<p>French pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut beat 2017 champions Finn Henri Kontinen and local hope John Peers 6-4, 7-6(1) to win their maiden Australian Open men's doubles title on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the victory, Herbert and Mahut added the Melbourne Park title to their US&nbsp;Open, Wimbledon and French Open crowns to complete the career Grand Slam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Frenchmen, seeded fifth at the year's first Grand Slam, got the only break in the opening set when they broke Kontinen's serve at 4-4 and then Herbert held on.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">🏆🏆🏆+🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmahut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmahut</a><br />
📸 Antoine Couvercelle <a href="https://t.co/9BNX72qkJu">pic.twitter.com/9BNX72qkJu</a></p>
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<p>The second set went on serve before Herbert and Mahut got the upper hand in the tie-breaker to seal the victory in an hour and 38 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>


French pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut beat 2017 champions Finn Henri Kontinen and local hope John Peers 6-4, 7-6(1) to win their maiden Australian Open men's doubles title on Sunday.

French pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut beat 2017 champions Finn Henri Kontinen and local hope John Peers 6-4, 7-6(1) to win their maiden Australian Open men's doubles title on Sunday. With the victory, Herbert and Mahut added the Melbourne Park title to their US Open, Wimbledon and French Open crowns to complete the career Grand Slam. The Frenchmen, seeded fifth at the year's first Grand Slam, got the only break in the opening set when they broke Kontinen's serve at 4-4 and then Herbert held on. 🏆🏆🏆+🏆 @AustralianOpen @nmahut 📸 Antoine Couvercelle pic.twitter.com/9BNX72qkJu — PH Herbert (@p2hugz) January 27, 2019 × The second set went on serve before Herbert and Mahut got the upper hand in the tie-breaker to seal the victory in an hour and 38 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.

Australian Open: Frenchmen Herbert, Mahut win men's doubles title

<p>Japan's Naomi Osaka battled past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 to win her first Australian Open crown Saturday and become the new world number one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She&nbsp;became the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the win made Osaka the first player from an Asian country to claim the world number one ranking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I felt like I was in a state of shock through the entire trophy presentation," the 21-year-old said.</p>

<p>A rattled Osaka almost blew her title hopes with one hand on the trophy when she failed to convert three championship points leading 5-3 in the second set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The never-say-die Kvitova forced a deciding set before Osaka finally edged ahead with a decisive break early in the third.</p>

<p>"Of course I felt&nbsp;very disappointed and sad when I had three match points," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I tried to tell myself there's nothing I can do about it. Told myself I'm playing a final and need to keep fighting and couldn’t act immature and needed to keep fighting."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tears of joy 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ckfLkGG6kf">pic.twitter.com/ckfLkGG6kf</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a moment. <a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> wins her second Grand Slam in a row 🏆🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/9TTskXIH9E">pic.twitter.com/9TTskXIH9E</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1089120204007923714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The fourth seed and US Open champion made it two Grand Slam titles in a row after a see-sawing 2hr 27min match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hard-fought victory made Osaka the first Asian, male or female, to hold the world's top ranking, taking over from Romania's Simona Halep.&nbsp;</p>


Japan's Naomi Osaka battled past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 to win her first Australian Open crown Saturday and become the new world number one.

Japan's Naomi Osaka battled past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 to win her first Australian Open crown Saturday and become the new world number one. She became the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open. Also, the win made Osaka the first player from an Asian country to claim the world number one ranking. "I felt like I was in a state of shock through the entire trophy presentation," the 21-year-old said. A rattled Osaka almost blew her title hopes with one hand on the trophy when she failed to convert three championship points leading 5-3 in the second set. The never-say-die Kvitova forced a deciding set before Osaka finally edged ahead with a decisive break early in the third. "Of course I felt very disappointed and sad when I had three match points," she said. "I tried to tell myself there's nothing I can do about it. Told myself I'm playing a final and need to keep fighting and couldn’t act immature and needed to keep fighting." Tears of joy 🙏@Naomi_Osaka_ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ckfLkGG6kf — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2019 × What a moment. @Naomi_Osaka_ wins her second Grand Slam in a row 🏆🏆#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/9TTskXIH9E — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2019 × The fourth seed and US Open champion made it two Grand Slam titles in a row after a see-sawing 2hr 27min match. The hard-fought victory made Osaka the first Asian, male or female, to hold the world's top ranking, taking over from Romania's Simona Halep.

Naomi Osaka beats Petra Kvitova to win Australian Open

Greatest rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal square off in Australian Open final

<p>The rewards could not get bigger when Petra Kvitova takes on Naomi Osaka in Saturday's Australian Open final with one of them set to emerge as a fresh champion at Melbourne Park as well as the new world number one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four months after stunning 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the final of the US&nbsp;Open last September, 21-year-old Osaka is one win away from becoming the first player since Jennifer Capriati to win the next Grand Slam after her maiden major title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fourth seed, one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in women's tennis, is not expecting it to be a cakewalk, especially being pitted against an opponent as aggressive as Osaka and also more experienced with two Wimbledon titles under her belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osaka fought back from a set and 4-1 down against Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei in the third round at Melbourne Park and showed her determination in winning two more three-setters to keep a 13-match victory streak in Grand Slams running.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She will need all of that grit if she hopes to stop Kvitova, who is yet to drop a set en route to her maiden Australian Open final, in their first career meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In Pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/naomi-osaka-vs-petra-kvitova-besides-australian-open-title-the-winner-will-be-the-new-world-no1-192555">Kvitova vs Osaka: Besides winning Aus Open title, </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/naomi-osaka-vs-petra-kvitova-besides-australian-open-title-the-winner-will-be-the-new-world-no1-192555">winner</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/naomi-osaka-vs-petra-kvitova-besides-australian-open-title-the-winner-will-be-the-new-world-no1-192555"> will be the new world No.1</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think to have the opportunity to play her for the first time in a final of a Grand Slam is something very amazing," Osaka told reporters after her semi-final win. "I've watched her play the Wimbledon finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know what a great player she is. It's definitely going to be very tough for me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kvitova is one match away from capping one of the most inspiring comebacks in the history of the sport, having had to undergo a nearly four-hour surgery on her playing hand in 2016 after being attacked by a knife-wielding intruder at her home in the Czech Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She missed the 2017 tournament at Melbourne Park while recovering from the surgery and it was just not a case of overcoming a physical injury as the attack left an indelible mental scar too.</p>

<p>"I have been in the final of the Grand Slam, but this is a little bit different," she told reporters on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm not playing on the grass, but I think it's just probably a little bit more special because it's after everything I have been through. So I think it's just different, but I don't think it's, like, more nervous."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 28-year-old, currently sixth in the rankings, won the Sydney International warm-up before arriving in Melbourne and has not looked back, having strolled past her opponents in an 11-match winning streak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saturday could, however, be a different fight against the big-hitting Osaka, who hammered 56 winners and clubbed 15 aces to defeat another Czech player in Karolina Pliskova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I need to play my best tennis, what I can say. I think Naomi is on fire. She's in very good form," Kvitova said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She's an aggressive player, which I am, as well. So I think it will be about who gonna take the first point and push the other a little bit."&nbsp;</p>

<p>With both players evenly matched in their aggressive play and ability to serve big, Kvitova's coach Jiri Vanek believed the player with the bigger heart will win Saturday's contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vanek's opposite number Sascha Bajin believes Osaka's fitness and mindset will give her the edge in rallies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number one ranking will be the cherry on the top for the winner as she will unseat Romanian Simona Halep, who was ousted by Serena Williams in the fourth round, at the top spot of the women's game on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be a first-ever week as world number one for either players as Osaka is at her career-best ranking at fourth, while Kvitova climbed as high as second during 2011.&nbsp;</p>


The rewards could not get bigger when Petra Kvitova takes on Naomi Osaka in Saturday's Australian Open final with one of them set to emerge as a fresh champion at Melbourne Park as well as the new world number one.

