The Australian Open is already mired in a series of controversies. More than 70 players are in hard quarantine. More players have tested positive. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Controversy hits Australian Open

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. 
 
Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement. 
 
The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said. 
 
"They will not be eligible to practise." 
 
Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles. 
 
According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight. 
 
Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had. 
 
Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result". 
 
Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible." 
 
Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi. 
 
Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training. 
 
"Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet. 
 
Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette". 
 
New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room. 
 
"I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page. 
 
He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty". 
 
After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note. 
 
"If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted. 
 
Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8. 
&nbsp;

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne.

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19. A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement. The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said. "They will not be eligible to practise." Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles. According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight. Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had. Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result". Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible." Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi. Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training. "Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet. Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette". New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room. "I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page. He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty". After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note. "If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted. Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8.

Tennis: COVID cases on player flights leave Australian Open buildup in disarray

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is hopeful that fans will be allowed to enter the arenas for next year's Australia Open that is scheduled to be held in January. Spectators are still barred from most stadiums amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-reaches-atp-finals-semis-rafael-nadal-showdown-still-on-344422" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic reaches ATP Finals semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on</a>

Majority of tennis events, held after COVID-19 stoppage, have been played in empty stadiums, with a select few allowing fans in few numbers to attend with social distancing protocols in place to curb the spread of the virus.

"If Australia happens, I'm hearing that we are going to have at least 50 per cent of the capacity of the stadium. That's a lot, I think even 10 per cent would be huge for us at this stage," Djokovic said after moving into the semis of the ATP Finals in London.

"Just hearing the applause and hearing the fans and sensing their energy and their emotion and their kind of excitement for being there and cheering you on on the court, that's something that I think we're all missing."

Defending champion and world no. one Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open for a record eight times. He said he hoped the feeling of "walking into an empty stadium" would be temporary but was glad they were able to resume the season this year despite the pandemic.

"Strange is probably the right word to describe the season, but nevertheless I still feel like we played a lot of tournaments considering we had a six-months gap in the middle of the season," he added.

"We still managed to play three out of four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals and some big Masters 1000 events like Cincinnati and Rome."

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is hopeful that fans will be allowed to enter the arenas for next year's Australia Open that is scheduled to be held in January. Spectators are still barred from most stadiums amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is hopeful that fans will be allowed to enter the arenas for next year's Australia Open that is scheduled to be held in January. Spectators are still barred from most stadiums amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: Novak Djokovic reaches ATP Finals semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on Majority of tennis events, held after COVID-19 stoppage, have been played in empty stadiums, with a select few allowing fans in few numbers to attend with social distancing protocols in place to curb the spread of the virus. "If Australia happens, I'm hearing that we are going to have at least 50 per cent of the capacity of the stadium. That's a lot, I think even 10 per cent would be huge for us at this stage," Djokovic said after moving into the semis of the ATP Finals in London. "Just hearing the applause and hearing the fans and sensing their energy and their emotion and their kind of excitement for being there and cheering you on on the court, that's something that I think we're all missing." Defending champion and world no. one Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open for a record eight times. He said he hoped the feeling of "walking into an empty stadium" would be temporary but was glad they were able to resume the season this year despite the pandemic. "Strange is probably the right word to describe the season, but nevertheless I still feel like we played a lot of tournaments considering we had a six-months gap in the middle of the season," he added. "We still managed to play three out of four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals and some big Masters 1000 events like Cincinnati and Rome."

Australian Open crowds at 10 per cent capacity would be a boon, says  Novak Djokovic

Ash Barty's dream of ending her nation's 42-year wait for a homegrown <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-brutal-barty-demolishes-rybakina-to-reach-melbourne-last-16-276222">Australian Open champion</a> lay in tatters on Thursday after the world number one crumbled on the big points in a straight-sets semi-final defeat to Sofia Kenin. The 23-year-old Queenslander beat a hasty retreat from Rod Laver Arena after losing her first Melbourne semi-final 7-6(6) 7-5, shaking her head ruefully as she walked down the player's tunnel.

While it was Kenin left to march on to the final, much of the one hour, 45-minute clash had been on Barty's terms, her artful backhand slice carving open the American time and time again.

But just as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barty-wins-adelaide-title-in-australian-open-boost-275094">Barty looked poised</a> to claim the first set, leading 6-4 in the tiebreak, she faltered, losing four points in a row to gift Kenin the lead. 
Barty had another two chances to level when on serve at 5-4 in the second set but again could not convert. She failed to land six first serves in a row, allowing Kenin to break back, hold serve to love and then break again to seal an unlikely win.

<img alt="Ashleigh Barty" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39bf8f47-3f9e-4087-a644-0e04d5c9f0ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_11.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Australia’s Ashleigh&nbsp;Barty&nbsp;waves as she leaves the court after losing her match against Sofia Kenin (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

As French Open champion and world number one, home fans had inevitably hoped for more from Barty but she made no apologies as she came into her post-match media conference cradling Olivia, her baby niece. The three-month-old, occasionally gurgling and fidgeting, was a reminder that life goes on, yet there was a touch of defensiveness about Barty as she looked up at a room full of reporters and muttered: "Righto, here we go."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pressure-cranks-up-as-barty-reaches-first-australian-open-semi-final-277055">Pressure cranks up as Barty reaches first Australian Open semi-final</a>

Barty gave credit where credit was due, praising the performance of the 14th seeded American, and acknowledged she had not played the big points well. But the occasion had not got to her, she said. "Not at all. I've been in a Grand Slam semi-final before. Yes, it's different at home," she said. "I enjoyed the experience. I love being out there. I've loved every minute of playing in Australia over the last month. "I could have had an opportunity to go one more match, but we didn't quite get that today."

Lessons into practice

Barty is hardly the first home favourite to suffer disappointment at Melbourne Park. Since Chris O'Neil claimed the women's tournament in 1978, world number ones and Grand Slam champions alike have gone close but fallen short.

Twice Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt's trip to the 2005 final, where he was beaten by Marat Safin, remains the nearest miss in the modern era. Barty, still early in her career, should have plenty more chances to break the drought and said she had already learned plenty about being world number one at a home Grand Slam.

"I won't wait a year to put those (lessons) into practice," she said. "I'll put those into practice next week. The next time I walk out on the court, the next time I wake up in the morning, every experience you need to learn from. I've done that. "I can't wait to get started for the rest of the year. I feel like it's going to happen pretty quickly and we're going to be back sitting at this table with an Australian summer next year."

Ash Barty's dream of ending her nation's 42-year wait for a homegrown Australian Open champion lay in tatters on Thursday after the world number one crumbled on the big points in a straight-sets semi-final defeat to Sofia Kenin.

Ash Barty's dream of ending her nation's 42-year wait for a homegrown Australian Open champion lay in tatters on Thursday after the world number one crumbled on the big points in a straight-sets semi-final defeat to Sofia Kenin. The 23-year-old Queenslander beat a hasty retreat from Rod Laver Arena after losing her first Melbourne semi-final 7-6(6) 7-5, shaking her head ruefully as she walked down the player's tunnel. While it was Kenin left to march on to the final, much of the one hour, 45-minute clash had been on Barty's terms, her artful backhand slice carving open the American time and time again. But just as Barty looked poised to claim the first set, leading 6-4 in the tiebreak, she faltered, losing four points in a row to gift Kenin the lead. Barty had another two chances to level when on serve at 5-4 in the second set but again could not convert. She failed to land six first serves in a row, allowing Kenin to break back, hold serve to love and then break again to seal an unlikely win. [ Australia’s Ashleigh Barty waves as she leaves the court after losing her match against Sofia Kenin (Courtesy: Reuters) ] As French Open champion and world number one, home fans had inevitably hoped for more from Barty but she made no apologies as she came into her post-match media conference cradling Olivia, her baby niece. The three-month-old, occasionally gurgling and fidgeting, was a reminder that life goes on, yet there was a touch of defensiveness about Barty as she looked up at a room full of reporters and muttered: "Righto, here we go." Also Read: Pressure cranks up as Barty reaches first Australian Open semi-final Barty gave credit where credit was due, praising the performance of the 14th seeded American, and acknowledged she had not played the big points well. But the occasion had not got to her, she said. "Not at all. I've been in a Grand Slam semi-final before. Yes, it's different at home," she said. "I enjoyed the experience. I love being out there. I've loved every minute of playing in Australia over the last month. "I could have had an opportunity to go one more match, but we didn't quite get that today." Lessons into practice Barty is hardly the first home favourite to suffer disappointment at Melbourne Park. Since Chris O'Neil claimed the women's tournament in 1978, world number ones and Grand Slam champions alike have gone close but fallen short. Twice Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt's trip to the 2005 final, where he was beaten by Marat Safin, remains the nearest miss in the modern era. Barty, still early in her career, should have plenty more chances to break the drought and said she had already learned plenty about being world number one at a home Grand Slam. "I won't wait a year to put those (lessons) into practice," she said. "I'll put those into practice next week. The next time I walk out on the court, the next time I wake up in the morning, every experience you need to learn from. I've done that. "I can't wait to get started for the rest of the year. I feel like it's going to happen pretty quickly and we're going to be back sitting at this table with an Australian summer next year."

