintain it though and of course Nadal may respond.

[clancy]

Wow, Tsitsipas takes the 4th set so on to a 5th! I'm only following scores on FS but the Greek boy seems to have the momentum right now.

[JAMES4578]

on serve in the 5th, Nadal up 2-1. Crunch time, now with Rafa up 5-4. Nadal serving first this set which can be an advantage, hopefully Stefanos has more to give. Tsitsipas holds firm to 30- 5 all.


A few errors from Nadal and Stefanos breaks to love, will try and serve it out at 6-5!

[Sallydaisy]

Whoever wins will be the more tired player against Meddybear on Friday.

[banskogirl]

Much more of a match than I expected!

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas serving for the match.

[banskogirl]

And again...

[Sallydaisy]

Match point at 40-30, deuce

[Sallydaisy]

Ad, Stefanos and Rafa saves again. Deuce

[Sallydaisy]

Ad Rafa

[Sallydaisy]

Deuce

[banskogirl]

Wow!

[Sallydaisy]

3rd match point ST

[JAMES4578]

Big win for Tsitsipas as he takes it on 3rd match point, Nadal has bp but could not convert. Cetainly became exciting contest!:clap::clap: Rafa though may feel he let it slip.

https://ausopen.com/articles/match-report/tsitsipas-stuns-nadal-five-make-semis

[themass15]

Didn't mind who won but now Stef all the way!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Stefanos Tsitsipas d Rafael Nadal 3'6, 2'6, 7'6, 6'4, 7'5.
What a match, great tennis from both of them.
Can't help thinking that Rafa was tiring a bit but all credit to Stef.

[Jan]

Well done Stefanos!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[clancy]

What a comeback from 2 sets down!

[RosieBear]

Wow!!! What a win for Stefanos. I did not see that coming when he was having his xxxx handed to him in first two sets. Simply incredible. Only 3rd man to beat Rafa from 2 sets down. Hope he can go all the way but think Medevev who sailed into the semi will be rubbing his hands together in glee, but that's another day. :bravo: Stefanos!

[Alis]

Fantastic from Tsitsipas .... well done him!! Onwards and upwards ..... it will be an interesting semi!!

[Genbrit]

Well after getting up to watch Andy and going back to bed I lay there and thought I wonder if theres still something going on at the AO. So I got up and found the Rafa/Tsitsaipas match in the middle of the 4th. Thoroughly enjoyed that match.

[themass15]

Well after getting up to watch Andy and going back to bed I lay there and thought I wonder if theres still something going on at the AO. So I got up and found the Rafa/Tsitsaipas match in the middle of the 4th. Thoroughly enjoyed that match.

Best match of the tournament so far!

[Sallydaisy]

Djokovic takes the first set 6-3, and is a break up in the 2nd.
Now serving at *4-1.

[Sallydaisy]

Karatsev broke back and held. Nike now serving for the 2nd set at 5-4.

[JAMES4578]

Karatsev fought well at tail end of 2nd, even had bps for 5 all but could not stop Djokovic prevailing. Nole now break up in the 3rd at 2-1, broken back 2 all.

Djokovic in control again and will serve for the match at 5-2, into 9th final! Of course could have had a tougher opponent though the Russian had some moments.

[patmoren]

Karatsev had a good run. One to watch out for. This is why Novak is number 1. Might not like some of his behaviour but can't fault his tennis. He has now overtaken Federer as the most weeks at No 1.

[Sallydaisy]

Medvedev with the first break ... and holds for 4-2 in the first set.

[Hawkeye]

Tsitsi didn’t wake up until he was 2 sets and a break down...

But Medvedev leads 6-4 6-2 5-5* and now has 3 break points.

[Hawkeye]

Medvedev breaks and will serve for a place in the final. He can give it everything knowing he has a tie break at worst.

[Hawkeye]

And serve it out he does!

[Sallydaisy]

Medvedev d Tsitsipas 6'4, 6'2, 7'5.

Can he beat Nole in the Final ?????
:bbq:

[Jan]

Medvedev d Tsitsipas 6'4, 6'2, 7'5.

