Three-time French Open champion and former world no. 1 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario analyses the contenders in the men's and women's draws ahead of the year's second grand slam. She thinks Rafael Nadal remains the firm favourite for a twelfth title, and considers defending women's champion Simona Halep as her own biggest threat.

WION Sports: Arantxa Sanchez picks her French Open favourites

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/maria-sharapova-withdraws-from-italian-open-215391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfso-E0p_iAhUL6Y8KHaNCAVQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_rd0ZDTHX5OlFQ2Xq8zCf">Maria Sharapova</a> has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday.

Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January.

"Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones," she said in a post on her Instagram account.

"In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder," she added with a picture of her lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2014.

In February the world number 35 said she had undergone a small procedure to fix a long-standing shoulder problem.

The former world number one had missed out on a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.

Sharapova has been struggling back to top fitness since watching from the sidelines during her 15-month doping ban that ended in 2017.

This year's French Open will run from May 26 until June 9, with Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep as defending champions

Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday. Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January.

Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday. Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January. "Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones," she said in a post on her Instagram account. "In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder," she added with a picture of her lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2014. In February the world number 35 said she had undergone a small procedure to fix a long-standing shoulder problem. The former world number one had missed out on a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January. Sharapova has been struggling back to top fitness since watching from the sidelines during her 15-month doping ban that ended in 2017. This year's French Open will run from May 26 until June 9, with Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep as defending champions

Maria Sharapova pulls out of French Open due to shoulder injury

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Andy+Murray">Andy Murray</a> will put his "heart and soul" into trying to return to professional tennis, his mother Judy has said, although she admitted the player's future is unclear.

The 31-year-old underwent hip resurfacing surgery at the end of January in a final throw of the dice to try to overcome the problem that first became a serious issue in 2017.

The operation was performed primarily to improve his quality of life, with Murray revealing that he struggled simply to put on his socks and shoes, but also offered a potential route back to the sport.

"He is doing pretty well. It is not that long since he had the operation and time will tell," Judy Murray told Sky Sports.

"Nobody knows how he is going to recover in the longer term. He is in a good place mentally and we just keep our fingers crossed.

"But I tell you, if anybody can do it he can because he will put his heart and soul into it like he does with everything."

The former world number one announced at an emotional press conference ahead of the Australian Open in January that he planned to retire after Wimbledon but was more hopeful following a remarkable five-set defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round.

No player has come back from the same operation to play singles but American Bob Bryan recently returned in doubles and won an ATP Tour title in Delray Beach last month with his brother Mike.

Bryan said in Australia that he no longer felt any pain and backed Murray to follow him by making a comeback.&nbsp;

Andy Murray will put his "heart and soul" into trying to return to professional tennis, his mother Judy has said, although she admitted the player's future is unclear.

Andy Murray will put his "heart and soul" into trying to return to professional tennis, his mother Judy has said, although she admitted the player's future is unclear. The 31-year-old underwent hip resurfacing surgery at the end of January in a final throw of the dice to try to overcome the problem that first became a serious issue in 2017. The operation was performed primarily to improve his quality of life, with Murray revealing that he struggled simply to put on his socks and shoes, but also offered a potential route back to the sport. "He is doing pretty well. It is not that long since he had the operation and time will tell," Judy Murray told Sky Sports. "Nobody knows how he is going to recover in the longer term. He is in a good place mentally and we just keep our fingers crossed. "But I tell you, if anybody can do it he can because he will put his heart and soul into it like he does with everything." The former world number one announced at an emotional press conference ahead of the Australian Open in January that he planned to retire after Wimbledon but was more hopeful following a remarkable five-set defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round. No player has come back from the same operation to play singles but American Bob Bryan recently returned in doubles and won an ATP Tour title in Delray Beach last month with his brother Mike. Bryan said in Australia that he no longer felt any pain and backed Murray to follow him by making a comeback.

Andy Murray will put 'heart and soul' into return, says mum Judy

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week.&nbsp;

"Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol."&nbsp;

An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season.&nbsp;

His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner.&nbsp;

In January, Jenkins was named&nbsp;by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach.&nbsp;

Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long.&nbsp;

"It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said.&nbsp;

Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.&nbsp;

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post.

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol." An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season. His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner. In January, Jenkins was named by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach. Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long. "It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said. Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.

Naomi Osaka adds US coach Jermaine Jenkins to team

Roger Federer began his charge for a 100th career title by dispatching Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 on a windy centre court in the first round of the Dubai Championships.&nbsp;

Second seed Federer had to deal with a tricky opponent and strong gusts at the Aviation Club in front of nearly 5,500 fans at the Aviation Club, needing all three sets to make it past the opening round.&nbsp;

The Swiss, a seven-time Dubai champion, had to go up a gear in the third set to advance to a second-round meeting with Fernando Verdasco after German Kohlschreiber made a match of it by winning the second.&nbsp;

"I'm just happy to get through, it was tricky conditions out there," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said after his 14th straight win over Kohlschreiber, his friend and practice partner.&nbsp;

"Philipp caused me a lot of trouble and we played in swirly conditions. All of a sudden it (the wind) could stop and you could be a break down. That also plays in your head a little bit.&nbsp;

"I know the game's there. It was just really difficult conditions tonight."&nbsp;

Federer, who is seeded behind Kei Nishikori, swept the opening set after breaking in the first game but was pegged back.&nbsp;

Kohlschreiber, ranked 31st in the world, made a match of it in the second, breaking Federer three times on his way to taking the set 6-3.&nbsp;

The final game of the set was a nine-minute thriller, with the Swiss seed saving three set points before Kohlschreiber levelled the match with a volley winner.&nbsp;

But Federer cruised to the third set and the next round.&nbsp;

Khachanov, Raonic surprised

Earlier, seeds Karen Khachanov and Milos Raonic suffered surprise first-round exits in testing conditions.

Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili stunned Russian fourth seed Khachanov 6-4, 6-1, while world number 14 Raonic was beaten his Dubai debut 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 by German Jan-Lennard Struff.&nbsp;

Khachanov went down in just 69 minutes to 19th-ranked Georgian Basilashvili, winner of two titles last season, as winds played havoc during the day.

"I know Karen is not having his best time at this moment. But I also did not have great beginning of the season," said Basilashvili.

"I was able to manage my nerves just (for the) whole match, especially in the windy conditions. It was really tough, (and I'm) really happy for sure."

Raonic battled for more than two hours but was unable to get past Struff.