The rewards could not get bigger when Petra Kvitova takes on Naomi Osaka in Saturday's Australian Open final with one of them set to emerge as a fresh champion at Melbourne Park as well as the new world number one. Four months after stunning 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the final of the US Open last September, 21-year-old Osaka is one win away from becoming the first player since Jennifer Capriati to win the next Grand Slam after her maiden major title. The fourth seed, one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in women's tennis, is not expecting it to be a cakewalk, especially being pitted against an opponent as aggressive as Osaka and also more experienced with two Wimbledon titles under her belt. Osaka fought back from a set and 4-1 down against Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei in the third round at Melbourne Park and showed her determination in winning two more three-setters to keep a 13-match victory streak in Grand Slams running. She will need all of that grit if she hopes to stop Kvitova, who is yet to drop a set en route to her maiden Australian Open final, in their first career meeting. In Pics: Kvitova vs Osaka: Besides winning Aus Open title, winner will be the new world No.1 "I think to have the opportunity to play her for the first time in a final of a Grand Slam is something very amazing," Osaka told reporters after her semi-final win. "I've watched her play the Wimbledon finals. "I know what a great player she is. It's definitely going to be very tough for me." Kvitova is one match away from capping one of the most inspiring comebacks in the history of the sport, having had to undergo a nearly four-hour surgery on her playing hand in 2016 after being attacked by a knife-wielding intruder at her home in the Czech Republic. She missed the 2017 tournament at Melbourne Park while recovering from the surgery and it was just not a case of overcoming a physical injury as the attack left an indelible mental scar too. "I have been in the final of the Grand Slam, but this is a little bit different," she told reporters on Friday. "I'm not playing on the grass, but I think it's just probably a little bit more special because it's after everything I have been through. So I think it's just different, but I don't think it's, like, more nervous." The 28-year-old, currently sixth in the rankings, won the Sydney International warm-up before arriving in Melbourne and has not looked back, having strolled past her opponents in an 11-match winning streak. Saturday could, however, be a different fight against the big-hitting Osaka, who hammered 56 winners and clubbed 15 aces to defeat another Czech player in Karolina Pliskova. "I need to play my best tennis, what I can say. I think Naomi is on fire. She's in very good form," Kvitova said. "She's an aggressive player, which I am, as well. So I think it will be about who gonna take the first point and push the other a little bit." With both players evenly matched in their aggressive play and ability to serve big, Kvitova's coach Jiri Vanek believed the player with the bigger heart will win Saturday's contest. Vanek's opposite number Sascha Bajin believes Osaka's fitness and mindset will give her the edge in rallies. The number one ranking will be the cherry on the top for the winner as she will unseat Romanian Simona Halep, who was ousted by Serena Williams in the fourth round, at the top spot of the women's game on Monday. It will be a first-ever week as world number one for either players as Osaka is at her career-best ranking at fourth, while Kvitova climbed as high as second during 2011.

Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova chase double delight in Australian Open final

<p>Unseeded pair Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai took out the Australian Open women's doubles title on Friday to be crowned Grand Slam champions at Melbourne Park for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian-Chinese combination battled past Hungarian-French second seeds Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic -- last year's champions -- 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, it is a dream true for me," said Zhang, who won her first Grand Slam doubles title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stosur added: "Shuai, it is always a pleasure being on court with you, we have a great friendship."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"We have a great friendship and I think that really shows when we play."<a href="https://twitter.com/bambamsam30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bambamsam30</a> credits partner <a href="https://twitter.com/zhangshuai121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zhangshuai121</a> for their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> title. <a href="https://t.co/Wl57GNIGJI">pic.twitter.com/Wl57GNIGJI</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088696748426457089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/zhangshuai121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zhangshuai121</a> considered retirement in 2015. <a href="https://twitter.com/bambamsam30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bambamsam30</a> urged her to keep playing.<br />
<br />
Four years later, they are Grand Slam champions together 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/IP1vtMCgdo">pic.twitter.com/IP1vtMCgdo</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088696366379888642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was their maiden Slam crown as a team, although Stosur had previously won the 2005 US Open and 2006 French Open in a partnership with Lisa Raymond that earned them 20 titles altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p>En route to the title, Stosur and Zhang knocked out reigning French Open and Wimbledon champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova.&nbsp;</p>


Unseeded pair Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai took out the Australian Open women's doubles title on Friday to be crowned Grand Slam champions at Melbourne Park for the first time.

Unseeded pair Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai took out the Australian Open women's doubles title on Friday to be crowned Grand Slam champions at Melbourne Park for the first time. The Australian-Chinese combination battled past Hungarian-French second seeds Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic -- last year's champions -- 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena. "Today, it is a dream true for me," said Zhang, who won her first Grand Slam doubles title. Stosur added: "Shuai, it is always a pleasure being on court with you, we have a great friendship." "We have a great friendship and I think that really shows when we play."@bambamsam30 credits partner @zhangshuai121 for their #AusOpen title. pic.twitter.com/Wl57GNIGJI — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × .@zhangshuai121 considered retirement in 2015. @bambamsam30 urged her to keep playing. Four years later, they are Grand Slam champions together 🏆#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/IP1vtMCgdo — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × It was their maiden Slam crown as a team, although Stosur had previously won the 2005 US Open and 2006 French Open in a partnership with Lisa Raymond that earned them 20 titles altogether. En route to the title, Stosur and Zhang knocked out reigning French Open and Wimbledon champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova.

Australian Open: Samantha Stosur, Zhang Shuai win women's doubles title

Kvitova vs Osaka: Besides winning Aus Open title, winner will be the new world No.1

<p>Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday to set up final with&nbsp;Petra Kvitova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fourth seed Osaka hit winners almost at will from both her forehand and backhand and broke Pliskova's service games twice while facing not a single breakpoint to canter through the first set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Czech eighth seed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-defeats-danielle-collins-to-reach-australian-open-final-192410">Kvitova defeated unseeded American Danielle Collins</a> 7-6(2), 6-0 to enter her first Grand Slam final in five years.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two Grand Slam finals in a row. Only 21-years-old.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> is a star 🌟<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/AHs37jIfkM">pic.twitter.com/AHs37jIfkM</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088337835344576512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> Women's Singles finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a>'s message to her Japanese fans 🎌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/eSjkAd1HFU">pic.twitter.com/eSjkAd1HFU</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088336683458838528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">😴🚶‍♀️<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a>'s itinerary as she prepares for her first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final against Petra Kvitova 😂 <a href="https://t.co/b6hJOzBvZD">pic.twitter.com/b6hJOzBvZD</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088336211436032001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pliskova, who had stunned Serena Williams in the quarter-finals, failed to live up to her reputation as a big server but showed lot of pluck to level the match with a second break at 5-4 after the players had an early trade of breaks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osaka converted her only breakpoint opportunity in the decider while her opponent wasted four and the 21-year-old made it to her second straight Grand Slam final with her 15th ace to seal the match in an hour and 53 minutes.&nbsp;</p>


Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final on Thursday to set up final with Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open.

Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final on Thursday to set up final with Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open. Fourth seed Osaka hit winners almost at will from both her forehand and backhand and broke Pliskova's service games twice while facing not a single breakpoint to canter through the first set. Czech eighth seed Kvitova defeated unseeded American Danielle Collins 7-6(2), 6-0 to enter her first Grand Slam final in five years. Two Grand Slam finals in a row. Only 21-years-old.@Naomi_Osaka_ is a star 🌟#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/AHs37jIfkM — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Our 2019 #AusOpen Women's Singles finalist @Naomi_Osaka_'s message to her Japanese fans 🎌#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/eSjkAd1HFU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × 😴🚶‍♀️@Naomi_Osaka_'s itinerary as she prepares for her first #AusOpen final against Petra Kvitova 😂 pic.twitter.com/b6hJOzBvZD — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Pliskova, who had stunned Serena Williams in the quarter-finals, failed to live up to her reputation as a big server but showed lot of pluck to level the match with a second break at 5-4 after the players had an early trade of breaks. Osaka converted her only breakpoint opportunity in the decider while her opponent wasted four and the 21-year-old made it to her second straight Grand Slam final with her 15th ace to seal the match in an hour and 53 minutes.

