Australian Open LIVE: Cameron Norrie wins after Emma Raducanu and Rafael Nadal losses
Coco Gauff battled past Emma Raducanu 6-3 7-6(4) on Wednesday to reach the third round of the Australian Open, but not before the two prodigies offered fans a good glimpse of what the future of women’s tennis could look like after an absorbing first clash.
A lot is expected of French Open runner-up Gauff, who at 18 is two years younger than Raducanu but has not tasted the Grand Slam success the Briton did as a teenager, and the seventh seed saved three breakpoints to win a first set she controlled. Handed a prime-time slot on Rod Laver Arena following the retirements last year of champion Ash Barty and 23-times major winner Serena Williams, the torch-bearers of a new era pushed each other hard before Gauff edged ahead in the second set.
Having returned from an ankle injury suffered in a warm-up event in Auckland, Raducanu was troubled by an abs problem after being broken at 2-1 and Gauff pounced, before fending off a late fightback by the 2021 Flushing Meadows champion to prevail.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, who has been struggling with injury, suffered a shock second-round exit as the American Mackenzie McDonald eliminated the defending champion in straight sets, and the Spaniard said afterwards that he was feeling “mentally destroyed”.
Follow live updates and the latest scores from the Australian Open in our live blog below.
Australian Open 2023 LIVE - Latest scores and results
British men’s No 1 Cameron Norrie in action against Constant Lestienne of France
Emma Raducanu slips to straight-sets defeat to fellow young star Coco Gauff
Defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal suffers shock second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald
Nadal provides injury update after Australian Open exit
Nadal could return at Monte-Carlo Masters
World number one Iga Swiatek eases past Camila Osorio at Australian Open
Andy Murray earns reward for relentless perseverance in epic Australian Open win
Cameron Norrie beats Constant Lestienne in four sets to reach third round
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 Lestienne - Game, Set, Match!
14:27 , Jack Rathborn
Norrie's fans grow louder and louder, and the Briton roars too after a vital break.
He serves for the match.
A tidy second serve, but Lestienne finds the baseline with the return, and Norrie goes long.
Match point number two coming up.
He’s done it! The angle was superb as Norrie went across court and Lestienne couldn’t pick it up diving low.
The Briton smashes the ball into the crowd and acknowledges his fans, at nearly 1:30am local time, Norrie advances, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 3-3 Lestienne
14:15 , Jack Rathborn
Norrie wastes a break point chance, which would be massive here.
But Lestienne is outgunned here, another chance!
Stunning backhand from Lestienne, Norrie nets, deuce.
Now game point after an epic rally! Some big shots there, arching across court. Can the Frenchman draw level finally?
NO! The second serve is capitalised on and then Lestienne goes wide. Deuce.
Off the frame of the racket from Norrie and we’re finally at three games apiece, a real grind this fourth set already.
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 3-2 Lestienne*
14:11 , Jack Rathborn
That was ruthless from Norrie, a quick hold and he shifts the pressure back to the Frenchman. 3-2.
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 2-2 Lestienne
14:06 , Jack Rathborn
It’s just gone 1am local time, yet there is still a handful of fans eager to see this one through.
“Let’s go, Norrie, let’s go,” rings around the court.
Tremendous pass from Lestienne, 40-30 on serve as the Frenchman looks to even this one up.
Frustration creeping in for Norrie? Net and he spins and clasps his fist. Advantage Lestienne... Yet that’s a bomb from Norrie, a stunning forehand kisses the line. Deuce.
Ooh, and now Lestienne cracks, break point coming up.
The Frenchman dashes to the net and dispatches the ball as Norrie guesses wrong. Deuce.
Lestienne holds, impressive fight. 2-2.
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 2-1 Lestienne*
14:01 , Luke Baker
A big ace from Norrie early in the game and a deft drop-shot takes it to 30-30. There’s some chuntering coming from Lestienne’s end of the court but he’s right in this game and earns a break point when the Brit double faults.
Ooof! SAVED in style by Norrie who is in trouble on a second serve but a thumping forehand down the line, over the highest part of the net, gets it to deuce. Oh dear, another break point and Norrie roars in frustration - an unusual show of emotion from him. But again it’s SAVED with a body serve.This is becoming a vital game...
