Emma Raducanu vs Wang Yafan: Live rating and updates

Nice little run right here from Raducanu and she or he’s accomplished all she will – make Wang serve for this opening set.

A fast sitdown on the changover, a swig of a pink drink, and she or he wants one other break.

Double fault and Raducanu has a lifeline with one break eradicated.

That’s extra prefer it from Raducanu, who finds some depth with a vicious cross-court forehand.

Break level now… and she or he has a second serve to assault.

Emma Raducanu 2-5 *Wang Yafan

This is popping into fairly a disastrous day for the Brits.

Emma Raducanu, the fourth of them to play in singles immediately, is now a double break all the way down to Wang Yafan.

This set is slipping away… quick.

Newfound respect for this Wang resolve. She simply would not know when she’s crushed in a degree and it is sensible why she elected to obtain after successful the toss.

Two break factors for the Chinese now.

Selaed with an ace. Clinical.

Emma Raducanu has been in deeper holes than this one and are available out of it… however she shall be apprehensive on the lack of ending capacity she has proven to this point.

Wang seems comfy on her personal serve and is able to maintain to like right here.

The wind really works in Raducanu’s favour right here because the ball bounced from one facet of the online to the opposite earlier than Wang may contact it – making certain Raducanu held!

You do not see that fairly often.

The extra factors I see right here the extra I’m of the assumption that that is way more a finesse sport than an influence sport. Conquer the weather and you will win.

This wind isn’t any joke.

The drawback I’ve received with Raducanu proper now’s that her serve out huge is being learn with ease it is turn into predictable.

Cannot afford to relinquish one other break so quickly. Settle down and dictate the rhythm once more.

That early break has emboldened Wang – and who can blame her?

She’s discovering the ability that seemed to be missing from the primary Raducanu serve and she or he’s near consolidating her break right here.

Emma Raducanu 1-2 *Wang Yafan

A miscued cross-court backhand on the web and Emma Raducanu is BROKEN.

She has handed that to Wang, however credit score the Chinese’s aggressive spirit. She is refusing to surrender a single level.

An excellent set-up shot from Raducanu as she kicks a serve out huge to the Wang forehand, earlier than spacing out the courtroom for an eventual lengthy backhand return from Wang two photographs later.

Wang doesn’t appear to have any solutions to that Raducanu forehand proper now… and proper on cue she shanks a forehand unhandomsely huge of the mark.

Really good begin that from Raducanu.

Her courtroom protection is great and as soon as she finds a groove in a degree she’s received a superb knack of simply dragging her opponent facet to facet.

Fairly routine to this point – now what has she received returning.

It’s been a LONG wait… kudos to anybody who has caught with me all through.

But we’re about to get underway.

It’s been a brutal day for British hopefuls however I actually favored what I noticed from Emma Raducanu in her first spherical match towards Shelby Rogers.

If she finds that stage I count on her to eliminate Wang Yafan.

A day that began with a lot hope has introduced a lot disappointment.

READ MORE.

Katie Boulter 3-6, 3-6 Qinwen Zheng

Moments after Jack Draper’s Australian Open marketing campaign got here to an finish, Katie Boulter has additionally crashed out after a straight units defeat towards Qinwen Zheng.

She saved 5 match factors however Zheng simply refused to go away. A valiant effort nonetheless.

Hopes of an all-British third spherical conflict towards Emma Raducanu, who performs subsequent on this courtroom, have been dashed.

That’s that, the younger Brit has been left to rue that missed set level up 5-4 within the fourth and it is Tommy Paul’s first ever win over Jack Draper.

He is crushed 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Tommy Paul* 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-5 Jack Draper

Oh no! Jack Draper had a set level moments in the past and now he is been damaged and Tommy Paul will serve for the match within the fourth set.

A brutal flip of occasions.

Three break factors for Katie Boulter. HAS to take one. Has to.

Katie Boulter 3-6, 3-5 *Qinwen Zheng

A expensive double fault from Katie Boulter and Qinwen Zheng is now serving for the match.

That is so, so disappointing for the Brit.

Will Jack Draper come again to rue that missed set level?

It feels damaging that Paul has managed to wriggle out of that one with a maintain of serve.