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka beats Pliskova, will play final against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova

<p>The US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Japanese number one took a tablet from a trainer when leading 2-1 in the second set and then dropped serve to trail 4-2, handing 78th-ranked Zidansek hope of making a game of it at Margaret Court Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fourth seed Osaka ramped up her power game to break back immediately and roared through the next three games before closing the match with a fierce second serve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osaka will play Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the fourth round.&nbsp;</p>


The US Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek.

The US Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek. The Japanese number one took a tablet from a trainer when leading 2-1 in the second set and then dropped serve to trail 4-2, handing 78th-ranked Zidansek hope of making a game of it at Margaret Court Arena. However, fourth seed Osaka ramped up her power game to break back immediately and roared through the next three games before closing the match with a fierce second serve. Osaka will play Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the fourth round.

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka through to third round

<p>Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raonic, who got to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2016 before losing to Andy Murray, will face South Korea's Hyung Cheon or Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France in the third round.&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">The 28-year-old Raonic battled for&nbsp;</span>2️4️1️ minutes, t<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">he longest match has ever played and won in his career,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">in the tightest of second-round battles.&nbsp;</span></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"It's sort of the heat of the battle, the adrenaline takes over."<br />
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And what a battle that was! <a href="https://twitter.com/milosraonic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@milosraonic</a> improves his H2H vs. Wawrinka to 3-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/PmdHonsslF">pic.twitter.com/PmdHonsslF</a></p>
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<p>The reserved Canadian raised his fists in triumph after his Swiss opponent misfired on his forehand on match point.&nbsp;</p>


Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5).

Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5). Raonic, who got to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2016 before losing to Andy Murray, will face South Korea's Hyung Cheon or Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France in the third round. The 28-year-old Raonic battled for 2️4️1️ minutes, the longest match has ever played and won in his career, in the tightest of second-round battles. "It's sort of the heat of the battle, the adrenaline takes over." And what a battle that was! @milosraonic improves his H2H vs. Wawrinka to 3-4. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/PmdHonsslF — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × The reserved Canadian raised his fists in triumph after his Swiss opponent misfired on his forehand on match point.

Australian Open: Milos Raonic edges past Stan Wawrinka in four-set thriller

In pics: Highlights of Day 3 of the Australian Open

<p>Serena Williams soundly beat Eugenie Bouchard 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday night, racing through the last five games to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Easily beaten in the first set, the Canadian Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist who has been trying to retrieve her stellar form of five years ago, pressed early in the second to lead two games to one.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ever wondered where <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> keeps ALL her trophies - especially the one that <a href="https://twitter.com/Venuseswilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Venuseswilliams</a> gave to her at eight years of age? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/5ncbSbnDNo">pic.twitter.com/5ncbSbnDNo</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> victory dance 💃✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ndrEIv1Omp">pic.twitter.com/ndrEIv1Omp</a></p>
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<p>Williams responded in dominant fashion, however, and did not drop another game on her way to ending the match with a drive-volley winner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The American is vying for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, and will play Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska in the third round.&nbsp;</p>


Serena Williams soundly beat Eugenie Bouchard 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday night, racing through the last five games to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.

Serena Williams soundly beat Eugenie Bouchard 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday night, racing through the last five games to advance to the third round of the Australian Open. Easily beaten in the first set, the Canadian Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist who has been trying to retrieve her stellar form of five years ago, pressed early in the second to lead two games to one. Ever wondered where @serenawilliams keeps ALL her trophies - especially the one that @Venuseswilliams gave to her at eight years of age? 🤔#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/5ncbSbnDNo — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × A @serenawilliams victory dance 💃✌️#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ndrEIv1Omp — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × Williams responded in dominant fashion, however, and did not drop another game on her way to ending the match with a drive-volley winner. The American is vying for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, and will play Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska in the third round.

Australian Open: Serena Williams comfortably beats Bouchard to enter third round

<p>World number one Simona Halep entered the third round of Australian Open on Thursday after defeating&nbsp;Sofia Kenin&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Romanian top seed,&nbsp;set up&nbsp;a mouth-watering clash with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although she was pushed to the limit by unseeded Sofia Kenin over three sets that lasted for&nbsp;two-and-a-half hours.&nbsp;</p>

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Into her 5th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 3R, <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> thanks the heavens above. <a href="https://t.co/a4ErRUNb9g">pic.twitter.com/a4ErRUNb9g</a></p>
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<p>Halep broke the 20-year-old Kenin twice in the first set but the American fought back in the second set from 3-0 down to level it at 1-1 in the tiebreaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Halep then got the crucial break in the third set to go up 5-4 and converted her second match point for the victory in two hours and 31 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Halep, who was on a five-match losing streak before the Australian Open, set up a third-round meeting against multiple Grand Slam winner Williams, who beat Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.&nbsp;</p>


World number one Simona Halep entered the third round of Australian Open on Thursday after defeating Sofia Kenin at the Rod Laver Arena. The Romanian top seed, set up a mouth-watering clash with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.

World number one Simona Halep entered the third round of Australian Open on Thursday after defeating Sofia Kenin at the Rod Laver Arena. The Romanian top seed, set up a mouth-watering clash with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. Although she was pushed to the limit by unseeded Sofia Kenin over three sets that lasted for two-and-a-half hours. 🙏 Into her 5th #AusOpen 3R, @Simona_Halep thanks the heavens above. pic.twitter.com/a4ErRUNb9g — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × Halep broke the 20-year-old Kenin twice in the first set but the American fought back in the second set from 3-0 down to level it at 1-1 in the tiebreaker. Halep then got the crucial break in the third set to go up 5-4 and converted her second match point for the victory in two hours and 31 minutes. Halep, who was on a five-match losing streak before the Australian Open, set up a third-round meeting against multiple Grand Slam winner Williams, who beat Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

Australian Open: Simona Halep enters third round after defeating impressive Kenin

<p>Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams made a late charge into the Australian Open third round Thursday, grinding out a win in her second three-set victory of the tournament.</p>

<p>The unseeded 38-year-old American came back strongly to beat Alize Cornet of France 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, setting up a meeting with top seed Simona Halep.</p>

<p>Williams, who played her first Australian Open in 1998, said she drew energy from the Melbourne Park crowd in the deciding set against world number 36 Cornet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Sassy Venus 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/b1O2SOLPIF">pic.twitter.com/b1O2SOLPIF</a></p>
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<p>"The first two sets were so tough and in the second I felt I was controlling the points but just falling a little bit short," she said.</p>

<p>"So I tried to do the same (in the third set) and not fall a little bit short. It worked out."</p>

<p>The veteran has reached the final at Melbourne Park twice, most recently in 2017 when she lost to sister Serena.</p>

<p>The siblings could meet again in the quarter-finals if results go their way.</p>


Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams made a late charge into the Australian Open third round Thursday, grinding out a win in her second three-set victory of the tournament.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams made a late charge into the Australian Open third round Thursday, grinding out a win in her second three-set victory of the tournament. The unseeded 38-year-old American came back strongly to beat Alize Cornet of France 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, setting up a meeting with top seed Simona Halep. Williams, who played her first Australian Open in 1998, said she drew energy from the Melbourne Park crowd in the deciding set against world number 36 Cornet. Sassy Venus 😉#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/b1O2SOLPIF — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × "The first two sets were so tough and in the second I felt I was controlling the points but just falling a little bit short," she said. "So I tried to do the same (in the third set) and not fall a little bit short. It worked out." The veteran has reached the final at Melbourne Park twice, most recently in 2017 when she lost to sister Serena. The siblings could meet again in the quarter-finals if results go their way.