Ash Barty loses semi-final to Sofia Kenin; dream of winning Aussie Open shattered

Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille.&nbsp;

What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations.&nbsp;

Kyrgios might face Nadal in the fourth round.&nbsp;

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When <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> tells you to get out, you get out. 
 
Home Slam Advantage 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/gbxQTAL3og">pic.twitter.com/gbxQTAL3og</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220265468696637442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aussie tennis player Kyrgios's relationship with World No 1 Nadal has not been hidden from the world.

They share a sour relationship. Their rivalry off-court began after Nadal was irritated with Kygrios' underarm serve in Acapulco last year, to which Nadal said that he 'lacks respect'.&nbsp;

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Just <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> doing what Rafael Nadal does best 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/lSVJxmAba8">pic.twitter.com/lSVJxmAba8</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220290760542752768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Following this, Nick did not hesitate to call the Spaniard 'super-salty'. During the Wimbledon match between the two, Kyrgios' bad behaviour during the match came in light.&nbsp;

Kyrgios has also criticised Nadal for the time he takes between points.&nbsp;

When he was asked about who did a better impression of the Spaniard, he said: "I don't wear underwear, so probably Gilles'."

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The man who started it all lays down five aces to add $500 to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> takes the first set 6-2.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/TnLQLbVTUa">pic.twitter.com/TnLQLbVTUa</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220263864924884992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The two have met 7 times on the tennis court, in which Nadal leads 4-3 over the Aussie. Kyrgios, However, edges past Rafael Nadal 2-1 on hard courts. &nbsp;

The two might not agree on everything, but one thing they stood together is for the relief efforts for Australian Bushfire relief workers. Nadal and Kygios have donated a generous amount for the relief funds in Australia.&nbsp;

Nadal, along with Roger Federer decided to donate $250,000 in the 'Rally for relief' initiative before the commencement of the tournament.

Aussie Showman promised A$200 per ace, he hit 28 aces against Simon.

Former tennis legend John McEnroe has also said he will contribute A$1,000 to the appeal for each set Kyrgios wins in the tournament.

Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille. What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations.

Nick Kyrgios has reached the third round of the Australian Open in style, after beating Frenchman Simon Gille. What caught the eye was both players mimicking Nadal's service routine when they were given time violations. Kyrgios might face Nadal in the fourth round. When @NickKyrgios tells you to get out, you get out. Home Slam Advantage 😁#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/gbxQTAL3og — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × Aussie tennis player Kyrgios's relationship with World No 1 Nadal has not been hidden from the world. They share a sour relationship. Their rivalry off-court began after Nadal was irritated with Kygrios' underarm serve in Acapulco last year, to which Nadal said that he 'lacks respect'. Just @RafaelNadal doing what Rafael Nadal does best 💯#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lSVJxmAba8 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × Following this, Nick did not hesitate to call the Spaniard 'super-salty'. During the Wimbledon match between the two, Kyrgios' bad behaviour during the match came in light. Kyrgios has also criticised Nadal for the time he takes between points. When he was asked about who did a better impression of the Spaniard, he said: "I don't wear underwear, so probably Gilles'." The man who started it all lays down five aces to add $500 to #Aces4BushfireRelief.@NickKyrgios takes the first set 6-2.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TnLQLbVTUa — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × The two have met 7 times on the tennis court, in which Nadal leads 4-3 over the Aussie. Kyrgios, However, edges past Rafael Nadal 2-1 on hard courts. The two might not agree on everything, but one thing they stood together is for the relief efforts for Australian Bushfire relief workers. Nadal and Kygios have donated a generous amount for the relief funds in Australia. Nadal, along with Roger Federer decided to donate $250,000 in the 'Rally for relief' initiative before the commencement of the tournament. Aussie Showman promised A$200 per ace, he hit 28 aces against Simon. Former tennis legend John McEnroe has also said he will contribute A$1,000 to the appeal for each set Kyrgios wins in the tournament.

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racquet-kicking-osaka-admits-she-was-a-bit-childish-275957">Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish'</a>

The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round.

Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka.&nbsp;

Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round.&nbsp;

She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets.&nbsp;

World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win.&nbsp;

The match will take place on Friday.&nbsp;

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0. Also read- Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish' The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round. Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka. Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round. She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets. World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win. The match will take place on Friday.

Australian Open: Defending champion Osaka set to face 15-year-old Gauff

Showman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../melbourne-park-ready-to-embrace-the-kyrgios- that-cares-275257">Nick Kyrgios</a> admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-cruises-to-round-three-after-beating-argentine-federico-delbonis-276232">Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis</a>

The 24-year-old had the measure of the veteran early on then lost concentration and became agitated before refocusing to win 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 on his favoured Melbourne Arena.

It set up a third-round clash with Russian 16th seed Karen Khachanov who beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer in five sets, with the winner on course to meet world number one Rafael&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;in round four.

"I definitely lost my way a little bit... but I decided to refocus," Kyrgios said of his mini-meltdown in the third set. "I could have gone to a very dark place in the fourth set.

"I put my head down, I told myself, 'Just cut the bullshit and just get to work'. I got the break at 5-all. It was a good feeling to get through that."

And in a sign of a new-found maturity, he apologised to his player box after admonishing them when he was under pressure in the third set.

"I apologised as soon as I went back into the locker room. They don't deserve that," he said.&nbsp;

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"The whole tennis world is behind it now... everyone deserves a bit of praise." <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> leading from the front for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a> fund 👏 
 
Join Nick and others here: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/EQuoGbbgUU">pic.twitter.com/EQuoGbbgUU</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220302111034019840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"They do a lot of things for me on and off the court. No, it's not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them."

Kyrgios has spoken of how the bushfire crisis in his homeland has given him perspective and focus, and that he felt he was playing for the nation rather than just himself.

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Nick reigns supreme 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> holds firm against Gilles Simon, def. the Frenchman 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5 and reaching the third round at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> for the fourth time.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/LsSeFKzPDf">pic.twitter.com/LsSeFKzPDf</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220299978310070275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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And with the roars of the crowd ringing in his ears, he broke the Frenchman in the first game and consolidated by holding serve.

Kyrgios looked sharp and broke again for 5-2 then served out the set, sending down five aces and, crucially, making only two unforced errors.

Simon was struggling with his serve and the Australian broke again for a 1-0 lead in the second set, making some big shots when it counted.

It went with serve before Kyrgios, watched again by his ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, won the set with another rocket serve.

He broke Simon again early in the third set, letting out a huge "C'mon!"

But the Frenchman broke back as Kyrgios started to lose concentration in game eight, berating himself and gesturing to his box as frustrations kicked in.

He lost the set as his focus drifted and he yelled at his box: "Of all the things you could say, 'Stay tough'. Thanks, man, thanks. That's what I get, every breakpoint, 'Stay tough'. Wow."

