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Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic LIVE: Australian Open results and tennis reaction

Follow all the reaction after Emma Raducanu exited the Australian Open in the second round.

The US Open champion battled through the pain of blisters on her hand but was beaten in three sets by lowly-ranked Danka Kovinic in Melbourne.

The 6-4 4-6 6-3 loss marks the first time the 19-year-old has lost a completed match at a grand slam, with her only previous defeat coming when she pulled out with breathing difficulties against Ajla Tomljanovic in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

That proved a valuable experience and surely this will as well, with Raducanu again showing her competitive qualities and giving herself a chance when it appeared a lost cause.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Andy Murray also exited the tournament after defeat to Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel. Hopes were high that Murray could have another strong run in Melbourne when he ground out a five-set win over Nikoloz Basilashvili in round one, three years after it appeared his career had ended on the same court.

But, back on John Cain Arena, the feeling was very different this time as Murray struggled for sharpness against a tenacious and mobile opponent and fell to a 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat.

Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic

Raducanu and Murray left with contrasting outlooks after early exits

14:45 , Jamie Braidwood

It was hard to know where to look at times on a day four of the Australian Open that seemed to have it all. It ended with both Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray bowing out at the second round stage, with one showing admirable fight and spirit to rage against an early exit and the other questioning whether they still had enough to go on.

Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray left with different outlooks after early exits

Australian Open 2022

14:35 , Jamie Braidwood

More from Raducanu on her blisters:

“I have been struggling with blisters since I started playing really in Australia because 21 days, no tennis, my hands got pretty soft.

“From day one, day two, I was getting blisters pop up here and there. This particular one has been with me for about five days and I have been trying to tape it for every practice, and it would harden and dry out, but then once I would play again, another layer would just keep ripping off.

“It ended up being pretty deep. It’s a bit annoying because I know it’s something that will heal in a few days, but it’s just unfortunate timing.”

Raducanu taking ‘positives’ after battling through pain barrier in defeat

14:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu was proud of her fighting spirit after revealing she might not even have taken to the court for her second-round match at the Australian Open.

The US Open champion was beaten 6-4 4-6 6-3 by Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in a bizarre match that saw her reduced to hitting slice forehands because of a painful blister on her right hand.

Raducanu took a medical time-out for treatment after only five games and was hampered throughout but somehow won the second set before going down in three.

“It was a difficult match,” said the 19-year-old. “I was struggling with my hand before the match. There were some people in my team that maybe didn’t want me to play but I wanted to go out there and fight through it, see how far I could get.

“But I thought it was a pretty good learning experience for me. I discovered tools about myself and my game that I didn’t know I had before so I can take some positives even from this match.”

More here:

Australian Open: Day five order of play

14:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Rod Laver Arena

(24) Victoria Azarenka (Blr) v (15) Elina Svitolina (Ukr), (4) Barbora Krejcikova (Cze) v (26) Jelena Ostapenko (Lat), (31) Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (Spa) v (7) Matteo Berrettini (Ita), (1) Ashleigh Barty (Aus) v (30) Camila Giorgi (Ita), (28) Karen Khachanov (Rus) v (6) Rafael Nadal (Spa)

Margaret Court Arena

Nuria Parrizas-Diaz (Spa) v (21) Jessica Pegula (USA), Marta Kostyuk (Ukr) v (8) Paula Badosa Gibert (Spa), (23) Reilly Opelka (USA) v (14) Denis Shapovalov (Can), Amanda Anisimova (USA) v (13) Naomi Osaka (Jpn), Adrian Mannarino (Fra) v (18) Aslan Karatsev (Rus)

John Cain Arena

Rinky Hijikata (Aus) & Tristan Schoolkate (Australia) v (5) John Peers (Aus) & Filip Polasek (Svk), (28) Veronika Kudermetova (Rus) v (5) Maria Sakkari (Gre), Magda Linette (Pol) & Bernarda Pera (USA) v (4) Samantha Stosur (Aus) & Shuai Zhang (Chn), (3) Alexander Zverev (Ger) v Radu Albot (Mol)

Australian Open 2022

13:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Raducanu has revealed she came into her second round defeat carrying the blisters on her right hand:

"I was struggling with my hand before the match. There were some people in my team that maybe didn't want me to play, but I wanted to go out there and fight through it.

