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ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev defeats Rafael Nadal to make it through to final at London's O2 Arena

Daniil Medvedev battled back from a set and 5-4 down to defeat Rafael Nadal and make it through to a showdown against Dominic Thiem at the season-ending ATP Finals at London's O2 Arena.

The Russian denied Nadal a shot at the biggest title that he is yet to win, defeating him 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to reach the final for the first time.

Victory maintained his record of not having lost a match this week and, coupled with his victory at the Paris Masters earlier this month, he is now on a nine-match winning streak.

Nadal served for the match at 5-4 in the second set having been 4-1 down but could not take his opportunities.

https://www.skysports.com/tennis/ne...-make-it-through-to-final-at-londons-o2-arena
 
ATP Finals 2020: Daniil Medvedev beats Dominic Thiem to take title

Daniil Medvedev fought back to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London.

The Russian dug deep to claim a 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory over world number three Thiem at the O2 Arena.

Thiem led the second-set tie-break but Medvedev reeled off seven points in a row to force a decider and came through a tight final set to ensure victory.

The 24-year-old will finish the year fourth in the world rankings.

Medvedev is the only player to beat the three highest-ranked players at the season-ending event, following his earlier victories over Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

He did not beat a single top-10 player from November 2019 to October 2020 but has now beaten seven in the space of four weeks.

It was the last year the tournament was being held in London, with the event moving to Turin, Italy, from 2021.

With no crowd in the stadium because of coronavirus restrictions, Medvedev's celebrations were muted before he and Thiem had a lengthy hug at the net.

Despite the loss, Thiem can still reflect on a solid year in which he has reached two Slam finals, losing to Djokovic at the Australian Open before claiming his maiden major title in New York.

Machine Medvedev clicks into gear

Medvedev, who went unbeaten in the group stages, is credited as one of the men's tour's quickest problem solvers.

A gangly player who has been jokingly nicknamed 'the machine' by his competitors, he is capable of changing the direction of rallies with ease and his own forehand - while flatter than Thiem's - is equally effective.

His repeated moves to the net as the match progressed allowed him to hurry through his service games and surprise Thiem with a change of pace.

However, the Russian let the opening set slip. Having been in control in the early stages and racing to 40-0 on his own serve, Medvedev lost four points through a series of sloppy forehand errors before double-faulting to hand Thiem a crucial break.

His recovery in the second-set tie-break changed the tone of the match and Medvedev gritted his way through a tough fifth game in the third set, converting his ninth break point to take the crucial lead.

He was the stronger of the two players as the match progressed, drawing more errors out of a tiring Thiem's backhand, and he claimed victory when Thiem sent a return of serve into the net.

Thiem just misses out again

While there will be obvious disappointment for Thiem in losing in the final for a second consecutive year, the 27-year-old has improved his all-round game in another solid year.

Once thought of as a solely clay-court player, Thiem's biggest career title came on a hard court, and he too beat Djokovic and Nadal in London to progress to the final.

Thiem prospers through his big groundstrokes and an increased confidence in his serve. With Medvedev having the better of the longer rallies, Thiem kept the points short, using his slice to stop Medvedev unleashing his own heavy shots.

He staved off two break points in his opening service game, finding an inside-out forehand and an ace at the key moments in a 10-minute game.

When Medvedev's level dipped in the next game, all Thiem had to do was get the ball back into play, capitalising on his opponent's mistakes before rushing through a tidy service game of his own.

He took the first set in fortunate style, a net-cord winner almost hitting Medvedev, but both players smiled and laughed at the changeover before resetting for the second.

Thiem had a chance to take the second set, racking up two break points in the seventh game thanks to his deep hitting. However, Medvedev was able to find his first serve when he needed it most, and that missed chance led to the tie-break that the Russian ran away with.

Thiem reeled off five straight points to overturn a 0-40 deficit early in the third set but the Austrian grew more frustrated as he was outwitted by Medvedev.

Earlier, Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic won their first doubles title together with a 6-2 3-6 10-5 victory over Jurgen Melzer and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

ATP Finals say goodbye to London
Tournament organisers estimate around 2.8m people have attended matches at the O2 Arena since London first hosted the competition in 2009.

The first edition was also won by a Russian and Medvedev thanked 2009 winner Nikolay Davydenko for "being an inspiration for kids like me".

World number one Djokovic has won the most titles in London. He won the competition for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015, beating Roger Federer twice, Nadal once and once via walkover in 2014.

Djokovic also played in London 11 times and reached the final six times.

However, Britain's Andy Murray ended Djokovic's run in 2016, in a victory that confirmed his status as year-end world number one.

Given the performances that have been on show in the past, it was a shame there was no crowd to say a fond farewell to the ATP Finals' London run.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/55037964.
 
The Australian Open is expected to be postponed by one or two weeks, says a Victoria government minister.

The first Grand Slam of the year is scheduled to take place in Melbourne from 18-31 January 2021.

However, Covid-19 quarantine regulations in Victoria mean players may not be allowed in the state until the end of December at the earliest.

Victoria's sports minister Martin Pakula said it is "likely to be delayed by a week or two".

"I still think it's much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay," Pakula added.

Murray supports vaccine requirement in tennis

Tennis Australia had been hoping players could arrive in Melbourne in mid-December and quarantine for two weeks, before starting the season on 1 January.

If the players have to delay and arrive in late December, they could potentially have enough time to be ready to play in tournaments in the build-up to the Slam.

But while it is likely players will be able to practise during their quarantine, it has not yet been signed off by the state authorities.

Players should probably be required to take vaccine - MurrayKonta reunites with former coach

"The exact nature of that quarantine, whether or not it's their own bubble, or something more common, is still part of those conversations," Pakula said.

"The quarantine requirements will be those that are ultimately agreed with the public health authorities and then it will be a matter for the ATP and the WTA about whether or not they are acceptable."

The French Open was delayed by four months because of the coronavirus pandemic, while Wimbledon was cancelled in 2020.

Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic previously asked for "support and understanding" from the government in allowing players to compete before the Slam begins.
 
Japan's tennis champion Naomi Osaka inspires manga character

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has inspired a new manga character who will debut in Nakayoshi magazine next month.

The three-time Grand Slam winner shared a picture of her character on Twitter on Sunday - complete with pink hair, an orange visor and a tennis racket.

Osaka, the world's highest-paid female athlete, said she and her sister grew up reading manga and were excited about the new comic.

Her sister, Mari Osaka, has been involved with the character's creation.

"Growing up reading manga/watching anime was something that bonded me and my sister immensely so this is really exciting for both of us," the tennis champion tweeted.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55126319
 
Andy Lapthorne: British wheelchair tennis player criticises sport for 'ableism'

British wheelchair tennis player Andy Lapthorne says events are being organised by people "who don't have a clue about disability and don't ask us questions".

He was one of a number of players who forced US Open organisers into a U-turn over the inclusion of wheelchair events at this year's tournament after they were initially omitted.

He told the BBC's Stumps, Wheels and Wobblies podcast that ableism - where there is discrimination in favour of non-disabled people - is an issue.

Lapthorne, the winner of 11 Grand Slam titles and the current world number two in the quad division, added: "The reason given to us at the start was that it wasn't thought that people with disabilities would travel in a pandemic, but we as players weren't consulted.

"The top eight men, women and quad players are full-time professional wheelchair tennis players, but we were put in the same bracket with juniors, who don't get prize money, and with legends, who are retired and playing exhibition tennis, and even getting compared to beach tennis.

"It felt like a massive step backwards, but we had great support from the likes of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, and at the end of the day we went out there and proved we are part of the tennis community."

Lapthorne also told the podcast, in an interview to mark International Day of People with Disabilities, that the increased profile of wheelchair tennis had had a negative impact on his mental health.

After finishing runner-up in the quad singles at October's French Open, he took a break from the game but hopes to return to competition in the new year.

"Earlier this year, I got to world number one, which was my end goal - but sometimes the worst thing you can do is achieve your dream," he explained.

"After that I was a bit lost and didn't know what to do or where to go next, and then lockdown happened.

"When we came out of lockdown, I went to the US Open and then went to Roland Garros and it got a bit too much for me, if I'm honest.

"We are integrated into the Grand Slams and there is more media presence, big prize money, more people watching on TV and a massive social media presence.

"When I lost to Dylan Alcott in the Australian Open final in January, I got a lot of messages on social media from people who had probably gambled on me and lost money.

"As a sport, we have had such a fast rise and I've had to deal with things that I didn't have to do when I started.

"I realised I needed a bit of a break and time away to try to reflect and see where I am at.

"Social media is tough at times when you have a disability. I'm quite strong on trying to act as normal as possible and try to be positive but sometimes when you are getting those messages it can be tough to deal with."

Meanwhile, fellow GB player Jordanne Whiley says she will skip the Australian Open which is due to take place in January.

Whiley gave birth to son Jackson in January 2018 and returned to action early the following year. Although she played in Melbourne at the start of this year, winning the women's doubles with Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, she says she will not defend her title.

"It was a really difficult decision to miss out because I love the tournament, but I can't justify being away from Jackson for three weeks with the quarantine restrictions," she explained.

"I'd have missed his birthday, which is something which you can't get back. There will be other Grand Slams so I will take the hit on this one."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/55122349.
 
Roger Federer in 'tight' race for 2021 Australian Open

Roger Federer says he faces a "tight" race to be fit to play at the Australian Open.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, 39, has not played since January, having needed two operations on a knee injury.

The Australian Open is likely to start on 8 February, delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I would have hoped that I would be 100% in October. But I am still not today. Let's see how the next two months will unfold," the Swiss said.

Federer's last competitive match came at this year's Australian Open, where he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

In February, Federer announced he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee but hoped to return to action in time for Wimbledon - which was planned for July before being cancelled.

But in June he said he had another operation after a setback with his rehabilitation.

Following its suspension because of the pandemic, the ATP Tour resumed in early August, with the US Open closely followed by the rearranged French Open.

"The second knee operation was a huge dampener, but in the last six months there has been steady progress," Federer said during an awards ceremony in Switzerland.

"Let's see how the next two months will unfold. I've been doing a lot of physio and physical work lately, now let's see how tennis is doing.

"It will be tight for the Australian Open."

The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the tennis season and the 2021 tournament was scheduled to start in Melbourne on 18 January.

However, Covid-19 quarantine rules mean players are unlikely to be allowed to enter the state of Victoria until the end of December at the earliest.

An announcement confirming the tournament will be pushed back to 8 February is expected in the near future.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/55300872.
 
Battle of the Brits: Andy Murray and Heather Watson in event line-up

Former world number one Andy Murray will compete in a Battle of the Brits tournament at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton this month.

It is the third event staged this year by Murray's brother Jamie and the Lawn Tennis Association.

Held from 20-23 December, it will feature 16 male and female players in a 30-match league format.

The matches will be on the same surface used at the Australian Open, which begins on 18 January in Melbourne.

Dan Evans, Heather Watson, Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie, Harriet Dart, Jay Clarke, Jodie Burrage and James Ward have also agreed to take part.

"All the players were keen to get the chance to test themselves before the season begins," said Jamie Murray.

"It's been such an unusual year, with so many disruptions that any competitive tennis people can get is welcome. Even in pre-season nobody likes to lose to their friends, so we're expecting some tight matches."

In August's last event, Andy Murray partnered Naomi Broady to victory in the doubles, before Joe Salisbury teamed up with Dart to defeat Jamie Murray and Watson and secure a 63-56 overall win for the British Bulldogs against the Union Jacks.

Former Wimbledon singles champion Murray, 33, now ranked 122, lost to Stan Wawrinka in the first round of the French Open in September.

He was also beaten in the opening round of October's Cologne indoor event by Fernando Verdasco.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/55224080.
 
Andy Murray beats Cameron Norrie at Battle of the Brits

Andy Murray continued in promising form at the Battle of the Brits, beating Cameron Norrie in straight sets.

