<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/top-seed-simona-halep-marches-on-with-clinical-win-over-venus-williams-in-melbourne-191412">Simona Halep might be the current number one </a>in women's tennis but the Romanian believes the best player in the world will be awaiting her when she takes on Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The 37-year-old American took a year off after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017, before returning to action last season when she reached the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Serena was eight weeks pregnant when she won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park and, though she has played selective tournaments since motherhood, the American is still the player to beat in the women's draw at Grand Slams.

French Open champion Halep has topped the rankings since October, 2017.

"In my opinion, to be number one in the world and to be the best player in the world, it's a little bit different," Halep told reporters on Saturday after a 6-2 6-3 third-round win against the older Williams sister, Venus.&nbsp;

"In this moment, I`m number one in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks.

"But for sure she's the best player in the world because she won so many Grand Slams. She's been a lot on number one. I cannot compare my results to her. But in this moment, I'm confident that I`m in this position, and I'm positive about it."

HUGE CHALLENGE

The losses in the finals in London and New York left Serena, who is seeded 16th at Melbourne Park, still seeking a 24th Grand Slam singles title to equal Margaret Court's all-time record.

She has lost only nine games this week in her first three rounds.

"I only beat her once in my life, so I cannot say much about this match," Halep said, referring to her nine overall meetings with Serena.&nbsp;

"Just that it's going to be a huge challenge for me. It's always great to play against Serena because every time I have to learn something from the match."

Halep admitted that she used to be intimidated by Serena when she was younger but said the "great champion" will be just another opponent in the last 16 clash.

"I'm used to this pressure. I'm used to facing her," Halep said. "I'm in a good position. I feel confident. I played very well today. But that doesn't mean it's going to be the same against her.

"Definitely it's the toughest draw I've ever had... it's a huge challenge. Every time I face the (Williams) sisters is a big challenge for me. I just want to try to play my best tennis because I have nothing to lose against them."

Simona Halep might be the current number one in women's tennis but the Romanian believes the best player in the world will be awaiting her when she takes on Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Simona Halep might be the current number one in women's tennis but the Romanian believes the best player in the world will be awaiting her when she takes on Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open. The 37-year-old American took a year off after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017, before returning to action last season when she reached the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Serena was eight weeks pregnant when she won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park and, though she has played selective tournaments since motherhood, the American is still the player to beat in the women's draw at Grand Slams. French Open champion Halep has topped the rankings since October, 2017. "In my opinion, to be number one in the world and to be the best player in the world, it's a little bit different," Halep told reporters on Saturday after a 6-2 6-3 third-round win against the older Williams sister, Venus. "In this moment, I`m number one in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks. "But for sure she's the best player in the world because she won so many Grand Slams. She's been a lot on number one. I cannot compare my results to her. But in this moment, I'm confident that I`m in this position, and I'm positive about it." HUGE CHALLENGE The losses in the finals in London and New York left Serena, who is seeded 16th at Melbourne Park, still seeking a 24th Grand Slam singles title to equal Margaret Court's all-time record. She has lost only nine games this week in her first three rounds. "I only beat her once in my life, so I cannot say much about this match," Halep said, referring to her nine overall meetings with Serena. "Just that it's going to be a huge challenge for me. It's always great to play against Serena because every time I have to learn something from the match." Halep admitted that she used to be intimidated by Serena when she was younger but said the "great champion" will be just another opponent in the last 16 clash. "I'm used to this pressure. I'm used to facing her," Halep said. "I'm in a good position. I feel confident. I played very well today. But that doesn't mean it's going to be the same against her. "Definitely it's the toughest draw I've ever had... it's a huge challenge. Every time I face the (Williams) sisters is a big challenge for me. I just want to try to play my best tennis because I have nothing to lose against them."

Australian Open: World no.1 Simona Halep geared up for best player Serena Williams

Top seed Simona Halep had the odds stacked against her ahead of the Australian Open but the Romanian proved her title credentials with a breezy 6-2 6-3 third-round win over multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams on Saturday.

The reward for the 27-year-old French Open champion is probably the toughest challenge in the women's draw at Melbourne Park, a fourth-round date with the younger Williams sister, Serena.

Coming to the year's first Grand Slam on a five-match losing streak and without a coach, Halep had to grind her way through the first two rounds with tough three-set wins.

She started positively against Venus, though, and broke her twice to take the first set.