"I thought it was a pretty good learning experience for me. I discovered tools about myself and my game that I didn't know I had before. I can take some positives even from this match."

Emma Raducanu waves after losing to Danka Kovinic (AFP)
Emma Raducanu waves after losing to Danka Kovinic (AFP)

Australian Open 2022: Latest scores

13:22 , Jamie Braidwood

In the final matches of the day, Simona Halep is through to the third round of the Australian Open after thrashing Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2 6-0. The former world No 1 sets up a meeting with Danka Kovinic, who defeated Emma Raducanu.

Jannik Sinner continued his impressive form as he cruised past Steve Johnson 6-2 6-4 6-3. The Italian will play Taro Daniel in round three after his win over Andy Murray.

Djokovic deported from Australia because he was anti-vaccine, judges rule

13:02 , Jamie Braidwood

It was reasonable for Australia’s Immigration Minister to conclude that Novak Djokovic holds anti-vaccination views and could be a threat to Australia’s public health.

That was the conclusion of the three judges who heard the case at the country’s Federal Court on Sunday, with the reasons for their judgment published on Thursday.

Djokovic was deported at the weekend following the ruling, with the judicial triumvirate deciding not to overturn the decision of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel the world number one’s visa.

One of the grounds on which Djokovic appealed was that it was unreasonable to paint him as anti-vaccination, but the judges said: “It was plainly open to the minister to infer that Mr Djokovic had chosen not to be vaccinated because he was opposed to vaccination or did not wish to be vaccinated.

“It was also open to the minister to infer that the public would view his attitude as the media had portrayed: that he was unwilling to be vaccinated.”

More here:

Court reveals why Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia

Medvedev says jeering fans ‘probably have a low IQ’

12:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Daniil Medvedev has hit out at disruptive Australian Open fans during his second-round win over home favourite Nick Kyrgios, saying they “probably have a low IQ”.

Medvedev came through a raucous atmosphere at Melbourne Park as Kyrgios geed up the crowd with a typically entertaining display of exhibition shots and emotional reactions, with the Russian winning 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Afterwards he told Eurosport: “It’s not anger [but] it’s a little bit disappointing. I guess it’s normal, everybody experiences it, especially when you play a home favourite and not just a home favourite but Nick.

“But I had a few moments on my serve – many games were actually quite easy, a lot of aces – but there were a few moments where he managed to make some good returns, then I have a break point second serve and people are cheering like you already made a double fault.

“It’s not everybody who’s doing it, but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ.”

Daniil Medvedev: Jeering Australian Open fans ‘probably have a low IQ’

Australian Open 2022

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Andy Murray hinted this could be his final Australian Open unless he proves to himself that he can compete at the highest level this season.

Murray fell to a disappointing straight-sets defeat by Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel in the second round at Melbourne Park on Thursday, and the Scot cut a dejected figure in his post-match press conference.

The 34-year-old overcame career-threatening injury over the past three years to make his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2019, when he had left the tournament in tears announcing he was likely to retire. But he suggested he will only return to Melbourne if he feels he can go deep into the second week.

“I mean, yeah,” Murray responded when asked whether he would like to be back next year. “But not if I do what I did tonight too often this season. This is a really important year for me for a number of reasons and I want to perform well in the big events. For me, tonight is not good enough in that respect.

“Making second rounds of slams is not something I find particularly motivating. I want to be doing better than that. It depends on how I get on this year results wise and how I perform in the big events. I’m really, really disappointed. Very frustrated. A tough loss for me that’s for sure.”

Andy Murray casts doubt on returning to Australian Open after disappointing defeat

Australian Open 2022

12:15 , Jamie Braidwood

The women’s Australian Open draw was shaken up by second-round defeats for Garbine Muguruza and Anett Kontaveit but Aryna Sabalenka survived despite more serving woes.

The first three days saw very few upsets but Thursday began with a bang as third seed Muguruza lost 6-3 6-3 to French veteran Alize Cornet while sixth seed Kontaveit was toppled 6-2 6-4 by Danish teenager Clara Tauson.

