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Novak Djokovic news LIVE: World No 1 could miss French Open as Tennis Australia faces backlash
The Australian Open continues without Novak Djokovic after the saga over the men’s defending champion’s visa was finally brought to an end on Sunday evening.
After Australia’s immigration minister had used his discretionary power to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time last week, the decision was upheld by three judges at an appeal, who determined that the world No 1’s presence “may be counterproductive to efforts at vaccination by others.” Djokovic was deported on Sunday and returned home to his native Belgrade, where he “will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this”.
However, the Serbian is already facing further problems over his vaccination status, with France’s sports minister announcing that athletes would not be exempt from the country’s Covid pass, throwing Djokovic’s participation at Roland Garros into doubt. “The vaccination pass has been adopted. As soon as the law is promulgated, it will become mandatory to enter public buildings already subject to the health pass (stadium, theatre or lounge) for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals,” Roxana Maracineanu wrote on Twitter.
Follow all the latest news, reaction and updates as the Australian Open continues.
Novak Djokovic latest news
Djokovic landed back in Belgrade on Monday after being deported
Djokovic to hold talks with lead sponsor to ‘review events'
Visa saga labelled ‘messy’ and ‘embarrassing'
When is Emma Raducanu’s next match at the Australian Open?
16:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Emma Raducanu has made a strong start to her first Australian Open campaign, surviving an impressive fight-back from Sloane Stephens to reach the second round.
The 19-year-old US Open champion began superbly in Melbourne, racing into a one-set lead after taking the opening exchanges 6-0 for the concession of just four points in 17 scintillating minutes.
While Stephens, herself a former winner on the hard courts in New York, hit back and forced a decider, Raducanu was able to overcome expected “adversity” and take the third and final set 6-1.
Victory sets up a meeting with Danka Kovinic for the British teenager. Kovinic, ranked just inside the world’s top 100, came through her own three-set encounter with qualifier Jang Su-jeong.
The Montenegrin and Raducanu have never previously met, and Kovinic has never previously been beyond the second round at any of the four major tennis championships.
When is Emma Raducanu’s next match at the Australian Open?
When is Andy Murray’s next match at the Australian Open?
16:16 , Jamie Braidwood
For the first time since 2017, Andy Murray is through to the second round of the Australian Open.
Murray, who has endured several injury hit seasons, out-lasted Nikoloz Basilashvili in a five-set first-round battle to progress in Melbourne.
Having reached the final of the ATP event in Sydney last week, Murray continued to show signs of somewhere approaching his best recent form in a performance of trademark fight and resistance to fell the 21st seed.
Taro Daniel will be his opponent in the next round. The 28-year-old beat Tomás Barrios in straight sets in his first round encounter, and has the chance to seal his first passage into the third round at one of tennis’ four Grand Slams.
Daniel has reached this stage of a major four times previously, including in Melbourne in 2019. That tournament was also Murray’s last appearance at the Australian Open, when the Scot made a first round exit - victory over Basilashvili was his first at the event in five years.
When is Andy Murray’s next match at the Australian Open?
Australian Open 2022: Nadal relishing not having ‘big pressure’
15:52 , Jamie Braidwood
“I think I am doing things well,” Nadal continued as he looked ahead to the third round.
“Things that I can improve I have to improve. I want to keep going in the tournament. But winning today allows me to practise again tomorrow, to be ready for another match. After two matches it’s the moment to make a step forward.
“I’m excited about it. I’m excited about the fact that I’m going to be playing in a third round for one more time here after all the things I am going through.
“I don’t have big pressure on my shoulders, honestly. I don’t feel it. The pressure is only to stay healthy and to enjoy the fact that I am competing again, then give my best as I did during all my tennis career.”
Relaxed Nadal relishing not having ‘big pressure’ at Australian Open
15:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Nadal is confident he is on the right path after moving smoothly into the third round of the Australian Open.
German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann put up a good fight on Rod Laver Arena including saving four match points, but sixth seed Nadal took his fifth chance to clinch a 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory after two hours and 42 minutes.
