Key events
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 3-2 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
All too predictably, it’s an immediate break back. Two quality forehands and the Serbian is up 15-30. A double fault and it’s 15-40, the prospect of a genuine contest between these two seeming to disappear just as quickly as it came into view. On second serve at 15-40, Djokovic knows he has his opponent precisely where he wants him. He plays is steady from the back of the court and waits for the error which duly comes. World-class matchplay from the 38-year-old tennis machine. That is why he’s in the side.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 3-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Van de Zandschulp earns three break points with a stunning forehand return winner cross-court, Djokovic left rooted to the spot. Djokovic then turns away while about to serve, after some noise from the crowd. He eventually smashes his way to 15-40 and the Dutchman then dumps a return into the net. That’s 30-40. Djokovic takes his time over the next serve, presumably looking to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm, but it makes no difference. Van de Zandschulp absolutely climbs into a forehand return on second serve, and it flicks off the net, but beats the Serbian for pace anyway and still bounces in. That’s a handy break for the world No 75.
Djokovic is back on court. The commentator just said exactly what I was thinking: this match has had its moments, but it’s never really got going. Can the Dutchman find some form and push his illustrious opponent in the third?
We’d have had a massive story on our hands had Djokovic accidentally struck that ballgirl after a petulant and unnecessary show of frustration in the previous set, but he got away with it.
Elena Rybakina (5) has just got her match under way against Tereza Valentova over on John Cain Arena.
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 2-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is receiving some medical treatment after the Dutchman holds his second service game in this third set. The Serbian had a worrying spill in the previous game, but he doesn’t look badly hurt.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djokovic looks to have his game face back on, the frustration of the second set seemingly ebbing away. He directs one particularly punishing forehand half-volley to the corner that has Van de Zandschulp looking on in awe. Djokovic holds to love.
Swiatek beats Kalinskaya: 6-1, 1-6, 6-1
Swiatek will face Maddison Inglis next, who has a nice day off today, due to Osaka’s unfortunate withdrawal.
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 1-0 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The Dutchman holds to -15 to open the third set, benefiting from a careless forehand from Djokovic to close it out.
What do you think about all this? You can email me.
Swiatek has certainly steadied her own ship and leads 5-1 in the deciding set v Kalinskaya.
Djokovic wins the second set v Van de Zandschulp: 3-6, 4-6
Ship steadied?
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-5 Djokovic
Djokovic is now serving for the second set.
Fritz beats Wawrinka: 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion and the first 40-year-old to make a grand slam third round since 1978, is out in four sets to the American No 9 seed. Well done young man.
Wang beats Noskova: 7-5, 6-4
The womens’ singles No 13 seed is out. The Chinese player will face Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round.
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match against the Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis, ending a campaign noted for fashion and friction.
The breaking news from that game is that when Van de Zandschulp hit long during the deuce battle, Djokovic belted the ball wide of the court in frustration, and very nearly hit the ball girl crouched by the net on his left-hand side. He has form for that kind of thing and that would have been an immediate DQ. Djokovic is relentless in his pursuit of tennis perfection but he still can’t control his temper at times.
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 3-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The Dutchman’s error at 30-30 gives Djokovic a break point. Then he redeems himself on a mad point that has the crowd on their feet, Djokovic running down a drop volley but failing to put it away and paying the price.
At deuce Van de Zandschulp crafts a stunning backhand down the line, on the run, that leaves his opponent laughing and shaking his head. Djokovic thought he had that point won but it was Van de Zandschulp who stormed back into it … the Dutchman eventually takes the game.
Emma John
The riverside walk to the Australian Open courts is a scenic joy for the sporting pilgrim. Rowing crews train up and down the water, framed by the city’s sun-flecked skyline. The Melbourne Cricket Ground floodlights signal distantly ahead. Beneath the feet of the crowds hurrying to ticket barriers, the concrete path transforms into an artwork: a twisting confluence of eels honouring their Yarra River migration, which once provided abundant food for the Wurundjeri people.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 2-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is forced to deuce on his serve. He roars once when forcing advantage, and again when he tonks down an unreturnable serve to hold. Physically, things seem to be improving for Van de Zandschulp.
Swiatek leads Kalinskaya 1-0 in the third set and it looks like a battle royale on the Russian’s serve too.
Kalinskaya 1-6, 6-1, 0-1 Swiatek.
A shame for Osaka, and a shame for the fans too. Let’s hope she is back to full strength soon.
Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal statement
“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match. I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart but I can’t risk doing any further damage so I can get back on the court.