Both were among the title favourites having finished last season strongly.

Garbine Muguruza and Anette Kontaveit exit second round of Australian Open

Australian Open 2022

12:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Here’s a round up of today’s stories:

Dan Evans reached the third round of the Australian Open without hitting a ball but Heather Watson was beaten by Tamara Zidansek.

Evans had been due to take on Arthur Rinderknech at Melbourne Park on Thursday but received a walkover prior to the start of play when the Frenchman withdrew because of a wrist injury.

It means Evans, who comfortably beat David Goffin in round one, is through to the last 32 in Melbourne for the first time since 2017, when he made the fourth round at a grand slam for the first time.

Watson lost a very close match against 19th seed Zidansek in Adelaide last week, and there was little to choose between the pair again here but it was the Slovenian who went through 7-6 (4) 6-4.

Watson twice fought back from a break down in the opening set and had a set point at 5-6 but Zidansek saved it, played a strong tie-break and then broke the British number two’s serve twice in succession to claim the victory.

Emma Raducanu latest odds for 2022 Grand Slams

11:44 , Jack Rathborn

French Open Women’s winner 2022

Ashleigh Barty, Iga Swiatek: 4/1

Simona Halep: 5/1

Barbora Krejcikova, Garbine Muguruza: 10/1

Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka: 12/1

Anett Kontaveit: 13/1

Emma Raducanu, Cori Gauff, Serena Williams: 14/1

Wimbledon Women’s winner 2022

Naomi Osaka: 6/1

Ashleigh Barty: 6/1

Simona Halep: 7/1

Emma Raducanu: 15/2

Aryna Sabalenka: 15/2

US Open Women’s winner 2022

Ashleigh Barty: 5/1

Naomi Osaka: 5/1

Emma Raducanu: 13/2

Aryna Sabalenka: 9/1

Iga Swiatek: 11/1

Odds via Betfair

11:28 , Jack Rathborn

 (AP)
(AP)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

11:24 , Jack Rathborn

Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray on future

11:23 , Jack Rathborn

While Emma Raducanu exits, so too does another British hope as Andy Murray fell to Taro Daniel.

Murray said: ““I’m really, really disappointed. Very frustrated. A tough loss for me that’s for sure.

“I mean, yeah,” Murray added on whether he plans to be back in 2023. “But not if I do what I did tonight too often this season.

“This is a really important year for me for a number of reasons and I want to perform well in the big events. For me, tonight is not good enough in that respect.

“Making second rounds of slams is not something I find particularly motivating. I want to be doing better than that. It depends on how I get on this year results wise and how I perform in the big events.”

Australian Open 2022: Women’s draw opens up after seeds tumble

11:14 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu is not the only seed to be upset today.

Only Mertens has won as a top 20 seed from the third quarter of the women’s draw today.

No3 Muguruza, No6 Kontaveit and No12 Rybakina all out.

No14 Halep still to play and has a nice route to the semi-finals at this stage.

Australian Open 2022: Kovinic on Raducanu win

11:04 , Jack Rathborn

Kovinic: “It was amazing, I really enjoyed it.

“It was a nice experience to play against Emma and make my first third round at a Grand Slam.

“I didn’t even think beyond the first round, which was really tough. It was regular preparation for every match.

“She had an amazing result winning a Grand Slam at such a young age, she’s such a talent.

“I was a little bit low with my energy through the third set. I wanted to focus on myself, not show emotions when winning or losing, saving energy for the last set.”

11:02 , Jack Rathborn

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 3-5 Kovinic*

10:57 , Jack Rathborn

Here we go then... Kovinic serving for the match.

Kovinic’s backhand goes long! 0-15. She needs that first serve, but it’s not there.

A great pickup though as Raducanu seized on the second serve return, she levels, 15-15.

ACE! A hammer blow to Raducanu, two points away for Kovinic.

And net! Kovinic has two match points.

Stunning! What composure, a powerful forehand return from Raducanu, that’s one saved.

It’s there! A backhand hit flat down the line, with Raducanu out of position, flirts with the line but lands just in.