The younger Brit continues to be hanging in there nevertheless it’s trying ominous.

It’s been a very long time coming in equity however he is simply made a public handle urging folks to not converse or shout out throughout factors and serves.

A expensive double fault from Boulter concedes the break. Nightmare.

Boulter’s sixth forehand winner of the set teed up two sport factors and the Brit is crushed by a backhand winner for the primary, earlier than netting the second of them having been rushed.

Important she consolidates her break with a maintain right here. It’s positively essential.

This man is a pleasure to observe. An absolute JOY.

A superb and harsh cross-court winner units up break level and after a service fault brings up second serve, Zheng, who has a difficulty with a member within the crowd, double faults.

Advantage Boulter.

Back to occasions with Jack Draper and he’s doing all he can to try to pressure a deciding set.

The struggle he’s displaying is admirable. He looks like he is received a second wind and with Andy Murray as one in all his heroes, he was one who would by no means give up.

A HUGE shock within the ladies’s draw.

Clara Burel is simply 22 however that is simply essentially the most spectacular win of her profession to this point. Wow.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 2-2 *Jack Draper

A pumped up Jack Draper ranges issues up on this fourth set, a lot to the frustration of Tommy Paul.

Will that inject some life again into this contest for the younger Brit? Let’s see…

Oh expensive – rather a lot for Katie Boulter to consider at this alteration of ends.

Riddled by unforced errors, the British No 1 coughs up the primary set on the first alternative.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 2-0 *Jack Draper

The American seems in a rush now and he is dashing to get this wrapped up.

He breaks Jack Draper to begin the fourth after which holds within the blink of a watch.

No free factors for Katie Boulter right here however she’s undoubtedly on this match.

It’s a formidable maintain from Zheng but when Boulter can settle herself on the primary serve, this one may flip shortly.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Jack Draper

Draper seems somewhat bit leggy and he must shake that off if he is to have any probability.

Katie Boulter 2-3 *Qinwen Zheng

That’s a break for a break, then. Both gamers look much more comfy on the return which isn’t any shock.

Poor serving situations means they’re shaving some energy off and it is displaying.

Katie Boulter* 2-2 Qinwen Zheng

The wind is inflicting some points for the Chinese now and the partisan crowd – suffering from Brits crying ‘come on Katie!’ – are making a racket.

Smile from Boulter after a intelligent drop shot seals the break.

Back to the Jack Draper match and he’s forcing some beautiful photographs out of Tommy Paul right here to make the American earn these holds of serve.

One set from taking a two-set to 1 lead now.

The defeated American has confirmed in her post-match press convention that her defeat by Iga Swiatek shall be her ultimate match on the Australian Open in her profession.

Katie Boulter 0-2 Qinwen Zheng

Way to go backing up that early break.

Work to do right here for Katie Boulter towards a participant that, whereas I have never watched her each single week on Tour, has no apparent weaknesses.

She’s impeccably strong.

Disastrous opening service sport from Katie Boulter as she is damaged by Qinwen Zheng.

A backhand slice would not repay down break level and it sits up completely for Zheng to assault cross courtroom.

Tommy Paul* 6-2, 3-6, 2-0 Jack Draper

That’s a present for the American I’m afraid however is kind of befitting of the topsy-turvy nature of this match.

He’s discovered his large serve once more and Draper has simply miscued at essential instances.

This one will not be straightforward however Katie Boulter is out and is trying relaxed, resplendent in inexperienced as soon as once more.

Twelfth seed Qinwen Zheng stands in her manner.

The good Laura Robson is on co-commentary obligation for this one.

If you are simply waking up and questioning what you missed, Iga Swiatek produced an epic on Rod Laver Arena.

READ THE REPORT HERE.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 3-6 Jack Draper

Now we now have a sport.

Winning 92 per cent of his second serve factors, that was a lot, a lot better from Jack Draper.

Tommy Paul is aware of he’s in for a sport now.

Look at that disparity in winners… and but the one marching on is the British No 1.

Funny how that occurs.

It’s Katie Boulter up subsequent on this courtroom.

Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 Guilio Zeppieri

Game. Set. Match.

