Australian Open 2023 LIVE: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis score after Novak Djokovic battles through
Follow live updates from the Australian Open as Andy Murray takes on home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round in Melbourne. Murray is looking to build on his sensational opening victory over Matteo Berrettini after the 35-year-old rolled back the years to claim a stunning five-set win against the 13th seed, his best result at a grand slam in half a decade.
Murray now faces the 26-year-old Australian Kokkinakis in what should be a lively encounter at the Margaret Court Arena. A former top-10 junior player, Kokkinakis’ promising career was disrupted by injury and he currently finds himself outside of the top 100, but he will have the backing of the home crowd as he looks to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the first time.
Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, battled through against French qualifier Enzo Couacaud in the headline match on Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic suffered a hamstring injury and went off the court for treatment during the second set, while a heckler that the Serb described as “drunk out of his mind” also clearly affected him. But he ultimately prevailed 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0 to record a 23rd straight win at the Australian Open.
Earlier, American Jenson Brooksby upset second seed Casper Ruud 6-3 7-5 6-7(4) 6-2 to claim the biggest win of his career and reach the third round. Brooksby squandered three match points in the third set but regained his composure to send Ruud packing in just under four hours on Rod Laver Arena. Dan Evans is also through after an ill-tempered win over Jeremy Chardy.
Follow live updates and the latest scores from the Australian Open in our live blog below.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE - Latest scores and results
Andy Murray faces Thanasi Kokkinakis in Australian Open second round
Novak Djokovic battles past French qualifier Enzo Couacaud in four sets despite hamstring issue
Djokovic takes medical timeout midway through second set against Couacaud
Djokovic rages against “drunk out his mind” fan dressed as 'Where’s Wally?’
Casper Ruud crashes out after Jenson Brooksby adds latest Australian Open shock
Dan Evans keeps cool amid controversy to reach Australian Open third round
Caroline Garcia passes Leylah Fernandez test to win 7-6 7-5
Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin stuns Taylor Fritz in five sets
Men’s draw blown wide open as Alex Zverev shocked by lucky loser Michael Mmoh
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 4-5 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:57 , Jamie Braidwood
A second serve from Murray trundles over the net and is smacked back by Kokkinakis, who gets a big break off the netcord.
Another second serve from Murray offers Kokkinakis a chance and this suddenly looks like the first set as the Australian times his attack to get to 0-30.
Murray is then given a time warning - what a time for that - and Kokkinakis sees his chance. He attacks Murray’s backhand before powering the forehand down the line, then stepping in to put away the smash.
Three break points - and Kokkinakis gets the crucial break as Murray clips the netcord with the backhand. Just relentless pressure from Kokkinakis there.
Kokkinakis will serve for the set next. Murray is furious at the time warning he got at 0-30.
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 4-6 4-4 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis offers a stern reminder though, as he produces more aggressive play off the forehand side. Great response from the Australian to hold to love.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 4-3 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Yep, this is more comfortable now for Murray, as he closes the net to put away a forehand winner and take a simple hold. There was only one flash of danger from Kokkinakis - a forehand winner off the serve - but Murray is starting to control and dictate more rallies now.
Novak Djokovic provides concerning injury update after Australian Open win
12:45 , Luke Baker
Novak Djokovic admits his left hamstring is “not good at all” after struggling through his second-round match at the Australian Open.
The Serbian was taken to four sets by Frenchman Enzo Couacaud, with the injury proving difficult to overcome at times.
Djokovic could be seen limping after points and took a second-set injury timeout for treatment from his physio.
And with a third-round match against Grigor Dimitrov to come on Saturday, Djokovic admits he is concerned by his condition.
“It’s not good at all, to be honest with you,” said the nine-time winner at Melbourne Park. “I’ll take it day by day.
Jack Rathborn with the full story:
Novak Djokovic provides concerning injury update after Australian Open win
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 4-6 3-3 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:44 , Jamie Braidwood
Now - a chance. There are signs here that Murray has stabilised. And there are now more errors coming from Kokkinakis than winners.
But on 30-30, Murray finds the net with a forehand looking for the pass down the line, and then the backhand on the other side also crashes into the net to let Kokkinakis off.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 3-2 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:39 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis takes aim at Murray from the baseline but the 35-year-old is able to force the error, and then another one on the forehand side.
Shot of the match so far from Murray! He curls a lovely forehand winner down the line! Super, and he holds to love.
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 4-6 2-2 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray has been absolutely furious with his box so far and is very upset about something. Kokkinakis is serving very well so far and continues that into the fourth game of the second set. He sends Murray chasing after smashes before crushing a forehand winner down the line.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 2-1 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:31 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s the snarl from Murray! He gets the net but Kokkinakis can’t find a way past, despite blasting the ball straight at him, as Murray converts the volley and then makes the backhand pass down the line.