“I think he played great tennis out there, playing very aggressive, big shots,” said Nadal. “It wasn’t an easy game at all.”
Nadal is unbeaten so far this season having cut short his 2021 campaign in August because of a foot problem. He is the only former champion in the men’s draw but is currently third favourite behind Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.
More here:
Relaxed Rafael Nadal relishing not having ‘big pressure’ at Australian Open
Kyrgios excited for Medvedev clash
15:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Nick Kyrgios’ meeting with number one seed and US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is set to be the top attraction on day four of the Australian Open, with the home player headlining the night session on the Rod Laver Arena.
"It's going to be a hell of an experience for me. He's probably the best player in the world at the moment. So I'm pretty excited, I'm excited for that moment. That's why I play the game," Kyrgios said.
"I feel like those matches still excite me, to go out there and play the best in the world. That was always something I wanted to prove to people that someone like me could do, win those matches.
"I'm not going to go into it with a lot of expectation. I'm going to go out there, have some fun, play my game. I have a pretty set-in-stone game plan of what I need to do to have success."
Australian Open 2022: Order of play for day four
14:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu will look to book their places in the third round of the Australian Open after surviving epic matches in the opening round in Melbourne.
Murray prevailed in five sets against Nikoloz Basilashvili on his first Australian Open appearance in three years before Raducanu triumphed in a meeting of US Open champions against Sloane Stephens on her tournament debut.
Both players have been handed primetime matches in the night sessions in Melbourne Park, with Murray taking on Japan’s Taro Daniel in the final match on the John Cain Arena and Raducanu facing Danka Kovinic on the Margaret Court Arena.
Elsewhere, the meeting between men’s number one seed Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios will headline the day’s play at the Rod Laver Arena.
Here’s the full schedule of matches and Australian Open order of play:
Australian Open day four order of play with Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu in action
What you might have missed on Wednesday
14:19 , Ben Burrows
Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal all won comfortably at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
Osaka and Barty could meet each other in the fourth round and both have been untroubled so far, with Barty dropping only three games in two matches, while Nadal saw off a spirited challenge from German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.
On a very good day for the big names, the leading casualties were 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz who was knocked out by Adrian Mannarino, and Olympic champion Belinda Bencic beaten by Amanda Anisimova.
Here’s what you might have missed:
Home favourite Ashleigh Barty marches on at Australian Open
Djokovic saga labelled ‘messy’ and ‘embarrassing'
13:55 , Ben Burrows
An Australian television host has called the Novak Djokovic visa controversy “messy” and “embarassing”.
Allison Langdon, who co-hosts popular morning programme Today, believes that there is little need to “dwell on” the events that saw Djokovic deported from Australia and unable to defend his Australian Open crown.
The Serbian’s visa was revoked by the government having failed to fulfil federal coronavirus requirements and admitting that incorrect information had been included on his immigration forms.
Langdon expressed the opinion that people should now focus on events on-court and forget the Djokovic saga that marred the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year.
“It was messy, embarrassing, but now we are focused on the court,” Langdon wrote in the Nine Network breakfast show’s newsletter.
“[It was] a little distraction in the lead up [to the Australian Open] which we don’t need to dwell on.”
Raducanu inspired by Murray’s fighting spirit at Australian Open
13:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Emma Raducanu took inspiration from Andy Murray’s fighting spirit to break new ground at the Australian Open.
Raducanu told the PA news agency: “When I was in the third set I actually thought, ‘Andy was up a set then he got pushed to five but he fought back so hard and took the decider’, so, when I went to three, I was also thinking, ‘Actually, I can fight back and win, fight like he did’. I was definitely inspired by him.”
“I’ve watched so many of Andy’s matches, all his finals here in Australia, but his match against Agut [three years ago] was some of the best fighting I’ve ever seen,” she added. “It’s great to have a role model like him leading British tennis.”
Emma Raducanu ‘still has a lot to learn’, warns Sloane Stephens
13:12 , Jamie Braidwood
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.”