Venus showed more fight in the second and there was an early trade of breaks before Halep broke again to go 4-3 up before converting her first match point with a forehand winner down the line.

Top seed Simona Halep had the odds stacked against her ahead of the Australian Open but the Romanian proved her title credentials with a breezy 6-2 6-3 third-round win over multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams on Saturday.

Top seed Simona Halep had the odds stacked against her ahead of the Australian Open but the Romanian proved her title credentials with a breezy 6-2 6-3 third-round win over multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams on Saturday. The reward for the 27-year-old French Open champion is probably the toughest challenge in the women's draw at Melbourne Park, a fourth-round date with the younger Williams sister, Serena. Coming to the year's first Grand Slam on a five-match losing streak and without a coach, Halep had to grind her way through the first two rounds with tough three-set wins. She started positively against Venus, though, and broke her twice to take the first set. Venus showed more fight in the second and there was an early trade of breaks before Halep broke again to go 4-3 up before converting her first match point with a forehand winner down the line.

Top seed Simona Halep marches on with clinical win over  Venus Williams in Melbourne

Top seed Novak Djokovic regained his composure after a third-set meltdown to stave off the challenge of Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov and reach the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-0 victory on Saturday.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner stamped his authority early on by breaking the 19-year-old's serve three times and converted his only break point opportunity in the second set while leading 5-4 to take a 2-0 lead.

The 31-year-old lost his cool in the third set, however, after his request to turn off the artificial lights was ignored and he muttered to himself angrily and before losing two consecutive break of serves to concede the set.

The Serb let out his frustration with a huge roar when he broke Shapovalov early in the fourth, though, and romped through the rest of the set to remain on course for an unprecedented seventh title at Melbourne Park.

The reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion will next meet Russian 15th seed Daniil Medvedev, who notched up his best Grand Slam showing till date by reaching the fourth round with a 6-2 7-6(3) 6-3 win over David Goffin of Belgium earlier in the day.

Top seed Novak Djokovic regained his composure after a third-set meltdown to stave off the challenge of Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov and reach the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-0 victory on Saturday.

Top seed Novak Djokovic regained his composure after a third-set meltdown to stave off the challenge of Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov and reach the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-0 victory on Saturday. The 14-time Grand Slam winner stamped his authority early on by breaking the 19-year-old's serve three times and converted his only break point opportunity in the second set while leading 5-4 to take a 2-0 lead. The 31-year-old lost his cool in the third set, however, after his request to turn off the artificial lights was ignored and he muttered to himself angrily and before losing two consecutive break of serves to concede the set. The Serb let out his frustration with a huge roar when he broke Shapovalov early in the fourth, though, and romped through the rest of the set to remain on course for an unprecedented seventh title at Melbourne Park. The reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion will next meet Russian 15th seed Daniil Medvedev, who notched up his best Grand Slam showing till date by reaching the fourth round with a 6-2 7-6(3) 6-3 win over David Goffin of Belgium earlier in the day.

Australian Open: Angry Djokovic regains calm to see off Shapovalov challenge

Young American Amanda Anisimova upstaged 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2, hitting her way into the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday.

The fearless 17-year-old bullied her much higher ranked opponent who looked shell-shocked by the power being generated at the other end of the court.

It was Anisimova's third consecutive straight sets win, which included a 6-0 6-2 destruction of 24th seed Lesia Tsurenko, signalling the arrival of a genuine new talent in the women's game.

Anisimova, the youngest competitor in the draw, will play the winner of Petra Kvitova and Belinda Bencic in the fourth round.

Young American Amanda Anisimova upstaged 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2, hitting her way into the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday. The fearless 17-year-old bullied her much higher ranked opponent who looked shell-shocked by the power being generated at the other end of the court.

Young American Amanda Anisimova upstaged 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2, hitting her way into the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday. The fearless 17-year-old bullied her much higher ranked opponent who looked shell-shocked by the power being generated at the other end of the court. It was Anisimova's third consecutive straight sets win, which included a 6-0 6-2 destruction of 24th seed Lesia Tsurenko, signalling the arrival of a genuine new talent in the women's game. Anisimova, the youngest competitor in the draw, will play the winner of Petra Kvitova and Belinda Bencic in the fourth round.

