<p><strong>Karolina Pliskova d&nbsp;Barbora Strycova,&nbsp;6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2</strong></p>

<p>Karolina Pliskova rallied from a set down to beat fellow Czech and 20th seed Barbora Strycova 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 and make the Australian Open quarter-finals early Tuesday.</p>

<p>Sixth seed Pliskova will face top-ranked Simona Halep for a place in the semis after coming through the late night match at Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>&quot;In the first set it was very close so I knew I needed to step up,&quot; said Pliskova, who reached her second last eight at the Australian Open. &quot;I needed to play more aggressive.&quot;</p>

<p>The contrast between the two Czech women is striking.</p>

<p>Tattoed Pliskova, 24, stands 1.86 metres tall (6ft 1in) and used her height to serve more aces than any other player on the WTA Tour last year.</p>

<p>Veteran Strycova, 31, is just 1.64 metres (5ft 4 1/2in) and scampers around the court sliding and diving to retrieve balls other players would have given up.</p>

<p>But there was nothing to separate them in the first set where neither&#39;s serve could be broken.</p>

<p>In the tiebreak, Pliskova netted a backhand on Strycova&#39;s second set point to concede it 7-5 after 69 minutes of attritional tennis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It served to fire up Pliskova who made the first service break in the first game of the second set and began to negate Strycova&#39;s all-action approach before securing the set 6-3.</p>

<p>&quot;The quick break at the start of the second set helped me,&quot; said Pliskova.</p>

<p>As the clock ticked past 1:00 am in Melbourne it was Pliskova who made the move, going up 3-1 in the decider as Strycova&#39;s first serve deserted her, and she secured a date with the world number one.</p>

<p>&quot;The last we played in Paris I think it was very close,&quot; Pliskova said of the prospects of meeting Halep for a place in the semi-final&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Karolina Pliskova will face top-ranked Simona Halep for a place in the semis

Karolina Pliskova d Barbora Strycova, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 Karolina Pliskova rallied from a set down to beat fellow Czech and 20th seed Barbora Strycova 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 and make the Australian Open quarter-finals early Tuesday. Sixth seed Pliskova will face top-ranked Simona Halep for a place in the semis after coming through the late night match at Rod Laver Arena. "In the first set it was very close so I knew I needed to step up," said Pliskova, who reached her second last eight at the Australian Open. "I needed to play more aggressive." The contrast between the two Czech women is striking. Tattoed Pliskova, 24, stands 1.86 metres tall (6ft 1in) and used her height to serve more aces than any other player on the WTA Tour last year. Veteran Strycova, 31, is just 1.64 metres (5ft 4 1/2in) and scampers around the court sliding and diving to retrieve balls other players would have given up. But there was nothing to separate them in the first set where neither's serve could be broken. In the tiebreak, Pliskova netted a backhand on Strycova's second set point to concede it 7-5 after 69 minutes of attritional tennis. It served to fire up Pliskova who made the first service break in the first game of the second set and began to negate Strycova's all-action approach before securing the set 6-3. "The quick break at the start of the second set helped me," said Pliskova. As the clock ticked past 1:00 am in Melbourne it was Pliskova who made the move, going up 3-1 in the decider as Strycova's first serve deserted her, and she secured a date with the world number one. "The last we played in Paris I think it was very close," Pliskova said of the prospects of meeting Halep for a place in the semi-final

Australian Open: Pliskova rallies to reach Open quarter-finals

<p><strong>Madison Keys d&nbsp;Caroline Garcia,&nbsp;6-3, 6-2</strong></p>

<p>US Open finalist Madison Keys steamrollered her way into the Australian Open quarter-finals Monday, flattening French eighth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2 in 68 minutes in their fourth-round clash.</p>

<p>The American, who made the semis at Melbourne Park in 2015, has not dropped a set so far this year.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m really excited because I think I&#39;m really playing well,&quot; said Keys of her run to the last eight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m happy with the way I&#39;m handling the tight moments.&quot;</p>

<p>The 22-year-old will face 2016 champion Angelique Kerber or Taiwan&#39;s Hsieh Su-wei next.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It made me realise how much I love it... I&#39;m really happy to be back here and not home in a cast.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/Madison_Keys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Madison_Keys</a> just sent a statement on the way to a second <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> QF! <a href="https://t.co/5VtM4DsleJ">pic.twitter.com/5VtM4DsleJ</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/955251270872215552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Keys said she would let her coach, the 2000 Australian Open champion Lindsay Davenport, do the scouting on her next opponent.</p>

<p>&quot;I just do what she tells me,&quot; she said, laughing.</p>

<p>A couple of breaks were exchanged early in a nervy start but back on serve at 3-2 Keys, who has skated almost unnoticed through the draw, struck a decisive blow.</p>

<p>Under pressure at 0-30, Garcia coughed up a second double fault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two points later a strong forehand return opened up the court for the American who made no mistake ripping her next groundstroke for a winner to go 4-2 up.</p>

<p>Behind her powerful serve -- Keys has only been broken four times in her four matches to date -- she closed out comfortably, sealing the set with her sixth ace after 36 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She broke the Frenchwoman twice again at the start of the second to charge into a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 22-year-old dropped her serve at 4-1 to give Garcia a sniff, before reasserting her authority by immediately breaking back to love for 5-2.</p>

<p>The world number 20 then sealed a dominant win in which she struck 32 winners and nine aces to Garcia&#39;s nine winners and a single ace.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-rafael-nadal-through-to-quarterfinals-30230">Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-caroline-wozniacki-books-quarter-finals-berth-30206">Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki books quarter-finals berth</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-grigor-dimitrov-beats-nick-kyrgios-to-reach-quarter-finals-30257"><strong>Australia Open: Grigor Dimitrov beats Nick Kyrgios to reach quarter-finals</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/glam-quotient-australian-open-sharapova-wozniacki-co-set-court-on-fire-640">Glam quotient @ Australian Open: Sharapova, Wozniacki &amp; Co set court on fire</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The world number 20 sealed a dominant win in which she struck 32 winners and nine aces to Garcia's nine winners and a single ace

Madison Keys d Caroline Garcia, 6-3, 6-2 US Open finalist Madison Keys steamrollered her way into the Australian Open quarter-finals Monday, flattening French eighth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2 in 68 minutes in their fourth-round clash. The American, who made the semis at Melbourne Park in 2015, has not dropped a set so far this year. "I'm really excited because I think I'm really playing well," said Keys of her run to the last eight. "I'm happy with the way I'm handling the tight moments." The 22-year-old will face 2016 champion Angelique Kerber or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei next. "It made me realise how much I love it... I'm really happy to be back here and not home in a cast."@Madison_Keys just sent a statement on the way to a second #AusOpen QF! pic.twitter.com/5VtM4DsleJ — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2018 × Keys said she would let her coach, the 2000 Australian Open champion Lindsay Davenport, do the scouting on her next opponent. "I just do what she tells me," she said, laughing. A couple of breaks were exchanged early in a nervy start but back on serve at 3-2 Keys, who has skated almost unnoticed through the draw, struck a decisive blow. Under pressure at 0-30, Garcia coughed up a second double fault. Two points later a strong forehand return opened up the court for the American who made no mistake ripping her next groundstroke for a winner to go 4-2 up. Behind her powerful serve -- Keys has only been broken four times in her four matches to date -- she closed out comfortably, sealing the set with her sixth ace after 36 minutes. She broke the Frenchwoman twice again at the start of the second to charge into a 3-0 lead. The 22-year-old dropped her serve at 4-1 to give Garcia a sniff, before reasserting her authority by immediately breaking back to love for 5-2. The world number 20 then sealed a dominant win in which she struck 32 winners and nine aces to Garcia's nine winners and a single ace. Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki books quarter-finals berth Australia Open: Grigor Dimitrov beats Nick Kyrgios to reach quarter-finals Glam quotient @ Australian Open: Sharapova, Wozniacki & Co set court on fire

Australian Open: Madison Keys defeats Caroline Garcia to enter quarterfinals

<p>Top seed Simona Halep defeated&nbsp;Lauren Davis in a three-set thriller match on Rod Laver Arena to make the fourth round.</p>

<p>Halep saved three match points&nbsp;as she won a marathon third round encounter 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 against the 76th ranked American, Lauren Davis.</p>

<p>In a&nbsp;3hr 44min long match, both the player were not ready to give up.&nbsp;Simona Halep and Lauren Davis just played the most games of any women&#39;s match in Australian Open history.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Three. Set. Thriller.<br />
<br />
All in a day&#39;s work for the world No.1 at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Kia_Motors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kia_Motors</a> <a href="https://t.co/GxxPTumzNH">pic.twitter.com/GxxPTumzNH</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954566620017393666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 3hr 44min, Simona Halep and Lauren Davis played the most games of any women&#39;s match in Australian Open history.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-karolina-pliskova-madison-keys-enter-fourth-round-30123" target="_blank">Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova &amp; Madison Keys enter fourth round</a></strong></p>

<p>Davis lost&nbsp;a toenail in the third set but even with that, she fought like a warrior. She had taken a medical timeout at 11-11 against after holding Halep in the third round.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is there anything this match doesn&#39;t have?!<br />
<br />
A medical timeout for Lauren Davis locked at 11-11 against Simona Halep.<br />
This is intense. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/5wztMP3caD">pic.twitter.com/5wztMP3caD</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954555541564547072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the most thrilling match of this Grand Slam, It was Halep who made it through.</p>