The world number 122 claimed victory against British number one Dan Evans on Sunday and two days later beat Norrie 6-4 7-6 (7-5).

Before the tournament in London, the 33-year-old had not played since withdrawing from a Cologne event in October because of a pelvic problem.

The all-British event is taking place in Roehampton.

Norrie started slowly and Murray took advantage to seal the first set, before Norrie fought back to take the second to a tie-break.

The British number three had a set point at 6-5 but Murray saved it and sealed victory as his lob landed perfectly on the baseline.

Evans bounced back from his defeat to Murray, beating beating Liam Broady 6-0 6-2, while Jack Draper followed up Monday's victory over Norrie with a 6-4 6-1 success against Jay Clarke.

There were also wins for Anton Matusevich, Katy Dunne, Francesca Jones and Eden Silva.

The Battle of the Brits was organised by the Lawn Tennis Association to help British players prepare for the 2021 season with competitive matches after their schedules had been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/55416994.
 
The Indian Wells tournament, scheduled to take place in California in March 2021, has been postponed over coronavirus concerns, the ATP says.

The tournament, a combined ATP and WTA event which is one of the biggest and most prestigious outside of the Grand Slams, was cancelled in 2020.

An ATP statement said "alternative dates are being assessed" for the event to take place later in the year.

It normally draws more than 400,000 fans each year to Indian Wells.

The Australian Open - the first Grand Slam of the 2021 season - is due to start on 8 February after being pushed back three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The Australian open 2021 Discussion

Several Australian Open tennis players have expressed frustration at being confined to their hotel rooms for two weeks after people on their flights tested positive for coronavirus.

At least three female players said they might not have gone to the tournament if the rules were made clear to them.

Organisers said the rules were clear, and the event would go head as planned.

At least 47 players are now in isolation ahead of the competition in Melbourne, which begins on 8 February.

Three people tested positive for Covid on Saturday and one on Sunday. They had been on two chartered flights bringing players to the tournament.

Top players such as Victoria Azarenka, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Angelique Kerber and the UK's Heather Watson are among those affected, badly impacting their preparations.

One of the positive cases, a coach, said he was "sorry for the consequences now on everyone's shoulders".

Meanwhile Emma Cassar, quarantine commissioner for the state of Victoria, said people in the hotels - including one player - were breaching lockdown rules by opening their doors to communicate with others on their floor.

"It is really low-level but really dangerous acts which we just can't tolerate," she said.

What is all the fuss about?
All players taking part in the competition have had to test negative before boarding flights and then be placed in designated Australian Open quarantine hotels in Melbourne and Adelaide.

They are allowed out for up to five hours a day to practise on court, except for those on the two offending flights who have been confined to their rooms.

But players said they were not aware of the rule that everyone on a plane had to isolate if someone on it tested positive.

Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan wrote on Twitter: "What I don't understand is that, why no one ever told us, if one person on board is positive the whole plane need to be isolated... I would think twice before coming here."

Switzerland's Belinda Bencic tweeted that she decided to come based on rules sent to players beforehand but was presented with further rules on arrival.

Romanian player Sorana Cirstea wrote on Twitter that she thought she would only have to isolate if someone in her team tested positive.

But Australian Open director Craig Tiley disagreed that the rules were not properly explained.

"We did make it very clear at the beginning, that's why we had the player groups in cohorts, there was always a risk that someone would be positive and have to go into 14 days of isolation," he said, quoted by AFP news agency.

"There was a risk on the plane that you would be a close contact, there was a risk that everyone could be a close contact."

He insisted the tournament - the first Grand Slam of the year - would go ahead as planned.

"We always knew there would be significant risk with this pandemic, you can never tell," Mr Tiley told the Channel Nine TV station.

How did this situation come about?

Organisers of the Australian Open have been arranging chartered flights for players and their teams to be transported to Melbourne ahead of the tournament. These flights have frustrated many Australians, who have not been able to return home because of travel restrictions during the pandemic.

The four coronavirus cases connected to the Australian Open were on flights arriving from Los Angeles in the US and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Three people - a crew member, a tennis coach and a member of a broadcast team - tested positive on the flight from Los Angeles.

Sylvain Bruneau, the coach of 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, said he was the positive case on the flight from Abu Dhabi.

The Canadian coach said he had followed all the safety protocols, including testing negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours before the flight's departure.

"I am extremely saddened and sorry for the consequences now on everyone's shoulders sharing my flight," he said in a statement tweeted by Tennis Canada.

"The rest of my team is negative, and I sincerely hope that any further disruption is kept to a minimum."

Tournament organisers quashed rumours about a positive case on one of the two flights that brought the game's biggest names into Adelaide.

While most players touched down in Melbourne, superstars including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka instead flew into the South Australian city.

The Australian Open had already been hit by the withdrawal of injured Roger Federer, while three-time major winner Andy Murray tested positive for the virus before departure so did not fly to Australia.
 
Seventy-two Australian Open players are now confined to their hotel rooms after a positive coronavirus test result on a third flight bound for the tournament.

Twenty-five players - thought to mostly be qualifiers - on board the flight from Doha to Melbourne must isolate in their room for 14 days.

Heather Watson is one of 47 players who were already quarantining and some are frustrated by the confinement.

Tournament organisers said the players were "already in quarantine hotels".

An Australian Open statement said: "One positive Covid-19 test has been returned from a passenger on a charter flight into Melbourne from Doha which arrived at 5.30am on 16 January.

"The passenger is not a member of the playing contingent and had tested negative before the flight.

"There were 58 passengers on the flight, including 25 players."

At least three players said they might not have gone to the tournament if the rules had been made clear to them.

Organisers said the rules were clear, and the event would begin as planned on 8 February.

Three other people tested positive for Covid on Saturday and one on Sunday. They had been on two chartered flights bringing players to the tournament.
 
Andy Murray will not be travelling to the Australian Open: 'We’ve been in constant dialogue with Tennis Australia to try and find a solution but we couldn’t make it work'
 
Everyone would had a lot to say had these been Indian or Pakistani cricket team members that were Covid positive.
 
Things becoming farcical down under. Perhaps they should have just cancelled the whole thing.
 
Up to 30,000 fans a day will be allowed to attend the Australian Open, Victoria's minister for sport has announced.

A daily crowd capacity of 30,000 will be permitted for the first eight days of the tournament, split equally between day and night sessions.

It will then be reduced to 25,000 from the quarter-finals - half the average attendance of previous years.

The Australian Open runs from 8-21 February in Melbourne.

"Over the 14 days, it means we will have up to 390,000 people here at Melbourne Park, about 50% of the average over the past few years," said Martin Pakula.

"Rod Laver Arena will have incredible atmosphere, not that different to the atmosphere we've seen at all the Opens in the years past.

"It will not be the same … but it will be the most significant international event with crowds that the world has seen in many, many months."

Players have started to leave hotel quarantine after completing their mandatory 14-day isolation period upon arrival in Australia.

In early January, more than 1,700 players, staff and others tied to the first Grand Slam of the year were flown into the country on chartered flights.

Most players were allowed out of their rooms for five hours a day to practise on court and exercise, but a smaller group of 72 players were fully confined to their rooms after coronavirus cases were discovered on their flights.

Melbourne endured one of the world's longest lockdowns last year and many locals have concerns about the potential Covid-19 risk posed by the tournament.
 
Australian Open: Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas into second round

World number two Rafael Nadal began his bid for a men's record 21st Grand Slam title with a straight-set victory over Laslo Djere at the Australian Open.

The Spaniard did not play in the ATP Cup last week after struggling with a back injury, but he moved well in a 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over the Serb.

He will play American world number 177 Michael Mmoh in the second round.

Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev and compatriot Andrey Rublev also advanced on the second day at Melbourne Park.

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas cruised through against Gilles Simon, seeing off the 36-year-old Frenchman 6-1 6-2 6-1 in one hour 32 minutes.

However, 13th seed David Goffin squandered four match points as he was stunned in five sets by Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin.

Popyrin, who was one of the 72 players to undergo 'hard' quarantine before the Grand Slam began, fought back to beat the Belgian 3-6 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

Spanish 12th seed Roberto Bautista Agut also suffered a surprise defeat, losing 6-7 (1-7) 6-0 6-4 7-6 (7-5) to Moldovan world number 85 Radu Albot.

Nadal, who reached the final in Melbourne in 2019, did not have to exert himself too much in his win over Djere.

His only troubles came when serving for the set - he was broken to love at 5-2 in the first and was forced to stave off break point at 5-4 in the second.

Greece's Tsitsipas had the Rod Laver Arena crowd laughing - and jokingly booing - following his quick victory over Simon when he said: "I wasn't expecting it to come so easy."

The 22-year-old added: "I feel like I messed it up already. I think I played a spectacular match from the beginning to the end.

"That was the last thing I was expecting, playing on Rod Laver and everyone laughing at me!"

Meanwhile, Medvedev extended his winning streak to 15 matches with a 6-2 6-2 6-4 win over Canada's Vasek Pospisil.

Eighth seed Rublev beat Yannick Hanfmann of Germany 6-3 6-4 6-4 to continue his own good form.

Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini saw off South Africa's Kevin Anderson 7-6 (11-9) 7-5 6-3, while Russia's Karen Khachanov overcame a second-set dip to beat Australian Aleksandar Vukic 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

Australian prospect Alex de Minaur also progressed, with the 21-year-old 21st seed coming through 7-5 6-1 6-1 against American Tennys Sandgren.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/55991547
 
Novak Djokovic survived a scare and Nick Kyrgios saved match points as day three at the Australian Open caught the attention of the crowds.

Defending champion and world number one Djokovic overcame Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.

Australian Kyrgios then produced a thrilling five-set win over Ugo Humbert in front of a rowdy John Cain Arena.

Kyrgios showed his usual mix of fiery antics and exciting shots to beat the Frenchman 5-7 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

He fell to his knees after winning the match before sitting in his chair and shaking his head in disbelief.

Kyrgios has often said that the John Cain Arena, which is open to general ticket-holders, is his favourite to play on because of the atmosphere.

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With numbers at Melbourne Park restricted to up to 30,000 per day because of coronavirus - and falling well short of that so far this week - this was the first time anything resembling a 'normal' tennis crowd noise had been heard for months.

Home fans did not let up as they cheered a Kyrgios fight back from 5-4 down in the fourth set, before seeing him through a tie-break and, somehow, a winning fifth set.

"Honestly, if you were in my head, I was thinking about everything I was going to cop if I lost that match," a disbelieving Kyrgios said.

"I don't know what to say. I am lost for words."

He will face last year's finalist and US Open champion Dominic Thiem next, after the Austrian eased past Germany's Dominik Koepfer 6-4 6-0 6-2.

The Kyrgios Show
Nick Kyrgios applauds the crowd
Nick Kyrgios was booed off court by his home crowd at the 2017 Australian Open
Kyrgios smashed a racquet after losing the first set, was given a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and continually complained about the technology for net cords.

However, when he dialled into the match, the antics stopped. He served brilliantly, hitting 30 aces, and his swats from behind the baseline allowed him to hit 65 winners to run Humbert ragged.

With the crowd celebrating every Kyrgios point - and every error from Humbert - he broke early in the deciding set.

At several points in the match, Kyrgios was the one applauding his opponent's shots as the crowd continued to barrack for the home favourite.

After holding his own match points, Humbert double-faulted to hand one to Kyrgios, before saving it with an ace.

The French 29th seed recovered to force Kyrgios to serve out the match, with the Australian looking shocked as Humbert sent a backhand long after three hours 39 minutes.

Djokovic outlasts Tiafoe
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic took three hours and 30 minutes to overcome Frances Tiafoe
In hot conditions at Melbourne Park, Djokovic served 26 aces to Tiafoe's 23 as the 33-year-old came through in three hours and 30 minutes.

"It was a very tough match and difficult conditions, while we had sun on the court it was very warm a lot of long rallies," Djokovic said.

"I want to give a hand to Frances for a great fightback, it was a fantastic match.