A comeback for the ages.

For solely the third time in his profession, Cameron Norrie has come again from two units all the way down to take victory.

The British No 1 may see the exit signal flashing above the Australian Open door however he refused to surrender.

Little by little he received a foothold and now he marches on to spherical three the place he’ll face Casper Ruud.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 2-4 (30-40) *Jack Draper

And Jack Draper is left standing on prime. The high quality is off the charts.

Cameron Norrie* 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 5-4 Guilio Zeppieri

A doubtlessly HUGE second because the Italian blinks.

Cameron Norrie now has the possibility to serve his option to the third spherical.

Reminder: he was two units down and seemed all however out.

Mike Dickson was so properly regarded by the entire gamers on the ATP and WTA Tours.

Novak Djokovic is the newest to ship his condolences.

Thank you, Novak.

Go on then.

There is a lot occurring proper now I want an additional pair of eyes. But over on the Show Court, Jack Draper has a glint in his eye now.

He’s such a robust hitter nevertheless it’s his choice making that I like rather a lot proper now. He’s not simply leathering it in hope, he is selecting his spots and Tommy Paul simply can not seem to stem the tide.

Tommy Paul 6-2, 1-3 *Jack Draper

A terrific response after he was outplayed for a lot of that first serve.

The younger Brit has simply damaged to make the most of this second set.

Tommy Paul’s stage has dropped a smidge. Draper simply has to consolidate it now.

Another of the Marathon Men is Alexander Zverev and he has simply pulled himself via a grueller.

Lie down pending for the German.

A stunning second simply now earlier than Norrie serves within the sixth sport of the fifth set.

A tribute in commentary to the nice Mike Dickson, our man on the bottom for tennis for greater than three many years on the Mail.

‘He adopted the Brits all over the place and this can be a huge loss to tennis’

Cameron Norrie* 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 2-3 Guilio Zeppieri

Sealed with an ace.

That will sting for Norrie. There had been probabilities there to steal that sport.

Opportunity knocks right here for Cameron Norrie.

Guilio Zeppieri has proven cracks within the armour after greater than three hours of on-court motion.

Any break now – notably with the Italian’s first serve contnually going awry – can be huge.

I spoke about some marathon matches earlier… properly right here is Casper Ruud beating residence favorite Max Purcell in a five-set epic.

I’ll give credit score to Guilio Zeppieri for hanging in there after his medical time-out.

He is just not giving Norrie an inch proper now and each level earned has been EARNED.

It appears the Italian’s game-plan is to only keep in rallies so long as he can in a bid to pressure errors. He’s not transferring an excessive amount of off his baseline.

Tommy Paul tightened up with a wayward try at a cross-court winner on the primary of two set factors however he makes no mistake on the second.

Smashing a winner out from the sky.

He’s blown Jack Draper away in that 41-minute opening set.

This has been close to faultless from Tommy Paul and he is now received two set factors.

Paul seems so comfy slugging it out from the baseline. No actual urge for food to shut the space which reveals off his energy.

It’s higher information for Cameron Norrie as he scales the mountain to return again from two units all the way down to pressure a fifth set decider.

The momentum is all with the British No 1 now. What an effort.

Here’s a abstract of that 6-4 fourth set.

Tommy Paul* 5-2 Jack Draper

OK in order that was quick lived.

Bloody hell.

That’s extra prefer it. Jack Draper eradicates one of many breaks towards him.

I hope that settles him down. He’s a giant hitter, like Paul, however he can greater than maintain his personal on this slugfest.

The Italian gingerly makes his manner again onto the courtroom as Cameron Norrie seems to serve his option to inside one sport of the fourth set.

Unsurprisingly the Brit desires to make the Italian run, notably with this niggling calf criticism.

Solid tactic.

Jack Draper has by no means beforehand dropped a set in his head-to-head with Tommy Paul however this has been a disastrous begin.

He rushes to the online to try to pull it again to deuce however a snug passing shot down the road for Paul provides him a 4-1 benefit within the first set.

Just too good from the American proper now.

Cameron Norrie’s opponent Guilio Zeppieri has referred to as for the physio. Looks like a calf problem – though there was no apparent harm as he headed to the benches.

