1341: I'd also recommend that you check out pictures of Venus Williams' latest outfit if you can. Truly bizarre. Anyhow, that's me done and dusted - thanks again for keeping me company and I'll see you all very soon.

1340: So, what else happened on day three in Melbourne? In case you missed it earlier, there was bad news for British duo Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong, who both bowed out. In her latest column for BBC Sport, Baltacha says she is proud of the way she played in her defeat by Justine Henin, saying: "I knew that if she played really, really well, whatever I did it probably was not going to be enough because of the quality of player Justine is. Sometimes you have to just say "too good".

benj_greenhalgh on Twitter: "Great effort by Gilles Simon. 2nd round.. Seemed more like a semi final. Didn't really deserve to go out but someone had to! "

From Sharon in Manchester, via text: "I am so happy that Fed won! I think I don't even mind that he was taken to five sets as it was more how brilliantly Simon played than how badly Fed played. Well done to Simon too but its good to know that Fed will play again!"

1332: Before I bid you farewell, here's a reminder of what you can expect on Thursday. The main event is Andy Murray versus Illya Marchenko, live on BBC Two and this website (in the UK) from 0800 GMT, but there is plenty to keep you going before then in the small hours. Try Carla Suarez Navarro versus Kim Clijsters and Rafael Nadal against Ryan Sweeting for starters. Jelena Jankovic, Sam Stosur, Bernard Tomic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, amongst others, are also in action.

From Tom in Manchester, via text: "Amazing effort by Simon, taking Fed to FIVE sets And fighting like a tiger in the fifth! Alas he lost, but well done to the winner."

1321: Poor old Rog. He's just spent more than three hours on court in a thrilling match and he has to face some flummoxing question from Jim Courier about some defeat or other. Still, he can relax now, plus I can get my breath back, and you lot can get some work done.

Roger Federer after his thrilling five-set win over Gilles Simon, the first time he has beaten the Frenchman after losing their previous two matches: "Gilles is a great player so matches against him are never easy - hopefully we won't play each other anymore. The third set was quite unusual, I don't normally get broken three times in a row like that, and he showed what a great mover he is and what great shots he has. I don't think I was playing badly, though, and I remained positive."

John Lloyd on the BBC: "What a performance by Gilles Simon. I'd be surprised if he isn't rising up the rankings again this year because he really showed his quality. It could have been a final, it was that good a match."

1313: ROGER FEDERER BEATS GILLES SIMON TO REACH ROUND THREE OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Yes, it really is over. Two more match points come, and go, before Federer clinches victory with an ace. What a match that was - an absolute classic. Simon deserves the applause he is getting too.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-3 Simon

1308: Staggering. Federer has three match points at 0-40 and I am getting ready to wrap this one up. Is it over yet? No. Simon saves all three, two with stunning drive-volleys, and smashes down a big serve to seal a remarkable hold. Can someone pick me up off the floor when this finally finishes?
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 5-3 Simon

From Lucie, having soup for lunch, via text: "I always think the person serving first in a deciding set has a distinct advantage. Bet the stats reflect that too. Could the WTA/ATP look at that I wonder?"

1302: Fed needs his serve to be spot-on here... and it is. Simon gives it everything, and is almost flat out on court at one stage, but he is not allowed anyway back in by the Swiss. He is in pole position now and just one game away from the third round although, to be honest, I don't really want this match to end.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 5-2 Simon

1259: Wow! Big wow in fact. Simon, with those forehands still finding their mark in the corners, looks in command but Fed battles back and forces a couple of deuces through sheer will-power before, finally, bringing an error out of Simon from the baseline. The Frenchman saves one break-point but, a few moments later, is facing a second - and Fed roars with delight after coming into the net to win it. Glorious stuff, and Fed has got the break he was looking for, at long last.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 4-2 Simon

sh263 on Twitter: "Some of the Simon groundstrokes in the last two sets have been amazing. Back to his best and showing why he was in the top 10."

1252: Ha! Right on cue, here's another 30-all, this time on Fed's serve - and an opportunity for Simon... but, for once, the 26-year-old from Nice makes a hash of his next shot and the chance has gone, especially when Fed hammers down a big serve on the next point.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 3-2 Simon

1248: Right. From now on, every time we get to 30-all we are going to get a potentially match-deciding point or two. Let's start with this game, where Simon's serve slips a notch or two and Fed makes the most of his less powerful second-deliveries to get back from 30-0 to 30-30. Will the Frenchman crack? No, not yet anyhow. He recovers his poise to hold out, helped by those fantastic groundstrokes of his. Still all-square in the fifth set.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 2-2 Simon

From Rudge in Hereford, via text: "Re 1233. Simon must fancy himself but more oddly, Federer seems to have lost a little belief, or am I just seeing things?"

From Catherine, pretending to work in Manchester, via text: "I can't even begin to explain how devastated I would be if Fed went out. Come on the GOAT (greatest of all time) pull through for all your fans!"

1243: Gilles Simon's forehand has been simply stunning today and his backhand is pretty special at the moment too. He racks up his 10th winner down that flank to move 0-30 up. Hang on, though, because here comes Fed... roaring back to take the next three points and screaming "C'mon!" as he goes on to hold. He is in one heck of a match now, and he knows it, as does John Lloyd on the BBC: "This is fantastic match. For a second-round match, the quality is incredible."
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 2-1 Simon

1239: Fed starts the fifth set well enough, and holds without a problem. It's been a long time since he made any inroads on the Simon serve, however. Will that change now. Er, no. That Simon forehand is simply to big, and too accurate. "He is hitting those winners from behind the baseline but he has the pace on the ball to beat Federer who is one of the quickest players on the Tour," says John Lloyd on the BBC.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 1-1 Simon

1233: Right, who's your money on? Text me on 81111 or tweet me because I really don't know who is going to win this one now.

Collycoo on Twitter: "Simon looks like a man who believes. Showing exactly why he was as high as sixth in the world."