Australian Open: Venus Williams defeats Alize Cornet to enter third round

<p>Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is keen on working with Andy Murray, when the Scot calls time on his career, to transform and develop British tennis to produce more top 100 players in the next five years, according to a media report.</p>

<p>Murray, who was knocked out in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-criticises-lta-for-failing-to-make-the-most-of-his-success-190769">criticised the sport's national governing body</a> for failing to grow the game over the last decade and not capitalising on his success.</p>

<p>In the wake of Murray's comments, new LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd told the Daily Telegraph he wanted to address the twice Wimbledon champion's concerns.</p>

<p>"We all want the same thing; to build on Andy's amazing achievements and ensure his success delivers a thriving legacy," Lloyd said.</p>

<p>"We have had some very exciting conversations with Andy's team and (his mother) Judy around, in particular, how we might go about developing a schools programme. We have equally acknowledged that Andy to date has had to focus on his career.</p>

<p>"As Andy mentioned, to really get children into our sport at the earliest possible age, and through a schools' programme would be fantastic. We are absolutely ready when he is to move something like that forward."</p>

<p>Performance director Simon Timson said the LTA was committed to long-term player development as part of a 10-year strategy that includes a new player pathway, a series of grassroots initiatives and the potential "Murray Legacy" schools programme.</p>

<p>"We will always welcome Andy's involvement with programmes and players. He is an iconic and inspirational figure – a beacon for what British tennis players can achieve," Timson said.</p>

<p>"The first five years, we wanted to support five new British players to break into the world's top 100. Katie Boulter (ranked 97) has already done it. We want to help four more get there by 2023."</p>


Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is keen on working with Andy Murray, when the Scot calls time on his career, to transform and develop British tennis to produce more top 100 players in the next five years, according to a media report.

Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is keen on working with Andy Murray, when the Scot calls time on his career, to transform and develop British tennis to produce more top 100 players in the next five years, according to a media report. Murray, who was knocked out in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, has criticised the sport's national governing body for failing to grow the game over the last decade and not capitalising on his success. In the wake of Murray's comments, new LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd told the Daily Telegraph he wanted to address the twice Wimbledon champion's concerns. "We all want the same thing; to build on Andy's amazing achievements and ensure his success delivers a thriving legacy," Lloyd said. "We have had some very exciting conversations with Andy's team and (his mother) Judy around, in particular, how we might go about developing a schools programme. We have equally acknowledged that Andy to date has had to focus on his career. "As Andy mentioned, to really get children into our sport at the earliest possible age, and through a schools' programme would be fantastic. We are absolutely ready when he is to move something like that forward." Performance director Simon Timson said the LTA was committed to long-term player development as part of a 10-year strategy that includes a new player pathway, a series of grassroots initiatives and the potential "Murray Legacy" schools programme. "We will always welcome Andy's involvement with programmes and players. He is an iconic and inspirational figure – a beacon for what British tennis players can achieve," Timson said. "The first five years, we wanted to support five new British players to break into the world's top 100. Katie Boulter (ranked 97) has already done it. We want to help four more get there by 2023."

LTA keen to work with Andy Murray to develop British tennis

<p>Australian Open fifth seed Kevin Anderson lost his second round match to Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a major upset on the third day of the Grand Slam on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Wimbledon finalist took a medical time-out midway through the four-set match before becoming the highest ranked player to be ousted from the first major of the year.</p>

<p>After sealing match point against the South African, Tiafoe slapped his right bicep, thumped his chest and roared at the terraces.</p>

<p>"It means the world to me, I lost to Kevin three times last year. I would love to get to the second week of a Slam and if you guys get behind me like you did again, then it's going to be pretty easy for me," Tiafoe said.</p>

<p>American Tiafoe, ranked 39 in the world, will play Italy's Andreas Seppi in the third round, which will at least equal his best performance at a Grand Slam, having made the third round of Wimbledon last year.</p>


Australian Open fifth seed Kevin Anderson lost his second round match to Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a major upset on the third day of the Grand Slam on Wednesday.

Australian Open fifth seed Kevin Anderson lost his second round match to Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a major upset on the third day of the Grand Slam on Wednesday. The Wimbledon finalist took a medical time-out midway through the four-set match before becoming the highest ranked player to be ousted from the first major of the year. After sealing match point against the South African, Tiafoe slapped his right bicep, thumped his chest and roared at the terraces. "It means the world to me, I lost to Kevin three times last year. I would love to get to the second week of a Slam and if you guys get behind me like you did again, then it's going to be pretty easy for me," Tiafoe said. American Tiafoe, ranked 39 in the world, will play Italy's Andreas Seppi in the third round, which will at least equal his best performance at a Grand Slam, having made the third round of Wimbledon last year.

Kevin Anderson knocked out of Australian Open in four sets

<p>Defending champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open third round after defeating for a 20th straight year on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the Swiss master was made to battle all the way by Britain's Dan Evans before winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.</p>

<p>Having thrashed Denis Istomin in his Melbourne Park opener, third seed Federer encountered far stiffer resistance against the determined world number 189 Evans, who is rebuilding his career after missing a year due to a doping suspension.</p>

<p>Evans broke Federer for the first time in the tournament to drag the second set into a tiebreak but the Swiss was supreme on the clutch points at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 2R specialist ✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> <a href="https://t.co/VjRxAtU7bZ">pic.twitter.com/VjRxAtU7bZ</a></p>
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<p>The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who is going for a record seventh Melbourne Park title and third in a row, had breezed past Denis Istomin in the first round, but was given a much tougher examination by the world number 189.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He broke Evans in the fourth game of the third set and closed out the match with an imperious backhand winner down the line to set up a clash with either Gael Monfils or Taylor Fritz.</p>


Defending champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open third round after defeating for a 20th straight year on Wednesday. But the Swiss master was made to battle all the way by Britain's Dan Evans before winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Defending champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open third round after defeating for a 20th straight year on Wednesday. But the Swiss master was made to battle all the way by Britain's Dan Evans before winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. Having thrashed Denis Istomin in his Melbourne Park opener, third seed Federer encountered far stiffer resistance against the determined world number 189 Evans, who is rebuilding his career after missing a year due to a doping suspension. Evans broke Federer for the first time in the tournament to drag the second set into a tiebreak but the Swiss was supreme on the clutch points at Rod Laver Arena. An #AusOpen 2R specialist ✌️@rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/VjRxAtU7bZ — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2019 × The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who is going for a record seventh Melbourne Park title and third in a row, had breezed past Denis Istomin in the first round, but was given a much tougher examination by the world number 189. He broke Evans in the fourth game of the third set and closed out the match with an imperious backhand winner down the line to set up a clash with either Gael Monfils or Taylor Fritz.

Roger Federer through to Australian Open third round

<p>A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spaniard, who cut short his 2018 season to have surgery on a foot injury, raced through the tie in just 116 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 32-year-old's newly remodelled serve only briefly came under pressure from Ebden, 31, who enjoyed vociferous home support on Rod Laver Arena before losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian forced three break points at 3-2 in the first set, but could convert none before the second seed reeled off four games in a row to close it out in 35 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"If things are working, don't change it."<br />
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Life lessons with <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> 💬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YpqopxICN4">pic.twitter.com/YpqopxICN4</a></p>
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<p>It was one-way traffic from then on as Nadal, sporting a trademark sleeveless shirt, cruised into the last 32.</p>

<p>"I played a solid match, I was happy with the way I served. I did a few things very well," said Nadal, who next plays Australian 27th seed Alex de Minaur. "It is an honour to play here. Was a great atmosphere."</p>

<p>Nadal pulled out of his Brisbane warm-up event two weeks ago with a thigh strain but showed no sign of the injury woes that saw him limp out of both the Australian Open and US Open last year.</p>

<p>"I don't know if it's that good," said Nadal modestly after a dominant performance. "I just came back from injury so it is not easy to evaluate yet."</p>

<p>He is bidding to become the first man in the Open era, and only third in history along with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions.</p>


A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title.

A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title. The Spaniard, who cut short his 2018 season to have surgery on a foot injury, raced through the tie in just 116 minutes. The 32-year-old's newly remodelled serve only briefly came under pressure from Ebden, 31, who enjoyed vociferous home support on Rod Laver Arena before losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The Australian forced three break points at 3-2 in the first set, but could convert none before the second seed reeled off four games in a row to close it out in 35 minutes. "If things are working, don't change it." Life lessons with @RafaelNadal 💬#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YpqopxICN4 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2019 × It was one-way traffic from then on as Nadal, sporting a trademark sleeveless shirt, cruised into the last 32. "I played a solid match, I was happy with the way I served. I did a few things very well," said Nadal, who next plays Australian 27th seed Alex de Minaur. "It is an honour to play here. Was a great atmosphere." Nadal pulled out of his Brisbane warm-up event two weeks ago with a thigh strain but showed no sign of the injury woes that saw him limp out of both the Australian Open and US Open last year. "I don't know if it's that good," said Nadal modestly after a dominant performance. "I just came back from injury so it is not easy to evaluate yet." He is bidding to become the first man in the Open era, and only third in history along with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions.

