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Josh Ball

Nicolas Atkin

Day five in Melbourne is coming to a close, with the fourth round awaiting our winners from a dramatic night session.
Defending champion Naomi Osaka suffered a shock third-round exit at the hands of Amanda Anisimova, who will play Ash Barty after the top seed eased past Camila Giorgi.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal dug deep to battle past game Russian Karen Khachanov in four sets.
The tournament is over for China's Wang Qiang, who lost a tough three-setter against American Madison Keys. Elsewhere, Wang's compatriot Zhang Shuai and partner Sam Stosur have been knocked out of the women's doubles.


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Australian Open

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka suffers early exit; Ash Barty, Rafael Nadal roll on – day five, as it happened

Sport

Tennis

Defending champ is beaten in three sets by Amanda Anisimova; top seed Barty sweeps aside Camila Giorgi; Nadal battles past Karen Khachanov 
China's Wang Qiang out after losing to Madison Keys, as is Zhang Shuai and her partner Sam Stosur who lost in the women's doubles


Naomi Osaka's comeback ends in third round at hands of Amanda Anisimova, while Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal seal victories in Melbourne night session.


Rafael Nadal

Live

Good morning and welcome to a slightly later start to our live coverage of the Australian Open. What can we say, it’s been a busy week.
As you might expect there are some interesting matches coming up today, with Naomi Osaka, Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal all in action.
Before them, men’s 14th-seed Canadian Denis Shapovalov takes on 23rd-seed Reilly Opelka of the United States. That match will be on Margaret Court Arena, but is not expected to start before 10.30am (Hong Kong time).


Welcome to day 5

There has already been one match completed in the women’s singles this morning.
Victoria Azarenka has eased past Elina Svitolina 6-0, 6-2, in just 67 minutes.
Azarenka's path to Week 2 👀
  First round: 6-3 6-1  Second round: 6-1 6-2  Third round: 6-0 6-2@vika7 • #AusOpen • #AO2022
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Azarenka eases into next round

There are several doubles matches taking place early, and in the men’s competition fifth seeds John Peers and Filip Polasek have moved into the third round with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 win over Australian wildcards Tristan Schoolkate and Rinky Hijikata.
But Britain’s Jamie Murray and his partner Bruno Soares, who are the eighth seeds, are in battle for survival against the unseeded pair of Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara. Glasspool and Heliovaara won the first set 7-6, and the match is tied at 5-5 in the second.


At the doubles

Last year’s quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula is through to week 2, beating Nuria Parriza Diaz 7-6, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena.
Welcome back to Week 2, @JLPegula 👋
  Last year's #AusOpen quarterfinalist defeats Nuria Parrizas Diaz 7-6(3) 6-2.#AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/REUn4R762g
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Pegula takes down Parrizas Diaz

China’s doubles specialists Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan are out on court 17 warming up for their second round match against Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam and partner Raluca Olaru of Romania.
Xu and Yang are seeded 14th for the women’s doubles.


Chinese pair on court

The big game this morning, in the men’s singles at least, is the clash between men’s 14th-seed Canadian Denis Shapovalov and 23rd-seed Reilly Opelka of the United States.
Both men should be on court soon.
Nearly time to rock and roll!
  🇨🇦 @denis_shapo v @ReillyOpelka 🇺🇸#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/rKYuXnANvE
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


The morning’s main event

China’s Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan have taken the first set 6-2 in their second round match against Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam and partner Raluca Olaru of Romania.


Xu and Yang up and running

It’s a warm day in Melbourne. Temperatures reached 25 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) early and they are forecast to reach a high of 31 degrees.



Hot work out there

China’s Wang Qiang has got her nose out in front early against Madison Keys, breaking her American opponent in the first game of the match on court three.


Strong start for Wang

Emma Raducanu says a key lesson from her first Australian Open is that “I’ve got that fight in me” after the teenager adapted her game and gritted her teeth to play through pain with nasty blisters.
The US Open champion was talking after her 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic on Thursday.
You can read the full interview here.


Defeat ‘invaluable experience’ for Raducanu

Well, Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan made short work of that. The doubles specialists have taken just 62 minutes to beat Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam and partner Raluca Olaru of Romania in the second round.