1230: This match just keeps on giving. At 30-all, Fed decides to leap into a second serve from Simon but he lashes it wildly long. That brings up a set point for the Frenchman and, after a long and extremely tense rally, Fed produces a superb passing shot to save it, then force a break point of his own. How are Simon's nerves? Like steel. He soaks up a mountain of Fed pressure and hits back with a classic counter-punch from behind the baseline, before forcing a Fed error on his second set point. We are into a decider and this is absolutely brilliant to watch.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 0-0 Simon

1223: Er, what the...? Fed is all over the place, slipping to 0-40 - that imposter must be back because he just cannot find the court. Two big serves save two of those three break points before Simon steps in to despatch a winner off a second-serve on the next point. The Frenchman has had his bananas delivered, and he will serve for the fourth set next. Inspired stuff.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-5 Simon

From Matthew via text: "This game always had the possibility of being a tough one for Fed. Simon's an enigma, bags of talent but just hasn't lived up to it. Still capable of brilliance in a one-off game though."

1215: You can tell Federer hasn't had much joy on the Simon serve recently because he yelps with joy when he forces deuce. He cannot build on that, though, because two mistakes swiftly follow... and this fourth set remains right in the balance.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-4 Simon

1216: No stopping Gael Monfils, well, apart from in the third set of his match against Federico Gil. The 12th seed completes a 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-2 win and will play Stanislas Wawrinka in round three.

1215: Following today's defeats for Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha, Andy Murray is again the only Brit left in the senior Australian Open singles. Let's just hope he can make it into round three then. Back on Rod Laver, Fed has got his kit off again - drawing more wolf whistles from the crowd. He's still serving sweetly as well, sealing his last service game with his sixth ace of the match.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-3 Simon

1205: Whether he wins today or not, I take my hat off to Gilles Simon - he is making a real match of this, and produces another stunning winner, this time on the run when Fed fails to put away a volley... the Swiss still holds easily enough mind. Over on Margaret Court Arena, Gael Monfils is now on the brink of victory against Federico Gill, leading 6-4 6-3 1-6 5-1.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 3-2 Simon

1201: Apologies - a few technical problems held up my updates for a while there. What have you missed at the start of the fourth set? Some magical shots from both players, but the serve is definitely on top at the moment. Hopefully those bananas have turned up by now too.
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 2-2 Simon

1158: Um, Fed's got a few tricks up his sleeve hasn't he? Try a backspinning drop-shot backhand volley for starters - which drops plum on to a line for good measure. Not bad. That helps him move 15-40 up but Simon responds majestically, producing a sublime lob of his own, and taking the next four points. Isn't it great to watch two players who can produce such a variety of shots?
Federer 6-2 6-3 4-6 1-1 Simon

From Rachael in BSA, via text: Maybe Fed wants to test himself so he's letting Simon win a few games so he can make the comeback and push himself a bit more. Can't be good playing four or five easy matches before suddenly facing a tough opponent like Djokovic or Roddick."

1152: The umpire made a call for more bananas to be delivered to Rod Laver Arena before the start of the fourth set between Fed and Simon - I presume they are for the players? Anyway, back on court, Fed holds easily enough in the opening game.

1150: By the way, Portugal's Federico Gil has also hit back to take the third set against 12th seed Gael Monfils, who leads 6-4 6-3 1-6... and is a break up at the start of the fourth set.

1149: It's coming up to 11pm in Melbourne - where they do love a late finish. Another one on the cards here? That depends on whether Gilles Simon can sustain this purple patch.

1148: Game on. Fed cannot control his return from another big Simon serve and that is the third set in the bag for the world number 34. "There was some exceptional shot-making from the Frenchman in that set," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "He was so aggressive."

1145: Right then. Gilles Simon is serving for the third set at 2-6 3-6 5-4 against Roger Federer. He began with an ace too - three more of them would be nice...

1143: Here's a result for you: third seed Novak Djokovic is through to round three, eventually sweeping aside Ivan Dodig 7-5 6-7 (10-8), 6-0 6-2 after being made to fight hard in the first couple of sets. He plays Viktor Troicki next.

From Robert in Glasgow, via text: Simon is the master of making comebacks and Federer has been known over the past few years to get tight when matches become tense affairs. five sets anyone?

1137: For those of you who can't see our live stream, Gilles Simon is wearing what at first glance looks like a homage to Celtic's football kit (see 1123). Back on court, we have had another break, by Fed and a hold - again by Fed, his first of the set. He looks a bit more like his old self, but Simon remains dangerous and takes the next game to lead 5-3 (but remains two sets down).

1129: This is a strange old set, and no mistake. Simon is broken back as Fed steps things up again.... but the Frenchman responds by piling on the pressure again from the back of the court and, after a double fault and sloppy forehand from the normally unflappable Swiss, he gets another break (his third of the set) to go 4-1 up.

From Jo in London, via text: "Simon looks like he's forgotten his PE kit and has been forced into whatever random combo the teacher has managed to dig out. Nothing matches. Or looks like it fits. And he has fluffy hair. It's quite endearing in a strange way..."

1123: Only two other matches are still going on now. Over on Hisense, Novak Djokovic has put that second set blip behind him against Ivan Dodig and leads 7-5 6-7 (10-8) 6-0 4-1. And Federico Gil is taking a leaf out of Gilles Simon's book by mounting a third-set comeback after losing the first two against Gael Monfils - the Frenchman leads 6-4 6-3 0-3 on Margaret Court Arena.

RaScBro on Twitter: "Don't understand how Keo takes the 1st set and then loses the last to love! That can't be a technical thing. It's mental."

1120: Er, is this the real Roger Federer I'm watching, or an imposter in a headband? He flashes a forehand out and flops a backhand into the net from mid-court and Gilles Simon has a double break to lead 3-0. Just a shame from the Frenchman's point of view that he is also two sets down, but it definitely makes things more interesting.

1115: Fed has never beaten Simon by the way, in their two previous encounters. But both those matches came in 2008, while the Frenchman was on his way up to a career-high ranking of number six... he has had a lot of knee problems since then, hence he is down at number 34 in the world. They don't seem to be restricting his movement today, though, he is floating around the court and puts away another sweet forehand to lead 2-0 in the third set.

1112: Fed is cruising then? Er, maybe not. The first game of the third set sees Simon produce some super shots to break. I'm pleased... we don't want this one to end TOO quickly do we?

1109: Right then, a lot of you have been waiting to watch Roger Federer... and now you have your wish, for at least a set. He has just taken the second set against Gilles Simon and leads 6-2 6-3. Fed also just flashed his bare chest at the turnover, which I'm sure a few of you were also wishing for. All happy? Good.

PETKOVIC WINS
Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-6 Petkovic
And that is that, I'm afraid. Anne Keothavong flashes another forehand long at 15-40, leaving Andrea Petkovic to celebrate victory with her trademark dance of delight. That last mistake was Keo's 44th unforced error of the match, which sort of sums up a stop-start performance that promised a lot but delivered only defeat.

*Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-5 Petkovic
Not much happening for our Anne on the Petkovic serve now either. Her groundstrokes have lost their earlier impact and the German is running round a lot of forehands and smacking them away. Petkovic is one game away from the third round, and a meeting with Venus Williams.

From James in London, via text: "Can we use cjhancock's computer (see 6-2 3-4) for the lottery numbers please?"

Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-4 *Petkovic
Right Anne, you need a strong service game here, or your goose really is cooked. Do we get it? No. At 30-all, she loops another forehand out and, when Petkovic easily reaches a drop-shot, Anne hammers a backhand wide with her next shot. Broken again, and things are not looking good at all, to say the very least.

*Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-3 Petkovic
Time for a Keo comeback? Well, she gives it a good go and a thumping forehand on to the line gives her a sniff of a break-back at 15-30. But Petkovic takes the next point after a cracking rally and two more forehands wide, then into the net, follow from Anne. It is those sort of mistakes that have cost her, on probably her strongest shot. Petkovic has breathing space now.

Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-2 *Petkovic
Problems for Keo. Big problems. A double-fault at 0-30 hands Petkovic three break points and, although Anne claws two back, a third is beyond her. Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic leads 5-0 in the third set against Ivan Dodig, and Gael Monfils took the first set 6-4 against Frederico Gil and is 3-1 up in the second.

*Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-1 Petkovic
Just what Petkovic needed at the start of the decider - a solid hold without any of the sloppy mistakes she was making earlier. Has the tide turned? Anne will being hoping that it hasn't. By the way, our live stream (and the red button) is meant to be switching to the Federer-Simon match after this one has finished, but Rog is not hanging around. He took the first set 6-2 and is already a break up in the second, leading 3-1.

Keothavong 6-2 5-7 0-0 *Petkovic
There's no chance of that though. More wild play (for a change) from Keo put her in big trouble again at 15-40 and this time there is no way back - we are all-square at one-set all, and Petkovic's jubilant reaction shows just how much this match means to her. "Anne made errors at the wrong times in that set," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "But this match is still wide open and it should be an interesting third set."

*Keothavong 6-2 5-6 Petkovic
A chance for Keo to attack the Petkovic serve but she doesn't really take it, despite a double-fault from the German, and that is the only point she picks up. The pressure is back on her shoulders, I'm afraid... I'm not sure I can take another service game from Anne - can she not just hold easily for once, please?

Keothavong 6-2 5-5 *Petkovic
Amazing. Keothavong continues to toil on serve and she is in big, big trouble at 15-40 before Petkovic makes a bizarre shot selection not once, not twice, but three times - going for big winners and hitting them all out. "Come on!!!!" shouts Anne, as she holds, and every British tennis fan watching does the same. Probably.

From anonymous Portuguese tennis fan, via text: "Chris, give us some lines about the little Portuguese Frederico Gil - we're small but proud to have one player in the 2nd round. Vamos Gil! Go Keo!"

Bad news for Gil fans I'm afraid. Gael Monfils is serving for the first set at 5-4.

*Keothavong 6-2 4-5 Petkovic
Hang about, Keo hasn't finished with this set yet. Petkovic has a serve to level the match but Anne hangs in there and hits back with some aggressive shots of her own, including a perfect drive-volley. Nice work - now she needs to repeat the trick on her own serve. Elsewhere, Fed is now 5-1 up against Gilles Simon in the opening set on Rod Laver. One-way traffic so far in that one.

From Jake in Mansfield, via text: "As well as Anne is playing, she really could do with working on her serve - it's not powerful enough for this standard of tennis."

Keothavong 6-2 3-5 *Petkovic
Oh dear. Looks like cjhancock's prediction of a third set could be right. Keo's serving has gone a bit limp and Petkovic is right on the offensive, running around a couple of hopeful returns from the Brit to belt home winners on her forehand. She will serve for the second set next. Big news from Hisense Arena by the way, where Ivan Dodig has just clinched an epic second-set tie break 10-8 against Novak Djokovic to level their match at one-set all.

Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on Twitter: "It is exceedingly early in proceedings but the boy Fed has started supremely well versus Simon. A break up and gliding across the court."

cjhancock on Twitter: "I have fed all the data into the computer and the most likely result is... Petkovic in three. Come on Anne - prove me wrong!"

What data... and what computer? And does it know exactly how many mistakes both of them are making at the moment!?

*Keothavong 6-2 3-4 Petkovic
The big shots keep coming from Petkovic, including one sublime cross-court passing shot into the corner, but so do the mistakes. That's enough to give Anne hope but the German just about holds out this time... meaning the pressure is back on Keo.

Keothavong 6-2 3-3 *Petkovic
A big game indeed. It starts well enough for Anne, with two big serves helping her go 30-0 up but she flashes a forehand a long way out on the next point and Petkovic is level at 30-all. Trouble for the Brit? No, not this time - two big forehands help her hold and this second set is still very much up for grabs. Elsewhere, Roger Federer has gone a break and 2-1 up against Gilles Simon.

*Keothavong 6-2 2-3 Petkovic
Both players have produced some fantastic shots in this second set... usually followed by a wild error or three. Petkovic produces more of the former this time around, and the end result is a first hold. Plenty of tennis left in this match by the look of things. "The danger for Anne is that her opponent might be playing herself into this match," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "This next service game is a huge one for her."

Keothavong 6-2 2-2 *Petkovic
Ouch. That delay didn't help Keo one bit - she resumed playing as wildly as her opponent has done for most the match. Off balance, she swipes a couple of groundstrokes well long and, despite saving one break-point, she cannot repeat the trick and Petkovic levels again. No holds so far in this second set.

jnksgb on Twitter: "Sitting at my desk willing Anne Keo on... delighted she has the first set. What a chance!!!"

1000: Andrea Petkovic is having a medical timeout to get treatment on that injured ankle so I will use the delay to tell you about a couple of results elsewhere. Stan Wawrinka beat Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 6-3 6-3 and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova blew Jelena Dokic away in the second set to complete a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 victory. Roger Federer is now out on Laver Arena, and has just started his match against Gilles Simon.