More here:
Emma Raducanu ‘still has a lot to learn’, says Sloane Stephens
Naomi Osaka brings the heat at Australian Open to remain on Ashleigh Barty collision course
13:03 , Jamie Braidwood
If the top half of the Australian Open draw could be accused of lacking notable drama so far, Naomi Osaka ensured she at least provided some fireworks. The big names playing on day three in Melbourne all progressed without much difficulty on Wednesday, and while the start of the second round saw few shocks, it means a meeting between defending champion Osaka and tournament favourite Ashleigh Barty remains alive.
Naomi Osaka brings the heat at Australian Open to remain on Ashleigh Barty course
Australian Open 2022: Monfils through to third round
12:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Gael Monfils has done it! What a result from the Frenchman and arguably the performance of the day, too. He dispatches Alexander Bublik thanks to a 6-1 6-0 6-4 victory, and the top half draw is opening up nicely too.
Andy Murray working on closing out matches quicker at Australian Open
12:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Andy Murray relishes the sort of five-set epic that carried him into the second round of the Australian Open but he would happily take a boring three-setter on Thursday.
“Obviously, in some of the matches that I have played I wouldn’t expect, even if I was playing at my peak, necessarily to win in straight sets,” Murray said ahead of his match against Taro Daniel.
“A match like (Basilashvili) against someone who is in the 20s in the world, it’s always going to be difficult. But obviously it would be nice to have some quicker ones.
“That’s where I have had this discussion with my team and we were talking about trying to shorten matches and ways to play quicker points.”
Relaxed Nadal relishing not having ‘big pressure’
12:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Nadal is confident he is on the right path after moving smoothly into the third round of the Australian Open.
German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann put up a good fight on Rod Laver Arena including saving four match points, but sixth seed Nadal took his fifth chance to clinch a 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory after two hours and 42 minutes.
“I think he played great tennis out there, playing very aggressive, big shots,” said Nadal. “It wasn’t an easy game at all.”
Nadal is unbeaten so far this season having cut short his 2021 campaign in August because of a foot problem. He is the only former champion in the men’s draw but is currently third favourite behind Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.
“I think I am doing things well,” said Nadal. “Things that I can improve I have to improve. I want to keep going in the tournament. But winning today allows me to practise again tomorrow, to be ready for another match. After two matches it’s the moment to make a step forward.”
More here:
Australian Open 2022: Monfils takes two-set lead
11:57 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s only one match still ongoing in Melbourne, and Gael Monfils is making light work of it.
The popular Frenchman is 6-1 6-0 and cruising against Alexander Bublik.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev safely through
11:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev said he was expecting to be booed after defeating Aussie John Millman.
“I feel good, I won... I could really feel that you guys were in lockdown for two years! It was an amazing atmosphere and hopefully it will get even louder for the next few matches.
“I was prepared that everyone would hate me after the match. I was hoping to get the boos and for everyone to be against me.”
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 Millman - Game, set and match!
11:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Emphatic from Zverev. Millman can’t return the German’s serve out wide on match point and the Australian departs with the respect of the home crowd after a brave fight.
But that was pretty impressive from the Olympic champion - a real statement performance from the 24-year-old.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 6-4, 6-4, 5-0 Millman
11:40 , Jamie Braidwood
And there’s the triple. Brutal hitting from Zverev - and it leaves Millman with no answers. The Aussie fought admirably to make the first two sets close but he looks a beaten man now. Zverev will now serve for the match.
Djokovic to hold talks with lead sponsor to ‘review events'
11:32 , Ben Burrows
Novak Djokovic is set for talks with one of his major sponsors after apparel giants Lacoste confirmed they would like to “review the events” that caused the Serbian to be deported from Australia.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion had his visa revoked ahead of the Australian Open having been unable to meet federal coronavirus requirements to enter Australia.
Djokovic received a medical exemption to play as an unvaccinated player in Melbourne, but later admitted that incorrect information had been included on his immigration forms.
The 34-year-old failed in a final appeal against the government’s decision to remove his visa over the weekend and has now returned to Serbia.
And Lacoste, who have worked with the tennis star since 2017, say they now wish to have discussions with Djokovic about the affairs in Australia.