<p>After finishing the gruelling match, she said,&nbsp;&quot;I never played the third set so long. I&#39;m almost dead,&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;My muscles are gone. My ankle - I don&rsquo;t know how it is because I can&rsquo;t feel it... It&#39;s great to be in 4R.&quot;</p>

<p>&ldquo;I won with my heart today,&rdquo;&nbsp;she added.</p>

<p>Finally, her red dress saved her, again.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Simona Halep showed some determined defensive techniques to defeat an inspired, gutsy, fearless Lauren Davis in almost four-hour-long rally

Top seed Simona Halep defeated Lauren Davis in a three-set thriller match on Rod Laver Arena to make the fourth round. Halep saved three match points as she won a marathon third round encounter 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 against the 76th ranked American, Lauren Davis. In a 3hr 44min long match, both the player were not ready to give up. Simona Halep and Lauren Davis just played the most games of any women's match in Australian Open history. Three. Set. Thriller. All in a day's work for the world No.1 at the #AusOpen ????#KiaTennis @Kia_Motors pic.twitter.com/GxxPTumzNH — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × In 3hr 44min, Simona Halep and Lauren Davis played the most games of any women's match in Australian Open history. Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova & Madison Keys enter fourth round Davis lost a toenail in the third set but even with that, she fought like a warrior. She had taken a medical timeout at 11-11 against after holding Halep in the third round. Is there anything this match doesn't have?! A medical timeout for Lauren Davis locked at 11-11 against Simona Halep. This is intense. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/5wztMP3caD — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × In the most thrilling match of this Grand Slam, It was Halep who made it through. After finishing the gruelling match, she said, "I never played the third set so long. I'm almost dead," “My muscles are gone. My ankle - I don’t know how it is because I can’t feel it... It's great to be in 4R." “I won with my heart today,” she added. Finally, her red dress saved her, again.

Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13

<p>Chung Hyeon became the first South Korean man ever to reach the round of 16 at the Australian Open with a five-set upset win over fourth seed Alexander Zverev on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 58th-ranked &nbsp;Chung beat a top-five ranked opponent for the first time with his 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory in 3hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>He will face either six-time champion Novak Djokovic or Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Monday&#39;s fourth round.</p>

<p>Chung&#39;s feat also makes him only the third South Korean player -- man or woman -- to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam.</p>

<p>&quot;It was really tough, he is a really good player and we know how to play each other,&quot; said the glasses-wearing 21-year-old, who trained in the heat of Thailand before coming to Melbourne.</p>

<p>&quot;I played Novak two or three years ago, so if he wins tonight I just want to enjoy things on the court.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It was a really tough game against Alex Zverev... I&#39;m just trying to play 100% and that was the key today.&quot;<br />
<br />
What a performance from Hyeon Chung - his first win against top five opposition! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/01ADJcXoBu">pic.twitter.com/01ADJcXoBu</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954623497929613313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was another disappointing exit from a Grand Slam for the highly-ranked Zverev, whose game fell apart in the final set and was issued with a warning for smashing his racquet in frustration after a service break.</p>

<p>While he won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-simona-survives-an-epic-rally-beats-lauren-davis-4-6-6-4-15-13-30125" target="_blank">Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-karolina-pliskova-madison-keys-enter-fourth-round-30123" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova &amp; Madison Keys enter fourth round</strong></a></p>

<p>To rub salt in the wounds, it was a Zverev family double for Chung who eliminated older brother Mischa in the first round of the tournament.</p>

<p>Zverev got off to a quick start to hold three set points with a backhand crosscourt and took the opening set in 44 minutes when Chung netted a forehand.</p>

<p>But Chung, who defeated Russian Andrey Rublev to claim his first title at the NextGen ATP finals in Milan last year, levelled the set scores with a tiebreaker win after holding three set points when the German netted a forehand.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Making history.<br />
<br />
Hyeon Chung becomes just the third Korean player to make the R16 at a Grand Slam, ousting No.4 seed Zverev 5-7 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 6-0.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/szU7TOljXZ">pic.twitter.com/szU7TOljXZ</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954620600420507649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Zverev hit the front with a break in the third game on the way to taking the third set but Chung would not go away.</p>

<p>The South Korean took the match into a fifth set with a booming ace and Zverev handed over a break in the opening game of the deciding set with a double fault on triple break point.</p>

<p>Zverev was given a racquet abuse warning by the chair umpire after slamming his racquet into the court in frustration and suffering a second service break to trail 3-0 as his game fell away.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hyeon Chung becomes the third Korean player to make the R16 at a Grand Slam, ousting No.4 seed Zverev 5-7, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0

Chung Hyeon became the first South Korean man ever to reach the round of 16 at the Australian Open with a five-set upset win over fourth seed Alexander Zverev on Saturday. The 58th-ranked Chung beat a top-five ranked opponent for the first time with his 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory in 3hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena. He will face either six-time champion Novak Djokovic or Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Monday's fourth round. Chung's feat also makes him only the third South Korean player -- man or woman -- to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam. "It was really tough, he is a really good player and we know how to play each other," said the glasses-wearing 21-year-old, who trained in the heat of Thailand before coming to Melbourne. "I played Novak two or three years ago, so if he wins tonight I just want to enjoy things on the court." "It was a really tough game against Alex Zverev... I'm just trying to play 100% and that was the key today." What a performance from Hyeon Chung - his first win against top five opposition! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/01ADJcXoBu — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × It was another disappointing exit from a Grand Slam for the highly-ranked Zverev, whose game fell apart in the final set and was issued with a warning for smashing his racquet in frustration after a service break. While he won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam. Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova & Madison Keys enter fourth round To rub salt in the wounds, it was a Zverev family double for Chung who eliminated older brother Mischa in the first round of the tournament. Zverev got off to a quick start to hold three set points with a backhand crosscourt and took the opening set in 44 minutes when Chung netted a forehand. But Chung, who defeated Russian Andrey Rublev to claim his first title at the NextGen ATP finals in Milan last year, levelled the set scores with a tiebreaker win after holding three set points when the German netted a forehand. Making history. Hyeon Chung becomes just the third Korean player to make the R16 at a Grand Slam, ousting No.4 seed Zverev 5-7 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 6-0.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/szU7TOljXZ — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × Zverev hit the front with a break in the third game on the way to taking the third set but Chung would not go away. The South Korean took the match into a fifth set with a booming ace and Zverev handed over a break in the opening game of the deciding set with a double fault on triple break point. Zverev was given a racquet abuse warning by the chair umpire after slamming his racquet into the court in frustration and suffering a second service break to trail 3-0 as his game fell away.

Australian Open: Hyeon Chung beats Alexander Zverev, enters R16

<p><strong>Tomas Berdych d&nbsp;Juan Martin Del Potro,&nbsp;6-3, 6-3, 6-2</strong></p>

<p>Veteran Tomas Berdych reached the round of 16 for the 10th time at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Juan Martin Del Potro on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 32-year Czech eliminated the 12th-seeded Argentine 6-3, 6-3, 6-2&nbsp;in 2hr 16min on Hisense Arena.</p>

<p>Berdych, who has played in the semi-finals twice in Melbourne, will face Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini in their first Grand Slam match in Monday&#39;s fourth round.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Czech-mate!<a href="https://twitter.com/tomasberdych?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tomasberdych</a> hits 52 winners to d 12th seed Juan Martin <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelPotro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelPotro</a> 6-3 6-3 6-2 and becomes the first ???????? man in the Open Era to reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> round of 16 for the 10th time. <a href="https://t.co/l98KT5Tfx9">pic.twitter.com/l98KT5Tfx9</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954653088450662400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Berdych served up 20 aces, broke serve seven times and hit 52 winners with 28 unforced errors.</p>

<p>&quot;I think I was well prepared and I stuck with my plan and I&#39;m glad as I can stand here as a winner today,&quot; Berdych said on court.</p>

<p>&quot;Juan Martin is a great competitor and I&#39;m glad he is back after all the injuries that he&#39;s had. Tennis was missing him and it&#39;s great that he&#39;s back.&quot;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-simona-survives-an-epic-rally-beats-lauren-davis-4-6-6-4-15-13-30125" target="_blank">Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-karolina-pliskova-madison-keys-enter-fourth-round-30123" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova &amp; Madison Keys enter fourth round</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-hyeon-chung-beats-alexander-zverev-enters-r16-30148" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Hyeon Chung beats Alexander Zverev, enters R16</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-angelique-kerber-outplays-maria-sharapova-to-reach-r16-30149" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Berdych, who has played in the semi-finals twice in Melbourne, will face Italian Fabio Fognini in fourth round

Tomas Berdych d Juan Martin Del Potro, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 Veteran Tomas Berdych reached the round of 16 for the 10th time at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Juan Martin Del Potro on Saturday. The 32-year Czech eliminated the 12th-seeded Argentine 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in 2hr 16min on Hisense Arena. Berdych, who has played in the semi-finals twice in Melbourne, will face Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini in their first Grand Slam match in Monday's fourth round. Czech-mate!@tomasberdych hits 52 winners to d 12th seed Juan Martin #DelPotro 6-3 6-3 6-2 and becomes the first ???????? man in the Open Era to reach the #AusOpen round of 16 for the 10th time. pic.twitter.com/l98KT5Tfx9 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × Berdych served up 20 aces, broke serve seven times and hit 52 winners with 28 unforced errors. "I think I was well prepared and I stuck with my plan and I'm glad as I can stand here as a winner today," Berdych said on court. "Juan Martin is a great competitor and I'm glad he is back after all the injuries that he's had. Tennis was missing him and it's great that he's back." Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova & Madison Keys enter fourth round Australian Open: Hyeon Chung beats Alexander Zverev, enters R16 Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16

Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16

<p><b><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Angelique Kerber d&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Maria Sharapova,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">6-1, 6-3</span></b></p>

<p>Angelique Kerber defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets to enter the round of 16.</p>

<p>It was a battle of former champions at the Australian Open.</p>

<p>Angie looked in a hurry and had taken the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes.</p>

<p>&quot;I was just trying to enjoy every point,&quot; said Kerber after snuffing out Sharapova&#39;s hopes in only her second Grand Slam tournament back since serving a 15-month doping ban.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I have so many great memories from this court (Rod Laver Arena) &hellip; This court is so special for me and with you guys, it&rsquo;s even more special,&rdquo; Angie said after the match.</p>

<p>&quot;I knew before the match it would be a tough one.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Everybody who knows me knows that I never give up,&quot; she added.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-tomas-berdych-rallies-past-del-potro-to-reach-last-16-30151" target="_blank">Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;Everybody who knows me know that I never give up.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> is BACK!<br />
<br />
She will play the winner of Su-Wei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hsieh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hsieh</a> and Agnieszka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Radwanska?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Radwanska</a> in the 4R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ss6AnvKZh0">pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954653112299499520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 2016 winner from Germany and 21st seed roared past the Russian 2008 champion 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday making 12 wins in a row in 2018.</p>

<p>With this&nbsp;victory, the 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament.</p>

<p>Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan&#39;s Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> must have a dinner reservation... ⌚️<br />
<br />
Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/LfklLIJnXb">pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954642565499731968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals

Angelique Kerber d Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-3 Angelique Kerber defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets to enter the round of 16. It was a battle of former champions at the Australian Open. Angie looked in a hurry and had taken the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes. "I was just trying to enjoy every point," said Kerber after snuffing out Sharapova's hopes in only her second Grand Slam tournament back since serving a 15-month doping ban. “I have so many great memories from this court (Rod Laver Arena) … This court is so special for me and with you guys, it’s even more special,” Angie said after the match. "I knew before the match it would be a tough one." "Everybody who knows me knows that I never give up," she added. Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16 "Everybody who knows me know that I never give up." @AngeliqueKerber is BACK! She will play the winner of Su-Wei #Hsieh and Agnieszka #Radwanska in the 4R.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × The 2016 winner from Germany and 21st seed roared past the Russian 2008 champion 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday making 12 wins in a row in 2018. With this victory, the 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament. Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals. .@AngeliqueKerber must have a dinner reservation... ⌚️ Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 ×

Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16

<p><strong>Roger Federer d&nbsp;Richard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4</strong></p>

<p>Defending champion Federer&nbsp;defeated Richard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the round of 16 on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>&quot;I was able to stay more on the offensive than he was and maybe I was protecting my own serve better than him,&quot; Federer said.</p>

<p>&quot;I was hoping I could play at that level. I&#39;m very happy that I was able to rise to a level that I needed to beat Richard.</p>

<p>&quot;It was tough. The score shows it, as well. I could have done it maybe a bit faster.</p>

<p>&quot;I&rsquo;m coming in this year very fit, very well-equipped.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;At the same time, I&#39;m happy to have done it the way it happened. I was pleased. I think I had some good shots. I was happy the way I played. I also thought we both played a good level again, so it was fun,&quot; he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">9️⃣0️⃣ match wins and counting!<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> notches up his 90th match victory at Melbourne Park d 29th seed Richard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gasquet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gasquet</a> 6-2 7-5 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/wo83nX7u1K">pic.twitter.com/wo83nX7u1K</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954686257971437568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-simona-survives-an-epic-rally-beats-lauren-davis-4-6-6-4-15-13-30125" target="_blank">Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-karolina-pliskova-madison-keys-enter-fourth-round-30123" target="_blank">Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova &amp; Madison Keys enter fourth round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-hyeon-chung-beats-alexander-zverev-enters-r16-30148" target="_blank">Australian Open: Hyeon Chung beats Alexander Zverev, enters R16</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-angelique-kerber-outplays-maria-sharapova-to-reach-r16-30149" target="_blank">Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-tomas-berdych-rallies-past-del-potro-to-reach-last-16-30151" target="_blank">Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16</a></strong></p>

<p>The Swiss legend broke Gasquet&#39;s serve five times and hit 42 winners with 30 unforced errors.</p>

<p>&quot;I like to see the way he saved match point. The first one was a backhand down the line,&quot; Federer said of Gasquet late resistance.</p>

<p>&quot;Feels like he can do that in his sleep. I admire that. I take pleasure out of him making that shot even though for a second I thought that this could have been the match point I had and end up losing the match.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Roger that indeed ????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/i1WtMxFkuQ">pic.twitter.com/i1WtMxFkuQ</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954687033586302976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I started as a kid with a double-handed backhand and then let go. That left-hand is just decoration right now,&quot; he shared.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Swiss legend Roger Federer defeated Richard Gasquet of France, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4

Roger Federer d Richard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 Defending champion Federer defeated Richard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the round of 16 on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena. "I was able to stay more on the offensive than he was and maybe I was protecting my own serve better than him," Federer said. "I was hoping I could play at that level. I'm very happy that I was able to rise to a level that I needed to beat Richard. "It was tough. The score shows it, as well. I could have done it maybe a bit faster. "I’m coming in this year very fit, very well-equipped." "At the same time, I'm happy to have done it the way it happened. I was pleased. I think I had some good shots. I was happy the way I played. I also thought we both played a good level again, so it was fun," he added. 9️⃣0️⃣ match wins and counting!@rogerfederer notches up his 90th match victory at Melbourne Park d 29th seed Richard #Gasquet 6-2 7-5 6-4.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/wo83nX7u1K — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × Australian Open: Simona survives epic rally, beats Lauren Davis 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova & Madison Keys enter fourth round Australian Open: Hyeon Chung beats Alexander Zverev, enters R16 Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16 Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16 The Swiss legend broke Gasquet's serve five times and hit 42 winners with 30 unforced errors. "I like to see the way he saved match point. The first one was a backhand down the line," Federer said of Gasquet late resistance. "Feels like he can do that in his sleep. I admire that. I take pleasure out of him making that shot even though for a second I thought that this could have been the match point I had and end up losing the match." Roger that indeed ????????#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/i1WtMxFkuQ — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × "I started as a kid with a double-handed backhand and then let go. That left-hand is just decoration right now," he shared.

Australian Open: Defending champion Roger Federer races into R16

<p>From legends to newcomers, young champs to evergreen names, Australian Open, the first grand slam of 2018, has seen a lot in the stage matches.</p>

<p>Croatia&#39;s Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to reach the third round in 40 years when he defeated Japan&#39;s Yuichi Sugita in five sets,&nbsp;7-6(3) 6-7(3) 7-5 4-6.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-tsonga-races-to-second-round-outplays-denis-shapovalov-29805" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Australian Open: Tsonga races to third round, outplays Denis Shapovalov</span></a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-caroline-wozniacki-foils-jana-fett-enters-second-round-29806" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki foils Jana Fett, enters second round</span></a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-rafa-nadal-storms-to-third-round-so-as-marin-cilic-29808" target="_blank"><strong><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Australian Open: Rafa Nadal storms to third round, so as Marin Cilic</span></strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There aren&rsquo;t many things in life you&rsquo;re guaranteed, but an <a href="https://twitter.com/ivokarlovic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IvoKarlovic</a> five set epic is one of them!<br />
<br />
Tops Sugita 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 7-5 4-6 12-10 for a place in the third round.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/E89xc74yJL">pic.twitter.com/E89xc74yJL</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953522897531715584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Evergreen Karlovic, ranked down at 89 in the world, also reached the third round last year when he lost to David Goffin.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-jack-sock-upset-other-two-women-players-during-match-29821" target="_blank">Also&nbsp;Watch: Federer, Jack Sock upset other two women players during match</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-found-guilty-ofunsportsmanlike-conduct-fined-29791" target="_blank"><strong>Also read: Nick Kyrgios found guilty of &#39;unsportsmanlike conduct&#39;, fined</strong></a></p>

<p>Whereas, Ukrainian 15-year-old Marta Kostyuk became the&nbsp;youngest&nbsp;player to reach the third round of a grand slam in over 20 years when she defeated local wildcard Olivia Rogowska at the Australian Open on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marta Kostyuk, 15 years old, ranked #521 but junior world number two, beats Olivia Rogowska 6-3, 7-5 to reach the 3rd round of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>. Incredible story. <a href="https://t.co/9DyCoPIby1">pic.twitter.com/9DyCoPIby1</a></p>
&mdash; Jos&eacute; Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/953441920826707968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In her grand slam debut and first main draw appearance at a WTA tournament, Kostyuk had already become the&nbsp;youngest&nbsp;player to win a match at the Australian Open.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukrainian 15-year-old Marta Kostyuk became the youngest player to reach the third round of a grand slam in over 20 years

From legends to newcomers, young champs to evergreen names, Australian Open, the first grand slam of 2018, has seen a lot in the stage matches. Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to reach the third round in 40 years when he defeated Japan's Yuichi Sugita in five sets, 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 7-5 4-6. Australian Open: Tsonga races to third round, outplays Denis Shapovalov Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki foils Jana Fett, enters second round Australian Open: Rafa Nadal storms to third round, so as Marin Cilic There aren’t many things in life you’re guaranteed, but an @IvoKarlovic five set epic is one of them! Tops Sugita 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 7-5 4-6 12-10 for a place in the third round.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/E89xc74yJL — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Evergreen Karlovic, ranked down at 89 in the world, also reached the third round last year when he lost to David Goffin. Also Watch: Federer, Jack Sock upset other two women players during match Also read: Nick Kyrgios found guilty of 'unsportsmanlike conduct', fined Whereas, Ukrainian 15-year-old Marta Kostyuk became the youngest player to reach the third round of a grand slam in over 20 years when she defeated local wildcard Olivia Rogowska at the Australian Open on Wednesday. Marta Kostyuk, 15 years old, ranked #521 but junior world number two, beats Olivia Rogowska 6-3, 7-5 to reach the 3rd round of the #AusOpen. Incredible story. pic.twitter.com/9DyCoPIby1 — José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 17, 2018 × In her grand slam debut and first main draw appearance at a WTA tournament, Kostyuk had already become the youngest player to win a match at the Australian Open.