The US Open champion is out!

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 3-5 Kovinic

10:54 , Jack Rathborn

Pressure? What pressure. Raducanu calmly approaches the net and puts away the first point.

And another, the Briton is not going away lightly.

But a theme to this game is the drop shot, and Kovinic is perfect here, this time a counter drop shot that Raducanu can’t even get near due to the disguise.

A clumsy shot from Kovinic gifts Raducanu the set with the court wide open as she reached the drop shot at the net. Game.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 2-5 Kovinic*

10:52 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu looks weary, Kovinic races through it.

The end might be near, it’s 5-2 now, it’ll need an almighty effort from the US Open champion to stay in this now.

10:48 , Jack Rathborn

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 2-4 Kovinic

10:43 , Jack Rathborn

Solid start as Raducanu looks to hold and draw level, Kovinic goes long with another of those attempted winners.

That’s a bullet, Raducanu with a crushing cross court backhand that almost kisses the top of the net and dies just before the line. 30-0.

Kovinic up to the task though, rallying with a winner of her own, she’s hanging about, Raducanu going to have to level the hard way, we’re at deuce.

An excellent serve just when she needed it denies Kovinic’s break point. But then a stroke of luck for the Montenegrin, a back hand clatters the net and cruelly lands on the other side of the net, break point again.

BREAK! Another fine lob after Raducanu failed to get enough pace on her net approach.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 2-3 Kovinic*

10:40 , Jack Rathborn

Delightful! What a cool head from Raducanu at 0-15, she pushes home the advantage with a gorgeous backhand cross court that evades Kovinic at the net. 0-30.

Another risky forehand, she’s committing, 0-40! Raducanu sees vulnerability when Kovinic fails to land her first serve.

BREAK BACK! Raducanu once again happily dictates the point and calmly puts the volley away at the net. Back on serve.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 1-3 Kovinic

10:38 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu in trouble here, Kovinic quick out the blocks and races away with the break.

A little hole at the worst possible time.

The Montenegrin looks the fresher out there.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 1-2 Kovinic*

10:30 , Jack Rathborn

A marathon game here, as Kovinic saves three break points.

A pivotal moment in the match, the Montenegrin is still going for aggressive strokes. A gorgeous forehand, she rotates nicely, rolling through the shot to put the ball away to Raducanu’s forehand side.

But she can’t put the game point away, Raducanu is onto it and quickly gets her rival moving side to side. The forehand cross court is kissing the line. Deuce 3.

A gutsy hold in the end, that sliced drop shot pulling Raducanu to the net, and Kovinic gleefully slams the forehand past the Briton. Game.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 1-1 Kovinic

10:22 , Jack Rathborn

Good variety from Kovinic, to change both pace and angle with that inside-out forehand.

But Raducanu is right back at her, she fizzes a forehand that bounces low towards Kovinic’s backhand, but despite getting it back the Briton can put that away at the net comfortably.

This match has also just passed two hours.

More variation to these points, Raducanu at the net, charges forward and Kovinic can see it coming, the lob is an inch or so long!

Now a series of whipped cross court forehands, Kovinic blinks first, looking to switch to the forehand down the line and it crashes into the net, game Raducanu!

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 6-4, 0-1 Kovinic*

10:17 , Jack Rathborn

A confident Raducanu moves to break point early in the third, with Kovinic returning from a break to change her outfit.

Kovinic settles quickly though, some powerful ground stokes forcing Raducanu back and the ball is ballooned up towards the net. It’s put away with a bit of anger, that should settle her after that late collapse in the second.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 6-4 Kovinic

10:00 , Jack Rathborn

Good response from Kovinic, a powerful forehand is too good for Raducanu there, 0-15.

And another good point for the Montenegrin, this time a forehand smash at mid-court, placed perfectly, 0-30.

But Raducanu shows the fight of a champion, with a beautiful lob just as Kovinic looked set to dictate another point.

And now she steps into a fiery backhand, provoking a fist pump in celebration. Two points away.

But those forehands from Kovinic are too hot when struck like that, this one crisp and accurate into the corner, but the break is held off as Kovinic is dragged to the net and can’t put that away, Raducanu’s backhand volley into the empty court bringing up deuce.