But the Australian conquered his mental demons to regroup, getting a crucial break to go 6-5 up in the fourth and completing victory with a big ace, his 28th of the match.

"I feel good physically. That's probably the positive I take out of today," said Kyrgios.&nbsp;

"Long rallies, long match... I feel fine at the moment."

Showman Nick Kyrgios admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open.

Showman Nick Kyrgios admitted Thursday he was on the verge of going "to a very dark place", but he put his head down to pull off a confidence-boosting win over Frenchman Gilles Simon at the Australian Open. Also read- Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis The 24-year-old had the measure of the veteran early on then lost concentration and became agitated before refocusing to win 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 on his favoured Melbourne Arena. It set up a third-round clash with Russian 16th seed Karen Khachanov who beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer in five sets, with the winner on course to meet world number one Rafael Nadal in round four. "I definitely lost my way a little bit... but I decided to refocus," Kyrgios said of his mini-meltdown in the third set. "I could have gone to a very dark place in the fourth set. "I put my head down, I told myself, 'Just cut the bullshit and just get to work'. I got the break at 5-all. It was a good feeling to get through that." And in a sign of a new-found maturity, he apologised to his player box after admonishing them when he was under pressure in the third set. "I apologised as soon as I went back into the locker room. They don't deserve that," he said. "The whole tennis world is behind it now... everyone deserves a bit of praise." @NickKyrgios leading from the front for the #Aces4BushfireRelief fund 👏 Join Nick and others here: https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EQuoGbbgUU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × "They do a lot of things for me on and off the court. No, it's not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them." Kyrgios has spoken of how the bushfire crisis in his homeland has given him perspective and focus, and that he felt he was playing for the nation rather than just himself. Nick reigns supreme 🙌@NickKyrgios holds firm against Gilles Simon, def. the Frenchman 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5 and reaching the third round at the #AusOpen for the fourth time.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/LsSeFKzPDf — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × And with the roars of the crowd ringing in his ears, he broke the Frenchman in the first game and consolidated by holding serve. Kyrgios looked sharp and broke again for 5-2 then served out the set, sending down five aces and, crucially, making only two unforced errors. Simon was struggling with his serve and the Australian broke again for a 1-0 lead in the second set, making some big shots when it counted. It went with serve before Kyrgios, watched again by his ATP Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, won the set with another rocket serve. He broke Simon again early in the third set, letting out a huge "C'mon!" But the Frenchman broke back as Kyrgios started to lose concentration in game eight, berating himself and gesturing to his box as frustrations kicked in. He lost the set as his focus drifted and he yelled at his box: "Of all the things you could say, 'Stay tough'. Thanks, man, thanks. That's what I get, every breakpoint, 'Stay tough'. Wow." But the Australian conquered his mental demons to regroup, getting a crucial break to go 6-5 up in the fourth and completing victory with a big ace, his 28th of the match. "I feel good physically. That's probably the positive I take out of today," said Kyrgios. "Long rallies, long match... I feel fine at the moment."

Australian Open: Maturing Kyrgios pulls back from 'dark place' for win

Spanish tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australian-open-nadal-djokovic-and-federer-go- through-first-round-rain-plays-spoil-spot-275705">Rafael Nadal</a> on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open.

The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets.

Nadal defeated Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 to march into the third round. The 33-year-old did not give his opponent any chance in the first set and dropped just three games to take the momentum in his corner.

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ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. 
 
And nor will <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> I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/pnOiQUWxOc">pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc</a>
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In the second set, Delbonis provided a challenge to the world number one, but Nadal went on to maintain his composure to take the set 7-6. 
With two sets in his corner, Nadal decimated his opponent in the final set, dropping just one game and hence winning the match.

Nadal will next face Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had also progressed to the third round of the tournament.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open. The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open. The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets. Nadal defeated Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 to march into the third round. The 33-year-old did not give his opponent any chance in the first set and dropped just three games to take the momentum in his corner. ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. And nor will @RafaelNadal #AusOpen I #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × In the second set, Delbonis provided a challenge to the world number one, but Nadal went on to maintain his composure to take the set 7-6. With two sets in his corner, Nadal decimated his opponent in the final set, dropping just one game and hence winning the match. Nadal will next face Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round on Saturday. On Wednesday, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had also progressed to the third round of the tournament.

Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis

Defending champion Novak Djokovic credited a newly refined serve for his eight-game unbeaten streak this season after he romped past Japanese wildcard Tatsuma Ito to reach the Australian Open third round.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic credited a newly refined serve for his eight-game unbeaten streak this season after he romped past Japanese wildcard Tatsuma Ito to reach the Australian Open third round. The Serbian star gave up just seven games against the world number 146 in the 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 workout on Rod Laver Arena which lasted just 95 minutes. 3R let’s go idemooo 💪🏼 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/zzB7JDX5zR — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 22, 2020 × Djokovic has been taking tips from serving maestro Goran Ivanisevic and fired down 16 aces against Ito to extend his ominous run after winning six matches with Serbia at the ATP Cup. "My serve was working extremely well in the first round and second round. That's something I worked on in the off-season," said Djokovic, who is gunning for a 17th Grand Slam title and his eighth in Melbourne. "That's one of the priorities I guess of the training sessions, trying to get that I think the advantage of winning a lot of easy points on the first serve. "It has been paying off so far I think in ATP Cup and here, two matches." His reward is a clash against another Japanese, Yoshihito Nishioka, who beat Britain's Dan Evans in three sets. It was Djokovic's 70th match win at Melbourne Park to only eight defeats, but one of those losses was against another wildcard -- Denis Istomin -- in the second round three years ago. Perhaps with that in mind, he came out with all guns blazing, racing through the first set in just 22 minutes. The 32-year-old dropped a set in a tough opening clash on Monday against German Jan-Lennard Struff, and against the odds, Ito pressed hard to level the match in the second set. Also Read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze 'Fighting till the end' The experienced Japanese, bidding to reach a Grand Slam third round for the first time, cut down on his error rate to push Djokovic around the court and get into the rallies. But the Serb inevitably got the break he was chasing in game nine when Ito fluffed a forehand and he quickly served it out, blasting down an ace to go two sets ahead. Djokovic, bidding for a 17th Grand Slam title, had never lost a Slam match to a player ranked as low as Ito and the Japanese couldn't sustain his level, leaking errors as the world number two galloped to the finish line. The world number two praised Ito "for fighting till the end", with both players struggling to master the windy conditions at Melbourne Park. "I don't think players enjoy these kinds of conditions, to be honest. But it is what it is," Djokovic said. "You have to accept them and embrace the fact that, I guess, you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent, but also the conditions." Djokovic is seeking to become only the third man to win eight or more titles at the same Grand Slam after Rafael Nadal (12 at Roland Garros) and Roger Federer (eight at Wimbledon).

New power serve sends Djokovic into Aussie Open round three

Fears of more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">disruption to the Australian Open</a> from bushfire smoke receded on Saturday as hundreds of children flooded the Melbourne Park precinct under sunny skies on Kid's Day at the year's first Grand Slam.

Victoria's Environmental Protection Authority rated the air quality in central Melbourne as "good" and the final round of qualifying for the multi-million dollar tournament got underway on schedule.

That was in stark contrast to earlier rounds of the qualifying tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday when players complained of breathing problems and Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic was forced to retire after a coughing fit.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rain-offers-hope-in-australian-bushfire-fight-274119">Rain offers hope in Australian bushfire fight</a>

Reports indicate that more than 100 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-and-federer-pledge-a250000-towards-relief-workers-in-charity-event-274432">bushfires still burn</a> in eastern Australia on Saturday despite storms now lashing many of the areas destroyed by the conflagrations that have killed 29 people and millions of animals since September.

Tournament chief Craig Tiley has staunchly defended the decision to continue playing through the smog-filled days with only minor delays and expressed full confidence in the systems in place to ensure the health of the players.

<img alt="General view of flags in front of the Melbourne Skyline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42dfd257-8622-48c2-ada3-16964a39d9d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29.jpg" /> 
( General view of flags in front of the Melbourne Skyline [Courtesy : Reuters] )

The Air Quality Policy for the tournament was made public on Friday with its thresholds for suspending play, although the referee still maintains the ultimate discretion to keep the players on the court.