Australian Open: Oldest Ivo Karlovic, youngest Marta Kostyuk enter third round

<p><strong>Rafa Nadal d&nbsp;Leonardo Mayer,&nbsp;6-3 6-4 7-6 (4)</strong></p>

<p>Top seed Rafa Nadal continued his marauding path through the Australian Open, hammering Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) in&nbsp;two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round on Wednesday.</p>

<p>A masterful performance was blighted only by a late wobble when Nadal was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the decider.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;For my team and my family, this tournament is their favourite of the year so I want to stay as long as possible.&rdquo;<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/PpeoQynXNN">pic.twitter.com/PpeoQynXNN</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953546024164864000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>But the Spaniard found an extra gear in the tiebreak, wrapping up the match with a monster serve to the corner that Mayer battled to get a racket to.</p>

<p>Nadal&#39;s bid for a 17th grand slam title continues against Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> was very thankful of the <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> crowd support in his post-match interview.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/fWyXbaxOMu">pic.twitter.com/fWyXbaxOMu</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953545182741327872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Marin Cilic d&nbsp;Joao Sousa,&nbsp;6-1, 7-5, 6-2</strong></p>

<p>Croatia&#39;s sixth seed Marin Cilic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Cilic, last year&#39;s Wimbledon finalist, downed the 70th-ranked Sousa 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 and will next play either American Ryan Harrison or Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Croatia's sixth seed Marin Cilic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets

Rafa Nadal d Leonardo Mayer, 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) Top seed Rafa Nadal continued his marauding path through the Australian Open, hammering Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round on Wednesday. A masterful performance was blighted only by a late wobble when Nadal was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the decider. “For my team and my family, this tournament is their favourite of the year so I want to stay as long as possible.” - @RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/PpeoQynXNN — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × But the Spaniard found an extra gear in the tiebreak, wrapping up the match with a monster serve to the corner that Mayer battled to get a racket to. Nadal's bid for a 17th grand slam title continues against Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur. .@RafaelNadal was very thankful of the @RodLaverArena crowd support in his post-match interview.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/fWyXbaxOMu — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Marin Cilic d Joao Sousa, 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 Croatia's sixth seed Marin Cilic advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Portugal's Joao Sousa on Wednesday. Cilic, last year's Wimbledon finalist, downed the 70th-ranked Sousa 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 and will next play either American Ryan Harrison or Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay.

Australian Open: Rafa Nadal storms to third round, so as Marin Cilic

<p>Caroline Wozniacki saved two match points to scrape through to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday after being 5-1 down in the final set to unheralded Jana Fett.</p>

<p>The number two seed somehow prevailed after a titanic struggle 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 against the little-known Croat on a searing Rod Laver Arena in two hours and 31 minutes.</p>

<p>The Danish former number one teetered on the brink of becoming the latest big-name casualty in the bottom half of a draw that has become the seeds&#39; graveyard when Fett held two match points.</p>

<p>&quot;That was crazy, I don&#39;t how I got back the in the match. She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose,&quot; said Wozniacki</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1-5 down and facing two match points. <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> did not give up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6BHNDFfue">pic.twitter.com/f6BHNDFfue</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953501834139717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119&#39;s nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games.</p>

<p>&quot;Experience was crucial,&quot; said Wozniacki. &quot;I think she suddenly realised at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it.&quot;</p>

<p>On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open.</p>

<p>Wozniacki will continue her quest for a first Grand Slam title next against either Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands or American Nicole Gibbs for a place in the last 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Caroline Wozniacki defeated Jana Fett, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5

Caroline Wozniacki saved two match points to scrape through to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday after being 5-1 down in the final set to unheralded Jana Fett. The number two seed somehow prevailed after a titanic struggle 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 against the little-known Croat on a searing Rod Laver Arena in two hours and 31 minutes. The Danish former number one teetered on the brink of becoming the latest big-name casualty in the bottom half of a draw that has become the seeds' graveyard when Fett held two match points. "That was crazy, I don't how I got back the in the match. She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose," said Wozniacki 1-5 down and facing two match points. @CaroWozniacki did not give up. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/f6BHNDFfue — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119's nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games. "Experience was crucial," said Wozniacki. "I think she suddenly realised at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it." On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open. Wozniacki will continue her quest for a first Grand Slam title next against either Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands or American Nicole Gibbs for a place in the last 16.

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki foils Jana Fett, enters second round

<p>Australia&#39;s volatile Nick Kyrgios&nbsp;accused of&nbsp;unsportsmanlike conduct during the first round match of Australian Open&nbsp;on Hisense Arena on Monday.</p>

<p>Kyrgios received a code violation for telling a loudmouth member of the crowd to &quot;shut the f*** up&quot;.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old was fined with a $3,000 penalty for using appropriative language&nbsp;in his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva.</p>

<p>He also exchanged&nbsp;words with the chair umpire during the changeover after the Australian had taken the opening set for the loss of one game in just 28 minutes.</p>

<p>&quot;All you have to do is say &#39;please be quiet when the player is serving&#39;,&quot; Kyrgios told the umpire.</p>

<p>He played a flawless opening set but that didn&#39;t stop him from receiving a code violation early in the match.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kyrgios received a code violation for using inappropriate language during first round match

Australia's volatile Nick Kyrgios accused of unsportsmanlike conduct during the first round match of Australian Open on Hisense Arena on Monday. Kyrgios received a code violation for telling a loudmouth member of the crowd to "shut the f*** up". The 22-year-old was fined with a $3,000 penalty for using appropriative language in his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva. He also exchanged words with the chair umpire during the changeover after the Australian had taken the opening set for the loss of one game in just 28 minutes. "All you have to do is say 'please be quiet when the player is serving'," Kyrgios told the umpire. He played a flawless opening set but that didn't stop him from receiving a code violation early in the match.

Nick Kyrgios found guilty of 'unsportsmanlike conduct', fined

<p><strong>Elina Svitolina d Katerina Siniakova, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1</strong></p>

<p>Elina Svitolina had to come from behind Wednesday against Katerina Siniakova to set up an all-Ukrainian third-round clash with teenage sensation Marta Kostyuk.</p>

<p>The world number four was largely in control but somehow dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against her 59th-ranked Czech opponent in two hours and 14 minutes.</p>

<p>&quot;I think she played well in the first set but I gave her one break, so I think it was kind of my mistake,&quot; said the fourth seed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;I thought I was going to melt!&rdquo; ????<br />
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[4] <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElinaSvitolina</a> overcame being a set down and the heat to roll onto 3R, where she&rsquo;ll take on Marta <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kostyuk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kostyuk</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/XCzd3PXmwa">pic.twitter.com/XCzd3PXmwa</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953456913554878464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>But Svitolina cranked up the heat as temperatures rose on Rod Laver Arena, relentlessly overpowering her opponent from the back of the court to take the final two sets in dominant fashion.</p>

<p>&quot;I thought I was going to melt today, was struggling a bit&quot; Svitolina admitted. &quot;Today I had enough sun, I just want to have an ice bath and recover.&quot;</p>

<p>Svitolina came into the first Grand Slam of the year in top form after winning the Brisbane International warm-up event after picking up five WTA Tour titles last year, more than any other woman.</p>

<p>She now faces 15-year-old Kostyuk whose fairytale continued Wednesday as she became the youngest player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis in 1996 in beating local wildcard Olivia Rogowska in straight sets.</p>

<p><strong>Luksika Kumkhum&nbsp;d Belinda Bencic, 6-1, 6-3</strong></p>

<p>Venus Williams&#39; Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam Wednesday, failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum.</p>

<p>The Roger Federer-inspired Swiss stunned Williams in round one, but was no match for the Thai star who moved into a Grand Slam third round for the first time.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????<br />
<br />
It&#39;s tense stuff for Belinda <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bencic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bencic</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/HisenseArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HisenseArena</a>: Luksika <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kumkhum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kumkhum</a> has an early 3-1 lead in the first set. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/My5susATAh">pic.twitter.com/My5susATAh</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953449510096715776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bencic, 20, was never in contention on a searing day on Hisense Arena, slumping 6-1 in the first set before putting up more fight in the second only to succumb 6-3.</p>

<p>Only Tuesday, fellow Swiss Federer, who won the Hopman Cup this month alongside Bencic, had heaped praise on her.</p>

<p>&quot;She&#39;s still so young, she has a great career ahead of herself. I try to help her where I can,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>But he also added: &quot;Still so much to improve.&quot;</p>

<p>For Kumkhum, it was a major achievement in her seventh Grand Slam main draw appearance.</p>