An early break helped settle any early nerves from Cameron Norrie and Guilio Zeppieri is all of the sudden permitting errors to creep in.

Norrie closing in on sending this to a deciding set.

Not too positive why I’m permitting this to breach the weblog… it is manner too early for me to be salivating about breakfast.

But Iga Swiatek already has her eyes on some banana bread!

It’s first blood to the American as a cross-court forehand misses by a hair from Jack Draper.

Paul seems the extra skilled participant – which he’s – and Draper must determine him out shortly on the fly to cease Paul working away with this.

Nine errors already by Jack Draper.

Keep that up and he’ll be again within the locker room and out of the event very quickly.

Deuce it’s.

An excellent kick-serve out huge from Draper places him answerable for a degree that he’s capable of end with a cross-court volley on the web.

He must neutralise the heavy hitting of Paul by shedding the space.

Jack Draper – who threw up in a bin after his spherical one five-set epic – shall be happy to have opened with a maintain.

But shedding to like in Paul’s first service sport, match along with his monstrous serve, will not do a lot to encourage confidence.

Iga Swiatek is in esteemed firm after that epic turnaround win.

Iga Swiatek 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 Danielle Collins

WHAT. A. MATCH.

Fighting again from a double break down within the deciding set, Iga Swiatek has simply proven why she has completely no give up in her because the world No 1 rallies her manner into the third spherical.

She dropped her two match factors on Collins’ serve with a volley into the online after which a forehand return into the underside of the online.

When a 3rd offered itself Swiatek had had sufficient of the forwards and backwards to win it with a spectacular backhand down the road. Wow.

It’s all going off with Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins however we’ll be turning our attentions to Jack Draper now he is out on courtroom…

It’s too early for all this drama… however I nonetheless completely find it irresistible.

OK so I undoubtedly wrote off the world No 1 too rapidly.

Collins seems shaken now and she or he has to rid that on the changeover or she’ll lose this at a canter for Swiatek.

Leading by a double break… Danielle Collins has thrown all of it away to the world No 1.

The panic etched on her face now has her field sweating.

She HAS to dig deep now it is again on serve.

Right, let’s get again underway on this one…

No room for error now for Danielle Collins. Put merely, you are feeling she has to remain free and maintain serve right here.

The pressure in Rod Laver Arena is completely immense.

Two titans slugging it out.

I loved the Mexican wave at first nevertheless it was starting to grate… perhaps it is simply 4am and I’m being ungrateful.

But I’m bleary eyed and really glad to see the gamers return to the courtroom.

Now if the rain can kindly keep away we are able to lastly get to observe a few of these good Brits in motion.

Iga Swiatek* 6-4, 3-6, 2-4 Danielle Collins

In the blink of a watch Swiatek takes the break again. Collins turns her again to the courtroom, hand on hip and takes a deep breath to compose herself.

Panic needs to be setting in on each side of the courtroom for very completely different causes.

I really feel you, Iga. I really feel you.

Iga Swiatek should assume the world is towards her.

A lucky let wire presents Collins with two break factors within the deciding set.

Swiatek is ready to save the primary coming into the online with a cross-court volleyed winner.

Collins claims it on the second although, moving into a brief rally earlier than Swiatek cannons a cross-court forehand properly huge of the road to go down a double break.

This could possibly be over actual quickly. What a match!

That’s an enormous maintain from Danielle Collins and she or he set free an enormous roar when sealing sport.

You cannot blame her both. Losing a break there would have undone a lot of her good work.

It needs to be flawless from right here on in for Swiatek although. Anything much less and she or he’ll be unceremoniously dumped out.

So a lot for some routine early spherical matches.

These are simply a few of the ties occurring at present:

• Max Purcell 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 4-2 (30-30) Casper Ruud
• Alexander Zverev 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6, 0-0 Lukas Klein
• Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 0-0 Guilio Zeppieri

Disbelief is the perfect world to explain the world No 1.

It’s like her head is spinning and she will’t discover a option to cease it.

Iga Swiatek 6-4, 3-6, 1-2 *Danielle Collins

Corr, that is the way you get a break in, with a thundering backhand winner.