American teenager Anisimova humbles Sabalenka in Australian Open

Germany's Alexander Zverev wasted a flurry of opportunities before securing a 7-6(5) 6-4 5-7 6-7(6) 6-1 win over unseeded Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Thursday to book a place in the Australian Open third round.

Zverev, known as Sascha, is ranked fourth in the world and has emerged as the leader of tennis's next generation of men's players, underlined by victories over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic en route to his maiden ATP Finals triumph in November.

But he is yet to challenge seriously at a Grand Slam and will have to guard against profligacy if he is to progress deep into the tournament at Melbourne Park.

"I think if you go five sets, it's always energy consuming, especially today, being two sets to love up, then two sets all," Zverev told reporters. "A lot of nerves involved, as well."

The 21-year-old served 13 double faults, racked up 52 unforced errors and managed to convert only five of the 17 break point opportunities he had.

Zverev looked set for an easy mach after taking a two-set lead and with a flurry of break points in the third set. But he wasted four chances to break and lost his serve to surrender the third set.

"I thought the match was very high quality, high level. Jeremy started playing really, really well in the third and fourth set," Zverev added.

"I knew if I stayed strong, if I keep doing what I'm doing, I'll get my chances. I actually had my chances in all sets. Didn't manage to break. Matches can turn around quickly. I'm just happy to kind of be in the third round."

Frenchman Chardy, ranked 36th, won the fourth set in a tiebreak after Zverev wasted four more break-point opportunities in the seventh game.

Chardy ran out of steam in the final set as his errors mounted and Zverev cantered to victory in three hours and 46 minutes. He next plays local wildcard Alex Bolt, who stunned 29th-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 2-6 6-4 4-6 7-6(8) 6-4.

Zverev said he did not know much about his next opponent.

"His journey is quite amazing. He's playing really good tennis right now. Obviously, being in the third round, beating Gilles Simon, which is never easy," the German said.

"I'm happy for him. But in two days' time, I'll be playing him. I'll do everything I can to prevent him going further."

Germany's Alexander Zverev wasted a flurry of opportunities before securing a 7-6(5) 6-4 5-7 6-7(6) 6-1 win over unseeded Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Thursday to book a place in the Australian Open third round.

Germany's Alexander Zverev wasted a flurry of opportunities before securing a 7-6(5) 6-4 5-7 6-7(6) 6-1 win over unseeded Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Thursday to book a place in the Australian Open third round. Zverev, known as Sascha, is ranked fourth in the world and has emerged as the leader of tennis's next generation of men's players, underlined by victories over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic en route to his maiden ATP Finals triumph in November. But he is yet to challenge seriously at a Grand Slam and will have to guard against profligacy if he is to progress deep into the tournament at Melbourne Park. "I think if you go five sets, it's always energy consuming, especially today, being two sets to love up, then two sets all," Zverev told reporters. "A lot of nerves involved, as well." The 21-year-old served 13 double faults, racked up 52 unforced errors and managed to convert only five of the 17 break point opportunities he had. Zverev looked set for an easy mach after taking a two-set lead and with a flurry of break points in the third set. But he wasted four chances to break and lost his serve to surrender the third set. "I thought the match was very high quality, high level. Jeremy started playing really, really well in the third and fourth set," Zverev added. "I knew if I stayed strong, if I keep doing what I'm doing, I'll get my chances. I actually had my chances in all sets. Didn't manage to break. Matches can turn around quickly. I'm just happy to kind of be in the third round." Frenchman Chardy, ranked 36th, won the fourth set in a tiebreak after Zverev wasted four more break-point opportunities in the seventh game. Chardy ran out of steam in the final set as his errors mounted and Zverev cantered to victory in three hours and 46 minutes. He next plays local wildcard Alex Bolt, who stunned 29th-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 2-6 6-4 4-6 7-6(8) 6-4. Zverev said he did not know much about his next opponent. "His journey is quite amazing. He's playing really good tennis right now. Obviously, being in the third round, beating Gilles Simon, which is never easy," the German said. "I'm happy for him. But in two days' time, I'll be playing him. I'll do everything I can to prevent him going further."

Australian Open: Wasteful Zverev advances after five-set battle

In pics: Day 2 highlights of Australian Open

Serena Williams made a return to the Australian Open court with a win as the American tennis star defeated Tatjana Maria in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 to move into the second round.

While the German, Maria, struggled to settle and find her game but across the net, Williams had no such problems. Maria had no answers to Williams' powerful game for most parts of the match

Although Maria picked herself up in the second set, holding serve twice, it was way too late for her.