"It is not the first time I am in this kind of situation but I was fortunate to get through the third set, it was anyone's - high quality tennis, he gave it his all."

American Tiafoe was upset at being handed a time violation and another led to the 23-year-old being docked his first serve in a game Djokovic went on to break in the fourth and final set. He also later received a code violation after an expletive-laden protest to the umpire.

"[It was] an unfortunate warning that took away his serve from him at 30-30 when I broke his serve," Djokovic said. "That was unlucky because he deserved a first serve. It is what it is."

Who were the other winners?
Thiem, last year's beaten finalist, was only on court for one hour and 39 minutes as he beat Germany's Dominik Koepfer 6-4 6-0 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

But Swiss Stan Wawrinka exited in a fifth-set tie-break loss to Marton Fucsovics.

Hungarian Fucsovics, the world number 55, raced into a two-set lead before 2014 winner and 17th seed Wawrinka fought back on John Cain Arena.

Wawrinka then had three match points but it was Fucsovics who got the better of a 15-minute deciding tie-breaker to progress 7-5 6-1 4-6 2-6 7-6 (11-9).

He will face 14th seed Milos Raonic in the next round after the Canadian beat France's Corentin Moutet 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 6-1 6-4.

Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman is also through after seeing off French lucky loser Alexandre Muller 6-2 6-0 6-3.

Alexander Zverev, who lost the US Open final to Dominic Thiem, made light work of American Maxime Cressy, winning 7-5 6-4 6-3.
 
Australian Open: Sofia Kenin knocked out, Ashleigh Barty through

Defending women's singles champion Sofia Kenin has been knocked out of the Australian Open, losing in straight sets to Kaia Kanepi in the second round.

The American fourth seed, 22, was beaten 6-3 6-2 in just 64 minutes.

Estonian Kanepi, 35, dominated throughout, hitting 22 winners to Kenin's 10 and saving all seven break points she faced at Melbourne Park.

Kanepi will face Croat 28th seed Donna Vekic in the third round.

Kenin, who acknowledged that she was struggling with the pressure of being defending champion after her first-round win, was nowhere near her best against Kanepi, making 22 unforced errors and hitting only 10 winners.

Meanwhile, world number one Ashleigh Barty overcame fellow Australian Daria Gavrilova 6-1 7-6 (9-7) to move into the next round.

Barty looked set for a routine win when she served for the match at 6-1 5-2 but Gavrilova broke twice to force a second-set tie-break.

The 24-year-old, who did not play for almost a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, saved set points before securing the victory. Next up for Barty is Russian 29th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

She was joined in the third round by sixth seed Karolina Pliskova who saw off American Danielle Collins 7-5 6-2 and will now play fellow Czech Karolina Muchova.

Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic outlasted Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5 2-6 6-4 to set up a meeting with Belgian 18th seed Elise Mertens, who beat China's Lin Zhu 7-6 (10-8) 6-1.
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Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56021236
 
Spanish second seed Rafael Nadal will meet Britain's Cameron Norrie in the Australian Open third round after both won their matches on Thursday.

Nadal's bid for an outright men's record 21st Grand Slam continued with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over American qualifier Michael Mmoh on Rod Laver Arena.

British number three Norrie eventually beat Russia's Roman Safiullin to reach the last 32 for the first time.

After a long rain delay, Norrie clinched a 3-6 7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-3) win.

Norrie looked tight as he failed to serve out a landmark victory at 6-5, but regained his composure to win a tense fourth-set tie-break and tee up a first career-meeting with Nadal.

The Briton roared in celebration after landing a first serve which Safiullin could only return into the net on the first of his three match points.

When told Nadal had also clinched victory a few minutes earlier, Norrie replied: "Sweet. For someone like me, I don't think about the draw but I saw yesterday he was next to me.

"I've never played him before so it will be a great match, a great experience. I can't wait to show him what I've got."

Norrie came through after three hours and 31 minutes on court, but almost six hours after he first started playing Russian qualifier Safiullin on the outside court eight.

The pair were tied at 1-1 in the fourth set when rain forced them off for almost an hour and a half.

With the weather failing to improve, It looked like they may have to return on Friday to complete their match.

However, good fortune came their way in the shape of American Jessica Pegula thrashing Australian wildcard Sam Stosur 6-0 6-1 in just 50 minutes, allowing them to resume on Margaret Court Arena after that match.

On Melbourne Park's second show court, Norrie started quickly with the backing of a boisterous crowd which had stayed behind to watch the bonus action.

The world number 69 pushed for another break of serve in their first game back, but was unable to convert any of three opportunities before Safiullin closed out a much-needed hold.

More pressure came from the Briton at 5-5 and, after making several unforced errors as five more break points disappeared, benefitted from Safiullin clipping the net to secure a 6-5 advantage.

He was not able to serve out victory, but regained focus to dominate the tie-break.

"I used the crowd to my advantage, you were great," he told them afterwards.

"Playing on court eight and then coming inside to Margaret Court Arena, it was definitely a different match after that.

"We both raised our level and I'm happy to come through."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56026540
 
The Australian state of Victoria will enter lockdown for a third time in a bid to suppress an outbreak of the UK strain of coronavirus.

Officials this week found 13 cases stemming from a quarantine worker who became infected at a Melbourne hotel.

The lockdown will begin on Friday midnight and end on Wednesday.

However, the government has said the Australian Open tennis tournament would continue in the state's capital, Melbourne.

Spectators will be banned from attending the event from Saturday, which had previously allowed up to 30,000 visitors a day. Tickets will be refunded, tournament director Craig Tiley said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the current outbreak was not linked to the quarantine hotels used by the tennis players.
 
Serena Williams overcame a sluggish start to beat Anastasia Potapova and reach the Australian Open fourth round.

Tenth seed Williams, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, came through 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 against the 101st-ranked Russian.
 
Australian Open latest:

�� Nick Kyrgios has clinched the first set against Dominic Thiem 6-4.
�� Sixth seed Alexander Zverev through in straight sets.
�� Simona Halep up a set against Veronika Kudermetova, but a break down in the second.
 
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beats Taylor Fritz despite struggling with injury

Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived an injury scare and battled past American Taylor Fritz to move into the last 16 of the Australian Open.

World number one Djokovic took the opening two sets but was then hampered by a hip injury that restricted his movement, although he still recorded a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-2 victory.

Djokovic, 33, is chasing a record-extending ninth men's singles title in Melbourne and a third in a row and will now meet 14th seed Milos Raonic after the Canadian defeated Marton Fucsovics.

Serbia's Djokovic hobbled between points, clutched his side and received medical treatment, but 23-year-old Fritz, the 27th seed, could not take advantage.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56042096
 
Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev wins despite coach walking out

Daniil Medvedev's coach walked out as the Russian blew a two-set lead before winning a five-setter for the first time in the Australian Open third round.

The fourth seed eventually beat Filip Krajinovic 6-3 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0.

Medvedev repeatedly yelled at his box as he went 4-1 down in the fourth - with coach Gilles Cervara eventually picking up his bag and leaving.

He did not return to see Medvedev dial back in to dominate the deciding set.

"He said just before leaving that he's sure I'm going to win the match, but he's going to leave to let me be more calm," Medvedev said of Cervara's exit.

"He knew I was going to win the match, so he left. That's all I'm going to say."

Medvedev, among the favourites to challenge defending champion Novak Djokovic, yelled in French, Russian and English as the match against the Serb slipped from his grasp.

He also complained about the spider-camera at Melbourne Park, saying it was obstructing his toss on serve, and at one point shouted: "This Australian Open sucks."

He received a medical time-out in the fourth set after complaining of buttock pain and then went on to win the final set without dropping a game in just 25 minutes.

There are no crowds at the tournament after the state of Victoria entered an emergency five-day lockdown on Saturday.

Medvedev will play Mackenzie McDonald next after the American beat Lloyd Harris of South Africa 7-6 (9-7) 6-1 6-4.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas also advanced, beating Mikael Ymer of Sweden 6-4 6-1 6-1.

Casper Ruud became the second Norwegian man - after his father, Christian - to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam.

Ruud beat Moldova's Radu Albot 6-1 5-7 6-4 6-4 and will play Russia's Andrey Rublev or Feliciano Lopez of Spain next.

Ruud's father reached the fourth round of the 1997 Australian Open.
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Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56051859
 
Australian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Cameron Norrie to reach fourth round

Rafael Nadal beat an impressive Cameron Norrie to reach the Australian Open fourth round and end British interest in the singles competition.

Spanish second seed Nadal was able to see off his spirited 69th-ranked opponent 7-5 6-2 7-5.

Playing on an empty Rod Laver Arena after Melbourne entered lockdown, Nadal was not at his rhythmic best but he held off a confident-looking Norrie.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion will play Italy's Fabio Fognini next.

Norrie claimed the first break of the match and hung in well against Nadal, but there was no stopping the Spaniard when he upped his tempo.

Nadal showed occasional hints on serve of a back problem that has bothered him since his arrival in Australia but he moved and hit freely.

"I combined very good games with a couple of unforced errors that I need to fix," Nadal said.

"That is normal and hopefully that will help me for what's coming on Monday," Nadal added.

Nadal has yet to drop a set in Melbourne despite being, by his own admission, not near his best.

Norrie played well, saving six of the 12 break points he faced, but although he would get to 0-30 on the Nadal serve he could not find a way through.

His early break was cancelled out straight away by Nadal and a tight first set ended with a long forehand from the British number three.

He was able to hang in with Nadal on the long rallies, saving break points to start the second and third set, but Nadal's extra pace, particularly on the forehand, broke through his defences.

Nadal grew frustrated at times with the odd shot drifting long, but he was able to up his quality when it mattered to win in two hours 15 minutes.

Norrie was the last Briton standing in the singles for a second Grand Slam in a row, after he reached the third round of the US Open in September.

There are still British hopes in the doubles, led by Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury, and the wheelchair events, which start on Sunday.

Nadal hopeful crowd can return
It was a shame for Norrie that there was no crowd present for his first meeting with one of the sport's 'big three' - Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Up to 30,000 fans a day were allowed in Melbourne Park for the first five days of the Grand Slam, before the state of Victoria went into lockdown for five days from Saturday.

Crowds were asked to leave the Rod Laver Arena at 23.30 local time on Friday, with only support staff and match officials allowed in the stadiums.

Crowd numbers had slowly grown over the five days and Australian Nick Kyrgios said they were crucial in getting him over the line in his second-round match against Ugo Humbert.

Speaking about playing in front of no fans, Nadal said: "The feeling is completely different. Nobody wants this, but it's not the time to forget about the situation we're facing.

"Australia is one of the best examples in the world [for their Covid-19 response] so maximum respect for what they have been doing and hopefully the situation will improve and the crowd can come back before the end."

World number one and home favourite Ashleigh Barty, who did not play at the tournaments last year that were played behind closed doors as she did not travel because of the coronavirus pandemic, said she quite enjoyed the silence of the stadium.

"You can narrow your focus in to listen to the sound of the ball," Barty explained after her win over Ekaterina Alexandrova.

"It doesn't change anything for me. It was something I have never experienced before. It was new and I almost had to cut myself some slack and give myself the time to get used to it."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56052788.
 
Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev reaches quarter-finals

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev cruised into the Australian Open quarter-finals with a straight-set victory over American Mackenzie McDonald.

The Russian saw off the world number 192 in one hour and 29 minutes, winning 6-4 6-2 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena.

"I want more all the time, but step by step, so this is amazing," said Medvedev, who has now won 18 consecutive matches.

He will face compatriot Andrey Rublev in the last eight at Melbourne Park.

Seventh seed Rublev was leading 6-2 7-6 (7-3) when Norwegian opponent Casper Ruud retired with an injury.

It means there are three Russian men in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in the Open era, with qualifier Aslan Karatsev also reaching the last eight.