Another break point... but Kovinic rushes and her forehand down the line is dragged wide. A booming serve from Raducanu brings up set point and a scream of relief.

The story of the latter part of the set, Kovinic taking a risk to hit that powerful forehand, but it’s just too long, SET! We’re heading to a third.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 5-4 Kovinic*

09:52 , Jack Rathborn

Some real power from Kovinic, her balance is superb as she drives through the ball.

Raducanu touches the line with a backhand cross court, Kovinic is sure it’s out, but the Briton is back in this game, 15-15.

A rare powerful forehand from Raducanu catches Kovinic by surprise to bring up break point, but she defends well and brings up deuce again.

And another stunning forehand, is the pain easing?

GAME! Raducanu with another forehand winner, this time more whipped than bludgeoned, but it brings a smile to her face, a chance to serve out the set.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (AP)
(AP)

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 4-4 Kovinic

09:47 , Jack Rathborn

Now then, we’re approaching the crucial moment of the second set and the match, can Raducanu edge to within one game of levelling this up?

A brutal moment for Raducanu, she fights with the forehand slice and some crushing backhands cross court.

But when the ball is ballooned up, providing an opportunity for a forehand smash, she misses, struggling to rotate the racquet enough, causing some pain too.

And now a delightful lob from Raducanu, but Kovinic reaches well and smashes to claim the point and a break point.

BREAK! Raducanu’s sliced effort cross court drifts wide and we’re level again. 4-4.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 4-3 Kovinic*

09:45 , Jack Rathborn

A close game, Kovinic weathered a storm as Raducanu moved to break point.

But the Montenegrin was able to pick off the Briton at the net to move back to within a game.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 4-2 Kovinic*

09:41 , Jack Rathborn

That drop shot is back! Raducanu dropping one cross court.

Kovinic struggling to get that height on the returns to the Raducanu forehand side, allowing her to come underneath and slice back.

Winner! And now a cross court backhand winner, superb from the teenager. 0-30.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 4-2 Kovinic

09:33 , Jack Rathborn

More work on those callouses for Raducanu at the change.

A backhand smacks the net for Raducanu, a little hole here at 0-30.

But that’s a good response, the smash doesn’t put Kovinic away, but it loops back up for another attempt and this time with the backhand smash she wins the point.

A trend? Kovinic suddenly being dragged to the net, more drop shots from Raducanu, 30-30.

A big scream in delight, Kovinic now with a big smash at the net. Deuce.

A whipped forehand cross court clips the net but lands in, break point Kovinic.

A huge cry of relief, Raducanu holds!

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 3-2 Kovinic*

09:28 , Jack Rathborn

Another booming first serve, suddenly Kovinic is finding some cheap points on serve.

And now a powerful forehand at the net to race to 30-0.

A good response here to edge closer and put the pressure back on Raducanu.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 3-1 Kovinic

09:23 , Jack Rathborn

The tactic appears to be shortening each point as Raducanu deals with these callouses.

Now to the net for Raducanu, tremendous control on that volley to put it away into the corner.

A great hold for the Briton, she leads 3-1.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 2-1 Kovinic*

09:19 , Jack Rathborn

Kovinic’s backhand still her best weapon, this time to Raducanu’s forehand side, a clean winner!

A poor decision fro Kovinic costs her, at the net with the cross court option open, she goes down the line with the volley and Raducanu thumps a return down the middle which she cannot control, 15-15.

Raducanu confident again, the forehand drop shot working wonders, then a ruthless backhand cross court, 30-30.

Another ace for Kovinic! Her second of the match and Raducanu’s latest forehand drop shot hits the net. 2-1.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6, 2-0 Kovinic

09:15 , Jack Rathborn

Cheap points will be so valuable with this injury and a first serve pushes Kovinic to hit the net.

But Kovinic more aggressive in these rallies, and really working Raducanu’s backhand side. A delightful inside-out forehand crosscourt puts the point away.

Raducanu fighting out there, this pivotal service game level at 30-30.

Magic! A backhand drop shot nestles just the other side of the net as Kovinic rushes to the net and narrowly misses the post. Game!