Lestienne flies just long - brave leave by Norrie as he came into the net - to bring up game point and the Frenchman again goes long to surrender the game. Phew! Norrie escapes there.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 1-1 Lestienne
13:56 , Luke Baker
Lestienne moves to 30-0 but lets it slip as the 11th seed wins two points on the spin to bring up a crucial moment at 30-30.
That’s great battling by the Frenchman - two powerful groundstrokes just when he needed them most and he carves out a hold of serve to 30. He’s on the board in this fourth set.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 1-0 Lestienne*
13:54 , Luke Baker
Norrie keeps the train rolling by taking the first game of the fourth set. He’s now won five of the last six games and has all the momentum. Lestienne desperately needs a hold here.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 Lestienne
13:43 , Luke Baker
Things looking up for Norrie, who turned that set round in style. Fist pumps and roars from the Brit as he took control of the match.
It’s 12.45am in Melbourne right now but there’s still plenty of spectators in attendance. Can Norrie wrap this up before we get to the proper wee small hours in a rather chilly Australia?
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 Lestienne - NORRIE WINS THE THIRD SET!
13:41 , Luke Baker
Disciplined defence from Norrie and he takes control of the tiebreak with an early mini-break at 3-1. Lestienne narrows the gap to a point but an ace and a lengthy rally that prompts a fist-pump makes it 5-2 to the favourite.
Another long exchange that culminates with a Lestienne forehand into the net brings up four set points it’s there! A thunderous forehand and NORRIE WINS THE THIRD SET.
He looked in trouble at 5-2 but responded brilliantly and is just a set away from the third round.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 6-6 Lestienne*
13:35 , Luke Baker
Norrie holds with the minimum of fuss and it’s to a decisive tiebreak we go. Can Norrie snatch this third set from the jaws of defeat?
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 5-6 Lestienne
13:30 , Luke Baker
That’s gutsy stuff from Lestienne. A love hold to stop the rot and now Norrie serving to stay in the set once more. Crucial game coming up.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 Lestienne*
13:28 , Luke Baker
Norrie getting plenty of support from the crowd and it seems to be spurring him on. He’s quickly to the net on a drop shot at 15-15 and finishes that point with an overhead smash before racing through the next two points to seal the game.
It’s 5-5 in the third and suddenly all the momentum is with the Brit.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 4-5 Lestienne
13:25 , Luke Baker
A long rally at 15-0 and Lestienne eventually puts the backhand wide. Norrie hasn’t won many of those longer exchanges today, so that will be a fillip for him.
A forehand down the line from Norrie makes it 30-30 and gives him a glimmer before a thunderous return earns him break point. And he’s done it! A BREAK OF SERVE for Norrie to claw his way back into the set.
We’re on serve once more, although the Brit now needs to consolidate that break back.
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 3-5 Lestienne*
13:21 , Luke Baker
Norrie forces Lestienne to at least serve it out although he’s on the brink of falling two set to one behind. Even that latest service game is a battle as the Frenchman takes it to deuce but the Brit prevails.
Can Lestienne see this out or has Norrie got a response up his sleeve?
*denotes next to serve
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 1-4 Lestienne
13:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
It has just ticked over midnight in Melbourne and this match is still going on under the lights. It’s quite a contest, too: Norrie quickly broke back in the third set but Lestienne responded with another break of his own, displaying some punishing forehand groundstrokes en route.
This time the Frenchman solidifies the break with a follow-up hold of serve, and he’s got some momentum now as they approach the business end of the third set.
Norrie and Lestienne locked in battle on court 13
13:04 , Lawrence Ostlere
Some images from this second-round match between Cameron Norrie and Constant Lestienne:
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 3-6, 0-2 Lestienne*
13:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lestienne breaks Norrie again! He’s taken early control of the third set after seeing out the second, and for the first time in the match, Norrie is now chasing.
‘Ripper bloke’ Andy Murray wins plaudits for ‘incredible’ Matteo Berrettini win
12:42 , Jack Rathborn
The respect and affection with which Andy Murray is held in the tennis world came to the fore in the wake of his epic Australian Open victory over Matteo Berrettini.
