Spoiler:
Day 10 Headlines
Semifinal lineup set at Melbourne Park!
CHUNG youngest AO semifinalist since CILIC (2010)
FEDERER into final 4 at AO for 14th time
KERBER cruises past KEYS in 51 minutes
HALEP blitzes PLISKOVA, reaches 1st AO semifinal
by Leigh Walsh
9 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
"It's great to see new names on the scene... He's incredibly impressive in his movement. Reminds me a lot of Novak (Djokovic)."
- @RogerFederer on his SF opponent, Hyeon #Chung #AusOpen
12:03 PM - Jan 24, 2018
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9 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles, Australian Open
ON THE VOLLEY - Federer moves on
9 hours ago
“I HAD TO GET ANGRY, FRUSTRATED, FRUSTRATED WITH THE UMPIRE - HE WAS PROBABLY RIGHT! I WAS HAPPY I GOT OUT OF THAT FIRST SET. I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY. THAT FIRST SET COULD’VE GONE EITHER WAY. HE DESERVED IT. I STOLE IT REALLY.”
- Federer on that crucial first set
10 hours ago
Federer sees off Berdych in three
Roger Federer books his place in a 14th Australian Open semifinal, bullying his way past Tomas Berdych 7-6(1) 6-3 6-4 to set up a final four showdown with Hyeon Chung.
Federer becomes the oldest player to reach the semifinal here since Ken “Muscles” Rosewall in January 1977. The Swiss has yet to drop a set and looking pretty unstoppable.
10 hours ago
BERD WINGS - Tomas is on the brink of defeat
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-6 3-5 Federer
From three straight breaks to three straight holds, Berdych will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-6 2-3 Federer*
Berdych has struggled with his first serve percentage this match. The opening set it sat at 54, the second 59 and it's dipped to 52 in this set. He's made to pay for that, with Federer punishing him behind the return to break - the third straight game to go the way of the returner.
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-6 2-2 Federer
After receiving treatment at the end of the second set for some lower back stiffness, according Channel 7, Berdych is broken in the third game and it appears the curtain could be closing. Scratch that. He has other ideas, striking back in the very next game to break and level up the third set.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-6 Federer
Bish-bash-bosh. Federer holds with ease and, from set point down in the first, it’s all suddenly looking very rosy for the No.2 seed.
He's one set from the Australian Open semifinal. Meanwhile, Berdych has called for the trainer and he's making his way off court for treatment.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-5 Federer*
Federer makes his move! He breaks, and it’s a combination of excellent play from him and some cheap errors from Berdych. The Swiss pastes a backhand winner down the channel, kissing the line, and it’s as if he holds that follow through a touch longer for the cameras. That gives him 0-30, and suddenly it’s 15-40 - two break points (essentially set points). The Czech approaches, lands a volley short and up strides Federer to bat away the ball. The crowd erupt. He’ll serve for a two-set lead.
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-4 Federer
From 15-30 down, Federer works the one-two punch, following the big serve with an even bigger forehand to get to 30-30. Two clean aces follow and he edges head once more.
A massive couple of games coming up for Berdych if he's to make a dent here.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 2-3 Federer
This match is very much in Federer’s hands at the moment. He has hit 34 winners, 23 more than his opponent, but on the flip side, he has miscued 12 more unforced errors than Berdych.
If Federer clicks into another gear, you sense he could pull away here. But for now, Berdych is standing firm.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 1-2 Federer
In a spot of bother 15-30 down on his own serve, Federer dances delightfully around a backhand, arrowing a forehand winner down-the-line. The crowd don’t know whether to cheer or bow, but they’re certainly roaring with approval after the next point when the Swiss angles a backhand passing shot beyond Berdych. An error gives the Czech some hope, and all of a sudden he has a break point. What does Federer do? Raise his game, wrongfooting his opponent with a backhand in-behind. He gets game point when Berdych, for some reason, pings a short ball straight at the Swiss when it would’ve been easier to go around him, and he goes on to hold.
11 hours ago
Berdych 6-7(1) Federer
Federer rips a breathtaking forehand passing shot down the line, confirmed in by Hawk-Eye, to open the breaker and that sets the tone for the duration really. 3-0 becomes 5-1 as they round the post, and by the time he drags Berdych out wide, volleying into the open court for 6-1, his box are on their feet. The Czech delivers a big first serve on set point. It's called back for a let, much to the amusement of the crowd. At this stage, both players just start smiling at each other, but it's the Swiss with the last laugh, finally finding his exquisite touch to close out the set with a feathered dropshot.
11 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles, Australian Open
ON THE COMEBACK - Federer has recovered the break
11 hours ago
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
Federer sarcastic between serves, chipping away at chair umpire Fergus Murphy. Highly unusual scenes in Rod Laver Arena.
10:23 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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11 hours ago
Berdych 6-6 Federer
From 30-0 on his own serve, Federer chucks in an ace which Berdych challenges. It was in fact out and the Swiss misses the second serve, joking about not having a challenge as he walks to the other side. A loose error off the forehand and ANOTHER double fault give the Czech ANOTHER set point but the Swiss bullies an error from his opponent before bringing up a game point. Up pops a midcourt forehand, his bread and butter shot, but Federer misses to give Berdych hope. What is happening?
But with his back against the wall, the No.2 seed comes up with the goods, hitting an ace and putting away a volley to force the breaker. Drama on RLA and the crowd are loving it.
11 hours ago
Berdych 6-5 Federer*
That’s a solid hold from Berdych. As disappointing as his failure to close out the set will be for him, he needs to remind himself that he has been the better player for much of this set.
You do feel, however, that this set is more crucial for the Czech that it is the Swiss.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 5-5 Federer
What better way to follow that drama-filled game? A hold to love of course. On we go.
A quick note on that last game. It felt inevitable that Federer would hit back at some stage, but he really hasn't been connecting with the ball well this set. He found the sweetspot in that last game, however, and he will be hoping to continue in that fashion.
11 hours ago
Berdych 5-4 Federer*
From 15-15, Federer draws two unforced errors from Berdych - one off each wing - and he lets out a shout of “LET’S GO!” It’s two break back points. Berdych pings down a big serve and Federer challenges. Then the drama starts. The Hawk-Eye graphic isn’t working and after a short delay umpire Fergus Murphy notifies the players (and the crowd) that the ball was in. “Federer has no challenges remaining,” he says. Wait, what? The Swiss seems to disagree. He approaches the chair, and I’m not sure what’s being said, but Federer strolls back to the baseline after the exchange with one break point remaining. That vanquishes with a loose forehand. He gets another look but it’s snuffed out when Berdych dinks an outrageous drop shot over the net. What a game this is turning out to be.
