Australian Open: Sinner and Boulter in action; De Minaur and Raducanu through – live

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Back on Cain, Rune has closed out to take the third set against Berrettini 6-3 and lead 2-1. Like his opponent, he will have dreams of winning a Slam – in fact his self-confidence is such that he knows he’s going to – but it’s hard to envisage the circumstances in which that happens, the sense that hell never get quite as good as the best few, one of whom will always plas well enough to beat him at some point

I said “yet” and I meant it! Down break point, Sonego sends down a double, and Fonseca, trailing 2-1, leads 2-0 in the fourth! He couldn’t, could he?

Updated at 09.35 CET

On Court, Madison Keys – a longtime favourite of this blog – leads Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-0. Surely she hasn’t run out of ideas already, etc etc. And on 1573, though the Brazilians are absolutely having it, Sonego has closed out a 6-1 third set to lead Fonseca, Tuesday’s hero, 2-1 0-1. The youngster can’t quite find the consistency he showed in tousing Rublev – yet, at least.

Boulter makes 15-all, then sticks in a rally and Kudermetova nets; has momentum switched? Well, a forehand return sails just long for 30-all but then the Russian sticks one of her own into the net, handing over break point. Here it comes, and when Boulter sticks a backhand on to the tape, the bounce deceives Kudermetova – I think – and she shanks her riposte way wide! We’re back on serve at 5-5 in the fifth!

We’re under way on Laver, Schoolkate holding for 1-0. He beat Taro Daniel in round one, no small achievement, and with the home crowd behind him will fancy making a name for himself. Otherwise, Kudermetova is back serving at 15-0.

There’s a break on Court 3 while Kudermetova takes a medical timeout – she’s currently flat on her front having her back massaged – not exactly what you want when preparing to serve for a set. Meantime, Maroszan has taken the fourth set against Tiafoe, the no 17 seed, so they’ll now player a decider.

Back on Cain, Rune has broken Berrettini to lead 1-1 3-1, and he properly enjoys the moment; Boulter holds and, from 1-5 down, she’s now got Kudermetova under pressure.

Oh, and Boulter has taken a break back off Kudermoetova to trail 3-5 in the first. It may still be too late for her to salvage the first set, but it’ll do her no harm in her bid to win the second.

On Court 3, Kudermetova has set point at 5-2, but she nets so must now go through deuce. On Laver, Sinner and Schoolkate have just come out, and I’m going to watch that, while on my fourth screen I’ve gone for Fonseca v Sonego; the Italian is now in control, up 4-1 with two breaks in the third set.

As well as Boulter v Kudermoetova I’m watching Berrettini (3)6-7 6-2 0-1 Rune (13). That looks like the match of the session, and I hope one day we get to a point at which we’re not saying “Eeee, it’s good to see Berrettini competing again.” But it is, and though his lack of a drive-backhand is likely to stop him winning a Slam, he’s great to watch and seems a sound lad. Rune can consider himself unlucky to be drawn against him so early on.

Thanks Jonathan and hi everyone. Let’s get right into it!

Jonathan Howcroft

To keep check on Boulter’s progress and update you on the form of Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, I’ll hand you over to Daniel Harris. See you back here tomorrow.

… actually, make that two breaks. Kudermetova now serving up 4-1. The Russian former world number nine is dominating the Boulter second serve.

Updated at 08.58 CET

Bad news for Katie Boulter (22) who is an early break down to Veronika Kudermetova.

Matteo Berrettini does not let a second early break go to waste, evening his contest with Holger Rune (13) at one set all. This is a high-quality, highly entertaining match.

Apropos of nothing, Berrettini is the most handsome man I have ever stood next to. Zoolander-levels of really really good looking.

And Elina Svitolina (28) has converted her strong start against Caroline Dolehide into a 6-1 opening set.

Question: Is Svitolina (WTA Finals champion, Olympic bronze medallist, 17 WTA titles, 17th in all-time earnings) the best player never to make a grand slam final? 11 times she’s made the quarters or better, but never made it to the decider.

Frances Tiafoe (17) has wrested back momentum, winning the third set, to put him 2-1 up over Fabian Marozsan.

Any British fans waking up and tuning in may like to know that 22nd seed Katie Boulter has stepped on court for her second round clash with Veronika Kudermetova. Boulter is bidding to join Emma Radacanu in the third round after the former US Open champion defeated Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.

Speaking of nip-and-tuck, Marcos Giron and Tomas Martin Etcheverry are going the distance as they compete for a probable third round exit at the hands of Jannik Sinner (1).

There are four nip-and-tuck men’s singles matches out there at the moment, and one solitary women’s singles contest. In that, Elina Svitolina (28) has started strongly against Caroline Dolehide.

Alex Michelsen backs up his upset of Stefanos Tsitsipas to ease past Australian wildcard James McCabe in straight sets. Next up for the rising American is a date with 19th seed Karen Khachanov.

Jaqueline Cristian has beaten Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets. The 82nd ranked Romanian will now meet 128th ranked lucky loser Eva Lys in the third round.

Likely fourth round opponent Iga Świątek will be thrilled by how her section is unfolding.