Even the Italian could not help but gush about Murray’s ability to pull off such a win at the age of 35 with a metal hip, despite his intense disappointment at fluffing a match point in the fifth set.
Emma Raducanu revealed she took time out from her own preparations, saying: “I watched four sets of it. It was incredible. We had practice yesterday, but we stopped practice and we went on 20 minutes later to watch the breaker in the last set.
‘Ripper bloke’ Andy Murray wins plaudits for ‘incredible’ Matteo Berrettini win
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 6-3, 1-2 Lestienne*
12:26 , Jack Rathborn
Well then, the Frenchman has found an opening in this second set, a break and now the battle to see if he can hold.
Norrie is fighting, a huge point to move to deuce after erasing a second game point.
A whipped forehand winner is enough to spark a cry of joy. Deuce.
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3 Lestienne
12:06 , Jack Rathborn
Some fans shouting “England” and referencing Andy Murray have been escorted out, Norrie appeared to be irritated but kept his head towards the end of the set.
Now serving and hoping to move into the lead in this second set.
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 6-3 Lestienne
11:58 , Jack Rathborn
GAME, SET NORRIE!
That’s superb tennis, Norrie collecting the drop shot, then Lestienne tries a tweener, bad idea!
Norrie with the smash and his fans making a right racket courtside. A big step.
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 4-3 Lestienne
11:46 , Jack Rathborn
Lestienne proving a tough nut to crack here, Norrie moving well though and moves to 0-15 on the Frenchman’s serve.
We have a pause in play, Lestienne complaining about the surface, so the ball girl is wiping the court.
Slipping and sliding a little on the baseline...
Back underway and Lestienne comes to the net but can’t convert, that’s a venomous forehand from Norrie. 0-30.
And now two break points, 15-40, as the Lestienne lob is long.
The 30-year-old, who is in the main draw of a slam for the first time, has a brief chat with the umpire before preparing to defend these break points.
Too goo from the Briton, whose lob is effective, and then he puts away a crafty workaround from Lestienne to back out of the smash and collect. BREAK!
Australian Open 2023 - *Norrie 2-3 Lestienne
11:35 , Jack Rathborn
A 3-2 lead for the French player, with the winner of this poised to play the winner of Eubanks vs Lehecka in the third round.
Norrie looks to put the disappointing final loss last week behind him with a tidy run to the fourth round, where Auger-Aliassime, the No 6 seed, awaits in what would be a mouthwatering contest.
Australian Open 2023 - Norrie 2-2 Lestienne*
11:29 , Jack Rathborn
It’s been a tricky start for Norrie here, with the No 11 seed in for a challenge from Lestienne.
We’re on serve through four games.
Australian Open 2023: Jason Kubler wins 70-shot rally on a net cord
11:25 , Jack Rathborn
Karen Khachanov and Jason Kubler shared a rally of 70 shots in their second round match at the Australian Open on Wednesday but the end, when it came, was something of an anti-climax.
Russian Khachanov was serving for two-set lead in the battle between the two baseliners on John Cain Arena when Australian Kubler managed to snare a break point.
The pair slapped the ball back and forth for 90 seconds before a Kubler backhand clipped the net cord and dropped onto the other side of the court, leaving Khachanov stranded behind the baseline.
The partisan crowd on the showcourt erupted in celebration and Kubler went on to win the set 7-5 to level up the contest at 1-1.
The players would have had to go on a fair bit longer to break the record for a rally in a competitive match, which the Library of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum believes to have taken place in 1984.
Jean Hepner and Vicky Nelson shared a 29-minute rally in Richmond, Virgina in which the ball passed over the net an incredible 643 times.
The rally was not even a record for the Australian Open nor John Cain Arena.
Frenchmen Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils shared a 71-shot rally on the same court in the third round in 2013. Simon won the point and the match.
Australian Open 2023
11:10 , Jack Rathborn
When the United States won the mixed-team United Cup crown it was obvious early on that Frances Tiafoe was the court jester and the glue that held them together, and the camaraderie between the players has spilt over into the Australian Open.
Tiafoe saw off Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng with a 6-4 6-4 6-1 victory to advance to the third round while his United Cup team mates Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys also moved to the third round in the women’s draw.