Federer saves a set point with a return winner and we’re back to deuce for the third time. Enter the 19-time Grand Slam champion - two exquisite points, in which he flicks the switch from defence to attack brilliantly, giving him the crucial break.
12 hours ago
Berdych 5-2 Federer*
Two easy holds, and this set has so far been about one stat. Berdych's unforced error count sits at just two. Federer's? Nine. Too many loose shots from the defending champion whose radar is misfiring.
12 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles,, Australian Open
HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE - Federer has a battle on his hands
12 hours ago
Gaspar Ribeiro Lança
@gasparlanca
No way Federer actually missed that volley, oh my.
9:52 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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12 hours ago
Berdych 4-1 Federer*
After a passive start to the match, Federer begins to click into gear, stepping inside the baseline to pile the pressure on Berdych with some pacey groundstrokes. A dipping passing shot which the Czech can’t pick up brings him to 15-30, but Berdych rips a deep ball in the next point which Federer nets. At 30-30, will Federer make his move? He does, and wonderfully so, but he puts too much behind a high routine volley, sending it long and a gasp rings around RLA. A Berdych ace seals the hold.
12 hours ago
*Berdych 2-0 Federer
A rather subdued start from Federer here and he finds himself an early break down. It’s not often you see him broken in his opening service game, and there’s a reason why: when in trouble, he tends to land the big first serve. Although that shot gets him out of trouble on the first break point at 30-40, it doesn’t on the second, and he overcooks a backhand to leave him in an early hole.
12 hours ago
Ready? Play. It's time for Federer v Berdych
Welcome back to Melbourne Park, tennis fans. Let’s have some fun, shall we?
Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych have entered stage left and with just one spot left in the semifinal this promises to be a doozy.
It’s quite remarkable to think how far Federer has come since he last stepped onto Rod Laver Arena to face Berdych. It was just 12 months ago when he faced the Czech in the third round here, within just one defeat of dropping outside the Top 30 in the world. Instead, he pummelled him for the loss of just 10 games and the rest, as they say, is history.
Federer leads the head-to-head 19-6, with their first meeting coming all the way back in 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Berdych won that one. How he'd love a repeat today.
14 hours ago
José Morgado
@josemorgado
#AusOpen Women's singles semifinalists (official tour events) in 2018
Halep - 10-0
Kerber - 10-0
Mertens - 10-0
Wozniacki - 9-1
Three are undefeated & already won titles this season
All four reached finals
7:32 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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14 hours ago
"IT’S REALLY NICE TO BE IN THE SEMIFINAL. I HAVE BEEN ALREADY, IN JUNIORS IN 2008. FOR ME THAT COUNTS! IT WASN’T MY BEST START, BUT I KNEW I JUST HAD TO RESTART, STOP MISSING AND MOVE BETTER. THEN I JUST STARTED TO OPEN THE COURT."
- Halep is delighted to be back in the final four
14 hours ago
Halep in exquisite form, downs Pliskova
World No.1 Simona Halep produces a performance befitting of her ranking, rallying from 0-3 down in the first set to down Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-2 to reach her first Australian Open semifinal.
Her arms are raised aloft, and she looks up to the heavens. Simply too good.
A blockbuster semifinal awaits: Halep v Kerber.
14 hours ago
Halep 6-3 5-2 Pliskova*
Just brilliant from Halep. Pliskova is striking the ball better now, but the Romanian is matching her every move. It's easy to forget that Halep rolled that ankle just last week with the way she's moving today. She's a sight to behold when in full flow.
Pliskova will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
14 hours ago
*Halep 6-3 3-1 Pliskova
Pliskova stops the rot in impressive fashion, digging out another fantastic deep Halep return before finishing the rally by threading a backhand winner past the world No.1. It’s her first game in ten, but has she left it too late? Crucial game coming up…
15 hours ago
Halep 6-3 3-0 Pliskova*
Count them... NINE straight games for Halep. She is landing blow after blow here, and Piskova is struggling to get out of the corner. The Czech's movement is sluggish and weighted, but the stat-line tells you all you need know:
Halep: 16 winners, 7 unforced errors
Pliskova: 14 winners, 21 unforced errors
So so clean from the Romanian.
15 hours ago
Halep 6-3 Pliskova
That is some momentum shift in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. From 0-3, 30-40 down, Halep rallies, reeling off six straight games to take the opening set. As the quality of Halep’s play rose, Pliskova’s fell dramatically, and the Romanian finishes the set with 12 winners to the Czech’s seven. Now there’s a stat we didn’t expect to see.
Another number that Pliskova will need to improve: she won just 15 per cent of points behind her second serve, and it was a double fault that handed over the set in the end.
15 hours ago
Matt Trollope
@MattyAT
Holy this is some impressive stuff from Halep. Winners FLOWING.
6:39 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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15 hours ago
*Halep 4-3 Pliskova
Wow. What a shot by Halep to break, and secure her fourth straight game in the process. Pliskova rotates her hips into a super crosscourt backhand and with Halep way out at sea, the Romanian slaps an all-or-nothing backhand down-the-line, it clips the net tape and creeps in. She made her own luck there.
That last point showed where Halep has the edge in this contest - her superior movement. When the serve, return and the first two balls are out of the way, she becomes the big favourite in the rally.
15 hours ago
Halep 3-3 Pliskova*
Now that I have drunk my body weight in sugary drinks, let’s head back out to RLA where Simona Halep has battled back from 0-3 down to level at 3-3 with Karolina Pliskova.
This is their seventh meeting, with the Romanian dominating the head-to-head 5-1. This can be a good match up for Halep. Much like Angelique Kerber versus Madison Keys, Halep enjoys the pace of Pliskova’s ball and can manipulate it with relative ease. It will be fascinating to see how this one develops.
15 hours ago
Hyeon Chung Quarterfinal AO2018
FLYING THE FLAG - Chung is making noise
15 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
The must-see interview of the #AusOpen.
What a day for Hyeon Chung.
5:52 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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16 hours ago
Chung is endearing himself to the masses here. Not only does he play exciting tennis, but his personality shines through in the big moments. Those end-of-set celebrations when he gets the crowd on their feet… how can you not love him.
He tells Jim Courier that he started to maybe think about what he had to do in the post-match ceremony when he was 40-0 up, and when he saw all those match points slip away he knew he had to focus. He finishes his interview by introducing his team, with his mother throwing up a heart sign. His box are beaming with pride. Lovely scenes.
16 hours ago
Chung ends Sandgren's surprise run
Hyeon Chung is into the Australian Open semifinal, eventually shaking off Tennys Sandgren 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3, converting on his SIXTH match point. He is the first player from his country and the youngest man since Marin Cilic at the 2010 Australian Open to reach the final four at a major, and he has a smile as wide as Melbourne right now.