*Keothavong 6-2 2-1 Petkovic
A first bit of fist-pumping from Petkovic as she strings together some big shots for the first time in the match. That takes her to 40-30 but Keo is still alive and kicking and takes the next point with a sublime passing shot down the line to force another deuce. With the knowledge that a mistake from her opponent is never far away, the world number 118 keeps plugging away and breaks again when Petkovic flops a forehand into the middle of the net.

Keothavong 6-2 1-1 *Petkovic
Hmmm, it looks like Petkovic has picked up an ankle injury - she has gone to ground a couple of times already today after slipping - and is not exactly moving fluidly around the court, but she is still making Keo work hard on serve. The Brit seems to lose her focus a couple of occasions and, despite having plenty of opportunities to hold out, she is broken back immediately.

From Sarah in London. via text: "I don't get much of a chance to see Anne play, but she's looking really good here. This would be a great win, keep it up Anne!"

*Keothavong 6-2 1-0 Petkovic
How will Petkovic, the world number 33, react to losing the first set? By producing some even more inconsistent tennis, that's how. One big winner is followed by two awful errors and Keo soon has two more break points. Petkovic digs in to save them both but two more mistakes see the British number two get the second off to the best possible start. Thanks to our friends at the WTA, who tell me that Anne's record against players in the top 35 is W3 L20. Today looks a good day for her to improve on that...
* denotes NEXT to serve

Keothavong 6-2 0-0 *Petkovic
And that's the first set in the bag for Keo too, saving two break-back points for good measure. She looks full of confidence, as Petkovic stomps off court for what I presume is a toilet break.

*Keothavong 5-2 Petkovic
Wow. A peach of a backhand down the line gives Keo two more break points and although Petkovic saves one with a big serve, she cannot reach a crosscourt winner from Keo on the next point. Was that ball in, though? "Ask everybody, it was 50cm out." Petkovic says, with maybe a hint of exaggeration as she angrily confronts the umpire, who is having none of it. Anyway, Keo will serve for the first set next.

Keothavong 4-2 *Petkovic
Erm, not exactly a convincing hold by Keo, who makes a couple of mistakes in the manner of her erratic opponent to slip to 30-40 before rescuing herself with a fizzing forehand winner on the run. She takes the next two points easily enough, though, and can now focus on having another pop at the Petkovic serve.

*Keothavong 3-2 Petkovic
This is more like it. Keo strings together a couple of big shots for the first time today and, when a crafty drop-shot comes off, her reward is her first break points at 15-40. She doesn't waste them either, stepping in to smack home a winner off the next Petkovic serve. "This is an excellent opportunity for Anne," says John Lloyd on the BBC. He's right.

0920: What's going on elsewhere I hear you ask? Here's what. Novak Djokovic has just taken the first set 7-5 against Ivan Dodig and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova did the same against Jelena Dokic, winning a tie-break 7-3.

Keothavong 2-2 *Petkovic
Food for thought for Keo, who is unhappy when a call goes against her and seems distracted as she drops the next point too. She hauls herself back to 30-all despite a decidedly dodgy second serve and lots (and lots) of mistakes by both players follow before, eventually, Keo holds out following a flurry of deuces. Still all-square.

From Nick in London N16, via text: "Keothavong learnt her skills hitting balls on my local courts at Clissold Park in north London - make Hackney proud Anne!"

I used to live opposite Clissold Park and played tennis there on a number of occasions, usually losing. Sadly, I don't think Hackney was particularly proud of me.

*Keothavong 1-2 Petkovic
For those of you who cannot see our live stream and are interested in such things, Keo is sporting a purple number today while Petkovic, who incidentally is one of her best buddies on tour, has gone green. Back on court, there are some encouraging signs for the British number two as she moves her opponent all around court to pick up a couple of points, but a couple more unforced errors mean we are still on serve.

Keothavong 1-1 *Petkovic
Keo is quickly into her stride too, though, as a couple of sweeping forehands put her at ease. A solid start for the Brit.

*Keothavong 0-1 Petkovic
Petkovic makes a strong start on serve, which looks like being one of her big weapons today. A couple of sniffs for Keothavong when she gets it back, but the German holds easily enough.
* denotes NEXT to serve

0859: Here we go, Petkovic to serve first.

0858: Loud cheers for Keo and Petkovic as they are introduced to the crowd following what seemed like the longest warm-up in history. Before they get going, here's another result to tell you about. Serbia's Viktor Troicki has beaten France's Nicolas Mahut 6-4 6-2 1-6 3-1.

MarkRobMatthews on Twitter: "After a long long wait....come on Anne! Be great to have a British woman in round 3!"

0851: A good start for Keothavong... even before the warm-up begins. Her German opponent Andrea Petkovic just banged her head against the sunshade next to her chair. I don't think it did her too much damage to be honest.

0848: Here comes Anne now. From the pictures I'm seeing, there appears to be a, er, few seats available on Court Three so, if you are in Melbourne Park, get over there sharpish.

0846: And Sevastova wastes no time in wrapping up a 6-4 6-2 victory. The 20-year-old Latvian made the most of a stuttering display by Wickmayer, who never looked like getting into her rhythm. Time to see whether Anne Keothavong can keep the British flag flying in the womens' singles...

0840: Things have moved quickly on Court Three, and they have not got any better for Yanina Wickmayer. Anastasija Sevastova is serving for the match at 6-4 5-2.

0837: Novak Djokovic has also got his second-round match with Croatia's Ivan Dodig under way in the last few minutes, and the opening set is still on serve with the third seed leading 3-2. Over on Rod Laver, home hope (and, let's face it, there are not many of them left for Australian fans) Jelena Dokic is all-square at 3-3 in the first set with the snappily named Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

DiscoStew1 on Twitter: "Cycled to work double-quick to catch some Keo before work begins - expelled as much energy as a Verdasco 5 setter (probably)."

0832: The good news for Keothavong fans is that Anastasija Sevastova is now a set and 4-2 up against an out-of-sorts Yanina Wickmayer, so the Brit could be on court in a matter of minutes. She's waited long enough today anyhow.

0829: Over on Court Two, Wawrinka has just taken the first set 7-5 against Dimitrov in the match Alex refers to below. I had the pleasure of speaking to Dimitrov a few weeks ago - and what a lovely young fellow he is (although a couple of umpires may disagree). He thinks tennis is "a simple game for intelligent people"... which could explain a lot about my own struggles on court.

alex_willis on Twitter: "Match to watch - Stan the man Wawrinka v Grigor baby Fed Dimitrov... a one-handed backhand-lover's heaven."