<p>&quot;This is the best win of my career,&quot; she said afterwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I kept telling my coach and family that I want to pass the second round, so I&#39;m really happy.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-the-lucky-red-dress-saved-simona-as-she-survives-first-round-29680">Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679" target="_blank">Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-roger-roars-in-round-one-29704" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Roger roars in round one</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-pliskova-muguruza-konta-enter-second-round-29716" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Pliskova, Muguruza, Konta enter second round</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Venus Williams' Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum

Elina Svitolina d Katerina Siniakova, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Elina Svitolina had to come from behind Wednesday against Katerina Siniakova to set up an all-Ukrainian third-round clash with teenage sensation Marta Kostyuk. The world number four was largely in control but somehow dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against her 59th-ranked Czech opponent in two hours and 14 minutes. "I think she played well in the first set but I gave her one break, so I think it was kind of my mistake," said the fourth seed. “I thought I was going to melt!” ???? [4] @ElinaSvitolina overcame being a set down and the heat to roll onto 3R, where she’ll take on Marta #Kostyuk. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/XCzd3PXmwa — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × But Svitolina cranked up the heat as temperatures rose on Rod Laver Arena, relentlessly overpowering her opponent from the back of the court to take the final two sets in dominant fashion. "I thought I was going to melt today, was struggling a bit" Svitolina admitted. "Today I had enough sun, I just want to have an ice bath and recover." Svitolina came into the first Grand Slam of the year in top form after winning the Brisbane International warm-up event after picking up five WTA Tour titles last year, more than any other woman. She now faces 15-year-old Kostyuk whose fairytale continued Wednesday as she became the youngest player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis in 1996 in beating local wildcard Olivia Rogowska in straight sets. Luksika Kumkhum d Belinda Bencic, 6-1, 6-3 Venus Williams' Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam Wednesday, failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum. The Roger Federer-inspired Swiss stunned Williams in round one, but was no match for the Thai star who moved into a Grand Slam third round for the first time. ???? It's tense stuff for Belinda #Bencic at @HisenseArena: Luksika #Kumkhum has an early 3-1 lead in the first set. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/My5susATAh — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Bencic, 20, was never in contention on a searing day on Hisense Arena, slumping 6-1 in the first set before putting up more fight in the second only to succumb 6-3. Only Tuesday, fellow Swiss Federer, who won the Hopman Cup this month alongside Bencic, had heaped praise on her. "She's still so young, she has a great career ahead of herself. I try to help her where I can," he said. But he also added: "Still so much to improve." For Kumkhum, it was a major achievement in her seventh Grand Slam main draw appearance. "This is the best win of my career," she said afterwards. "I kept telling my coach and family that I want to pass the second round, so I'm really happy." Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Australian Open: Roger roars in round one Australian Open: Pliskova, Muguruza, Konta enter second round

Australian Open: Elina Svitolina survives second round, Belinda Bencic exits

<p><strong>Karolina Pliskova d Veronica Cepede, 6-3, 6-4</strong></p>

<p>Karolina Pliskova beat&nbsp;Veronica Cepede in the first round of Australian Open. She said before her opening match she would donate US$100 of her prize money to benefit sick children for every ace she serves at the year&#39;s first Grand Slam.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;ve decided to contribute to a good cause. During the Australian Open, I will donate through my endowment fund US$100 for each ace to help children with oncological diseases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!&quot; the sixth seed tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;ve decided to contribute to a good cause. During the Australian Open I will donate through my endowment fund 100 USD for each ace to help children with oncological diseases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!✊ I&#39;m really looking forward to this season&#39;s first Grand Slam ???????? <a href="https://t.co/MiLF3hHGET">pic.twitter.com/MiLF3hHGET</a></p>
&mdash; Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova/status/953024579982696449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Her 6-3, 6-4 first-round victory over Paraguay&#39;s Veronica Cepede Royg on Tuesday will see her writing a cheque for $700 already -- she served seven aces.</p>

<p><strong>Garbine Muguruza d Jessika Ponchet, 6-4, 6-3</strong></p>

<p>Garbine Muguruza wore heavy strapping on her injured right thigh as she laboured to a 6-4, 6-3 victory against wildcard Jessika Ponchet in the Australian Open first round on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The world number three took an hour and 24 minutes to quell the virtually unknown 21-year-old French world number 256.</p>

<p>Muguruza said before her match she was hoping to be &quot;pain-free&quot; to begin her Australian Open campaign, but her mobility was hampered and she looked anything but fully fit against Ponchet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Routine win for No.2 seed <a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> 6-4 6-3 over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ponchet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ponchet</a>. She&#39;ll face Hsieh in round 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/TSMJS880ia">pic.twitter.com/TSMJS880ia</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953200812821430272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A quarter-finalist in Melbourne last year, Spain&#39;s Muguruza dropped her first service game but from there battled back to take the first set in 43 minutes.</p>

<p>&quot;It wasn&#39;t easy. I didn&#39;t know anything about her,&quot; said Muguruza of her opponent who was making her first main draw appearance in a WTA event, let alone a Grand Slam.</p>

<p>&quot;She&#39;s super talented. Serves and volleys, so I had to stay very concentrated.&quot;</p>

<p>The Wimbledon champion had a problematic start to the year, pulling out of the Sydney International to protect her right thigh.</p>

<p><strong>Johanna Konta d Madison Brengle, 6-3, 6-1</strong></p>

<p>British hope Johanna Konta showed no signs of her recent injury troubles Tuesday as she dismantled Madison Brengle to continue the dismal US start to the year&#39;s first Grand Slam.</p>

<p>An incredible 12 of the 15 American players on the court on day one were dumped out of the event -- including women&#39;s title fancies Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and CoCo Vandeweghe plus Jack Sock and John Isner on the men&#39;s side.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;I was really enjoying being out there. It was a nice day. It was sunny. It was quite a full stadium. There was a lot of people. I kind of tried to absorb the atmosphere a little bit.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/JoKonta91?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoKonta91</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BziNfmRXx3">pic.twitter.com/BziNfmRXx3</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953117921986854912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>And Brengle became the unlucky 13th American to head for the exit door after impressive ninth-seeded Konta overpowered her 6-3, 6-1 on the back of eight aces and 37 winners in just 66 minutes on Hisense Arena.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-the-lucky-red-dress-saved-simona-as-she-survives-first-round-29680">Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679" target="_blank">Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-roger-roars-in-round-one-29704" target="_blank"><strong>Australian Open: Roger roars in round one</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Karolina Pliskova donated $100 of her prize money to benefit sick children

Karolina Pliskova d Veronica Cepede, 6-3, 6-4 Karolina Pliskova beat Veronica Cepede in the first round of Australian Open. She said before her opening match she would donate US$100 of her prize money to benefit sick children for every ace she serves at the year's first Grand Slam. "I've decided to contribute to a good cause. During the Australian Open, I will donate through my endowment fund US$100 for each ace to help children with oncological diseases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!" the sixth seed tweeted. I've decided to contribute to a good cause. During the Australian Open I will donate through my endowment fund 100 USD for each ace to help children with oncological diseases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!✊ I'm really looking forward to this season's first Grand Slam ???????? pic.twitter.com/MiLF3hHGET — Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) January 15, 2018 × Her 6-3, 6-4 first-round victory over Paraguay's Veronica Cepede Royg on Tuesday will see her writing a cheque for $700 already -- she served seven aces. Garbine Muguruza d Jessika Ponchet, 6-4, 6-3 Garbine Muguruza wore heavy strapping on her injured right thigh as she laboured to a 6-4, 6-3 victory against wildcard Jessika Ponchet in the Australian Open first round on Tuesday. The world number three took an hour and 24 minutes to quell the virtually unknown 21-year-old French world number 256. Muguruza said before her match she was hoping to be "pain-free" to begin her Australian Open campaign, but her mobility was hampered and she looked anything but fully fit against Ponchet. Routine win for No.2 seed @GarbiMuguruza 6-4 6-3 over #Ponchet. She'll face Hsieh in round 2. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TSMJS880ia — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × A quarter-finalist in Melbourne last year, Spain's Muguruza dropped her first service game but from there battled back to take the first set in 43 minutes. "It wasn't easy. I didn't know anything about her," said Muguruza of her opponent who was making her first main draw appearance in a WTA event, let alone a Grand Slam. "She's super talented. Serves and volleys, so I had to stay very concentrated." The Wimbledon champion had a problematic start to the year, pulling out of the Sydney International to protect her right thigh. Johanna Konta d Madison Brengle, 6-3, 6-1 British hope Johanna Konta showed no signs of her recent injury troubles Tuesday as she dismantled Madison Brengle to continue the dismal US start to the year's first Grand Slam. An incredible 12 of the 15 American players on the court on day one were dumped out of the event -- including women's title fancies Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and CoCo Vandeweghe plus Jack Sock and John Isner on the men's side. "I was really enjoying being out there. It was a nice day. It was sunny. It was quite a full stadium. There was a lot of people. I kind of tried to absorb the atmosphere a little bit."@JoKonta91 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/BziNfmRXx3 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × And Brengle became the unlucky 13th American to head for the exit door after impressive ninth-seeded Konta overpowered her 6-3, 6-1 on the back of eight aces and 37 winners in just 66 minutes on Hisense Arena. Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Australian Open: Roger roars in round one

Australian Open: Pliskova, Muguruza, Konta enter second round

<p>Defending champion Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;got quickly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he breezed past Bedene with consummate ease 6-3 6-4 6-3.</p>