Credit to Sandgren, he played some bold tennis to save all those match points, particularly the penultimate one when he reflexed back two volleys off balls Chung had rocketed at him from close range. As Jim Courier said on commentary, that was “one of the greatest match point down saves you will ever see”.
But Sandgren’s dream run is over. For the uber-talented Chung, it goes on.
16 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 6-7 1-4 Chung
Chung breaks Sandgren in a long, gruelling game, and that may just break the American’s resolve too. A double fault on the fourth deuce proved costly, giving Chung another chance and then an unforced error confirmed what was coming. A routine hold follows.
What’s that on the horizon, Hyeon? It looks awfully like a finish line.
16 hours ago
Chuck Culpepper
@ChuckCulpepper1
I believe I could watch Hyeon Chung play all evening. I hope they'll put him in the other quarterfinal tonight as well. #AusOpen
5:12 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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16 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 6-7 1-2 Chung
You can often be at your most vulnerable after winning a set, and Chung is forced to scrape through a service hold to avoid going down early in the third. He fends off two break points, and Sandgren’s efforts are rewarded with a broken shoe lace. As he crouches down to return the Chung serve on the final point of the game, the camera zooms in to show his lace sprung free. Hopefully he has a new pair in his bag.
16 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
"Are you not entertained?!" #AusOpen
4:58 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 6-7(5) Chung
That’s some brave tennis from Sandgren, but the fortune only favours him for so long. At 4-3 down, he serves and volleys for the first time in the match, levelling at 4-4, and then goes 5-4 up with another foray into the net. That’s gutsy. But then, with a chance to pull the trigger on a midcourt forehand, he goes big, crashing the ball into the net. On the very next point, something similar, jumping into a forehand and shanking it miles long.
That gives Chung set point. Sandgren misses his first serve - like he has done with 47 per cent of his first deliveries this match - and rolls in the second, with Chung putting ball after ball into the court until he teases the error from the American.
The Korean is smiling, with both arms in the air, asking the crowd to give him more. Love it. He's two sets to the good.
17 hours ago
Some high-quality tennis being played on Rod Laver Arena now, with both players raising the bar. Chung edges 3-2 ahead with a wonderfully constructed point, tracking his angled volley to cut off the down-the-line before blocking Sandgren’s rocket into the open court. Lovely. The American ran 43 metres in that point alone.
It’s 3-3 at the change of ends, however, with the Korean hitting a forehand long.
17 hours ago
TIE-BREAK TIME - Get comfortable...
17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 6-5 Chung*
Sandgren is growing into this, and despite the set still being on serve, you sense the momentum is with him a touch. He holds with ease, pulling off a handful of special shots, including a stunning crosscourt forehand winner on the full run.
He has a free game now to come out swinging. Expect him to go big.
17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 5-5 Chung
At 30-30 on the Chung serve, Sandgren is sensing a chance to pounce but he gets a touch tight, falling back on a short backhand, bunting it long. The Korean seals the hold and this is all starting to get very interesting.
17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 5-4 Chung*
Maybe that’s the spark Chung needed, because he’s broken right back out of nowhere. Sandgren manages to fend off one break point, coming out on top of a 15-shot rally, but he can do little to stop Chung on the next, netting from the back of the court.
After the highs of a night-time win over his idol, it’s natural Chung would struggle at times with geeing himself up. Day time sessions tend to lack the spark of the night sessions, but he’s done well to dig in here.
17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 5-3 Chung
Chung is struggling to get fired up here and at 0-30 he finds himself in a slight spot of bother. He manages to stem the flow momentarily, bringing it back to 30-30, but then back-to-back mistakes off the forehand wing - which does tend to break down at times - gives Sandgren the break.
The American will serve for the second set.
17 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
Sandgren's back in business. #AusOpen
4:13 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 2-2 Chung
Chung snatches an early break in the second set but Sandgren pounces back, bringing up a break point chance when he unleashes on a midcourt ball, steering it past Chung. A Korean error on the next point invites him right back into this encounter.
Sandgren's tennis has been a touch too defensive so far - he's playing too deep in the court to really get a grip on Chung. It's not remarkably hot today, but the sun is beating down on the court, and the players are caught right in it.
17 hours ago
Hyeon Chung Quarterfinal AO2018
ADVANTAGE, CHUNG - Hyeon is on a roll
18 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 Chung
Chung has ice in his veins. He holds to love to close out a tidy opening set - that’s the sixth straight set he has won at Melbourne Park. Both players share similar winner and unforced error stats but it’s the oft-forgotten forced error stat that's heavily skewed in Chung’s favour. He’s pressurising his opponent into mistakes.
18 hours ago
View image on TwitterView image on Twitter
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific.#AusOpen
3:41 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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18 hours ago
*Sandgren 3-5 Chung
An important point at 15-30 for Sandgren, but midway through the rally a helicopter hovers overhead and he must be distracted by it because he gets the timing all wrong on the forehand, missing long. That’s the chance gone, with Chung closing out the next two points.
Meanwhile, Rod’s home. The great Laver takes his seat in his eponymous arena much to the delight of his guests.
18 hours ago
Sandgren 3-4 Chung*
The way Chung aggressively slides into wide balls is a sight to behold, and as many people pointed out the other night, it’s very Djokovic-esque. His balance through the shot is sensational. If there’s one thing we know, Chung will put plenty of balls into the court, so it’s up to the American to disrupt his rhythm. No mean feat against a guy who moves that well.
18 hours ago
*Sandgren 1-3 Chung
That’s a super hold from 15-40 down for Chung. The first break point he saved was arguably the most impressive, engaging Sandgren in a gruelling battle from the baseline before drawing the error. You have to think the American won’t want to be involved in too many of those against the wall-like Chung.
Just to give you an idea of how surprising Sandgren’s run here is. He had just two Tour-level wins to his name before this tournament, with both coming in Washington last July over Go Soeda and an out-of-sorts Nick Kyrgios. Now he has SIX.
18 hours ago
Sandgren 1-2 Chung*
Three break points land at Chung’s feet thanks to a Sandgren double fault, and he converts on the second, forcing the American to dump a backhand into the net under pressure. It’s a great start for the Korean who also began well when they met in Auckland just two weeks ago. He came out in top 6-3 5-7 6-3 that day in what was a tighlty-contested match. Will it be more of the same today?
18 hours ago
*Sandgren 1-1 Chung
A slight delay to proceedings on Rod Laver Arena. An alarm goes off as the players get into position, and they both step back into the shade to stay cool while referee Wayne McKewen walks onto court. He exchanges some words with umpire James Keothavong. It is in fact a false alarm and when the umpire announces that to the crowd, a ripple of laughter rings around the arena.
Meanwhile, back-to-back comfortable holds to kick start this unlikely quarterfinal.