A forehand down the line finds the net but he finds the big serve out wide to get the hold.
“Come on!” he roars, he needs to find that edge here.
Novak Djokovic fumes at fan ‘drunk out of his mind’ at Australian Open
12:28 , Luke Baker
Novak Djokovic was left raging after a “drunk out of his mind” fan provoked him during his second-round match at the Australian Open.
The Serbian led Enzo Couacaud by two sets to one and 2-0 in the fourth set when he finally snapped after being heckled by four fans in ‘Where’s Wally?’ fancy dress.
Djokovic, who would eventually win 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-0, remonstrated with the umpire at deuce in the epic game, demanding the fans to be removed from Rod Laver Arena.
“The guy is drunk out of his mind,” Djokovic told chair umpire Fergus Murphy when pointing out the fan, who would eventually be tossed out following the game, which lasted 12 minutes and 14 seconds.
“From the first point he’s been provoking me. He’s not here to watch tennis, he just wants to get in my head, you heard him at least 10 times, I heard him 50.”
Jack Rathborn with the full story:
Novak Djokovic fumes at fan ‘drunk out of his mind’ at Australian Open
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 4-6 1-1 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:26 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s better from Murray. He gets his return back in play to tease two errors from Kokkinakis, who is then able to turn it around.
Kokkinakis is made to wait for some “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chants to die down, before crushing two big serves from 30-30.
Post-match reaction from Novak Djokovic
12:22 , Luke Baker
Novak Djokovic has given some post-match reaction to his battling, four-set win over a gritty Enzo Couacaud - reflecting on his hamstring injury and the drunk heckler as he came through 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0 :
On the match itself: “It had a little bit of everything tonight. I'm glad to get through this kind of match in four sets. I wanted to get through in three but credit to him, he played really well in that second set.”
On the drunk heckler: “It was interesting circumstances to deal with but that's a grand slam - the atmosphere was electric but in a bit of a negative way.”
On his hamstring injury: “It’s not good at all, to be honest with you. I’ll take it day by day. It was better in the last match than tonight, to be honest. That's all I can say now. I just need God to help me now, and the physio and everyone. I’ll take it day by day and hopefully, I’ll be able to recover for a tough match-up (against Grigor Dimitrov) in the next round.”
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 1-0 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis asks some early questions on the opening service game of the second set, but Murray whips a nice forehand winner and then hangs on and Kokkinakis makes an error on the forehand side. He has to ride out this storm and play the long game.
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 4-6 0-0 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray is not doing enough to disrupt Kokkinakis here. He will need some big changes in the second set, as Kokkinakis heads off the court. Kokkinakis is looking to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the first time, in what is his seventh attempt. This is a huge match for the 26-year-old.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-6 Thanasi Kokkinakis* - Kokkinakis wins first set
12:14 , Jamie Braidwood
The court is looking so big for Kokkinakis right now. He unleashes another forehand winner down the line to take the opening point of a crucial 10th game, and then backs it up with an ace.
Another big serve out wide from Kokkinakis, returned into the net by Murray, brings up three set points.
He takes it on the second - again, knowing when to stay patient, and when to attack. Murray nets on the backhand down the line from Kokkinakis.
A very impressive opening set from the Australian. Just the 17 winners.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 4-5 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis with another extraordinary forehand winner crosscourt, but the Australian lets Murray off the hook as he slices wide on the backhand side. Murray asks the question, at least, and Kokkinakis will need to serve this out.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0 Enzo Couacaud - DJOKOVIC WINS
12:08 , Luke Baker
Couacaud looks beaten here and you fancy Djokovic to finish this off right now. He brings up two match points but only needs one!
GAME, SET AND MATCH NOVAK DJOKOVIC. It’s a 23rd win in a row at the Australian Open for Djokovic but make no mistake, that was a battle.
From a hamstring injury that forced him to have medical treatment during the second set, to the “drunk out of his mind” fan yelling out - this was far from a straightforward four-set win for the Serb. But he’s done it!
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 3-5 Thanasi Kokkinakis
12:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis questions one of the balls in his hand but even that doesn’t slow him down. He holds to love with an ace, thundered down the middle, and now Murray will serve to stay in the set.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 5-0 Enzo Couacaud*
12:02 , Luke Baker
Well, this is a turn-up... Djokovic falls to 0-30 with some sloppy play. He nonchalantly regains control of the game and reels off three points on the spin before a double fault takes us to deuce. Promptly follows that up with an ace and an unreturned serve to avert disaster though.
Couacaud now serving to stay in the match
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 3-4 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
12:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Well, that’s something to hold on to. Murray came under further pressure and is forced to save a double-break point, before surviving a further Kokkinakis onslaught.