In an unusual incident, one of Raonic's rocket serves struck a ball girl straight in face.

After a five-minute pause for treatment, she was led off court by a first-aid worker -- the girl returned at the end of the match and shook hands with the player, who gave her a racquet.

The Canadian fired 15 aces in his losing effort, dropping serve twice.

Struff advanced into a second-round match with Marton Fucsovics after the Hungarian defeated Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 7-6 (7/5).

Former finalist Verdasco smashed 13 aces as he put out Italy's Thomas Fabbiano 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Roger Federer began his charge for a 100th career title by dispatching Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 on a windy centre court in the first round of the Dubai Championships.

Roger Federer began his charge for a 100th career title by dispatching Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 on a windy centre court in the first round of the Dubai Championships. Second seed Federer had to deal with a tricky opponent and strong gusts at the Aviation Club in front of nearly 5,500 fans at the Aviation Club, needing all three sets to make it past the opening round. The Swiss, a seven-time Dubai champion, had to go up a gear in the third set to advance to a second-round meeting with Fernando Verdasco after German Kohlschreiber made a match of it by winning the second. "I'm just happy to get through, it was tricky conditions out there," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said after his 14th straight win over Kohlschreiber, his friend and practice partner. "Philipp caused me a lot of trouble and we played in swirly conditions. All of a sudden it (the wind) could stop and you could be a break down. That also plays in your head a little bit. "I know the game's there. It was just really difficult conditions tonight." Federer, who is seeded behind Kei Nishikori, swept the opening set after breaking in the first game but was pegged back. Kohlschreiber, ranked 31st in the world, made a match of it in the second, breaking Federer three times on his way to taking the set 6-3. The final game of the set was a nine-minute thriller, with the Swiss seed saving three set points before Kohlschreiber levelled the match with a volley winner. But Federer cruised to the third set and the next round. Khachanov, Raonic surprised Earlier, seeds Karen Khachanov and Milos Raonic suffered surprise first-round exits in testing conditions. Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili stunned Russian fourth seed Khachanov 6-4, 6-1, while world number 14 Raonic was beaten his Dubai debut 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 by German Jan-Lennard Struff. Khachanov went down in just 69 minutes to 19th-ranked Georgian Basilashvili, winner of two titles last season, as winds played havoc during the day. "I know Karen is not having his best time at this moment. But I also did not have great beginning of the season," said Basilashvili. "I was able to manage my nerves just (for the) whole match, especially in the windy conditions. It was really tough, (and I'm) really happy for sure." Raonic battled for more than two hours but was unable to get past Struff. In an unusual incident, one of Raonic's rocket serves struck a ball girl straight in face. After a five-minute pause for treatment, she was led off court by a first-aid worker -- the girl returned at the end of the match and shook hands with the player, who gave her a racquet. The Canadian fired 15 aces in his losing effort, dropping serve twice. Struff advanced into a second-round match with Marton Fucsovics after the Hungarian defeated Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 7-6 (7/5). Former finalist Verdasco smashed 13 aces as he put out Italy's Thomas Fabbiano 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Roger Federer starts 100th title bid with Kohlschreiber win in Dubai

A controversial Australian newspaper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cheating-sexism-and-now-racism-serena-williams-cartoon-depiction-divides-twitter-165034">cartoon of Serena Williams</a> which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday.&nbsp;

Melbourne Herald-Sun illustrator Mark Knight's caricature in September showed a butch and fat-lipped Williams throwing a temper tantrum at last year's US Open after losing to Naomi Osaka.

It sparked widespread condemnation across the world, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling and the Washington Post, which likened it to the era of racial segregation in the United States.

The Herald-Sun <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australian-newspaper-defies-criticism-reprints-serena-williams-cartoon-165199">defiantly republished the cartoon</a> on its front page in the wake of the criticism under the headline "WELCOME TO PC WORLD".

The Australian Press Council received complaints that Williams' depiction "may cause it to be an offensive and sexist representation of a woman and a prejudicial racial stereotype of African-American people generally".

It said there was concern about her being shown with "large lips, a broad flat nose, a wild afro-styled ponytail hairstyle different to that worn by Ms Williams during the match and positioned in an ape-like pose".

But it accepted that the newspaper's intent was simply to depict her behaviour as "childish by showing her spitting a pacifier out while she jumps up and down". "The Council considers that the cartoon uses exaggeration and absurdity to make its point," it said.

"It accepts the publisher's claim that it does not depict Ms Williams as an ape, rather showing her as 'spitting the dummy', a non-racist caricature familiar to most Australian readers."&nbsp;

The Council did acknowledge that some readers found it offensive, but added that there was "sufficient public interest in commenting on behaviour and sportsmanship during a significant dispute between a tennis player with a globally high profile and an umpire at the US Open final".

"As such, the Council does not consider that the publication failed to take reasonable steps to avoid causing substantial offence, distress or prejudice, without sufficient justification in the public interest."&nbsp;

The furore followed 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams smashing her racquet and calling the umpire a "thief" and a "liar" during her Flushing Meadows meltdown.

At the time, Knight -- who has a reputation for controversial cartoons -- said the uproar was a sign that the "world has just gone crazy".

"The cartoon about Serena is about her poor behaviour on the day, not about race," he said.

Australia is a highly multicultural country, but also sees occasional public dust-ups about the use of racially and sexually loaded language.&nbsp;

A controversial Australian newspaper cartoon of Serena Williams which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday.

A controversial Australian newspaper cartoon of Serena Williams which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday. Melbourne Herald-Sun illustrator Mark Knight's caricature in September showed a butch and fat-lipped Williams throwing a temper tantrum at last year's US Open after losing to Naomi Osaka. It sparked widespread condemnation across the world, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling and the Washington Post, which likened it to the era of racial segregation in the United States. The Herald-Sun defiantly republished the cartoon on its front page in the wake of the criticism under the headline "WELCOME TO PC WORLD". The Australian Press Council received complaints that Williams' depiction "may cause it to be an offensive and sexist representation of a woman and a prejudicial racial stereotype of African-American people generally". It said there was concern about her being shown with "large lips, a broad flat nose, a wild afro-styled ponytail hairstyle different to that worn by Ms Williams during the match and positioned in an ape-like pose". But it accepted that the newspaper's intent was simply to depict her behaviour as "childish by showing her spitting a pacifier out while she jumps up and down". "The Council considers that the cartoon uses exaggeration and absurdity to make its point," it said. "It accepts the publisher's claim that it does not depict Ms Williams as an ape, rather showing her as 'spitting the dummy', a non-racist caricature familiar to most Australian readers." The Council did acknowledge that some readers found it offensive, but added that there was "sufficient public interest in commenting on behaviour and sportsmanship during a significant dispute between a tennis player with a globally high profile and an umpire at the US Open final". "As such, the Council does not consider that the publication failed to take reasonable steps to avoid causing substantial offence, distress or prejudice, without sufficient justification in the public interest." The furore followed 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams smashing her racquet and calling the umpire a "thief" and a "liar" during her Flushing Meadows meltdown. At the time, Knight -- who has a reputation for controversial cartoons -- said the uproar was a sign that the "world has just gone crazy". "The cartoon about Serena is about her poor behaviour on the day, not about race," he said. Australia is a highly multicultural country, but also sees occasional public dust-ups about the use of racially and sexually loaded language.