18 hours ago
It's live! Sandgren v Chung
The men’s singles draw waited 10 years for an unseeded semifinalist, then two came along at once. With world No.49 Kyle Edmund sitting safely in the final four - where he will take on Marin Cilic - Hyeon Chung and Tennys Sandgren will be hoping to join him when they face off on Rod Laver Arena.
Chung dazzled in his win over Djokovic. The Serb, of course, was hampered by his on-going elbow issues but that’s not to take away from Chung who played the big points like a season veteran and not a 21-year-old looking to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Today takes on a different look for Chung, who goes into his match with Sandgren as the favourite. The American is making his Australian Open main draw debut and his magical run is one of the most unexpected in recent Grand Slam history. The world No.97 has come in for some criticism since his big win over Dominic Thiem, however. His rapid rise to fame has shone a light on some of his social media activity, and he has faced some difficult questioning from the world's media over the past 48 hours. It will be interesting to see if that has any effect on his performance today.
The clock has just hit 1300 AEDT so let’s hop to it.
19 hours ago
Right, there are just THREE semifinal places still up for grabs, with the next spot set to be filled by either Tennys Sandgren or Hyeon Chung. They will make their way onto court in about 30 minutes, or 1300 AEDT for those of you who enjoy your time military style.
Pop the kettle on. I’ll be back shortly to bring you updates on all the happenings from that encounter.
19 hours ago
Angelique Kerber
SHE'S BACK - Kerber cruises past Keys
19 hours ago
"I REALLY ENJOY MY TENNIS RIGHT NOW. I ENJOY BEING ON COURT, THE SUPPORT, IT’S ALWAYS SO GREAT. I’M GETTING OLD SO I HAVE TO BE AGGRESSIVE - I CANNOT RUN FOR EVERY BALL ANYMORE! I AM WORKING FOR THIS MOMENT, IT MEANS A LOT TO ME."
- A very happy Angelique Kerber
19 hours ago
Kerber bullies her way past Keys
Angelique Kerber is into her second Australian Open semifinal after dismantling an out-of-sorts Madison Keys, winning 6-1 6-2 in just 51 minutes. It's a bad match-up for Keys - Kerber thrived behind the pace of her shots and bullied her from start to finish, improving her record against the American to 7-1.
After the drama-filled round of 16 win over Hsieh Su-Wei, this is a statement win from Kerber. She awaits the winner of Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep who play later today.
19 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 5-2 Keys*
They’re the shots you just can’t miss in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. After recovering the break, and riding some momentum for the first time all day, Keys gets to 30-30 on her own serve and overcooks a basic swinging volley to give Kerber another chance. What follows is equally disappointing from the American - a loose forehand which sails long.
With full control of this match back in her own hands, Kerber eases to a hold in the very next game, screaming a forehand winner down-the-line. The world No.16 begins her "COME OOOOOOON!" before the ball even hits the back fence - a thing of beauty.
Keys will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
20 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 3-2 Keys*
That’s more like it from Keys, and even the net cord was on her side that game. She gets to 0-30 before walloping a return off the tape which trickles tantalisingly onto Kerber’s side of the court. Suddenly, she's looking at three break back points and she only needs the one, playing a smart point before chipping a backhand wide and short which Kerber sprays.
Smart. That's a word Keys will need to channel when picking her shots.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 6-1 3-1 Keys
Keys gets on the board, but she will need something special if she's to slow the Kerber train, which is rolling right into the semifinal with the way things are currently looking.
20 hours ago
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
Tough to watch Madison Keys implode like this again. Such a talented ball striker playing so far below her potential in the early stages of this match
1:45 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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20 hours ago
*Kerber 6-1 2-0 Keys
This is just textbook so far from Kerber, who is manipulating the ball so much better that Keys, making the American move. Keys needs to have a think here, because at the moment her shots down the middle channel of the court just aren’t do anything to trouble Kerber, and her unforced error count is growing: 18 to her opponent’s three.
20 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 Keys
Unbelievable shot from Kerber to get a look at set point. She gets out wide to the backhand and flexes all those muscles to steer an angled winner past Keys, who had attacked the net. That’s the shot she lit up the 2016 Australian Open final with, bamboozling Serena Williams with her ability to hit the crosscourt targets on the passing shot.
She needs only one set point to get the job done. Just brilliant so far from the former champion.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 4-1 Keys
Two quickfire holds and Keys is finally on the board. That should do those nerves the world of good, but from a tactical stand point, what does she need to do to test Kerber? Like always with Keys, she needs to pick her moments to pull the trigger, and that will require patience. The German gets excellent depth on the ball, so the American almost needs to draw a mental line inside the court. Once she steps inside it, she can go after the ball, from behind it, she needs to stay patient.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 3-0 Keys
You can see why Keys has struggled with this match-up in the past. Kerber just soaks up her powerful shots, using that phenomenal leg power to get down low and the compact swing to redirect the ball. So far, it's working a charm for the German. She's up a double break.
20 hours ago
Kerber 2-0 Keys*
A nervy opening game from Keys. She drops 0-40 down on her own serve with some loose errors and although she manages to steady the ship, battling back to deuce, Kerber seals the break when a few more of the American’s groundstrokes fly.
The quality increases in the second game, with Kerber forced to save two break points before eking out a hold. The German loves playing against pace, and there aren’t too many who hit the ball as fast as Keys.
20 hours ago
Kerber came through one of the more entertaining matches of Australian Open in the last round, overcoming Hsieh Su-Wei and her “Su-Wei Style”. Today, she faces a completely different opponent in Madison Keys, whose rocket groundstrokes are in stark contrast to Hsieh’s smorgasbord of random strokes.
Keys has played some bruising tennis this tournament, spending just four hours and 10 minutes on court (the least amount of the eight quarterfinalists), but she will need to pick her moments wisely today against the consistent German, who leads their head-to-head 6-1, winning the last four on the trot.
20 hours ago
Welcome back!
Day 10. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh?
There's simply no time to warm our way into this pleasant Wednesday, with Madison Keys and Angelique Kerber - arguably the most anticipated match of the day - opening the action on Rod Laver Arena.
Also coming up in the day session, we have American surprise-package Tennys Sandgren v Korean rising star Hyeon Chung and world No.1 Simona Halep v free-hitting Karolina Pliskova. And if that’s not enough, we have Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych set to light up the night session.
Keys and Kerber have entered their stage, so let’s waste no time in ducking over there…
Semifinal lineup set at Melbourne Park!
CHUNG youngest AO semifinalist since CILIC (2010)
FEDERER into final 4 at AO for 14th time
KERBER cruises past KEYS in 51 minutes
HALEP blitzes PLISKOVA, reaches 1st AO semifinal
by Leigh Walsh
9 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
"It's great to see new names on the scene... He's incredibly impressive in his movement. Reminds me a lot of Novak (Djokovic)."