“As soon as possible, we will be in touch with Novak Djokovic to review the events that have accompanied his presence in Australia,” Lacoste said in a statement.
“We wish everyone an excellent tournament and thank the organizers for all their efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in good conditions for players, staff and spectators.”
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 6-4, 6-4, 3-0 Millman
11:30 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s very good from Zverev as he takes the double break and, probably, the match. Brilliant hitting from the German and a forehand winner into the corner sets up two break points and although Millman saves the first - Zverev places a superb backhand down the line to surely break Millman’s resistance.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 6-4, 6-4, 1-0 Millman
11:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev takes a big step towards the third round after again breaking Millman’s serve early - continuing the pattern from the opening two sets. Zverev stayed patient in the baseline rally and the Australian framed a forehand on break point to hand the German the early advantage.
It’s hard to see Zverev being broken from here - unless some of his troubles with double faults continue.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 6-4, 6-4 Millman
11:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev takes the second set as he sets up the forehand winner with a strong serve down the middle. The German is in a comfortable position after 90 minutes of play and the only questions being asked of his serve are of his own making with the double faults.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 6-4, 5-3 Millman*
11:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Woah - from 40-15 on his serve, Zverev produces two double faults to hand Millman a chance at deuce. That’s concerning from Zverev, though. The first double was the German attacking the second serve, but the one after was a weak effort and one that hints at some uncertainties.
Zverev takes an entertaining point at the net before holding, and is one game away from taking a two-set lead.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 6-4, 4-2 Millman*
11:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev breezes into 40-0 on his serve before holding. immediately turning the pressure back on Millman. The Australian is grateful for a fairly straightforward hold of his won, coming out on top following a couple of baseline exchanges.
Millman goes on the attack in the next game and Zverev has to produce a backhand on the run to avoid 0-30. Millman then gets the better of the next exchange, putting away a volley at the net, before Zverev double faults to bring up two break points!
The serve gets him out of trouble, though, reeling off two aces and then a fierce serve down the line which Millman can’t return. Too good.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 6-4, 2-1 Millman
10:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Stunning hands from Zverev at the net to pick up a short ball from Millman and produce a deft half-volley at 30-30. That brings up the first break point of the second set and Zverev then turns to power as he forces Millman into the baseline exchange. The Australian can’t hang on this time, however, as Zverev takes up a commanding position.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 6-4 Millman*
10:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Impressive stuff from Zverev as he takes the opening set with an ace out wide. Apart from his opening service game, the German has been untouchable on his serve and it’s been Millman who has had to answer all of the questions so far.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 5-4 Millman
10:31 , Jamie Braidwood
What a shot from Millman, and it forces Zverev to serve for the opening set. The German was on the attack as he pushed into the net but Millan sent a backhand pass down the line to hold.
Zverev has reeled his past four holds without much incident and a fifth wins him the opening set.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 4-3 Millman
10:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev breezes through his service game before stepping onto Millman’s serve and setting up 30-30. He has the chance at an open backhand winner but just as he goes to strike the short ball, a he gets distracted by something and he nets. Both players are complaining about some sort of noise outside the stadium and the umpire pauses the match as he tries to sort it out over the phone. Anyway, after being taken the deuce, Millman hangs on to hold.
One stat to sum up just how comfortable Zverev’s service games are compared to Millman’s: Zverev is average three shots on his service points, Millan is averaging 13.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 3-2 Millman
10:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Millman battles hard to earn the hold of serve after Zverev applies the pressure at 30-30. The Australian outlasts Zverev in the latest long rally between the players as the German drifts a backhand wide. Zverev would also want to have the forehand he hit into the net back at 30-30.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 2-1 Millman
10:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow - what a start to this match! Zverev breaks straight back after outlasting Millman in a baseline epic, with the Australian hitting the net after Zverev had clipped the net-cord. Lots of powerful hitting and baseline rallies so far. Zverev could be in for a tough night.
Australian Open 2022: Zverev 1-1 Millman*
09:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Huge roars inside Rod Laver as Millman breaks straight back! A couple of unforced errors from Zverev, there, as Millman levels the early score to the delight of the home crowd.