Serena Williams cartoon given Australian all-clear

Novak Djokovic underwent surgery to fix an elbow problem 12 months back and in the process seems to have also eradicated any remaining glitches in his game, handing out an incredible mauling to Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

With his record seventh crown at Melbourne Park, Djokovic moved ahead of Pete Sampras as third on the men's all-time list of most Grand Slam titles (15) and probably more poignantly just two behind Nadal.

Roger Federer is still out in front with 20 and the debate on the sport's greatest player has mostly centred around the Swiss master and the Spaniard.

But Djokovic has most certainly thrown his hat into that ring and the mark remains a motivation for him.

"Of course, it motivates me," said Djokovic, who earlier posed with his trophy for "the most beautiful and the most expensive" photograph of the night with four Australian tennis greats including Rod Laver and Roy Emerson.

"Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority in this season and in seasons to come. How many seasons are to come? I don't know. I'm not trying to think too much in advance.

"I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall well-being that I have mental, physical, emotional, so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come, and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger's record. It's still far."

In their last meeting at Melbourne Park seven years ago, the Serb needed a record five hours and 53 minutes to beat Nadal in the title clash in a match regarded as a classic.

On Sunday, he needed little more than a couple of hours to clinch his 15th Grand Slam trophy and third in succession after winning Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open. The victory also tied his career Grand Slam final meetings against Nadal at 4-4.

Clay Challenge&nbsp;

The biggest challenge for Djokovic this year will come at the French Open once again from Nadal, where the 32-year-old has won a record 11 titles.

"I have to work on my game, my claycourt game, a bit more, more specifically than I have in the last season," said Djokovic, who completed his first 'Nole Slam' in 2015-16.

"I am already playing better. But, I mean, clay specifically in order to have a chance and shot at the title. The ultimate challenge there is to win against Nadal."

The 31-year-old played like a man possessed as those present at the packed Rod Laver Arena, which boasted strong support for Nadal, were left shaking their heads in disbelief at his utter dominance.

Djokovic had five breaks of serve while conceding only a single break point against an opponent, who was yet to lose a set en route to the final.

He committed nine unforced errors while hitting 34 winners, often under pressure and off balance.

That was after giving away only five unforced errors in his semi-final thrashing of Lucas Pouille.

"Back-to-back semi-finals and finals, I think I made 15 unforced errors in total in two matches," he said. "It's quite pleasantly surprising to myself, as well, even though I always believe I can play this way, visualize myself playing this way.

"At this level, as I said, under the circumstances, it was truly a perfect match."

Novak Djokovic underwent surgery to fix an elbow problem 12 months back and in the process seems to have also eradicated any remaining glitches in his game, handing out an incredible mauling to Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic underwent surgery to fix an elbow problem 12 months back and in the process seems to have also eradicated any remaining glitches in his game, handing out an incredible mauling to Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open final on Sunday. With his record seventh crown at Melbourne Park, Djokovic moved ahead of Pete Sampras as third on the men's all-time list of most Grand Slam titles (15) and probably more poignantly just two behind Nadal. Roger Federer is still out in front with 20 and the debate on the sport's greatest player has mostly centred around the Swiss master and the Spaniard. But Djokovic has most certainly thrown his hat into that ring and the mark remains a motivation for him. "Of course, it motivates me," said Djokovic, who earlier posed with his trophy for "the most beautiful and the most expensive" photograph of the night with four Australian tennis greats including Rod Laver and Roy Emerson. "Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority in this season and in seasons to come. How many seasons are to come? I don't know. I'm not trying to think too much in advance. "I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall well-being that I have mental, physical, emotional, so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come, and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger's record. It's still far." In their last meeting at Melbourne Park seven years ago, the Serb needed a record five hours and 53 minutes to beat Nadal in the title clash in a match regarded as a classic. On Sunday, he needed little more than a couple of hours to clinch his 15th Grand Slam trophy and third in succession after winning Wimbledon and the US Open. The victory also tied his career Grand Slam final meetings against Nadal at 4-4. Clay Challenge The biggest challenge for Djokovic this year will come at the French Open once again from Nadal, where the 32-year-old has won a record 11 titles. "I have to work on my game, my claycourt game, a bit more, more specifically than I have in the last season," said Djokovic, who completed his first 'Nole Slam' in 2015-16. "I am already playing better. But, I mean, clay specifically in order to have a chance and shot at the title. The ultimate challenge there is to win against Nadal." The 31-year-old played like a man possessed as those present at the packed Rod Laver Arena, which boasted strong support for Nadal, were left shaking their heads in disbelief at his utter dominance. Djokovic had five breaks of serve while conceding only a single break point against an opponent, who was yet to lose a set en route to the final. He committed nine unforced errors while hitting 34 winners, often under pressure and off balance. That was after giving away only five unforced errors in his semi-final thrashing of Lucas Pouille. "Back-to-back semi-finals and finals, I think I made 15 unforced errors in total in two matches," he said. "It's quite pleasantly surprising to myself, as well, even though I always believe I can play this way, visualize myself playing this way. "At this level, as I said, under the circumstances, it was truly a perfect match."

Novak Djokovic sets sight on Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam titles

In pictures & quotes: A look back at the Australian Open

It was an agonising two hours and 27 minutes but Japanese tennis fans burst into tears and shouts of joy Saturday as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-beats-petra-kvitova-to-win-australian-open-192967">Naomi Osaka sealed her second straight Grand Slam</a>.&nbsp;

Supporters in a packed Tokyo bar had a rollercoaster ride watching the action from the Australian Open final as their heroine Osaka contrived to give up three Championship points in the second set.