- @RogerFederer on his SF opponent, Hyeon #Chung #AusOpen
12:03 PM - Jan 24, 2018
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9 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles, Australian Open
ON THE VOLLEY - Federer moves on
9 hours ago
“I HAD TO GET ANGRY, FRUSTRATED, FRUSTRATED WITH THE UMPIRE - HE WAS PROBABLY RIGHT! I WAS HAPPY I GOT OUT OF THAT FIRST SET. I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY. THAT FIRST SET COULD’VE GONE EITHER WAY. HE DESERVED IT. I STOLE IT REALLY.”
- Federer on that crucial first set
10 hours ago
Federer sees off Berdych in three
Roger Federer books his place in a 14th Australian Open semifinal, bullying his way past Tomas Berdych 7-6(1) 6-3 6-4 to set up a final four showdown with Hyeon Chung.
Federer becomes the oldest player to reach the semifinal here since Ken “Muscles” Rosewall in January 1977. The Swiss has yet to drop a set and looking pretty unstoppable.
10 hours ago
BERD WINGS - Tomas is on the brink of defeat
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-6 3-5 Federer
From three straight breaks to three straight holds, Berdych will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-6 2-3 Federer*
Berdych has struggled with his first serve percentage this match. The opening set it sat at 54, the second 59 and it's dipped to 52 in this set. He's made to pay for that, with Federer punishing him behind the return to break - the third straight game to go the way of the returner.
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-6 2-2 Federer
After receiving treatment at the end of the second set for some lower back stiffness, according Channel 7, Berdych is broken in the third game and it appears the curtain could be closing. Scratch that. He has other ideas, striking back in the very next game to break and level up the third set.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-6 Federer
Bish-bash-bosh. Federer holds with ease and, from set point down in the first, it’s all suddenly looking very rosy for the No.2 seed.
He's one set from the Australian Open semifinal. Meanwhile, Berdych has called for the trainer and he's making his way off court for treatment.
10 hours ago
Berdych 6-7 3-5 Federer*
Federer makes his move! He breaks, and it’s a combination of excellent play from him and some cheap errors from Berdych. The Swiss pastes a backhand winner down the channel, kissing the line, and it’s as if he holds that follow through a touch longer for the cameras. That gives him 0-30, and suddenly it’s 15-40 - two break points (essentially set points). The Czech approaches, lands a volley short and up strides Federer to bat away the ball. The crowd erupt. He’ll serve for a two-set lead.
10 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 3-4 Federer
From 15-30 down, Federer works the one-two punch, following the big serve with an even bigger forehand to get to 30-30. Two clean aces follow and he edges head once more.
A massive couple of games coming up for Berdych if he's to make a dent here.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 2-3 Federer
This match is very much in Federer’s hands at the moment. He has hit 34 winners, 23 more than his opponent, but on the flip side, he has miscued 12 more unforced errors than Berdych.
If Federer clicks into another gear, you sense he could pull away here. But for now, Berdych is standing firm.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 6-7 1-2 Federer
In a spot of bother 15-30 down on his own serve, Federer dances delightfully around a backhand, arrowing a forehand winner down-the-line. The crowd don’t know whether to cheer or bow, but they’re certainly roaring with approval after the next point when the Swiss angles a backhand passing shot beyond Berdych. An error gives the Czech some hope, and all of a sudden he has a break point. What does Federer do? Raise his game, wrongfooting his opponent with a backhand in-behind. He gets game point when Berdych, for some reason, pings a short ball straight at the Swiss when it would’ve been easier to go around him, and he goes on to hold.
11 hours ago
Berdych 6-7(1) Federer
Federer rips a breathtaking forehand passing shot down the line, confirmed in by Hawk-Eye, to open the breaker and that sets the tone for the duration really. 3-0 becomes 5-1 as they round the post, and by the time he drags Berdych out wide, volleying into the open court for 6-1, his box are on their feet. The Czech delivers a big first serve on set point. It's called back for a let, much to the amusement of the crowd. At this stage, both players just start smiling at each other, but it's the Swiss with the last laugh, finally finding his exquisite touch to close out the set with a feathered dropshot.
11 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles, Australian Open
ON THE COMEBACK - Federer has recovered the break
11 hours ago
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
Federer sarcastic between serves, chipping away at chair umpire Fergus Murphy. Highly unusual scenes in Rod Laver Arena.
10:23 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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11 hours ago
Berdych 6-6 Federer
From 30-0 on his own serve, Federer chucks in an ace which Berdych challenges. It was in fact out and the Swiss misses the second serve, joking about not having a challenge as he walks to the other side. A loose error off the forehand and ANOTHER double fault give the Czech ANOTHER set point but the Swiss bullies an error from his opponent before bringing up a game point. Up pops a midcourt forehand, his bread and butter shot, but Federer misses to give Berdych hope. What is happening?
But with his back against the wall, the No.2 seed comes up with the goods, hitting an ace and putting away a volley to force the breaker. Drama on RLA and the crowd are loving it.
11 hours ago
Berdych 6-5 Federer*
That’s a solid hold from Berdych. As disappointing as his failure to close out the set will be for him, he needs to remind himself that he has been the better player for much of this set.
You do feel, however, that this set is more crucial for the Czech that it is the Swiss.
11 hours ago
*Berdych 5-5 Federer
What better way to follow that drama-filled game? A hold to love of course. On we go.
A quick note on that last game. It felt inevitable that Federer would hit back at some stage, but he really hasn't been connecting with the ball well this set. He found the sweetspot in that last game, however, and he will be hoping to continue in that fashion.
11 hours ago
Berdych 5-4 Federer*
From 15-15, Federer draws two unforced errors from Berdych - one off each wing - and he lets out a shout of “LET’S GO!” It’s two break back points. Berdych pings down a big serve and Federer challenges. Then the drama starts. The Hawk-Eye graphic isn’t working and after a short delay umpire Fergus Murphy notifies the players (and the crowd) that the ball was in. “Federer has no challenges remaining,” he says. Wait, what? The Swiss seems to disagree. He approaches the chair, and I’m not sure what’s being said, but Federer strolls back to the baseline after the exchange with one break point remaining. That vanquishes with a loose forehand. He gets another look but it’s snuffed out when Berdych dinks an outrageous drop shot over the net. What a game this is turning out to be.
Federer saves a set point with a return winner and we’re back to deuce for the third time. Enter the 19-time Grand Slam champion - two exquisite points, in which he flicks the switch from defence to attack brilliantly, giving him the crucial break.
12 hours ago
Berdych 5-2 Federer*
Two easy holds, and this set has so far been about one stat. Berdych's unforced error count sits at just two. Federer's? Nine. Too many loose shots from the defending champion whose radar is misfiring.