The Australia unloads on a huge forehand winner but Murray somehow survives - a double fault is followed by an ace, and as Kokkinakis nets Murray is handed some relief.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 4-0 Enzo Couacaud - DJOKOVIC BREAKS
11:58 , Luke Baker
That “drunk out of his mind” fan appears to have been kicked out now, which is a relief for all concerned.
Djokovic certainly appears zoned in as he quickly races to bring up two break points and although the first is saved by a big serve, Couacaud goes wide and a full-throated roar from the Serb shows what it means. DJOKOVIC BREAKS AGAIN and he’s on the brink of victory in this contest.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 2-4 Thanasi Kokkinakis
11:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis holds to love and these are worrying early signs for Murray after the Australian crushes an ace and Murray throws a forehand long.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 3-0 Enzo Couacaud*
11:53 , Luke Baker
Djokovic floats into the net to put away a volley with aplomb but Couacaud lands a couple of blows to take the game to deuce.
After two hours and 49 minutes, the Frenchman earns his first break point of the match but a big Djokovic serve gets him out of trouble. The Serb initially falters on game point but after four deuces, he takes the next two points to finally grind out the hold. That game took over 10 minutes, all told!
There’s an idiot in the crowd who keeps shouting out at inappropriate moments and it’s clearly riling Djokovic. He goes over to the chair umpire mid-game to remonstrate with him and ask him to kick the spectator out. Says he’s “drunk out of his mind” and has been doing it “the entire night.”
Djokovic isn’t wrong there, to be fair to him and has a legitimate gripe. It looks like security are having a word with the gentleman in question and he may well be kicked out.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 2-3 Thanasi Kokkinakis* - Kokkinakis breaks
11:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis seems to have disrupted Murray here. The Briton makes a double fault on the opening point and then chucks in a strange drop shot that hits the net. Another unforced error follows - the backhand hit limply into the net - and it’s now Kokkinakis who gets two break-point chances.
But Murray gets out of it. He finds his first serve - putting away the volley at the net and then forcing Kokkinakis into an error.
Deuce - Murray catches the line as Kokkinakis flashes wide, but he then finds a lovely backhand winner down the line.
And that’s brilliant from Kokkinakis. Murray had the chance to put him away but Kokkinakis defends on the backhand side, before flashing the inside out forehand winner crosscourt - already his 10th of the match.
A third break point: Murray targets the Kokkinakis backhand but can’t get through, and the forehand crosscourt finds the net.
Kokkinakis edges in front.
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 2-2 Thanasi Kokkinakis
11:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis holds to 15 with an explosive forehand winner from the baseline. This is a fun matchup to watch: Kokkinakis’ all-or-nothing attacks from the baseline against Murray’s determined defence.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 2-0 Enzo Couacaud - DJOKOVIC BREAKS
11:41 , Luke Baker
An epic opening point gets the crowd squealing. Brilliant defence by Djokovic as he stays in the point and eventually grinds it out.
Another long exchange sees Djokovic make it 15-30 before a stunning lob leaves Couacaud stranded and facing two break points. Another lob, but this time the Frenchman finds the smash, and then a neat backhand volley means both are saved.
Now a third break point but Djokovic nets to squander it. And a fourth comes up, with a thumping forehand! This time it’s there! Couacaud can’t dig out the half-volley and DJOKOVIC BREAKS at the fourth time of asking.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 2-1 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
11:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Woah - Kokkinakis attacks a backhand straight off Murray’s serve - sending the 35-year-old scrambling. The Australian misses the follow-up, but it’s a clear statement of intent from Kokkinakis.
He attacks the next two Murray serves with brutal and devastating power - flashing a clean winner to get to 30-30.
This approach is going to put pressure on Murray’s first serve - but he finds one before putting away the forehand in midcourt.
Murray again finds his target. Kokkinakis goes long and Murray gets his hold.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 1-0 Enzo Couacaud*
11:35 , Luke Baker
Djokovic looks in no mood to hang about - you feel that the French qualifier has become an irritating fly he needs to swat. Novak opens up the fourth set with a hold to 15 - sealed with an overhead smash put-away.
Must-win service game coming up for Couacaud.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: *Andy Murray 1-1 Thanasi Kokkinakis
11:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Kokkinakis thunders an ace to the delight of the home crowd, but then Murray takes charge. He attacks on the backhand, then stepping into the net to put away a forehand volley.
Kokkinakis misfires on the forehand, he went for too much there, and suddenly Murray has two early break points.
Kokkinakis saves the first, despite Murray reaching well to retrieve a forehand down the line, and he saves the second too!
Murray had done so well to battle back into the point, only to then slump a forehand into the net from midcourt.
But a third opportunity quickly comes around as Murray plays well to the Kokkinakis backhand - only for the Australian to shut the door with an ace.