Elsewhere, Maria Sakkari has breezed through the opening set of her match against Qinwnen Zheng 6-1 on Margaret Court. Aslan Karatsev, the Sydney champion, has turned the match around against Mackenzie McDonald and is 2-1 up after losing the opening set.
Australian Open 2022: *Zverev 1-0 Millman
09:54 , Jamie Braidwood
The final match of the day on Rod Laver is underway and Alexander Zverev is not hanging around after breaking John Millman in the opening game of the match.
Millman, the world No 89, will be cheered on by the home crowd and has a history over upsets at grand slams as he once beat Roger Federer at the US Open.
Zverev, the Olympic champion, is looking to end his wait for a first grand slam title in Melbourne.
Australian Open 2022: Hurkacz knocked out by Mannarino
09:39 , Jamie Braidwood
Hubert Hurkacz, the number 10 seed in the men’s draw, has been knocked out of the Australian Open by Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
The Wimbledon semi-finalist becomes the first top 10 seed in the men’s draw to be eliminated from the tournament. Mannarino sealed the win in straight sets 6-4 6-2 6-3.
Karen Khachanov has set up a third round meeting with Rafa Nadal after defeating Bejamin Bonzi 6-4 6-0 7-5.
Australian Open 2022: Osaka through to third round
09:32 , Jamie Braidwood
“I returned pretty well. That’s not my usual strength but I worked on it during the off-season and it came in handy today. I’m trying not to [rate my level]. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I feel like if I compare myself to the past, I’ll never be satisfied. I’m trying to take it one day at a time.”
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 4-6 Osaka - Game set and match!
09:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Brilliant from Osaka. On the Brengle serve she takes immediately control of the point with a stunning array of groundstrokes to open up the angle for a forehand winner across the court. It sets up three match points and Osaka quickly wraps up the win as she again pushes Brengle deep behind the baseline, forcing the error.
That was an impressive response from Osaka after she found herself in a little bit of trouble after Brengle broke in the second set - she then won 12 of the next 14 points to take her place in the third round.
Australian Open 2022: *Brengle 0-6 4-5 Osaka
09:21 , Jamie Braidwood
The slight sense of jeopardy has seen Osaka come alive again in this second set. She holds to love to move within a game of the third round - flashing off another clean backhand winner to move within touching distance of the victory.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 4-4 Osaka*
09:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Osaka goes on the attack - forcing Brengle deep behind the baseline - and immediately breaks back as she finishes off the point at the net with a driven volley into space.
It looked like Brengle was playing uphill in that last game given the pressure Osaka was putting on her with every shot.
Australian Open 2022: *Brengle 0-6 4-3 Osaka
09:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Osaka lets out a shriek as she finds herself under pressure again at 15-40. She saves the first break point thanks to another strong serve before Bencic lodges herself into the rally on the second, only for Osaka to rip out a backhand winner that clipped the line.
For the third game in a row, however, Brengle then finds herself with a third break point as an Osaka shot drifts wide - but the American then goes long following a lengthy rally.
A double fault from Osaka, the first of the match, sets up a fourth break point and after defending on the baseline, Brengle breaks as Osaka’s smash at the net flies off her frame.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 3-3 Osaka*
09:08 , Jamie Braidwood
A simple hold from Brengle - she is the one cruising through her service games at the moment. A few more errors are creeping into Osaka’s game but Brengle must also take credit for her response.
Australian Open 2022: *Brengle 0-6 2-3 Osaka
09:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Brilliant serving from Osaka, and it gets her out of a spot of trouble as she saves three break points against the resurgent Brengle, who is making a match of this.
The American found the line with a forehand winner out wide in the latest sign that the world No 54 is settling into this match.
However, there’s only so much you can do against a serve this strong and Osaka hits her seventh ace to take the game as the match remains on serve.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 2-2 Osaka*
08:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Another hold for Brengle as the American continues to show signs of settling down into this match. Osaka’s net play hasn’t quite at the same high level as her groundstrokes so far and Brengle was able to force the error on the half-volley with a short ball that drew her into the net.