12 hours ago
Roger Federer, Men's singles,, Australian Open
HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE - Federer has a battle on his hands
12 hours ago
Gaspar Ribeiro Lança
@gasparlanca
No way Federer actually missed that volley, oh my.
9:52 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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12 hours ago
Berdych 4-1 Federer*
After a passive start to the match, Federer begins to click into gear, stepping inside the baseline to pile the pressure on Berdych with some pacey groundstrokes. A dipping passing shot which the Czech can’t pick up brings him to 15-30, but Berdych rips a deep ball in the next point which Federer nets. At 30-30, will Federer make his move? He does, and wonderfully so, but he puts too much behind a high routine volley, sending it long and a gasp rings around RLA. A Berdych ace seals the hold.
12 hours ago
*Berdych 2-0 Federer
A rather subdued start from Federer here and he finds himself an early break down. It’s not often you see him broken in his opening service game, and there’s a reason why: when in trouble, he tends to land the big first serve. Although that shot gets him out of trouble on the first break point at 30-40, it doesn’t on the second, and he overcooks a backhand to leave him in an early hole.
12 hours ago
Ready? Play. It's time for Federer v Berdych
Welcome back to Melbourne Park, tennis fans. Let’s have some fun, shall we?
Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych have entered stage left and with just one spot left in the semifinal this promises to be a doozy.
It’s quite remarkable to think how far Federer has come since he last stepped onto Rod Laver Arena to face Berdych. It was just 12 months ago when he faced the Czech in the third round here, within just one defeat of dropping outside the Top 30 in the world. Instead, he pummelled him for the loss of just 10 games and the rest, as they say, is history.
Federer leads the head-to-head 19-6, with their first meeting coming all the way back in 2004 at the Olympic Games in Athens. Berdych won that one. How he'd love a repeat today.
14 hours ago
José Morgado
@josemorgado
#AusOpen Women's singles semifinalists (official tour events) in 2018
Halep - 10-0
Kerber - 10-0
Mertens - 10-0
Wozniacki - 9-1
Three are undefeated & already won titles this season
All four reached finals
7:32 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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14 hours ago
"IT’S REALLY NICE TO BE IN THE SEMIFINAL. I HAVE BEEN ALREADY, IN JUNIORS IN 2008. FOR ME THAT COUNTS! IT WASN’T MY BEST START, BUT I KNEW I JUST HAD TO RESTART, STOP MISSING AND MOVE BETTER. THEN I JUST STARTED TO OPEN THE COURT."
- Halep is delighted to be back in the final four
14 hours ago
Halep in exquisite form, downs Pliskova
World No.1 Simona Halep produces a performance befitting of her ranking, rallying from 0-3 down in the first set to down Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-2 to reach her first Australian Open semifinal.
Her arms are raised aloft, and she looks up to the heavens. Simply too good.
A blockbuster semifinal awaits: Halep v Kerber.
14 hours ago
Halep 6-3 5-2 Pliskova*
Just brilliant from Halep. Pliskova is striking the ball better now, but the Romanian is matching her every move. It's easy to forget that Halep rolled that ankle just last week with the way she's moving today. She's a sight to behold when in full flow.
Pliskova will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
14 hours ago
*Halep 6-3 3-1 Pliskova
Pliskova stops the rot in impressive fashion, digging out another fantastic deep Halep return before finishing the rally by threading a backhand winner past the world No.1. It’s her first game in ten, but has she left it too late? Crucial game coming up…
15 hours ago
Halep 6-3 3-0 Pliskova*
Count them... NINE straight games for Halep. She is landing blow after blow here, and Piskova is struggling to get out of the corner. The Czech's movement is sluggish and weighted, but the stat-line tells you all you need know:
Halep: 16 winners, 7 unforced errors
Pliskova: 14 winners, 21 unforced errors
So so clean from the Romanian.
15 hours ago
Halep 6-3 Pliskova
That is some momentum shift in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. From 0-3, 30-40 down, Halep rallies, reeling off six straight games to take the opening set. As the quality of Halep’s play rose, Pliskova’s fell dramatically, and the Romanian finishes the set with 12 winners to the Czech’s seven. Now there’s a stat we didn’t expect to see.
Another number that Pliskova will need to improve: she won just 15 per cent of points behind her second serve, and it was a double fault that handed over the set in the end.
15 hours ago
Matt Trollope
@MattyAT
Holy this is some impressive stuff from Halep. Winners FLOWING.
6:39 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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15 hours ago
*Halep 4-3 Pliskova
Wow. What a shot by Halep to break, and secure her fourth straight game in the process. Pliskova rotates her hips into a super crosscourt backhand and with Halep way out at sea, the Romanian slaps an all-or-nothing backhand down-the-line, it clips the net tape and creeps in. She made her own luck there.
That last point showed where Halep has the edge in this contest - her superior movement. When the serve, return and the first two balls are out of the way, she becomes the big favourite in the rally.
15 hours ago
Halep 3-3 Pliskova*
Now that I have drunk my body weight in sugary drinks, let’s head back out to RLA where Simona Halep has battled back from 0-3 down to level at 3-3 with Karolina Pliskova.
This is their seventh meeting, with the Romanian dominating the head-to-head 5-1. This can be a good match up for Halep. Much like Angelique Kerber versus Madison Keys, Halep enjoys the pace of Pliskova’s ball and can manipulate it with relative ease. It will be fascinating to see how this one develops.
15 hours ago
Hyeon Chung Quarterfinal AO2018
FLYING THE FLAG - Chung is making noise
15 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
The must-see interview of the #AusOpen.
What a day for Hyeon Chung.
5:52 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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16 hours ago
Chung is endearing himself to the masses here. Not only does he play exciting tennis, but his personality shines through in the big moments. Those end-of-set celebrations when he gets the crowd on their feet… how can you not love him.
He tells Jim Courier that he started to maybe think about what he had to do in the post-match ceremony when he was 40-0 up, and when he saw all those match points slip away he knew he had to focus. He finishes his interview by introducing his team, with his mother throwing up a heart sign. His box are beaming with pride. Lovely scenes.
16 hours ago
Chung ends Sandgren's surprise run
Hyeon Chung is into the Australian Open semifinal, eventually shaking off Tennys Sandgren 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3, converting on his SIXTH match point. He is the first player from his country and the youngest man since Marin Cilic at the 2010 Australian Open to reach the final four at a major, and he has a smile as wide as Melbourne right now.
Credit to Sandgren, he played some bold tennis to save all those match points, particularly the penultimate one when he reflexed back two volleys off balls Chung had rocketed at him from close range. As Jim Courier said on commentary, that was “one of the greatest match point down saves you will ever see”.