But as Osaka claimed victory and sunk to her knees in triumph and disbelief, fans let out the pent-up emotion following a thrilling see-saw <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-feels-a-winner-despite-australian-open-pain-193041">battle with eighth seed Petra Kvitova</a> from the Czech Republic.

They punched the air, clapped hands and gave each other hugs and high fives as shouts of joy rang around the B ONE bar in upmarket Ginza, replacing earlier chants of "Naomi! Naomi! Naomi!"&nbsp;

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led his nation's congratulations, hailing an "impressive victory in a very tight game".

"I'm so proud of the birth of the new world queen," tweeted Abe.

In securing victory in Melbourne after her stunning win over Serena Williams in the US Open last year, Osaka also clinched the world number-one spot, the first Asian to do so.

Her US Open victory was the first by a Japanese player and she is now the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

With her gutsy performance in Melbourne backing up her breakthrough in New York, Osaka confirmed herself as the new star in the women's game and fans were expecting her to kick on from here.

"She can win much, much more! I want her to win on grass... I want her to win at Wimbledon!" Masako Takeda said at the bar as she wiped away tears of joy.

Another fan, Aki Tani, praised Osaka for being "humble but playing boldly" on court.

"I'm so happy that we can tell she has grown so much over the past two years!" she said.

Nozomi Hirabayashi noted it was "unthinkable before" that a Japanese player could become the world's best.

"I'm so proud," he said. "I want her to win the next Grand Slam as she is very mentally strong." News flashes screamed across Japanese networks after the nail-biting match.

The Sankei newspaper tweeted: "She scored a remarkable win that makes us see 'the Era of Naomi' coming up." Osaka has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States.

She has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese.

It was an agonising two hours and 27 minutes but Japanese tennis fans burst into tears and shouts of joy Saturday as Naomi Osaka sealed her second straight Grand Slam.

It was an agonising two hours and 27 minutes but Japanese tennis fans burst into tears and shouts of joy Saturday as Naomi Osaka sealed her second straight Grand Slam. Supporters in a packed Tokyo bar had a rollercoaster ride watching the action from the Australian Open final as their heroine Osaka contrived to give up three Championship points in the second set. But as Osaka claimed victory and sunk to her knees in triumph and disbelief, fans let out the pent-up emotion following a thrilling see-saw battle with eighth seed Petra Kvitova from the Czech Republic. They punched the air, clapped hands and gave each other hugs and high fives as shouts of joy rang around the B ONE bar in upmarket Ginza, replacing earlier chants of "Naomi! Naomi! Naomi!" Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led his nation's congratulations, hailing an "impressive victory in a very tight game". "I'm so proud of the birth of the new world queen," tweeted Abe. In securing victory in Melbourne after her stunning win over Serena Williams in the US Open last year, Osaka also clinched the world number-one spot, the first Asian to do so. Her US Open victory was the first by a Japanese player and she is now the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010. With her gutsy performance in Melbourne backing up her breakthrough in New York, Osaka confirmed herself as the new star in the women's game and fans were expecting her to kick on from here. "She can win much, much more! I want her to win on grass... I want her to win at Wimbledon!" Masako Takeda said at the bar as she wiped away tears of joy. Another fan, Aki Tani, praised Osaka for being "humble but playing boldly" on court. "I'm so happy that we can tell she has grown so much over the past two years!" she said. Nozomi Hirabayashi noted it was "unthinkable before" that a Japanese player could become the world's best. "I'm so proud," he said. "I want her to win the next Grand Slam as she is very mentally strong." News flashes screamed across Japanese networks after the nail-biting match. The Sankei newspaper tweeted: "She scored a remarkable win that makes us see 'the Era of Naomi' coming up." Osaka has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States. She has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese.

Australian Open: Japan tennis fans hail 'new Queen' Naomi Osaka

Comeback queen Petra Kvitova said she was hurting but still <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-beats-petra-kvitova-to-win-australian-open-192967">felt like a winner after going down</a> guns blazing against Japan's Naomi Osaka Saturday in an epic clash for the Australian Open crown.&nbsp;

The Czech two-time Wimbledon champion overcame incredible odds to even play tennis again after a knife attack damaged her racquet hand in late 2016.&nbsp;

Doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of returning to the sport and Kvitova said reaching the final of the season-opening Grand Slam was an achievement in itself.&nbsp;

"It's hurting a lot today, I wanted to win and have the trophy," the 28-year-old said after the 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 defeat.&nbsp;

"But I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it's crazy. I can hardly believe that I just played in a Grand Slam final again.&nbsp;

"I've been through many, many things, not really great ones."&nbsp;

The Czech said she had her chances against Osaka and the 2hr 27min final hinged on a few key moments.&nbsp;

She was unable to convert five break points in the first set but forced a tie-break, only for Osaka to run away with it.&nbsp;

Kvitova then summoned her renowned fighting spirit to survive three championship points as she trailed 3-5 in the second, forcing a decider.

"I was thinking that if I turn it around, probably (momentum) it's on my side. In the end, it wasn't," she said after Osaka rallied to take a decisive break in the third set.

"I don't think I played really badly, but I just maybe could have gone a little bit more aggressive one or two rallies."&nbsp;

Regardless of the result, what Kvitova calls her "second career" post-attack is back on track.

She put together an 11-match winning streak on the way to the final, including a title in Brisbane, and did not drop a set on her way to the decider at Melbourne Park.

Her run to the final will lift her to number two in the world rankings, behind only Osaka, equalling the career high position she reached after winning her first Wimbledon title in 2011.

Such a comeback appeared unthinkable after the December 2016 attack.

Australian media this week published gruesome photographs of her injured hand, with the flesh sliced open and the tip of the index finger almost cut off.

She said she did not know if she would ever hold a racquet again.

"It's not 100 percent and never will be. It's just how it is," she said.

"I'm just trying to take maximum from the minimum. I feel great. I'm playing great tennis. I don't think that I could really imagine at the time being this kind of player again."

Comeback queen Petra Kvitova said she was hurting but still felt like a winner after going down guns blazing against Japan's Naomi Osaka Saturday in an epic clash for the Australian Open crown.