Danielle Collins seems absolutely answerable for this and Iga Swiatek, expensive oh expensive.

The world No 1 is sort of a heavyweight boxer who is not positive how you can get off the ropes.

World No 1 Iga Swiatek would not look comfy in any respect now.

She’s modified her racket and simply had one other despatched away to be re-strung.

A well timed ace – her third of the match – will get her a foothold on this sport.

Yeah, we’re in that kind of territory.

I am unable to blame them, they should entertain themselves.

The courtroom now seems to have dried out however there may be to be no play for an extra half-hour, in response to event organisers. They are reluctant to get going and for it to begin raining once more – which I get.

For now we preserve our eyes peeled on this epic deciding set between Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins.

That’s the concept brewing on the Australian Open.

Something tells me gamers will not be too impressed when a number of drones are flying overhead delivering burgers and scorching canines, although.

Hat tip to the Australian Open account on X for this GIF – taken from Danielle Collins’ rallying cry to her field to get ‘up’ and make some noise.

Ok so, what is the newest?

Well, this current rain delay has gone on some time and has knocked the whole lot again so here’s what we all know:

Jack Draper: Faces Tommy Paul, who was a semi-finalist right here final yr. He is the subsequent scheduled match on Show Court 2. If we’re being optimistic that one could possibly be underway by 4am BST.

Katie Boulter: Faces China’s Qinwen Zheng instantly after Norrie. We have not less than another set to go in that one, if not two, in order that could possibly be a lot nearer to 5-5:30am now.

Emma Raducanu: Was not because of take to the courtroom earlier than 3.30am – as she takes on China’s Wang Yafan. That was optimistic from organisers… it could possibly be nearer to 7am UK time now in a lift to UK-based followers.

If you learn something immediately, tomorrow or for the remainder of the week, I urge you to make it this.

A merely gorgeous tribute to one of many greats in sports activities journalism.

READ HERE.

The world No 62 has the world No 1 on the ropes you say?

Women’s tennis is likely one of the finest issues going. Every week there are upsets brewing and there’s a actual chance of 1 proper right here.

That was a splendid set for essentially the most half from Danielle Collins.

12 winners for the American in comparison with eight from the Pole.

Five have come and gone… listed below are three extra if required.

Danielle Collins shall be having flashbacks if she coughs up one other break right here.

It’s a powerful begin with a pair of Swiatek misses placing her inside two factors of the set.

A narrative that can go beneath the radar however some win this from Czech sensation Linda Noskova, notably after a one-sided second set from her opponent.

The children are alright, aren’t they?

Very moist, very drizzly and never match to play tennis in.

Let’s hope I’ve higher information for you very quickly.

What a second.

The American is pushing to take this one to a deciding set – and but a fourth double fault on this seventh sport of the set has seen Iga Swiatek break.

It seemed like Collins had maybe handed up her probability when a double fault noticed her cough up the third of three set factors.

A fourth set level got here and went with a weak second serve punished as anticipated by the world No 1.

Saving two break factors she turned to her field and yelled ‘Up! Up!’ as her workforce roared to their ft.

But Swiatek continued to punish each lapse and with a heavy arm, a double fault gifted one break again.

Iga Swiatek 6-4, 1-5 *Danielle Collins

This is extraordinary.

Iga Swiatek seems in deep, deep waters now and her coach is twitching in her field.

Brilliant from Danielle Collins and she is going to now serve for the set. Swiatek decides it is time for a racket change.

Corrr, Swiatek drops one into the Collins backhand and the American completely rips it.

I’m sat right here by myself beaming at that shot. Mamma Mia.

Here. We. Go.

What have you ever received world No 1?

Danielle Collins is decided to offer this Rod Laver Arena crowd a present and the semi-finalist from a couple of years in the past is not prepared to exit on a whimper.

Her serve has seemed good however writing Swiatek off appears positively silly. Cracking match that’s within the stability now.

There is simply one thing about tennis beneath a roof.

I simply completely find it irresistible.

Pin-drop silence as a cross-court back-hand winner wrongfoots the world No 1 and there is life in Danielle Collins’ Australian Open marketing campaign but.