Quick win for Chinese pair

There’s a lot of back and forth in the game between Wang Qiang and Madison Keys in the first set.
Wang broke Keys in the first game, the American returned the favour in the second, and they have continued to trade blows.
The Chinese player has just about managed to hold serve to go 4-2 up.


Break for break

Paula Badosa is in a fight with unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, with their match going to a deciding third set.
The Spaniard is the women’s eighth seed, but lost the first set 6-2. She bounced back to take the second 7-5, with some impressive shot making from the baseline.
So good 😍@paulabadosa • #AusOpen • #AO2022  🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/wI7sirh5U3
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Badosa battling on

Wang Qiang has taken that first set against Madison Keys 6-4, but in truth there wasn’t much to separate the pair.
Both won the same number of points, 39, both got around 61 per cent of their first serves in, but Keys made some crucial errors when it mattered. The American had 26 unforced errors to her opponent’s 11, and double faulted three times.



Wang takes first set

Maria Sakkari has eased into the fourth round with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Veronika Kudermetova.
The women’s fifth seed recovered from going down 3-1 in the first and was in complete control after breaking the Russian in the first game of the second.


Sakkari into week 2

Zhang Shuai and her partner Sam Stosur are in action in the women’s doubles on John Cain Arena.
The fourth seeds have taken charge of their game against Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, and are 3-0 in the first set.


Stosur/Zhang v Linette/Pera

That set was all about Madison Keys, she’s levelled things at 1-1 after taking the second set against Wang Qiang 6-3.
Wang again broke Keys early and was 2-0 up, but the American broke back and as well as hitting 11 winners compared to Wang’s four, cut her unforced errors down to just 10.
It’s all to play for.


Keys levels against Wang

Paul Badosa has finally seen off the challenge of Marta Kostyuk, but it wasn’t easy.
The eighth seed took two hours and 19 minutes to get past the Ukranian, finally winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
A battle between two warriors 👏
  🇪🇸 @paulabadosa moves to 8-1 this season with a 6-2 5-7 6-4 victory over good friend Marta Kostyuk.#AusOpen · #AO2022  🎥: @wwos · @espn · @eurosport · @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/7sWUKxQROd
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Badosa finishes off Kostyuk

Denis Shapovalov and Reilly Opelka are warming up on Margaret Court Arena ahead of their third round clash.



Bring out the big guns

The fourth seeds are not having things their own way by any means, after racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first set, Zhang Shuai and Sam Stosur have been dragged back to 5-5 by opponents Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera.


There is nothing separating Wang Qiang and Madison Keys in this one, not even breaks of serve.
The pair are tied at one-set all, and 3-3 in the deciding set, and have broken each other once in this set. We’re heading to the two-hour mark and it doesn’t look like ending any time soon.


Wang and Keys all square

Sam Stosur and Zhang Qiang have finally taken the first set in their women’s doubles, but they needed a tie-breaker to do it.
That was a much tougher first hour than it initially looked like being.


Stosur and Zhang take first set

Wang Qiang’s tournament is over after a brusing three sets against Madison Keys.
The pair went to a tie break in the deciding set, and the American made the most of series of unforced errors from Zhang to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.



Keys sends Wang out

Well, if Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai didn’t know they were in a fight before, they do now. The fourth seeds, who took the first set 7-6, have just been demolised 6-1 in the second by Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera.


Linette and Pera fight back

Denis Shapovalov has taken the first set 7-6, but having seen this tweet I’m amazed anything gets past Reilly Opelka.
The wingspan when you're 211cm is just 🤯 @reillyopelka · #AusOpen · #AO2022  🎥: @wwos · @espn · @eurosport · @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/ZTycLjMTBn
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Shapovalov takes first set

Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai have had a real scare in the women’s doubles against Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, who just wasted two match points in the third set.
The unseeded pair were up 5-4 and had advantage twice, before the fourth seeds rallied. Stosur and Zhang are now serving at 5-5.


Upset time in the doubles?