Kyle Edmund made the semi-finals two years ago when extreme heat triggered similar discussions about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">player welfare at the Australian Open</a> and he thought organisers were taking the smoke threat seriously.

"It just has to be safe to play, really," the Briton, who plays Dusan Lajovic in the first round on Monday, told reporters.

"I think this is just more unique, the heat has been here for hundreds of years so it's hot when you come to Australia, it's not a surprise."

"Obviously the tournament doesn't want players pulling out or collapsing. I don't think they are just playing because they want to play and ignoring players' comments, because it will come back (on them) in a bad way if it's unhealthy."

Tiley, Edmund said, had explained the measures organisers were taking and the Air Quality Policy at an ATP meeting on Friday and most players appeared to be reassured, even if they did not entirely absorb all the details.

"Yeah, I don't know if I can actually say what was discussed. I will try to keep away from it," fourth seed Daniil Medvedev told reporters with a smile.

"I think the conditions for the players will be good."

According to the policy, a discussion overplay being suspended will be held when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is measured between 97 and 200 micrograms per cubic metre and stopped if that rating exceeds the 200 mark.

Medvedev plays American Frances Tiafoe in his first-round match on Tuesday and so should miss the forecast stormy weather that now perhaps presents a bigger threat than the smoke to a smooth opening day on Monday.

Fears of more disruption to the Australian Open from bushfire smoke receded on Saturday as hundreds of children flooded the Melbourne Park precinct under sunny skies on Kid's Day at the year's first Grand Slam.

Fears of more disruption to the Australian Open from bushfire smoke receded on Saturday as hundreds of children flooded the Melbourne Park precinct under sunny skies on Kid's Day at the year's first Grand Slam. Victoria's Environmental Protection Authority rated the air quality in central Melbourne as "good" and the final round of qualifying for the multi-million dollar tournament got underway on schedule. That was in stark contrast to earlier rounds of the qualifying tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday when players complained of breathing problems and Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic was forced to retire after a coughing fit. Also Read: Rain offers hope in Australian bushfire fight Reports indicate that more than 100 bushfires still burn in eastern Australia on Saturday despite storms now lashing many of the areas destroyed by the conflagrations that have killed 29 people and millions of animals since September. Tournament chief Craig Tiley has staunchly defended the decision to continue playing through the smog-filled days with only minor delays and expressed full confidence in the systems in place to ensure the health of the players. ( General view of flags in front of the Melbourne Skyline [Courtesy : Reuters] ) The Air Quality Policy for the tournament was made public on Friday with its thresholds for suspending play, although the referee still maintains the ultimate discretion to keep the players on the court. Kyle Edmund made the semi-finals two years ago when extreme heat triggered similar discussions about player welfare at the Australian Open and he thought organisers were taking the smoke threat seriously. "It just has to be safe to play, really," the Briton, who plays Dusan Lajovic in the first round on Monday, told reporters. "I think this is just more unique, the heat has been here for hundreds of years so it's hot when you come to Australia, it's not a surprise." "Obviously the tournament doesn't want players pulling out or collapsing. I don't think they are just playing because they want to play and ignoring players' comments, because it will come back (on them) in a bad way if it's unhealthy." Tiley, Edmund said, had explained the measures organisers were taking and the Air Quality Policy at an ATP meeting on Friday and most players appeared to be reassured, even if they did not entirely absorb all the details. "Yeah, I don't know if I can actually say what was discussed. I will try to keep away from it," fourth seed Daniil Medvedev told reporters with a smile. "I think the conditions for the players will be good." According to the policy, a discussion overplay being suspended will be held when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is measured between 97 and 200 micrograms per cubic metre and stopped if that rating exceeds the 200 mark. Medvedev plays American Frances Tiafoe in his first-round match on Tuesday and so should miss the forecast stormy weather that now perhaps presents a bigger threat than the smoke to a smooth opening day on Monday.

Smoke threat recedes as Australian Open approaches

Two-time Grand Slam champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-prize-pool-jumps-to-49-million-biggest-gains-for-early-rounds-269945">Naomi&nbsp;Osaka</a>&nbsp;began her 2020 season with a 6-2 6-7(4) 6-3 victory over Maria Sakkari in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday.

Osaka&nbsp;fired 16 aces and broke her Greek opponent four times in the two hour, seven minutes encounter, but struggled in the second set tiebreak when Sakkari won five points in a row before squaring the match on an unforced error from the Japanese.

The pair traded breaks in the opening stages of the final set before former world number one&nbsp;Osaka&nbsp;clinched victory, despite double faulting on her first match point.

"I knew going into it that it was going to be a really hard match," world number four&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-serena-williams-to-compete-at-us-open-236864">Osaka</a>&nbsp;said. "I think in the second set I was just complaining a lot in the tiebreak. I was just trying to calm down and stay positive."

Former US&nbsp;Open champion Sloane Stephens, 24th in the WTA rankings, fell at the first hurdle to Liudmila Samsonova, who is ranked more than 100 places below her. The 129th ranked Russian won 6-4 2-6 6-3.

Samsonova next faces former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who overcame a slow start and reeled off 12 of the last 13 games to down another Russian in Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 2-6 6-1 6-0.

Wildcard Maria Sharapova, playing her first match since losing in the first round of last year's US&nbsp;Open, was beaten 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) by Jennifer Brady.

The American qualifier will take on world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-ashleigh-barty-wins-wta-finals-259738">Ash Barty</a> in the second round.

Eighth seed Madison Keys advanced with a 6-3 6-2 win over the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka began her 2020 season with a 6-2 6-7(4) 6-3 victory over Maria Sakkari in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka began her 2020 season with a 6-2 6-7(4) 6-3 victory over Maria Sakkari in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday. Osaka fired 16 aces and broke her Greek opponent four times in the two hour, seven minutes encounter, but struggled in the second set tiebreak when Sakkari won five points in a row before squaring the match on an unforced error from the Japanese. The pair traded breaks in the opening stages of the final set before former world number one Osaka clinched victory, despite double faulting on her first match point. "I knew going into it that it was going to be a really hard match," world number four Osaka said. "I think in the second set I was just complaining a lot in the tiebreak. I was just trying to calm down and stay positive." Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, 24th in the WTA rankings, fell at the first hurdle to Liudmila Samsonova, who is ranked more than 100 places below her. The 129th ranked Russian won 6-4 2-6 6-3. Samsonova next faces former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who overcame a slow start and reeled off 12 of the last 13 games to down another Russian in Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 2-6 6-1 6-0. Wildcard Maria Sharapova, playing her first match since losing in the first round of last year's US Open, was beaten 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) by Jennifer Brady. The American qualifier will take on world number one Ash Barty in the second round. Eighth seed Madison Keys advanced with a 6-3 6-2 win over the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova.

Tennis: Osaka sees off Sakkari challenge to advance in Brisbane

Former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/behind-the-swarovski-crystals-there-is-a-girl-says-sharapova-after-us-open-victory-426#us-open-tennis-tournament-54091">Maria Sharapova</a> will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up.

The five-times Grand Slam champion, who last played a competitive match in the first round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2019-serena-williams-wins-first-round-against-maria-sharapova-245883">US&nbsp;Open in August</a>, has dropped to 133rd in the world after a season in which injuries restricted her to eight tournaments.

The 32-year-old Russian will join current world number one Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova in a strong field at the Queensland&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Centre from January&nbsp;6-12, 2020.

Sharapova's lowly ranking means she will also need a wildcard to get directly into the main singles draw for this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-maria-sharapova-hands-harriet-dart-a-double-bagel-in-campaign-opener-190097">Australian Open</a>, which begins on January&nbsp;20.