I advised you she wasn’t accomplished after that first set!

No, Ben. The reply isn’t any.

What a wonderful participant.

Work to do at first of the second set although…

I want I used to be joking… however the British climate has hit Melbourne and it is soaking once more on the skin courts.

Can somebody invent an enormous umbrella to whack over the courtroom? Delivery – ASAP.

The British No 1 closes out the third set to like and reality be advised it seemed like Guilio Zeppieri kind of gave that one as much as protect his power for the fourth.

A 47-second maintain of serve speaks volumes.

But it’s sport on now (and means an extended await Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu, with their matches to observe on this 1573 Arena courtroom)

Cameron Norrie* 3-6, 6-7, 5-2 Guilio Zeppieri

Wow – two double faults in a row and that is a present Cameron Norrie will take time and again and once more.

The British No 1 now has the possibility to serve out this primary set to halve the deficit.

A double fault from Zeppieri and alternative knocks right here…

Mike was one of many titans of the game off the courtroom and gamers proper throughout the rankings have been deeply affected.

This is a poignant tribute from the nice Rafa Nadal, who Mike coated so extensively throughout his 33 years with the Mail.

I actually do not like how a lot on the backfoot Norrie seems in these factors.

Even on his personal serve it would not look fairly proper. The Italian simply seems answerable for a variety of these factors.

The fixed stop-start nature of this match can’t have helped Norrie, particularly after his Medical Time-Out within the opening phases.

The world No 1 takes the opening set 6-4 towards Danielle Collins and her roar of celebration suggests she is aware of very properly that she is in an actual battle right here.

Collins has greater than sufficient to show this round nevertheless it’s a tricky ask from right here towards the brick wall that’s Swiatek, who had a 74% first serve proportion.

Some gentle applause for the Brit as he and his tennis bag return to the courtroom. No signal of Guilio Zeppieri but.

The 1573 Arena has simply had a few 25-minute break. My concern is that whereas the courtroom is dry now, there is a menacing black cloud hanging overhead.

Can that simply clear off please? Thanks, from each tennis fan all over the place.

Now, now. You CANNOT open the door like that to the world No 1.

Danielle Collins is compelled to take a little bit of zip off her second serve and that’s all of the encouragement Swiatek wants to interrupt at 5-4, with a sensible volley into the empty courtroom leaving a dejected Collins watching on.

She will serve for the set now.

I do not wish to get carried away right here however I feel that is perhaps precise daylight flowing over the skin courts.

It additionally helps that the surfaces now not look tremendous slick and like they have been soaked by a hose-pipe.

Play quickly? I reckon so.

Truth be advised, I hadn’t been monitoring this one too carefully because it seemed set to be a routine win for Zverev.

He took the primary set 7-5 towards Lukas Klein – the world No 163 – and but it has been disastrous for the German from that second on.

Beaten 6-3 within the second set, he is now down an early break within the third.

Stories like this simply make me really feel very single – I do not learn about you guys.

But discover out which fortunate appeal bonds one in all tennis’ energy {couples}…

When I let you know these two are serving up an absolute deal with on Rod Laver Arena I imply it.

The high quality of the ball hanging and the ability behind them is one thing to behold.

Every break goes to be completely enormous on this one with so little between them.

Safe to say, followers are lower than impressed on the ball children being made to wipe these courts down with a towel on their fingers and knees.

Frankly, they have a degree. Surely this is not within the job description?!

Iga Swiatek 3-3 (40-40) *Danielle Collins

We do have match motion over on Rod Laver Arena following a brief delay to shut the roof there.

Two titans are in motion and it will serve proper now.

I marvel each time I get to see the Swiatek backhand. What a wonderful shot from a wonderful participant.

Hard to argue with that.

Umbrellas are out within the stands and hoods are up because the gamers head into the locker room.

That courtroom is totally washed now and is in no state to play a match of tennis on.

Annoying – sure – however smart heads have prevailed.

Cameron Norrie is getting aggravated now, and I do not blame him.

Just as he launches an ace to go up 15-0 within the sixth sport of the third set, play is stopped once more.