That’s a big result in the women’s doubles. Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera have sent Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai out of the Australian Open.
After wasting match points in the previous game, Linette and Pera make no mistake this time around. They’ve broken the fourth seeds and won 6-7, 6-1, 7-5.


Stosur and Zhang knocked out

Reilly Opelka, he of the long wingspan, has taken the second set against Denis Shapovalov 6-4. It’s all square on Margaret Court Arena.



Opelka battles back

Victoria Azarenka brushed aside Elina Svitolina 6-0, 6-2, in just 67 minutes this morning, and her son summed her performance in one word afterwards.
Reporter: "Leo, how did mummy play today?"
  Leo: 😎😎😎@vika7 · #AusOpen · #AO2022 · #AOpresscon pic.twitter.com/o1KRswMLio
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Out of the mouths of babes

Denis Shapovalov, the 14th seed, is back in front against Reilly Opelka, he’s taken the third set 6-3, to go 2-1 in front.



Momentum swings back to Shapovalov

Rafael Nadal is in action later this afternoon against Karen Khachanov on Rod Laver Arena, but before that he has been imparting some of his vast knowledge to the next generation.
The power of vamos 🇪🇸@RafaelNadal imparts some words of wisdom on the next generation. @Kia_Worldwide · #Kia · #MovementThatInspires pic.twitter.com/Ms4JXRDNhi
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Holding court

In case you were wondering what’s happening this weekened at Melbourne Park, there’s this handy image from the organisers of Saturday’s matches to help you out.
#AusOpen Order of Play Saturday 22 January pic.twitter.com/eCOw8iC38t
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Coming up tomorrow

Denis Shapovalov has made it into the second week with a 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Reilly Opelka.
Feeling it today 👌 @denis_shapo • #AusOpen • #AO2022  🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/3YNeRmqbiw
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Shapovalov into fourth round

Serbia's 77th-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic emerged as a big winner from the Novak Djokovic saga - and capitalised on his good fortune by reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open on Friday.
Kecmanovic was drawn to play compatriot and world No 1 Djokovic in the first round, but after the defending champion was deported, found himself instead facing lucky loser Salvatore Caruso.
He easily beat the Italian, and has been winning ever since. Kecmanovic's lucky break in Melbourne has already netted him $A300,000 (US$215,000) in prize money and 180 ranking points.
"It's unbelievable. A week ago I was supposed to play the world No 1 and didn't have much of a chance there, but now I'm in the last 16," the 22-year-old said. "I'm so happy that I was able to use this second chance and that I've been playing some really good tennis. I just wanted to use it the best that I can."


A very lucky break

The 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, the next great hope of Spanish tennis, will serve to stay in the match against Matteo Berrettini.
He’s the clear crowd favourite on Rod Laver Arena.
The Italian holds for 6-5 in the fifth, and we’re a game away from a final-set tiebreak.


Pressure on Alcaraz

Berrettini’s industry is rewarded as he brings up a match point after chasing down a couple of shots that seemed to be out of reach, but he puts it into the net.
Alcarez then holds his nerve, and holds serve, working the Italian over.
We’re into just the second fifth-set tiebreak at this Australian Open, as Rod Laver Arena erupts – this is exactly what they wanted.



Final set shootout

Alcaraz 4-6 down after spooning one up into the stands as Berrettini soaks up the firepower from the Spaniard.
Finally a bit of daylight in this fifth set tiebreaker. But the Italian No 1 wafts one long after getting to the net well following an Alcaraz drop shot. 
Alcaraz misjudges a slice from his opponent and goes long. 7-5 Berrettini at the change of ends, and he places another in the corner for 8-5. Two points away.



Alcaraz in trouble

Matteo Berrettini brings up four match points against the Spanish prodigy, and takes the first one, after 4 hours and 10 minutes on Rod Laver.
The Italian takes it 6-2, 7-6 (2), 4-6, 2-6, 7-5 (10-5), after Carlos Alcaraz had battled back from two sets to love down. He never gave up, but a few loose shots in that fifth set tiebreak let him down.
He will be back – this was just the fifth grand slam appearance for the 18-year-old, who has the world at his feet.
“He’s unbelievable,” Berrettini said. “At his age I didn’t even have ATP points, he’s impressive. He will only improve playing matches like this. He showed everybody his potential. Luckily today I won, but congrats to him.”



