Australian Open 2025 LIVE updates: Alcaraz advances after ‘tweener’ stuns RLA; Osaka’s early lead; Zverev cruises through
Key posts
Today’s highlights
Osaka departs Melbourne Park due to injury
The state of play
That Osaka injury is a bit of a downer as her match was set to bridge between the day session and night matches which get going at 7pm AEDT.
For now, we have a men’s third round match between Jakub Mensik and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Kia Arena plus a bunch of doubles matches.
From 7pm, Novak Djokovic will be on Rod Laver Arena and Coco Gauff will kick things off on Margaret Court Arena at the same time.
One match to look for is No.14 seed Ugo Humbert and fellow Frenchman Arthur Fils who are due up next on John Cain Arena – they could play out a super game given both are exciting, expressive players.
Bencic feels for Osaka
Belinda Bencic looks a little stunned with how quickly this went from a super-competitive match to being finished after Osaka’s sudden retirement.
She offered Osaka a warm hug after Osaka told her she would retire from the match.
“At this moment, I just really feel for Naomi. I saw her struggling at the end of the first set,” Bencic said.
“Hopefully, she will be fine soon and can play well for the rest of the year.”
Bencic said she would now focus on her warm down and spending time with her family while Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez play. Bencic will play the winner in the fourth round.
She also praised the John Cain Arena.
“I love the vibes of this court. There is music, fans are loud and the Aussies usually play here – I hope I play here again,” Bencic said.
Osaka retires due to injury
Osaka has retired injured moments after losing the first set.
She went over to Bencic soon after the first set finished and appeared to give her the news that she couldn’t go on.
More to come.
Osaka uses coaching pod
By Scott Spits
The third clash between Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic has stepped up a notch, entering a tie-breaker on John Cain Arena.
Two-time champion Osaka is showing the signs of an abdominal strain.
The Japanese star has just had an exchange with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who is in one of the new on-court coaching pods.
They appeared to be discussing whether she should play on. Let’s see what happens.
Bencic is ahead 5-3 in the tie-break.
Osaka, Bencic going to a tie-break
This first set is going to a tie-break.
Osaka had a recent medical time out. It wasn’t clear what was troubling her exactly, but it looked to be her upper body area.
She battled on, took some instructions from her coach and won the first point of the tie-breaker.
It’s 2-1 Osaka early in the tie-break.
Osaka, Bencic firing on
It looked like Osaka would take the first set, but Bencic got a break at the last possible game, and now the pair are back on serve and fast approaching a tie-break for the first set.
Both veterans stars look in strong form today.
You just love to see them both fit and firing.
Osaka’s big day
By Scott Spits
It’s a big day for Naomi Osaka at Melbourne Park.
The two-time Australian Open winner has already taken a 4-2 lead in the first set over Belinda Bencic in their third-round match at John Cain Arena.
Both players on court for the twilight session are at different stages of returning to the tour as mothers.
Osaka won the most recent of her four majors at the 2021 Australian Open.
Since returning to the tour at last year’s Australian Open, she’s gone first round, second round, second round and second round at the majors.
A victory over the Swiss today would seriously liven up the women’s singles draw.
Kangaroo on the cards for Alcaraz as he charges on
By Billie Eder
Carlos Alcaraz has charged into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a four sets win against Portugal’s Nuno Borges.
Borges did a great job to take the third set in a tie-break, but Alcaraz proved too strong, winning the match 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2 in two hours and 55 minutes.
The dazzling Spaniard said he was glad to be given centre court today after playing his opening two matches at Margaret Court Arena.
“I missed Rod Laver. I’m just really, really happy to be able to play here once again,” Alcaraz said.
“I tried my best tennis here. For me, it’s been a pleasure. Every time I step on this court, I say many times it’s a really beautiful court, and the last time I played here I lost, so I really wanted to get the win here on Rod Laver Arena.
“I’m just happy to see a full crowd watching my matches. I’m privileged to feel this love here in Australia, in your part of the world.
The Australian Open is the only grand slam Alcaraz hasn’t won. Every time he wins a slam he gets a tattoo, with a strawberry for Wimbledon, the Eiffel Tower for Roland Garros, and the date of his first US Open win.
Alcaraz confirmed he would be getting a tattoo of an iconic Australian animal if he won in Melbourne this month.
“It’s a kangaroo, that’s for sure,” he said.
Jim Courier back tonight
Tennis great and expert commentator Jim Courier is back at Melbourne Park today, and he is expected to call the Aleksandar Vukic v Jack Draper match tonight.
He is scheduled to commentate with John McEnroe and Todd Woodbridge.
Courier remained in Los Angeles for the early part of the tournament following the fires that have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and displaced thousands of people.
Courier’s house and family are understood to be fine and not affected by the fires.
Most Viewed in Sport
>read more at © Sydney Morning Herald
Views: 0