The American players have been talking about being “locked in” this week in Melbourne and have even drawn pictures of locks on a television broadcast camera using a marker pen following their wins.
When asked about the mantra, Tiafoe told reporters: “It’s the whole thing with the United Cup guys, just staying locked in. I made a joke about it with the guys (at) the United Cup asking them before the match, ‘Are you locked?’
“The locked thing, honestly, I’ve been kind of living by that for a little bit. I think you’ve seen the shift in myself in being just locked in everything you’re doing, staying super present, staying in the moment, staying locked in.
“It’s funny coming from me because everyone knows how I go about my business. I’m very open and just joking around. When I’m saying it, it just sounds funny. So then it became a thing where if Frances can lock, everyone has got to lock.”
Taylor Fritz’s attempt to draw a lock following his first-round victory went horribly wrong and Tiafoe did not shy away from mocking his compatriot having played pranks on him at the United Cup.
“Fritz, dumb ass drew a penis the other day trying to draw a lock sign. That’s Fritz being Fritz,” Tiafoe said.
Fritz clarified on Twitter that he was trying to draw the lock emoji, saying: “I just forgot the very important fact that I suck at drawing.”
Australian Open 2023
10:55 , Jack Rathborn
Alex De Minaur is embracing his role as home favourite without Nick Kyrgios in Melbourne.
“[I have] a lot of confidence,” De Minaur said. “I knew I had that level for a while… now I know I can do it every week.
“I just have to back myself. Every day in my life, I just want to get better. Going step by step, I’ll do everything I can. I feel better than last year so hopefully I can reach a better level.”
Rafael Nadal ‘mentally destroyed’ as Australian Open defence ends in injury
10:40 , Jack Rathborn
Rafael Nadal admitted he felt “mentally destroyed” after the defence of his Australian Open title ended in injury and defeat by AmericanMackenzie McDonald in the second round.
The top seed was already in trouble at a set and a break down to unseeded McDonald when he crouched down in obvious pain clutching his left hip after chasing out wide for a forehand.
Nadal called for the trainer after limping through the rest of the game and headed off court for treatment.
A retirement seemed on the cards, with the Spaniard’s wife Maria crying in the stands, but he opted to continue despite his movement clearly being impeded.
Rafael Nadal ‘mentally destroyed’ as Australian Open defence ends in injury
Australian Open 2023 - Coco Gauff beats Emma Raducanu 6-3, 7-6
10:08 , Jack Rathborn
That was a superb second-round match, Raducanu played her part, but Gauff shows a remarkable amount of composure for an 18-year-old.
Australian Open 2023 - Coco Gauff reacts to win over Emma Raducanu
10:05 , Jack Rathborn
Gauff: “I told myself to hang in there, Emma was playing great tennis, we both started off rocky, but the match was good quality.
“Considering the circumstances, this was a long-anticipated match since the draw, so I'm glad it was a good match.
“Kudos to Emma, I know she had a tough week in Auckland, to be able to play so well here.
“I don’t know if I’ll have doubles tomorrow, with the rain, I don’t know, if not, playing cards with my parents, or embarrassing them on TikTok.
“I did a video that got a million views, everybody was hitting on my Dad in the comments. Parents do anything for their kids, I’m glad my Dad took one for the team.
“Probably my Mum [is the best dancer of the three of us], at least that’s what the comments say. A lot asked for a solo video of her, I’m like no, this is my account, I’m the star, this is my TikTok.”
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 6-7 (4-7) Gauff - Game, set, match!
09:58 , Jack Rathborn
Gauff just the more composed here and brings up four match points.
But that’s one saved, gutsy from Raducanu.
Raducanu brings back a powerful first serve from Gauff, who then crashes into the net, 4-6.
That’s it, Gauff has done it, the drop shot was delightful, Raducanu reacted well, but it was put back over her head and the Briton’s contact saw the ball fall way short.
She was made to work, but the composure was the difference between the players, chapeau Gauff.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 6-6 (2-5) Gauff
09:52 , Jack Rathborn
The power backhand from Raducanu there, stunning!
Unlucky but maybe lacking a ruthless streak? That was dominant tennis from Raducanu, but she goes long and Gauff survives on serve, 1-2.