No Russian male has won a Grand Slam since Marat Safin in Melbourne in 2005.
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Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56066765
 
Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty into quarter-final; Jessica Pegula shocks Elina Svitolina

World number one Ashleigh Barty only needed 71 minutes to defeat American Shelby Rogers and move into the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Barty, who is aiming to become the first Australian to win the women's singles since 1978, triumphed 6-3 6-4.

American Jessica Pegula produced a shock 6-3 3-6 6-3 win to knock out fifth seed Elina Svitolina.

The world number 61's win on Rod Laver Arena took her into the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time.

The 26-year-old will face fellow American Jennifer Brady, who beat Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-1 7-5.

"I feel good, everything feels pretty solid, so I'm just going take that to the next match," said Pegula.

"I'm just happy that I'm competing well, hitting well, moving well."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56066759
 
Australian Open: Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev reach quarter-finals

Former champion Rafael Nadal and fourth seed Daniil Medvedev both cruised into the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Spaniard Nadal, the 2009 winner and number two seed, gained a routine 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over Italy's 16th seed Fabio Fognini at Melbourne Park.

Nadal will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last eight on Wednesday.

The Greek fifth seed was handed a walkover win in round four after Matteo Berrettini of Italy had to withdraw because of an abdominal injury.

Tsitsipas had been due to play ninth seed Berrettini in the final game on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

"I have had a problem with my abs and I spoke to the doctors and they told me it could just get worse," said Berrettini, 24.

"I'm not 100% and me and my team decided it was not worth the risk to play."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56066765
 
World number one Novak Djokovic says he is risking further injury by continuing to play in the Australian Open.

The 33-year-old record eight-time winner at Melbourne Park takes on Germany’s sixth seed Alexander Zverev, 23, in Tuesday’s quarter-final.

Djokovic who has been struggling with an abdominal injury, said: “As long as I’m with a high dose of painkillers, I can bear some of the pain.

“It’s kind of a gamble, that’s what the medical team told me.”

The Serb slipped during Friday's third-round win over American Taylor Fritz. Despite limping and needing courtside medical attention, he won in five sets and called the win “one of the most special in my life”.

He then defeated Canada’s Milos Raonic on Sunday, although one side of Djokovic’s chest was heavily strapped up.

“The level of the pain was bearable, but I managed to find a way to win,” he said.

“It could cause much more damage. That’s something I won’t know until I stop taking painkillers as they hide what’s happening, so you might not feel it, but then the big damage might be done.

“There’s a slight chance I will make significant damage that would take me out of the tour for some period.”

Djokovic has a 5-2 record over Zverev, whose two victories saw him clinch the 2018 ATP Finals and the Rome Masters in 2017.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge,” said the US Open finalist. “It's one of the toughest challenges in our sport to be playing Novak at this Grand Slam in later rounds.

"I had two of my biggest wins against him, but the other matches were extremely difficult.”

Can ‘dangerous’ qualifier Karatsev cause another shock?
The first men’s quarter-final sees Bulgarian 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov play Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.

Ranked 114th, Karatsev advanced through three rounds of qualifying in Doha and has beaten Argentina’s eighth seed Diego Schwartzman and Canada’s 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old, one of three Russians left in, is the first qualifier to make a Grand Slam last eight in a decade.

Dimitrov, 29, has lost in three Grand Slam semi-finals, including in Melbourne in 2017, but beat third seed Dominic Thiem in round four.

However, the Bulgarian said he would not be under-estimating Karatsev.

“You treat every player the same way and I will treat this match no differently,” said Dimitrov.

“He is playing great tennis, he’s a dangerous player and this is the quarter-final of a Grand Slam so you don’t take anyone lightly.”

Tennis Breakfast will be on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra from 07:00 GMT on Tuesday and will include live commentary of the women's quarter-final between Serena Williams v Simona Halep from 08:00 and then commentary of the Djokovic v Zverev match.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56071846.
 
Naomi Osaka cruised past Hsieh Su-wei in just 66 minutes to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The Japanese third seed, who won the second of her three Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park in 2019, beat the Taiwanese 6-2 6-2.

Osaka will face either Serena Williams or Simona Halep - who are both former Grand Slam champions - for a place in Saturday's final.
 
Serena Williams produced a stunning performance to beat second seed Simona Halep and set up an Australian Open semi-final with Naomi Osaka.

The 39-year-old American, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, won 6-3 6-3 against the Romanian.

"I think this is the best match I played this tournament," said Williams, who moved well and hit 24 winners.

Earlier on Tuesday, Osaka cruised past Hsieh Su-wei in just 66 minutes to reach the last four.

The Japanese third seed, who won the second of her three Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park in 2019, beat the Taiwanese 6-2 6-2.
 
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev & meets Aslan Karatsev next

Defending champion Novak Djokovic showed yet more mental and physical resilience to beat German sixth seed Alexander Zverev and reach the Australian Open semi-finals.

The top seed fought back to win 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 6-4 7-6 (8-6) in Melbourne.

The Serb will face Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev, who beat an injured Grigor Dimitrov, on Thursday.

Karatsev, ranked 114th in the world, is the first man in the Open era to reach the last four on his Grand Slam debut.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56080345
 
Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Rafael Nadal to set up Daniil Medvedev semi-final

Rafael Nadal saw his bid for a 21st Grand Slam title end as Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas fought back from two sets down to reach the Australian Open semi-finals.

The Spanish second seed was stunned as Tsitsipas claimed a 3-6 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 victory in Melbourne.

Tsitsipas, 22, broke out into a huge smile, almost in disbelief, after converting his third match point.

Tsitsipas will face Russia's Daniil Medvedev in Friday's semi-final.

Fourth seed Medvedev beat compatriot Andrey Rublev to reach the last four at the Australian Open for the first time.

The 25-year-old won 7-5 6-3 6-2 as his childhood friend Rublev, who was seeded seventh, struggled in the 29C temperatures at Melbourne Park.

ATP Finals champion Medvedev now puts a 19-match unbeaten streak on the line against Tsitsipas, who needed over four hours to overcome Nadal.

"I'm speechless, I have no words to describe what just happened on court," said Tsitsipas, who was still out of breath in his on-court interview.

"My tennis speaks for itself. It is an unbelievable feeling to fight at such a level and give it my all on the court.

"I started very nervous, I won't lie. I don't know what happened after the third set. I flew like a little bird.

"Everything worked for me and the feelings are indescribable."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56094191
 
SpiritOf1903 said:
Stunning fightback!! Nadal had no answers after that tiebreak.
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Nadal pummelled him the first 2 sets and I thought without a doubt the game was over. How Tsitsipas fought back to win, and convincingly at that, was simply amazing. Hats off to him. Djokovic's title for certain now
 
Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Rafael Nadal to set up Daniil Medvedev semi-final

Rafael Nadal saw his bid for a 21st Grand Slam title end as Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas fought back from two sets down to reach the Australian Open semi-finals.

The Spanish second seed, 34, was stunned as Tsitsipas claimed a 3-6 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 victory in Melbourne.

Tsitsipas, 22, broke out into a huge smile, almost in disbelief, after converting his third match point.

Tsitsipas will face Russia's Daniil Medvedev in Friday's semi-final.

Fourth seed Medvedev beat compatriot Andrey Rublev to reach the last four at the Australian Open for the first time.

The 25-year-old won 7-5 6-3 6-2 as his childhood friend Rublev, who was seeded seventh, struggled in the 29C temperatures at Melbourne Park.

ATP Finals champion Medvedev now puts a 19-match unbeaten streak on the line against Tsitsipas, who needed over four hours to overcome Nadal.

"I'm speechless, I have no words to describe what just happened on court," said Tsitsipas, who was still out of breath in his on-court interview.

"My tennis speaks for itself. It is an unbelievable feeling to fight at such a level and give it my all on the court.

"I started very nervous, I won't lie. I don't know what happened after the third set. I flew like a little bird.

"Everything worked for me and the feelings are indescribable."

Calm Tsitsipas comes of age against Nadal
Few would have predicted this outcome between Tsitsipas and Nadal going into the match - and even fewer after the opening two sets.

Tsitsipas looked befuddled by Nadal's presence, clean-hitting and court-craft, with 20 unforced errors coming off the Greek's racquet to put the Spaniard in command.

The pair met two years ago in Melbourne when Nadal allowed Tsitsipas just six games in a one-sided semi-final.

After that match, a despondent Tsitsipas talked about how Nadal had a unique "talent" of making his opponents "play bad".

Initially, it appeared to be a case of deja vu. This time, however, Tsitsipas remained composed and dragged Nadal into a physical battle which proved beyond him.

Tsitsipas cut out the errors in the third set and, although he did not win a point in Nadal's service games, pounced in the pivotal tie-break when the Spaniard missed two overhead smashes and miscued another return.

"I focused a lot on staying calm and holding my nerves, it is a very important element for me," said Tsitsipas.

"I have failed to do it in some of my matches. A big part of my win was staying calm in the crucial tight moments."

With increasing confidence as momentum turned, Tsitsipas pushed Nadal further back on the court and applied serious pressure on his service games as the Spaniard began to miss shots.

Tsitsipas served out the fourth set after crucially breaking for 5-4 following another Nadal forehand error, then took his serve to love for 6-5 in a tense decider.

Nerves crept in as Nadal threatened to ensure a final-set tie-breaker would settle a thrilling match, only for Tsitsipas to regain his focus and seal a famous victory.

"My mood was consistent and I have been trying to keep everything to myself. I'm happy with my attitude on court," he said.

'No excuses' from Nadal as chance to overhaul Federer passes by
Nadal won his 20th Grand Slam title at the French Open in October and had the opportunity in Melbourne to overhaul Roger Federer's once-seemingly untouchable men's record for the first time.

After dismantling Tsitsipas's game with powerful and precise hitting in the opening two sets, Nadal's level dropped as his opponent's increased.

Nadal showed no signs of the back injury which ruled him out of the warm-up ATP Cup, but questions will be asked about whether a lack of match practice - and, perhaps, his ageing body - played a part in his younger opponent outlasting him.

"I can't find a lot of excuses or reasons," said Nadal, whose only triumph in Melbourne came in 2009.

"It was a little bit of everything. I missed a couple of balls in the tie-break that I could not miss if I want to win. And that's it.

"I should be ready to play four hours. I think my physical shape holds up quite well.

"But it is true that I probably needed a little bit more time because I was in great shape and for 20 days I was not able to practise the way that I expected, not able to play one single match in ATP Cup."

Only once had Nadal previously lost a Grand Slam match after winning the first two sets and, after being broken to love for Tsitsipas to serve for the match, looked stunned as he sat on his chair and shook his head.

While he regrouped and had chances to break back to force a final-set tie-break, there were few complaints from the Spaniard.

"Stefanos played better than me probably in important moments. It was an equal match," he added.

'One of the best matches I've played lately'

By beating Rublev - one of the most in-form players on the ATP Tour over the past year - Medvedev extended his run of wins against top-10 players to 11 matches.

The Russian pair were closely matched in a competitive first set, trading breaks before Medvedev took the opener as 23-year-old Rublev was broken to love.

Rublev particularly struggled with the humidity, at one point sitting down on his box of towels after a gruelling 43-shot rally.

Both players were breathing deeply as the match progressed but it was Medvedev, who has improved his fitness in his rise to the top 10, who dealt with the conditions better.

Medvedev sealed victory on his first match point to reach his third career Grand Slam semi-final, although there was a slight concern when he called for the trainer at the end of the match after getting cramp in his left thigh.

"It was one of the best matches I've played lately," Medvedev said. "This match is really unbelievable."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56094191.
 
Naomi Osaka claimed an impressive victory over Serena Williams to reach the Australian Open final and end the American's latest quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

Three-time Slam champion Osaka withstood early pressure from Williams to win 6-3 6-4.

Osaka is on a 20-match unbeaten streak and has never lost a Slam final.

The Japanese will face either America's Jennifer Brady or Czech Karolina Muchova in Saturday's final.

"I was really nervous and scared in the beginning and then I sort of eased my way into it," Osaka said.