But Sandgren’s dream run is over. For the uber-talented Chung, it goes on.
16 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 6-7 1-4 Chung
Chung breaks Sandgren in a long, gruelling game, and that may just break the American’s resolve too. A double fault on the fourth deuce proved costly, giving Chung another chance and then an unforced error confirmed what was coming. A routine hold follows.
What’s that on the horizon, Hyeon? It looks awfully like a finish line.
16 hours ago
Chuck Culpepper
@ChuckCulpepper1
I believe I could watch Hyeon Chung play all evening. I hope they'll put him in the other quarterfinal tonight as well. #AusOpen
5:12 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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16 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 6-7 1-2 Chung
You can often be at your most vulnerable after winning a set, and Chung is forced to scrape through a service hold to avoid going down early in the third. He fends off two break points, and Sandgren’s efforts are rewarded with a broken shoe lace. As he crouches down to return the Chung serve on the final point of the game, the camera zooms in to show his lace sprung free. Hopefully he has a new pair in his bag.
16 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
"Are you not entertained?!" #AusOpen
4:58 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 6-7(5) Chung
That’s some brave tennis from Sandgren, but the fortune only favours him for so long. At 4-3 down, he serves and volleys for the first time in the match, levelling at 4-4, and then goes 5-4 up with another foray into the net. That’s gutsy. But then, with a chance to pull the trigger on a midcourt forehand, he goes big, crashing the ball into the net. On the very next point, something similar, jumping into a forehand and shanking it miles long.
That gives Chung set point. Sandgren misses his first serve - like he has done with 47 per cent of his first deliveries this match - and rolls in the second, with Chung putting ball after ball into the court until he teases the error from the American.
The Korean is smiling, with both arms in the air, asking the crowd to give him more. Love it. He's two sets to the good.
17 hours ago
Some high-quality tennis being played on Rod Laver Arena now, with both players raising the bar. Chung edges 3-2 ahead with a wonderfully constructed point, tracking his angled volley to cut off the down-the-line before blocking Sandgren’s rocket into the open court. Lovely. The American ran 43 metres in that point alone.
It’s 3-3 at the change of ends, however, with the Korean hitting a forehand long.
17 hours ago
TIE-BREAK TIME - Get comfortable...
17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 6-5 Chung*
Sandgren is growing into this, and despite the set still being on serve, you sense the momentum is with him a touch. He holds with ease, pulling off a handful of special shots, including a stunning crosscourt forehand winner on the full run.
He has a free game now to come out swinging. Expect him to go big.
17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 5-5 Chung
At 30-30 on the Chung serve, Sandgren is sensing a chance to pounce but he gets a touch tight, falling back on a short backhand, bunting it long. The Korean seals the hold and this is all starting to get very interesting.
17 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 5-4 Chung*
Maybe that’s the spark Chung needed, because he’s broken right back out of nowhere. Sandgren manages to fend off one break point, coming out on top of a 15-shot rally, but he can do little to stop Chung on the next, netting from the back of the court.
After the highs of a night-time win over his idol, it’s natural Chung would struggle at times with geeing himself up. Day time sessions tend to lack the spark of the night sessions, but he’s done well to dig in here.
17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 5-3 Chung
Chung is struggling to get fired up here and at 0-30 he finds himself in a slight spot of bother. He manages to stem the flow momentarily, bringing it back to 30-30, but then back-to-back mistakes off the forehand wing - which does tend to break down at times - gives Sandgren the break.
The American will serve for the second set.
17 hours ago
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
Sandgren's back in business. #AusOpen
4:13 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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17 hours ago
*Sandgren 4-6 2-2 Chung
Chung snatches an early break in the second set but Sandgren pounces back, bringing up a break point chance when he unleashes on a midcourt ball, steering it past Chung. A Korean error on the next point invites him right back into this encounter.
Sandgren's tennis has been a touch too defensive so far - he's playing too deep in the court to really get a grip on Chung. It's not remarkably hot today, but the sun is beating down on the court, and the players are caught right in it.
17 hours ago
Hyeon Chung Quarterfinal AO2018
ADVANTAGE, CHUNG - Hyeon is on a roll
18 hours ago
Sandgren 4-6 Chung
Chung has ice in his veins. He holds to love to close out a tidy opening set - that’s the sixth straight set he has won at Melbourne Park. Both players share similar winner and unforced error stats but it’s the oft-forgotten forced error stat that's heavily skewed in Chung’s favour. He’s pressurising his opponent into mistakes.
18 hours ago
View image on TwitterView image on Twitter
#AusOpen
@AustralianOpen
Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific.#AusOpen
3:41 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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18 hours ago
*Sandgren 3-5 Chung
An important point at 15-30 for Sandgren, but midway through the rally a helicopter hovers overhead and he must be distracted by it because he gets the timing all wrong on the forehand, missing long. That’s the chance gone, with Chung closing out the next two points.
Meanwhile, Rod’s home. The great Laver takes his seat in his eponymous arena much to the delight of his guests.
18 hours ago
Sandgren 3-4 Chung*
The way Chung aggressively slides into wide balls is a sight to behold, and as many people pointed out the other night, it’s very Djokovic-esque. His balance through the shot is sensational. If there’s one thing we know, Chung will put plenty of balls into the court, so it’s up to the American to disrupt his rhythm. No mean feat against a guy who moves that well.
18 hours ago
*Sandgren 1-3 Chung
That’s a super hold from 15-40 down for Chung. The first break point he saved was arguably the most impressive, engaging Sandgren in a gruelling battle from the baseline before drawing the error. You have to think the American won’t want to be involved in too many of those against the wall-like Chung.
Just to give you an idea of how surprising Sandgren’s run here is. He had just two Tour-level wins to his name before this tournament, with both coming in Washington last July over Go Soeda and an out-of-sorts Nick Kyrgios. Now he has SIX.
18 hours ago
Sandgren 1-2 Chung*
Three break points land at Chung’s feet thanks to a Sandgren double fault, and he converts on the second, forcing the American to dump a backhand into the net under pressure. It’s a great start for the Korean who also began well when they met in Auckland just two weeks ago. He came out in top 6-3 5-7 6-3 that day in what was a tighlty-contested match. Will it be more of the same today?
18 hours ago
*Sandgren 1-1 Chung
A slight delay to proceedings on Rod Laver Arena. An alarm goes off as the players get into position, and they both step back into the shade to stay cool while referee Wayne McKewen walks onto court. He exchanges some words with umpire James Keothavong. It is in fact a false alarm and when the umpire announces that to the crowd, a ripple of laughter rings around the arena.
Meanwhile, back-to-back comfortable holds to kick start this unlikely quarterfinal.