But Gauff has the mini-break! 2-3 and with two serves coming up for the American.
Another sublime backhand from Raducanu, but then the mistake, again, it’s out with the forehand, 2-4, which moves to 2-5 after another net.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 6-6 Gauff
09:50 , Jack Rathborn
Another gritty game this one, Gauff moves to 40-30 and screams, ‘come on!’
And a beautiful backhand from Raducanu is just about gathered, then the Briton slips up, an almighty roar from the American and then her box erupts, game and now the tie-breaker.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 6-5 Gauff*
09:46 , Jack Rathborn
A bullet sent down by Raducanu on first serve to bring up 30-0.
That would have been agony to drop that game and pass up two set points.
Amazing composure, game to love, 6-5 and now Gauff must summon strength to force a tie-breaker.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 5-5 Gauff
09:43 , Jack Rathborn
A thumping smash at the net from Gauff and a scream to go with. Advantage to the American coming up in this marathon game.
And she survives, incredible drama for over eight minutes, Raducanu netting and could that be decisive?
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 5-4 Gauff*
09:39 , Jack Rathborn
It was there for her, some aggressive play from Raducanu, but then she goes long, a reprieve for Gauff.
That’s a sensational return, out so wide, but then on it in a flash to whip the forehand cross court. Set point again.
The backhand drop shot is *just* short of the net, agony for the Briton. Deuce.
Then a forehand met on the up is ballooned long, Gauff has game point. But Raducanu’s backhand return forces Gauff to net, incredible.
Gauff at the net and puts away the point, then a second serve on game point sparks another lengthy rally which Raducanu takes control of, this time she advances and swats away the ball. Deuce once more.
The game is over eight minutes now.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 5-4 Gauff*
09:36 , Jack Rathborn
Now then, what has Gauff got in this vital moment?
A tasty first serve to start, then another, 30-0 in a flash. No sign of nerves.
Perhaps a chance at a breather for Raducanu who fought with tenacity to get back level.
All of a sudden it’s deuce, Raducanu controlling that powerful first serve and forcing the American to break first in an intense rally.
And another looping shot falls out, break point, set point Raducanu!
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 5-4 Gauff*
09:32 , Jack Rathborn
Too good! Raducanu seizes control, a booming forehand moves Gauff out of position and then a gutsy backhand taken on the rise is placed just in.
And there’s variety too, to the net and a backhand volley puts the point away. Impressive, 30-0.
That was rather comfortable, momentum has shifted and now Gauff must hold to avoid being taken into a third set,
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 3-4 Gauff*
09:25 , Jack Rathborn
Some character from Raducanu as this one looks like it’s slipping away.
Brought to the net though and Gauff will gladly pull off the lob to close to 30-15.
Raducanu with some smart play there to close to within a game and earn a vital hold.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 1-3 Gauff
09:19 , Jack Rathborn
She’s fighting, but Gauff not letting up.
A gritty service game so far, Raducanu leaning on the backhand to move Gauff around, it’s been her best shot of the match.
Then she puts the American away with a tasty forehand. 40-15.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 1-3 Gauff
09:15 , Jack Rathborn
Gauff able to build a lead on serve in this game, 30-0.
Her serve causing issues, Raducanu handing her cheap points.
It’s 3-1 and Gauff is racing to the third round.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 1-2 Gauff*
09:12 , Jack Rathborn
Trouble for Raducanu here, two break points for Gauff...
Gauff immediately into the point after a fine return, but Raducanu brings in a slice, and the American can’t get low enough when enticed into mid-court. 30-40.
Double fault, disaster strikes and Gauff is in control of this second set now, which she needs to take the match.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 3-6, 1-1 Gauff
09:05 , Jack Rathborn
A fortunate net call gives Raducanu the first point of Gauff’s service game.
A lazy backhand drop shot from Raducanu puts Gauff 30-15 up.
Then a sloppy forehand for Gauff, parity and this could be a long one, the last rally was 16 strokes.
Raducanu into the net and it’s 1-1.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6, 1-0 Gauff*
09:04 , Jack Rathborn
Raducanu appears to have composed herself nicely, putting Gauff out of position and then putting away the forehand.
An easy run to 40-0, just what she needed.