But it’s harmful on courtroom now with the quantity of sudden rain and with puddles forming, there’s not a variety of selection for the chair umpire.

Let’s see how lengthy this one lasts…

Play nonetheless suspended on a few of the courts, so right here is an excellent clip of Nick Kyrgios – within the commentary sales space reasonably than on courtroom on this event – having a hilarious alternate with Novak Djokovic.

Well price a couple of minutes of your time.

Zeppieri holds to get on the board.

Cameron Norrie leads 2-1 within the third.

Quick massage of the baselines with towels from the ball-kids and we must be again up and working on the skin courts shortly.

Cameron Norrie finest hope he hasn’t misplaced the momentum he was constructing.

While he await play to renew, let us take a look at one other lovely tribute to our legendary tennis correspondent Mike Dickson.

This one comes from former BBC presenter Sue Barker, who may name Mike a buddy after so a few years working throughout tennis.

READ SUE’S TRIBUTE HERE.

OK so it is raining, the black cloud has lastly let rip and with Norrie main 2-0 within the third and at deuce as he eyes a second break, play has been briefly suspended because of rain.

Ball children are hesitantly making their manner off however buckle up, that is going to take some time…

It’s going to serve over on the Rod Laver Arena at 3-3 as two heavyweights of the ladies’s sport slug it out.

I’ll preserve you throughout that one… however do not wager towards Danielle Collins inflicting a shock.

Cameron Norrie comes out with an enhanced stage of aggression and breaks within the opening sport of the third set.

He’s received a mountain to climb nonetheless – and it is nonetheless unlikely – however that is how you might want to begin if you’re going to come again from two units down.

Now he wants to show the screw and maintain. Looks like he has the bit between his tooth now which I like rather a lot.

There is lots to get our tooth caught into however that is the present state of play.

Note: Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu’s matches observe on the identical courtroom as Norrie-Zeppieri, so if this goes 5 units, we could possibly be right here some time.

Rough timings right here:

Jack Draper: Faces Tommy Paul, who was a semi-finalist right here final yr, at round 2am.

Katie Boulter: Faces China’s Qinwen Zheng instantly after Norrie, which could possibly be as early as 2.15am.

Emma Raducanu: Will not take to the courtroom earlier than 3.30am – and could possibly be even later – as she takes on China’s Wang Yafan.

Well, properly, properly.

British No 1 Cameron Norrie is in an actual gap right here, down two units to like to world No 133 Guilio Zeppieri.

The Italian is enjoying lights out tennis and whereas he stuttered with the primary of his three set factors, he closed it out with an unreturnable first serve.

Two errors on the finish of massive rallies has Norrie shouting out in disbelief.

It actually is admirable defence from Zeppieri, it truly is, and he leads 5-2 on this seven-point tiebreak as he bids to go two units up.

Giulio Zeppieri holds. Impressive resolve there.

Tie-break it’s…

Well, Katie Boulter, Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu are ready patiently for his or her matches to begin and are, like me, keeping track of occasions between Cameron Norrie and Giulio Zeppieri.

The plucky Italian took the primary set impressively 6-3 however a key break for Norrie down 5-4 has seen momentum swing to the purpose the place he’s on the cusp of one other break up 6-5.

He actually wants this set or it is a mountain to climb…

The world of tennis was in mourning at information of Mike’s sudden passing.

Here are simply a few of the tributes that flooded in for one of many titans of the reporting room.

READ MORE HERE.

It’s essential to me and to the Mail that we begin this dwell weblog off in tribute to an ideal man and an ideal reporter.

News that our legendary tennis author – affectionately referred to as Mr Wimbledon – Mike Dickson had handed away over in Melbourne overlaying the Open this week proved devastating for all.

He was excited for these upcoming matches, charting the highs and lows of the Brits with so many in motion right here immediately.

So, this one is to you Mike. Rest straightforward.

Good morning every person,

For these of us braving the early hours for Australian Open motion, properly performed.

I’ll be right here for the subsequent a number of hours to maintain you throughout all of the occasions in Melbourne, from Cameron Norrie’s struggles towards an Italian qualifier, to Katie Boulter, Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu.

Four Brits stay in singles, however what number of will make spherical three? Let’s discover out…