Holger Rune (13) has recovered from 2-5 down to pinch the opening set from Matteo Berrettini in a tiebreak.

It’s now one set all in the battle of the highlighters with Fabian Marozsan levelling things up against Frances Tiafoe (17).

Fabian Marozsan of Hungary serves to Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne. Photograph: Vincent Thian/APShare

French tennis player-cum hip hop wannabe Corentin Moutet has beaten American qualifier Mitchell Krueger in four sets. His next opponent is likely to be Daniil Medvedev.

Corentin Moutet and Denis Shapovalov rapping; sure, why not?

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Tonight’s evening session begins at 7pm local time, which is just over an hour away. It’s another example of how the odd numbered days at this year’s tournament have lacked firepower.

From 7pm on Rod Laver Arena the No 1 seed Jannik Sinner will expect to breeze past local wildcard Tristan Schoolkate. While over on Margaret Court Arena Madison Keys (19) takes on qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania.

Elsewhere around that time 10th seed Danielle Collins meets Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava, and 22nd seed Katie Boulter faces Veronika Kudermetova.

However, the loudest noise will be coming from John Cain Arena where the always rowdy “people’s court” has an all-Australian men’s doubles contest to sink its teeth into with Kokkinakis & Kyrgios taking on Duckworth & Vukic.

Second up on RLA we have Jasmine Paolini (4) against Renata Zarazua, and second on MCA we’ll have another glimpse of the madcap Daniil Medvedev (5). He meets teenage qualifier Learner Tien.

Updated at 07.52 CET

Alex Michelsen is now two sets to the good over Australian wildcard James McCabe.

The highlighter pink clad Frances Tiafoe (17) took that opening set tiebreak against the highlighter yellow bedecked Fabian Marozsan. I’m a big fan of the bold colour choices. The Penguin branded stripy numbers in the women’s draw have really caught the eye.

Frances Tiafoe takes the opening set against Fabian Marozsan. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty ImagesShare

22 year-old German Eva Lys is through to the third round of a grand slam for the first time after outlasting Varvara Gracheva 6-2 3-6 6-4. It is a remarkable story. Having lost in qualifying, Lys entered the main draw as a lucky loser after 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya withdrew just minutes before her opening match. Lys went on to defeat Kimberly Birrell and has now guaranteed herself at least $200k prize money.

There are now two seeded players in action.

Frances Tiafoe (17) is into a first set tiebreak against Fabian Marozsan.

While Holger Rune (13) has just begun his clash against former World No 6 Matteo Berrettini.

Back to the action…

Alex Michelsen, fresh from upsetting Stefanos Tsitsipas, is a set and a break up on Australian wildcard James McCabe.

Corentin Moutet is two sets to one up over Mitchell Krueger.

Marcos Giron and Tomas Martin Etcheverry are locked at one set apiece.

Eva Lys and Varvara Gracheva are deep into a deciding third set. The winner of that clash will face the winner of Jaqueline Cristian v Lucia Bronzetti. Cristian has taken the opening set.

In the normally unpredictable women’s draw only four of the top 20 seeds are on their way to Tullamarine airport. The biggest loser has been fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, who is in Diana Shnaider’s (12) section, and Aryna Sabalenka’s (1) quarter, which augurs well for the two-time defending champion.

Sabalenka’s semi-final opponent is scheduled to be Coco Gauff (3) but elsewhere in her section loom the dangerous unseeded pair of Belinda Bencic and Naomi Osaka, while in section four Paula Badosa (11) and Jessica Pegula (7) have yet to concede a set.

The bottom half of the draw remains a work in progress, but Iga Świątek (2) is in control of her section, with Elena Rybakina (6) a potential semi-final opponent. As with the top half, Ons Jabeur floats as a dangerous landmine for any unsuspecting seeds.

Aryna Sabalenka is well placed to win a third Australian Open in a row. Photograph: Fred Lee/Getty ImagesShareShare

This gives us a chance to take a closer look at how the draws are unfolding.

In the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner’s (1) progress has been helped by upsets to Hubert Hurkacz (18) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (12) in his quarter, but he will be wary of the form of likely quarter-final opponent Alex De Minaur (8), who has cruised through his opening two rounds.

Taylor Fritz (4) has also made progress look effortless, and he is the standout so far in sections three and four, although Daniil Medvedev has only made one erratic appearance and has plenty of time to find his feet.

Novak Djokovic (7) and Carlos Alcaraz (3) remain on course for a blockbuster quarter-final with the younger of the pair looking as strong as anybody so far in these early rounds.

While at the bottom of the draw Alexander Zverev (2) is watching things unfold with a grin as Ugo Humbert (14) is not the most intimidating fourth round opponent and Tommy Paul (12) the highest remaining potential quarter-final rival now that Casper Ruud is out.

Carlos Alcaraz has been the most impressive player in the men’s draw at this year’s Australian Open. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/APShare

The only singles seed in action at the moment is Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia (15) and she has taken the opening set against Russia’s Erika Andreeva.