Rafael Nadal overwhelms Aussie Matthew Ebden to enter 3rd round

<p>Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade.</p>

<p>Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-out-of-australian-open-after-five-set-thriller-190245">went out of the Australian Open</a> in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">last of his professional career</a> due to pain in his right hip.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old Scot has been hailed as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen, a double Olympic gold medallist who in 2013 also became the first British man to win a Wimbledon singles title in 77 years.</p>

<p>"I'm not sure Britain has really capitalised on the last seven or eight years of success we've had," the BBC quoted the former world number one as saying.</p>

<p>"Whether it be myself, my brother, Jo (Konta), Kyle (Edmund), the Davis Cup, those sorts of things, I'm not sure how much we've done there," added Murray, who has been critical of the LTA in the past.</p>

<p>"Maybe it's something I should have given more thought to while I was playing but I never felt that was my job to do that."</p>

<p>Murray said he could not understand how the number of people playing tennis had dropped over the past decade despite unprecedented success.</p>

<p>"I know in Scotland that there have not been many indoor courts built in the last 10 years. That seems madness. I don't understand why that is. You need to get kids playing; you need to have the facilities that allow them to do that," he said.</p>

<p>Older brother Jamie echoed the concern to British media as he prepared to start his Australian Open doubles campaign on Thursday.</p>

<p>"My greatest worry was that he would stop one day... and you would look around the country and there wouldn't be much to show for it. And if you go around the country you probably see that," he said.</p>

<p>"And that is sad because how on earth are you going to grow a sport if you can't do it when you've got one of the biggest stars in tennis for the last 10 years, and one of Britain's most prominent sportspeople?".</p>


Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade. Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray went out of the Australian Open in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the last of his professional career due to pain in his right hip.

Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade. Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray went out of the Australian Open in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the last of his professional career due to pain in his right hip. The 31-year-old Scot has been hailed as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen, a double Olympic gold medallist who in 2013 also became the first British man to win a Wimbledon singles title in 77 years. "I'm not sure Britain has really capitalised on the last seven or eight years of success we've had," the BBC quoted the former world number one as saying. "Whether it be myself, my brother, Jo (Konta), Kyle (Edmund), the Davis Cup, those sorts of things, I'm not sure how much we've done there," added Murray, who has been critical of the LTA in the past. "Maybe it's something I should have given more thought to while I was playing but I never felt that was my job to do that." Murray said he could not understand how the number of people playing tennis had dropped over the past decade despite unprecedented success. "I know in Scotland that there have not been many indoor courts built in the last 10 years. That seems madness. I don't understand why that is. You need to get kids playing; you need to have the facilities that allow them to do that," he said. Older brother Jamie echoed the concern to British media as he prepared to start his Australian Open doubles campaign on Thursday. "My greatest worry was that he would stop one day... and you would look around the country and there wouldn't be much to show for it. And if you go around the country you probably see that," he said. "And that is sad because how on earth are you going to grow a sport if you can't do it when you've got one of the biggest stars in tennis for the last 10 years, and one of Britain's most prominent sportspeople?".

Andy Murray criticises LTA for failing to make the most of his success

<p>Petra Kvitova advanced to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in four years, routing Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets on Wednesday.<br />
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The eighth seed downed her Romanian opponent 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and nine minutes.<br />
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The Czech, who holds a tour-leading six titles, slammed 26 winners and dropped serve only once to make it to the last 32 in Melbourne for the first time since 2015.<br />
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Kvitova played a sharp game, including a forceful forehand return that prevented her opponent from closing out her first service game at 40-15.<br />
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She also played a power-packed final game, seizing the first match point with a sizzling inside-out forehand winner.<br />
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Kvitova will face-off former world number 7 Belinda Bencic, who beat Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.</p>


Petra Kvitova advanced to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in four years, routing Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets on Wednesday. The eighth seed downed her Romanian opponent 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and nine minutes.

Petra Kvitova advanced to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in four years, routing Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets on Wednesday. The eighth seed downed her Romanian opponent 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and nine minutes. The Czech, who holds a tour-leading six titles, slammed 26 winners and dropped serve only once to make it to the last 32 in Melbourne for the first time since 2015. Kvitova played a sharp game, including a forceful forehand return that prevented her opponent from closing out her first service game at 40-15. She also played a power-packed final game, seizing the first match point with a sizzling inside-out forehand winner. Kvitova will face-off former world number 7 Belinda Bencic, who beat Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.

Petra Kvitova beats Begu to reach round 3 of Australian Open

<p>Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson.</p>

<p>The third-seeded Dane snuffed out a late rally from the world number 77 to win 6-1, 6-3 and continue her bid to become the first woman to defend the Australian title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013.</p>

<p>The victory sets up the potential for an enthralling third round encounter between the Dane and Maria Sharapova, who meets Rebecca Peterson in the second round.</p>

<p>Wozniacki moved freely and showed no sign of the rheumatoid arthritis that has threatened to derail her career.</p>

<p>"I thought I started pretty well, started aggressively, but she started making less errors and I was just trying to stay consistent," the 28-year-old said.</p>

<p>Wozniacki came out of the blocks quickly, leaving Larsson reeling as she conceded only two points on the way to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swede regrouped from the early onslaught but Wozniacki continued to dictate terms and showed no signs of fatigue as she moved Larsson around the court during long rallies.</p>

<p>She wrapped up the first set in 27 minutes, pouncing on Larsson's popgun serve and coping easily when the Swede tried to put her under pressure by attacking the net, making 95 per cent of her returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wozniacki's intensity eased slightly in the second set and there was a minor wobble late in the match when Larsson threatened a break.</p>

<p>"She started making less errors, playing it deep, coming into the net and threw my timing off a little bit," she said.</p>

<p>"I just tried to stay as aggressive as I could be until the and&nbsp;I think I served well when I had to."</p>

<p>Wozniacki said she felt no additional pressure coming into the tournament as defending champion and was enjoying her campaign after two straight sets wins in the opening rounds.</p>

<p>"It feels amazing. I felt at home straight away when I got here," she said.</p>


Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson.

Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson. The third-seeded Dane snuffed out a late rally from the world number 77 to win 6-1, 6-3 and continue her bid to become the first woman to defend the Australian title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013. The victory sets up the potential for an enthralling third round encounter between the Dane and Maria Sharapova, who meets Rebecca Peterson in the second round. Wozniacki moved freely and showed no sign of the rheumatoid arthritis that has threatened to derail her career. "I thought I started pretty well, started aggressively, but she started making less errors and I was just trying to stay consistent," the 28-year-old said. Wozniacki came out of the blocks quickly, leaving Larsson reeling as she conceded only two points on the way to a 3-0 lead. The Swede regrouped from the early onslaught but Wozniacki continued to dictate terms and showed no signs of fatigue as she moved Larsson around the court during long rallies. She wrapped up the first set in 27 minutes, pouncing on Larsson's popgun serve and coping easily when the Swede tried to put her under pressure by attacking the net, making 95 per cent of her returns. Wozniacki's intensity eased slightly in the second set and there was a minor wobble late in the match when Larsson threatened a break. "She started making less errors, playing it deep, coming into the net and threw my timing off a little bit," she said. "I just tried to stay as aggressive as I could be until the and I think I served well when I had to." Wozniacki said she felt no additional pressure coming into the tournament as defending champion and was enjoying her campaign after two straight sets wins in the opening rounds. "It feels amazing. I felt at home straight away when I got here," she said.