Comeback queen Petra Kvitova said she was hurting but still felt like a winner after going down guns blazing against Japan's Naomi Osaka Saturday in an epic clash for the Australian Open crown. The Czech two-time Wimbledon champion overcame incredible odds to even play tennis again after a knife attack damaged her racquet hand in late 2016. Doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of returning to the sport and Kvitova said reaching the final of the season-opening Grand Slam was an achievement in itself. "It's hurting a lot today, I wanted to win and have the trophy," the 28-year-old said after the 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 defeat. "But I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it's crazy. I can hardly believe that I just played in a Grand Slam final again. "I've been through many, many things, not really great ones." The Czech said she had her chances against Osaka and the 2hr 27min final hinged on a few key moments. She was unable to convert five break points in the first set but forced a tie-break, only for Osaka to run away with it. Kvitova then summoned her renowned fighting spirit to survive three championship points as she trailed 3-5 in the second, forcing a decider. "I was thinking that if I turn it around, probably (momentum) it's on my side. In the end, it wasn't," she said after Osaka rallied to take a decisive break in the third set. "I don't think I played really badly, but I just maybe could have gone a little bit more aggressive one or two rallies." Regardless of the result, what Kvitova calls her "second career" post-attack is back on track. She put together an 11-match winning streak on the way to the final, including a title in Brisbane, and did not drop a set on her way to the decider at Melbourne Park. Her run to the final will lift her to number two in the world rankings, behind only Osaka, equalling the career high position she reached after winning her first Wimbledon title in 2011. Such a comeback appeared unthinkable after the December 2016 attack. Australian media this week published gruesome photographs of her injured hand, with the flesh sliced open and the tip of the index finger almost cut off. She said she did not know if she would ever hold a racquet again. "It's not 100 percent and never will be. It's just how it is," she said. "I'm just trying to take maximum from the minimum. I feel great. I'm playing great tennis. I don't think that I could really imagine at the time being this kind of player again."

Petra Kvitova feels a winner, despite Australian Open pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naomi Osaka beats Petra Kvitova to win Australian Open

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

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

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

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

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

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park.

Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point.

Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne.

Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 
 
📰👇<a href="https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc">https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc</a>
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"It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said.

Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record.

"I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview.

"That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> sending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final vibes to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> crowd 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/PRgnjNcezW">pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW</a>
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Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper.

No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne.

A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve.

After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind.

That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats.

Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline.

But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury.

Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes.

A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest.

After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted.

There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes.

He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead.

From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal. The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park. Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point. Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne. Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals. .@DjokerNole concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an #AusOpen blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 📰👇https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × "It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said. Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record. "I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview. "That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me." .@DjokerNole sending #AusOpen final vibes to the @RodLaverArena crowd 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper. No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne. A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve. After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind. That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats. Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline. But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury. Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes. A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest. After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted. There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes. He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead. From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Lucas Pouille to set up Nadal final

Scorching temperatures suspended play at the Australian Open tennis grand slam in Melbourne on Friday, expected to be the hottest day in a decade, as a week-old heat wave brought power outages and left streets bare in the business district.

Firefighters went on alert as the mercury crept towards an expected maximum of 44 degrees Celsius (111 F), the highest since Black Saturday bushfires in 2009 that killed about 180 people in the southeastern state of Victoria.

"Glam Slam and Australian Tennis Championships matches have been suspended on all outside courts at Melbourne Park and Albert Reserve," tournament organisers said on social media.

It was the second day that heat had affected play, after the roof at the Rod Laver arena was closed on Thursday for the women's semi finals match.

But the blistering heat did not stop the world No. 4, Japan's Naomi Osaka, from taking to the practice courts early, ahead of Saturday's women's final, where she faces the world number 6, the Czech Petra Kvitova.

Crowds were only expected to gather later in the day for the men's semifinals between world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and Lucas Pouille of France, ranked 31.

Fire officials in the state's north set the danger rating to "extreme," while bushfires raging out of control around eastern Timbarra prompted an emergency warning to campers.

In the southern island state of Tasmania, officials issued eight emergency warnings.

"We've got a lot of fire in the landscape," state fire official Andrew McGuinness told broadcaster ABC. "Some of those fires are quite large. And already, we're seeing quite nasty fire weather conditions."

In Victoria, home to 4 million people, rolling power outages of two hours each could hit about 60,000 homes, after blackouts on Thursday in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, which saw temperatures hit 46.2 C (115.16 F), surpassing a record set in 1939.

Australia's power operator again ordered industrial users to ease back and reduce pressure on Victoria's overburdened grid, including an aluminium smelter owned by Alcoa in the town of Portland.

Only a few people sat under the umbrellas outside Melbourne cafes that are usually heaving by midday, while ice cream melted slowly in the open-air storefront of a Ben and Jerry’s that had no customers.

Still, some businesses were banking on more patrons as temperatures cool ahead of a long weekend anchored by Saturday's national holiday, Australia Day.

"Days like this attract more customers for us," said Charlotte Jobling, of the Ice Bar in the trendy Fitzroy district.

"Although the streets are a bit quieter, people who are out and about are more likely to come inside. We are hopeful for a full-on evening tonight."

Scorching temperatures suspended play at the Australian Open tennis grand slam in Melbourne on Friday, expected to be the hottest day in a decade, as a week-old heat wave brought power outages and left streets bare in the business district.

Scorching temperatures suspended play at the Australian Open tennis grand slam in Melbourne on Friday, expected to be the hottest day in a decade, as a week-old heat wave brought power outages and left streets bare in the business district. Firefighters went on alert as the mercury crept towards an expected maximum of 44 degrees Celsius (111 F), the highest since Black Saturday bushfires in 2009 that killed about 180 people in the southeastern state of Victoria. "Glam Slam and Australian Tennis Championships matches have been suspended on all outside courts at Melbourne Park and Albert Reserve," tournament organisers said on social media. It was the second day that heat had affected play, after the roof at the Rod Laver arena was closed on Thursday for the women's semi finals match. But the blistering heat did not stop the world No. 4, Japan's Naomi Osaka, from taking to the practice courts early, ahead of Saturday's women's final, where she faces the world number 6, the Czech Petra Kvitova. Crowds were only expected to gather later in the day for the men's semifinals between world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and Lucas Pouille of France, ranked 31. Fire officials in the state's north set the danger rating to "extreme," while bushfires raging out of control around eastern Timbarra prompted an emergency warning to campers. In the southern island state of Tasmania, officials issued eight emergency warnings. "We've got a lot of fire in the landscape," state fire official Andrew McGuinness told broadcaster ABC. "Some of those fires are quite large. And already, we're seeing quite nasty fire weather conditions." In Victoria, home to 4 million people, rolling power outages of two hours each could hit about 60,000 homes, after blackouts on Thursday in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, which saw temperatures hit 46.2 C (115.16 F), surpassing a record set in 1939. Australia's power operator again ordered industrial users to ease back and reduce pressure on Victoria's overburdened grid, including an aluminium smelter owned by Alcoa in the town of Portland. Only a few people sat under the umbrellas outside Melbourne cafes that are usually heaving by midday, while ice cream melted slowly in the open-air storefront of a Ben and Jerry’s that had no customers. Still, some businesses were banking on more patrons as temperatures cool ahead of a long weekend anchored by Saturday's national holiday, Australia Day. "Days like this attract more customers for us," said Charlotte Jobling, of the Ice Bar in the trendy Fitzroy district. "Although the streets are a bit quieter, people who are out and about are more likely to come inside. We are hopeful for a full-on evening tonight."