Sharapova won her third major title at Melbourne Park in 2008 but also tested positive for a banned substance at the tournament in 2016 and served a 15-month suspension from the game.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up. The five-times Grand Slam champion, who last played a competitive match in the first round of the US Open in August, has dropped to 133rd in the world after a season in which injuries restricted her to eight tournaments. The 32-year-old Russian will join current world number one Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova in a strong field at the Queensland Tennis Centre from January 6-12, 2020. Sharapova's lowly ranking means she will also need a wildcard to get directly into the main singles draw for this year's Australian Open, which begins on January 20. Sharapova won her third major title at Melbourne Park in 2008 but also tested positive for a banned substance at the tournament in 2016 and served a 15-month suspension from the game.

Ahead of Australian Open, Sharapova to return as Brisbane wildcard

Andy Murray will make his Grand Slam return at the Australian Open in January, a year after career-saving hip surgery, tournament organisers announced Tuesday.

The British three-time major winner has been slowly working his way back to fitness and is now ranked 289th, up from 503rd just a week ago.

Murray, 32, won his opening match at the Shanghai Masters on Monday, beating Argentine qualifier Juan Ignacio Londero in three sets, following a quarter-final appearance in Beijing last week.

With his confidence seemingly growing by the day, Australian Open organisers said the former world number one had committed to extending his comeback into the majors in January.

"Confirmed: Andy Murray will return to compete at the #AusOpen in 2020," they tweeted.

The official Australian Open website said Murray "will return to the main draw with a protected ranking of number two and restored physical powers".

He has made the final five times at Melbourne Park, losing four times to Novak Djokovic and once to Roger Federer.

However, arguably his most heartbreaking moment at the season-opening Grand Slam came not on the court but at an emotional press conference before this year's tournament.

Murray broke down in tears describing how the pain in his right hip, which had been operated on six months earlier, had become unbearable.

"I can play with limitations. But having the limitations and the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training," he said, later revealing that even walking his dog had become a gruelling ordeal.

Tributes flowed for the well-liked Scot, with Billie Jean King called him "a champion on and off-court".

Players also farewelled him in an emotional video screened on centre court after he lost an epic five-setter to Roberto Bautista Agut, with most believing his Grand Slam career was over.

"It's very sad that you have to take that position, but sometimes life is not perfect," Rafael Nadal said. "I just want to say thanks for the things that you gave to our sport."

But the match against Bautista Agut rekindled Murray's competitive spark and he opted to fight on and undergo hip resurfacing surgery.

American doubles legend Bob Bryan had endured the procedure -- which involves inserting an artificial hip implant with a rod that goes right down to the femur -- and warned Murray there would be no easy road back.

"No one's ever come back with this surgery on the singles court," he said at the time, adding that if anyone could do it a renowned fighter like Murray was prime candidate.

Murray said after his win over Londero that his movement on the court felt like it was steadily improving.

"In the beginning I didn't necessarily feel good, but last couple of weeks have been I think much improved," he said.

In 2013, Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years, ending the nation's obsession with finding a champion to follow in the footsteps of Fred Perry.

He repeated the feat in 2016, adding to a glittering career that also includes the 2012 US Open, two Olympic gold medals and 45 ATP crowns.

Australian Open organisers hope there will be another blast from the past if Belgium's Kim Clijsters can meet her goal of taking to the court again in January after an absence of more than seven years.

A crowd favourite in Melbourne, the 36-year-old retired to have a family but made a surprise announcement last month that she was making a comeback in 2020.

Clijsters has won four Grand Slams, including the 2011 Australian Open.

Andy Murray will make his Grand Slam return at the Australian Open in January, a year after career-saving hip surgery, tournament organisers announced Tuesday. The British three-time major winner has been slowly working his way back to fitness and is now ranked 289th, up from 503rd just a week ago.

Andy Murray will make his Grand Slam return at the Australian Open in January, a year after career-saving hip surgery, tournament organisers announced Tuesday. The British three-time major winner has been slowly working his way back to fitness and is now ranked 289th, up from 503rd just a week ago. Murray, 32, won his opening match at the Shanghai Masters on Monday, beating Argentine qualifier Juan Ignacio Londero in three sets, following a quarter-final appearance in Beijing last week. With his confidence seemingly growing by the day, Australian Open organisers said the former world number one had committed to extending his comeback into the majors in January. "Confirmed: Andy Murray will return to compete at the #AusOpen in 2020," they tweeted. The official Australian Open website said Murray "will return to the main draw with a protected ranking of number two and restored physical powers". He has made the final five times at Melbourne Park, losing four times to Novak Djokovic and once to Roger Federer. However, arguably his most heartbreaking moment at the season-opening Grand Slam came not on the court but at an emotional press conference before this year's tournament. Murray broke down in tears describing how the pain in his right hip, which had been operated on six months earlier, had become unbearable. "I can play with limitations. But having the limitations and the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training," he said, later revealing that even walking his dog had become a gruelling ordeal. Tributes flowed for the well-liked Scot, with Billie Jean King called him "a champion on and off-court". Players also farewelled him in an emotional video screened on centre court after he lost an epic five-setter to Roberto Bautista Agut, with most believing his Grand Slam career was over. "It's very sad that you have to take that position, but sometimes life is not perfect," Rafael Nadal said. "I just want to say thanks for the things that you gave to our sport." But the match against Bautista Agut rekindled Murray's competitive spark and he opted to fight on and undergo hip resurfacing surgery. American doubles legend Bob Bryan had endured the procedure -- which involves inserting an artificial hip implant with a rod that goes right down to the femur -- and warned Murray there would be no easy road back. "No one's ever come back with this surgery on the singles court," he said at the time, adding that if anyone could do it a renowned fighter like Murray was prime candidate. Murray said after his win over Londero that his movement on the court felt like it was steadily improving. "In the beginning I didn't necessarily feel good, but last couple of weeks have been I think much improved," he said. In 2013, Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years, ending the nation's obsession with finding a champion to follow in the footsteps of Fred Perry. He repeated the feat in 2016, adding to a glittering career that also includes the 2012 US Open, two Olympic gold medals and 45 ATP crowns. Australian Open organisers hope there will be another blast from the past if Belgium's Kim Clijsters can meet her goal of taking to the court again in January after an absence of more than seven years. A crowd favourite in Melbourne, the 36-year-old retired to have a family but made a surprise announcement last month that she was making a comeback in 2020. Clijsters has won four Grand Slams, including the 2011 Australian Open.

Andy Murray to make Grand Slam return at Australian Open

By Francesca Cavallerio

Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire. He spoke about the pain he had lived with “over the past 20 months or so”, and how he had planned to continue until Wimbledon this summer but was no longer sure he could. Then there was a long pause, that lump in the throat before he was able to utter the words “stop playing”.

My first question was: “Why not sooner?” Why would someone put himself through such suffering for such a long time, despite knowing that the consequences of this overuse of his body would haunt him for the rest of his life? Why not stop before? And my second question was: “Will he be OK after retiring?”

Scrolling through the numerous tweets from tennis celebrities on the subject, I found one regret kept appearing over and over again: “Sorry you cannot retire on your own terms.” Not only is retirement considered a tough process for athletes, but research has confirmed that retirement due to injury is especially difficult. The athlete is forced into the decision of abandoning their life, not because of lack of motivation but because their body has given up.

The question is whether there is a way to avoid this. Should we just accept that elite sport is bad for the body, and not just in the long term, but more and more often in the short term? Like many retiring athletes, Andy Murray is only in his early thirties and has suffered painful injuries throughout his career. What is it that makes it OK to be in severe pain for 20 months and keep playing?

Sport sociologists have identified that what is known as a culture of risk dominates the professional sport. Its ethical values of sacrifice, striving for greatness, taking chances, rejecting limits and playing through pain are reflected in the way pain is portrayed as normal and risks are glorified. In particular, injury and pain are seen as a constant fixture in a competitor’s life, and they are not a “real athlete” if they do not train and play through these problems.

Although warm and encouraging, many tweets directed to Murray highlighted this tendency to glorify risk and pain, such as “everyone wants you to keep fighting” or “stay strong and keep fighting”, “continue to keep fighting on the court”. Wasn’t fighting for 20 months enough?