0822: I must admit I didn't stay up for the Baltacha-Henin match earlier on - it was the fact I had to set my alarm for 5.30am that put me off, I'm afraid. My loss. Will Anne Keothavong fare any better in her bid to reach the third round once the Sevastova-Wickmayer match is over? Let me know what you think via texts (to 81111) and tweets. I'm waiting...

0813: Anastasija Sevastova has just taken the first set 6-4 against Yanina Wickmayer, and has just broken the Belgian at the start of the second set too, to lead 2-1. Big trouble for the 21st seed.

0807: Morning all. Another (sorry) manual refresh will confirm that Piers has left the building - for the next 16 hours or so anyway - but I don't think you lot should be thinking about going anywhere. I'm going to need someone to keep me company for a start...

0800: Right, we're about ready to crank up those old friends the television and the wireless for the Aussie night session. A manual refresh will give UK residents the chance to access live video and 5 live sports extra commentary. The Red Button/online coverage will start with Wickmayer v Sevastova on Court Three so they're in place for the start of Anne Keothavong v Andrea Petkovic which follows, and once that's done it's over to Rod Laver Arena to pick up Gilles Simon v Roger Federer. I'm going to hand over to Chris Bevan for all that, enjoy.

0755: And 2008 champion Maria Sharapova follows suit by screaming through a desperately nervous game, seeing off five break points and converting her third match point for a 7-6 6-3 win over Virginie Razzano.

0750: Sixth seed Francesca Schiavone edges through 6-3 5-7 9-7 against Canada's Rebecca Marino. All the drama is on Hinsense with Sharapova trying to close it out....

0746: Plenty of drama brewing on Margaret Court as Francesca Schiavone and Rebecca Marino are locked at 7-7 in the deciding set, but the Italian sixth seed makes the decisive break as her Canadian opponent double faults at the worst possible time. Schiavone leads 8-7 and serves for the match. Meanwhile Maria Sharapova is serving for the match on the Hisense Arena after breaking Virginie Razzano in the eighth game at 5-3.

0729: Russia's world number 146 Vesna Manasieva causes a fairly decent-sized shock with a 3-6 6-3 6-0 win over 15th seed Marion Bartoli, while Sharapova looks to be on her way at 4-1 in the second against Razzano.

Matt, Blackburn, via text: "Just switched from the Venus match to the Schiavone-Marino match. Some phenomenal hitting, incredibly entertaining tennis. Come on Rebecca!"

0717: There are a couple more seeds in real danger, with number six Schiavone at 4-4 in the third against Marino and number 15 Bartoli 4-0 down in the decider against Mansieva. And Sharapova is broken back by Razzano in the second to lead by a set and 2-1.

0704: Venus Williams wraps up a bizarre, battling 6-7 6-0 6-4 win over Sandra Zahlavova and the American will next face Anne Keothavong or Andrea Petkovic. Nicolas Almagro, the 14th seed, beats Igor Andreev 7-5 2-6 4-6 7-6 7-5. Sharaopva takes the opening tie-break against Razzano.

0657: The soundtrack on Rod Laver Arena is back to its bloodcurdling best as Zahlavova hangs on to her serve, and Venus must see it out from 5-4. Sharapova fails to close out the first set once again and will need a tie-break against Razzano, while Schiavone is into a third with Marino, as is Bartoli with Mansieva.

0652: I can't believe that I forgot to pass on the news of today's celebrity count at Melbourne Park, let's see now.... Welsh rugby player Gareth Delve and the charmingly nicknamed Aussie basketball player Corey "Homicide" Williams. Hmmm. A surprising lack of Neighbours stars.

0645: Skupski & Parrott go down 7-6 6-3 to Chardy & Clement, meanwhile Venus breaks to lead 4-3 in the decider and Sharapova is broken for 5-5 when serving for the set. That serve is not doing her any favours at all.

0638: The office is slowly filling up, the nation is rising and the full glory of Venus's dress is becoming known to this United Kingdom. It's trending on Twitter and everything. Judy Murray says it's "V trendy + v different", while Graeme Swann has it down as looking "like a cheese and onion slice". It's a water cooler moment.

0630: There's British interest out on Court 11 as doubles star and Liverpool fan Ken Skupski is in action alongside Travis Parrott (he's American), but they're a set and a break down to the very handy French pairing of Chardy & Clement.

0627: Fortunes are fluctuating around Melbourne Park this morning - Venus looks to be struggling physically again but is on serve at 2-1 down to Zahlavova in the final set, Sharapova has fought back to 3-3 against Razzano, while Schiavone and Bartoli look to be on course for the third round. Almagro and Andreev are on serve in the fifth, and with a women's match to follow them on Court Three it means we're still some way from Keothavong v Petkovic - maybe 0830 GMT?. I could well be wedged onto a rush-hour tube train with fellow commuters nestled under my armpits by then. Lovely image for you all there....

Patrick from Belfast via text: "Hmm sharapova and Williams both expected to win but the womens game again providing great excitement!!"

Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "There are now six 2-sets-to-0 comebacks after Verdasco's miracle win against Tipsarevic. One of those match balls, Tipsy will never forget."

0615: Sharapova saves a break point to avoid going 4-0 down but is already in trouble against Razzano, while Andreev and Almagro are into a fifth on Court Three. We've certainly got our money's worth in the opening three days, great matches all over the place.

0610: Venus wraps up one of the strangest sets of tennis you'll ever see, taking it 6-0 despite looking about as mobile as a wardrobe. Fighting spirit got her though that. On Court Seven, Xavier Malisse has beaten Albert Montanes 6-4 6-0 6-1 and will face Federer or Simon next.

0606: Dutchman Robin Haase beats Juan Monaco 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-2 and will face Andy Roddick next. No idea what the British number one is on about. None at all.

Andy Murray on Twitter: "Never heard so much noise in a tennis match...."

0556: Venus breaks for 3-0 and the double break, before hobbling back to her chair and asking for the trainer again. Curious stuff on Rod Laver Arena. Over on Hisense, Sharapova is up against Virginie Razzano, who was ranked in top 20 a year ago but was sidelined for almost five months with a right injury; she was ranked 157 upon her return in August and has improved to 100 since then. Could be another test for the currently shakey Sharapova.

0549: It's far from easy but Venus holds for 2-0 and this is a battling effort from the 30-year-old, who lets out a terrifying shriek of pain at one stage. French Open champ Francesca Schiavone takes the opening set against Rebecca Marino on Margaret Court Arena.

0539: Venus is back out on court but heavily strapped up and barely able to move. With that in mind, Zahlavova plays a woeful game and allows the American to break.

0531: Ninth seed Fernando Verdasco rolls through the final set 6-0 to claim a five-set win over Janko Tipsarevic. Venus is having a three-minute medical timeout and it's not looking good for the American.

0526: Venus looks to have done herself a mischief in that last point and heads off for treatment, I think.

0524: Zahlavova produces a noise that comes from the very depths of Hades as she battles to set point in the tie-break against Venus, but the American levels at 6-6 with a neat volley. Venus then sticks a smash in the bottom of the net and this time Zahlavova makes her pay by taking the set point. To make a noise that is louder than Venus's dress is mightily impressive. Did you know, Zahlavova's cousin is married to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, who plays Jelena Dokic later today? Hence my earlier confusion.

From anon via text: "Piers I absolutly love watchin verdasco he is so exciting to watch but why always leave it late!"

0515: Victoria Azarenka beats Andrea Hlavackova 6-4 6-4, and I reckon the Belarusian could be an outsider for the title here. So that's her done for. Verdasco breaks at the start of the fifth and Tipsarevic is now getting a bit of treatment to his leg during a medical timeout. Maybe that will do it.

0510: I wonder what the British number two can mean by that tweet. In a completely unrelated matter, I've just put a picture of Venus Williams into the carousel on the tennis page.

Anne Keothavong on Twitter: "Some interesting outfits at this year's Aussie Open... Not mentioning any names but seriously?!"

0504: Oh dear. Tipsarevic double faults to drop the breaker 7-0 and after that quite spectacular collapse, this has to be Verdasco's for the taking in the fifth set. Richard Gasquet has beaten Adrian Mannarino 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-4, and Ivan Ljubicic has done for Benoit Paire 6-3 6-7 6-4 7-6 (7-5).

0500: Amazing game. Tipsarevic sees three match points go begging and then double faults on the third break point of the game, and after failing to serve out the match twice in succession needs to get himself going quickly for the tie-break. Who wants a five-setter?

0447: All that hard work to get back on terms and Verdasco plays a shocker of a game to hand the break straight back, so Tipsarevic will serve for the match for the second time. And Zahlavova is back to 4-4 against Venus.

0442: A cheeky little manual refresh might clear things up a bit for you, meanwhile Tipsarevic fails to serve out the match and Verdasco levels at 5-5 in the fourth set on Hisense.

0430: Venus moves 4-1 up on Laver and looks in control, among other things.

0422: World number one doubles pairing Gisela Dulko & Flavia Pennetta beat Sania Mirza & Renata Voracova 6-4 6-1. Hurrah! Tipsarevic misses a few chances for the double break but still leads Verdasco 4-2 in the fourth, and Victoria Azarenka is serving for the first set against Andrea Hlavackova.

From a still alert joe in birmingham via text: "Its actually just sandra zahlavova that venus is playing. Barbora zahlavova strycova (bzs) is playing jelena dokic later on."

0411: I mean, what sort of a twisted mind comes up with a design like that.....? Must. Talk. About. Tennis. Tipsy has a break early in the fourth against Verdasco, Gasquet is two sets up on Mannarino, dear old Ivan Ljubicic leads Benoit Paire by two sets to one, and Venus breaks back for 1-1 against Zahlavova. She's still wearing it.

0406: She's done it again! Just like in he first match, Venus finishes the knock-up and then ambles off for a bathroom break, leaving her opponent mooching around on court. That's taking the mickey, I think. It's blown out of the water soon enough though, as Venus reveals today's... outfit. Quite, quite extraordinary! It's a yellow laticed vest with a purple and..... I can't describe it. My colleague, Pranav Soneji, has been charged with finding a photo of it as soon as is humanly possible. Oh, BSZ breaks to love in game one. Quite, quite extraordinary...

0358: A quick manual refresh will confirm in the previous entry that it is Tipsarevic who leads, of course. I was distracted by the sight of Venus knocking up on Laver, because under that mild-mannered white tracksuit I sense we have a fashion statement lurking. She's about to play Barbara Sandra Zahlavova, by the way. Would BSZ be disrespectful?

0352: It's squeaky bum time on Hisense as Verdasco gets four set points in the third but fails to capitalise, and he is surely going to smash something very soon. Another blistering forehand down the line gives the Spaniard a fifth opportunity and he takes it with a smash before 'celebrating' manically. He actually looked quite disturbing for a moment there. It's 6-2 6-4 4-6 to Tipsarevic.

0340: Kerthump! Andy Roddick cleans up 7-6 6-2 6-3 and will play Robin Haase or Juan 'Pico' Monaco next. "I was out of sorts and he got me a little tight there, but I was able to sneak out the tie-break and kind of take it from there." On his next opponent: "I haven't played either, which is unusual because I've been out here since the dinosaurs."

0335: Roddick is pumped, as they say, to break Kunitsyn in the third and he'll serve for the match.

strictlyMUFC on Twitter: "Did Berdych run out of shirts and borrowed one from the ball boys?? He's wearing same colour my tiny stream got me confused!"

0331: "I'm very happy, I gave it everything," says Elena Baltacha following her defeat by Justine Henin. "I managed to win a round. OK, I faced Justine, but it was a wonderful experience to play a legend and I gave it my all. I can't complain about my week. It's been wonderful."

0327: It appears to be a beautiful day in Melbourne and it must be getting to some people, as there is a lot of - possibly Verdasco-related - screaming out on Hisense. Their man has still yet to fashion a break point but is on serve at 3-3 in the third against Tipsarevic.

0318: Entertaining stuff on Margaret Court Arena as sixth seed Tomas Berdych needs six match points but finally finishes off Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-4, and he could play Richard Gasquet next.

Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "Great effort by Kei! Want to see everybody send him some love!"

0305: The show court order of play is out for day four and Andy Murray v Illya Marchenko will be the fifth and final match on Margaret Court Arena, not before 0800 GMT, which is civilised. The late session on Rod Laver Arena will see Sam Stosur play Vera Dushevina, and then another potential cracker between Juan Martin del Potro and Marcos Baghdatis.

0259: So what do we have to come? A men's match and a women's match are due on Three before Keothavong v Petkovic, so you would think that's at least four hours away, and more imminently we should get Venus, Sharapova and Azarenka in the relatively near future.

From Drew in Dundee via text: "Piers, personally I can't see Fed having it all that easy. I can see Simon taking the first and third sets before Fed powers through 6-2 in the fifth."

0251: And Stakhovsky will next face Tommy Robredo after the Spaniard beats Mardy Fish 1-6 6-3 6-3 6-3. There's a big yelp on Hisense as Tipsarevic finally converts his sixth break point of the second set to take complete charge against Verdasco, who breaks his racquet over his knee. Roddick and Berdych both well on their way to victories.

0246: A couple of results - despite what I might have said earlier, Kei Nishikori has beaten Florian Mayer 6-4 6-3 0-6 6-3, which will please Mr Gilbert, and Sergiy Stakhovsky has beaten Lukasz Kubot 6-3 6-4 6-4.

0241: "You can always improve," was Lleyton Hewitt's verdict after his epic five-set defeat by David Nalbandian yesterday. "The bar's always getting raised by the top guys. If I can stay fit and healthy and play a full calendar, then hopefully I can get better as the year goes on." If you haven't seen it and you're in the UK, have a quick look.

From Harold Harrison in Loughborough via text: "Ah, Mr Newbury (sic), we meet again. You're on the late night shift and I'm suppose to be revising. Heat exchangers, of all things, and if I do well in this exam, maybe in the future I'll invent a reliable kettle/toaster combo (think how brilliant that would be!) but alas, your tennis commentary is causing me major distraction. Come on Fed!"

0231: Verdasco doesn't look too cheerful after thumping down an ace early in the second set against Tipsarevic, stomping to the chair with a grim expression on his face. It might be because he appears to be dressed as Cristiano Ronaldo. A couple of matches I haven't mentioned - Brad Gilbert's new charge, Kei Nishikori, is close to forcing a fifth against the in-form Florian Mayer on Court Six, and Tommy Robredo leads Mardy Fish by two sets to one.

Sho_Rahman on Twitter: "What has happened to Verdasco? Absolutely lost the plot since semis in 09 Australian Open."

0223: Kunitsyn sticks a couple more in the net and Roddick takes the first set 9-7 in the tie-break after 49 minutes. Igor troops off for a bathroom break. Someone keep an eye on him. Berdych is now two sets to one up against Kohlschreiber and Tipsarevic has walloped ninth seed Verdasco 6-1 in the first set.

0219: Roddick is involved in a right old ding-dong with Kunitsyn on Laver and faces two set points in the tie-break, but sees them off and clenches his fist after making it 6-6 with a backhand winner. Kunitsyn then dumps a forehand in the net but plays a blinder of a rally for 7-7....

0215: Britain's Sarah Borwell goes out of the doubles with her Canadian partner Marie-Eve Pelletier as Sorana Cirstea and Lucie Safarova come through 5-7 6-2 6-2 on Court 14.

0207: In answer to the earlier question about Gilles Simon's chances against Roger Federer, the Frenchman does indeed have a 2-0 record against the great man. Both were three-set wins on hard courts in 2008. Tonight? Federer in three for me.

From Heather, Manchester, via text: "Piers, I'm with you all the way! I'm also glad Berdych is coming back."

5livetennis on Twitter: "Good effort from @elenabaltacha but Henin was classy. 3 x 1st serves from 30-40 in final game (2 aces) what can you do. Onwards!"

0200: "It was a really great match today," says Caroline Wozniacki after thrashing Vania King 6-1 6-0. "I felt like I was hitting the ball really well. Last time I played her I was down 4-1 in the third set, so I knew I had to be switched on from the beginning. I played aggressive tennis and it worked me for"

0148: Apologies for the delay, a few technical issues. In the meantime, Berdych has taken charge against Kohlschreiber at 3-0 up in the third, Roddick and Kunitsyn are at 4-4, Janko Tipsarevic is 4-1 up against Fernando Verdasco on Hisense, and Britain's Sarah Borwell and Canadian partner Marie-Eve Pelletier are into a final set.

0141: Out on Court 14, Britain's Sarah Borwell and Canadian Marie-Eve Pelletier are a set up but 3-1 down in the second to Sorana Cirstea and Lucie Safarova.

0137: Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova beats Arantxa Rus 6-1 6-4 and will meet Justine Henin in round three. Berdych, resplendent in canary yellow, is back to one set all, much to the delight of his vociferous supporters.

0133: Will man ever invent a reliable kettle or toaster? Let us ponder this while the world's great tennis players toil. Andy Roddick has just begun against Igor Kuitsyn on Laver, Berdych is close to levelling at one set all against Kohlschreiber, and Kuznetsova is almost there....

From Phil, Sevenoaks, via text: "Evening Piers, how do u think Federer will do against Simon later? it's 2-0 Simon in their previous meets, allez Gilles!!"

Glen from kinsley via text: "Alas my fears are realized. Keep fit Elena. See you next time."

0126: Don't forget we've still got Anne Keothavong v Andrea Petkovic to come later on, they're scheduled fourth on Court Three so I'm guessing around 0600 GMT. Meanwhile, world number one Caroline Wozniacki demolishes American Vania King 6-1 6-0, while Svetlana Kuznetsova is closing in on victory over Arantxa Rus. That would set up a third-round clash with Henin. Tasty.

0120: Well, that was a shame but Henin looked in great nick to me and a real threat for the title. Baltacha did well to slow her up in that second set and can be proud of her efforts in Melbourne, we'll here more from her later today. So that's the end of TV coverage until 0800 GMT, you're stuck with me until then I'm afraid. Kettle.... on.

Baltacha 1-6 3-6 Henin
Henin opens the game with a double fault and does the same again for 15-30, as Hawkeye shows. The seven-time Grand Slam champion then wallops a forehand miles long and it's two break points for Baltacha... The Scot misses with a return on the first, and puts a backhand wide on the second. She goes to Hawkeye but it was well out. Cue an ace from Henin and it's match point.... and another ace! A great performance from Henin, a typically gutsy effort from Baltacha.

Baltacha 1-6 3-5 Henin *
Yep, Henin has had enough of this now and gets to 0-40 and three break points with a vicious dipping forehand that has Baltacha all over the place at the baseline. Henin fails to make a return on the first two as Baltacha finds first serves, but the Belgian works some space and fires away a forehand on the third. Heavy stuff.

* Baltacha 1-6 3-4 Henin
Henin is serving well today and quickly gets to 40-0 before leaking a forehand over the baseline. Baltacha then hits a fizzing backhand pass and swats away the response for 40-30, but Henin hits an ace out wide on her third game point. "Allez!"

Baltacha 1-6 3-3 Henin *
Baltacha is under pressure again at 30-30 but takes the brave option of heading for the net. In truth, she doesn't get too near it but the move puts Henin off and she nets. Baltacha then enjoys her best moment of the day with a spectacular backhand lob to seal the game. "She's in the set now," says John Lloyd. "Now can she do some damage on the Henin serve?"

izzietherascal on Twitter: "Elena has worked so hard after many injuries to get back to her current good form. Just wish she wasn't playing Justine cos she's been my fav since Steffi retired. :("

* Baltacha 1-6 2-3 Henin
Henin gets her revenge by chasing down a drop shot and flicking over a forehand winner of her own. Another straightforward hold. Berdych has just dropped the first set against Kohlschreiber on Margaret Court Arena.

Baltacha 1-6 2-2 Henin *
Baltacha has clung on and managed to get herself into this match, planting herself at the baseline and outhitting Henin for 40-0 before chasing down a drop shot to flip over a delicate forehand. A love service game.

* Baltacha 1-6 1-2 Henin
Henin rattles through another confident service game. According to John Lloyd on BBC Two, she still gets nervous out on court. Hard to believe. Over on Hisense Arena, world number one Wozniacki is 6-1 1-0 up on Vania King.

Baltacha 1-6 1-1 Henin *
Aussie Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the ATP Finals every year, David. I'm just saying... It's good to see that Baltacha is still pumped up for this one, and when Henin nets on game point the Scot screams something along the lines of, "Come on hit the ball!"

From David, Lewes, via text: "Can anyone see far beyond an all-Belgian final in the Women's event? Btw nice to see a bit of non-Wimbledon tennis on the Beeb."

From Dave via text: "I think it should be mentioned that Elena trains in winchmore hill in north london, simply because it would be the only time it gets a mention ever."

* Baltacha 1-6 0-1 Henin
Henin quickly holds to 15 and then gives her suspect elbow a quick flex at the changeover, but I think it's just precautionary.

0042: "She's got to just hang in there and hope that Henin's level drops a little bit, she's getting completely dictated to," says John Lloyd on BBC Two. "Baltacha's groundstrokes are a bit one-paced and she needs to change the arc of the ball, maybe a few high topspins, but I'm not sure if she has that in her game."

Baltacha 1-6 Henin *
Baltacha is urging herself on between points, desperate to make some form of impression out there, and looks on course for another hold at 40-15, but Henin is in a ruthless mood. She climbs all over a forehand at 40-30 to force deuce and then attacks another return to get to set point... heavy return, into the net, superb deep volley and a clinical smash. A fantastic set of tennis from Henin.

* Baltacha 1-5 Henin
A high Henin backhand volley into the net draws a gasp around Rod Laver Arena and gives Baltacha 15-30, but in her eagerness to take advantage the Briton pushes a backhand into the tramlines. A pretty ropey forehand follows and Henin serves it out.

DiscoStew1 on Twitter: "Don't know what's wrong with me, the match is on bbc2 but I have chosen the live texts instead...must be the banter!"

Baltacha 1-4 Henin *
Henin looks in tremendous form tonight and two more sweeping backhands help her to 15-40 and two break points.... the Belgian goes long on the first and just misses out wide with a return on the second. The pressure is racking up on Baltacha and she double faults to offer up a third break point... but the Scot plays a terrific backhand winner of her own. A break seems inevitable though and a backhand into the net on the fourth break point gives Henin the double break.

* Baltacha 1-3 Henin
More flowing backhands keep Baltacha off balance behind the baseline and an ace doesn't hurt either as Henin holds to 15.

From anon via text: "Piers, don't forget Brit Sarah Borwell playing doubles on court 14!"
And Ken Skupski too, we're all over it.

Baltacha 1-2 Henin *
Good stuff - a swinging second serve takes Baltacha to 40-0 and she holds her nerve after Henin gets a couple of points back, letting out a "Come on!" when the Belgian hooks a forehand wide.

* Baltacha 0-2 Henin
The Henin backhand is looking great already and she holds to 15. These matches against the top players can run away very quickly if you're not careful - just ask Dinara Safina - and Baltacha needs to get a foothold here by holding serve.

Glen from Kinsley via text: "Hoping for the best but fearing the worst. Come on Elena."

Baltacha 0-1 Henin *
Henin opens up with an ominously good backhand and a Baltacha error makes it 15-30. The Belgian then attacks the net and forces the error, letting out an "Allez!" as she forces two break points.... and a backhand return gets the break. Formidable (in a Belgian accent).
* denotes NEXT to serve

0011: This is the first meeting between Henin and Baltacha, and it's fair to say the stats stack up heavily in favour of the 28-year-old Belgian. Aside from the seven Grand Slam titles, since returning to the sport last year she has only once lost to a player ranked outside the top 50 (Baltacha is 55th) and has reached the fourth round or better at every major she has played since 2005 Wimbledon. Still, all good things....

0007: As well as this text coverage, we are about to be joined for Baltacha v Henin (in the UK) by video streaming and... BBC Two! That's right, the Corporation's second-best channel is giving itself up for the big match. Win this and it's got be be BBC One next, surely? A manual refresh of this page should bring the video to life up above....

0004: There are a whole host of fantastic names in action on day three - Caroline Wozniacki, Andy Roddick, Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer etc - but I make no excuses for concentrating on the Brits first up, as this follows last year's Aussie Open as only the second time since 1992 that two British women have reached round two at a Grand Slam outside Wimbledon. So, OK, maybe the success hasn't been exactly 'relentless'.

Elena Baltacha on Twitter: "Well its nearly time now!what a privilege..show no respect,and fight my heart out, I hope to make you proud xx"

0002: Baltacha leads her illustrious opponent through the tunnel behind Rod Laver Arena, the Scot looking calm enough, and she gets a decent hand from the fairly sparse crowd on Laver.

2355: Evening all. I know, it's hard to keep pace with the relentless success of British tennis but we have another busy night in store as the nation's number one prepares to face Justine Henin in about 15 minutes, before Anne Keothavong takes on Andrea Petkovic later on.