"It's just always an honour to play her and I just didn't want to go out really dud. I just wanted to try my best."

It is the first time Williams has lost a semi-final at the Australian Open in eight appearances in the last four.

Williams will be left to rue the opportunities she let slip and once again wonder whether she will equal Margaret Court's major record.
 
Australian Open: Serena Williams leaves news conference in tears after Naomi Osaka loss

Serena Williams left her Australian Open news conference in tears after her semi-final defeat by Naomi Osaka.

The American great saw her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title ended by Japan's three-time major champion Osaka, who won 6-3 6-4.

She gave the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena a long wave goodbye with her hand over her heart, leading to questions over the 39-year-old's future.

She responded: "I don't know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn't tell anyone."

Williams became tearful when asked a further question about her unforced errors against Osaka.

"I don't know. I'm done," she said, before leaving the room.

Williams thanked her fans in a post on Instagram shortly after the match.

"Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens. I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all," she wrote.

"Your support, your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today.

"I am forever in debt and grateful to each and every single one of you."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56108395
 
Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic beats Aslan Karatsev to reach Melbourne final

Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame stern resistance from Aslan Karatsev to reach the Australian Open final and end the Russian qualifier's remarkable run.

Despite the world number 114 causing moments of tension, Djokovic had enough quality to win 6-3 6-4 6-2.

The 33-year-old Serb won the final four games to finally shrug off Karatsev.

Djokovic, who is going for a record-extending ninth title in Melbourne, will face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final.

Russian fourth seed Medvedev meets Greek fifth seed Tsitsipas in the other semi-final on Friday, with both men trying to reach their first Australian Open final.

Neither player has won a major title yet and will face an opponent in Djokovic who is bidding for an 18th Grand Slam to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56029939
 
Daniil Medvedev has another opportunity to land a first Grand Slam title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the Australian Open final.

The in-form Russian won 6-4 6-2 7-5 against Greek fifth seed Tsitsipas, to secure his 20th victory in a row.

Fourth seed Medvedev, 25, will contest his second major final when he meets Novak Djokovic on Sunday (08:30 GMT).

After losing in the 2019 US Open final, Medvedev aims again to become Russia's first male major champion since 2005.

In his way stands top seed Djokovic, who is bidding for a record-extending ninth men's title at Melbourne Park.

Medvedev has won three of their past four meetings but facing the 33-year-old Serb in an Australian Open final - in which he has a 100% winning record - should be a different proposition.
 
Australian Open women's final: Naomi Osaka faces Jennifer Brady in Melbourne

Naomi Osaka says a belief "people don't remember the runners-up" will fuel her bid for a fourth major title when she faces American Jennifer Brady in Saturday's Australian Open final.

The 23-year-old Japanese player has won three Grand Slam titles and never lost a major final.

Brady, seeded 22th, is in her first Slam final and looking to avenge defeat by Osaka in the US Open semi-finals.

"The winner's name is the one that's engraved," said third seed Osaka.

"I think I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that's where you sort of set yourself apart. The other person has won as many matches as you did. It's the biggest fight."

Osaka, whose major wins have come at the 2018 US Open, 2019 Australian Open and 2020 US Open, goes into the match as the heavy favourite against 25-year-old Brady.

It is a rematch of their high-quality semi-final in New York, which was widely considered as the best WTA match of 2020.

Brady had never gone past the fourth round at a Grand Slam before reaching the last four at Flushing Meadows and says she will have to keep her emotions in check in the Melbourne final.

"I don't know how I'm going to feel. I can say I can enjoy the moment and just try to play tennis and not really think too much about it," she said.

"But there are going to be moments where I'm going to be thinking 'wow, this could be my first Grand Slam title'."

Will Osaka make her experience count?
As well as her previous Grand Slam pedigree, Osaka holds a 20-match winning streak which goes back to early February last year.

On paper, she had a tough route to the Melbourne final but has swatted aside the likes of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and 2020 Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

She has yet to lose a Grand Slam match after reaching the quarter-final stage, but faces a different scenario on Saturday as the most experienced player.

Former Grand Slam champions Williams, Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka were all beaten in Osaka's three Grand Slam triumphs.

"I feel like experience is important because you can draw on the things you didn't think you did well in the past and memories," Osaka told WTA Insider.

"But at the same time, I acknowledge that not having experience is also good because I didn't have experience when I won my first Slam. There's a certain hard-headedness that comes with not winning a Slam before. There are two sides to every story."

Brady given belief by recent successes
Brady's path to a maiden Grand Slam final has been unusual compared to most of her peers, having played in the American collegiate system before a relatively late progression to the WTA Tour.

She won her first tour title in Lexington shortly before the US Open and carried on that form to reach the semi-finals of a major for the first time.

Although she was edged out by Osaka, Brady left Flushing Meadows with added confidence she could challenge the world's best on a regular basis.

"When I'm playing matches now, I'm never in doubt about whether I can win the match or not," Brady told WTA Insider.

"I believe the match is on my racquet, that it's within my control."

In Melbourne, Brady has recovered from being one of the 72 players forced into a 'hard' quarantine after arriving in Australia.

She was not allowed to leave her hotel room for 14 days and said the experience contributed to her not having "high expectations" of success.

"Even before quarantine I didn't think I would be where I am right now," Brady said.

"I wouldn't say I'm in disbelief. I think I have earned the right to be sitting here. I have put in a lot of work."

But she added: "I think I used that two weeks to reset mentally and also physically, just give myself - my mind, my body - a little bit of a rest."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56123858.
 
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka beats Jennifer Brady in women's final

Japan's Naomi Osaka cemented her place as the outstanding star of the women's game by beating American Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final to win her fourth Grand Slam title.

Osaka, 23, is unbeaten in major finals after a 6-4 6-3 win in Melbourne.

Osaka edged the first set when Brady, in her first Grand Slam final, paid for some glaring errors in the final game.

The third seed seized control from that point, racing 4-0 ahead in the second set before sealing a deserved victory.

Osaka has now won two Australian Open titles after also triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2019, with her other Grand Slam successes coming at the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

She has not suffered a defeat since February 2020 after winning her past 20 matches.

Osaka's face lit up with a wide grin, raising her racquet above her head, when she clinched the title on her first match point after Brady pumped a return long.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56137685
 
Osaka is going to rule the women's game for the next 10-15 years. What an outstanding player she is. 4 Grand Slam titles already at the age of 23.
 
Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic faces Daniil Medvedev in men's final

Novak Djokovic goes for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title on Sunday as Russia's Daniil Medvedev attempts to end the Serb's dominance and win his first Grand Slam.

The world number one, who has won all eight of his previous Melbourne finals, is aiming for an 18th major title.

Djokovic trails Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have 20 each, in the fight to finish with the most men's Slams.

"He has more experience but more things to lose than me," said Medvedev.

"I don't have a lot of pressure because Novak has never lost here in the final. He has all the pressure to get to Roger and Rafa.

"But I think he's the favourite because he hasn't lost here."

Fourth seed Medvedev, 25, will contest his second major final after losing to Spain's Nadal in an enthralling 2019 US Open final.

After falling short of making an epic comeback in New York, Medvedev has another opportunity to become Russia's first male major champion since 2005.

Medvedev is in the form of his life, having earned his 20th match win in a row by beating fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Friday's semi-final.

Djokovic ready for the 'battle of the tournament'
If 33-year-old Djokovic is to win his 18th major, he says he will have to solve the puzzles set by "master chess player" Medvedev.

"I'm ready for the battle for the toughest match of the tournament, without a doubt," said the Serb.

"Medvedev is playing at an extremely high quality. He's the man to beat.

"I heard Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it's true. You know, he's definitely a very smart tennis player."

Djokovic struggled with an abdominal injury earlier in the tournament, saying it would have forced him to withdraw from any event outside of the majors.

But he has recovered and said he suffered no pain in his semi-final win against Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.

On Saturday, Djokovic practised before a match for the first time since his third-round win over American Taylor Fritz when the problem flared up.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56137220.
 
Last Monetarist said:
7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

Predictably one-sided final. Final devoid of quality.
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Not predictable at all because the bookies had Djokovic at 5/6 and Medveded at 1. It was full of quality, the tennis coming from Djokovic was sublime. The returns, the serving, the baseline game, the netplay and overall the toughness, that was a very dominant and entertaining performance.

As a contest it was very disappointment, but as a performance it was amazing. Djokovic just took apart the in form player of the tournament and last 3/4 months on a 20 match streak.
 
bones said:
Not predictable at all because the bookies had Djokovic at 5/6 and Medveded at 1. It was full of quality, the tennis coming from Djokovic was sublime. The returns, the serving, the baseline game, the netplay and overall the toughness, that was a very dominant and entertaining performance.

As a contest it was very disappointment, but as a performance it was amazing. Djokovic just took apart the in form player of the tournament and last 3/4 months on a 20 match streak.
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Think only members of Medvedev's family would not have predicted a straightfoward victory for Djokovic in Melbourne.
 
Last Monetarist said:
Think only members of Medvedev's family would not have predicted a straightfoward victory for Djokovic in Melbourne.
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The bookmakers all had this match as about 52-48 in Djokovic's favour. The key factors were that Medvedev was in superior form and crushed Djokovic at the tour finals. What no one, including me accounted for was that Djokovic would hit 6th gear and stay there throughout the match. Djokovic went to a level that no one can match on HCs.
 
bones said:
The bookmakers all had this match as about 52-48 in Djokovic's favour. The key factors were that Medvedev was in superior form and crushed Djokovic at the tour finals. What no one, including me accounted for was that Djokovic would hit 6th gear and stay there throughout the match. Djokovic went to a level that no one can match on HCs.
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I don't really see why that is a surprise given that he had won 8 times in Melbourne before, it's the equivalent of Nadal's dominance at Roland Garros.

I don't think there's a player in history that can live with Djokovic in this form on hard courts.
 
Covid: Australian Open fans criticised for 'booing vaccine'

Australia's government has criticised fans at the Australian Open tennis final after some loudly booed the mention of a Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

The booing happened during an awards ceremony after the men's final, when a tennis official referred to global vaccine efforts as a sign of optimism.

It comes just as Australia begins its national inoculation programme.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack called the crowd's behaviour "disgusting".

"I don't like booing at any event, and certainly any sporting event," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

"This vaccine is going to get our country back to some sort of pre-Covid normality," he said.

The men's number one player Novak Djokovic won the final against Russian Daniil Medvedev on Sunday.

Djokovic in the past has been criticised for appearing to have a a casual attitude towards virus-related restrictions and health measures.

Australia kicked off the first stage of its vaccine programme on Monday. Frontline, health and quarantine workers are in line to get the first of 60,000 Pfizer vaccine doses this week.

While the vaccine has broad support locally, it has also sparked protests. On Saturday, small crowds of anti-vaccination demonstrators marched in cities including Melbourne and Sydney to protest against its rollout.

In Melbourne, where the Australian Open was held, the crowd also booed mention of the Victorian state government when Tennis Australia chief Jayne Hrdlicka thanked authorities.

Last week, the government ordered the state's residents into a snap five-day lockdown amid fears of an outbreak. The tennis event was allowed to proceed and the virus did not spread.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-56150021.
 
Novak Djokovic: Ninth Australian Open victory was 'emotional rollercoaster'

Novak Djokovic says his journey to a ninth Australian Open title and 18th overall Grand Slam trophy was an "emotional rollercoaster".

The world number one continued his dominance at Melbourne Park with a 7-5 6-2 6-2 dismantling of Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic won the title despite tearing an abdominal muscle during the third round, which impacted his training.

"Emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I've ever had, to be honest," the Serb, 34, said.

"It was very challenging to keep my mind serene and focus on what matters the most.

"I've put a lot of energy and time to be sitting here with the trophy."

Djokovic's victory leaves him two Grand Slams behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the three-way battle to finish with the most men's titles.

"Most of my attention and my energy from this day forward, until I retire from tennis, is going to be directed in majors, trying to win more major trophies," said Djokovic.