Heat wave brings blackouts to Melbourne, halts play at Australian Open

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

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

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

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

Petra Kvitova will compete in her first Grand Slam final in five years after ending the fairytale run of unseeded American Danielle Collins with a decisive 7-6(2), 6-0 victory on a scorching afternoon at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

The eighth-seeded Czech will meet the winner of US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka and seventh-seeded compatriot Karolina Pliskova as she bids for her first Grand Slam triumph since claiming the second of her Wimbledon titles in 2014.

The match at Rod Laver Arena was riven with tension, with a delay to close the roof during the first set due to the stifling conditions and a malfunction of the net cord sensor at the start of the second that left server Collins fuming.

Kvitova capitalised on the American's distraction to break her three times in succession on the way to an emphatic victory that made her the first Czech woman to reach the Melbourne final since Jana Novotna lost the 1991 decider to Monica Seles.

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Petra Kvitova: "I love playing finals." 
 
Her last eight finals: 
 
W, W, W, W, W, W, W, W<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/o5TigDx5ZY">pic.twitter.com/o5TigDx5ZY</a>
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"It means everything. I really worked very hard, finally I made it deep in this tournament," Kvitova said in her on-court interview.

"I am going to enjoy the final whatever happens. I am very, very happy.

"The first set was very tight. I was very nervous. I am glad I came through the tiebreak."

Collins was angered when the net cord technology failed at 15-30 when she was on serve during the opening game of the second set.

Having won the point, she was made to replay it and remonstrated with chair umpire Carlos Ramos.

The technology gave up another phantom beep on Collins's replayed serve and Ramos told both players there had been a malfunction.

Re-starting with a second serve, Collins gave up a backhand unforced error to concede two break points.

She saved one with a big backhand winner but netted on the second.

From there, things quickly went downhill for the American as the Czech ramped up her power game and roared to 5-0.

Collins conceded another unforced error on her forehand to give Kvitova match point and the Czech fired her 30th winner to claim a clinical win.

Petra Kvitova will compete in her first Grand Slam final in five years after ending the fairytale run of unseeded American Danielle Collins with a decisive 7-6(2), 6-0 victory on a scorching afternoon at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

Petra Kvitova will compete in her first Grand Slam final in five years after ending the fairytale run of unseeded American Danielle Collins with a decisive 7-6(2), 6-0 victory on a scorching afternoon at Melbourne Park on Thursday. The eighth-seeded Czech will meet the winner of US Open champion Naomi Osaka and seventh-seeded compatriot Karolina Pliskova as she bids for her first Grand Slam triumph since claiming the second of her Wimbledon titles in 2014. The match at Rod Laver Arena was riven with tension, with a delay to close the roof during the first set due to the stifling conditions and a malfunction of the net cord sensor at the start of the second that left server Collins fuming. Kvitova capitalised on the American's distraction to break her three times in succession on the way to an emphatic victory that made her the first Czech woman to reach the Melbourne final since Jana Novotna lost the 1991 decider to Monica Seles. Petra Kvitova: "I love playing finals." Her last eight finals: W, W, W, W, W, W, W, W#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/o5TigDx5ZY — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × "It means everything. I really worked very hard, finally I made it deep in this tournament," Kvitova said in her on-court interview. "I am going to enjoy the final whatever happens. I am very, very happy. "The first set was very tight. I was very nervous. I am glad I came through the tiebreak." Collins was angered when the net cord technology failed at 15-30 when she was on serve during the opening game of the second set. Having won the point, she was made to replay it and remonstrated with chair umpire Carlos Ramos. The technology gave up another phantom beep on Collins's replayed serve and Ramos told both players there had been a malfunction. Re-starting with a second serve, Collins gave up a backhand unforced error to concede two break points. She saved one with a big backhand winner but netted on the second. From there, things quickly went downhill for the American as the Czech ramped up her power game and roared to 5-0. Collins conceded another unforced error on her forehand to give Kvitova match point and the Czech fired her 30th winner to claim a clinical win.

Petra Kvitova defeats Danielle Collins to reach Australian Open final

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

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final.

Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min.

The Spanish second seed has not dropped his serve for an astonishing 63 straight games and has not lost a set on his way to the final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic or Lucas Pouille.

"It's been a great match, a great tournament," Nadal said after a breathtaking display of almost perfect tennis.&nbsp;

"I think I have played very well every day. After a lot of months without playing is probably this court, this crowd it gives me that unbelievable energy."

The 20-year-old Tsitsipas had been hailed as a new Greek god of tennis after beating Federer, but his ascent to the summit of his personal Olympus was comprehensively halted by the colossus called Nadal.

Nadal's win put him into his fifth Australian Open final and keeps him on course to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice in the Open era if he can add to his sole Melbourne Park crown in 2009.

Tsitsipas, in just his second Australian Open and seventh appearance at a Grand Slam, was looking to become the first Greek player -- man or woman -- to reach a final in a major.

"He has everything to become a multi-Grand Slam champion," Nadal said of the young Greek, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2018, winning the ATP Tour NextGen Finals.

"When at that age he is in the semi-finals that says a lot of good things about him and winning the matches that he won already, so, yeah, I hope to face him in important rounds in the next couple of years, hopefully."

Nadal, who shattered the dreams of two other NextGen stars 19-year-old&nbsp;Alex de Minaur&nbsp;and 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe by jumping all over their serves early, made another immediate statement.

At 1-1 a rasping double-handed backhand and a forehand winner gave him a first break point which the Spaniard duly converted.

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He came into <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> under an injury cloud. 
 
Many people doubted him. 
 
