Key events
Elina Avanesyan beats Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-4 Avanesyan makes the perfect start with an ace before pointing Sakkari all over the back of the court before smashing a volley at the net for 30-0. The No 8 seed gifts three match point with a tame backhand return into the net – and the first of them is taken in a similar fashion. That’s a seriously impressive win.
Maria Sakkari 4-6, 4-5 Elina Avanesyan* (*denotes next server) The first ace of the match finally arrives, larruped down the middle by Sakkari for 30-15, but a limp forehand from her follows. We’re at deuce again when the Greek player steers an angled drop shot wide. She has enough about her to hold though.
Avanesyan will now serve for the match.
Maria Sakkari* 4-6, 3-5 Elina Avanesyan (*denotes next server) Sakkari gets an opening, her forceful returning taking her to 15-30 on Avanesyan’s serve but the Russian’s strong serve and then a fierce low backhand give her the advantage but more power hitting from Sakkari takes us to deuce. Again, the seeded player can’t build on it as she miscues a forehand wide of the line and that sets up Avanesyan for the hold.
Maria Sakkari 4-6, 3-4 Elina Avanesyan* (*denotes next server) A delicate drop shot at the end of a brutal rally brings Sakkari a crucial point at 30-30. It’s followed by a probing winner to the back of the court, but she skews a forehand horribly wide to then bring us to deuce. Another fine forehand winner and a searching backhand seal Sakkari the game though – she’s still fighting for this.
Maria Sakkari* 4-6, 2-4 Elina Avanesyan (*denotes next server) A couple of crisp angled winners from Sakkari are undone by needless unforced errors and Avanesyan holds to 30. She’s two games away from a big scalp and a first ever appearance in the third round here.
Maria Sakkari 4-6, 2-3 Elina Avanesyan* (*denotes next server) Thanks Sarah. And a rare hold, as Sakkari wins her service game fairly comfortably to steady things a tad. The No 8 seed is still a break down though.
I am just stepping away for some food but I leave you in the very capable hands of Tom Davies to see you through the rest of Sakkari and Avanesyan.
Maria Sakkari* 4-6, 1-3 Elina Avanesyan (*denotes next server)
An ace gives Avanesyan 15-0 and after an impressive rally of 25 shots Sakkari hits the net.
Avanesyan races to 40-0 but Sakkari hit back twice. The Greek player makes an absolute screamer of a shot to take the game to deuce.
Sakkari forces a shot long and Avanesyan seals it.
Maria Sakkari 4-6, 1-2 Elina Avanesyan* (*denotes next server)
A great rally ends in Avanesyan with a fist in the air and she doubles down, going 30-0 up. Will we see a third break on the bounce?
We might do as Sakkari hits it out but she recovers three points to send the game to deuce. But she hits the net and Avanesyan has advantage and break point. And it’s another break! This game is so good.
Maria Sakkari* 4-6, 1-1 Elina Avanesyan (*denotes next server)
A huge cheers from the crowd as Sakkari wins the first point of the game, a great backhand shot. She backs it up with another great shot to be 30-0 up.
Sakkari now has three break points as Avanesyan smacks the net and she gets it the first time of asking.
Maria Sakkari 4-6, 0-1 Elina Avanesyan* (*denotes next server)
We have joined just as Sakkari wins advantage in the first game of the second set. She lets out a groan of frustration as she hits the net and deuce returns.
Sakkari then makes an error and Avanesyan has advantage. It’s break point but she can’t capitalise and we’re back to deuce. She gets another chance at break point after winning a fantastic rally and she takes it!
Let’s join that match now …
Elina Avanesyan has taken the first set 6-4 against Maria Sakkari.
It would be a slight upset if she sees this out in two sets.
“He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it,” Djokovic said. “I didn’t do anything special, I was lucky. He was a better player for a set-and-a-half. The momentum shifted in the tiebreak.
“I don’t think I played at the highest level, credit to him for tactically coming out with the right game plan.
“I haven’t been playing my best, I’m still trying to find the form. Particularly in the early rounds you play player who have nothing to lose, my first and second round opponents were great quality tennis players.”