No escape from Alcaraz

Matteo Berrettini spoke to Eurosport after his epic third-round win against Carlos Alcaraz. 
“My coach told me, when you’re playing a tie breaker in the fifth set, you have to play with your heart – doesn’t matter how you’re feeling, how tired you are,” he said.
‘Physically he’s really strong, and his reading of the game as well – he doesn’t really have weakness in any way. All my shots, they have to be hit as hard as I can. He brought me to play my best tennis today. These are the matches we are dreaming of.”
🇮🇹 Berrettini Brilliance 🇮🇹
  The world No.7 survives Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 7-6(5) to reach the #AusOpen round of 16 for the second time.#AO2022 pic.twitter.com/dAGS417Afx
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022
Berrettini twisted his ankle at the beginning of the fifth set – the latest incident in a string of rotten luck he’s had with injury and illness over the last few years in Melbourne.
“Maybe someone is doing the voodoo doll or something like that,” he joked. “But I fought through that all my career. Unfortunately I’m used to it. I thought, ‘Thank God I didn’t hurt myself too bad, I’m gonna fight’, and I did it.”


Berrettini battles through pain barrier

Alexander Zverev will face Denis Shapovalov in the fourth round of the men’s singles, after sweeping past Radu Albot 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on John Cain Arena.
The German No 3 seed leads the Canadian Shapovalov 4-2 in their head-to-head. 



Zverev eases through

Japan’s Naomi Osaka takes the first set 6-4 against Amanda Anisimova on Margaret Court Arena.
The 4-time grand slam champ looks for an immediate break in the second set but the American holds – before breaking Osaka for a 2-0 lead in the second set.



Osaka in control

Ash Barty survives a small wobble and is back in firm control against Camila Giorgi.
The Australian top seed had raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set on Rod Laver Arena, before the Italian held serve.
Barty then saves four break points, from 0-40 down, to fight off the fightback from Giorgi. Some hold.



Barty on a roll

Naomi Osaka is in trouble in this second set.
She makes a vital hold to stay in it at 5-3 down, but Anisimova holds serve to level the match. We will be getting a decider on Margaret Court Arena.
Meanwhile, Barty breaks Giorgi again to take the first set 6-2 on Rod Laver.
Nailed it 😁
  🎥: @wwos • @espn • @Eurosport • @wowowtennis #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/HrzKNYHgq2
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Osaka pegged back

Amanda Anisimova has a real chance to take command of this third set, but Naomi Osaka holds two break points to keep it on serve at 2-1.
At the same time, Ash Barty breaks Camila Giorgi for a 4-2 lead in the second set, then romps through her next service game. The Aussie is closing in on victory.


Osaka holds her nerve

Gael Monfils admitted it felt "different" not to have Novak Djokovic in his draw at the Australian Open after reaching the fourth round.
Monfils, 35, moved into the last 16 at Melbourne Park with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, 6-3 win over fellow seed Cristian Garin on Friday.
As he would have expected, a Serbian awaits him on Sunday – but it will be Miomir Kecmanovic and not Djokovic, who was removed from the draw after being deported from Australia prior to the start of the tournament.
“It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings”
  3rd Round ✅🇦🇺#AusOpen #TennisAustralia pic.twitter.com/Q0kZAAQRZR
  — Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) January 21, 2022
"To be honest, for sure Novak is the world number one, and he always beat me, I never beat him. I lose to him, I lose to Roger, I lose to Rafa," he said after his win on Friday.
"When you go no matter what in a slam, for many years I've been losing to those big guys. Whoever is in the forefront, he's there for a reason, so it's going to be a big match no matter what. I think at that stage you don't really think about it, you're just like, okay, it's different, but different is not easier." DPA


No Novak feels different, not easier: Monfils

Top seed Ash Barty is through to the second week after a comfortable victory over Italian 30th seed Camila Giorgi. Barty takes her last two service games to love, for a 6-2, 6-4 victory on Rod Laver Arena.
No smile from the world No 1, who is all business and is looking mighty impressive. Only took 1 hour and 1 minute here.
“I thought tonight was really clean,” she told Jim Courier on court after the win. “Looked after my serve, I was able to keep my momentum going, make returns when it mattered most in important moments. Pretty good performance overall.”
She plays Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova in the next round. That one is one serve int he third set.
“Both incredible ball strikers. Naomi has one of the best serves in the game. Amanda has the ability as well to control the centre of the court. Running shoes on, try to bring some variety, get them off balance as much as possible.” 