And Kokkinakis gets away with it. Three chances come and go for Murray, who nets on the backhand slice. Kokkinakis is hitting hard early on.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 6-2 Enzo Couacaud - DJOKOVIC WINS THIRD SET
11:28 , Luke Baker
Oof! Djokovic thumps an unstoppable forehand past his opponent off a second serve to go 15-15 before a similarly powerful groundstroke makes it 15-30.
Novak heating up here as a cross-court forehand winner brings up two set points and although he sails long with the first, there’s no mistake on the second.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET. And it took him just 31 minutes, which, given the hour, is no bad thing for him. Aside from the strapping, you wouldn’t know he had a hamstring issue. Moving much more freely now.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 5-2 Enzo Couacaud*
11:25 , Luke Baker
Couacaud has the slightest of sniffs when he wins the opening point but that hope is almost immediately snuffed out as Djokovic cruises through the rest of the game for another routine hold.
He’s only a game away from the set now and starting to really hit his straps.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray 1-0 Thanasi Kokkinakis*
11:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Emphatic start from Murray, as he makes a first serve and then slams away the smash at the net. Kokkinakis was wayward with his first forehand but then crushes a winner off Murray’s second serve.
But as Kokkinakis pushes long, before the Australian attacks again - this time off target. Murray looks like he has recovered physically, no signs of any discomfort.
The crowd, who have stayed late into the night for this, are... loud.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 4-2 Enzo Couacaud
11:21 , Luke Baker
New balls and a Couacaud forehand just clips the back of the line before an ace down the ‘t’ seals a service hold to love. Exactly what the Frenchman needed but the bigger issue is that he hasn’t earned a single break point off the Djokovic serve yet in this match.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
11:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray won the toss and will serve first against the 26-year-old Kokkinakis.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 4-1 Enzo Couacaud*
11:18 , Luke Baker
The Serbian superstar stays in control of this third set as both men hold serve, although the shouts from the crowd during the service motion are still quite pronounced. They need to get that sorted.
Djokovic is moving a lot more freely - off both legs - than he was just 15 minutes ago. Too early to say the hamstring issue is behind him but it appears to be becoming less prohibitive at the very least.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
11:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! An astonishing opportunity has opened up in the bottom quarter of the Australian Open draw but Andy Murray will only be focussed on the task ahead, and facing Thanasi Kokkinakis in front of his home crowd.
Can the 35-year-old follow up his brilliant victory over Matteo Berrettini? How will his body hold up after five sets and almost five hours of play? We’re about to find out, in a match that will finish after midnight in Melbourne.
Strap in.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 3-0 Enzo Couacaud*
11:09 , Jack Rathborn
A lovely moment that with the love for Djokovic from the Aussie crowd clear again.
One fan shouts as Djokovic serves, another replies ‘shut up!’
Djokovic stops bouncing his ball and shouts back, ‘thank you!’
Meanwhile, the match is turning back to the Serbian, 3-0 is a sensational response after losing the tie-breaker.
Australian Open 2023: Game, set and match!
11:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Olympic champion Belinda Bencic survives a scare to put away Claire Liu 7-6 6-3 in one hour and 51 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.
That means that Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis is (finally) up next.
It’s going to be a long night for Murray, with this match set to start at around 10:15pm local time.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 2-0 Enzo Couacaud
11:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Eh, what? Djokovic emerges from losing the tiebreak to win the next EIGHT points in a row - first holding to love and then breaking Couacaud’s serve without dropping a point.
It’s like flicking a switch as he puts a forehand winner down the line. That’s how you win back momentum.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7 Enzo Couacaud - Couacaud wins second set!
10:57 , Jamie Braidwood
UNREAL! The French qualifier Enzo Couacaud has just played the set of his life, and the world No 191 has made it one set all agains the nine-time Australian Open champion and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic!
Djokovic will now need to play two more sets, at least, on a dodgy hamstring.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-6 Enzo Couacaud - Tiebreak!
10:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Ooof. That’s a nervous looking backhand slice from Couacaud - halfway up the net.
But then he attacks the Djokovic forehand - moving him around - before putting away a smash down the middle of the court! 4-4.
Defence from Djokovic! He raises a finger to his ear after winning a 24-shot rally! Couacaud had the chance to put him away down the line, but Djokovic then snaps up the crosscourt forehand down the line!
But then Couacaud responds to win an epic point of his own! Sensational! 5-5!
No way! Djokovic then throws in a double fault! Couacaud has set point!
Djokovic goes long!!!
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-6 Enzo Couacaud - Tiebreak!
10:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Would Djokovic retire from the match if this goes to at least four sets? Is he more likely to play on if he can get it done in three? The next few minutes could decide that...
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-6 Enzo Couacaud - Tiebreak!