Popyrin got a standing ovation as he left the court and rightfully so, he played really well.
We will hear from Djokovic shortly.
The win meant a lot to the defending champion, I am unsure I have seen him celebrate that wildly this early into a Grand Slam. He roared and punched the air repeatedly as the victory was confirmed.
Djokovic through in four-set match
Defending champion Novak Djokovic is through to the next round of the Australian Open after a hard fought win over Alexei Popyrin.
Djokovic was convincing in the first set but lost composure in the second. A superb tiebreak win in the third saw him regain form to knock out his Australian opponent.
The 10-time Australian Open champion is not at his top form yet, which is scary for his future opponents when he can dig out a win regardless.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 5-3 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is four points away from going through and he wins the first and the second through Popyrin errors.
Djokovic raced to 20-0 but Popyrin hit back two to get to 40-30, the crowd urging their countryman on. An ace saw the game go to deuce and another gave Popyrin advantage and a great forehand saw the Aussie stay in it!
Kostyuk wins three-set classic
Marta Kostyuk has knocked out Elise Mertens over three sets in a highly competitive match.
Kostyuk won 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-6), a huge statement for the tournament going forward.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 5-2 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Popyrin makes another error to start the latest game, I think this is done and dusted now. Not literally of course, we still have a few games to play but the momentum shift has been crazy.
A bit of Djoko excellence sees him 30-15, he liked that point as he raises his racket in celebration.
Oh now he is just playing with Popyrin like a cat does a mouse, a lovely drop shot. And he holds, Popyrin will serve to stay in this match.
Djokovic breaks! Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-2 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Popyrin smacks the net and then forces a shot long, if he is broken here you could say the entire match is gone such is the momentum with Djokovic.
Another error gives Djokovic three break points but he does it the first time of asking.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 3-2 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Popyrin won the first point and before Djokovic serves the next he has a shake of the head. The Aussie forces an error, 15-15.
Popyrin shakes his racket in celebration of a lightning forehand winner but he follows it up with another error. Djoko goes to 40-30 and holds.
Djokovic has said “come here and say it to my face” to a fan in the crowd, I do not know what they said to the defending champion but he wasn’t happy.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 2-2 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Popyrin did not hang around there and is level.
Djokovic stretching his fingers out.
RIP Mike Dickson
Some sad news to bring you now as it has been announced the Daily Mail journalist Mike Dickson has died while out in Melbourne to cover the Australian Open.
His family said in a statement: “We are devastated to announce that our wonderful husband and Dad, Mike, has collapsed and died while in Melbourne for the Aus Open. For 38 years he lived his dream covering sport all over the world. He was a truly great man and we will miss him terribly. Lucy, Sam, Ruby and Joe.”
Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 2-1 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Popyrin with two errors to start this game and Djokovic gets to 40-0 really easily.
The momentum has definitely shifted and Djoko closes out the game.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 1-1 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Popyrin needs to remain composed here, he knows he needs to win this set to stay in the grand slam. He wins the first point and expertly dispatches a forehand to go 30-0 up.
And he closes it out, so much pressure on him now.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 1-0 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
The tiebreak may have awoken the giant, the first point in the fourth set won by Djokovic in slick style.
An ace puts him 30-0 up and Popyrin then hit the net, a fast game.
Maria Sakkari and Elina Avanesyan have just started their match with the latter leading 2-0 in the first set.
Marta Kostyuk and Elise Mertens are in their third set with the score line Kostyuk 5-7, 6-1, 4-5 Mertens.
Djokovic takes third set with tiebreak win. Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
An ace puts Djokovic 5-2 up, he just absolutely loves a tiebreak doesn’t he? Popyrin gets a point back though with a great looping shot.
Popyrin is taking notes from Djokovic’s book now as he sends his the wrong way to close the gap to 5-4. But he then his the net and gives Djokovic two set points.
And he gets it the first time of asking. HUGE.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 (4-2) Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Popyrin serves first but hits out of play to give Djokovic the first point of this tie break, remember the defending champion thrives in this environment. On Djokovic’s serve now and Popyrin hits a really powerful forehand to beat his opponent, 1-1.