Williams pocketed the win on Maria's serve in the eighth game, on her second match point. She had high winning percentage margins both on her first and second serves – 82% and 88% respectively.&nbsp;

The former world no.1 converted five of the eight break points she had, and did not face a single break point on her own serve.&nbsp;

Serena Williams made a return to the Australian Open court with a win as the American tennis star defeated Tatjana Maria in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 to move into the second round.

Serena Williams made a return to the Australian Open court with a win as the American tennis star defeated Tatjana Maria in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 to move into the second round. While the German, Maria, struggled to settle and find her game but across the net, Williams had no such problems. Maria had no answers to Williams' powerful game for most parts of the match Although Maria picked herself up in the second set, holding serve twice, it was way too late for her. Williams pocketed the win on Maria's serve in the eighth game, on her second match point. She had high winning percentage margins both on her first and second serves – 82% and 88% respectively. The former world no.1 converted five of the eight break points she had, and did not face a single break point on her own serve.

Serena Williams returns to Australian Open with emphatic win, defeats Tatjana Maria in straight sets

Bashing 39 aces to match his age, Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the Australian Open in over 40 years as he felled Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, a man 18 years his junior, to reach the second round on Tuesday.

On a sweltering day at Melbourne Park, the towering Croat's 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-6(3) 7-6(5) win on Court 19 made him the oldest victor at the tournament since Australian icon Ken Rosewall reached the third round of the 1978 tournament at the age of 44.

World number 73 Karlovic also became the oldest winner at any Grand Slam since a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat Jaime Oncins to reach the second round of the 1992 U.S. Open.

Karlovic, whose birthday falls on Feb. 28, will be officially middle-aged next month but said he had no intention of winding down while still fit enough to compete.

"I think I'm healthy so hopefully there will be no injuries," the 6-ft 11-in (2.11 metres) Zagreb man told Reuters at Melbourne Park.

"As long as my ranking is up and I get in to all these tournaments, I don't see any reason I should stop."

The oldest man in the men's singles ahead of 37-year-old double defending champion Roger Federer, Karlovic advanced a day after 31-year-old Andy Murray played possibly his last match at Melbourne Park on Monday.

The former world number one Briton has been suffering severe pain in his right hip and said before the tournament that he might have to retire.

Where Murray's all-court, scrambling, defensive game has undoubtedly taken its toll, Karlovic's longevity may be explained in part by his commitment to the now rarely seen art of serve-volley.

Boasting a monster serve and an arm-span that can seem as wide as the court, the Croat keeps points short and sharp.

The style can be picked apart by good passers and the power of modern baseline pounders but it has served former world number 14 Karlovic well in a very respectable career of eight titles.

No rally against Hurkacz exceeded four points and the silver-haired Karlovic sealed the match when the Pole sent an attempted passing shot into the tramlines.

He raised his long arms into the air in triumph as a rowdy smattering of Croatian fans chanted, "Ivo! Ivo! Ivo!"

Why would he want to leave all this, he asked.

"This range of emotions from winning to losing, it's, I don't know, it's different," he said.

Bashing 39 aces to match his age, Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the Australian Open in over 40 years as he felled Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, a man 18 years his junior, to reach the second round on Tuesday.

Bashing 39 aces to match his age, Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the Australian Open in over 40 years as he felled Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, a man 18 years his junior, to reach the second round on Tuesday. On a sweltering day at Melbourne Park, the towering Croat's 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-6(3) 7-6(5) win on Court 19 made him the oldest victor at the tournament since Australian icon Ken Rosewall reached the third round of the 1978 tournament at the age of 44. World number 73 Karlovic also became the oldest winner at any Grand Slam since a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat Jaime Oncins to reach the second round of the 1992 U.S. Open. Karlovic, whose birthday falls on Feb. 28, will be officially middle-aged next month but said he had no intention of winding down while still fit enough to compete. "I think I'm healthy so hopefully there will be no injuries," the 6-ft 11-in (2.11 metres) Zagreb man told Reuters at Melbourne Park. "As long as my ranking is up and I get in to all these tournaments, I don't see any reason I should stop." The oldest man in the men's singles ahead of 37-year-old double defending champion Roger Federer, Karlovic advanced a day after 31-year-old Andy Murray played possibly his last match at Melbourne Park on Monday. The former world number one Briton has been suffering severe pain in his right hip and said before the tournament that he might have to retire. Where Murray's all-court, scrambling, defensive game has undoubtedly taken its toll, Karlovic's longevity may be explained in part by his commitment to the now rarely seen art of serve-volley. Boasting a monster serve and an arm-span that can seem as wide as the court, the Croat keeps points short and sharp. The style can be picked apart by good passers and the power of modern baseline pounders but it has served former world number 14 Karlovic well in a very respectable career of eight titles. No rally against Hurkacz exceeded four points and the silver-haired Karlovic sealed the match when the Pole sent an attempted passing shot into the tramlines. He raised his long arms into the air in triumph as a rowdy smattering of Croatian fans chanted, "Ivo! Ivo! Ivo!" Why would he want to leave all this, he asked. "This range of emotions from winning to losing, it's, I don't know, it's different," he said.