10:47 , Jamie Braidwood
This is a huge chance for Enzo Couacaud - but Djokovic shows great defence on the opening point as the Frenchman misses the smash! Djokovic limps after coming down on his left leg, but another error from Couacaud sees Djokovic take a 3-0 lead early in the tiebreak.
Great determination from Couacaud - he gets back in touch after prevailing on a smash, before Djokovic nets. Back to 3-2.
And then Djokovic goes long on the backhand! Back to 3-3 at the change of ends!
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-6 Enzo Couacaud - Tiebreak!
10:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic grits his teeth again and Couacaud can’t get close to a break point. Onto the tiebreak we go!
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 5-6 Enzo Couacaud
10:41 , Jamie Braidwood
This is starting to get really uncomfortable for Novak Djokovic, as he pulls up while chasing for Couacaud’s forehand crosscourt.
Somehow, he’s able to show grit and raise his level - getting back to deuce before steering a backhand pass. He’s still hitting it cleanly.
Suddenly he gets break point after Couacaud is forced long, but then Djokovic hands it back with an error of his own.
Couacaud gets tight as Djokovic looks at another break point, but the Frenchman is able to hang in and save it with a winner.
Huge roar from Couacaud! He saves two break points to hold and will get a tiebreak at least in this second set!
This is a brilliant effort from the world 191! 191!
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 5-5 Enzo Couacaud*
10:34 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s no doubt about it now: Djokovic is limping between points, and seems to pull up after hitting a backhand down the line. He’s still able to crush a forehand winner after Couacaud got to 30-30, but there’s the limp again after the point!
Couacaud now has confidence taking on Djokovic in the longer rallies - and gets to deuce and Djokovic goes long on the forehand.
He’s two points from the second set - but Djokovic comes in well to control a backhand volley at the net.
And that’s a good serve from Djokovic, which Couacaud can only put into the net on the stretch.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 4-5 Enzo Couacaud
10:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is back on court. It looks like he has had his strapping re-taped on the left leg, but let’s see how that hamstring holds up now.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 4-5 Enzo Couacaud
10:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Now Djokovic goes off the court for treatment!
Drama!
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 4-5 Enzo Couacaud
10:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic has called the trainer!
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 4-5 Enzo Couacaud
10:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is still moving well enough, but it’s one to keep an eye on. He tries to put the pressure on again by getting to deuce on the Couacaud serve, steering a backhand winner down the line, but the Frenchman is looking really solid at the moment.
Djokovic nets as Couacaud holds with a serve, and then hops! I think we can now say that Djokovic is looking uncomfortable.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 3-4 Enzo Couacaud
10:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Now then, Djokovic comes out from the change of ends and stretches out his left leg - which is once again under heavy strapping.
He is feeling out his left hamstring - and doesn’t look completely comfortable with it.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 3-4 Enzo Couacaud
10:09 , Jamie Braidwood
You can’t afford to give Djokovic a chance, though, especially with a poor drop shot that Djokovic puts away for a winner from midcourt.
Djokovic follows it with another winner to bring up break point - but Couacaud finds an ace to save it.
And Couacaud gets out of trouble! Another ace from the Frenchman, and he edges ahead once again.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 3-3 Enzo Couacaud*
10:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow - a rally from Couacaud! After Djokovic got to 40-0, the French qualifier hits a backhand winner down the line and then a forehand winner crosscourt!
Djokovic gets the hold as Couacaud then goes long - but he finally gets a foothold against serve thanks to some bold hitting from the baseline.
He certainly hasn’t given up on this.
Australian Open 2023: *Novak Djokovic 6-1 2-3 Enzo Couacaud
09:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Just the eight first serves in for Djokovic to start the second set, as he wins all eight points.
Couacaud is finding some joy on the serve and volley and he gets his hold thanks to his first ace of the match to stay in front.
*denotes next server
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 1-2 Enzo Couacaud
09:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Couacaud plays two solid service games in a row to take an early lead in the second set. Djokovic is unlikely to be phased. He needed very few chances to break through Roberto Carballes Baena in the opening round.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 6-1 Enzo Couacaud - Djokovic wins first set
09:42 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s a good sign for Couacaud that he gets back to 30-30 and then deuce on the Djokovic serve, but he’s also playing Djokovic so... that’s only worth a crumb of comfort.
Djokovic wraps up the first set - first with a rolling forehand winner from midcourt and then as Couacaud goes long on the backhand.
Djokovic is just striking the ball so cleanly. Ominous from the nine-time champion.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 5-1 Enzo Couacaud - Djokovic breaks
09:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic goes on the attack and looks to move Couacaud around the court after his medical timeout. The Frenchman looks to be moving well enough, but Djokovic makes it another tricky service game and takes Couacaud to a third consecutive deuce. From there, he chucks a backhand long and Djokovic tightens his grip with flawless hitting from the baseline.