Game, 1-0 to the Briton.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-6 Gauff - Game, first set!
08:59 , Jack Rathborn
Magic from Raducanu, spraying a series of gorgeous strokes to bring up a third break point.
But Gauff immediately fights back, and now has a set point.
But now Raducanu brings up deuce, Gauff crouching down and unable to control that backhand.
Raducanu bending down for the backhand, but then loses her nerve after working a position of authority in the point, it’s long, set point two.
HUGE! A powerful serve thumped down and Raducanu can’t get that one back, SET!
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-5 Gauff*
08:54 , Jack Rathborn
Here we go then, can Gauff hold her nerve?
She serves for the first set and Raducanu is attacking her serve nicely. A wonderful forehand on the move forces the mistake from Gauff.
BREAK POINT! But Gauff is tough, she clips a backhand across court, a stunning winner in a clutch moment. Deuce.
Raducanu’s forehand falls short and catches Gauff off guard, then a powerful drive as the American comes to the net. Break point again.
But the American erases another. A yelp of ‘come on!’ too.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 3-5 Gauff*
08:51 , Jack Rathborn
A cheap point to begin her service game, Raducanu then a magical point!
Dominating Gauff from the ‘T’ and moving the American around, then she holds her nerve.
A backhand back across Gauff as she chaces back to the middle of the court after a forehand.
40-0 and this is encouraging all of a sudden from the Briton.
Simple. Gauff hits the net. Game. 3-5.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 2-5 Gauff
08:44 , Jack Rathborn
Super backhand down the line from Raducanu, 0-15, can she bounce back again?
But Gauff storms back, taking control of the court and bringing up game point.
Frustration for Raducanu there, a forehand hammered well long, she trails 5-2 now.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 2-4 Gauff*
08:40 , Jack Rathborn
Raducanu misses the smash! She chases back but it’s no good, 0-15.
This game could zig and zag, Gauff already with two more break points to seize the initiative again.
Whipped forehand from the American goes long, Raducanu eats up one break point, No 2 coming up.
BREAK! This time Gauff breaks through, a heavy forehand from the Briton goes long. 2-4.
Australian Open 2023 - *Raducanu 2-3 Gauff
08:33 , Jack Rathborn
That’s a blow for Raducanu as Gauff moves quickly and snatches the break.
But the Briton is coming to the net nicely already. Some impressive resilience after an early set-back.
Well then, Raducanu carves a 0-30 lead as the American aims to solidify her break.
But that’s too good, Gauff pummelling a forehand to bring parity to this game.
A pair of break points then for Raducanu and she makes no mistake with the second, back on serve!
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 1-1 Gauff*
08:26 , Jack Rathborn
It’s a break point for Raducanu early on...
Aggressive play from the Briton who leans into that return on second serve, but the forehand crashes into the net. Deuce.
Advantage Coco and the American is moving well in the opening stages, a flat serve and Raducanu cannot return again, 2-1 to the No 7 seed.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu 1-1 Gauff*
08:23 , Jack Rathborn
It's a fine start for Raducanu who holds and brings this match to 1-1 in the early stages.
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu vs Gauff
08:15 , Jack Rathborn
Here they come then, on Rod Laver Arena, Raducanu vs Gauff up next!
Australian Open 2023 - Raducanu vs Gauff
08:11 , Jack Rathborn
Raducanu on her match against Coco Gauff: "I'm really looking forward to this match, Coco has done a lot of great things and is playing well. She’s a great athlete with some big weapons.
“We’re part of the next generation.”
Gauff is also excited and praises Raducanu for her mental resilience.
"She's got through a lot of pressure bursting onto the scene, I think more than I experienced to win a slam,” says the American.
“She’s an aggressive player and likes to set returns. I’m excited.”
Rafael Nadal to return at Monte-Carlo Masters?
08:05 , Jack Rathborn
“Nobody knows [how much time he has got left]. Every time he is in a press conference everyone is asking him when he is going to retire and he deserves to retire whenever he wants,” Rafael Nadal’s friend Tommy Robredo tells BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
“He has a lot of chance to win in Paris, and he knows it. If he goes to Paris in good shape he has a chance. He needs to win a couple of matches to win his confidence again. I don’t know if it means [he can] win Grand Slams again.