Caroline Wozniacki storms into 3rd round, may meet Maria Sharapova in next round

<p>Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday.</p>

<p>It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US&nbsp;Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos.</p>

<p>Osaka's heavy ball striking makes it very difficult for opponents to trade blows with her.</p>

<p>"For me, I'm aware of people saying anyone in the top 10 can be No. 1 right now - but for me, that's not really my goal," Osaka, the fourth seed, told reporters.</p>

<p>"I just want to play well in this tournament."</p>

<p>Linette tried to mitigate her rival's power by standing up near the baseline during rallies to avoid getting pushed too far back.</p>

<p>The tactic worked in part, until the Polish player's error count rose too quickly, such is the risk-reward for such a valiant ploy.</p>

<p>"The balls were really heavy," Linette told Reuters.</p>

<p>"I'm just like 59 kilos, so what can I do?"</p>

<p>Despite possessing more firepower in almost every facet of the game, Osaka's modest-paced second serve allowed her 80th-ranked opponent a strong opening into baseline exchanges.</p>

<p>The two players' average second serve speed was almost identical at around 125 kmh, which is significantly slower than the service speed of Williams, who is the standard bearer.</p>

<p>Osaka will play 21-year-old Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in the second round.</p>


Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday. It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos.

Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday. It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos. Osaka's heavy ball striking makes it very difficult for opponents to trade blows with her. "For me, I'm aware of people saying anyone in the top 10 can be No. 1 right now - but for me, that's not really my goal," Osaka, the fourth seed, told reporters. "I just want to play well in this tournament." Linette tried to mitigate her rival's power by standing up near the baseline during rallies to avoid getting pushed too far back. The tactic worked in part, until the Polish player's error count rose too quickly, such is the risk-reward for such a valiant ploy. "The balls were really heavy," Linette told Reuters. "I'm just like 59 kilos, so what can I do?" Despite possessing more firepower in almost every facet of the game, Osaka's modest-paced second serve allowed her 80th-ranked opponent a strong opening into baseline exchanges. The two players' average second serve speed was almost identical at around 125 kmh, which is significantly slower than the service speed of Williams, who is the standard bearer. Osaka will play 21-year-old Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in the second round.

Naomi Osaka clubs her way into Australian Open second round

<p>World number one Simona Halep came from behind to defeat Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Romanian was one set down and had to&nbsp;dig deep against Kanepi, who defeated her in last year's US Open first round, for a 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 27-year-old was a finalist at Melbourne Park last year and will be looking for a major improvement to go deep in this year's tournament after such a shaky start.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All smiles 😄<br />
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Top seed <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> survives a tough 1R, def. Kanepi 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/S5pnVyvgFb">pic.twitter.com/S5pnVyvgFb</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1085135321388453890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Halep was without a coach and on a five-match losing streak coming into the year's first Grand Slam and had to make sure she kept her unforced errors to a minimum.</p>

<p>She broke Kanepi twice in the final set and sealed the match when her opponent sent a forehand wide for her 62nd unforced error. Halep will next play American Sofia Kenin, who earlier beat Russian qualifier Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.</p>


World number one Simona Halep came from behind to defeat Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. The Romanian was one set down and had to dig deep against Kanepi, who defeated her in last year's US Open first round, for a 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 victory.

World number one Simona Halep came from behind to defeat Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. The Romanian was one set down and had to dig deep against Kanepi, who defeated her in last year's US Open first round, for a 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 victory. The 27-year-old was a finalist at Melbourne Park last year and will be looking for a major improvement to go deep in this year's tournament after such a shaky start. All smiles 😄 Top seed @Simona_Halep survives a tough 1R, def. Kanepi 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S5pnVyvgFb — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2019 × Halep was without a coach and on a five-match losing streak coming into the year's first Grand Slam and had to make sure she kept her unforced errors to a minimum. She broke Kanepi twice in the final set and sealed the match when her opponent sent a forehand wide for her 62nd unforced error. Halep will next play American Sofia Kenin, who earlier beat Russian qualifier Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

World No.1 Simona Halep survives scare to make Australian Open 2nd round

<p>Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title in easy fashion Tuesday, crushing 230th-ranked American Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>The world number one had reached the Australian Open second round for 13 consecutive years and that streak was never threatened by the qualifier, who was making his debut at Melbourne Park.</p>

<p>Djokovic, appearing in his 300th Grand Slam match, did drop his second service game to go 1-2 behind in the first set but broke back immediately and went on to record his 259th match win in a major against a gritty but outclassed opponent.</p>

<p>"Playing him for the first time I didn't know what to expect," said the Serbian top seed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was very competitive and I had to work hard. I enjoyed it, hope you did too," he said.</p>

<p>Djokovic closed out last season magnificently, making an astonishing climb back from outside the world's top 20 in June, winning Wimbledon and the US Open on the way to reclaiming the number one ranking in November.</p>

<p>It was a stark contrast to the way he exited Melbourne a year ago at the hands of South Korea's Chung Hyeon in the last 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then struggled as elbow surgery was followed by a string of poor results.</p>

<p>Djokovic will take a trip down memory lane next when he plays old foe Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frenchman Tsonga was on the losing side in the 2008 Australian Open final as Djokovic won his first of 14 Grand Slams.</p>

<p>"I have great respect for Jo," said Djokovic. "We will face each other again on this great court, hopefully. I am looking forward to it."</p>

<p>Former world number four Tsonga missed seven months of 2018 after knee surgery and needed a wildcard to get into the tournament after his ranking dropped outside the top 200.</p>

<p>But the unseeded 33-year-old, who has also reached five Grand Slam semi-finals in his career, will be a dangerous opponent, having enjoyed a run to the last four in his comeback tournament at Brisbane.</p>

<p>And Tsonga is one of only three players to have recorded wins against Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal while the they were ranked number one. The other two are Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro.</p>

<p>"If anyone has some advice how to play him, come and see me in my locker room," Djokovic joked.</p>


Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title in easy fashion Tuesday, crushing 230th-ranked American Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title in easy fashion Tuesday, crushing 230th-ranked American Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena. The world number one had reached the Australian Open second round for 13 consecutive years and that streak was never threatened by the qualifier, who was making his debut at Melbourne Park. Djokovic, appearing in his 300th Grand Slam match, did drop his second service game to go 1-2 behind in the first set but broke back immediately and went on to record his 259th match win in a major against a gritty but outclassed opponent. "Playing him for the first time I didn't know what to expect," said the Serbian top seed. "He was very competitive and I had to work hard. I enjoyed it, hope you did too," he said. Djokovic closed out last season magnificently, making an astonishing climb back from outside the world's top 20 in June, winning Wimbledon and the US Open on the way to reclaiming the number one ranking in November. It was a stark contrast to the way he exited Melbourne a year ago at the hands of South Korea's Chung Hyeon in the last 16. He then struggled as elbow surgery was followed by a string of poor results. Djokovic will take a trip down memory lane next when he plays old foe Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round. Frenchman Tsonga was on the losing side in the 2008 Australian Open final as Djokovic won his first of 14 Grand Slams. "I have great respect for Jo," said Djokovic. "We will face each other again on this great court, hopefully. I am looking forward to it." Former world number four Tsonga missed seven months of 2018 after knee surgery and needed a wildcard to get into the tournament after his ranking dropped outside the top 200. But the unseeded 33-year-old, who has also reached five Grand Slam semi-finals in his career, will be a dangerous opponent, having enjoyed a run to the last four in his comeback tournament at Brisbane. And Tsonga is one of only three players to have recorded wins against Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal while the they were ranked number one. The other two are Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro. "If anyone has some advice how to play him, come and see me in my locker room," Djokovic joked.

Novak Djokovic beats Mitchell Krueger to reach second round

<p>India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-prajnesh-lose-to-americas-tiafoe-on-grand-slam-debut-ends-indias-singles-challenge-190122">first-round exit</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prajnesh, currently the country's number one singles player, lost to American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 7-6, (9-7), 6-3, 6-3 at Melbourne Park on Monday.</p>

<p>"It was a good experience. I played a good match overall, had chances in all sets. I struggled a bit with the sun, (it's) different in Australia for some reason.</p>

<p>Found it hard to adjust the serve from one side of the court," Prajnesh told PTI.</p>

<p>The World No.39 beat the Indian qualifier in a match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes.</p>

<p>He said that next time he will find a way to adjust.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Usually it's tough for the right-handers earlier in the day. Noon to 2 maybe for the lefty's. He (Tiafoe) had some issues in the first set with that. As the match went longer.</p>

<p>"That's what I noticed. It got harder for me."</p>

<p>Prajnesh fought hard in the first set which went into the tie-breaker after both players held their serve till the 12th game.</p>

<p>In the tie-breaker, Tiafoe got a mini-break and then closed the set at 9-7 in the tie-breaker.</p>

<p>Once he won the first set, the American completely dominated the 106th ranked Indian in the second and third set.</p>


India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a first-round exit.