All business for Barty

Anisimova, serving to stay in it at 5-4 down in the third set, puts one in the net to gift Osaka match point. But the two-time champion hits it into the net herself after a frenetic rally.
The American sends an easy return long and wide, however. Second match point for Osaka, but she finds the net again. And again. Advantage Anisimova, who also hits the net.
Back and forth, a lot of tension here. Another net from Osaka. Finally, Anisimova gets it done, sending an ace down. 5-5.


Osaka lets match points slip

Rafael Nadal is up in action on Rod Laver Arena against Karen Khachanov.
Quick service hold to love from the Spaniard to kick things off. Perfect start.
A fist bump to remember 🤜🤛@RafaelNadal • #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/lkigOCEeNA
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Rafa steps up

Amanda Anisimova holds against Naomi Osaka and we’re into a third-set tiebreaker here.
The American takes the initiative, and is up 4-2. 
Could the two-time champ be heading home?


Osaka in trouble

A shock on Margaret Court Arena, as unseeded Amanda Anisimova beats defending champion Naomi Osaka in three sets.
The American came from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 (10-5), saving two match points in the third set before blowing the two-time champ away in the super tiebreaker.
The four-time major winner’s return from a fourth-month break ends in the 3rd round in Melbourne.



Anisimova turfs out Osaka

Naomi Osaka may have been the fan favourite here, but Amanda Anisimova is gaining a lot of support after a giant-slaying display in the third round.
She seems to enjoy it in Melbourne, too – she’s now 8-0 in 2022. 
“I’m speechless – I absolutely love playing in front of you guys in Melbourne,” Anisimova said after her shock win. “Honestly, it’s so much fun.
“I mean, I can’t stop smiling even when I’m playing. Even though I should be serious I’m just laughing at what you guys say sometimes. I absolutely love this.”
Giant slayer ⚔️
  🇺🇸 @AnisimovaAmanda knocks out defending champion Naomi Osaka 4-6 6-3 7-6[5] to advance to the fourth round of the #AO2022.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4FkZhER6hy
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022


Giant-slayer Anisimova ‘can’t stop smiling’

A very tidy set of tennis from Rafael Nadal. The 20-time major winner takes his first of two set points to go one set up (6-3) against Karen Khachanov.
Nadal brings up an immediate break point in the second set, which the Russian saves. But the Spaniard refuses to relent, and eventually breaks Khachanov’s will, and his serve.
This match could now get away from the 28th seed very quickly.



Rafa rolling

Germany's Olympic champion Alexander Zverev continued his quest for a maiden grand slam title with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Moldova's Radu Albot on Friday to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open despite not feeling his best.
"I did not feel perfect – but who is perfect?" said Zverev in his on-court interview. "In the end I've won and I'm happy about it."
The 24-year-old third seed Zverev is yet to drop a set in Melbourne and will meet Canada's Denis Shapovalov for a place in the quarter-finals. He will almost certainly need to be sharper, however, if he is to reach the last eight.
"I think I will hopefully not play worse than today in the tournament," Zverev told Eurosport.
Zverev and second seed Daniil Medvedev are favourites for the title after world number one and reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic had his visa cancelled.
"Hopefully there will still be four good matches for me," said Zverev. DPA


Zverev admits he was ‘not perfect’

The 20-time major winner Rafael Nadal takes a commanding two-set lead (6-3, 6-2) against Karen Khachanov on Rod Laver.
Surely nothing can stop the Spaniard reaching the second week in Melbourne now.
Nadal has only lost one set against Kachanov in seven previous meetings. The Russian has come from two sets down twice in his career to win.