Australian Open: Ivo Karlovic, 39, defies Father Time to reach second round

Katie Boulter became the first player to win a main draw match at the Australian Open under a revamped scoring system on Monday but not before losing her way during the new-look deciding set shootout.

The Briton, who overcame dual Grand Slam semi-finalist Ekaterina Makarova, thought she had won the first round match after reaching seven points in the third set tiebreak and celebrated accordingly.

Reminded the tie-break was an extended first-to-ten-points affair, the 22-year-old regrouped, won it 10-6 and was later able to see the funny side.

"I was in the moment and I kind of forgot that it was first to 10 but I'm happy I could dig deep and get through it in the end," said Boulter, who plays eleventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, in the second round.

"I've got to take it light-heartedly. I ended up getting the win, I probably would have been really devastated had I not."

While Boulter was the first player to win a first-to-ten-point tiebreak in the main draw, several tight qualifying matches already tested out the format.

Scoring systems have been hotly debated ever since the so-called "endless match" between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, which ended after the American prevailed 70-68 in the fifth set after more than eight hours.

The debate reignited last year after Isner was again involved in an ultra-long match at Wimbledon, losing 26-24 in the deciding set to South Africa's Kevin Anderson in the semi-finals.

On both occasions, the exhausted winner of the marathon contest lost their next match.

The lengthy contests also wreaked havoc with timetabling, shunting subsequent matches onto other courts, as well as the all-important television schedules.

Each of the Grand Slams now utilise a different system for deciding deadlocked matches.

The U.S. Open and Australian Open both use tiebreaks when scores are locked at six games apiece in the deciding set, although the length of the final set tiebreak differs.

Wimbledon will this year utilise a tiebreak should scores get locked at 12 games each in the decider.

This has left the French Open the sole major with the potential for an interminable match, where a player must secure a two-game advantage in the deciding set instead of engaging in a shoot-out.

Katie Boulter became the first player to win a main draw match at the Australian Open under a revamped scoring system on Monday but not before losing her way during the new-look deciding set shootout.

Katie Boulter became the first player to win a main draw match at the Australian Open under a revamped scoring system on Monday but not before losing her way during the new-look deciding set shootout. The Briton, who overcame dual Grand Slam semi-finalist Ekaterina Makarova, thought she had won the first round match after reaching seven points in the third set tiebreak and celebrated accordingly. Reminded the tie-break was an extended first-to-ten-points affair, the 22-year-old regrouped, won it 10-6 and was later able to see the funny side. "I was in the moment and I kind of forgot that it was first to 10 but I'm happy I could dig deep and get through it in the end," said Boulter, who plays eleventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, in the second round. "I've got to take it light-heartedly. I ended up getting the win, I probably would have been really devastated had I not." While Boulter was the first player to win a first-to-ten-point tiebreak in the main draw, several tight qualifying matches already tested out the format. Scoring systems have been hotly debated ever since the so-called "endless match" between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, which ended after the American prevailed 70-68 in the fifth set after more than eight hours. The debate reignited last year after Isner was again involved in an ultra-long match at Wimbledon, losing 26-24 in the deciding set to South Africa's Kevin Anderson in the semi-finals. On both occasions, the exhausted winner of the marathon contest lost their next match. The lengthy contests also wreaked havoc with timetabling, shunting subsequent matches onto other courts, as well as the all-important television schedules. Each of the Grand Slams now utilise a different system for deciding deadlocked matches. The U.S. Open and Australian Open both use tiebreaks when scores are locked at six games apiece in the deciding set, although the length of the final set tiebreak differs. Wimbledon will this year utilise a tiebreak should scores get locked at 12 games each in the decider. This has left the French Open the sole major with the potential for an interminable match, where a player must secure a two-game advantage in the deciding set instead of engaging in a shoot-out.