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 4-6, 1-0 Kovinic*

09:09 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu reminded what end she needs to be at.

An amazing rally there as both players lean on sliced forehands, but Raducanu with immense composure to step in and reverse the court just as Kovinic anticipates a backhand down the line.

It’s deuce, Kovinic with an ace and adding some real pace to these first serves.

That’s a big point! Another sliced forehand and Kovinic’s thumping backhand down the line sprays wide, break!

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (AP)
(AP)

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-6 Kovinic

09:06 , Jack Rathborn

Three set points for Kovinic after a fast start here...

A delightful lob doing damage once again.

And she takes the first set 6-4 afte Raducanu hits the net. A tremendous reaction to a 0-3 start, now it’s time for Raducanu to flip the momentum and attempt her own streak of games in the second if she’s to work her way back into this.

09:05 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu’s service and forehand speed way down, maybe leaning on those backhands due to the decreased pain.

Emma Raducanu’s hand is taped (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu’s hand is taped (Australian Open)

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 4-5 Kovinic

09:01 , Jack Rathborn

Kovinic serving for the set.

Raducanu chasing across court and fights to send a beautiful backhand angled past Kovinic. Her best point in some time.

Delightful sliced forehand that works out to be a deadly drop shot, Kovinic chases it down but can’t get enough on it, 0-30, some hope to stop the rot.

Here we go, another exquisite backhand from Raducanu, break points coming up, 0-40.

And she takes it, back on serve!

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 3-5 Kovinic

08:58 , Jack Rathborn

The tape is coming off Raducanu, she’s communicating over how many more medical timeouts she’ll get. It’s two more for the match.

Not a great deal on this forehand from Raducanu.

One-way traffic and it’s five straight for Kovinic.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 3-4 Kovinic*

08:54 , Jack Rathborn

She’s really confident now, Raducanu dragged to the net after a drop shot, and Kovinic loops the lob easily over her head.

And another drop shot, looked like a deep slice from Kovinic, but it falls so short, Raducanu with no chance.

Another sliced approach to Raducanu’s backhand and she can’t angle it back across court, it hits the net and it’s game, 4-3 to Kovinic.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 3-3 Kovinic

08:50 , Jack Rathborn

A sloppy start to her service game, Raducanu hits the net to fall behind 0-30.

Some hit! Booming backhand down the line and Raducanu barely moves, three break points.

And she’s back level, 3-3 and an early mental test for Raducanu to bounce back and cut this shift in momentum.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 3-2 Kovinic

08:46 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu calls for the physio...

The Briton’s medical timeout is to attend to some callouses on her right hand. It doesn’t look serious.

There’s tape on her fourth and fifth finger, replays show her looking at her hand after that last game.

Emma Raducanu’s hand is taped (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu’s hand is taped (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu receives medical treatment (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu receives medical treatment (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu receives medical treatment (Australian Open)
Emma Raducanu receives medical treatment (Australian Open)

08:45 , Jack Rathborn

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 3-2 Kovinic*

08:40 , Jack Rathborn

Some heavy hitting from Kovinic suddenly and Raducanu unable to control the ball as she did early on.

Kovinic looking far more confident.

Raducanu holding in though, it’s 30-30, but the ball is jumping up viciously off the bounce and proving tricky to control back. A unique style.

Some looping shots pinning both players back behind the baseline and Kovinic holds on, forcing Raducanu to go long, 2-3.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 3-1 Kovinic

08:37 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a beautiful inside-out forehand from Kovinic to hit back hard here, she moves to 0-30.

Tremendous backhand winner down the line from Kovinic, two break points!

BREAK! Raducanu’s wild forehand across court never looked like dipping in, Kovinic hits back, 1-3.

 (AP)
(AP)

08:36 , Jack Rathborn

 (Getty)
(Getty)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 2-0 Kovinic*

08:32 , Jack Rathborn

Kovinic looks unsettled and is struggling to find her range. The backhand crosscourt is playing into Raducanu’s strengths.

Delightful variation from Raducanu, the backhand drop shot with Kovinic sprawling at the back of the court. This is very promising indeed, 0-30.