This culture encourages athletes not to listen to and take care of their bodies, something that perhaps Murray has now realised. When discussing the hip surgery he is considering, he said: “The reason for having an operation is not to return to the professional sport, it’s just for a better quality of life.” At 31, Murray still has a lot of life to live. As 12-time grand slam champion Billie Jean King put it: “[His] greatest impact on the world may be yet to come.”

Yet if you believe in the idea that “sport is life and life is sport”, it becomes difficult to imagine how Murray will ever be happy and fully satisfied again. The dominant culture makes it very difficult for athletes to say goodbye to their sport and move onto something new.

A developing branch of sport psychology that focuses on the narratives that we use to talk and think about sport might help understand this process, the bumps in the road and potential ways to reach a happy ending. According to this narrative research, humans are “storied beings”, which means that they make sense of their lives through creating and sharing their personal stories. Stories have a plot, and narrative researchers argue that each culture has a shared number of plots (narratives) that we use to understand and inform their lives.

The most common – and encouraged – narrative in elite sport is the performance narrative, which runs along the lines of: “I love my sport. My sport is everything in my life. Nothing is more important than my sport and succeeding in it.” Not surprisingly, this narrative means that to be successful an athlete needs to be single-minded and focused on their sport to the exclusion of other areas of life.

Changing the narrative

As a result, things then become much more difficult for athletes once the professional chapter of the story ends. My own research with retired elite gymnasts highlights how athletes who fall under a performance narrative while at the top of their game, end up with a much more confused personal story, an entangled narrative, once they retire. The plot of their story is: “I was a successful gymnast. I am not a gymnast anymore. I want to be a gymnast again.” Because other areas of their lives aren’t developed, they fix a melancholic gaze on the past, unable to refocus on, enjoy or develop from present experiences.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. Other narratives allow athletes to step away from the classic expectations of the culture of risk, and allow them to develop more successfully towards their happy-ever-after. For example, the discovery narrative involves developing other identities outside of the sport.

Thankfully, Murray has already started to do this, becoming a father, as well as an inspirational role model and feminist. Hopefully, these roles will help him get through the reinvention of his story and further inspire the next generation of athletes.

(Francesca Cavallerio is Lecturer in Sport Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/andy-murray-breaking-away-from-sports-no-pain-no-gain-culture-109824">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Francesca Cavallerio Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire.

By Francesca Cavallerio Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire. He spoke about the pain he had lived with “over the past 20 months or so”, and how he had planned to continue until Wimbledon this summer but was no longer sure he could. Then there was a long pause, that lump in the throat before he was able to utter the words “stop playing”. My first question was: “Why not sooner?” Why would someone put himself through such suffering for such a long time, despite knowing that the consequences of this overuse of his body would haunt him for the rest of his life? Why not stop before? And my second question was: “Will he be OK after retiring?” Scrolling through the numerous tweets from tennis celebrities on the subject, I found one regret kept appearing over and over again: “Sorry you cannot retire on your own terms.” Not only is retirement considered a tough process for athletes, but research has confirmed that retirement due to injury is especially difficult. The athlete is forced into the decision of abandoning their life, not because of lack of motivation but because their body has given up. The question is whether there is a way to avoid this. Should we just accept that elite sport is bad for the body, and not just in the long term, but more and more often in the short term? Like many retiring athletes, Andy Murray is only in his early thirties and has suffered painful injuries throughout his career. What is it that makes it OK to be in severe pain for 20 months and keep playing? Sport sociologists have identified that what is known as a culture of risk dominates the professional sport. Its ethical values of sacrifice, striving for greatness, taking chances, rejecting limits and playing through pain are reflected in the way pain is portrayed as normal and risks are glorified. In particular, injury and pain are seen as a constant fixture in a competitor’s life, and they are not a “real athlete” if they do not train and play through these problems. Although warm and encouraging, many tweets directed to Murray highlighted this tendency to glorify risk and pain, such as “everyone wants you to keep fighting” or “stay strong and keep fighting”, “continue to keep fighting on the court”. Wasn’t fighting for 20 months enough? This culture encourages athletes not to listen to and take care of their bodies, something that perhaps Murray has now realised. When discussing the hip surgery he is considering, he said: “The reason for having an operation is not to return to the professional sport, it’s just for a better quality of life.” At 31, Murray still has a lot of life to live. As 12-time grand slam champion Billie Jean King put it: “[His] greatest impact on the world may be yet to come.” Yet if you believe in the idea that “sport is life and life is sport”, it becomes difficult to imagine how Murray will ever be happy and fully satisfied again. The dominant culture makes it very difficult for athletes to say goodbye to their sport and move onto something new. A developing branch of sport psychology that focuses on the narratives that we use to talk and think about sport might help understand this process, the bumps in the road and potential ways to reach a happy ending. According to this narrative research, humans are “storied beings”, which means that they make sense of their lives through creating and sharing their personal stories. Stories have a plot, and narrative researchers argue that each culture has a shared number of plots (narratives) that we use to understand and inform their lives. The most common – and encouraged – narrative in elite sport is the performance narrative, which runs along the lines of: “I love my sport. My sport is everything in my life. Nothing is more important than my sport and succeeding in it.” Not surprisingly, this narrative means that to be successful an athlete needs to be single-minded and focused on their sport to the exclusion of other areas of life. Changing the narrative As a result, things then become much more difficult for athletes once the professional chapter of the story ends. My own research with retired elite gymnasts highlights how athletes who fall under a performance narrative while at the top of their game, end up with a much more confused personal story, an entangled narrative, once they retire. The plot of their story is: “I was a successful gymnast. I am not a gymnast anymore. I want to be a gymnast again.” Because other areas of their lives aren’t developed, they fix a melancholic gaze on the past, unable to refocus on, enjoy or develop from present experiences. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Other narratives allow athletes to step away from the classic expectations of the culture of risk, and allow them to develop more successfully towards their happy-ever-after. For example, the discovery narrative involves developing other identities outside of the sport. Thankfully, Murray has already started to do this, becoming a father, as well as an inspirational role model and feminist. Hopefully, these roles will help him get through the reinvention of his story and further inspire the next generation of athletes. (Francesca Cavallerio is Lecturer in Sport Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Andy Murray: Breaking away from sport’s ‘no pain, no gain’ culture

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday.

While handing a double bagel to Dart, the 2008 champion and 30th seed wrapped up the first set in just 31 minutes.

Sharapova, who wore an ice collar during breaks to help alleviate the 30 degree Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) temperature in Melbourne, was making her 15th appearance at the season-opening major.

She will next play Swede Rebecca Peterson for a place in the third round.

The only break point Sharapova faced was when she double-faulted in the fifth game of the second set.&nbsp;

During the game, the Russian player also became the first player to be hit with a time violation in her straight sets win over Britain's Harriet Dart.&nbsp;

While 4-0 up in the first set, Sharapova received a warning after exceeding the new 25-second time limit before serving.

The shot clock is not only designed to speed up the play but to also make sure that the understanding of time violations remains consistent between players and umpires.

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday.

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday. While handing a double bagel to Dart, the 2008 champion and 30th seed wrapped up the first set in just 31 minutes. Sharapova, who wore an ice collar during breaks to help alleviate the 30 degree Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) temperature in Melbourne, was making her 15th appearance at the season-opening major. She will next play Swede Rebecca Peterson for a place in the third round. The only break point Sharapova faced was when she double-faulted in the fifth game of the second set. During the game, the Russian player also became the first player to be hit with a time violation in her straight sets win over Britain's Harriet Dart. While 4-0 up in the first set, Sharapova received a warning after exceeding the new 25-second time limit before serving. The shot clock is not only designed to speed up the play but to also make sure that the understanding of time violations remains consistent between players and umpires.

Australian Open: Maria Sharapova hands Harriet Dart a double bagel in campaign opener

Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who made his Grand Slam debut, went down 6-7(7), 3-6, 3-6 to American Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, ending India’s challenge in singles draw.

Gunneswaran, who had qualified for the main draw winning three matches on the trot, showed good fight but fell short on the big points in the match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes.&nbsp;

He had a set point in the first set Tiebreak and the first break in the second set, but couldn’t press the advantage against the world No 39 from America.