Nadal keeps on cruising

World No 1 Ash Barty firmed up as the favourite for the Australian Open title when she breezed past Camila Giorgi in the third round on Friday just as reigning champion Naomi Osaka was being dethroned by Amanda Anisimova.
Barty's potential fourth round matchup against Osaka had been the talk of Melbourne Park since the draw was made but Anisimova tore up the script with a stunning victory on Margaret Court Arena.
Some half an hour earlier on the neighbouring Rod Laver Arena, Barty had completed a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over Italian Giorgi to sweep into the second week of the championships.
"It shows how often the draw pans out like you guys think, hey?," Barty said.
"I would have loved to have had the opportunity to play Naomi. I love to test myself against the very best (but) Amanda has played a fantastic tournament. She deserves her spot in the round of 16. I think the match we will play will be exciting." Reuters


Barty gives props to Anisimova

Hold the phone – this one’s not over yet.
Karen Khachanov brings up just his second break point of the match, from 0-40 down. Rafael Nadal faults on his first serve and then hits a return into the net.
The Russian leads the third set 3-1.



Khachanov shows fight

Unsurprisingly, Nadal doesn’t take Khachanov’s fightback lying down, but the Russian secures a great hold to lead the third set 4-1.
The Spaniard blows three break points in a tense back-and-forth game, and we could be heading to a fourth set on Rod Laver.


Game on

Naomi Osaka has spoken to reporters in Melbourne after her shock third-round defeat by Amanda Anisimova.
"I thought her return was definitely really amazing," Osaka said. "I almost felt like I was fighting for my life out there in some games. I honestly also thought that I won certain games just based on sheer willpower.
"It's kind of interesting when you're playing against someone, you feel like you want to learn from them, as well. Because I also feel like I want to return the way that she returns."



Osaka was ‘fighting for my life out there’

Karen Kachanov holds to love to force a fourth set against Rafael Nadal, who had looked in complete control of the match.
It’s just the second set Khachanov has won off Nadal, out of 20 played. It keeps him in the third round in Melbourne.
After Naomi Osaka’s exit, another huge upset could be brewing.


Into a fourth set

Nadal gets the early break to load 2-0 in the fourth set, and you can see how much it means to him as he pumps his fists in the air.
Khachanov looks completely deflated after all of his efforts to stay in the match, and Nadal quickly holds serve for 3-0.



Breakthrough for Rafa

Rafael Nadal survives a brief scare to make it through to the second week in Melbourne. He got the double break against a deflated Khachanov in the fourth set, and then served it out to love.
The Spaniard withstood a mighty barrage from his Russian opponent, who threw everything at him. Nadal dug deep and found a way to win 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, but the scoreline looks more comfortable than it was.
“Played against a great player and I think a good friend on tour,” Nadal said on court after his win. “Having my best match since I came back, I wish him all the best for the season.
“I’ve been going through some tough times the last year and a half but for me nights like today mean everything, lot of energy to keep fighting.”



Nadal through to fourth round

Rafael Nadal spoke to Eurosport soon after coming off court, and opened up on how tough it has been to recover from his foot injury.
“I’m super happy about the performance,” he said. “I played more aggressive. In the third set I made a couple of mistakes. But I was able to change the dynamic again in the fourth.
”Things can’t be perfect without a long time being comfortable. I played a very good level of tennis, if you tell me that a month and a half ago I wouldn’t believe.”
Nadal said he had doubts “every single day” that he would be able to come back.
The dream is still alive ✨
  🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal defeats Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-1 to advance to the fourth round at the #AusOpen for the 15th time.#AO2022 pic.twitter.com/MRVpuFm5JM
  — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2022
“For a lot of months, sometimes I went on court, I tried every morning but sometimes I was not able to practise more than 20 minutes, other days 45. Sometimes for two hours, but it has been very difficult to predict. Every single day, I was working with the doctor trying to find a solution.
“It’s tough. Injuries are easier to accept if you know how long it takes to recover. but with the foot injury it’s much tougher because every day in the gym, and on court without any improvement, and that’s mentally much tougher.
“I don’t know what can happen in the future but I’m enjoying it.”