18 hours ago
It's live! Sandgren v Chung
The men’s singles draw waited 10 years for an unseeded semifinalist, then two came along at once. With world No.49 Kyle Edmund sitting safely in the final four - where he will take on Marin Cilic - Hyeon Chung and Tennys Sandgren will be hoping to join him when they face off on Rod Laver Arena.
Chung dazzled in his win over Djokovic. The Serb, of course, was hampered by his on-going elbow issues but that’s not to take away from Chung who played the big points like a season veteran and not a 21-year-old looking to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Today takes on a different look for Chung, who goes into his match with Sandgren as the favourite. The American is making his Australian Open main draw debut and his magical run is one of the most unexpected in recent Grand Slam history. The world No.97 has come in for some criticism since his big win over Dominic Thiem, however. His rapid rise to fame has shone a light on some of his social media activity, and he has faced some difficult questioning from the world's media over the past 48 hours. It will be interesting to see if that has any effect on his performance today.
The clock has just hit 1300 AEDT so let’s hop to it.
19 hours ago
Right, there are just THREE semifinal places still up for grabs, with the next spot set to be filled by either Tennys Sandgren or Hyeon Chung. They will make their way onto court in about 30 minutes, or 1300 AEDT for those of you who enjoy your time military style.
Pop the kettle on. I’ll be back shortly to bring you updates on all the happenings from that encounter.
19 hours ago
Angelique Kerber
SHE'S BACK - Kerber cruises past Keys
19 hours ago
"I REALLY ENJOY MY TENNIS RIGHT NOW. I ENJOY BEING ON COURT, THE SUPPORT, IT’S ALWAYS SO GREAT. I’M GETTING OLD SO I HAVE TO BE AGGRESSIVE - I CANNOT RUN FOR EVERY BALL ANYMORE! I AM WORKING FOR THIS MOMENT, IT MEANS A LOT TO ME."
- A very happy Angelique Kerber
19 hours ago
Kerber bullies her way past Keys
Angelique Kerber is into her second Australian Open semifinal after dismantling an out-of-sorts Madison Keys, winning 6-1 6-2 in just 51 minutes. It's a bad match-up for Keys - Kerber thrived behind the pace of her shots and bullied her from start to finish, improving her record against the American to 7-1.
After the drama-filled round of 16 win over Hsieh Su-Wei, this is a statement win from Kerber. She awaits the winner of Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep who play later today.
19 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 5-2 Keys*
They’re the shots you just can’t miss in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. After recovering the break, and riding some momentum for the first time all day, Keys gets to 30-30 on her own serve and overcooks a basic swinging volley to give Kerber another chance. What follows is equally disappointing from the American - a loose forehand which sails long.
With full control of this match back in her own hands, Kerber eases to a hold in the very next game, screaming a forehand winner down-the-line. The world No.16 begins her "COME OOOOOOON!" before the ball even hits the back fence - a thing of beauty.
Keys will serve to stay in the Australian Open.
20 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 3-2 Keys*
That’s more like it from Keys, and even the net cord was on her side that game. She gets to 0-30 before walloping a return off the tape which trickles tantalisingly onto Kerber’s side of the court. Suddenly, she's looking at three break back points and she only needs the one, playing a smart point before chipping a backhand wide and short which Kerber sprays.
Smart. That's a word Keys will need to channel when picking her shots.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 6-1 3-1 Keys
Keys gets on the board, but she will need something special if she's to slow the Kerber train, which is rolling right into the semifinal with the way things are currently looking.
20 hours ago
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
Tough to watch Madison Keys implode like this again. Such a talented ball striker playing so far below her potential in the early stages of this match
1:45 AM - Jan 24, 2018
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20 hours ago
*Kerber 6-1 2-0 Keys
This is just textbook so far from Kerber, who is manipulating the ball so much better that Keys, making the American move. Keys needs to have a think here, because at the moment her shots down the middle channel of the court just aren’t do anything to trouble Kerber, and her unforced error count is growing: 18 to her opponent’s three.
20 hours ago
Kerber 6-1 Keys
Unbelievable shot from Kerber to get a look at set point. She gets out wide to the backhand and flexes all those muscles to steer an angled winner past Keys, who had attacked the net. That’s the shot she lit up the 2016 Australian Open final with, bamboozling Serena Williams with her ability to hit the crosscourt targets on the passing shot.
She needs only one set point to get the job done. Just brilliant so far from the former champion.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 4-1 Keys
Two quickfire holds and Keys is finally on the board. That should do those nerves the world of good, but from a tactical stand point, what does she need to do to test Kerber? Like always with Keys, she needs to pick her moments to pull the trigger, and that will require patience. The German gets excellent depth on the ball, so the American almost needs to draw a mental line inside the court. Once she steps inside it, she can go after the ball, from behind it, she needs to stay patient.
20 hours ago
*Kerber 3-0 Keys
You can see why Keys has struggled with this match-up in the past. Kerber just soaks up her powerful shots, using that phenomenal leg power to get down low and the compact swing to redirect the ball. So far, it's working a charm for the German. She's up a double break.
20 hours ago
Kerber 2-0 Keys*
A nervy opening game from Keys. She drops 0-40 down on her own serve with some loose errors and although she manages to steady the ship, battling back to deuce, Kerber seals the break when a few more of the American’s groundstrokes fly.
The quality increases in the second game, with Kerber forced to save two break points before eking out a hold. The German loves playing against pace, and there aren’t too many who hit the ball as fast as Keys.
20 hours ago
Kerber came through one of the more entertaining matches of Australian Open in the last round, overcoming Hsieh Su-Wei and her “Su-Wei Style”. Today, she faces a completely different opponent in Madison Keys, whose rocket groundstrokes are in stark contrast to Hsieh’s smorgasbord of random strokes.
Keys has played some bruising tennis this tournament, spending just four hours and 10 minutes on court (the least amount of the eight quarterfinalists), but she will need to pick her moments wisely today against the consistent German, who leads their head-to-head 6-1, winning the last four on the trot.
20 hours ago
Welcome back!
Day 10. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh?
There's simply no time to warm our way into this pleasant Wednesday, with Madison Keys and Angelique Kerber - arguably the most anticipated match of the day - opening the action on Rod Laver Arena.
Also coming up in the day session, we have American surprise-package Tennys Sandgren v Korean rising star Hyeon Chung and world No.1 Simona Halep v free-hitting Karolina Pliskova. And if that’s not enough, we have Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych set to light up the night session.
Keys and Kerber have entered their stage, so let’s waste no time in ducking over there…
W każdym razie dalej uważam RG16 za jednak swego rodzaju fenomen. Z tego, co pamiętam Hank był dostępny i mu się chciało, a Emu nie chciał się uczyć do sesji i mocno poklepaliśmy przez pierwsze dni.