A set down, the 29-year-old Indian fought back remarkably to take the early break in the second set, but couldn’t consolidate and was broken right back, followed by another break in the second set in just over 30 minutes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Polideportivo-Tenis: 
 
🏆Abierto de Australia 2019/Primera Ronda: 
 
🇺🇸Frances Tiafoe 
7️⃣(9)-6️⃣-6️⃣ 
🇮🇳P. Gunneswaran 
6️⃣(7)-3️⃣-3️⃣ <a href="https://t.co/1ufhb4QVpE">pic.twitter.com/1ufhb4QVpE</a>
— De Pelota Parada (@Depelotaparada_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Depelotaparada_/status/1084657269525102592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The start of the third set called for a change in tactics but Prajnesh kept hitting flat and was broken early.

Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who made his Grand Slam debut, went down 6-7(7), 3-6, 3-6 to American Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, ending India’s challenge in singles draw.

Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who made his Grand Slam debut, went down 6-7(7), 3-6, 3-6 to American Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, ending India’s challenge in singles draw. Gunneswaran, who had qualified for the main draw winning three matches on the trot, showed good fight but fell short on the big points in the match that lasted an hour and 52 minutes. He had a set point in the first set Tiebreak and the first break in the second set, but couldn’t press the advantage against the world No 39 from America. A set down, the 29-year-old Indian fought back remarkably to take the early break in the second set, but couldn’t consolidate and was broken right back, followed by another break in the second set in just over 30 minutes. Polideportivo-Tenis: 🏆Abierto de Australia 2019/Primera Ronda: 🇺🇸Frances Tiafoe 7️⃣(9)-6️⃣-6️⃣ 🇮🇳P. Gunneswaran 6️⃣(7)-3️⃣-3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/1ufhb4QVpE — De Pelota Parada (@Depelotaparada_) January 14, 2019 × The start of the third set called for a change in tactics but Prajnesh kept hitting flat and was broken early.

Australian Open: Prajnesh loses to America's Tiafoe on Grand Slam debut, ends India’s singles challenge

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday.&nbsp;

Ishner, who is Wimbledon semi-finalist, fell at the first hurdle at Melbourne Park for the second year in a row. Last year, he was beaten by unseeded Australian Matthew Ebden. &nbsp;

The 21-year-old Opelka broke the ninth seed's perfect 9-0 winning record against Americans at the Grand Slams in a match featuring 87 aces.

"You keep working and put your head down and kind of disappear once I leave here and just work." And, you know, trust that that's going to pay dividends for me in the future," Isner said.

Opelka will next play 102nd ranked Italy's Thomas Fabbiano in the second round.

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday.

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday. Ishner, who is Wimbledon semi-finalist, fell at the first hurdle at Melbourne Park for the second year in a row. Last year, he was beaten by unseeded Australian Matthew Ebden. The 21-year-old Opelka broke the ninth seed's perfect 9-0 winning record against Americans at the Grand Slams in a match featuring 87 aces. "You keep working and put your head down and kind of disappear once I leave here and just work." And, you know, trust that that's going to pay dividends for me in the future," Isner said. Opelka will next play 102nd ranked Italy's Thomas Fabbiano in the second round.

Australian Open: America's John Isner stunned by compatriot Opelka

An emotional British tennis player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=andy+murray">Andy Murray</a> said that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-star-andy-murray-to-retire-this-year-due-to-injury-189468">plans to retire</a> after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries.&nbsp;

Murray, who has been struggling to recover from hip surgery a year ago, was in tears at a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the this year's first grand slam, Australian Open.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old was on the verge of tears as he entered the press conference room and, asked how his hip was feeling, managed to say "not great" before being overcome by his emotions and having to leave the room.&nbsp;

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An emotional Andy Murray says he will play <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> and hopes to play the final tournament of his career at <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wimbledon</a>. 
 
"Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time...I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months." <a href="https://t.co/g4sLpuiyF4">pic.twitter.com/g4sLpuiyF4</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1083519540133150721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking at a press conference, Andy Murray said: "Not feeling good, obviously been struggling for a long time, I've been in a lot of pain for what has been probably 20 months now, I've pretty much-done everything that I could to try to get my hip feeling better, hasn't helped loads. I'm in a better place than I was six months ago, but still in a lot of pain, it's been tough." 

On being asked if Australian Open is his last tournament, Murray said, "I think there's a chance for that, for sure. There's a chance of that for sure because like I said I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months." &nbsp;

"The pain is kind of the driving factor. I can play with limitations; that's not an issue. It's having the limitations and also the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff that I love about tennis," added Murray.

Murray will contest his first-round match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday but that may prove to be the final match of his illustrious career.&nbsp;

An emotional British tennis player Andy Murray said that he plans to retire after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries.

An emotional British tennis player Andy Murray said that he plans to retire after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries. Murray, who has been struggling to recover from hip surgery a year ago, was in tears at a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the this year's first grand slam, Australian Open. The 31-year-old was on the verge of tears as he entered the press conference room and, asked how his hip was feeling, managed to say "not great" before being overcome by his emotions and having to leave the room. An emotional Andy Murray says he will play #AusOpen and hopes to play the final tournament of his career at @Wimbledon. "Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time...I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months." pic.twitter.com/g4sLpuiyF4 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2019 × Speaking at a press conference, Andy Murray said: "Not feeling good, obviously been struggling for a long time, I've been in a lot of pain for what has been probably 20 months now, I've pretty much-done everything that I could to try to get my hip feeling better, hasn't helped loads. I'm in a better place than I was six months ago, but still in a lot of pain, it's been tough."  On being asked if Australian Open is his last tournament, Murray said, "I think there's a chance for that, for sure. There's a chance of that for sure because like I said I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months."  "The pain is kind of the driving factor. I can play with limitations; that's not an issue. It's having the limitations and also the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff that I love about tennis," added Murray. Murray will contest his first-round match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday but that may prove to be the final match of his illustrious career.

Watch: Andy Murray breaks down at press conference as he announces intention to retire

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago.

The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their credentials when play gets underway in Melbourne on Monday.

The Swiss six-times Australian Open champion, who beat Marin Cilic in last year's final, could meet the Croat again in the quarter-finals, should he come through a potentially tricky fourth-round tie against Greek prospect Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Men's top seed Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, has drawn a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Serb Djokovic could then face a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, before a possible second-week match-up against Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.

Second seed Rafa Nadal, who has question marks concerning his fitness after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will play unseeded local James Duckworth in the first round.

Last year's semi-finalist Kyle Edmund, seeded 13th, looms as a possible fourth-round match-up for the Spaniard, who could then face big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals if the draw follows the seedings.

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago.

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago. The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their credentials when play gets underway in Melbourne on Monday. The Swiss six-times Australian Open champion, who beat Marin Cilic in last year's final, could meet the Croat again in the quarter-finals, should he come through a potentially tricky fourth-round tie against Greek prospect Stefanos Tsitsipas. Men's top seed Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, has drawn a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Serb Djokovic could then face a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, before a possible second-week match-up against Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. Second seed Rafa Nadal, who has question marks concerning his fitness after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will play unseeded local James Duckworth in the first round. Last year's semi-finalist Kyle Edmund, seeded 13th, looms as a possible fourth-round match-up for the Spaniard, who could then face big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals if the draw follows the seedings.

Roger Federer to open Australian Open defence against Istomin

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin del Potro will not be participating in the upcoming 2019 Australian Open due to a fractured patella.

The 30-year-old has sustained the injury during the 2018 Shanghai Masters tournament when he fell on his right knee while taking on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round of the competition.

He is still recovering from the injury.

The confirmation regarding his unavailability for the first major Grand Slam of the year was made by the tennis player himself on his Twitter handle."I hope you have a great 2019.

Recovery is going great and I will tell you later where I will be making my comeback. Unfortunately, it won`t happen in Australia, I`ll miss you @AustralianOpen, but I`m happy with my progress. Happy New Year! Enjoy!" he wrote.