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday said he "struggled a bit with the sun" and that it "cost" him a lot of games at the Australian Open, ending his maiden Grand Slam appearance in a first-round exit. Prajnesh, currently the country's number one singles player, lost to American Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 7-6, (9-7), 6-3, 6-3 at Melbourne Park on Monday. "It was a good experience. I played a good match overall, had chances in all sets. I struggled a bit with the sun, (it's) different in Australia for some reason. Found it hard to adjust the serve from one side of the court," Prajnesh told PTI. The World No.39 beat the Indian qualifier in a match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes. He said that next time he will find a way to adjust. "Usually it's tough for the right-handers earlier in the day. Noon to 2 maybe for the lefty's. He (Tiafoe) had some issues in the first set with that. As the match went longer. "That's what I noticed. It got harder for me." Prajnesh fought hard in the first set which went into the tie-breaker after both players held their serve till the 12th game. In the tie-breaker, Tiafoe got a mini-break and then closed the set at 9-7 in the tie-breaker. Once he won the first set, the American completely dominated the 106th ranked Indian in the second and third set.

Struggled a bit with sun and it cost me: Prajnesh after Aus Open exit

<p>Andy Murray said he would make a decision on further surgery that could end his career "within a week" after battling to a gutsy, epic five-set defeat in the Australian Open on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Scot <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-out-of-australian-open-after-five-set-thriller-190245">fought to the very end before losing</a> his Melbourne first-round match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-2&nbsp;to Roberto Bautista Agut.</p>

<p>Murray, who has said he will retire this season because of chronic hip pain, seemed finished at two sets and a break down to the 22nd seeded Spaniard in the first round but somehow battled back to force a fifth set.</p>

<p>"Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight," the three-time Grand Slam champion said after being swept along on a wave of vociferous support.</p>

<p>Murray announced at an emotional press conference on Friday that he would retire at Wimbledon this year, but conceded Monday's clash could well be his last match as he will soon need a further major operation on his damaged right hip.</p>

<p>"I have basically like two options," he told reporters. "One is to take the next four-and-a-half months off, then build up, you know, play Wimbledon.</p>

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<h5>"Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight" - Andy Murray</h5>
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<p><strong>'I'm really struggling'</strong></p>

<p>"I mean, I'm really struggling. I can't walk properly at all just now. I could play another match, but ... I want to improve my quality of life, because even if I take four months, I still can't walk.</p>

<p>"But having an operation like that, there's absolutely no guarantees I'd be able to play again. I'm fully aware of that. It's a really big operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'll probably decide in the next week or so."</p>

<p>Murray had entered a raucous Melbourne Arena to a huge ovation as Scottish Saltires and British Union flags were flown while one banner proclaimed: "There will only ever be one Andy Murray".</p>

<p>The rollicking support lifted him and despite frequently grimacing with pain he moved relatively freely as the Spaniard took the opening set in 50 minutes.</p>

<p>The in-form Bautista Agut had beaten world number one Novak Djokovic on his way to winning the Qatar Open at the start of the month and quickly took the second.</p>

<p>Bautista Agut broke for 2-1 in the third and just as the end looked like it would come quickly, Murray had the crowd, including mum Judy and brother Jamie, back on their feet after a winner down the line to break back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Right, let's go," Murray shouted and held to love with an searing ace to nudge ahead 3-2 before forcing a tiebreak which he took 7-5 with a scream of "come on" and a huge fist pump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suddenly the comeback was on.</p>

<p>The fourth set went with serve and Murray again proved the tie-break master on the fourth of his five set points -- but not before being interrupted as he served to stay in the match at 5-6 by fireworks going off at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>

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<h5>"Maybe I'll see you again" - Andy Murray</h5>
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<p><strong>'An incredible night'</strong></p>

<p>Once Bautista Agut broke in the fifth, Murray's resolve finally crumbled and the Spaniard took it 6-2. He will face unseeded Australian John Millman in the second round.</p>

<p>"That was an incredible night," said Bautista Agut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Andy deserves this atmosphere. He gave everything to the last point. I want to congratulate him for all he did for tennis."</p>

<p>Murray was then shown a big screen tribute from a whole phalanx of top players, including Roger Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki and Sloane Stephens.</p>

<p>"I've been very fortunate -- and unlucky -- to compete in an era with all those great players around" Murray said.</p>

<p>"To have the respect of your peers is a very special thing."</p>


Andy Murray said he would make a decision on further surgery that could end his career "within a week" after battling to a gutsy, epic five-set defeat in the Australian Open on Monday.

Andy Murray said he would make a decision on further surgery that could end his career "within a week" after battling to a gutsy, epic five-set defeat in the Australian Open on Monday. The Scot fought to the very end before losing his Melbourne first-round match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 to Roberto Bautista Agut. Murray, who has said he will retire this season because of chronic hip pain, seemed finished at two sets and a break down to the 22nd seeded Spaniard in the first round but somehow battled back to force a fifth set. "Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight," the three-time Grand Slam champion said after being swept along on a wave of vociferous support. Murray announced at an emotional press conference on Friday that he would retire at Wimbledon this year, but conceded Monday's clash could well be his last match as he will soon need a further major operation on his damaged right hip. "I have basically like two options," he told reporters. "One is to take the next four-and-a-half months off, then build up, you know, play Wimbledon. "Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight" - Andy Murray × 'I'm really struggling' "I mean, I'm really struggling. I can't walk properly at all just now. I could play another match, but ... I want to improve my quality of life, because even if I take four months, I still can't walk. "But having an operation like that, there's absolutely no guarantees I'd be able to play again. I'm fully aware of that. It's a really big operation. "I'll probably decide in the next week or so." Murray had entered a raucous Melbourne Arena to a huge ovation as Scottish Saltires and British Union flags were flown while one banner proclaimed: "There will only ever be one Andy Murray". The rollicking support lifted him and despite frequently grimacing with pain he moved relatively freely as the Spaniard took the opening set in 50 minutes. The in-form Bautista Agut had beaten world number one Novak Djokovic on his way to winning the Qatar Open at the start of the month and quickly took the second. Bautista Agut broke for 2-1 in the third and just as the end looked like it would come quickly, Murray had the crowd, including mum Judy and brother Jamie, back on their feet after a winner down the line to break back. "Right, let's go," Murray shouted and held to love with an searing ace to nudge ahead 3-2 before forcing a tiebreak which he took 7-5 with a scream of "come on" and a huge fist pump. Suddenly the comeback was on. The fourth set went with serve and Murray again proved the tie-break master on the fourth of his five set points -- but not before being interrupted as he served to stay in the match at 5-6 by fireworks going off at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground. "Maybe I'll see you again" - Andy Murray × 'An incredible night' Once Bautista Agut broke in the fifth, Murray's resolve finally crumbled and the Spaniard took it 6-2. He will face unseeded Australian John Millman in the second round. "That was an incredible night," said Bautista Agut. "Andy deserves this atmosphere. He gave everything to the last point. I want to congratulate him for all he did for tennis." Murray was then shown a big screen tribute from a whole phalanx of top players, including Roger Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki and Sloane Stephens. "I've been very fortunate -- and unlucky -- to compete in an era with all those great players around" Murray said. "To have the respect of your peers is a very special thing."