“He will have to get his calendar very closely with the team, maybe he will start on clay starting in Monte Carlo.”
The Monte-Carlo Masters begins on 8 April, some time off and then get ready to try for a 15th French Open crown?
Australian Open 2023
08:01 , Jack Rathborn
That’s too good!
Khachanov pummelling one from the baseline and Kubler can’t cope, BREAK!
Big trouble for the Aussie, who trails 2-1 in the second.
Australian Open 2023
07:58 , Jack Rathborn
Kubler with a delightful backhand whipped across court, put away nicely.
But Khachanov showing his mettle here, and not wilting under the noise from the crowd.
Nicely mixed up from Kubler, comes to the net and swats one down the middle to bring up game point.
“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” cry the crowd!
Australian Open 2023
07:55 , Jack Rathborn
Raducanu vs Gauff coming up shortly then...
Andreescu poised to go to a third set if Busca can just hold serve here. Sloane Stephens is up against it, Potapova is serving for the first serve.
While Fucsovics is off to a quick start, leading South Africa's Harry 1-0 with one game apiece in the second.
Australian Open 2023
07:47 , Jack Rathborn
Khachanov silences the crowd, the 18th seed has a one-set lead over Kubler.
He serves out with supreme confidence, 6-4.
Australian Open 2023 - Rafael Nadal provides injury update after Australian Open exit
07:44 , Jack Rathborn
Nadal has been dealing with a hip problem for a few days, but the pain escalated during the match against McDonald.
The Spaniard also confirms he saw out the match due to his desire to not retire as defending champion.
“It’s the left hip. I don’t know what’s going on,” says Nadal.
“If it’s the muscle, if it’s a join. I have history with the hip, I’ve had treatments in the past but it was not like this. Right now it’s difficult to know, but I’ll do the tests.”
Australian Open 2023
07:42 , Jack Rathborn
Kubler showing some guts to stay in this one, but he must hold serve to avoid a one-set deficit.
Australian Open 2023
07:28 , Jack Rathborn
There’s a fiery atmosphere on John Cain Arena as Kubler looks to pull back an early deficit to Khachanov. He trails 3-1.
This is some heavy hitting! Khachanov being pushed to the limit as Kubler brings up break point in the fifth game.
Elsewhere, former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu is a set up over Cristina Bucsa, but the Spaniard is a break up in the second.
Andy Murray earns reward for relentless perseverance in epic Australian Open win
07:22 , Jack Rathborn
Andy Murray talked a big game before the Australian Open, insisting he was ready to take on a top player in the opening stages of a grand slam, and then he lived up to his word. In a staggering five-set win over Matteo Berrettini and at the age of 35, Murray produced his best performance and physical display at this level in half a decade. The astonishing drama of his battle with Berrettini may have been staged over almost five hours, but this was a victory of perseverance built over a much longer time, created away from the spotlight where for so long there had only been frustration at the parts of his game that were not clicking together.
When Murray arrived at the Australian Open, more than 2,000 days had passed since his last win over a top-20 opponent at a grand slam, in what was a 2017 French Open quarter-final victory against Kei Nishikori. There had been several admirable efforts in the years since his hip resurfacing surgery, all typified by heart and character but accompanied by grimaces and hobbles, shuffled movement between points and pained expressions. It was, at times, uncomfortable to watch, and as the results struggled to follow it was fair to wonder if it was all worth it.
For Andy Murray, the hard work pays off
Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff and the superstar clash of tennis’ future and present
07:17 , Jack Rathborn
As Emma Raducanu continues to navigate the tangly pressures of expectation and progress at the Australian Open, she will come face to face with an opponent in Coco Gauff who can relate to her experiences on a level that few can reach. Given their tennis breakthroughs have followed similar trajectories, it is an astonishing boost to the Australian Open that it gets to stage the first ever meeting between Raducanu and Gauff - two of the sport’s most prominent names, let alone teenage stars - on what is only the third day of competition on Wednesday.
They burst onto the scene at Wimbledon at the same stage but two years apart; Gauff with her run to the fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019, Raducanu to the same point aged 18 in 2021, and then more significantly as she won the US Open as a wildcard two months later. Their worlds changed overnight, and in a way that only a few players on the tour can truly understand. Raducanu and Gauff were held up as future multiple-time grand slam champions, endorsements followed, and the demands to repeat their initial success were not always met with perspective.
Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff and the superstar clash of tennis’ future and present
Australian Open 2023
07:11 , Jack Rathborn
We expect Emma Raducanu vs Coco Gauff at 08:00.
It’s been a busy morning in the Australian Open on day three, here’s what you missed:
Women’s top seed Iga Swiatek had too much for Camila Osorio, easing through 6-2 6-3.
Third seed Jessica Pegula joins her, dispatching Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2 7-6 (7-5), as does sixth seed Maria Sakkari - just.
She avoided a shock to battle past Russian teenager Diana Shnaider 3-6 7-5 6-3.
But 15th seed Petra Kvitova is out after Anhelina Kalinina pulled off a 7-5 6-4 win.
As well as Rafael Nadal’s stunning loss, as his injury woes returned, sixth seed Felix Auger Aliassime rallied from two down to edge past Alex Molcan 3-6 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.
But there were no such problems for Italian 15th seed Jannik Sinner, who cruised through thanks to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Tomas Etcheverry.
Australian Open 2023
07:02 , Jack Rathborn
We’re almost ready to go at John Cain Arena.
The 18th seed Karen Khachanov faces a tough one here.
Home favourite Jason Kubler will hope to use home advantage to take down the seed.
Australian Open 2023
06:57 , Jack Rathborn
There's an all-French clash on Court 5 as Richard Gasquet, a champion after victory over Cameron Norrie in the ASB Classic final last week, trails compatriot Ugo Humbert 1-0 after a set.
Australian Open 2023
06:54 , Jack Rathborn
So then, after the shock of Nadal’s exit, attention turns to the rest of the day’s games.
The ain has stopped at Melbourne Park meaning matches can resume on the outdoor courts.
Andy Murray is resting up nicely and must wait to find out his next opponent as home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis looks to polish off Italian veteran Fabio Fognini.
The Aussie needs just two games to advance and secure a mouthwatering second round match with Murray.
Australian Open 2023 - Rafael Nadal suffers shock second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald
06:44 , Jack Rathborn
Australian Open 2023
06:42 , Jack Rathborn
A stunner early on day three at the Australian Open then.
Rafa is gone, could this be the end of his time in Melbourne at 36?
“He’s an incredible champion,” says McDonald.
“He’s never going to give up so closing it out against a guy like that is tough.
“I’m happy I kept focusing on myself and got through.”
Australian Open 2023: Nadal 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 McDonald* - Game, set and match!
06:29 , Jack Rathborn
Here we go then, McDonald serving for the match and the biggest win of his career.
Remarkable, what nerve here, he races to 30-0!
But Rafa to the net and tips a pass cross court, courage!
And that’s it, McDonald has done it! Nadal returns to the net, the American stuns the defending men’s champion, who is OUT!
Australian Open 2023: Nadal 4-6, 4-6, 5-4 McDonald*
06:19 , Jack Rathborn
This is a bit of a grind for Rafa, McDonald digging in here and forces deuce as the Spaniard’s lazy backhand drifts long.
And now a chopped backhand volley at the net gives the 27-year-old a break point!
A booming unreturned serve gets him out of trouble. Deuce. Then a smash at the net, the crowd really into this now and hoping to inspire the champ!
The whipped cross court forehand catches McDonald off balance, GAME! That’s massive, he leads 5-4.
Australian Open 2023: *Nadal 4-6, 4-6, 4-4 McDonald
06:17 , Jack Rathborn
That is a superb service game from McDonald, who holds to love.
We’re dangerously close to the end here for Rafa.
There’s a grimace, but he takes the balls and will hope to nudge ahead once more.
Australian Open 2023 - Day 3
06:13 , Jack Rathborn
Good morning and welcome to coverage from Day 3.
We’ll build up to Emma Raducanu vs Coco Gauff later on, but first we must concentrate on Rafael Nadal.
The defending men’s champion is struggling with injury once more and is in real trouble of a second-round exit in Melbourne.
Mackenzie McDonald has a two-set lead, can Rafa rally once more?