"Roger and Rafa inspire me. That's something that I've said before. I think as long as they go, I'll go."

Next month Djokovic is guaranteed to reach one of his major career goals by surpassing Federer's record of 310 weeks at world number one.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56147443.
 
Andy Murray loses in Open Sud de France first round to Egor Gerasimov

Britain's Andy Murray lost in straight sets to Egor Gerasimov in his first ATP Tour match for four months at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.

Belarus' Gerasimov beat Murray, a wildcard entry, 7-6 (10-8) 6-1.

Former world number one Murray, currently ranked 121st, has lost his last four matches on the ATP Tour.

Murray began his season in Biella, Italy on the ATP Challenger Tour, losing in the final to Ukraine's Illya Marchenko on 14 February.

Murray, who missed the year's opening Grand Slam in Australia following a positive test for coronavirus, last played on the ATP Tour in Cologne in October when he suffered a first-round defeat by Fernando Verdasco.

Gerasimov, knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open, made the first break of serve to lead 4-3, and though Murray responded immediately his opponent eventually took his fourth set point to prevail 10-8 in the tie-break.

Murray, who missed a set-point opportunity of his own when 7-6 ahead in the tie-break, was unable to launch a comeback as Gerasimov comfortably won the second set in 35 minutes.

He faces Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene or Italy's Jannik Sinner in the second round.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56175965.
 
Battle of the Brits: Andy and Jamie Murray team up in Scotland v England

Andy and Jamie Murray are to team up on home soil for Scotland against England in what the latter describes as a "super exciting" Battle of the Brits.

The brothers - who have 10 Grand Slam titles between them - lead the hosts against a side set to include British number one Dan Evans at Aberdeen's P&J Live Arena on 21 and 22 December.

It marks the Murrays' first appearance together in Scotland since 2017.

"We've had amazing experiences whenever we've played in Scotland," Jamie said.

"Those opportunities have been few and far between in our careers because we don't have regular live tennis events at all and we want to create more of them, especially before we've stopped playing - it's not like we're getting any younger."

The event is the fourth in the Battle of the Brits series created by Jamie last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Six matches - four doubles and two singles - will be played across the two days.

"We've always had amazing experiences playing and representing GB in the Davis Cup over the years and now we get the opportunity to represent Scotland and the English boys get to play under the St George's flag," Murray told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Last year, we did the two events - one to give the players the opportunity to compete while the tour was off and also to give the fans some live tennis to watch. We want to bring live tennis to Scotland and capitalise on the interest that especially Andy's built up over the years with everything he has done in his career."

Murray expects fans will be able to return to tennis long before the time his latest event is held in December.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56205121.
 
Gilles Simon to take indefinite break because of mental health concerns

Gilles Simon has said he is taking a break from playing on the ATP Tour because of mental health concerns.

The 36-year-old Frenchman, a former world number six, was beaten in the Australian Open first round earlier in February and also lost his first match at the Open Sud de France on Tuesday.

He said: "With my heart not being there to travel and play in these conditions, I unfortunately have to take a break in order to preserve myself mentally."

Simon is now ranked 68th in the world.

He reached his career-high singles ranking in 2009 and won the last of his 14 titles on the men's tour in 2018.

"Hopefully my morale picks up as soon as possible," added the former Australian Open and Wimbledon quarter-finalist.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56222416.
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56236695

Novak Djokovic has equalled Roger Federer's record of 310 weeks ranked as world number one.

The 33-year-old Serbian is guaranteed to break the mark next week.

Djokovic won his 18th Grand Slam title and his ninth Australian Open crown in Melbourne last month.

"After achieving the historic number one for the longest weeks at number one, it's going to be a relief for me because I'm going to focus all my attention on slams mostly," he said.

His victory in Melbourne takes him to two wins behind the joint holders of the men's Grand Slam record, Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic has been helped by temporary changes to the ranking system because of the coronavirus pandemic which means players can currently count tournaments from two years instead of one.

However, he is still the in-form player on the men's tour, beginning 2021 by winning nine consecutive matches while last year he did not lose a completed match until the French Open final in October.

Djokovic's fifth spell at the top of the rankings began on 3 February last and he has been number one for all but 32 weeks since Federer hit 310 weeks in June 2018.

His longest stint as number one was 122 weeks between July 2014 and November 2016.

Djokovic sits on 12,030 points - more than 2,000 clear of Rafael Nadal, with Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem the only other players with more than 7,000 points.

However, he still trails the women's number one record holder Steffi Graf who held top spot for 377 weeks, while Martina Navratilova (332) and Serena Williams (319) have also had longer spells at number one than Djokovic.
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Rotterdam Open: Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie earn wins

Andy Murray says he feels like he is playing for his career every time he "steps on the court" after earning a first tour-level win since August.

The 33-year-old Briton produced a gritty fightback to beat Dutch wildcard Robin Haase at the Rotterdam Open.

Former world number one Murray is now ranked 123rd after returning from a serious hip injury which left him fearing his career was over.

"It's motivation in some ways but also adds a bit of extra stress," he said.

Murray missed last month's Australian Open after testing positive for coronavirus and lost on his ATP Tour comeback in Montpellier last week.

The three-time Grand Slam champion played just seven matches in a disrupted 2020 season, due to a series of niggling injuries and the coronavirus pandemic.

"Every time I lose a match I'm getting told to retire, that I should stop playing, that I'm finished and I've got nothing left," said Murray after beating Haase.

"There's a bit of extra doubt there. And on top of that I'm playing with a metal hip, which is hard.

"It's a big challenge for me just now and one that I will meet head on, but it's not easy."

Murray showed all of his fighting qualities to see off Haase, who is ranked 193rd in the world, in a 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory lasting two-and-a-half hours.

Murray struggled in the opening set as Haase hit confidently and cleanly, but the Scot improved - helped by loudly geeing himself up and even thumping himself on the forehead - to turn the match around.

He played a superb tie-break to win the second and then, after trailing 3-0 in the decider, upped his level again to win six games in a row and seal victory.

"I was really struggling with my game for probably an hour and a half," said Murray, who was given a wildcard to play in Rotterdam.

"I was mistiming the ball, it was very strange, I didn't quite know what to do out there. And then I found a way and at the end actually started to play a bit better.

"The physical side was positive, I played for two and a half hours, and my hips and groin felt good. But tennis side - it was average, at best."

Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev could be Murray's next opponent and faces American Marcos Giron on Tuesday for the right to face the Briton in the second round.

Earlier on Monday, British number three Cameron Norrie continued his decent start to the 2021 season with a dominant first-round win over Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili.

The 25-year-old won the first seven games of the match against 40th-ranked Basilashvili, going on to wrap up a 6-0 6-3 victory in little over an hour.

Norrie, who came through qualifying, will play Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka or Russia's Karen Khachanov next.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56244576.
 
Cameron Norrie targets top-30 ranking in 2021

Britain's Cameron Norrie is targeting a place in the top 30 of the world rankings this season.

The 25-year-old is in 65th place and reached the third round of last month's Australian Open.

British number three Norrie beat Nikoloz Basilashvili on Monday to reach the second round of the Rotterdam Open.

"It's really tough to set the ranking goals at the moment because it's tough to know what's going to happen," the Scot said.

"I'd like to finish the year top 30. That would be huge for me. I just really want to focus on putting my best level on the match courts."

Norrie and Andy Murray are expected to represent Scotland at Jamie Murray's Battle of the Brits event later this year.

"When Jamie first told me about that, I was so excited," Norrie said. "It's going to be a great event. Hopefully, by that point we can get some fans in."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56245278.
 
Andy Murray loses to Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam Open second round

Britain's Andy Murray has been knocked out of the Rotterdam Open, losing 7-5 6-2 to world number eight Andrey Rublev of Russia in the second round.

Murray, now ranked 123rd, had won his first tour-level match since August by beating Robin Haase on Monday.

However, fourth seed Rublev secured the match in one hour and 34 minutes.

British number three Cameron Norrie also lost to a Russian player, Karen Khachanov, who recorded a 6-2 6-2 victory in an hour and 14 minutes.

It was the first meeting between world number 21 Khachanov, conqueror of eighth seed Stan Wawrinka in the opening round, and qualifier Norrie, ranked 65.

Murray triumphed over a 19-year-old Rublev in their only previous meeting at the 2017 Australian Open, but was deemed the underdog on Wednesday.

The opening set was well contested, before Rublev gained a break in the 11th game following a Murray double fault.

After Murray was unable to convert two break points to take the opening set to a tie-break, Rublev raced away with the second, winning five successive games to book his place in the quarter-finals against David Goffin or Jeremy Chardy.

Murray, who says he plans to play in Dubai in a couple of weeks and then Miami at the end of the month, smashed his racquet in anger during the defeat.

He said: "I did some things quite well in the first set, but when it mattered I didn't play well.

"I lost my serve from 30-love up: I hit two double faults, and a bad forehand. To me that's just not good enough. I felt in that moment at the end of the first set that I blew it a bit.

"I'm not used to making those errors in those moments and I'm finding that quite frustrating, and mentally finding myself looking back on those moments a little bit too much."

Former world number one Murray, winner of the Rotterdam tournament in 2009, missed last month's Australian Open after testing positive for coronavirus and lost in straight sets to Egor Gerasimov on his ATP Tour comeback in Montpellier last week.

Last month, three-time Grand Slam winner Murray, 33, reached the final of the ATP Challenger event in Biella, Italy, but lost 6-2 6-4 to Ukraine's Illya Marchenko.

Meanwhile, the ATP has announced that prize money will be increased at lower-ranked tournaments as part of a financial support package amid the coronavirus pandemic.

ATP 250 and ATP 500 events will see winnings rise from 50% of pre-Covid totals to 80% and 60% respectively up until Wimbledon, which is due to take place from 28 June to 11 July.

The extra £3.72m will come from money that ordinarily goes to the top 12 players at the end of the season.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56271810.
 
Benoit Paire: Spitting incident results in Argentina Open loss for Frenchman

Benoit Paire went out of the Argentina Open in bizarre fashion after being docked a point for spitting and then appearing to give up in his final service game.

Facing Argentine opponent Francisco Cerundolo, Paire was first given a warning and then penalised by umpire Nacho Forcadell.

The tournament supervisor was called in an attempt to calm the Frenchman down.

Paire, 31, then served two wild double faults to lose 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The flashpoint in the second-round tie came when a serve from world number 137 Cerundolo, 22, was deemed an ace in the second set.

Paire argued with Forcadell, pointing to a mark in the clay where he thought the ball had landed.

He then spat on the mark, protested and swore before he was given a warning.

The Frenchman was then docked a point a couple of games later for spitting again.

At 5-1 down in the third and final set Paire, who is ranked 29th, appeared to give up in his final service game, making his last serve while a ballboy was still on court recovering his first service ball.

Soon after his match, Paire left a message on social media showing his career earnings of more than $8.5m (£6.1m) with the words: "In the end it's useful to be useless".

Cerundolo will face 35-year-old Spanish sixth seeded Pablo Andujar in the quarter-finals.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56288118.
 
Roger Federer never considered retirement despite 14-month absence from tennis

Roger Federer says he never seriously considered retirement in his 14 months away from tennis, and is returning as he feels "the story's not over yet".

The 20-time Grand Slam champion is competing at this week's Qatar Open.

It will be his first tour appearance since losing to Novak Djokovic in last year's Australian Open semi-finals.

"I know it's on the rare side for almost a 40-year-old to come back after a year being out. What's important is I'm injury and pain-free," he said.

"The pain is completely under control."

The 39-year-old has a bye into the second round in Doha, where he will play either Britain's Dan Evans or Jeremy Chardy of France.

"I know I need to go back to training after here again, so from this standpoint it's just about building up to being stronger, better, fitter, faster and all that stuff," he added.

"I hope then by Wimbledon I'm going to be 100%, and that's when the season starts for me."

Federer had initial arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last February.