Andy Murray to make career decision 'in next week' after Australian Open exit

<p>Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 31-year-old Scot - who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 - announced last Friday retirement was on the cards due to a chronic hip injury.</p>

<p>He then choked back tears and broke down as he revealed he hoped to end his career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open which began Monday could be his last event because the constant pain was so bad.</p>

<p>Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, said Murray could well be honoured in the same manner as fellow Briton and multiple Wimbledon men's singles champion Fred Perry.</p>

<p>Perry - who won three successive Wimbledon titles from 1934-36 - had a statue unveiled in 1984.</p>

<p>"We always felt that when Andy retired, that would be the appropriate time to recognise his extraordinary career," said Lewis.</p>

<p>"I am sure something like (a statue) will be done, but meanwhile down at the club he is seen as a highly-respected person both on and off the court."</p>


Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC. The 31-year-old Scot - who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 - announced last Friday retirement was on the cards due to a chronic hip injury. He then choked back tears and broke down as he revealed he hoped to end his career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open which began Monday could be his last event because the constant pain was so bad. Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, said Murray could well be honoured in the same manner as fellow Briton and multiple Wimbledon men's singles champion Fred Perry. Perry - who won three successive Wimbledon titles from 1934-36 - had a statue unveiled in 1984. "We always felt that when Andy retired, that would be the appropriate time to recognise his extraordinary career," said Lewis. "I am sure something like (a statue) will be done, but meanwhile down at the club he is seen as a highly-respected person both on and off the court."

Andy Murray likely to have statue erected: Wimbledon CEO

<p>Roger Federer warmed up for a run at a record seventh Australian Open title Monday by breezing past Uzbek Denis Istomin to book a spot in the second round.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old Swiss master made light of his assignment on Rod Laver Arena, wrapping up the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 as he confidently began his title defence.</p>

<p>"I'm very happy with my first round, to be honest," he said.</p>

<p>"It's been great. I felt the ball really good."</p>

<p>Federer has won the last two tournaments at Melbourne Park in a late-career resurgence and is now angling for a 21st major victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His achievements so far put him on a par with other six-time winners Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson - although the Australian great's victories all came before the Open era.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Make it 15 straight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> wins for the champ 👑<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> def. Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-4. <a href="https://t.co/LK08aifDcP">pic.twitter.com/LK08aifDcP</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084797395223756801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It's disbelief really that I'm the double defending champion at my age," he said, adding that it was a "fairytale challenge" to be going for another one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm going to try everything possible (to win again) and leave it all on the court. I will give it everything I've got."</p>

<p>Federer led from the outset, saying it allowed him to swing freely, particularly since his serve had clicked straight into place at the season-opening Grand Slam.</p>

<p>"When you trust your second serve, you can go after your first serve," he said. "I think I can be happy how I got out of the blocks from the off-season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's always the most tricky part, because if you don't get broken much, or hardly ever, not at all... you can really try out different things."</p>

<p>Federer came into the tournament in a buoyant mood after teaming with fellow Swiss Belinda Bencic to win a second succesive mixed teams Hopman Cup title in Perth this month.</p>

<p>"I served and volleyed in the mixed doubles all the time and spent a lot of time at net," he said. "I've been feeling good at net for quite some time now."</p>

<p>Istomin caused a massive upset in Melbourne two years ago when he knocked out defending champion Novak Djokovic in the second round, but was no match for the Swiss great.</p>

<p>The writing was on the wall with Federer winning all six of their previous meetings.</p>

<p>"It was great to be back here, I was brought some good energy and played some good shots," said third seed Federer.</p>

<p>The world number three next plays Britain's Daniel Evans, who battled past Japan's Tatsuma Ito in three sets.</p>


Roger Federer warmed up for a run at a record seventh Australian Open title Monday by breezing past Uzbek Denis Istomin to book a spot in the second round. The 37-year-old Swiss master made light of his assignment on Rod Laver Arena, wrapping up the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 as he confidently began his title defence.

Roger Federer warmed up for a run at a record seventh Australian Open title Monday by breezing past Uzbek Denis Istomin to book a spot in the second round. The 37-year-old Swiss master made light of his assignment on Rod Laver Arena, wrapping up the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 as he confidently began his title defence. "I'm very happy with my first round, to be honest," he said. "It's been great. I felt the ball really good." Federer has won the last two tournaments at Melbourne Park in a late-career resurgence and is now angling for a 21st major victory. His achievements so far put him on a par with other six-time winners Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson - although the Australian great's victories all came before the Open era. Make it 15 straight #AusOpen wins for the champ 👑@rogerfederer def. Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-4. pic.twitter.com/LK08aifDcP — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × "It's disbelief really that I'm the double defending champion at my age," he said, adding that it was a "fairytale challenge" to be going for another one. "I'm going to try everything possible (to win again) and leave it all on the court. I will give it everything I've got." Federer led from the outset, saying it allowed him to swing freely, particularly since his serve had clicked straight into place at the season-opening Grand Slam. "When you trust your second serve, you can go after your first serve," he said. "I think I can be happy how I got out of the blocks from the off-season. "That's always the most tricky part, because if you don't get broken much, or hardly ever, not at all... you can really try out different things." Federer came into the tournament in a buoyant mood after teaming with fellow Swiss Belinda Bencic to win a second succesive mixed teams Hopman Cup title in Perth this month. "I served and volleyed in the mixed doubles all the time and spent a lot of time at net," he said. "I've been feeling good at net for quite some time now." Istomin caused a massive upset in Melbourne two years ago when he knocked out defending champion Novak Djokovic in the second round, but was no match for the Swiss great. The writing was on the wall with Federer winning all six of their previous meetings. "It was great to be back here, I was brought some good energy and played some good shots," said third seed Federer. The world number three next plays Britain's Daniel Evans, who battled past Japan's Tatsuma Ito in three sets.

Australian Open: Roger Federer sweeps into round two

<p>Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open.</p>

<p>Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets. That&nbsp;however was as far as he could take it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He finally lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so so much to everyone that came out tonight," Murray said after the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Maybe I'll see you again."</p>

<p>Murray had said before the tournament that he will be retiring after Wimbledon this year. But that the constant pain in his hip may allow him to go no further than the Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I'll need to have a big operation which there's no guarantees I'll come back from. But I'll give it my best shot," Murray said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In his last <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short.<br />
<br />
Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. <a href="https://t.co/CoiObtKQue">pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084783634941239296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He went out in the most Andy Murray way possible.<br />
<br />
Fighting until the end 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/aI28iEJ64T">pic.twitter.com/aI28iEJ64T</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084792440869908485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The audience gave Murray a standing ovation before he started serving in the fifth set.</p>

<p>And an emotional tribute to him from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and&nbsp;Novak Djokovic was played out on a big screen after the match.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An amazing tennis player.<br />
<br />
But an even better person.<br />
<br />
Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRPBLC2zY6">pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084789880360554496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bautista Agut will face the unseeded John Millman of Australia in the second round of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>


Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open. Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets.

Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open. Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets. That however was as far as he could take it. He finally lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2. "Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so so much to everyone that came out tonight," Murray said after the game. "Maybe I'll see you again." Murray had said before the tournament that he will be retiring after Wimbledon this year. But that the constant pain in his hip may allow him to go no further than the Australian Open. "I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I'll need to have a big operation which there's no guarantees I'll come back from. But I'll give it my best shot," Murray said. "Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight." In his last #AusOpen match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short. Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × He went out in the most Andy Murray way possible. Fighting until the end 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aI28iEJ64T — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × The audience gave Murray a standing ovation before he started serving in the fifth set. And an emotional tribute to him from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic was played out on a big screen after the match. An amazing tennis player. But an even better person. Thank you, @andy_murray 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × Bautista Agut will face the unseeded John Millman of Australia in the second round of the tournament.

His last game? Andy Murray out of Australian Open after five-set thriller

<p>Spain's tennis star<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-rafael-nadal-roars-past-james-duckworth-to-enter-2nd-round-190137"> Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth</a> 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a></strong></p>

<p>Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference.<br />
<br />
Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepIsForTheWeak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepIsForTheWeak</a> <a href="https://t.co/dFf8yCWpie">pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie</a></p>
— Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beeorlicious/status/1084713966620852224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.&nbsp;</p>


Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.

Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist. On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?" Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena. A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂#AusOpen #SleepIsForTheWeak pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie — Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) January 14, 2019 × He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying." Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal wins, journalist sleeps at press conference, watch what happens

<p>Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a></strong></p>

<p>The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.&nbsp;</p>


Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday. The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena. Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles. Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki through to 2nd round with comfortable win

Serena Williams, Andy Murray, heat and tiebreaks, here's a list of talking points at Australian Open 2019

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