<p>A single break in each set was enough for&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;who looked in total control from beginning to end.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;With Rafa the final was epic. It seems like the stars really aligned for us last year. To play in front of a quality crowd like you guys, it was very special.&rdquo;<br />
<br />
&ldquo;[<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 2017] was my favourite tournament of the season by far, hands down.&rdquo;<br />
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&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953207433408626688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The world number two, bidding for a 20th grand slam title after claiming his 18th here last year and 19th at Wimbledon, broke Bedene&#39;s serve in the fourth game of the first set in which he conceded only three points on his serve.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;pounced immediately at the start of the second to gain another break and cantered through the rest of the match against a player who he had never played before.</p>

<p>One member of the sell-out crowd yelled &quot;Give him a chance Rog&quot; late on but the Swiss was not listening and finished the match on Bedene&#39;s serve when his opponent netted a backhand.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: Australian Open: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679">Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:&nbsp;Australian Open: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-the-lucky-red-dress-saved-simona-as-she-survives-first-round-29680" target="_blank">The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Defending champion Federer beats Slovenian Aljaz Bedene, 6-3 6-4 6-3 in straight sets

Defending champion Roger Federer got quickly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he breezed past Bedene with consummate ease 6-3 6-4 6-3. A single break in each set was enough for Federer who looked in total control from beginning to end. “With Rafa the final was epic. It seems like the stars really aligned for us last year. To play in front of a quality crowd like you guys, it was very special.” “[#AusOpen 2017] was my favourite tournament of the season by far, hands down.” - @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/d5QgRuFamy — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × The world number two, bidding for a 20th grand slam title after claiming his 18th here last year and 19th at Wimbledon, broke Bedene's serve in the fourth game of the first set in which he conceded only three points on his serve. Federer pounced immediately at the start of the second to gain another break and cantered through the rest of the match against a player who he had never played before. One member of the sell-out crowd yelled "Give him a chance Rog" late on but the Swiss was not listening and finished the match on Bedene's serve when his opponent netted a backhand. Also read: Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round Also read: Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round

Australian Open: Roger roars in round one

<p>Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic was knocked out of the Australian Open by Lukas Lacko on Tuesday in his earliest exit at Grand Slam for seven years.</p>

<p>The 86th-ranked Slovakian beat the 22nd seeded Raonic 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in 3hr 22min on Show Court three.</p>

<p>It was Raonic&#39;s earliest exit at a Slam since losing in the first round at Roland Garros in 2011.</p>

<p>Raonic, a 2016 Wimbledon finalist, is fighting his way back from a wrist injury last season and despite serving 36 aces, he made 47 unforced errors and had his serve broken three times.</p>

<p>Lacko will play Argentina&#39;s Nicolas Kicker in the second round.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-the-lucky-red-dress-saved-simona-as-she-survives-first-round-29680">Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679" target="_blank">Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The 86th-ranked Slovakian beat the 22nd seeded Raonic 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4)

Canada's Milos Raonic was knocked out of the Australian Open by Lukas Lacko on Tuesday in his earliest exit at Grand Slam for seven years. The 86th-ranked Slovakian beat the 22nd seeded Raonic 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in 3hr 22min on Show Court three. It was Raonic's earliest exit at a Slam since losing in the first round at Roland Garros in 2011. Raonic, a 2016 Wimbledon finalist, is fighting his way back from a wrist injury last season and despite serving 36 aces, he made 47 unforced errors and had his serve broken three times. Lacko will play Argentina's Nicolas Kicker in the second round. Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round

Australian Open: Milos Raonic crashes, drives out of Slam

<p>Defending champion Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;got quickly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he breezed past Bedene with consummate ease 6-3 6-4 6-3.</p>

<p>A single break in each set was enough for&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;who looked in total control from beginning to end.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;With Rafa the final was epic. It seems like the stars really aligned for us last year. To play in front of a quality crowd like you guys, it was very special.&rdquo;<br />
<br />
&ldquo;[<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 2017] was my favourite tournament of the season by far, hands down.&rdquo;<br />
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- <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5QgRuFamy">pic.twitter.com/d5QgRuFamy</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953207433408626688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The world number two, bidding for a 20th grand slam title after claiming his 18th here last year and 19th at Wimbledon, broke Bedene&#39;s serve in the fourth game of the first set in which he conceded only three points on his serve.</p>

<p>Federer&nbsp;pounced immediately at the start of the second to gain another break and cantered through the rest of the match against a player who he had never played before.</p>

<p>One member of the sell-out crowd yelled &quot;Give him a chance Rog&quot; late on but the Swiss was not listening and finished the match on Bedene&#39;s serve when his opponent netted a backhand.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Defending champion Roger Federer beats Slovenian Aljaz Bedene, 6-3 6-4 6-3 in straight sets

Defending champion Roger Federer got quickly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he breezed past Bedene with consummate ease 6-3 6-4 6-3. A single break in each set was enough for Federer who looked in total control from beginning to end. “With Rafa the final was epic. It seems like the stars really aligned for us last year. To play in front of a quality crowd like you guys, it was very special.” “[#AusOpen 2017] was my favourite tournament of the season by far, hands down.” - @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/d5QgRuFamy — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × The world number two, bidding for a 20th grand slam title after claiming his 18th here last year and 19th at Wimbledon, broke Bedene's serve in the fourth game of the first set in which he conceded only three points on his serve. Federer pounced immediately at the start of the second to gain another break and cantered through the rest of the match against a player who he had never played before. One member of the sell-out crowd yelled "Give him a chance Rog" late on but the Swiss was not listening and finished the match on Bedene's serve when his opponent netted a backhand.

Australian Open: Roger roars in round one, beats Slovenian Aljaz Bedene

<p>A dramatic and intense game ended in the favour of world number one Simona Halep. She defeated Destanee Aiava after coming back&nbsp;from 5-2 and a set point down against Australian teenager to win the first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Both the Romanian and her 17-year-old wildcard opponent needed on-court medical attention before top seed Halep ran out a battling 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 winner in an hour and 51 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top seed had fallen at the first hurdle in the past two years at Melbourne Park and another shock was beckoning when the big-hitting Australian took a 5-2 lead in the first set buoyed by rowdy home supporters.</p>

<p>&quot;She was a very tough opponent,&quot; said a relieved Halep after the match.</p>

<p>&quot;She&#39;s very talented and powerful. She reminds me a little bit of Serena Williams.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It was a pleasure to be back here on centre court.&quot;<br />
<br />
The world No. 1️⃣ is through to the second round! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/AZFrRMmUmk">pic.twitter.com/AZFrRMmUmk</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953167168782430208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Halep showed little of the form which helped her to the Shenzhen title two weeks ago but used her all experience to extend the rallies and force the ailing Australian to dig deep.</p>

<p>Simona Halep will face Canada&#39;s Eugenie Bouchard, a former semi-finalist in Melbourne and Roland Garros, and a finalist at Wimbledon in 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679">Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a></strong></p>


Simona Halep beat Destanee Aiava, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. She will face Canada's Eugenie Bouchard in the second round

A dramatic and intense game ended in the favour of world number one Simona Halep. She defeated Destanee Aiava after coming back from 5-2 and a set point down against Australian teenager to win the first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Both the Romanian and her 17-year-old wildcard opponent needed on-court medical attention before top seed Halep ran out a battling 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 winner in an hour and 51 minutes. The top seed had fallen at the first hurdle in the past two years at Melbourne Park and another shock was beckoning when the big-hitting Australian took a 5-2 lead in the first set buoyed by rowdy home supporters. "She was a very tough opponent," said a relieved Halep after the match. "She's very talented and powerful. She reminds me a little bit of Serena Williams." "It was a pleasure to be back here on centre court." The world No. 1️⃣ is through to the second round! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/AZFrRMmUmk — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × Halep showed little of the form which helped her to the Shenzhen title two weeks ago but used her all experience to extend the rallies and force the ailing Australian to dig deep. Simona Halep will face Canada's Eugenie Bouchard, a former semi-finalist in Melbourne and Roland Garros, and a finalist at Wimbledon in 2014. Also read: Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round

Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round

<p><b><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Stan Wawrinka d&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Ricardas Berankis,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2)</span></b></p>

<p>Former champion Stan Wawrinka was taken to four sets before winning his first match since knee surgery in July at the Australian Open on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The man. ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StanWawrinka</a> <a href="https://t.co/RDCXrLzNTi">pic.twitter.com/RDCXrLzNTi</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953146072217485313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was a confidence booster for the 2014 Melbourne Park champion who had a troubled lead-in to the year&#39;s opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>The Swiss star, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win in 2014, has slipped to nine in the world rankings, having not played since his first-round Wimbledon loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev six months ago.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a tough battle and I&#39;m really happy to win my first match here after six months out,&quot; Wawrinka said.</p>

<p><b><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Alexander Zverev d&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Thomas Fabbiano,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5</span></b></p>

<p>Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency.</p>

<p>The world No.4 spent 2hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano.</p>

<p>Zverev, at the vanguard of the &quot;NextGen&quot; brigade, will face fellow German Peter Gojowczyk in the second round.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;My dog doesn&#39;t even realise who I am, so, you know, nothing changes at home.&quot;<br />
<br />
Sascha Zverev may be Top 5 but that doesn&#39;t matter to much his pup...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/SNRVjTwNeq">pic.twitter.com/SNRVjTwNeq</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953149936404590592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While the 20-year-old won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam.</p>

<p>&quot;I think last year I was pretty consistent, apart from the end of the year,&quot; Zverev said.</p>

<p>&quot;I think my game is getting more consistent with age as well. I think that&#39;s also something that is a factor of maturity.</p>