A second operation was required in June as his knee would often swell up after walks and bike rides with his family.

"I wanted to go out on my terms, but for my life, I wanted to do this rehab anyhow. I want to go skiing with my children and my friends, and go and play basketball and football," he said when asked about his motivation to return at the age of 39.

"Retirement was never really on the cards. I think it's really a conversation more, let's say, if the knee keeps bothering me for months and months to come.

"I just feel like the story's not over yet. I enjoy playing tennis, I enjoy being on the road.

"Probably one of the other reasons to come back is that I would like to get that high again of playing against the best players, playing at the biggest tournaments, winning them hopefully, and being in the conversation."

During Federer's absence, Rafael Nadal has matched his mark of 20 Grand Slam titles by winning the French Open, and Novak Djokovic has moved onto 18 with victory at the Australian Open.

"My concern is more my own game, my own health, over the record," he said.

"I think for them maybe this is bigger than for me at this very moment because for me it was very important to equal the record of Pete [Sampras], and potentially break it," he said.

"For them, maybe I'm the measuring stick - like Pete was for me."

In Sunday's tournament finals, Russian Andrey Rublev, who beat Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to a fourth successive ATP 500 final, won the Rotterdam Open with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory against qualifier Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.

The 23-year-old world number eight extended his winning run to 20 matches, winning in an hour and 50 minutes.

Meanwhile in Lyon, 18-year-old Danish player Clara Tauson won her first WTA title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over fellow qualifier Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland.

In just her third Tour-level main draw appearance, Tauson did not drop a set throughout the event.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56314453.
 
Novak Djokovic breaks ATP record for weeks at number one world ranking

Novak Djokovic says it has taken "a lot of blood, sweat and tears" to break Roger Federer's record of 310 weeks ranked as world number one.

The 33-year-old Serb set the record on Monday for most weeks at number one in the 48-year history of the ATP rankings.

"My family have supported me for day one," he told BBC World Service.

Djokovic won his 18th Grand Slam singles title and his ninth Australian Open crown in Melbourne last month.

Djokovic, whose longest continuous run at the top was 122 weeks between July 2014 and November 2016, paid tribute to the 39-year-old Federer, who is competing at this week's Qatar Open, his first tournament since the Australian Open in 2020.

"What Roger is doing still at his age is something that is very inspirational for me and many other tennis players, and it's great to see him back," said Djokovic.

The Serb's Australian Open triumph leaves him only two wins behind the joint holders of the men's Grand Slam singles record, Federer and Rafael Nadal - the men he said had made him the player he is today.

"When I started in the men's professional tennis world 15 years ago, I had two of the highest challenges, which was to overcome Roger and Rafa.

"Back in 2008, when I won my first Grand Slam, I thought OK, this is now my time. I'm going to be competing with these guys; I have the ability to win slams.

"But then, for three years, I didn't win a major title and I was losing most of my big matches against them.

"They made me really sit and realise what I need to do, and how I need to improve in order to win against them.

"They definitely made me the player that I am today. Those rivalries are the ones that were the most impactful on my tennis game and evolution," he said.

After setting a new rankings record, Djokovic is focused on adding to his Grand Slam titles.

"I cannot run away from that fact that I'm not 23 any more, so I have to try to be smart with my scheduling and be able to emphasise and prioritise the Grand Slams," he said.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56322760.
 
Qatar Open: Dan Evans to play Roger Federer after Jeremy Chardy win

Dan Evans will be the first opponent of Roger Federer's comeback after victory over Jeremy Chardy at the Qatar Open.

Great Britain's Evans beat Chardy 6-4-1-6 6-2 in the first round in Doha and will face Federer in the last 16.

Federer, 39, has missed more than a year of action after undergoing two knee surgeries but has been practising with Evans in recent weeks.

"I got to practise the last two weeks - I thought he was playing pretty well, we played plenty of sets," said Evans.

"It was competitive, but it's all very different when you get on the match court,"

Evans, 30, is expected to face Federer on Wednesday evening.

He said it was "a little" strange to see the 20-time Grand Slam winner watching him during his win over Chardy.

"He's obviously seen a lot of my game the last few weeks so I would say it was more out of boredom," added Evans.

"He was probably waiting for his practice, rather than scouting out what's happening on the court.

"Some days we practised for three hours, other days we practised for an hour and a half. It's been good to get some good practice. It's unfortunate that I'm in his part of the draw this week, but moving forward it's a good little block I put together."
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56340129.
 
Roger Federer beats Dan Evans on return from injury at Qatar Open

Roger Federer beat Britain's Dan Evans on his comeback after 14 months out through injury but said he had not played pain-free.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner, 39, won 7-6 (10-8) 3-6 7-5 to reach the Qatar Open quarter-finals in Doha.

He had not played competitively since January 2020 after two knee surgeries.

"It feels good to be back. It's good to be standing here regardless of whether I won or lost, it's great fun," Federer said.

"I don't know if it was ever completely pain-free," he added. "You get to feel tired and you don't know if it's the muscle.

"[What's] important is how I feel tomorrow and the next day for the next six months."

After a tight first set, Evans won four successive points in the tie-break to lead 4-2. But Federer fought back to level the scores before taking the set with magnificent backhand cross-court pass.

Evans, who had lost all three of his previous career meetings with Federer, capitalised on a series of errors from the Swiss in the fourth game of the second set to break serve and move 3-1 ahead, before taking the set 6-3 to force a decider.

The deciding set was much closer and went with serve until the 12th game, when Federer broke Evans' serve for the first time in the match to seal victory in front of a socially distanced crowd at the Khalifa Tennis Complex.

"Dan had more energy left at the end but I thought I played a good match and I'm incredibly happy with my performance," the Swiss said.

Federer, a three-time winner of the event, will play Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili in the last eight.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56350177.
 
Roger Federer beaten in Qatar Open quarter-finals by Nikoloz Basilashvili

Roger Federer lost his second match since returning from a 14-month injury lay-off, going out to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner was overcome by Georgia's Basilashvili 3-6 6-1 7-5 in Doha.

Federer had beaten Britain's Dan Evans on his return to action on Wednesday to reach the last eight.

Basilashvili saved a match point before going on to beat the Swiss 39-year-old.

After Federer missed his chance of victory in the 10th game of the deciding set, world number 42 Basilashvili went on to break the three-time Qatar Open winner in the ensuing game and eventually prevailed in one hour and 50 minutes.

Federer, in competitive action for the first time since January 2020 after two knee surgeries, said playing two matches in two days was "a good stepping stone" in his recovery.

"I've come from so far away that I am actually happy I was able to play back-to-back three-set matches against top players," he said.

"That's an important step forward for me. I'm not at 100% yet.

"I still need another five or six weeks in fitness.

"In the next four months until Wimbledon, we've got to take a real good look at the schedule and see how much workload the knee can take, and what's the best way to prepare for what's basically the beginning of the season for me - which is the grass court season."

Beating Federer 'a dream come true'

Basilashvili said fighting back from a set down to beat Federer was "unbelievable".

"I am very happy he came back to play, and to win against him is a dream come true," the 29-year-old said.

"He was always my idol, and I am sure he is to many tennis players and fans, so I am unbelievably happy."

Basilashvili will face 23-year-old Taylor Fritz on Friday after the American beat Denis Shapovalov 5-7 6-3 7-5.

Andrey Rublev reached the semi-finals at the Khalifa Tennis Complex without playing a single match after Marton Fucsovics withdrew with a back injury.

Rublev, ranked eighth in the world and given a first-round bye, was handed his second walkover in as many days after Richard Gasquet pulled out of their second-round meeting on Wednesday with a leg injury.

The Russian becomes the first men's singles player since 1990 to receive back-to-back walkovers at a tournament

Norrie beaten in Marseille

Elsewhere, Great Britain's Cameron Norrie was beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the second round of the Open 13 Provence in Marseille.

The British number three, who reached the third round of the Australian Open in February, went down 6-3 6-4 against Herbert, who is ranked 30 places lower than Norrie at 93.

Herbert saved all five break points he faced against Norrie, and hit 14 aces compared to just one from the 25-year-old left-hander.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56364635.
 
Andy Murray to miss Dubai Championships after birth of fourth child

Andy Murray will not play in next week's Dubai Championships after the birth of his fourth child.

The 33-year-old Briton planned to to play in Dubai and then Miami after being knocked out of the Rotterdam Open by Andrey Rublev last Wednesday.

Instead he will to travel to the United States for the Miami Open, which takes place from 22 March and where he is expected to receive a wildcard entry.

The two-time Wimbledon champion is currently ranked 116 in the world.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56375025.
 
Garbine Muguruza wins Dubai final as Eugenie Bouchard loses in Mexico

Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza claimed a first WTA title in almost two years after winning the Dubai Championships.

The 27-year-old Spaniard beat Czech Barbora Krejcikova 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 as she claimed her first title since victory in Monterrey in April 2019.

Muguruza survived a set point against her from Krejcikova in the first set before going on to win.

"It means a lot. It's never easy to win titles," said Muguruza.

"I'm excited that it happened now after a few finals that didn't go my way. It was a nice relief.

"It was such a tight match. It could have gone either way. I had to work hard for it."

Meanwhile, Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo beat Canada's Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets to win the Abierto Zapopan title in Mexico.

Tormo eased to a 6-2 7-5 victory as she claimed her first WTA title, while Bouchard has not won a title since 2014.

In France on the ATP Tour, Russia's Daniil Medvedev beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 to win the Open 13 Provence title.

Medvedev, who will overtake Rafael Nadal to move to number two in the men's rankings on Monday, hit 13 aces on the way to victory.

Herbert, who beat Kei Nishikori and Stefanos Tsitsipas on the way to the final, was aiming for his first ATP singles title in his fourth final and won the second-set tie-break to level the match.

However, he was broken when 5-4 down in the decider as Medvedev won his 10th ATP title.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56394491.
 
Andy Murray handed Miami Open wildcard for 2021 event

Britain's Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for this month's Miami Open.

It will be the two-time title winner's first appearance in the event for five years.

Murray, 33, was ranked second in the world when he last competed in Miami in 2016 and returns with a ranking of 118 after a long lay-off with hip problems.

British 19-year-old Jack Draper has also been given a wildcard for what is the first Masters series tournament of the year on the men's tour.

Earlier this month, Murray was knocked out in the second round of the Rotterdam Open by world number eight Andrey Rublev after also receiving a wildcard.

The three-time Grand Slam champion earned his first tour-level win since August by beating fellow wildcard Robin Haase in the first round.

The Miami Open is scheduled to run from 22 March to 4 April.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56408414.
 
Mexican Open: Cameron Norrie and Jamie Murray both through in Acapulco

British number two Cameron Norrie beat American Stefan Kozlov in straight sets to reach the second round of the Mexican Open.

Norrie won 6-3 6-3 against the 23-year-old qualifier to set up a meeting with Italian Fabio Fognini.

Their only previous meeting ended in defeat for the 25-year-old Briton in Los Cabos, also in Mexico, in 2018.

Fellow Briton Jamie Murray reached the men's doubles quarter-final with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.

The pair are still on course for their third Acapulco title after beating India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 10-1.

They will face British brothers Ken and Neal Skupski in the next round.

Dart beaten in Monterrey Open
Britain's Harriet Dart lost 6-4 6-3 to Slovakia's Viktoria Kuzmova in the second round of the women's Monterrey Open.

Dart, 24, ranked 153rd in the world, had eliminated fellow Briton Heather Watson in the first round but could not repeat the feat against 22-year-old Kuzmova, the world number 104.

Kuzmova gained the crucial break of serve in the 10th game to take the first set, although Dart immediately broke back at the start of the second set.

However, Kuzmova then won four games in a row on her way to clinching the win.

She will meet either Slovakia's Kristina Kucova or Canada's Leylah Fernandez in the quarter-final.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56426197.
 
Wimbledon 2021: A reduced capacity expected at the summer Grand Slam

This summer's Wimbledon championships is likely to go ahead with a reduced capacity crowd, organisers have said.

