Australian Open 2023 LIVE: Latest scores as Daniil Medvedev in ...
Nadal tips Djokovic as favourite for Aussie Open
Follow live updates from the Australian Open as Rafael Nadal began his title defence with a four-set victory over Britain’s Jack Draper on the opening day in Melbourne. Nadal was given a scare by Draper in a physical battle, but the 21-year-old was hampered by cramps as Nadal went on to claim a 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 win in over three and a half hours.
Emma Raducanu is through to the second round of the Australian Open after sealing an impressive win over Tamara Korpatsch. Raducanu arrived at Melbourne Park with some questions over her fitness after rolling her ankle last week, but moved well on the opening day of the tournament and produced an attacking performance to dismiss the German 6-3 6-2. The British No 1 will take on Coco Gauff next in a blockbuster clash between two teenage stars.
The first night session at Melbourne Park saw world No 1 Iga Swiatek survive a serious test against last season’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier. There was little to choose between the pair on Rod Laver Arena, with Niemeier serving for the second set only for Swiatek to fight back and claim a 6-4 7-5 victory. Daniil Medvedev, who was beaten by Nadal in last year’s final, will then take on Marcos Giron of the United States.
Follow live updates and the latest scores from the Australian Open in our live blog below.
Total control for Medvedev here.
Lorenzo Musetti has been given a scare by South African Lloyd Harris. The 17th seed is a break down in the fifth set, trailing 3-2.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 12:01
On the board! Giron battles for his first game of the match.
Meanwhile, as the action winds down today, look out for Ons Jabeur begins her campaign.
She’ll be up against Tamara Zidansek at around 08:00 GMT.
Then, we expect, Novak Djokovic looks to bury an injury scare when he takes on Roberto Carballés Baena.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:51
Superb from Medvedev, Giron can consider himself unlucky, he’s not played badly.
But this is pure hitting from the Russian.
And he’s grabbed a 1-0 lead on serve in the second too.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:48
A gorgeous backhand down the line from Medvedev at a crucial moment just as Giron was switching up the pressure.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:33
That cross court forehand is lethal from Medvedev and the serve is booming as it spins way out to Giron’s forehand.
Tough to control. Then an ace.
This is a statement from the Russian, but Giron is fighting, and at the third time of asking, smashes through his opponent at the net to force deuce.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:32
It’s a straight forward hold for the Russian, who moves to 3-0.
Day Two’s order of play is out, look out for these Brits.
Dan Evans begins action on Court 7 against Facundo Bagnis from 00:00 GMT.
While Andy Murray is third on Rod Laver Arena before the break until the evening session.
The Scot will hope to upset 13th seed Matteo Berrettini.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:26
BREAK!
Huge for Medvedev, who breaks at the first time of asking.
A nice buffer already against a gutsy Giron.
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:19
A positive start by Giron, who is looking to draw level with No 7 seed Medvedev at one apiece on serve.
Some real snap from the Russian with the forehand and Giron looking to match that firepower on the run.
(EPA)
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:16
“I needed a victory, so that’s the main thing. Doesn’t matter the way. The most important thing today is a victory against a tough opponent,” Rafael Nadal said.
“To win against Jack, as I said before the tournament started, has been one of the toughest first rounds possible being seeded. We knew [it is] not going to be perfect, as I said the other day. [It] was not perfect.
“But to win against Jack, I need to do things well. I think I did things well. So satisfied with the victory because that’s give me the chance to play after tomorrow again.”
“Of course, when you break the abdominal twice, [it] takes a while to recover the confidence in the movement. I mean, [it] was difficult for me for a few months to put the ball high and go for the ball.
“When you break the abdominal, you start to protect yourself, putting the ball more to the left, trying to not do the movement, the full movement, with the abdominal.”
Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a return against Britain's Jack Draper
(AFP via Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 11:10
Emma Raducanu admits she “might as well enjoy” her second round win at the Australian Open after overcoming injury in the build-up to the grand slam.
The British No 1 overcame Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch (6-3 6-2) and the 20-year-old is thrilled after testing out her ankle 11 days after a twist in Auckland.
“I might as well just enjoy all the hard work we’ve done to get myself here,” said Raducanu.
“If anything, it’s not mental, it’s more physical and just playing, seeing how it is.”
Jack Rathborn16 January 2023 10:59