But <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> is now in the final &amp; looking for an 18th Grand Slam trophy. <a href="https://t.co/V9OKpl7ej8">pic.twitter.com/V9OKpl7ej8</a>
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"No, they don't need any message. They are good and they are improving every month."<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> gives a classy message to the younger generation 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YbQNBRKnPH">pic.twitter.com/YbQNBRKnPH</a>
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Outrageous winner

With the pressure mounting, Tsitsipas tried to hammer his way out of trouble at 4-2 down by going for huge serves.&nbsp;

Two double faults were the result and with his strategy being scrambled, an ill-advised drop shot gave the rapidly advancing Nadal an easy kill to extend his advantage to 5-2 before serving out the set in just 31 minutes.

The second stanza was on serve at 2-2 when Nadal pulled off the shot of the tournament, a running forehand around the net post from almost behind the umpire's chair on his way to earning three break points.&nbsp;

This time the early break did not come as Tsitsipas suddenly found his first serve accuracy when he needed it most and crucially clung on to hold with an ace.

But at 4-4 he was in trouble again as Nadal swarmed all over him and took the break and again served for a two-set cushion after just 75 minutes of play.

And the great Spaniard was in no mood to hang about at the start of the third, breaking Tsitsipas not once but three times to inflict a humiliating 6-0 "bagel" on the youngster in a further 31 minutes.

The second break came with the help of another outrageous forehand winner after being wrong-footed, a dreamy lob winner followed by a tricky backpedalling overhead smash made to look ridiculously easy.

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final. Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min.

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final. Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min. The Spanish second seed has not dropped his serve for an astonishing 63 straight games and has not lost a set on his way to the final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic or Lucas Pouille. "It's been a great match, a great tournament," Nadal said after a breathtaking display of almost perfect tennis. "I think I have played very well every day. After a lot of months without playing is probably this court, this crowd it gives me that unbelievable energy." The 20-year-old Tsitsipas had been hailed as a new Greek god of tennis after beating Federer, but his ascent to the summit of his personal Olympus was comprehensively halted by the colossus called Nadal. Nadal's win put him into his fifth Australian Open final and keeps him on course to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice in the Open era if he can add to his sole Melbourne Park crown in 2009. Tsitsipas, in just his second Australian Open and seventh appearance at a Grand Slam, was looking to become the first Greek player -- man or woman -- to reach a final in a major. "He has everything to become a multi-Grand Slam champion," Nadal said of the young Greek, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2018, winning the ATP Tour NextGen Finals. "When at that age he is in the semi-finals that says a lot of good things about him and winning the matches that he won already, so, yeah, I hope to face him in important rounds in the next couple of years, hopefully." Nadal, who shattered the dreams of two other NextGen stars 19-year-old Alex de Minaur and 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe by jumping all over their serves early, made another immediate statement. At 1-1 a rasping double-handed backhand and a forehand winner gave him a first break point which the Spaniard duly converted. He came into #AusOpen under an injury cloud. Many people doubted him. But @RafaelNadal is now in the final & looking for an 18th Grand Slam trophy. pic.twitter.com/V9OKpl7ej8 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × "No, they don't need any message. They are good and they are improving every month."@RafaelNadal gives a classy message to the younger generation 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YbQNBRKnPH — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Outrageous winner With the pressure mounting, Tsitsipas tried to hammer his way out of trouble at 4-2 down by going for huge serves. Two double faults were the result and with his strategy being scrambled, an ill-advised drop shot gave the rapidly advancing Nadal an easy kill to extend his advantage to 5-2 before serving out the set in just 31 minutes. The second stanza was on serve at 2-2 when Nadal pulled off the shot of the tournament, a running forehand around the net post from almost behind the umpire's chair on his way to earning three break points. This time the early break did not come as Tsitsipas suddenly found his first serve accuracy when he needed it most and crucially clung on to hold with an ace. But at 4-4 he was in trouble again as Nadal swarmed all over him and took the break and again served for a two-set cushion after just 75 minutes of play. And the great Spaniard was in no mood to hang about at the start of the third, breaking Tsitsipas not once but three times to inflict a humiliating 6-0 "bagel" on the youngster in a further 31 minutes. The second break came with the help of another outrageous forehand winner after being wrong-footed, a dreamy lob winner followed by a tricky backpedalling overhead smash made to look ridiculously easy.

Rafael Nadal races to Australian Open final, beats Stefanos Tsitsipas

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

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

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

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

Unseeded American Danielle Collins took less than an hour to thrash 2016 champion Angelique Kerber 6-0 6-2 and power her way into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday.

The unheralded 25-year-old had not won a match in her previous Grand Slam appearances but after smashing 29 winners against triple Grand Slam champion Kerber she has now made it to the last eight in her first main draw showing at Melbourne Park.

"I may not have won a Grand Slam match before this (but) I got to tell you I think it's going to keep happening," Collins said.

"When I was in college, my coaches told me to go out, go after it and believe in my shots. All kudos to my coaching squad over there in the corner, they gave me a plan and I just did the job."

Ranked 35th in the world, Collins breezed through the opening set in 20 minutes with three service breaks, hitting winners on all sides of the court against the second seed, who had five double faults in the set.

After an early trade of breaks in the second set, Collins smashed a backhand to break Kerber's serve and take a 4-2 lead, before breaking the German once again to seal victory on her first match point in 56 minutes.

Wimbledon champion Kerber mumbled to herself constantly, unable to show any fight she threw down her racquet in frustration that brought a warning from the umpire.

"I go out fearless, I've been working hard my whole life, I just give it my all," said Collins, who will next play either fifth seed Sloane Stephens or Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who meet in the last match of the evening.

Unseeded American Danielle Collins took less than an hour to thrash 2016 champion Angelique Kerber 6-0 6-2 and power her way into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday.

Unseeded American Danielle Collins took less than an hour to thrash 2016 champion Angelique Kerber 6-0 6-2 and power her way into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The unheralded 25-year-old had not won a match in her previous Grand Slam appearances but after smashing 29 winners against triple Grand Slam champion Kerber she has now made it to the last eight in her first main draw showing at Melbourne Park. "I may not have won a Grand Slam match before this (but) I got to tell you I think it's going to keep happening," Collins said. "When I was in college, my coaches told me to go out, go after it and believe in my shots. All kudos to my coaching squad over there in the corner, they gave me a plan and I just did the job." Ranked 35th in the world, Collins breezed through the opening set in 20 minutes with three service breaks, hitting winners on all sides of the court against the second seed, who had five double faults in the set. After an early trade of breaks in the second set, Collins smashed a backhand to break Kerber's serve and take a 4-2 lead, before breaking the German once again to seal victory on her first match point in 56 minutes. Wimbledon champion Kerber mumbled to herself constantly, unable to show any fight she threw down her racquet in frustration that brought a warning from the umpire. "I go out fearless, I've been working hard my whole life, I just give it my all," said Collins, who will next play either fifth seed Sloane Stephens or Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who meet in the last match of the evening.