“Thanks for all the love and support … I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much. And thank you to my whole team for always having my back and the tournament organizers for being so kind.”
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 2-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A couple of elegant, powerful winners allows the world No 75 to hold serve. He’s still a break down in the second, but Djokovic’s rhythm has been disrupted by that medical timeout for the Dutchman. The Serbian will probably get his foot right back on Van de Zandschulp’s throat from here, but right now, this is threatening to turn into a contest again.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 1-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
There’s a turn-up for the books. The Dutchman breaks thanks to a couple of gifts from his usually miserly opponent. Perhaps the medical timeout allowed him to reset, to take a breather from the relentless pressure that the Serbian tends to apply.
Kalinskaya wins the second set v Swiatek: 1-6, 6-1
Kalinskaya takes the second set against the Polish No 2 seed! The commentators say it was “winner after winner” and “Swiatek is in trouble”.
Swiatek was yet to drop a set at the tournament thus far.
“The shoulder … such an important part of your body in tennis,” observes Tim Henman on commentary of Van de Zandschulp’s problem. Hard to argue.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A double break for Djokovic now. And Van de Zandschulp is being checked by the doctor. The problem appears to be with his right shoulder.
*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
Djokovic’s serene progress continues. Meanwhile I think Van de Zandschulp has called for the doctor. He’s grimacing with regularity and doesn’t look comfortable, but isn’t moving that badly around the court.
Naomi Osaka withdraws
The 2019 and 2021 women’s singles champion has withdrawn from the tournament due to injury. “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match,” Osaka posted on Instagram. Her scheduled opponent, Australia’s Maddison Inglis, receives a bye into the last 16.
Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
And that’s a break for Djokovic to open the second set. Van de Zandschulp connected with one handsome forehand winner in that game – he’s a dangerous opponent – but something is missing.
In November 2024, the Dutchman brought the curtain down on Rafael Nadal’s career in the Davis Cup.
Van de Zandschulp’s body language looks quite negative. I am not sure if he is injured but he’s not giving off a “I can beat Novak Djokovic today” vibe.
Linda Noskova (13) and Wang Xinyu are doing battle on “Show Court Arena”. Wang is serving for it at 6-5.
Djokovic wins the first set v Van de Zandschulp: 6-3
The Dutchman chooses to come to the net again at 0-15. The volley isn’t terrible, but Djokovic’s movement is so good, the ball seems to sit up for him as he runs it down. He clips a winner cross-court, on the move, and then spreads his arms wide like a plane, or maybe a bird, as he decelerates and celebrates. He’s adding a bit of Freddie Mercury showmanship now, which is a very worrying sign for Van de Zandschulp.
Then a big chance at 30-30 for the world No 75 to apply pressure but he’s maybe a bit tentative. Djokovic double faults with the set firmly in his sights … but then steadies the ship with a big serve out wide and clinches it.
Van de Zandschulp 3-5 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
One of those crazy, sliding double-handed backhands from Djokovic makes it 0-15. At 0-30 he somehow stays in the point after a crushingly powerful serve from his opponent. But a rare mistake, hitting long with a backhand, then hands Van de Zandschulp a rare free point for 30-30.
Oh my days! Van de Zandschulp then unwisely chooses to attack the net while his opponent lines up a backhand –Djokovic sees him coming a mile off and whips a cross-court winner far beyond the Dutchman’s reach.
Then, surprisingly, Djokovic hits horribly wide for deuce, Van de Zandschulp aces him, double faults, but finally closes out with another ace. Djokovic will serve for the first set.
*Van de Zandschulp 2-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A businesslike hold for the Serbian. Early on, his opponent was connecting with a few lusty blows from the back of the court to go with his huge serve, and was threatening to make this a difficult night. At the moment he is fading but the Dutchman may look to reset in the second set. However, it appears that Van de Zandschulp is struggling a bit with an injury, possibly to his wrist.
Tumaini Carayol
The grim expression across Jannik Sinner’s face as he limped gingerly to the bathroom said enough. As play was briefly suspended in the overbearing Australian heat, the two-time defending champion was suffering from full-body cramps and at serious risk of also enduring one of the great Australian Open upsets in recent memory.
Sinner, the second seed, survived thanks to the combined force of his supreme mental toughness and a significant amount of luck, holding off a spirited challenge from Eliot Spizzirri to reach the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win.
Swiatek wins the first set v Kalinskaya, 6-1.