There’s the second break.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 3-1 Enzo Couacaud
09:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Couacaud is playing on! The match continues.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 3-1 Enzo Couacaud
09:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Ah, that’s a nasty roll of the ankle for Couacaud, and it’s immediately started swelling as he takes off his right shoe. He says he heard a pop but he might just be suffering from some shock. It looks like he wants the doctor to tape it up and carry on.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 3-1 Enzo Couacaud - Djokovic breaks!
09:25 , Jamie Braidwood
And Djokovic breaks through! Couacaud saved another break point with brave play from the baseline, taking on Djokovic in the rallies, but he was unable to serve it out. Djokovic came back and blasts his way past, producing the passing wnnner with Couacaud at the net.
But hold on... Couacaud limps back to his chair and suddenly has his head in his hands. He calls for the trainer and it looks like he rolled his ankle...
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic 1-1 Enzo Couacaud
09:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds to love and then comes from 30-0 on the Couacaud serve to bring up a very early break point chance. But Couacaud holds his nerve to save, before closing it out with a serve and volley! That should settle some nerves.
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic vs Enzo Couacaud
08:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic emerges out onto the Rod Laver Arena to another big ovation, where he will face the French qualifier Enzo Couacaud. It’s the biggest match of Couacaud’s life and he faces one of the biggest challenges in tennis: defeat Djokovic at the Australian Open. The nine-time champion has not lost a match here since 2018 and has won 22 in a row.
The night session is running behind schedule, but this will get underway very soon.
Claire Liu and Belinda Bencic have only just started their warm-ups on the Margaret Court Arena - so Andy Murray is facing a very, very late night.
Australian Open 2023: Men’s draw blown wide open on day of shocks
08:39 , Jamie Braidwood
So get this, one of these players will be playing in an Australian Open semi-final after a remarkable of day of results in the bottom half of the men’s draw:
Alexei Popyrin
Ben Shelton
JJ Wolf
Michael Mmoh
Andy Murray or Thanasi Kokkinakis
Brandon Holt or Roberto Bautista Agut
Tommy Paul
Jenson Brooksby
Roberto Bautista Agut is the top seed at #24, but he is 6-4 4-1 down to the American qualifier Brandon Holt!
Australian Open 2023: Alexander Zverev stunned by lucky loser Michael Mmoh
08:31 , Jamie Braidwood
The shocks continue on a stunning day at the Australian Open!
The lucky loser Michael Mmoh has shocked the former world No 2 Alexander Zverev 6-7 6-4 6-3 6-2!
The American wasn’t even supposed to have made the main draw but is now into the third round, where he will play JJ Wolf.
“I had my bags packed and my flights booked back to the US,” Mmoh said in his on-court interview. “Life is crazy. When you think everything is looking dark, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Australian Open 2023: Alexei Popyrin stuns Taylor Fritz in five sets
08:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Unbelievable! Alexei Popyrin picks himself up after failing to take a match point in the fourth-set tiebreak against Taylor Fritz and closes out a 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-2 win!
It’s a stunning upset for the Australian wildcard against the eighth seed American Fritz, and it has delighted the home crowd in an electric atmosphere on John Cain Arena.
“This win means so much to me,” says an emotional Popyrin. “I had the toughest year last year. I didn’t win many matches. I’ve won as many matches this year as I won the whole of last year, and it’s only January.
“I couldn’t have done it without you guys, you were incredible.
“Pre-season I put my head down and I worked as hard as I possibly could. I don’t want that feeling that I had last year ever again. ... I love this feeling. I want more of this feeling. I want you guys to have this feeling more.”
Raw emotion from the 23-year-old Australian.
Australian Open 2023: Upcoming schedule
08:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Rod Laver Arena
Enzo Couacaud (Fra) v (4) Novak Djokovic (Ser) - expected 8:30am
Marketa Vondrousova (Cze) v (2) Ons Jabeur (Tun) - expected 10:30am
Margaret Court Arena
Claire Liu (USA) v (12) Belinda Bencic (Swi) - expected 9am
Andy Murray (Gbr) v Thanasi Kokkinakis (Aus) - expected 10:30am
John Cain Arena
Adrian Mannarino (Fra) v (22) Alex De Minaur (Aus) - expected 9am
Australian Open 2023: Caroline Garcia passes Leylah Fernandez test
08:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Caroline Garica marches on! The French number four seed won the big points at the big moments to win 7-6 7-5 in just under two hours on Rod Laver Arena. That was a proper battle, and Garcia had to save set points in the second set in order to progress against the 20-year-old. She was also down 2-5 in the first-set tiebreak.