The Grand Slam is set to start on 28 June, seven days after Covid restrictions are due to end in England.

Tournament chiefs said they would react to changing circumstances which may result in an increase or decrease in numbers allowed in the grounds.

The overall attendance for the 2019 Wimbledon event - the last to be held - was 500,397 over the 13 days.

Organisers did not specify how many tickets will initially be available for the forthcoming competition.

A statement from Wimbledon added: "We want to ensure that we can leave decisions on public capacity as late as we can in order to welcome the maximum number of guests, and manage our ticket distribution accordingly."

Tickets for this summer's tournament will be made available online in June, however there will be no reselling within the grounds and therefore the familiar sight of the 'Wimbledon queue' will not be visible this year.

"Both the queue and ticket resale remain much-loved and important traditions and we look forward to their return in 2022," added the statement.

Wimbledon also announced that players and their support teams, and officials, will have to stay in official hotels rather than private housing as a "mandatory requirement" of entry. Invitational (legends) doubles will also be absent from this year's tournament.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56441547.
 
Cameron Norrie loses to Dominik Koepfer at Mexican Open

British number two Cameron Norrie was beaten 7-5 6-4 by Dominik Koepfer in the quarter-finals of the Mexican Open.

Norrie, who is ranked 10 places higher than the German at 61, lost a close match in one hour and 48 minutes.

Koepfer needed five match points to secure victory and reach his first ATP Tour semi-final.

In the doubles, British brothers Ken and Neal Skupski beat Briton Jamie Murray and Brazil's Bruno Soares 6-3 3-6 12-10.

Koepfer will play compatriot Alexander Zverev, who received a walkover win against Casper Ruud, in the semi-finals.

Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5 4-6 6-3 and will play Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 7-6 (7-3), in the other semi-final.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56453624.
 
Mexican Open: Earthquake fails to stop Alexander Zverev from reaching final

An earthquake failed to stop Alexander Zverev from beating fellow German Dominik Koepfer to reach the Mexican Open final in Acapulco.

Koepfer was serving in the second set when the 5.7-magnitude quake struck.

Zverev, who prevailed 6-4 7-6 (7-5), said he "didn't know what happened" and continued to play as the stadium shook.

"The lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did," said world number seven Zverev, who faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

"We just heard the crowd. We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake.

"We didn't feel much, but still obviously I know it happens here in Acapulco. I hope everyone is fine at the area that is closest to the earthquake."

'Enough to freak you out'
The tremors hit shortly after British duo Ken and Neal Skupski had beaten compatriot Joe Salisbury and his partner Rajeev Ram to reach the doubles final.

Neal Skupski was having a rub-down at the time and said he thought it was "some massage technique" because the bed was shaking.

"I just thought it was normal," he said. "Then an alarm went off on his [massage therapist's] phone and that's when I thought, 'this is a bit strange'.

"Then he said, 'We're going to go outside because of an earthquake.' I couldn't put my clothes on quick enough to get out of the building."

Ken Skupski said the tremor "lasted maybe five seconds" but was "enough to freak you out".

"I've never experienced one" he said. "I'm hoping that this is the only one that they're going to have here because obviously there's a fear of bigger and stronger ones in the coming hours or days."

The Skupskis face top seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos in the final.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56467660.
 
Mexican Open: Ken and Neal Skupski win doubles title

British pair Ken and Neal Skupski beat Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos to win the Mexican Open doubles title in Acapulco.

The brothers converted both break points they created to seal a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 victory over the top seeds.

It is their third title together and first since 2019, having briefly split before reuniting this season.

"It's been a long road since we sort of broke up and got back together. It's a magic moment," said Ken Skupski.

Zverev beats Tsitsipas to claim singles title
In the singles final, second seed Alexander Zverev beat top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to win his 14th ATP Tour title.

Zverev struggled early on, finding himself 4-1 down and having to save three break points that would have made it 5-1.

However, the German soon rediscovered his composure to win five straight games and take the set.

The second set was much closer, with the first eight games going with serve before Zverev broke to take a 5-4 lead, only for Tsitsipas to break straight back.

Tsitsipas then saved six break points to force a tie break, where Zverev converted his third match point to seal the win.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56474275.
 
Miami Open: Andy Murray 'puzzled and demoralised' after latest injury

Briton Andy Murray said he is "puzzled and demoralised" by the groin injury which forced him to withdraw from this week's Miami Open.

The two-time winner, 33, was set to play South African Lloyd Harris in the first round of the tournament, which starts on Wednesday.

The world 118 said that he "struggled to walk" after developing pain while sleeping on Friday.

"I don't know where it came from and why it happened," he said.

The three-time major winner said he arrived in Miami last Wednesday, did gym work and practised with no issues.

"I woke up in the middle of the night at about 2:30, rolled over and felt like my groin was a bit sore," he said.

"When I got up at six in the morning to go to the toilet, I was in a lot of pain walking."

The former world number one has been attempting to return to the world's elite after major surgery in 2019 on a career-threatening hip problem.

He last competed at the Rotterdam Open earlier this month, where he was was knocked out in the second round by world number eight Andrey Rublev.

Murray said his current groin problem felt similar to the one he experienced after defeating Yoshihito Nishioka at last year's US Open. However, the Scot said he was at a loss to explain why this issue had flared up out of competition.

"It's a bit puzzling," he said. "I don't really understand it. My physios don't really understand it either. I wouldn't want to say exactly what it is or where it's coming from until I get it looked at more.

"I was pumped to come and have the opportunity to play here, I felt good and travelled over here, practised and had no issues and then this happened. It is obviously very frustrating and a bit demoralising. It's gutting."

Asked if this problem indicated that he cannot compete at the highest level, the Briton said: "I guess it's possible that is the case. But like I said, if it had come from a match that I had played or something like that, I would get that.

"But this is just a random thing that hasn't happened on the court or in the gym."

Elsewhere, British number five Liam Broady beat Italy's Federico Gaio 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 6-2 to reach the first round of the Miami Open but Harriet Dart was beaten 6-3 7-5 by Tereza Martincova of the Czech Republic
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56501594.
 
Miami Open: Jack Draper retires on ATP Tour debut while Johanna Konta wins

British teenager Jack Draper says he "needs to improve physically" after retiring on his ATP Tour debut following a dramatic fall in Miami.

Draper, who had earlier received medical treatment, seemed to collapse as he chased a return on a set point against Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin.

Speaking later, the 19-year-old said he had tripped after feeling dizzy.

Meanwhile, British women's number one Johanna Konta earned only her second win of 2021 in the WTA event.

Konta, seeded 17th and given a first-round bye, won 6-4 7-5 against Poland's Magda Linette in the second round.

Konta had not played since losing in the Adelaide International four weeks ago and, although it was not a straightforward victory with Linette threatening a fightback in the second set, the 29-year-old reasserted control to earn a morale-boosting victory.

"It was hot, it was windy, so it was a lot of things out there to contend with," she said. "I was just really pleased that I was able to compete well and find a way to come through."

World number one Ashleigh Barty, playing her first match outside Australia for more than a year, fought back from 5-2 down in the deciding set to win 6-3 4-6 7-5 against Slovakia's Kristina Kucova.

Konta's victory came shortly after the worrying scenes which saw Draper's tour-level debut come to a concerning end.

The British teenager had looked confident as he pushed 33-year-old Kukushkin, before starting to struggle physically towards the end of the first set and calling for the doctor.

Draper, who was trailing 6-5 on serve in the hot conditions, was examined by the medic and had his heart-rate checked before deciding to continue.

Draper fell to the court as he chased a return on set point in the next game and medical staff quickly came on to tend to the London-born player.

He was sitting up with an ice pack on his neck moments later and was able to walk off court.

"I think the conditions got on top of me a little bit today and physically I just need to improve more," said Draper, who also revealed he had coronavirus in January.

"I've got a lot to improve on but my level seems to be pretty close."

Later on Thursday, British men's number five Liam Broady lost 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 to Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56478587.
 
Miami Open: Cameron Norrie beats Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka through

Britain's Cameron Norrie earned a notable scalp by beating Bulgarian ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov to reach the Miami Open third round for the first time in his career.

Norrie won 7-5 7-5 against Dimitrov - who reached last month's Australian Open quarter-finals - to claim a second win over a top-20 opponent this season.

"It is a massive win for me and I will take a lot out of it," said Norrie, 25.

Dan Evans plays later on Friday, while Katie Boulter lost in the WTA event.

British number one Evans, seeded 19th, faces American Frances Tiafoe after 23:00 GMT.

He will be hoping to join Norrie in the last 32 after the world number 56 outplayed and outlasted Dimitrov to continue his fine start to the 2021 season.

On the significance of beating Dimitrov, Norrie told Amazon Prime: "It is huge. He is really good on the hard courts and had a good start to the year.

"It was an absolute battle. He came out fast and set the tone for the match, then I was able to be solid towards the end of the first and toughed him out in the second."

Boulter, 24, faded after a fast start as she lost in straight sets to Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens in the second round.

Now 319th in the world and playing with a injury-protected ranking, Boulter broke for a 3-0 lead and had a chance for the double break at 4-0 before Mertens found her level.

Mertens saw off the break point to hold for 3-1 and seized control - forcing errors as she troubled Boulter with variety of play - winning 6-4 6-1.

apan's world number two Naomi Osaka - the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion - earned her 22nd match win in a row by beating Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic.

After receiving a first-round bye, Osaka started the tournament by fighting back from a break down to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.

Osaka stopped her opponent serving out the first set at 5-4 before going on to win the tie-break, then pounced for the only break of the second set for a 5-4 lead which she converted into victory.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev - the top seed in the men's draw - needed just 56 minutes to clinch a 6-2 6-2 win over Taiwanese veteran Lu Yen-Hsun in the second round.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56543015.
 
Miami Open: Cameron Norrie beats Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka through

Britain's Cameron Norrie earned a notable scalp by beating Bulgarian ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov to reach the Miami Open third round for the first time in his career.

Norrie won 7-5 7-5 against Dimitrov - who reached last month's Australian Open quarter-finals - to claim a second win over a top-20 opponent this season.

"It is a massive win for me and I will take a lot out of it," said Norrie, 25.

British number one Dan Evans lost to American Frances Tiafoe.

The 19th seed was beaten 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 by Tiafoe, who will face Dusan Lajovic, seeded 16th, in the last 32.

Meanwhile, fellow Briton Katie Boulter lost in the WTA event.

Norrie reached the last 32 after the world number 56 outplayed and outlasted Dimitrov to continue his fine start to the 2021 season.

On the significance of beating Dimitrov, Norrie told Amazon Prime: "It is huge. He is really good on the hard courts and had a good start to the year.

"It was an absolute battle. He came out fast and set the tone for the match, then I was able to be solid towards the end of the first and toughed him out in the second."

Evans had edged ahead in his match, taking the first set on a tie-break, but he was broken twice in the second set as Tiafoe levelled it up.

He was broken again in his fourth service game of the decider and the American served out to love to take the match.

Boulter, 24, faded after a fast start as she lost in straight sets to Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens in the second round.

Now 319th in the world and playing with a injury-protected ranking, Boulter broke for a 3-0 lead and had a chance for the double break at 4-0 before Mertens found her level.

Mertens saw off the break point to hold for 3-1 and seized control - forcing errors as she troubled Boulter with variety of play - winning 6-4 6-1.

Japan's world number two Naomi Osaka - the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion - earned her 22nd match win in a row by beating Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic.

After receiving a first-round bye, Osaka started the tournament by fighting back from a break down to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.

Osaka stopped her opponent serving out the first set at 5-4 before going on to win the tie-break, then pounced for the only break of the second set for a 5-4 lead which she converted into victory.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev - the top seed in the men's draw - needed just 56 minutes to clinch a 6-2 6-2 win over Taiwanese veteran Lu Yen-Hsun in the second round.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56543015.
 
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