Van de Zandschulp 2-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
At 30-30 the Dutchman tonks a big ace down the middle. He needed that. Then Djokovic is all over his second serve at 40-30, smashing a return on to his toes, that he can only put long. Van de Zandschulp finds another big first serve, and another that Djokovic nets, and holds. But Djokovic is firmly in the ascendancy.
Fritz is serving to go 2-1 up in sets against the crowd favourite, Stan Wawrinka.
Swiatek is a double break up on Kalinskaya, 5-1 in the first.
*Van de Zandschulp 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A hold to love. Djokovic is yet to cough up an unforced error. A familiar story is emerging …
Van de Zandschulp 1-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
A break for Djokovic! At 15-15 Van de Zandschulp scoops a lovely forehand down the line to take control of the point, but Djokovic guesses right on the ensuing smash, and his opponent fluffs a drop-volley at the net. Crazy defence from the Serbian, he wins points no other player can.
Then on break point, Djokovic wears his opponent down in absolutely imperious fashion – it’s a long rally the Dutchman should probably win with a volley at the net, but he fails to find the corner, and the Serbian manages to stay in the point with a defensive lob that drops on the line. Once Djokovic had regained parity in the point it felt like that was only one winner.
Wawrinka, meanwhile, trails Fritz 4-3, a break down in the third.
6-7, 6-2, 3-4.
Swiatek is a break up on Kalinskaya: it’s 3-1 in the first on Margaret Court Arena.
*Van de Zandschulp 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The Dutchman finds an inspired return winner for 15-15. At 30-30 Van de Zandschulp hits a forehand to the corner, a shot that says he is here to take a few risks, and deservedly wins the point. That’s break point on the Djokovic serve. At 30-40 the world No 75 goes inside-out with his forehand but it’s fractionally wide. A worrying moment successfully negotiated for the Serbian, who seals the hold with little fuss.
Van de Zandschulp 1-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)
At 30-30 the Dutchman conjures up a 210-kmh serve down the middle, and follows it up with an ace to clinch his first hold. When he connects with that first serve sweetly it is a thing of ludicrous power.
Van de Zandschulp has only been broken once in the tournament himself, so Djokovic is unlikely to get anything for free there.
*Van de Zandschulp 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)
The 10-times Australian Open champions opens with a ruthless hold, beginning with an ace out wide, working Van de Zandschulp around the court on the second and third points, and gratefully receiving an unforced error from his opponent to close it out.
Play is yet to resume on the outside courts due to the extreme heat.
Iga Swiatek, the No 2 seed in the women’s draw, is under way against Anna Kalinskaya on Margaret Court Arena.
“He’s looked good,” Tim Henman says on commentary of Djokovic’s form. “There’s always slight uncertainty coming into a new year and a new tournament … he’ll feel good. A lot of talk today about the heat and it’s a huge advantage being scheduled at night.”
Here we go then. Novak Djokovic and Botic van de Zandschulp are on court. The referee John Blom gives the players a very sensible-sounding briefing. A girl called April helps with the toss – she is introduced to the crowd and gets a warm round of applause, too. Djokovic wins the toss and will serve.
The roof will be closed for the first match, and I’m sure the powers-that-be will assess the temperature after that.
On John Cain Arena, the 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka has just taken the second set against Taylor Fritz (9). It’s 6-7(7), 6-2 over there.
Scheduled after Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena is Naomi Osaka (16) v Maddison Inglis. Osaka has been in the news.
Jack Snape
The Australian Open issued a statement on social media at 2.36pm local time.
“The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 5.0,” it said. “Play is suspended for all matches and practice on outside courts. The roofs on RLA [Rod Laver Arena], MCA [Margaret Court Arena] and JCA [John Cain Arena] will close and remain closed for the remainder of the match.
“If onsite, please seek shade and apply cooling strategies.”
Preamble
Novak Djokovic made short work of his opponents in rounds one and two: Pedro Martínez and then Francesco Maestrelli were dismissed in straight sets, with identical scorelines: 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The Serbian would certainly take the same today against the dangerous world No 75 Botic van de Zandschulp, who beat him at Indian Wells last year, and has taken out Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal in the past couple of seasons.
Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, is yet to drop a set herself, although she had to win a first-round tiebreak against Yuan Yue on Monday, eventually coming through 7-5, 6-3. Marie Bouzkova was safely dispatched in the second round on Thursday, 6-2, 6-3, and today the Polish second seed will need to raise her game against Anna Kalinskaya of Russia, seeded 31.
There’s other tennis happening too, of course, and the breaking news is that organisers have been obliged to suspend play today with temperatures creeping towards 40C:
