BBC Sporttennis

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

By Sam Lyon

1541: Right, I'd say that's just about it for today wouldn't you? If you thought today was epic, we have another gargantuan line-up for you on day eight, starting with Britain's Junior Wimbledon champ Laura Robson's match against American Christina McHale from 2300 tonight. We've also got Andy Murray's fourth round match against Fernando Verdasco live on BBC2 from 0400 GMT, Five Live sports extra and on this website (UK users only), as well as matches involving Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon, Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Serena Williams end Elena Dementieva. Like I said - gargantuan. You've all been utter, utter legends. Until next time...

1537: A clearly delighted - and exhausted - Djokovic says: "It's never easy to play late at night and against such a top player, but I'm very happy to come through. The crowd was amazing, though I think he got more support than I did! Up next is Andy, who is a fantastic server, possibly the best that ever played the game, so it will be tough, for sure."

"Great tennis from both players at times. Novak did not look his best and if Marcos had had some more game time since his return, he could have made it even harder and could have even won it. But Marcos is back for sure. And Roddick must be liking his chances in the next round."
super_PAO on 606
Join the debate

1531: Lest we forget, Andy Roddick is up next for Djokovic, who has had to get dressed again for his post-match interviews having thrown everything but his smalls into the crowd. A quick glance suggests the girl who ended up with his shirt is caught between elation and disgust at the fact it is sopping with sweat. She settles on the former and shoves it in her face. Brave.

FOURTH SET

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 Djokovic
It's over! Holy shmoly - it's 0227 in Melbourne and Djokovic wraps up a win so hard-fought it not only graduated from the school of hard knocks, but also went 12 rounds with Tyson, Marciano and Ali. Baghdatis fought until the bitter, bitter end, but Djokovic found the quality when he needed it most, seeing out the crucial match point when Baggy sent a return off a Novak drop shot wide. The Serb celebrates as if he's found the winning lottery ticket stuffed down the back of the sofa, while Baghdatis leaves the arena with his held, rightly, held high.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 2-5 Djokovic
I'm sorry, but that's genius from Djokovic who, just like the world's greatest postman, always delivers when he needs to. The Serb brings up double break point with a couple of staggering passing shots and, even though they are both saved by some typically pugnacious Baghdatis tennis, he pauses and then fires down a sensational forehand followed by an arguably even better backhand to secure the double break and, surely, put himself within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 2-4 Djokovic
What resolve from Djokovic, who looks like the hour has got to him as he goes down 15-40, but then responds with tremendous resolve on his way to what might turn out to be a crucial hold. How might Baggy respond to that? This really is no holds barred tennis...

"How can anyone dislike Baghdatis? Swinging his head at change over to his fans' chants, legend!"
Manaccia on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 2-3 Djokovic
What heart from Baghdatis as the Cypriot smashes down four splendid serves to hold with ease. The crowd may be sparse, the ball boys half asleep and the reasoning behind the scheduling non-existent, but Baghdatis, Djokovic and their irrepressible fans continue to plug away shot after shot, game after game...

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 1-3 Djokovic
Djoko, like a hungry lion stalking a pack of wildebeest, inches ever closer to victory as he battles back from 0-30 down through sheer resilience to hold and ensure the pressure shifts firmly back onto the rather broad shoulders of Marcos Baghdatis.

"On the last couple of days evidence, you have to think the winner of Nadal v Murray is going to take this down..."
MassiveG on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 1-2 Djokovic

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 0-2 Djokovic
Impressive work from Djoko as he battles back from 0-30 down to consolidate the hold, courtesy yet again of his fine work on the forehand side. If Baggy could keep the ball down his right side of the court from now until the end he'd be all the better for it, I'd wager.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) 0-1 Djokovic
Kaboom! Djokovic apparently hasn't taken too kindly to being forced into a fourth set - has he got better things to do in his hotel room? - as he pulls off a couple of stunning forehand winners on his way to a break to 15. Why on earth is a match of this quality and magnitude taking place at nearly 2am local time on a Sunday night?

THIRD SET

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (7-5) Djokovic
Would you Adam it! Swing from the hip stuff from Baghdatis, who plays almost the perfect breaker, finding a couple of forehand winners that wouldn't look out of place in Rafael Nadal's A-game on his way to 6-3 up and then forcing Djokovic into the net to seal it 7-5 - we're into a fourth set. Cue football-style celebrations in the crowd from Baggy's fans, who have been a constant source of support - and hilarity - all match. Baghdatis surely can't thrill his way to another titanic five-set win in Melbourne... can he?

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 6-6 Djokovic
Djoko and Baggy go toe-to-toe from the baseline and share the spoils up to deuce, but the latter comes up with a couple of special passing shots thereafter to take the set to a tie break again.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 5-6 Djokovic
A rare falter on the forehand side from Djokovic allows Baghdatis back into the game at 30-30 and the Serb nets another forehand to gift the Cypriot break point out of nothing. An unreturnable second serve saves him, though, and a forehand winner and Baggy error later and Djokovic is back to within a game of the match.

"You've really put me in the mood for some souvlaki Sam, don't suppose you know any good Greek places in Glasgow?"
Anon via text on 81111

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 5-5 Djokovic
Ace o'clock from Baghdatis as he survives a mid-game blip to see it out to 30 and ensure his caterers are forced to keep his post-match moussaka and souvlaki under a light bulb for a few more minutes at least.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 4-5 Djokovic
No signs of Djokovic getting frustrated on his own serve, mind, as he pulls himself to within a game of the match with a dominant hold.

"The more I see of this, the better I think it is doing Djokovic. The way it started it looked like it would be no work-out at all for the Serb, but Baghdatis is now challenging Djokovic so well that the world number three can only be benefiting from this."
Sam Smith on Five Live sports extra

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 4-4 Djokovic
One thing that really has impressed today, though - apart from my colleagues' willingness to ply me with tea, bless 'em - is Djokovic's forehand and one such screaming winner helps him to two break points. He goes long on the first, though, and Baggy defends the second with a knockout punch of a forehand winner. A dreamy drop-shot clips the net to bring Djoko further hope, but Baggy digs deep to see out the hold. On we go...

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 3-4 Djokovic
Impressive from Djoko, less so from Baghdatis, and the Serb holds easily to 15. As Que Sera Sera reminds us on 606, these two are playing for the right to face Andy Roddick in the last eight next up - and I don't think the American will quite be quaking in his boots based on the performance of these two today.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 3-3 Djokovic
This time it's Djokovic who gets a sniff at 30-30, but Baghdatis pulls him around the court well to force the Serb to punch into the net and Novak then pushes one long to hand the game to Baggy. Bit of frustration for the world number three, who is clearly keen to wrap this up so he can get back to his hotel room without his new trainers getting too scuffed up.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 2-3 Djokovic
I like that - Djokovic applauds a brilliant forehand winner from Baghdatis as the world number 97 moves to 30-30 against the Serb's serve, but Novak - or Novi as he probably isn't known to his friends - recovers with a forehand winner of his own before Baggy nets a return to hand his opponent the game.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 2-2 Djokovic
Anything Djokovic can do, Baghdatis can do, erm, too. A hold to love for the flying olive.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 1-2 Djokovic
...or maybe he will. Ooh, I'm changing my mind more often than a high school sweetheart mulling over her date for the end-of-year prom... Djokovic holds to love with the minimum of fuss, the Serbian's serve clicking firmly into fourth gear, and this isn't so much an uphill struggle for Baghdatis but a loop-the-loop circus act task for the Cypriot-come-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 1-1 Djokovic
Or maybe I've spoken too soon, writing Baggy off... the Cypriot holds to 15 thanks to a couple of pinging forehand winners and maybe, just maybe, this won't be a procession for Djokovic after all.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) 0-1 Djokovic
Baghdatis looks a little bit like a kid who has had his sweeties taken from him by a stern-faced parent as he goes down to love with Djokovic barely breaking sweat in holding serve.

1344: Let's take the opportunity of this short break to have a look at what Jelena Dokic said after her epic win over Kleybanova earlier... "I was really exhausted physically but I kept on fighting and the crowd was amazing in that third set. It was hard to stay positive after I lost the second and was a break down in the third but I kept on fighting and it paid off. This is unbelievable to be in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam - I was going to have the week off but I guess those plans are scratched now!"

SECOND SET

"Does anyone else think that Baghdatis looks a bit like a Ninja Turtle, with the green and yellow and the bandana? (Other animal-based cartoon superheroes are available!)"
Cogen on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 6-7 (1-7) Djokovic
Djoko gets the mini break first up and then is the very picture of concentration and determination as he pounds away at Baghdatis from the back of the court to storm into a 5-0 lead. A delightful drop shot from behind the baseline brings up six set points and when Baggy nets at 6-1 Djokovic seals the breaker and firmly assumes the driving seat position.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-6 Djokovic
Can we blame the time for the errors in this pair's games at the moment? I mean, it's approaching 1am in Melbourne and, unless you're John McEnroe in your prime, you're generally tucked up in bed by this time if you're a professional tennis player right? Either way, both are doffing their cap to the god of unforced errors here - they have 57 between them already - but Djokovic holds to 30 to set up a second set tie-break.

Baghdatis 1-6 6-5 Djokovic
I have to agree with caxi19, below, Djoko's tactics seem a little strange today, the Serb throwing in sliced returns and drop shots when top-spinning returns seem to have been the shot that has had Baggy in most trouble all day. One such backhand slice hits the net again and Baghdatis gets away with a hold thanks to his opponent's errors.

Baghdatis 1-6 5-5 Djokovic
Bish bash bosh, Djokovic holds to love courtesy of some brutal serving.

"I will never understand Djokovic's mentality. He seems to thrive in throwing points away and making mini-comebacks. This is a strange game of tennis."
caxi19 on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 5-4 Djokovic
Baghdatis - who has been feeling his right shoulder on occasion today - does himself few favours with a couple of wild returns to hand Djoko the initiative at 0-30, but two booming serves draw him level and he then comes out on top of an outstanding rally when he looked to be behind the eight ball at almost every turn previously. A gargantuan forehand seals him the game - the best of the match so far, that.

Baghdatis 1-6 4-4 Djokovic
Every now and then Baghdatis reminds us all why he came so close to winning this Championship in 2006, but it's a little too infrequently for his own liking at present as Djoko consolidates the break-back to 15 when Baggy goes long with his return at game point again.

"Baghdatis has caved. That's your lot. Straight sets Djokovic. I'm going to kill zombies."
Levethian on 606
Join the debate(Is that a computer game or is your town overrun by the undead?)

Baghdatis 1-6 4-3 Djokovic
A recovery Lazarus himself might have been proud of as Djokovic, fending off a series of forehand bullets from Baghdatis, wins a couple of points he has no right to, somehow keeping the ball in court before forcing the errors to bring up two break-back points. He is pegged back to deuce after failing to return a Baggy second serve and then wastes another break point when Baghdatis slams an overhead volley into the open court at the net. However, it's fourth time lucky for Djoko as Baghdatis pushes a backhand wide and we're back on serve.

Baghdatis 1-6 4-2 Djokovic
Baghdatis's movement is looking really impressive in this game, always forcing Djokovic to make one more shot than he expected. Still, the Serb aided by a couple of backhand winners and a net volley, holds and keeps himself in the set... just.

Baghdatis 1-6 4-1 Djokovic
Far more comfortable on the Baghdatis serve, the Cypriot bashing down three straight aces to hold to 15.

Baghdatis 1-6 3-1 Djokovic
A few unforced errors creeping into Djokovic's game and he is forced to pull off a brilliant point to seal the hold to deuce, pushing Baggy from corner to corner before getting himself on the board in this set with a backhand volley.

"What I don't understand is why Djokovic is employing the slice return so much - it's hardly in the class of Andy Murray and Baghdatis is pouncing on it time and again."
Sam Smith on Five Live sports extra

Baghdatis 1-6 3-0 Djokovic
Some of this pair's passing is from the very top drawer, here, and I don't mean it's pants and socks. Baghdatis holds to 30 with a series of bludgeonous forehands and even though Djoko is hardly disgracing himself at the moment, he is struggling to cope with his opponent's power and accuracy.

"I'm getting Baggy v Nalbandian flashbacks from the 2006 semi. Marcos was absolute rubbish at the start then and turned it around. Baggy to win it in five."
ZorbaTheKopite on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 2-0 Djokovic
This is more like it... Baghdatis pushes and pulls Djoko all round the court with some excellent groundstrokes before sealing a terrific point with a sliced drop volley to move into position at 30-30. Novak pulls out a timely ace to bring up game point, but a volleyed forehand winner from the back of the court pulls Baggy back to deuce and, following a Djoko double fault, the Serb goes long with a forehand and Baghdatis seals the break.

Baghdatis 1-6 1-0 Djokovic
Brilliant defence from Djoko forces yet more Baghdatis errors, before a whipped forehand return brings him two more break points. Credit to Marcos, though, as he saves the first with an ace and the second with an unreturnable serve. And the Cypriot keeps himself in the set a point later, too, with a fine crosscourt forehand winner before going on to hold. Exactly what he needed. Oh, and I'd just like to add I am absolutely out of the loop when it comes to Djoko's romantic movements, so my comment on Sharapova below was merely referring to their rumoured close friendship. Nothing sordid. Honest.

FIRST SET

"In less than six games, Baggy hit the same amount of unforced errors as Murray did in 27 games yesterday. Oh and he did not hit a winner."
IncredibleAldo on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 1-6 Djokovic
Baghdatis finally looks to have woken out of his slumber and one excellent return forces a wild forehand from Djoko that brings up break point. A textbook serve out wide and crosscourt winner saves it for the Serb, though, and he goes on to hold to deuce. By the way, a lot of discussion on Five Live sports extra about Djoko's trainers - they are bright silver, with green flashes on and scream arrogance. I think they're brilliant. Except he's combined them with long black socks, turning the look from 'world class tennis player' to 'old-aged Brit abroad' in one fell swoop. What would Maria Sharapova say about that?!

Baghdatis 1-5 Djokovic
Baghdatis gets his first serve in for the first time in the match, but nets a regulation overhead to go 0-15 down. However, he bounces back with some neat work on his forehand to hold and Marcos in on the scoreboard.

Baghdatis 0-5 Djokovic
A glimmer for Baghdatis as he presses the error to go 30-0 against serve, but Djokovic wheels out the big first serve and throws a forehand winner in the mix for flavour and he holds to 30 to storm into a 5-0 lead.

Baghdatis 0-4 Djokovic
Oh dear, only one player has realised Dokic's match is no longer ongoing in the Rod Laver Arena, and it isn't everyone's favourite olive. Baghdatis comes out the wrong side of a couple of half-decent rallies and pushes another couple of returns long to hand Djokovic an easy peasy break. What wally suggested this might be a classic?

"Baghdatis may look like an olive, but he has started like a lemon. Nice start though from Djoko, he looks pretty sharp."
MrBroxiBear on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 0-3 Djokovic
If Djoko serves like this for the rest of the match, Baghdatis will find things tougher than one of my mum's overdone steaks. The Serb holds to 15 with Marcos unable to get a few returns in the court.

Baghdatis 0-2 Djokovic
Not the start Baghdatis wanted at all as Djokovic pounces on a couple of poor first serves to force errors, and the Cypriot then double faults to gift the world number three the break to love.

"This match largely depends on Djokovic... because Baghdatis shouldn't be a match, no matter how in form."
pottiella on 606
Join the debate

Baghdatis 0-1 Djokovic
A steady, if unspectacular, start from Djoko as he holds to 30 with Baghdatis unable to click his returns into gear just yet.

1210: We're about to get under way, Djokovic to serve and Baghdatis - who appears to have come dressed as an olive - ready to receive, a Mickey Mouse plaster carefully applied to his right thumb. All together now, ahhh...

1208: This bodes well - Baghdatis is having treatment on a blister courtside before the match has even got under way. Mind games or serious problem? I have no more idea than you good people which, I realise, it's a bit useless given I'm supposed to be keeping you all informed. Erm, sorry about that.

1203: Right then, it's gone 2300 local time and Baghdatis and Djokovic step out onto court with many tipping this match to go the distance. Let's hope they've both had their afternoon naps. There are 94 places separating them in terms of rankings and Djokovic has won both the previous matches between the pair, but Baghdatis - finalist here in 2006 - might prove a tricky opponent for the reigning champion nonetheless. Where's ya money folks?
Join the debate

1156: Over three hours that match lasted. Blimey. And now we're got to do it all again when Baghdatis and Djokovic step onto the court. I may need a caffeine injection.

1152: Unbelievable! Against all the odds, Dokic does it. Incredibly, the Australian saves some of her best groundstrokes til the last and she seals a break to love with a stunning backhand pass down the line to secure a staggering win and send the RLA into absolute raptures. It wasn't always the highest quality tennis, but golly was it tense. Dokic breaks down at the end, the emotions pouring out of her frail little body, and a million Australian hearts melt.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 8-6 Kleybanova

1145: Dokic can only be running on adrenalin now as she brutalises groundstrokes on her way to a hold to love. At the end of the game, she calls for the trainer, who gets to work on the home favourite's left ankle...
Dokic 7-5 5-7 7-6 Kleybanova

"Ouch! If that happened to a footballer they'd have 6 months off!!"
MarcusInKensington on 606
Join the debate

1143: Geeze Louise, as if this match wasn't more tense than a row of wigwams already, Dokic rolls over on her ankle attempting to return a Kleyba backhand and the Russian goes on to level to 15. JD looks a touch uncomfortable and examines her left ankle at the end of the game, but she will carry on without medical attention...
Dokic 7-5 5-7 6-6 Kleybanova

1137: What nerve from Dokic as she holds to 15, aided by her first ace of the set, and the match rumbles on. This pair have now won 116 points apiece in this match, believe it or not - it's that close.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 6-5 Kleybanova

1135: Baghdatis and Djokovic get to their feet in the changing room in anticipation... and then sit down like a kid being told off in nursery school as Kleybanova holds to 30 to level up the deciding set again.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 5-5 Kleybanova

1130: Another double fault from Dokic - her 11th of the match - can't halt her progress as, again, she punches a couple of stunning forehand winners to hold and she's just a game away from the quarter-finals now...
Dokic 7-5 5-7 5-4 Kleybanova

"Are they going to make a movie of this match - Break Back Mountain?"
Fungus the Bogeyman on 606
Join the debate

1124: It's so unpredictable it's, erm, predictable. Dokic breaks back to 15 when Kleyba punches a forehand return long and the Australian responds by pumping up the crowd with the kind of wild-eyed intensity employed normally only by crazed astronauts who have spent far too long on their own in a space shuttle orbiting Jupiter. She then consolidates the break with some sensational groundstrokes and repeats the crowd-pump trick to spur crazed celebrations in the Rod Laver Arena. I'll be honest, Dokic scares me a little bit.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 4-3 Kleybanova

1114: Oh, please, behave girls. Nothing is coming easily for either of these players as both mix bizarre errors with unbelievable strokeplay and Baghdatis and Djokovic continue to twiddle thumbs in the changing room. Dokic has three break-back points, but Kleyba manages to save them all, despite slamming a regulation overhead into a baseline judge's head on the full earlier in the game, and the only blemish for the Russian is a coaching warning from the umpire. Which, as you can imagine, only endears the 29th seed to the RLA crowd even further.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 1-3 Kleybanova

1102: Dokic is broken! Hats off to Kleybanova - public enemy number one in this Rod Laver Arena - but she is really showing grit, determination and bravery - and no less skill - as she matches her Australian opponent stroke for stroke on her way to a break to deuce following some hitting heavier than a really heavy thing that's heavy.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 1-2 Kleybanova

1055: Missed opportunity for Dokic as she kerplunks her way to break point with a brilliant backhand, but Kleyba digs deep and sees out the hold to keep things tighter than a sailor's splice knot.
Dokic 7-5 5-7 1-1 Kleybanova

1049: As Dokic holds in the opening game of the third set in the RLA, more now on Federer-Murray-gate...

"Murray at the end, if it goes well for him, should have a quiet word with Djokovic and Federer and say their comments inspired him..."
DeanOr10 on 606
Join the debate

"Roger's ego is writing cheques his tennis can't cash! Andy has Roger's ticket as of late and Fedex can't handle it."
Graham in Stirling via text on 81111

"I think Federer chiding at Murray is just an example of the insecurity in his own game."
oligold11 on 606
Join the debate

"Ahhhh! Kleybanova's taken the second set! Can't believe this!!! I'm so nervous right now!"
sisterofnight12 on 606
Join the debate

1042: We're level in the Rod Laver Arena! Dokic, for once, looks a little forlorn as Kleybanova aces on set point to seal the hold to 15 and we're going to a deciding set. Djokovic and Baghdatis must continue to wait in the changing room and it's 2144 local time...
Dokic 7-5 5-7 Kleybanova

1039: Anti-climax-tastic! Kleybanova produces a couple of stunning crosscourt forehand winners - not that you'd know from the reaction of the crowd, who are belligerently refusing to acknowledge anything even half decent the Russian does - and then Dokic throws in a double fault to gift-wrap the initiative in this set and place it into Kleyba's grateful hands.
Dokic 7-5 5-6 Kleybanova

1035: Swings-and-roundabouts-tastic! Kleyba storms to 40-15 with two points to seal the set, but the Russians nerves do a runner and Dokic brutalises her way to break point. She nets a return, prompting groans of dismay from the Rod Laver Arena, though, and does the same on her second break point to prompt screams of anguish. But the Australian then fends off set point, blazes a forehand down the line to bring up a third break point, which Kleyba nets and the roof of the RLA is very nearly lifted completely off.
Dokic 7-5 5-5 Kleybanova

1024: Oh dear... that's hushed the RLA a touch as Kleyba breaks right back, the unforced errors returning to haunt Dokic like a disgruntled ghost returning to the scene of his/her passing in an old disused warehouse. Scooby Doo style, if you will. Ahem.
Dokic 7-5 4-5 Kleybanova

1020: A stunning Dokic forehand from wide of the court into the corner precedes a wide forehand from Kleybanova and JD goes 30-0 up against serve as she attempts to get back into the set. Another wide Kleyba forehand puts Dokic 40-15 up... but the Aussie slams into the net on the second break point to give up the chance. A long backhand brings Dokic another glimpse, though, and another unforced error from Kleybanova gifts the home favourite the break-back. The Rod Laver Arena explodes into life.
Dokic 7-5 4-4 Kleybanova

"Sam - you really need to go back to Clayhall Park now if only for the kiddies rides they have there - it's like the Krypton Factor for toddlers!"
npbubsface on 606
Join the debate

1008: Much better from Dokic, that, after a start to this set typified by unforced errors and erratic groundstrokes, she's back to her brutal best as she powers past Kleybanova to stay within touching distance in this second set. She's still a break down, but there are a few more twists and turns to come yet I'd say...
Dokic 7-5 2-3 Kleybanova

"It makes me wonder if Federer is playing with Andy on his mind!! I think he really wants a final with Andy... and is almost preparing himself mentally for it. Isn't it delicious?!"
pottiella on 606
Join the debate

1006: And while we're on post-match quotes, let's have a look at what Roger Federer said about our very own Andy Murray after his five-set win over Tomas Berdych... (courtesy to pottiella for pointing these out on 606)... "It's good to have five-setters to see where you're at. I don't know how fit Murray is. I'll take him on any day in a five-setter. He's younger so he's probably not so experienced, you know. In the end it becomes very mental... That's why I'm always going to favour myself in a fifth set." That there be fighting talk!

0957: Oh, and replying to Serena Williams's claim that she beat him when they were youngsters in Florida, Andy Roddick added: "When we were 10 I had to literally run around in the shower to get wet - I was this big," he said, holding up his little finger. "She was bench-pressing dump trucks already at that time." Only a friend could get away with saying something like that couldn't they? Over in the Rod Laver Arena, Dokic gets on the board in the second set.
Dokic 7-5 1-2 Kleybanova

0954: As Kleybanova consolidates her break with Dokic still a little erratic, there's time for us to hear from RKW's man Andy Roddick, who beat Spain's Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-1 6-3 and will meet either Novak Djokovic or Marcos Baghdatis in the next round. "I didn't start off great but the second and third sets were a lot better - which, I guess, is the direction you want to go in. As for who's next for me it's pretty similar. I think Novak is probably a little bit steadier where Marcos is a little bit more of a shot maker, maybe takes some more risks. But they're both great players and both obviously extremely comfortable at this tournament. Either way, I'll be up against it."

"What is it with the awful yellows and greens being worn by the players this year? Sam, your fashion knowledge is required."
jeranberan on 606
Join the debate(Don't listen to me mate, the last time I played tennis - Clayhall Park, naturally - I was wearing skinny jeans, a t-shirt and scarf. I looked like a right muppet.)

0950: Oops - Jelena Dokic struggles to maintain the intensity and a number of unforced errors gift Kleybanova the break early in the second.
Dokic 7-5 0-1 Kleybanova

0947: And that's the first set for Dokic! JD is finding such tremendous depth on her groundstrokes that Kleybanova can't help but go long or wide on her returns and, after saving one break point, the Russian again misses the court with a forehand and the Australian home favourite celebrates the set with a fist pump that would put Tim Henman to shame.
Dokic 7-5 Kleybanova

0941: All right, hands up, I can't pull off singing Katy Perry in a text commentary can I? Very worrying...

0940: As Katy Perry would say... "You're Hot and You're Cold"... Dokic mixes up three double faults with an ace, a forehand winner and an overhead that puts her within a game of the opening set.
Dokic 6-5 Kleybanova

0934: ... and break Dokic does, prompting a double-fist pump/hip-thrust celebration reminiscent of your dad 'getting down' to AC/DC at a wedding. Kleybanova goes wide and then long with a forehand to help Dokic level, but it's no less than the Aussie deserves after some terrific defensive work on her backhand side.
Dokic 5-5 Kleybanova

0929: Intriguing match, this, as Kleybanova holds comfortably courtesy of a couple of whipped forehand winners and then pulls back from 30-40 down on the Dokic serve to earn a break point when the Aussie slams a return into the net. It's all the opening the Russian needs as Dokic goes wide with a backhand and moments after looking imperious, Dokic must now break to stay in the set.
Dokic 4-5 Kleybanova

"What are the bookies offering on Carla Suarez-Navarro to win the women's title? I don't think it's too crazy to suggest that she has a genuine shot at winning it. I'm really impressed by her."
waldovski on 606
Join the debate

0920: Dokic has really come to life now, pounding groundstroke after groundstroke into the corners and Kleybanova can only fend off the bullets until the odd one cuts through... a hold to love for the home favourite.
Dokic 4-3 Kleybanova

"Whatever Federer says, that wasn't a performance of a potential Aussie '09 champ. I sense Murray would have had a smile on his face even though the Swiss went through."
MrBroxiBear on 606

0917: Good work from 'Champagne' Kleybanova (geddit?) as she is pegged to break point down through some cracking Dokic groundstrokes, but saves it with a forehand-backhand combination that her Aussie opponent can't keep up with. However, two deuces later, the Russian sends a couple of returns long with both girls looking to hit deep into the court and we're back on serve.
Dokic 3-3 Kleybanova

"Sam - careful, you might peak too early with the ultra-dry humour! Loving it, but I do fear for you given you've got a women's match to commentate on right now!"
pottiella on 606
(Haha, fear not my good friend, I'm getting the humour in early before the tennis kicks back into hyperdrive... erm, which is 'round about now as it happens... )

0909: And while the players are having a drink in the changeover, I have to ask - for it has always bugged me - who is this 'Larry' that we're so keen to compare our happiness to (see below)? Was he really so famously happy? And what made him so happy? Maybe I should ask those 118 dudes...

0907: Ah, first chink in the armour from Dokic as the Australian is broken in game five of the first set when she sends a couple of ambitious passing shots wide. Solid but unspectacular so far from Kleybanova, though, so plenty of time left... Dokic 2-3 Kleybanova

"Federer was let off the hook massively by Berdych. I really can't see him getting past Del Potro in the next round."
MarcusInKensington on 606
Join the debate

"GET IN THERE! Andy Roddick is into the last eight. That's made my day (so far). Now all I need is Liverpool to beat Everton this afternoon and I'm as happy as Larry."
RKW - Unofficial 606 sport feed� on 606

0900: Hark the sound of trumpets... the thump of the drums... the clap of thunder and lightning and the crash of the crowd's applause... 606 is open. Praise be. Oh, and don't forget you can also have your say on via text on 81111 as well. Modern technology huh?
Join the debate

0855: A hold apiece in the first two games between Dokic and Kleybanova, but there's enough there to suggest this match will be very much up for grabs for whichever player can get going first.
Dokic 1-1 Kleybanova

0848: Kleybanova wins the toss, chooses to receive first, and the players complete their warm-ups... And just to remind you, the doors of 606 will be opening in approximately 12 minutes, granting you the perfect opportunity to have your say on all things Australian Open, that Federer epic, our remaining matches of the day and koala bear butties. Jubbly.

0842: Dokic and Kleybanova are introduced to what, at the moment, is a sparse Rod Laver Arena, but I'm sure that will fill up once the patrons recover from that Fed epic. And when I say recover, I mean chuck as many kangaroo sandwiches, koala bear butties and eucalyptus leave beers down their throat as they can lay their hands on. I made those dishes up, by the way, they don't exist. I think.

0837: So what have I got in store for you on this utterly miserable (if you're in London) Sunday morning? I've only got home favourite and comeback kid Jelena Dokic against Alisa Kleybanova, the 29th seed from Russia, first up, haven't I. And, as if that weren't enough, after that I'll be talking you through a potential classic between 2006 finalist Marcos Baghdatis and third seed Novak Djokovic. Piers Newbery eat your heart out...

0830: Do you ever get that feeling you're crashing someone else's party? I've stepped in the office with Piers waxing lyrical about The Fedster's remarkable turnaround win against Tomas Berdych and, I have to be honest, I didn't see a stroke of it. Still if, like me, this is the start rather than the end of your day, worry not for this is not going to be a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show, I tell you. Not least because the Lord Mayor's Show was on 8 November 2008 and the next one is not due until 14 November this year. Anyway...

By Piers Newbery

0825: I feel breakfast beckoning but will return at 2300 GMT sharp tonight to keep you up to speed with all things Laura Robson. In the meantime I plan to eat and sleep and then eat again. Sam Lyon will take you through Sunday's remaining matches - you lucky people.

0819: "I enjoy those kind of fights because it doesn't happen very often, I've had maybe five or six in my life," says Roger Federer after his five-set win over Tomas Berdych. "It's always special to come back from 2-0. It's nice for me and I hope it's a good omen."

- Wimbledon junior champ Robson is up first on Court 19 at the ungodly hour of 2300 GMT tonight (Sunday) against American Christina McHale. We will bring you text updates here, with Andy Murray to follow on the Red Button, BBC TV, this website and 5 Live sports extra at some time in the early hours of Monday, UK time.

0805: For anyone just waking up, you've missed Marion Bartoli knocking out world number one Jelena Jankovic, Dinara Safina saving two match points before beating Alize Cornet, and solid wins for Andy Roddick, Juan Martin del Potro and Vera Zvonareva. Still to come from 0830 GMT - Jelena Dokic against Alisa Kleybanova followed by Novak Djokovic v Marcos Baghdatis on the Red Button, this website and 5 Live sports extra.

0801: "All hail the King."
From Idris, Nigeria, via text on 81111

FIFTH SET:

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-46-2 Berdych
Another almighty "C'mon!" from Federer as he gets to two match points at 40-15, but the Swiss ratchets up the nerves with a couple of misses and then a double fault. Berdych has a break point but nets a forehand and Federer responds with two aces to seal the win. Epic stuff.

0750: "Fed express is now racing.. Next stop Del Petro! The express will not be halting there for long!"
From Siva, Essex, via text on 81111

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-45-2 Berdych
Berdych gets to 40-0 but Federer still comes up with a deadly lob before the Czech seals the game.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-45-1 Berdych
Somebody has the temerity to make a joke in the crowd while Federer is serving - he does not look amused. It's been a couple of games since Berdych went for a challenge and this time he gets one right. Federer takes the game with a superb serve-volley anyway.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-44-1 Berdych
Fair play to Berdych, he pumps his fist on his way to a solid hold when a bagel looked on the cards and he isn't throwing in the towel.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-44-0 Berdych
"Come on!!!!" shouts Federer like one of the stars of the Lakeside after nailing a nine-darter. He holds comfortably but still looks really pumped up - he's had a big scare here.

0741: "I think berdych has lost self belief since losing 4th set. Federers reputation alone will take him to quarters."
From anon via text on 81111

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-43-0 Berdych
Well, I for one never doubted him. Federer hits one backhand winner from way outside the tram lines and gives us a little skip of delight, while Berdych is struggling with his thigh problem. Break point Federer - and Berdych goes long with a forehand at the end of a thrilling rally. Rog is pretty happy about that.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-42-0 Berdych
What was all the fuss about, eh? Federer is serving beautifully now and holds with ease.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-41-0 Berdych
He loves a bit of Hawkeye, old Tomas. Another woeful challenge leaves him stranded at 0-30 but Federer catches the net cord with an approach. Berdych then whacks a forehand over the baseline for 15-40, and Federer takes his second break point with a magical cross-court forehand pass. That could be that.

Andy Roddick beats Tomy Robredo 7-5 6-1 6-3.

0725: Federer is off for a 'comfort break' while Berdych remains on court, barking orders at the ballboys as he unwraps a new racquet for the fifth set. The Czech then lines up at the wrong end of the court and looks suitably embarrassed as he has to change sides.

FOURTH SET:

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 6-4Berdych
More blistering Berdych forehands have Federer on the defensive and he's in big trouble at 15-40, but the second seed has been able to rely on his serve for the last two sets and he does so again. Berdych finally misses with a forehand on the second set point and Federer screams in delight.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 5-4Berdych
Berdych plays his umpteenth searing forehand winner to get to game point and his umpteenth-plus-one forehand winner to take the game. The fifth set should be a belter presuming Federer serves this one out.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 5-3Berdych
The rub-down clearly does Berdych some good as he fires a couple of big forehands to get to deuce, despite playing one volley as though he were holding a frying pan rather than a tennis racquet. We have a series of Federer ace/Berdych forehands before the Swiss edges the game.

0707: Berdych gets some attention to his left thigh and then takes a medical timeout. Can I get to the canteen and back in three minutes? Unlikely.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 4-3Berdych
I think Hawkeye might overheat here. Federer looks disgusted when a Berdych approach is called good and he challenges, only to find it landed plum on the line. The pair trade fine winners to get to deuce before Berdych powers a forehand and a big serve for the game. He looks to have a problem though and the trainer is on.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 4-2Berdych
Ker-thump! The Federer forehands are flowing now and he races to 40-0. Hawkeye is back in action, presumably after a darn good talking to, and Berdych uses it to get one point back. Federer wraps up the game with a spectacular forehand drive-volley.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 3-2Berdych
Berdych is in danger of slipping out of contention in this set at 15-30 but he slides an ace out wide on his way to deuce and goes on to hold. Roddick is two sets and 2-0 up on Robredo. Much as I'm enjoying all the excitement it's playing havoc with my breakfast plans. They'll be worried about me down at the canteen.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 3-1Berdych
Hawkeye appears to have gone walkabout and is not available at the moment. Probably melted. Federer is unruffled and holds to 15, despite a neat backhand winner from Berdych.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 2-1Berdych
Berdych arrests the decline with a love service game, and Roddick is steaming away at a set and 4-1 against Robredo. Great quote just in from Dinara Safina: "Somebody needs to smack me so hard in my head that something finally shakes and I put the cables together." Who needs Marat, eh?

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 2-0Berdych
Federer looks back to something like his regal best as he holds to love. Berdych looks back to his more usual erratic self.

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-3 1-0Berdych
Federer gets two early break-point chances but Berdych saves the first with an ace and the second with a fizzing forehand hooked down the line. The Czech then sends a forehand wide but goes for another challenge. There is a problem with Hawkeye and it can't be shown on the big screen but the umpire insists it has been confirmed as out. Berdych is not happy but the ball was clearly wide. Federer gets the break and Berdych is in a bit of a mess now.

THIRD SET:

Federer 4-6 6-7 6-4Berdych
Federer takes the set with an ace, immediately after one of the worst Hawkeye challenges you will ever see from Berdych. The Czech looked very nervous towards the end of that set and somehow Federer still feels favourite for this one.

0630: "Federer will take it to 5 sets and win...this is unchartered territory for berdych. As fed said, slams are a different animal."
From anon via text on 81111

Federer 4-6 6-7 5-4Berdych
A beautiful backhand down the line gets Federer to 30-30 but Berdych serves his way out of trouble.

Federer 4-6 6-7 5-3Berdych
Federer looks very smooth as he picks off a couple of forehands to hold serve.

Federer 4-6 6-7 4-3Berdych
Oh dear. Berdych gets a bit nervy with a couple of volleys but saves one break point with an ace down the middle. However, on the second break point he makes an absolute howler with an attempted high volley and it's another break for Federer. On Hisense Arena, Roddick takes the first set 7-5 against Robredo.

And Jamie Murray and Liezel Huber have seen off Australian pair Chris Guccione and Sophie Ferguson 6-2 7-5 in the mixed doubles.

Federer 4-6 6-7 3-3Berdych
We are officially going big on this one as Berdych breaks back for the second time this set, again with an unstoppable forehand into the corner.

Federer 4-6 6-7 3-2Berdych
Federer goes a break up again when Berdych mishits a forehand and it goes long.

0603: The last time Federer lost before the semi-final stage of a Grand Slam tournament was against Gustavo Kuerten at the 2004 French Open. Berdych holds with another brilliant game.
Federer 4-6 6-7 1-2Berdych

0600: It's been a while since Berdych looked this focused in a big match - he attacks the net twice in succession to earn two break-back points at 15-40, taking the second with a sharp angled backhand volley. Incredible. He leads 6-4 7-6 1-1.

0556: Fantastic hitting from both men but Federer has finally got his game in some sort of shape and he forces two break points at 15-40. Some sweeping forehands get Berdych on the run and the Swiss has an early break.

0552: "Ballboy! Ballboy!" shouts Berdych on the changeover. The Czech might be leading Federer by two sets but that cuts no mustard with the ball kids, who repeatedly ignore his pleas for a bottle of water. Quite amusing. Roddick and Robredo are 2-2 on Hisense Arena.

0550: The Berdych forehand has always been big but today it seems.. bigger. He absolutely creams a couple of winners to grab the mini break but goes long with another and they change round at 3-3. It's the Berdych backhand that forces another break and he then moves to the net and puts away a backhand volley for 6-4. The Czech lines up another forehand and cracks it into the corner - two sets to love Berdych!

0542: Bad news for Britain as Hanah James loses a mini epic in the girls singles, going down 2-6 6-4 7-5 to Serbia's Alexandra Kunic. The Briton was a set and a break up at one stage but couldn't convert. However, Heather Watson won earlier and we still have Laura Robson to come tomorrow. Berdych and Federer head into a second-set tie-break.

0540: "Love following the commentary and comments on here. Any chance you could get it to auto-refresh? I think you had it working during the olympics coverage."
From anon via text on 81111

- We did indeed and I believe it will be a permanent fixture on live commentaries in the near future. But not tonight.

0538: Big, big moment for Federer at 5-5 and two break points down after some inexplicable errors, but Berdych fails to make a return and the Swiss survives.

0536: "Its highly inconvenient the monfils/simon match is first and then andy at 5am...when do they expect us brits to sleep when we have wrk in the morning! How inconsiderate..."
From Aliah again...who fell asleep but woke up at Fed o'clock.. via text

0533: These are big moments for Federer at a set down and 5-5. Meanwhile, Jamie Murray and Liezel Huber are a set up and 3-4 on serve, and Brit junior Hannah James is now serving to stay in her match.

0525: "In questioning Murray's favourite tag, Federer has set himself up for a fall. He's put the pressure on himself, mind you I expect him to win this one."
From anon via text on 81111

0522: Berdych levels things up at 3-3 in the second set as Federer continues to look strangely out of touch, but Vera Zvonareva is through to face Marion Bartoli in the last eight, beating Nadia Petrova 7-5 6-4.

0512: "Unbelievable how many times federers forehand is breaking down! Needs to sort it out or he could be heading out early."
From Mo via text on 81111

0510: Federer breaks at the start of the second set against Berdych but the Czech breaks straight back, Zvonareva is one game from victory against Petrova, and Jamie Murray and Liezel Huber have taken the first set 6-2 against Aussies Sohpie Ferguson and Chris Guccione.

0505: ""Hopefully it will affect him a lot," says Rafael Nadal when asked whether Fernando Gonzalez's five-set win over Richard Gasquet will tire him out ahead of their quarter-final clash. "But I don't think that's going to happen."

0501: Well, well... Berdych serves out to love to take the first set against Federer - his first set against the Swiss in their last five meetings. Federer does not look best pleased. Zvonareva leads Petrova by a set and a break.

0456: "Hugh (see 0434). Just my opinion. Cornet should have wrapped up that match no doubt. She had a golden opportunity but kept losing her serve. You dont just have to choke on match points. Im entitled to my opinion just as you are."
From anon via text on 81111

0447: Federer gets one of the breaks back to trail Berdych 4-2. Meanwhile, British junior Hannah James has been pegged back to one set all by Serbia's Alexandra Krunic.

0443: Zvonareva takes the first set 7-5 against Petrova, and Berdych is now a double break up on Federer at 4-1 after a rasping forehand winner.

0436: Zvonareva is serving for the first set at 6-5, while Berdych remains a break up on Federer at 2-1.

0435: "Wow what a comeback from safina. She looked down and out. Re 0212 i think its clear to see the Russians are dominating the women's tennis as was highlighted at the Olympics."
From anon via text on 81111

0434: "Can the bbc stop wasting time glorifying comments such as carl's 0426, why does someone losing from match point have to be a choke? she missed the line by a good 2 inches on match point, ridiculous!"
From Hugh, Truro, via text on 81111

0430: Golly. Federer begins by smacking a mid-court forehand into the net and soon finds himself 0-40 down. Berdych duly converts his second break point with a thumping forehand.

0426: "No doubt in my mind that cornet choked that match. Safina was out of it and seemed to be losing her rag big time. A lucky lady."
From Carl, Oldham, via text on 81111

0423: Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych are out on Rod Laver Arena, Federer in his royal blue number and Berdych in traditional white with a baseball cap. The 13-time Grand Slam champion has a 7-1 record against Berdych and beat the Czech at the same stage in Melbourne last year.

0416: Safina describes what she told herself when facing two match points against Cornet: "OK girl, you still got to close it. OK, beat me. I knew she could not hurt me - it was all about me. I was thinking 'hit it please'." In print, it looks a bit scary, but she was smiling when she said it. Honest.

0413: Over on Rod Laver Arena there are more Russians vying for a quarter-final place. Vera Zvonareva leads Nadia Petrova 3-2 with a break - Petrova surely disadvantaged by wearing a garish luminous yellow top and bright red skirt. Brave.

0408: A gripping match comes to an end as Dinara Safina breaks serve to seal a 6-2 2-6 7-5 win over Alize Cornet, having saved two match points. Name on the trophy? Probably not, but entertainment is guaranteed.

0402: "Am i the only one who fancies robredo to do a job on a-rod? 0-9 in head to heads but dont rate roddick."
From Gordon, Lanark, via text on 81111

0358: "It's obviously disappointing," says Jelena Jankovic after her defeat by Marion Bartoli."Nobody likes to lose. Today was a tough day for me. I let my opponent completely come on top of me and play her game."

0356: Cornet gets two match points at 40-15 on serve and misses by a fraction with a forehand on the first. A long and tense rally follows before Cornet nets a backhand and it's deuce. Safina fires a backhand into the corner for break point but Cornet saves it with some punishing forehands. This is great stuff now - Cornet nets again after a superb rally and it's break point number two for Safina, and the Russian levels with a smash.

0344: Safina gets one of the breaks back and trails 5-3 in the decider. Petrova and Zvonareva are under way on Hisense Arena.

0340: Cornet belts a magnificent cross-court backhand winner on break point and she is now 5-2 up and close to the second major shock of the day, following Jankovic's defeat.

0328: Safina breaks back to love and screams "Come on!" I do the same - my tattered reputation is on the line here. It's 2-2 in the decider. Russians Nadia Petrova and Vera Zvonareva will be out on the Hisense Arena soon.

0324: Safina makes a woeful error and drops seven points in a row to slip a break down at 2-1 to Cornet in the decider. The Russian has played like a drain since precisely the moment I tipped her for the title.

0320: Juan Martin del Potro beats Marin Cilic 5-7 6-4 6-4 6-2 and the Argentine will face Roger Federer or Tomas Berdych next. Let's face it, he'll face Roger Federer next.

0317: British junior Heather Watson beats Australian Harriet Sheahan 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the girls' singles. And Hannah James is 3-0 up on Serbia's Alexandra Krunic. Hoorah!

0315: "What chances of the aussies trying to claim young laura robson as one of theirs if she has a good tourney?"
From Carl in oldham via text on 81111

-Pretty good I would have thought. Our claim on Laura is considerably stronger than theirs on Jelena Dokic, I'd venture.

0311: "Cilic has just mangled a racquet as well. Writing is on the wall I think," says 5 Live's David Law. As I predicted earlier - correctly as it turned out - Del Potro has a break in the fourth set and is heading for victory at 4-2. Cornet takes the second set against Safina 6-2 and it's into a decider.

- She has indeed, and the ninth-seeded Briton is a break up in the second set against Australian Harriet Sheahan.

0258: I've got a feeling the tantrum graphic could get a few outings in the near future. Safina slams a ball into the ground in anger and then double faults on her way to dropping serve again to trail 4-1 after winning the first set. I'd also like to apologise in advance to Nadal for tipping him. Del Potro is two sets to one up and it's on serve in the fourth.

0254: "Why no mention of bahrami's match pure tennis gold!"
From anon via text on 81111

- Fair point, the Iranian mirthmaker is out on Court Three with Darren Cahill against McNamara and McNamee, doubtless tickling ribs and splitting sides.

0250: "Piers, you're right about Gasquet. Probably the best player outside the top four. But will he have enough this season to beat one of those top four guys & win a big tournament?"
From Alex in Gloucestershire via text

The father and daughter have long been estranged and Jelena said this week she had "cracked" at the age of 19 because of the pressure. Well, Damir has now had his say.

"She became depressed when she saw what she had done," he told the Melbourne Herald Sun.

"When she left home everything started to go bad for her. She started losing tournament after tournament and she was panicking. Of course she was depressed, but not because of me.

"She became the fourth-best player in the world because of me."

And Damir is keen to come to Melbourne for the first time since 2001 if Jelena makes the finals weekend.

0240: Safina wraps up the first set against Cornet 6-1, while Del Potro takes third set against Cilic 6-4.

0233: Safina celebrates being tipped by me for the title by missing two set points and then double faulting to give up the break. She still leads 5-2 though. Del Potro has the break in the third set against Cilic and Andy Murray's prediction (see 0130 entry) is looking sound - but then Cilic breaks back and it's on serve at 4-3 to the Croatian.

0225: "Piers who are you backing to win the men's and women's singles AO titles?"
Carl from cambridgeshire (on his 4th expresso and buzzing!) via text on 81111

- Oh lordy. I really have no idea and just hope we get to see the big names face each other in the latter stages. If pushed, really hard, I'd go for Nadal and Safina on form alone. 5 Live's Jonathan Overend picked Dementieva at the start of the tournament.

0217: Del Potro comes through an epic game of seven deuces with Cilic, saving a break point along the way. And after all that we're one set all and 2-2 - hardly seems worth the effort. Safina is steamrollering her way past Cornet at the moment - 4-0.

0214: "Watch my words guys its goin to be dementieva to win the AO."
From Vikas via text on 81111

0212: "Piers, how open is women's tennis at the moment, surely its never been this hard to predict a winner?"
From Jay in Watford via text

-It's not hard to predict if you're Vikas, obviously. Since Justine Henin retired last May the number one spot and Grand Slam titles have been up for grabs. No one is dominating, although Serena always looks like she could if she went at it 100% all year.

0208: It takes a couple of chances but Safina finally converts in a long game to go 2-0 clear of Cornet. Del Potro and Cilic are still in the early stages of the third set and that one could run and run.

0204: "Where would i be without sport? Sport was my day. Last night me and my mates stayed up all night watching aussie open. Then i had a junior football match. And earlier i watched my local side barrow win 1 0 scoring late on. How long do you think i can survive on tonights tennis before i fall asleep?"
From Barty via text on 81111

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version