<p>&quot;So I&#39;m just trying to get better every single day, and that&#39;s what I&#39;m here for,&quot; he added.</p>

<p><b><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Novak Djokovic d&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Donald Young,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">6-1, 6-2, 6-4</span></b></p>

<p>Six-times champion Novak Djokovic&nbsp;looked the part&nbsp;as&nbsp;he powered to a convincing&nbsp;first-round&nbsp;victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday on his return from an elbow injury.</p>

<p>The 12-times Grand Slam champion, seeded an unfamiliar 14, was too strong for American Donald Young, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4&nbsp;in 1hr 51min on Margaret Court Arena.</p>

<p>It was an impressive performance, with the Serb breaking Young&#39;s left-handed serve six times, hitting 33 winners and conceding only 27 unforced errors.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Nole of old.<br />
<br />
Full match report of <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a>&#39;s triumphant return to Grand Slam action ➡️<a href="https://t.co/NM22di4I6x">https://t.co/NM22di4I6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/NryKXCEKqR">pic.twitter.com/NryKXCEKqR</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953166187151552513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;There is no better place to start than here in Australia, I love coming here, I love playing here,&quot; Djokovic told the crowd.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s been a long period without any official matches but I spent as much quality time as I could with my family.</p>

<p>&quot;I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I have, I played perfect tennis in the first couple of sets and Donald came back in the third set.&quot;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena

Stan Wawrinka d Ricardas Berankis, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) Former champion Stan Wawrinka was taken to four sets before winning his first match since knee surgery in July at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena. The man. ???? #AusOpen @StanWawrinka pic.twitter.com/RDCXrLzNTi — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × It was a confidence booster for the 2014 Melbourne Park champion who had a troubled lead-in to the year's opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The Swiss star, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win in 2014, has slipped to nine in the world rankings, having not played since his first-round Wimbledon loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev six months ago. "It was a tough battle and I'm really happy to win my first match here after six months out," Wawrinka said. Alexander Zverev d Thomas Fabbiano, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency. The world No.4 spent 2hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano. Zverev, at the vanguard of the "NextGen" brigade, will face fellow German Peter Gojowczyk in the second round. "My dog doesn't even realise who I am, so, you know, nothing changes at home." Sascha Zverev may be Top 5 but that doesn't matter to much his pup...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SNRVjTwNeq — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × While the 20-year-old won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam. "I think last year I was pretty consistent, apart from the end of the year," Zverev said. "I think my game is getting more consistent with age as well. I think that's also something that is a factor of maturity. "So I'm just trying to get better every single day, and that's what I'm here for," he added. Novak Djokovic d Donald Young, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 Six-times champion Novak Djokovic looked the part as he powered to a convincing first-round victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday on his return from an elbow injury. The 12-times Grand Slam champion, seeded an unfamiliar 14, was too strong for American Donald Young, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in 1hr 51min on Margaret Court Arena. It was an impressive performance, with the Serb breaking Young's left-handed serve six times, hitting 33 winners and conceding only 27 unforced errors. The Nole of old. Full match report of @DjokerNole's triumphant return to Grand Slam action ➡️https://t.co/NM22di4I6x pic.twitter.com/NryKXCEKqR — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × "There is no better place to start than here in Australia, I love coming here, I love playing here," Djokovic told the crowd. "It's been a long period without any official matches but I spent as much quality time as I could with my family. "I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I have, I played perfect tennis in the first couple of sets and Donald came back in the third set." Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams

Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round

<p>Maria Sharapova defeated&nbsp;Germany&#39;s Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 18 minutes on Tuesday.</p>

<p>She will either face&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko.</span></p>

<p style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;Look, I&#39;ve got shivers,&quot; said Sharapova pointing to her arm when asked on the court how much being back in Melbourne meant to her.</p>

<p style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;I cherish these moments. I love it here,&quot; she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It was really meaningful to be out here today.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaSharapova</a> happy to be back in Melbourne.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQkEUUr2cl">pic.twitter.com/oQkEUUr2cl</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953106654400102405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;It&#39;s been a couple of years and I wanted it to be really meaningful to me. But we know it&#39;s only going to get tougher.&quot;</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">The Russian star&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">has won 36 singles titles and</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&nbsp;marked her presence in the first round of Australian Open after</span>&nbsp;returning from a 15-month doping ban.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-rafa-through-to-second-round-29592" target="_blank">Australian Open: Rafa through to second round</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank">Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sharapova defeated Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 of Germany and likely to meet Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko in the second round

Maria Sharapova defeated Germany's Tatjana Maria 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 18 minutes on Tuesday. She will either face 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia or American Varvara Lepchenko. "Look, I've got shivers," said Sharapova pointing to her arm when asked on the court how much being back in Melbourne meant to her. "I cherish these moments. I love it here," she added. "It was really meaningful to be out here today."@MariaSharapova happy to be back in Melbourne.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/oQkEUUr2cl — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × "It's been a couple of years and I wanted it to be really meaningful to me. But we know it's only going to get tougher." The Russian star has won 36 singles titles and marked her presence in the first round of Australian Open after returning from a 15-month doping ban. Australian Open: Rafa through to second round Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams

Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria

<p>Rafael Nadal thrashed Victor Estrella Burgos, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 to qualify for the second round of the Australian Open on Monday on Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>He will play Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in the next round.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m very happy to be back, it&#39;s a very important beginning for me. It&#39;s good news for me,&quot; said Rafa.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to enjoy every moment I&#39;m here on this court,&quot; he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Long may we see <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> on Rod Laver Arena!<br />
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The World No.1 speaks after progressing through to the second round. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/F9YaRO1XZV">pic.twitter.com/F9YaRO1XZV</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/952843932198617088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 94 minutes long game, the Spaniard left no chance to outplay Victor Estrella Burgos, with&nbsp;eight service breaks and 28&nbsp;winners.</p>

<p>Rafa wore no strapping on his knee and appeared in full power and there were no signs of injury to be seen.</p>

<p>He had&nbsp;suffered a knee injury in the past and also missed the scheduled warm-up matches in Brisbane. He even expressed doubts about his fitness just ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.</p>

<p>Nadal needs to reach the quarter-finals to be certain of retaining his world number one ranking.<br />
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Rafael Nadal thrashed Victor Estrella Burgos, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, to play Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in the next round

Rafael Nadal thrashed Victor Estrella Burgos, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 to qualify for the second round of the Australian Open on Monday on Rod Laver Arena. He will play Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in the next round. "I'm very happy to be back, it's a very important beginning for me. It's good news for me," said Rafa. "I want to enjoy every moment I'm here on this court," he added. Long may we see @RafaelNadal on Rod Laver Arena! The World No.1 speaks after progressing through to the second round. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/F9YaRO1XZV — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018 × In 94 minutes long game, the Spaniard left no chance to outplay Victor Estrella Burgos, with eight service breaks and 28 winners. Rafa wore no strapping on his knee and appeared in full power and there were no signs of injury to be seen. He had suffered a knee injury in the past and also missed the scheduled warm-up matches in Brisbane. He even expressed doubts about his fitness just ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. Nadal needs to reach the quarter-finals to be certain of retaining his world number one ranking.

Australian Open: Rafa through to second round

<p>For the first time since 1997, &nbsp;Australian Open will be without Williams sisters. Serena Williams is already out following the birth of her daughter and Venus failed to qualify for the next round.</p>

<p>20-year-old <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-20-year-old-swiss-belinda-bencic-beats-venus-williams-in-first-round-29535" target="_blank">Belinda Bencic saw off seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams</a> in the first round of Australia Open in straight sets.</p>

<p>Bencic recently featured with 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup. He gave her advice and tips to improve the game. She had received a huge confidence boost.</p>

<p>&quot;I think all the week it was so great learning from him on the court or off the court,&quot; Bencic said on Federer.</p>

<p>&quot;Even now, I think it&#39;s amazing he&#39;s giving me advice, trying to give me tips, help me, like, looking how I&#39;m doing. That feels great. I saw him after the match... he was very happy for me,&quot; she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;It feels amazing to have the chance to play against both because I never thought I would ever play against them when I was a little kid.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/BelindaBencic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BelindaBencic</a> on playing both Serena &amp; Venus.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/LNT9dQFRNF">pic.twitter.com/LNT9dQFRNF</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/952779740972122113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Last year is last year. This is, like, a new year. You can&#39;t live in the previous year. It&#39;s impossible,&quot; said Venus Williams after losing.</p>

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Belinda Bencic ranked No-78 beat Venus Williams in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday

For the first time since 1997, Australian Open will be without Williams sisters. Serena Williams is already out following the birth of her daughter and Venus failed to qualify for the next round. 20-year-old Belinda Bencic saw off seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round of Australia Open in straight sets. Bencic recently featured with 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup. He gave her advice and tips to improve the game. She had received a huge confidence boost. "I think all the week it was so great learning from him on the court or off the court," Bencic said on Federer. "Even now, I think it's amazing he's giving me advice, trying to give me tips, help me, like, looking how I'm doing. That feels great. I saw him after the match... he was very happy for me," she added. "It feels amazing to have the chance to play against both because I never thought I would ever play against them when I was a little kid."@BelindaBencic on playing both Serena & Venus.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LNT9dQFRNF — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018 × "Last year is last year. This is, like, a new year. You can't live in the previous year. It's impossible," said Venus Williams after losing.

Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams

<p>Jelena Ostapenko said that ever since winning the French Open she has become a marked woman with everyone trying to beat her.</p>

<p>That included corset-wearing Italian veteran Francesca Schiavone, who failed in her task in the Australian Open first round on Monday, losing 6-1, 6-4.</p>

<p>World number seven Ostapenko raced through the first set on Rod Laver Arena against the 2010 Roland Garros winner.</p>

<p>But she found herself 4-1 down in the second to the world number 93 who was bizarrely wearing a weightlifter-style back brace over her tennis top.</p>

<p>The big-hitting Latvian soon found her range again and hit back with two breaks of the Schiavone serve, the second achieved with a trademark forehand winner.</p>

<p>Ostapenko then served out with no further alarms to take the match in one hour and 14 minutes.</p>

<p>&quot;I mean, of course, it&#39;s tough, especially after winning at the age of 20. Everybody wants to beat you,&quot; she said of entering a major tournament as a former Grand Slam champion.</p>

<p>&quot;You have to prepare very well for every match. But on the other side, I have nothing to lose. I&#39;ve already won the Grand Slam. I just enjoy every match and show my best.&quot;</p>

<p>Following her French Open success, Ostapenko finished the year in the top 10 for the first time in her career and has taken the leap to being a high-profile player in her stride.</p>

<p>&quot;I think after French I did well at Wimbledon. That gave me even more confidence,&quot; she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;ve had a good pre-season, and now I&#39;m ready. I&#39;m looking forward to my second match here.&quot;</p>

<p>That will be against China&#39;s Duan Yingying who overcame Colombia&#39;s Mariana Duque-Marino in straight sets.</p>

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Jelena Ostapenko said that ever since winning the French Open she has become a marked woman with everyone trying to beat her. That included corset-wearing Italian veteran Francesca Schiavone, who failed in her task in the Australian Open first round on Monday, losing 6-1, 6-4. World number seven Ostapenko raced through the first set on Rod Laver Arena against the 2010 Roland Garros winner. But she found herself 4-1 down in the second to the world number 93 who was bizarrely wearing a weightlifter-style back brace over her tennis top. The big-hitting Latvian soon found her range again and hit back with two breaks of the Schiavone serve, the second achieved with a trademark forehand winner. Ostapenko then served out with no further alarms to take the match in one hour and 14 minutes. "I mean, of course, it's tough, especially after winning at the age of 20. Everybody wants to beat you," she said of entering a major tournament as a former Grand Slam champion. "You have to prepare very well for every match. But on the other side, I have nothing to lose. I've already won the Grand Slam. I just enjoy every match and show my best." Following her French Open success, Ostapenko finished the year in the top 10 for the first time in her career and has taken the leap to being a high-profile player in her stride. "I think after French I did well at Wimbledon. That gave me even more confidence," she said. "I've had a good pre-season, and now I'm ready. I'm looking forward to my second match here." That will be against China's Duan Yingying who overcame Colombia's Mariana Duque-Marino in straight sets.

Australian Open: Jelena Ostapenko beats Francesca Schiavone in first round

<p>Bulgaria&#39;s world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov breezed through his opening round in straight sets at the Australian Open on Monday.</p>

<p>Chasing his first Grand Slam title, he was too strong for Austrian qualifier Dennis Novak, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in 98 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>Dimitrov, in Rafael Nadal&#39;s top half of the draw,&nbsp;broke Novak&#39;s service six times and only had two break points on his own serve.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That&#39;s what you call taking care of business ????<br />
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Third seed <a href="https://twitter.com/GrigorDimitrov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrigorDimitrov</a> defeats Dennis Novak 6-3 6-2 6-1 on <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBvltbSkM5">pic.twitter.com/OBvltbSkM5</a></p>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/952780398685114369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was a smooth opening performance by a man who has never been beyond the semi-finals of a Grand Slam.</p>

<p>&quot;I love playing on this court, it was tricky weather with a lot of wind in the warm-up and I tried to be compact and focused,&quot; Dimitrov said.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s always a dream of mine to win a Slam, this is the next step, and the only thing I can do is to give 100 percent in each match.&quot;</p>

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Grigor Dimitrov defeated Dennis Novak in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in 98 minutes

Bulgaria's world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov breezed through his opening round in straight sets at the Australian Open on Monday. Chasing his first Grand Slam title, he was too strong for Austrian qualifier Dennis Novak, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in 98 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. Dimitrov, in Rafael Nadal's top half of the draw, broke Novak's service six times and only had two break points on his own serve. That's what you call taking care of business ???? Third seed @GrigorDimitrov defeats Dennis Novak 6-3 6-2 6-1 on @RodLaverArena.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/OBvltbSkM5 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018 × It was a smooth opening performance by a man who has never been beyond the semi-finals of a Grand Slam. "I love playing on this court, it was tricky weather with a lot of wind in the warm-up and I tried to be compact and focused," Dimitrov said. "It's always a dream of mine to win a Slam, this is the next step, and the only thing I can do is to give 100 percent in each match."

Australian Open: Dimitrov beats Novak in opener

<p>A morning that brought two wickets for England and a sniff of a drought-breaking Ashes win gave way to a bleak afternoon for the tourists on Friday as rain washed out most of day four on Friday and left Australia well-placed to save the fourth test.</p>

<p>The home side were 102 for two in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when rain interrupted play before tea and the showers lingered long enough for umpires to abandon the day without another ball bowled.</p>

<p>David Warner was 40 not out, with captain Steve Smith on 25 and Australia still needing another 61 runs to make England bat again.</p>

<p>But even with the promise of reverse swing, Joe Root`s bowlers face a big task on an unresponsive pitch to prevent Australia&#39;s batsmen from batting them out of the game.</p>

<p>&quot;(The pitch) is getting slower,&quot; Australia coach Darren Lehmann told host broadcaster Channel Nine. &quot;It`s tough work for a new batter. So once you`re in, you`ve got to stay in.</p>

<p>&quot;Our boys are fighting really hard. A couple of good (England) balls to get the wickets and Smith and the vice- captain (Warner) went about their work.&quot;</p>

<p>Australia regained the Ashes after the third test in Perth and hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series but England had hope of cracking a first win after Alastair Cook&#39;s unbeaten 244 propelled them to a first innings lead of 164.</p>

<p>They had resumed their first innings on 491-9 in the morning but were unable to extend their total, with tail-ender James Anderson dismissed first ball by paceman Pat Cummins, fending a catch straight to Cameron Bancroft at short leg.</p>

<p>That left former captain Cook unbeaten on his overnight score, a record total among openers who have carried their bat through an innings.</p>

<p>Cook became the 46th player to achieve the feat in tests and also the first England batsman to do so in 20 years, since Mike Atherton&#39;s 94 not out against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1997.</p>

<p>Australia&#39;s second innings began brightly on a cloudy but dry morning, with England losing a review for a caught behind decision when opener Bancroft played at a Tom Curran ball in the seventh over of the innings.</p>

<p>However, the tourists seamers struck twice to leave Australia wobbling at 65-2 before Warner and Smith showed patience and poise in their unbroken stand of 38.</p>

<p>All-rounder Chris Woakes made the early breakthrough, bowling Bancroft for 27, with England quick Anderson having number three Usman Khawaja caught behind for 11.</p>

<p>Australia resumed on 70-2 after lunch but added only 16 runs before the first rain interruption.</p>

<p>Play was soon back on but only another 33 minutes were possible before the session was brought to a premature close.</p>


The home side were 102 for two in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when rain interrupted play before tea and the showers lingered long enough for umpires to abandon the day without another ball bowled.

A morning that brought two wickets for England and a sniff of a drought-breaking Ashes win gave way to a bleak afternoon for the tourists on Friday as rain washed out most of day four on Friday and left Australia well-placed to save the fourth test. The home side were 102 for two in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when rain interrupted play before tea and the showers lingered long enough for umpires to abandon the day without another ball bowled. David Warner was 40 not out, with captain Steve Smith on 25 and Australia still needing another 61 runs to make England bat again. But even with the promise of reverse swing, Joe Root`s bowlers face a big task on an unresponsive pitch to prevent Australia's batsmen from batting them out of the game. "(The pitch) is getting slower," Australia coach Darren Lehmann told host broadcaster Channel Nine. "It`s tough work for a new batter. So once you`re in, you`ve got to stay in. "Our boys are fighting really hard. A couple of good (England) balls to get the wickets and Smith and the vice- captain (Warner) went about their work." Australia regained the Ashes after the third test in Perth and hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series but England had hope of cracking a first win after Alastair Cook's unbeaten 244 propelled them to a first innings lead of 164. They had resumed their first innings on 491-9 in the morning but were unable to extend their total, with tail-ender James Anderson dismissed first ball by paceman Pat Cummins, fending a catch straight to Cameron Bancroft at short leg. That left former captain Cook unbeaten on his overnight score, a record total among openers who have carried their bat through an innings. Cook became the 46th player to achieve the feat in tests and also the first England batsman to do so in 20 years, since Mike Atherton's 94 not out against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1997. Australia's second innings began brightly on a cloudy but dry morning, with England losing a review for a caught behind decision when opener Bancroft played at a Tom Curran ball in the seventh over of the innings. However, the tourists seamers struck twice to leave Australia wobbling at 65-2 before Warner and Smith showed patience and poise in their unbroken stand of 38. All-rounder Chris Woakes made the early breakthrough, bowling Bancroft for 27, with England quick Anderson having number three Usman Khawaja caught behind for 11. Australia resumed on 70-2 after lunch but added only 16 runs before the first rain interruption. Play was soon back on but only another 33 minutes were possible before the session was brought to a premature close.

Ashes: Rain hits England's hopes of win

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