Can he beat Nole in the Final ?????
:bbq:
Hopefully!!!!

[RosieBear]

Always sad to see lovely Stefanos go out but also really like quirky Daniil and realistically he has a better chance of beating Novak - better match up game wise, plus fresher and experience of slam final. I'll be rooting for him! Go Daniil! :cheer:

[themass15]

Stef was disappointing today and he is so lovely to watch when on song. Agree that Daniil has a much better chance on Sunday, so go Daniil!

[JAMES4578]

Did not see much of it live as had an appointment but watching now. Anyway not that surprised at the scoreline, though disappointed Stefanos was not more competitive but Daniil had an advantage. Tsitispas showed great heart v Nadal but was not as fresh, still hope for more big match wins in the future. Let's hope Medvedev can take it to Djokovic and we have an exciting final,whatever the outcome.

[Sallydaisy]

Intriguingly, Medvedev has won 3 of the last 5 matches against Djokovic although the Serb leads the overal H2H (https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/novak-djokovic-vs-daniil-medvedev/D643/MM58) by 4-3, including the first win at DC by retirement .

2017 DC tie RR Djokovic 3-6 6-4 6-1 1- ret
2017 Eastbourne SF Djokovic W 6-4 6-4
2019 Aus Open R4 Djokovic W 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-2 6-3
2019 Monte Carlo QF Medvedev W 6-3 4-6 6-2
2019 Cincinnati SF Medvedev W 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
2020 ATP Cup SF Djokovic W 6-1, 5-7, 6-4
2020 ATP Finals RR Medvedev W 6-3 6-3

[Sallydaisy]

BBC2 is showing one hour of the Mens SF highlights between Medvedev and Tsitsipas.
I presume it'll be available on i-player for a while.

[cazza99]

BBC2 is showing one hour of the Mens SF highlights between Medvedev and Tsitsipas.
I presume it'll be available on i-player for a while.

I think they have been doing that every day this week. Didn't realise until I had missed a few.

[cazza99]

oop for Sunday - https://ausopen.com/schedule#!23481

[Jane]

Medvedev was 0 - 3 down but it is now 3 -3!!! Go Medvedev :thumbup:

[Jane]

First set to Djokovic 7 -5

[Speedy Hawk]

As expected Nole winning 1st set and most likely win 2nd set too way it going. If was semis or earlier Med would have chance beating Nole but this Grand Slam final and most players be too nervous and scared (like Med is) and Nole experienced in Grand Slam final so he more confident.

[Jan]

Hmm I might be switching off soon sadly.

[Speedy Hawk]

That main reason why big 3 keeps winning finals cos they experienced and anyone else just get too scared and nervous so they can’t challenge big 3 in final. We need someone have strong mental strength play final just like any other match instead treat this like Grand Slam final (that get in your head). It shame really.

[suttontennis]

What a fantastic performance by Novak, totally dominated the form player on the tour.

[RosieBear]

Absolutely masterful win by Novak. Looking at just their game styles it should have been closer but Novak out-experienced Daniil and got it spot on - knew exactly when to be rock solid and when to step up the aggression. So close, then uh oh suddenly it isn't. Daniil didn't get nervous as such, he just didn't know what to do when it started slipping away. It's what the greats do and Novak will probably finish his career the greatest. More broadly, so wonderful to have the theatre of live tennis back in our lives - no drama like it :thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Certainly it was a pretty amazing display from Djokovic once the first was under his belt, however still thought Medvedev underperformed and just seemed uncertain. Obviously under pressure but erred too often and really expected more from him. As a final obviously seen some great tennis but still was a bit disappointing. seems the younger guns still have a lot of work to do (in terms of Grand slams)

[harriet]

Medvedev lost one point (and with it, the first set) and disintegrated. i find it very difficult to admire Djokovic but that's largely because of his mannerisms, his belligerence, but that domineering nature is what makes him a winner.

[themass15]

Agree with what you say Harriet. Whilst I admire the man, I will never be able to like him.