Australian open: Boulter wins deciding set shootout after premature celebration

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday.

The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

The Spaniard had not played an ATP Tour match since being forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final because of a knee injury last September.

After an abdominal problem and ankle surgery ended his season early, he pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane last week with a minor thigh strain.

The world No 2 began impressively to break Duckworth in the opening game of the match and eventually claim the first set in 39 minutes. The Australian, however, offered resistance in the second set when he secured a break of serve to establish a 2-0 lead.

Nadal, a 17-time major winner, broke back immediately with games soon going back on serve, before he gained two more breaks to move ahead two sets to love.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rafa's back! 
 
In his 1⃣4⃣th appearance at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> gets his 2019 campaign underway, def. James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5. <a href="https://t.co/egIaN204qE">pic.twitter.com/egIaN204qE</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084661548725850112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It's not easy to come back after a lot of months, and especially against a player who's super aggressive. 'I'm very, very happy to be through," Nadal said in an on-court interview.&nbsp;

He will next play either another Australian Matthew Ebden or Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff who face off later on Monday. 
&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday. The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday. The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena. The Spaniard had not played an ATP Tour match since being forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final because of a knee injury last September. After an abdominal problem and ankle surgery ended his season early, he pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane last week with a minor thigh strain. The world No 2 began impressively to break Duckworth in the opening game of the match and eventually claim the first set in 39 minutes. The Australian, however, offered resistance in the second set when he secured a break of serve to establish a 2-0 lead. Nadal, a 17-time major winner, broke back immediately with games soon going back on serve, before he gained two more breaks to move ahead two sets to love. Rafa's back! In his 1⃣4⃣th appearance at the #AusOpen, @RafaelNadal gets his 2019 campaign underway, def. James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5. pic.twitter.com/egIaN204qE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × "It's not easy to come back after a lot of months, and especially against a player who's super aggressive. 'I'm very, very happy to be through," Nadal said in an on-court interview. He will next play either another Australian Matthew Ebden or Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff who face off later on Monday.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal roars past James Duckworth to enter 2nd round

In pics: Day 1 highlights of Australian Open

Andy Murray said he would make a decision on further surgery that could end his career "within a week" after battling to a gutsy, epic five-set defeat in the Australian Open on Monday.&nbsp;

The Scot <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-out-of-australian-open-after-five-set-thriller-190245">fought to the very end before losing</a> his Melbourne first-round match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-2&nbsp;to Roberto Bautista Agut.

Murray, who has said he will retire this season because of chronic hip pain, seemed finished at two sets and a break down to the 22nd seeded Spaniard in the first round but somehow battled back to force a fifth set.

"Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight," the three-time Grand Slam champion said after being swept along on a wave of vociferous support.

Murray announced at an emotional press conference on Friday that he would retire at Wimbledon this year, but conceded Monday's clash could well be his last match as he will soon need a further major operation on his damaged right hip.

"I have basically like two options," he told reporters. "One is to take the next four-and-a-half months off, then build up, you know, play Wimbledon.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>"Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight" - Andy Murray</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight - Andy Murray" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

'I'm really struggling'

"I mean, I'm really struggling. I can't walk properly at all just now. I could play another match, but ... I want to improve my quality of life, because even if I take four months, I still can't walk.

"But having an operation like that, there's absolutely no guarantees I'd be able to play again. I'm fully aware of that. It's a really big operation.&nbsp;

"I'll probably decide in the next week or so."

Murray had entered a raucous Melbourne Arena to a huge ovation as Scottish Saltires and British Union flags were flown while one banner proclaimed: "There will only ever be one Andy Murray".

The rollicking support lifted him and despite frequently grimacing with pain he moved relatively freely as the Spaniard took the opening set in 50 minutes.

The in-form Bautista Agut had beaten world number one Novak Djokovic on his way to winning the Qatar Open at the start of the month and quickly took the second.