And it’s three break points as this set quickly gets away from the Montenegrin.

It’s a double break for Raducanu as Kovinic hits the net after another lengthy rally.

Australian Open 2022: *Raducanu 2-0 Kovinic

08:28 , Jack Rathborn

It’s now 82.2 per cent for Raducanu on the win predictor... She serves.

A bit of swagger to Raducanu early up here, a fast start like the first round against Stephens.

Kovinic can’t handle the heat from Raducanu’s forehand and it leads to another error, 40-15.

Then a serve spits up high and Kovinic can’t control it back, 2-0 to the No 17 seed.

Australian Open 2022: Raducanu 1-0 Kovinic*

08:22 , Jack Rathborn

It’s Kovinic to serve first...

Some thudding forehands from Kovinic to start things up and Raducanu pushed into some wayward returns as the Montenegrin moves 30-0 up.

Raducanu timing that return nicely to pin Kovinic back and draw level, but her next return sails long, 40-3.

Excellent from Raducanu, who is first to change it up in this rally, a backhand crosscourt pushes Kovinic into a more aggressive approach and she can’t time her volley at the net, deuce.

Really aggressive returns from Raducanu and she ruthlessly seizes the break, excellent start from the Briton, who lets out a cry in celebration.

Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic

08:21 , Jack Rathborn

 (Getty)
(Getty)
 (Getty)
(Getty)

Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic

08:12 , Jack Rathborn

Raducanu seen backstage waiting, now eating a cereal bar and taking in some water.

She looks relaxed just chatting to three members of her team.

It’s almost time to go, she picks up her bag and begins her walk to the arena entrance.

Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic

08:10 , Jack Rathborn

Stefanos Tsitsipas downed Sebastian Baez in his second round match in four sets (7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4) on Margaret Court Arena.

We’re now waiting for Raducanu vs Kovinic.

The crowds are still streaming in...

Dan Evans gets second-round walkover at Australian Open but Heather Watson suffers defeat

08:02 , Jack Rathborn

Dan Evans reached the third round of the Australian Open without hitting a ball but Heather Watson was beaten by Tamara Zidansek.

Evans had been due to take on Arthur Rinderknech at Melbourne Park on Thursday but received a walkover prior to the start of play when the Frenchman withdrew because of a wrist injury.

It means Evans, who comfortably beat David Goffin in round one, is through to the last 32 in Melbourne for the first time since 2017, when he made the fourth round at a grand slam for the first time.

Dan Evans gets Australian Open walkover but Heather Watson suffers defeat

Australian Open 2022: Murray vs Daniel update

07:45 , Jack Rathborn

Elsewhere this morning, Andy Murray is set for another marathon match after dropping the first set to Taro Daniel.

In a patchy first set for Murray, he clips the net cord on a backhand as he looked to move into the court on the opening point. A second error from Murray to hit a forehand long moves Daniel to 30-0 and within touching distance of the opening set.

Daniel then attacks a Murray backhand as he moves into the net before putting away the backhand volley - setting up three set points.

And the 28-year-old seals it with an ace down the middle. Murray faces an uphill battle to turn this one around.

Emma Raducanu on new coach Torben Beltz

07:39 , Jack Rathborn

Emma Raducanu is loving life under new coach Torben Beltz, who has been known to motivate his players with rewards and forfeits.

“He brings some great positive energy,” said the US Open champion. “To to have that in your corner is definitely an uplifting thing.

“And when we’re working, for example, last week after a loss, he was like, straight back on it. He was happy, he wasn’t dwelling on it at all. So I think that was great for me to feed off.”

Emma Raducanu used heavy defeat to fuel good start at Australian Open

07:33 , Jack Rathborn

Emma Raducanu claims she used the hurt of a heavy loss in Sydney to boost her debut at the Australian Open.

Last week, Raducanu suffered a devastating loss 6-0, 6-1 to Elena Rybakina in less than an hour, but her reaction has driven her to continue on the right path in the Grand Slams, having burst onto the scene last time out at with her shock US Open win.