Australian Open 2022: *Brengle 0-6 1-2 Osaka
08:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Where did this come from? After winning her first game, Brengle unleashes her first winner, and than makes another with a clean backhand across court to set up two break points.
Osaka saves the first with an ace out wide before a strong serve down the middle is followed up by a short forehand winner. Good depth from Brengle brings up another break point but Osaka reels off two winners to either side of the court to get back to advantage, before firing an ace up the middle to take the hold.
Nice play from Osaka to get out of a tough couple of spots - she will have appreciated that after winning the opening set so comfortably.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 1-1 Osaka*
08:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Brengle raises her arms as she gets on the board - avoiding that dreaded double bagel - but that’s also a sign of her relief to finally win a game when Osaka is in this kind of form.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle* 0-6 0-1 Osaka
08:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Osaka is playing some magnificent tennis at the moment.
Anyone hit the ball cleaner from the baseline than @naomiosaka ? 🔥
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) January 19, 2022
Australian Open 2022: Brengle* 0-6 0-1 Osaka
08:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Brengle gets a first look at a game at the start of the second set as she finds herself at 0-30 on Osaka’s serve, but the 24-year-old crushes a forehand down the line and then dominates the next point to set up the smash. A forehand then drifts long to take Brengle to deuce but an ace takes her to game point. Osaka constructs the next point beautifully but puts the volley into the net. She lets out a smile at the error but the game is wrapped up as Brengle goes long on a strong Osaka serve down the middle.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-6 Osaka*
08:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Osaka lets out a smile as she hits a smash into the net on set point - that would have been quite a fitting way to seal it. Credit to Brengle though, who stays in the game as the American desperately looks to get on the board, but there’s only so much so can do when Osaka is in this form. She smashes another crosscourt winner to set up a second set point which is duly taken as Brengle goes long.
That’s a 6-0 opening set for Osaka in just 20 minutes - which included 13 winners.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle* 0-5 Osaka
08:33 , Jamie Braidwood
The serve isn’t too bad, either. Osaka wraps up the fifth game of the set inside 14 minutes as she lands an ace out wide. Could she beat Raducanu’s record from her opening set against Sloane Stephens yesterday?
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-4 Osaka*
08:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Brengle looks up to her box in search of answers as Osaka smashes a clean winner down the line on her serve to seal the second break of the set.
This is brilliant from Osaka. She is hitting the ball so freely and is finding the lines with ease. She immediately put Brengle under pressure with a backhand crosscourt winner out of nowhere on the opening point of the game and the break was sealed by the forehand.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle* 0-3 Osaka
08:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Osaka is looking really good out on Rod Laver. The winners are flying off her racket and she wraps up the third game of the set in just eight minutes. Brengle is struggling to put any pressure on Osaka and the two-time Australian Open winner is getting lots of time to pick her spots on her forehand.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle 0-2 Osaka*
08:22 , Jamie Braidwood
And there’s the early break - sealed with a brilliant forehand down the line from Osaka. She won the opening point in the game with a powerful winner down to Brengle’s left and the American threw in a couple of uncertainty shots into the net to set up two break points - which Osaka duly converted.
Australian Open 2022: Brengle* 0-1 Osaka
08:20 , Jamie Braidwood
A comfortable opening hold for Osaka, putting good pressure on Brengle even on her second serves with a couple of kicks out wide.
A nice early display of the power in her groundstrokes, too, and Brengle is immediately on the back foot here.
Australian Open 2022: Osaka vs Brengle updates
08:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Here comes Osaka, looking relaxed as she makes her way onto Rod Laver. Brengle, the world No 54, had a three-sets victory over Dayana Yastremska in the opening round.
For Osaka, this second round match is as much about getting in some more match experience as it is about the result for the two-time Australian Open champion.
Australian Open 2022: Osaka vs Brengle next up
07:56 , Jamie Braidwood
The night session on Rod Laver is about to get underway with defending Naomi Osaka taking on American Madison Brengle.