Unseeded American Collins hammers Angelique Kerber to reach Australian Open quarters

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

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

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

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka through to third round

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

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

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

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

Former world number one Steffi Graf has backed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=serena+williams">Serena Williams</a> to match and even beat Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam titles.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old Serena has won 23 Grand Slam trophies and is bidding to overtake Court's mark at the ongoing Australian Open.&nbsp;

In the previous season, Serena missed opportunities to equal Australian Court on her return from maternity leave, losing in the final of Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.&nbsp;

While Graf said that Serena's determination and experience will get her over the line.&nbsp;

"I don't know if she can do it here (equal the record) but I believe she can absolutely," Graf told the Melbourne Herald Sun on Thursday.&nbsp;

Serena pulled clear of Graf's 22 by winning at Melbourne Park in 2017 while eight weeks pregnant and many already consider her the greatest of all time.&nbsp;

"Her game, her serve being such an incredible weapon. I think she at any time is dangerous," Graf added.&nbsp;

"With the experience she's had, she's still so determined and if she enjoys it why not? If her body holds up I do believe she has a big chance (to pass Court)."

Graf, who won four Australian Opens among her 22 titles, said Williams would almost certainly go down as the greatest ever women's player, given today's standards are so much higher.&nbsp;

"I would probably say with the career she's had, that she's not even finished at this point, then yes, I would say so," she said.&nbsp;

"I think that no player will be able to beat my record of 64 Grand Slam titles in total," she said.&nbsp;

Former world number one Steffi Graf has backed Serena Williams to match and even beat Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam titles. The 37-year-old Serena has won 23 Grand Slam trophies and is bidding to overtake Court's mark at the ongoing Australian Open.

Former world number one Steffi Graf has backed Serena Williams to match and even beat Margaret Court's record 24 Grand Slam titles. The 37-year-old Serena has won 23 Grand Slam trophies and is bidding to overtake Court's mark at the ongoing Australian Open. In the previous season, Serena missed opportunities to equal Australian Court on her return from maternity leave, losing in the final of Wimbledon and the US Open. While Graf said that Serena's determination and experience will get her over the line. "I don't know if she can do it here (equal the record) but I believe she can absolutely," Graf told the Melbourne Herald Sun on Thursday. Serena pulled clear of Graf's 22 by winning at Melbourne Park in 2017 while eight weeks pregnant and many already consider her the greatest of all time. "Her game, her serve being such an incredible weapon. I think she at any time is dangerous," Graf added. "With the experience she's had, she's still so determined and if she enjoys it why not? If her body holds up I do believe she has a big chance (to pass Court)." Graf, who won four Australian Opens among her 22 titles, said Williams would almost certainly go down as the greatest ever women's player, given today's standards are so much higher. "I would probably say with the career she's had, that she's not even finished at this point, then yes, I would say so," she said. "I think that no player will be able to beat my record of 64 Grand Slam titles in total," she said.

Steffi Graf backs Serena to surpass Margaret Court's Grand Slam record

Kei Nishikori survived a huge scare against Croatian Ivo Karlovic before reaching the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 7-6(6) 5-7 5-7 7-6(7) win on Thursday.

On a sweltering afternoon at Margaret Court Arena, eighth seed Nishikori appeared set to coast to victory after taking the first two sets but was dragged into a dogfight by the big-serving 39-year-old.

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How does Karlovic's ace haul (59) from this match alone compare with <a href="https://twitter.com/keinishikori?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@keinishikori</a>'s annual tally? 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/aIEkycs9PP">pic.twitter.com/aIEkycs9PP</a>
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However, after weathering 59 aces from Karlovic, the Japanese held firm in the final tense 10-point tiebreak and slumped to his knees in relief when the Croatian failed to deal with his final first serve.

Nishikori will play the winner of Joao Sousa and Philipp Kohlschreiber for a place in the fourth round.

Kei Nishikori survived a huge scare against Croatian Ivo Karlovic before reaching the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 7-6(6) 5-7 5-7 7-6(7) win on Thursday.

Kei Nishikori survived a huge scare against Croatian Ivo Karlovic before reaching the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 7-6(6) 5-7 5-7 7-6(7) win on Thursday. On a sweltering afternoon at Margaret Court Arena, eighth seed Nishikori appeared set to coast to victory after taking the first two sets but was dragged into a dogfight by the big-serving 39-year-old. How does Karlovic's ace haul (59) from this match alone compare with @keinishikori's annual tally? 😂#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aIEkycs9PP — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 17 January 2019 × However, after weathering 59 aces from Karlovic, the Japanese held firm in the final tense 10-point tiebreak and slumped to his knees in relief when the Croatian failed to deal with his final first serve. Nishikori will play the winner of Joao Sousa and Philipp Kohlschreiber for a place in the fourth round.

Australian Open: Kei Nishikori survives huge scare against Karlovic

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

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

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

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

World number one Simona Halep entered the third round of Australian Open on Thursday after defeating&nbsp;Sofia Kenin&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

The Romanian top seed,&nbsp;set up&nbsp;a mouth-watering clash with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.&nbsp;

Although she was pushed to the limit by unseeded Sofia Kenin over three sets that lasted for&nbsp;two-and-a-half hours.&nbsp;

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🙏 
 
Into her 5th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 3R, <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> thanks the heavens above. <a href="https://t.co/a4ErRUNb9g">pic.twitter.com/a4ErRUNb9g</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1085830390529568768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Halep broke the 20-year-old Kenin twice in the first set but the American fought back in the second set from 3-0 down to level it at 1-1 in the tiebreaker.&nbsp;

Halep then got the crucial break in the third set to go up 5-4 and converted her second match point for the victory in two hours and 31 minutes.&nbsp;

Halep, who was on a five-match losing streak before the Australian Open, set up a third-round meeting against multiple Grand Slam winner Williams, who beat Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LTA keen to work with Andy Murray to develop British tennis

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

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

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

Kevin Anderson knocked out of Australian Open in four sets

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