“I didn’t waste any time at all,” she said. “I was constructive and straight back on the practice court working, which was pretty unusual to go out there straight after a loss like that.

“So I was feeling good, and that’s definitely a moment where I was like, ‘OK, you know where you’re at, let’s just keep working and see what happens next week.’”

Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray defy age and expectation at Australian Open

07:29 , Jack Rathborn

Just a few minutes before midnight in Australia, Emma Raducanu cast her racquet aside and let out a cathartic roar. The magnitude of this battling 6-0 2-6 6-1 victory over Sloane Stephens might pale against the heights of New York, but as her adrenaline subsided and even after the lights turned off around Melbourne Park, there was little to mask her relief.

Raducanu had endured a tumultuous build-up to her grand slam return, with two first-round exits sandwiching a change of coach and a positive Covid test that left her unable to practise for almost three weeks. But the resilient nature of her performance on Tuesday will breathe new life into expectations that had been met with another jolt of caution after the difficulty of her first-round draw was revealed last week.

This was a contest between two US Open champions: a star in Stephens who broke through at this tournament almost a decade ago; and another still shooting in its heady upwards trajectory. For all former’s recent inconsistencies, it always guaranteed to be a significant and gruelling test.

For a while, though, it seemed that challenge might never arrive. After waiting deep into the evening to step out onto Margaret Court Arena, Raducanu blitzed through the first set in barely more than a quarter of an hour. Her ball-striking was assured and emphatic, dragging Stephens across the baseline with power and surgical precision, and the nerves that gripped her second serve in last week’s warm-up event had dissipated.

Raducanu and Murray defy age and expectation at Australian Open

Emma Raducanu overcomes ‘adversity’ to beat Sloane Stephens on Australian Open debut

07:22 , Jack Rathborn

Emma Raducanu has said she is pleased to have survived a “tough match-up” against Sloane Stephens and reach the second round of her debut Australian Open.

The US Open champion is making her first appearance in Melbourne and produced a strong showing against the dangerous Stephens.

Having started brilliantly to take the first set without conceding a game, Raducanu was pegged back by a much improved second set from her American opponent.

With increasing dominance in longer exchanges, Stephens entered the decider with momentum, but Raducanu was able to reset and take a 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 win.

The 19-year-old, who is the 17th seed on debut in Australia, believes the final set margin did not reflect how fine the margins were in a first-round battle of Grand Slam winners, and was pleased at the resilience she showed after Stephens’ comeback.

Emma Raducanu overcomes ‘adversity’ to beat Sloane Stephens on Australian Open debut

Emma Raducanu ‘still has a lot to learn’, warns Sloane Stephens

07:15 , Jack Rathborn

Sloane Stephens appeared to question Emma Raducanu’s on-court behaviour and said the 19-year-old “still has a lot to learn” after the pair’s first-round match at the Australian Open.

Raducanu emerged victorious after a volatile match in which she blitzed the first set in just 17 minutes before being broken three times on her own serve in the second. However, as the momentum threatened to turn against her, Raducanu recovered brilliantly to dominate the deciding set.

Speaking to the media after the match, though, Stephens seemed to suggest that some of Raducanu’s behaviour had been a little theatrical.

“Everyone saw after the first point she gave like a massive scream,” Stephens said. “She played me, someone she’s ranking-wise supposed to beat. And, I mean, yeah, she won.”

Stephens, who was once ranked as high as No 3 in the world but has suffered from long spells of inconsistency, also warned that Raducanu’s upward trajectory could dip before long.

Emma Raducanu ‘still has a lot to learn’, says Sloane Stephens

Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic

07:14 , Jack Rathborn

Welcome to live coverage of Emma Raducanu’s second round match at the Australian Open as she takes on Danka Kovinic on Margaret Court Arena.

The US Open champion is making her Melbourne Park debut and settled any nerves in the first round with a gritty win over Sloane Stephens.

Elsewhere this morning, Andy Murray is in action against Taro Daniel in the second round, having ground out a sensational, five-set victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, you can follow live coverage of that match here.

Also look out for crowd favourite Nick Kyrgios and the tournament favourite Daniil Medvedev, which gets underway at around 8am on Rod Laver Arena.