“I felt the first set was a robbery, but I just tried to play one point at a time,” she says. Garcia is one to watch as she advances into the third round.
Australian Open 2023: Nadal set to be out for up to eight weeks
08:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Rafael Nadal is expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks with the injury he suffered at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The Spaniard’s reign as champion at Melbourne Park ended prematurely in the second round with defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal pulled up suddenly late in the second set and clutched at his left hip. He opted to finish the match after an off-court medical timeout but his movement was severely hampered.
The 36-year-old underwent a scan in Melbourne on Thursday morning that showed a grade two tear of his iliopsoas muscle.
An update from Nadal’s team said he would return to Spain for a period of rest and treatment, with the normal recovery time for the injury from six to eight weeks.
If that timeframe proves correct, Nadal could also miss the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells at the start of March but should be recovered in time for his favourite European clay-court swing.
Australian Open 2023: Ruud reacts to shock second-round defeat
08:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Casper Ruud admitted a lengthy exhibition tour with Rafael Nadal may have compromised his Australian Open chances after joining the Spaniard in making an early exit.
A day after Rafael Nadal limped to defeat against Mackenzie McDonald, second seed Ruud was beaten 6-3 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-2 by another American, Jenson Brooksby.
The result means the men’s event has lost its top two seeds before the third round for the first time at any grand slam since here in 2002.
Ruud, a finalist at the French Open and US Open last year, had limited pre-season training after joining Nadal on a tour of Latin America lasting nearly two weeks.
The Norwegian said: “It’s very easy to sit here now and say that was bad for maybe both Rafa and I due to the fact that we lost early here.
“(The preparation) was maybe not enough to be able to perform well here this year. So it will be considered by me and my team what we will do in December this year, and if this was the right way to prepare for the Australian Open or not.
“Maybe it looks like it was not the right way, but there are many factors that come into play.”
Australian Open 2023: Latest scores
07:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Taylor Fritz battles on! In a raucous atmosphere on John Cain Arena against the Australian and home favourite Alexei Popyrin, the number eight seed survives a fourth-set tiebreak to force the deciding set.
Fritz looked to be in real trouble against the wildcard Popyrin and faced match point at 6-5, but it’s now 7-6 6-7 4-6 7-6 to the American as we enter the fifth.
Australian Open 2023: Latest scores
07:43 , Jamie Braidwood
There are a few more potential upsets flying around too. Alexander Zverev is now two sets to one down against the lucky loser Michael Mmoh on the Margaret Court Arena. American Mmoh, who is ranked outside of the top 100, leads 6-7 6-4 6-3 against the talented German Zverev.
Australian Open 2023: Latest scores
07:40 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s loads going on as always in the early rounds of the Australian Open. On Rod Laver Arena, the clash between fourth seed Caroline Garcia and 20-year-old former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez is living up to expectations. Garcia edged the opening set on a tiebreak, and it’s on serve at 2-2 in the second - a real battle.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
07:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Andy Murray faces Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Australian Open second round at around 9:30am GMT this morning, as the 35-year-old looks to build on his sensational opening victory over Matteo Berrettini.
Murray rolled back the years to produce a vintage performance and shock the 13th seed Berrettini in a five-set epic on Tuesday, claiming his best win on the grand-slam stage in half a decade.
The former world No 1 now faces one of the home favourites in the 26-year-old Australian Kokkinakis. A former top-10 junior player, Kokkinakis’ promising career was disrupted by injury and he currently finds himself outside of the top 100.
But he will have the backing of the home crowd on Margaret Court Arena, following his memorable victory alongside Nick Kyrgios in the men’s doubles last year.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis on TV? Channel, time and how to watch
Australian Open 2023
07:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Former world number one Karolina Pliskova lost only seven points in the first set as the Czech 30th seed beat Yulia Putintseva 6-0 7-5 to reach the third round.
Fifth seed Andrey Rublev fought off a challenge from Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori in the third set to reach the third round with a 6-2 6-4 6-7(2) 6-3 win.
Rublev, who reached the quarter-finals in 2021, will next face Britain’s Dan Evans.
Australian Open 2023: Kudermetova and Kontaveit out
07:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Katie Volynets scored the biggest win of her career with a 6-4 2-6 6-2 upset of ninth seed Veronika Kudermetova, and became the first American qualifier to reach the women’s singles third round in Melbourne since Lindsay Davenport in 1993.
“I literally have the chills,” Volynets said. “Suddenly, you get match point and it’s like ‘wow I’ve got match point against the ninth seed’. You just start going for it and let whatever happens happen.”
Poland’s Magda Linette then battled from a set down to triumph 3-6 6-3 6-4 over 16th seed Anett Kontaveit in just under two hours on Margaret Court Arena.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
07:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Thanasi Kokkinakis previews Andy Murray clash: “It’s going to be a tough match. I’ve played him a while ago in Davis Cup. Yeah, he definitely handed it to me that day, but I’m ready now.
