The Australian Open continues as Novak Djokovic faces a stern test against Tomas Machac and Jack Draper bids to set up a clash against Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round.
But Jacob Fearnley’s debut run is over after the 23-year-old Scot was beaten in straight-sets by second seed Alexander Zverev, who is yet to drop a set in Melbourne.
British interest in the men’s singles now lies with Draper who will expect another hostile crowd when he takes on Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic after surviving a marathon test against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has dropped sets to inexperienced opponents in Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria so the 24-time grand slam champion will expect an even tougher challenge against Machac, a player who beat him in their last meeting.
In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka continued her winning run at the Australian Open while Coco Gauff battles Leylah Fernandez, but two-time champion Naomi Osaka is out after she was forced to retire from her match against Belinda Bencic.
Follow all the latest scores and results from Melbourne Park below:
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 3-2 Tomas Machac
Djokovic raises his arms and asks for more after crushing a backhand winner behind Machac, winning a 30-shot rally.
But the 37-year-old again doubles over in between the point, hanging his head over his feet and catching his breath.
Break point. Machac can’t keep his forehand in play and is simply not doing enough to add to Djokovic’s concerns.
Djokovic struggling but a break up.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 09:29
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 2-2 Tomas Machac*
Djokovic steels himself and holds to level the second set.
Machac will surely take some encouragement from Djokovic’s physical struggles.
Can he extend this for as long as possible? That’s got to be the goal.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 09:23
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac
The drama continues. Djokovic, though, is back out on court and is playing on.
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac
How badly is Novak Djokovic struggling here? He’s been doubling over during points and calls for the trainer early in this second set.
He’s in deep conversation with the trainer.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 09:19
Australian Open: BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Tomas Machac
The problem for Machac is he just cannot get off to a good start on serve. Once again, Djokovic gets to 0-30 in the Machac service game.
Djokovic presses into the net and controls the volley onto the line. Machac throws everything he has at Djokovic but the 37-year-old defends superbly and the Czech nets.
Andy Murray pumps his first.
Australian Open: BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-1 0-2 Tomas Machac*
Now this is encouraging for Machac. Djokovic slumps a drop shot into the net and once again doubles over after handing the Czech a look at two break points.
And Machac takes it! A sliding volley from Machac forces the error from Djokovic, who puts the pick-up wide!
We’ve got a match now, that’s for sure.
Australian Open: SET! Coco Gauff 6-4 Leylah Fernandez
Coco Gauff strikes first against Leylah Fernandez in the meeting of young stars on Margaret Court Arena.
It was pretty tight through that opener, but a loose game from former US Open finalist Fernandez gives away the break.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 09:03
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 0-1 Tomas Machac
This is too good from Djokovic. Machac faces 30-30 on his opening game, in a must-hold serve, but Djokovic wins a 35-shot rally by stepping in behind the backhand winner.
But Machac replies! He catches the line on the backhand to push Djokovic into the full stretch.
It’s a long deuce, with Djokovic sometimes doubling over between points. Machac steadies to earn a very important hold early in the second.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 09:00
Australian Open: SET! Novak Djokovic 6-1 Tomas Machac*
Djokovic gestures to his coaching box after having to face break point on serve but he quickly dismisses the opportunity from Machac to take the first set.
He’s come out and found a very strong level.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 08:53
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 5-1 Tomas Machac
Break! For the third game in a row, Machac loses the first couple of points on serve and Djokovic quickly gets a look at another three break points.
Machac is pushed into the forehand miss out wide and Djokovic takes the double break.
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 08:48