Djokovic pops a deft drop shot over the net to regain the lead and an ace from Popyrin makes it 2-2. The Aussie makes an error with a forced shot and an absolute beauty of a shot from Djokovic put him 4-2 up – that was almost unstoppable.
The tie break continues …
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-6 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
I doubt Popyrin wants to face Djokovic is a tie break and so he will be looking to break him here instead.
A delightful forehand gives Djokovic first blood but he then makes an error, he is full of them today, to level it 15-15. Popyrin overhits and an ace from the defending champion puts him a point outside of holding.
He wins the game and to a tie break we go …
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 5-6 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Popyrin races to 30-0, keen to get on with this set. Djoko is unable to return his serve and so the Australian is just one point from holding.
Djokovic has a volley to delay the hold but Popyrin eventually gets it over the line.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 5-5 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Popyrin managed to break Djokovic at the end of the second set to win it so can he do it again? No he can’t!
The Aussie wins the first point with Djokovic hitting the net and he does it again – Popyrin now 30-0 up.
He lands a great shot and gives himself three break points. Djokovic defends the first with an ace and he defends the second as Popyrin sends it out. And in true Djoko fashion he fends off a third break point to send it to deuce.
The defending champion gets advantage but its back to deuce with Popyrin landing a shot.
Is this the turning point? Popyrin gets another break point with the advantage. Wow, we head back to deuce – Popyrin had his hands on his thighs then with disappointment after slightly overhitting.
The pendulum continues to swing with Sjokovic winning advantage next and he holds. Just when you think an opponent has him, he pulls that out of the bag!
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 4-5 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Oh my word! What a point. Popyrin leaped into the air on one leg to return and Djokovic hits the net.
A bit of back and forth sees Popyrin 30-15 but it looks like Djokovic is finding a second wind as he fights to level. The Aussie’s volley works again and he holds. What a match this is!
Tsitsipas through in comeback win
Well, what a well-fought battle that was. Stefanos Tsitsipas has booked his spot in the next round of the Australian Open after coming back from being one set down to Jordan Thompson.
The Greek player won 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 7–6 (7-4)
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 4-4 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
After his four-hour opener at the Australian Open, Djokovic would have been hoping this match was wrapped up much quicker but I have a sense it could go all the way.
Djokovic is 15-0 up but he then makes another error for Popyrin to level. Oh well that is beautiful from Djokovic, a light drop shot to outfox his opponent.
An unreturnable serve give Djokovic the chance to hold and he does.
Tsitsipas and Thompson have been locked in a deuce battle for the longest time, it’s currently 6-5 to Thompson in the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 3-4 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
The crowd is alive for any good move Popyrin makes at the moment. Some aces along the way are helping his cause, he is 40-0 up now.
Djokovic isn’t going to die wondering though, he lands a great shot to open the door in this game. Popyrin manages to hold though.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 3-3 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
This next game starts level at 15-15 but Popyrin, despite some trouble with his calf, gets the upperhand with a powerful forehand.
The Australian makes an unforced error and Djokovic makes a great shot for the chance of holding and he takes it.
Popyrin is okay to continue! I’ll have a Tstisipas update with you as soon as his latest set is over.
Popyrin has requested to see the medic and the team are out on court checking his calf muscle. Let’s hope he can continue.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Now that is classic Djokovic and it’s the first time he has smiled in about 10 games! A lovely backhand outsmarts Popyrin but the Australian dishes it right back with a volley, 15-15.
Popyrin hits the net but Djokovic then sends it out – errors coming from both at the moment. Djokovic forces another shot and Popyrin has the opportunity to close out the game, he takes it.
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 2-2 Alexei Popyrin* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic gets to 30-0, the latest point an ace. Popyrin sends a shot long and Djokovic holds in a lightning fast game.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 1-2 Alexei Popyrin (*denotes next server)
Wow, Popyrin take a bow. He wins a cracking point after Djokovic poured energy into winning a rally with a deft backhand. Just stunning tennis.
A powerful forehand is cancelled out by a point from Djokovic but he manages to turn the screw again. A long rally ends with a magical lob from Popyrin, sending the crowd wild. He is edging the crucial moments.