Del Potro had gone till the third round of the tournament where he was defeated by Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic. The 2019 Australian Open is slated to be held from January 14 to 27 in Melbourne, Australia.

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin del Potro will not be participating in the upcoming 2019 Australian Open due to a fractured patella. The 30-year-old has sustained the injury during the 2018 Shanghai Masters tournament when he fell on his right knee while taking on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round of the competition.

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin del Potro will not be participating in the upcoming 2019 Australian Open due to a fractured patella. The 30-year-old has sustained the injury during the 2018 Shanghai Masters tournament when he fell on his right knee while taking on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round of the competition. He is still recovering from the injury. The confirmation regarding his unavailability for the first major Grand Slam of the year was made by the tennis player himself on his Twitter handle."I hope you have a great 2019. Recovery is going great and I will tell you later where I will be making my comeback. Unfortunately, it won`t happen in Australia, I`ll miss you @AustralianOpen, but I`m happy with my progress. Happy New Year! Enjoy!" he wrote. Del Potro had gone till the third round of the tournament where he was defeated by Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic. The 2019 Australian Open is slated to be held from January 14 to 27 in Melbourne, Australia.

Injured Del Potro to miss 2019 Australian Open

Indian duo of Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy suffered a major blow as they crashed out of the ongoing Australian Open after going down in the semi-finals of the men's doubles event on Saturday.

The Indian pairing went down to the top-seeded Indonesian team of Berry Angriawan and Hardianto Hardianto 17-21, 15-21.

In the contest that lasted 39 minutes, the third-seeded Attri and Reddy started decently by staying neck-to-neck with the Indonesian team.&nbsp

But they took the lead at 18-16 to bring up game point. Attri and Reddy saved one but couldn’t prolong the outcome to lose the opening game 17-21.

The second game was more uneven with Angriawan and Hardianto picking up six consecutive points at the start of the match to go 9-2 up at one stage.&nbsp

The Indians came back to reduce the deficit from 10-18 to 14-18 but once again despite saving one match point, the outcome seemed inevitable.

Despite the defeat, Attri and Reddy will move up into the World’s top-25 when the rankings are updated on Thursday.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The Indian pairing went down to the top-seeded Indonesian team of Berry Angriawan and Hardianto Hardianto 17-21, 15-21.

Indian duo of Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy suffered a major blow as they crashed out of the ongoing Australian Open after going down in the semi-finals of the men's doubles event on Saturday. The Indian pairing went down to the top-seeded Indonesian team of Berry Angriawan and Hardianto Hardianto 17-21, 15-21. In the contest that lasted 39 minutes, the third-seeded Attri and Reddy started decently by staying neck-to-neck with the Indonesian team. But they took the lead at 18-16 to bring up game point. Attri and Reddy saved one but couldn’t prolong the outcome to lose the opening game 17-21. The second game was more uneven with Angriawan and Hardianto picking up six consecutive points at the start of the match to go 9-2 up at one stage. The Indians came back to reduce the deficit from 10-18 to 14-18 but once again despite saving one match point, the outcome seemed inevitable. Despite the defeat, Attri and Reddy will move up into the World’s top-25 when the rankings are updated on Thursday.

Australia Open: Manu Attri-Sumeeth Reddy bow out in semi-finals

World number one Simona Halep eased into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Monday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over unseeded Naomi Osaka of Japan in 81 minutes.

&quot;I`m really happy that I`m back in the quarter-finals,&quot; said the Romanian, who last made it this far in 2015 and has been nursing a troublesome ankle that she rolled in her first-round match.&nbsp;

&quot;The injury is still there. I feel it but I`m trying not to think about it and give it everything.&quot;

Halep was delighted to be on court for 143 minutes less than her previous match against Lauren Davis, which at 3hr 44min was the longest of the tournament.

&quot;Actually, this tournament looks like a marathon for me,&quot; she said, after spending almost nine hours on court so far, more than any other player.&nbsp;

&quot;I`m really proud I could stay focused and make every point very focused and concentrated.&quot;&nbsp;

The big-hitting Osaka had her chances, notably in the fifth game of the first set when she squandered five points to break the Halep serve. The Romanian compounded Osaka`s disappointment immediately with a break of her own.

She served out to take the set in 42 minutes and immediately broke the Japanese player again to start the second.

The players matched each other with 22 winners apiece but Osaka`s 31 unforced errors ultimately proved her downfall against the consistent Halep.

The top seed is guaranteed to meet a Czech opponent for a place in the semi-finals, either sixth seed Karolina Pliskova or Barbora Strycova, the 20th seed, who play later.

Halep was delighted to be on court for 143 minutes less than her previous match against Lauren Davis

World number one Simona Halep eased into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Monday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over unseeded Naomi Osaka of Japan in 81 minutes. "I`m really happy that I`m back in the quarter-finals," said the Romanian, who last made it this far in 2015 and has been nursing a troublesome ankle that she rolled in her first-round match. "The injury is still there. I feel it but I`m trying not to think about it and give it everything." Halep was delighted to be on court for 143 minutes less than her previous match against Lauren Davis, which at 3hr 44min was the longest of the tournament. "Actually, this tournament looks like a marathon for me," she said, after spending almost nine hours on court so far, more than any other player. "I`m really proud I could stay focused and make every point very focused and concentrated." The big-hitting Osaka had her chances, notably in the fifth game of the first set when she squandered five points to break the Halep serve. The Romanian compounded Osaka`s disappointment immediately with a break of her own. She served out to take the set in 42 minutes and immediately broke the Japanese player again to start the second. The players matched each other with 22 winners apiece but Osaka`s 31 unforced errors ultimately proved her downfall against the consistent Halep. The top seed is guaranteed to meet a Czech opponent for a place in the semi-finals, either sixth seed Karolina Pliskova or Barbora Strycova, the 20th seed, who play later.

Australia Open: Top seed Simona Halep eases into Aussie Open last eight

Defending champion Roger Federer swept into his 14th Australian Open semi-final with an immaculate straight sets win over Tomas Berdych on Wednesday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> : Roger Federer advances to Semi Final. <a href="https://t.co/kX7twfYaP7">pic.twitter.com/kX7twfYaP7</a>
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Second seed Federer cruised to a 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-4 win and will face unseeded South Korean Chung Hyeon in Friday`s semi-final.

The world number two saved two set points in the opening set, but never looked back as the 19-times Grand Slam champion produced some of his very best tennis to maintain his push for a sixth title in Melbourne.

The 36-year-old Swiss is playing at the peak of his powers as he sets up a semi-final with South Korea&#39;s Chung Hyeon on Friday.

The world number two saved two set points in the opening set,

Defending champion Roger Federer swept into his 14th Australian Open semi-final with an immaculate straight sets win over Tomas Berdych on Wednesday. #AusOpen : Roger Federer advances to Semi Final. pic.twitter.com/kX7twfYaP7 — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Second seed Federer cruised to a 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 6-4 win and will face unseeded South Korean Chung Hyeon in Friday`s semi-final. The world number two saved two set points in the opening set, but never looked back as the 19-times Grand Slam champion produced some of his very best tennis to maintain his push for a sixth title in Melbourne. The 36-year-old Swiss is playing at the peak of his powers as he sets up a semi-final with South Korea's Chung Hyeon on Friday.

Australia Open: Roger Federer outclasses Berdych to reach semi-finals

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday.

The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak.&nbsp;

Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net.

Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won.

Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010.

She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark.

&quot;I always believed in myself,&quot; she said. &quot;I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it.&quot;

Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams.

She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final.

The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore.

&quot;The way she&#39;s playing, she&#39;s not missing,&quot; said Halep of Wozniacki. &quot;She&#39;s running very well. So she&#39;s a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We&#39;ll see what is going to happen.&quot;

Wozniacki won the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday. The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak. Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net. Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won. Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010. She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark. "I always believed in myself," she said. "I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it." Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams. She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final. The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore. "The way she's playing, she's not missing," said Halep of Wozniacki. "She's running very well. So she's a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times. "It's going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We'll see what is going to happen."

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki wins first set of final match

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