ShareBen Shelton (21) beats Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-4

American rising star Ben Shelton has finally put away the nuggety Pablo Carreno Busta. The Spaniard kept the contest alive in a third set tiebreak but Shelton prevailed in the clinch moments, winning 10 of 11 break points for the match.

Shelton will face Lorenzo Musetti (16) in round three.

Ben Shelton dominated the break points during his match with Pablo Carreno Busta. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty ImagesShare

After that rush of results we’re entering the afternoon lull at Melbourne Park with no further singles action on the two main stadium courts until 7pm and an hour or so to wait before John Cain Arena welcomes Matteo Berrettini and Holger Rune (13).

ShareTaylor Fritz (4) beats Cristian Garin 6-2 6-1 6-0

America’s brightest star Taylor Fritz continued his blistering start with a quick fire victory over Cristian Garin. The fourth seed has dropped only eight games in two rounds, and has handed out two bagels.

The veteran Gaël Monfils is next.

Taylor Fritz acknowledges the applause of the crowd after he races into the third round. Photograph: Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesShareKaren Khachanov (19) beats Gabriel Diallo 7-6 4-6 6-3 6-3

De Minaur remains on track to meet the 19th seeded Russian Karen Khachanov after the 2023 semi-finalist overcame Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in four sets.

Karen Khachanov is through to the third round of the Australian Open. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty ImagesShareAlex De Minaur (8) beats Tristan Boyer 6-2 6-4 6-3

That was reassuringly routine for the Australian number one, who has yet to drop a set in Melbourne Park. He dropped his opening service game but never looked rattled and powered home with plenty to spare.

Francisco Cerúndolo (31) from Argentina awaits in round three.

Alex De Minaur cruised into round three. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPAShareLorenzo Musetti (16) beats Denis Shapovalov. 7-6 7-6 6-2

Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian 16th seed has passed a stern test in the form of Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons but is a tricky customer. The Paris 2024 bronze medallist moves on to face the winner of Shelton v Carreno Busta.

Lorenzo Musetti is into the third round. Photograph: Rolex dela Peña/EPAShare

De Minaur forces Boyer to work harder than he’d prefer to hold his serve. The Australian will serve at 4-3 in the third set with progress to the third round on his racket.

Elsewhere, Taylor Fritz (4) is now two sets and a break up on Cristian Garin.

Lorenzo Musetti (16) is two sets and two breaks up on Denis Shapovalov.

Ben Shelton (21) remains in control two sets to one up over Pablo Carreno Busta but he failed to win a third set tiebreak that would have secured progress to round three.

Taylor Fritz is nearing the third round of the Australian Open. Photograph: Daniel Pockett/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 05.38 CET

De Minaur’s court coverage in defence is magnificent. He is moving freely and sliding with Djokovic-like rubbery ankles, rebounding to face the next shot with the merriment of a border collie puppy. It earns him two break points, but he can’t convert either. The second went begging after a backhand cracked into the modernist frame protecting umpire James Keothavong.

Boyer holds but De Minaur leads 6-2 6-4 3-2.

I’ve just been digging around for a link to a column about the economics of professional tennis to add some more context to Boyer’s financial situation. This from Greg Jericho in 2018 is a good explainer, set against the backdrop of Novak Djokovic’s presidency of the ATP Player Council and the push for a new union.

De Minaur exhorts the crowd to enjoy the moment as he breaks Boyer in game three of the third set. Australia’s number one is well on his way to a third round meeting with Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo.

Updated at 05.26 CET

Jonathan Howcroft

Thanks Martin. On centre court Boyer has just taken a comfort break, which is always a smart decision at 0-2 down. Shortly after the resumption of play one of his sneaker’s blows out so he’s forced into another quick wardrobe change. It prompts an interesting discussion on the host broadcaster about how the Stanford grad is part-financed by GoFundMe / Patreon support. It’s a stark reminder of the gulf between the haves and have-nots in professional tennis.

Updated at 05.14 CET

Martin Pegan

Thanks for following along across the day five morning and into the early exchanges of Alex de Minaur’s second round clash with Tristan Boyer. Jonathan Howcroft will cover the rest of the action from RLA as the Australian closes in on a spot in the third round, but here is a snapshot of what else has been happening in men’s singles around the grounds.

Gael Monfils has just defeated Daniel Altmaier in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(3).

Ben Shelton (21) has one foot in the third round while leading Pablo Carreno Busta at 6-3, 6-3, 5-4.

Lorenzo Musetti (16) and Denis Shapovalov are proving all but impossible to split at 7-6(3), 7-6(6).

Taylor Fritz (4) leads Cristian Garin 6-2, 3-0.

Enjoy the afternoon and what already looks like another cracking evening …

Updated at 05.13 CET

Alex de Minaur wins the second set from Tristan Boyer and is perhaps just one more away from booking his place in the third round. Even when Boyer has been able to test De Minaur, the Australian is pulling out stunning volleys. He looks in fine form and will now hope to close this out in under two hours.

Updated at 05.10 CET

Alex de Minaur and Tristan Boyer both hold as the Australian takes a 5-3 lead in the second set and prepares to serve.

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Australian Open: Sinner and Boulter in action; De Minaur and Raducanu through – live | Australian Open 2025

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