“I feel good. It’s going to be a tough match obviously. I watched a fair bit of his match against Berrettini, and he played great. He is looking in good shape. I practiced with him a fair bit recently. Just going to continue to play my game.
“He may have lost a little bit, but his anticipation is just as good as ever, and he can still play at the top of the best of them. I’m going to be ready for the best version of Murray, and, yeah, I’m going to go out there and play my game.”
Australian Open 2023
07:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka swatted aside Shelby Rogers 6-3 6-1 to reach the third round as the big-hitting Belarusian, who warmed up for the year’s first major with the Adelaide title, found her rhythm after an error-prone start to the match.
“She always plays fast and puts me under pressure. I expected a great level from her and that’s why I had to stay focused to win this in two sets,” Sabalenka said.
Belgian 26th seed Elise Mertens comfortably saw off Hobart winner Lauren Davis 6-4 6-3 to reach the third round, to set up a meeting with her former doubles partner Sabalenka.
Mertens and Sabalenka won the 2021 women’s title in Melbourne and the 2019 US Open crown.
Australian Open 2023: Andy Murray vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
07:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Thanasi Kokkinakis on his relationship with Andy Murray: “Andy is someone I respect a great amount. Obviously he has been at the top of the game, and he can relate a little bit with the injury side of things. I missed a fair few years, and so has he, especially recently.
“He was someone when I came onto tour that was always willing to give some advice when he thought. I practiced with him a fair bit, I played doubles with him at Indian Wells, so we have a fairly good relationship.
“We get along really well. I actually really like him off the court. I remember watching him when I was younger thinking this dude looks moody as hell, he looks miserable.
“Then when you got to know him, he is actually a ripper bloke and a good guy. Yeah, put all that aside and give it a crack tomorrow. But someone I have the utmost respect for.”
Australian Open 2023: Dan Evans keeps cool to beat Jeremy Chardy
07:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Dan Evans kept his cool through an umpiring controversy to race past Jeremy Chardy and into the third round of the Australian Open 2023.
Evans had battled for three and a half hours to get past Facundo Bagnis in extreme heat in the first round but needed less than two hours to wrap up a 6-4 6-4 6-1 victory over 35-year-old Chardy in much cooler conditions.
The veteran Frenchman was incensed by an incident in the seventh game of the first set when, facing break point, a ball fell out of his pocket during play, which would normally cause the point to be replayed.
But German umpire Miriam Bley did not notice until a split second after Chardy netted and awarded the point to Evans. Chardy argued his case at length and the supervisor was called to court but the decision remained the same.
He did not hold back afterwards, saying: “It’s a big mistake from the umpire. I was angry because she should stop straightaway, and she says she didn’t even see the ball. “I don’t know what she’s doing because she doesn’t call in or out, she just called the score, and if she doesn’t watch the point, I don’t know why she’s on the chair. So I was p****d, and I was even more p****d when she didn’t tell me she made the mistake.”
Australian Open 2023: Casper Ruud crashes out
06:56 , Jamie Braidwood
American Jenson Brooksby caused the second big shock of the Australian Open by knocking out second seed Casper Ruud to reach the third round.
A day after Rafael Nadal limped to defeat against another American, Mackenzie McDonald, Brooksby beat Norwegian Ruud 6-3 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-2 for the biggest victory of his career, recovering from missing three match points in the third set.
The result means the men’s event has lost its top two seeds before the third round for the first time at any grand slam since 2002.
Ruud would certainly have had higher hopes for the tournament having reached two grand slam finals last year, at the French Open and US Open.
But he struggled from the start with the unorthodox style of 22-year-old Brooksby, who is named after former British racing driver Jenson Button.
He had reason to curse his luck, too, after losing the second set when a shot from Brooksby hit the tape and dribbled over the net.
Ruud then took an off-court medical timeout for an unspecified ailment and was clinging on by his fingernails at 5-2 down in the third but Brooksby was unable to serve it out, blinking at the finish line in agonising fashion.
Ruud looked like he might turn the match around when he took the tie-break, with Brooksby beginning to struggle physically, but he forged ahead again and finally clinched his fifth match point.
Australian Open 2023
06:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Australian Open, as we build up to the second-round match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Before then, let’s catch up with the action from overnight. There’s been a huge shock after Jenson Brooksby upset second seed Casper Ruud 6-3 7-5 6-7(4) 6-2 to claim the biggest win of his career and reach the third round. Brooksby squandered three match points in the third set but regained his composure to send Ruud packing in just under four hours on Rod Laver Arena.
Dan Evans is also through after an ill-tempered win overJeremy Chardy.