Osaka returned to the court when she defeated Camila Osorio 6-3 6-3 for just her fourth match since September after cutting her season short after the US Open to focus on her mental health.
“I think it kind of came throughout this off-season that I had where I felt like I wanted to come back to play tennis,” Osaka said. “Usually it feels a bit automatic, like we as tennis players have the little break, then we immediately start the off-season again.
“I came back when I wanted to come back. I just felt like there are situations where I previously would get upset. But, at this point in my life, I’m here because I want to be here and because I find that it’s fun for me. Might as well enjoy it while I still can.
“I think just to be playing on Rod Laver and to have such a good streak on Rod Laver is something I could be proud of and something I enjoy.”
Australian Open 2022: Olympic champion Bencic out
07:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Tokyo Olympics champion Belinda Bencic has been knocked out of the Australian Open after American Amanda Anisimova pulled off the shock 6-2 7-5 win.
Bencic, the 22 seed, needed a medical timeout near the end of the second set as Anisimova maintained her 100% start to the year after claiming a WTA title in Melbourne last week.
She will play the winner of Naomi Osaka’s match against Madison Brengle, which is next.
Australian Open 2022: Azarenka and Svitolina advance
07:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka is through to the third round after sweeping past Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 6-1 6-2.
Azarenka will play Elina Svitolina in the third round, who dropped a set in a match that finished in opponent Harmony Tan retiring from the second round tie, with the 15th seed winning 6-3 5-7 5-1.
Eighth seed Paula Badosa reached the third round of the Australian Open for the third team after beating qualifier Martina Trevisan 6-0 6-3.
There were also victories earlier for Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko, and Jessica Pegula.
Australian Open 2022: Berrettini sets up Alcaraz meeting
07:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Matteo Berrettini, the Wimbledon finalist, is through to the third round of the Australian Open after defeating American wildcard Stefan Kozlov in four sets to set up a meeting with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.
The Italian dropped his first set of the tournament but prevailed 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-1 to advance and will now face 18-year-old Alcaraz in round three.
Alcaraz wrapped up a straight sets (6-2 6-1 7-5) victory over Dusan Lajovic in under two hours and will be looking to cause seventh seed Berrettini some problems.
Denis Shapovalov battled through to the third round with a five sets victory over Soonwoo Kwon. The Canadian 14th seed was 2-1 down heading into the fourth set but pulled off the 7-6, 6-7, 6-7. 7-5, 6-2 comeback to prevail.
Pablo Carreno Busta, the 19th seed, also survived a five set epic to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Australian Open 2022: Nadal cruises into third round
07:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Nadal is through to the third round of the Australian Open in dominant style after defeating German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-2 6-3 6-4 in two hours and 42 minutes.
Hanfmann had knocked out in-form Australian favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in the previous round and Nadal was wary of his threat, but produced a dominant performance to advance on Rod Laver.
“I know he is dangerous,” Nadal said. “The result against Thanasi in the first round here says he is playing great. Player with big shots, good serve, very high potential, no? His level of tennis [is] much higher than his ranking says, without a doubt.”
Nadal will play the 28th seed Karen Khachanov or Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in the next round.
Australian Open: Barty storms to victory
07:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Ashleigh Barty continued her dominant form at the Australian Open as the women’s number one seed thrashed Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 6-1 on Rod Laver.
The Wimbledon champion and world number one cruised through to the third round without dropping a set or losing her serve as she looks to become the first Australian winner of the title since 1978.
The 25-year-old took just 52 minutes to secure the win - following her 54-minute victory over Lesia Tsurenko in the opening round.
Barty faces another Italian in Camila Girogi next.
Australian Open: Latest updates
07:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Follow all the action as the second round of the Australian Open gets underway on the third day of the tournament in Melbourne. Tournament favourite Ashleigh Barty took just 52 minutes to storm to another emphatic victory, this time a 6-1 6-1 victory over Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti, to reach the third round. The women’s number one seed required even less time than the 54 minutes she needed for her round one win against Lesia Tsurenko on Monday as the Australian cruised through. Rafael Nadal also stormed to a dominant 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann as he reached the third round without dropping a set.