Bautista Agut broke for 2-1 in the third and just as the end looked like it would come quickly, Murray had the crowd, including mum Judy and brother Jamie, back on their feet after a winner down the line to break back.&nbsp;

"Right, let's go," Murray shouted and held to love with an searing ace to nudge ahead 3-2 before forcing a tiebreak which he took 7-5 with a scream of "come on" and a huge fist pump.&nbsp;

Suddenly the comeback was on.

The fourth set went with serve and Murray again proved the tie-break master on the fourth of his five set points -- but not before being interrupted as he served to stay in the match at 5-6 by fireworks going off at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>"Maybe I'll see you again" - Andy Murray</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Maybe I'll see you again - Andy Murray" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

'An incredible night'

Once Bautista Agut broke in the fifth, Murray's resolve finally crumbled and the Spaniard took it 6-2. He will face unseeded Australian John Millman in the second round.

"That was an incredible night," said Bautista Agut.&nbsp;

"Andy deserves this atmosphere. He gave everything to the last point. I want to congratulate him for all he did for tennis."

Murray was then shown a big screen tribute from a whole phalanx of top players, including Roger Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki and Sloane Stephens.

"I've been very fortunate -- and unlucky -- to compete in an era with all those great players around" Murray said.

"To have the respect of your peers is a very special thing."

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

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

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

Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open.

Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets. That&nbsp;however was as far as he could take it.&nbsp;

He finally lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2.&nbsp;

"Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so so much to everyone that came out tonight," Murray said after the game.&nbsp;

"Maybe I'll see you again."

Murray had said before the tournament that he will be retiring after Wimbledon this year. But that the constant pain in his hip may allow him to go no further than the Australian Open.&nbsp;

"I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I'll need to have a big operation which there's no guarantees I'll come back from. But I'll give it my best shot," Murray said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In his last <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short. 
 
Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. <a href="https://t.co/CoiObtKQue">pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084783634941239296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
He went out in the most Andy Murray way possible. 
 
Fighting until the end 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/aI28iEJ64T">pic.twitter.com/aI28iEJ64T</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084792440869908485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The audience gave Murray a standing ovation before he started serving in the fifth set.

And an emotional tribute to him from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and&nbsp;Novak Djokovic was played out on a big screen after the match.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
An amazing tennis player. 
 
But an even better person. 
 
Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRPBLC2zY6">pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084789880360554496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bautista Agut will face the unseeded John Millman of Australia in the second round of the tournament.&nbsp;

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

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

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

Spain's tennis star<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-rafael-nadal-roars-past-james-duckworth-to-enter-2nd-round-190137"> Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth</a> 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open.&nbsp;

While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.&nbsp;

On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?"&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a>

Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. 
 
Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepIsForTheWeak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepIsForTheWeak</a> <a href="https://t.co/dFf8yCWpie">pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie</a>
— Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beeorlicious/status/1084713966620852224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying."&nbsp;

Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.&nbsp;

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

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

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

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday.

The Wimbledon champion minimised her time under the hot sun, where temperatures surpassed 30 degrees celsius (86°F) during the day-time matches in Melbourne, securing the straight sets win in just over an hour.

Her opponent, a former top-50 player, was too erratic to trouble the three-times Grand Slam winner, committing almost three times as many unforced errors as Kerber.

Kerber said her form improved during the match and her ball-striking was not side-tracked by the at-times inconsistent opponent.

"I played a lot of matches here already in Australia ... I have my rhythm," said Kerber, who played lead-up events in both Perth and Sydney.

Kerber was rarely challenged, and stepped up her relentless, grinding style on the handful of occasions she faced break points to move into the next round without losing any service games.

She will play Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round in a battle between two left-handed counter-punchers who have not previously met.

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday.

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday. The Wimbledon champion minimised her time under the hot sun, where temperatures surpassed 30 degrees celsius (86°F) during the day-time matches in Melbourne, securing the straight sets win in just over an hour. Her opponent, a former top-50 player, was too erratic to trouble the three-times Grand Slam winner, committing almost three times as many unforced errors as Kerber. Kerber said her form improved during the match and her ball-striking was not side-tracked by the at-times inconsistent opponent. "I played a lot of matches here already in Australia ... I have my rhythm," said Kerber, who played lead-up events in both Perth and Sydney. Kerber was rarely challenged, and stepped up her relentless, grinding style on the handful of occasions she faced break points to move into the next round without losing any service games. She will play Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round in a battle between two left-handed counter-punchers who have not previously met.

Angelique Kerber untroubled as Australian Open campaign gets underway

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