1159: And I'm afraid that is where I will have to leave you. Join the dynamic duo that is Mark Ashenden and David Ornstein at around midnight for all of Saturday's action - if you stay up for the Murray match you can have a few hours kip and be up in time for Nadal too. Thanks for keeping me company and see you all very soon.

1151: We already know Andy Murray will be back in action in the early hours, but what else does day six have in store for us? Home hope Sam Stosur starts the evening session (from 0800 GMT) against Petra Kvitova before Rafael Nadal takes on another Australian in talented teenager Bernard Tomic. Plenty going on before then as well, with Vera Zvonareva, Kim Clijsters, Robin Soderling and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova all involved. If you can't sleep, you are in for a treat... and when you wake up, Stosur and Nadal are both on the red button/online (in the UK)

alex_willis on Twitter: "That, by the way, is the first time Venus Williams has retired from a Grand Slam singles match since she first competed in 1994."

1140: MORE ANDY MURRAY NEWS
You can watch his third-round match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez live on BBC Two at 0140 GMT on Saturday morning, as well as the red button and this website (in the UK)... You can also listen on BBC Radio 5 live, and there will be highlights on BBC One at 1300 GMT on Saturday.

1136: Yep, as Peter points out below, Britain's Anne Keothavong was already kicking herself after losing to Andrea Petkovic in three sets in the second round on Wednesday but, after seeing Venus pull out, she is probably thinking about what could have been again now.

From Peter in London via text: "If only Anne could have finished Petkovic off! She could have been in a Grand Slam fourth round for the first time."

1132: Another result you might have missed earlier saw the biggest name in women's tennis - Barbora Zahlavova Strycova - lose to the smallest - Li Na. Good news for text commentators, that. Li Na, who reached the semi-finals here last year, dropped only three games in a 6-2 6-1 victory.

1129: So, an early exit for Venus Williams,. and an early finish for us. The sell-out crowd on Rod Laver Arena are going home early too - nothing to keep them entertained now. By the way, Andrea Petkovic will play Maria Sharapova in round four, after the Russian's victory over Julia Goerges earlier today.

1124: In the end, Venus Williams could only play for seven points and six minutes against Andrea Petkovic because of the groin injury she picked up against Sandra Zahlavova. Looks like day five of the Australian Open is over a bit quicker than we expected...

1118: This does not look good. After two points on the Petkovic serve, Venus shouts out in pain and she is quickly over to the umpire and calling for the physio.

Williams 0-1 *Petkovic
Some start for Petkovic who blasts away a couple of winners to move 0-30 up. Venus is definitely moving pretty gingerly around the court and she is already a break down.
* denotes NEXT to serve

1113: Nobody seems sure whether Venus is wearing a dress or a long top and shorts and all I know is that it is black and very sparkly. Anyway, enough about fashion - Williams is about to serve and get this match under way.

1111: While the players warm up, I will quickly remind you that you can watch Andy Murray's third-round match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the early hours of Saturday morning on the red button and this website (in the UK)... Mr Murray will be on court sometime after 0100 GMT. You can also listen on BBC Radio 5 live, and there will be highlights on BBC One at 1300 GMT on Saturday. Got all that? Good.

1107: According to our friends at the WTA, Andrea Petkovic has never beaten a top five player before. I suppose today would be a good time for the 23-year-old German to put that right...

1104: Here comes Venus now. She's gone for some sparkly shorts by the looks of things.

1100: Any predictions on what Venus Williams will be wearing ahead of her arrival on court? And what do you think she will injure today, following her problem with her 'psoas' muscle against Sandra Zahlavova?

ejsbennett on Twitter: "Sorry Stan, I like you and all but Roger Federer would have sent that spider cam packing!"

1055: Stanislas Wawrinka is allowed to leave the Rod Laver Arena after the mandatory 'humorous' post-match on-court interview with Jim Courier, this time featuring the overhead 'spider' camera as a prop. Venus Williams and Andrea Petkovic, conqueror of Anne Keothavong, are up next.

John Lloyd on the BBC: "Gael Monfils will not win Grand Slams with a mental approach like that. He got everything wrong."

WAWRINKA WINS
Wawrinka beats Monfils 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-3
No. Just delaying the inevitable. Monfils' serve has the consistency of custard and Wawrinka celebrates victory by saluting the crowd. What looked like being a closely-fought thriller turned into a one-sided thumping. Strange.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 5-3 *Monfils
Oops, was my 'prediction' the kiss of death that Monfils was waiting for? His all-or-nothing approach, helped by a rare mistake by Stan, gets him to to 15-40 and Gael continues to attack, breaking back by flashing a backhand winner into the corner. The start of something special?

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 5-2 Monfils
Still Monfils battles on, saving two match points. It would take a brave man to back him for a comeback from this position though. I'm going for Stan, personally...

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 5-1 *Monfils
Most of Wawrinka's first serves are 130mph+ and Monfils has never looked like getting to grips with them. Stan the man is now just one game away from a meeting with Andy Roddick in the fourth round.

Neil Harman of The Times on Twitter: "I'm afraid Monfils has completely lost his way. I love what he brings to the court but too often he melts. Wawrinka playing so smart."

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 4-1 Monfils
A last show of spirit by Monfils? Who knows, but at least he is going down fighting. At 0-40 down it looks like this match is minutes away from being concluded but the Frenchman battles on, for now. Wawrinka has a sore knee, but very little else to worry about.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 4-0 *Monfils
As well as that wonderful backhand, Stan has served very well today but has not had to do an awful lot else. Even the umpire is on his side, telling the Swiss "I think you should challenge" after a serve is wrongly called wide. Monfils goes to ground on the next point as he stretches for a volley (I'm still not sure why he is at the net so much) and when the ball flops into the net, he finds himself 4-0 down. Venus Williams should be climbing into one of her outfits right now - maybe she will opt for a cornish pasty dress today, or even a sausage roll?

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 3-0 Monfils
Oh dear. This one is all but over now. Monfils is in at the net but to little effect and Stan is all over that backhand of his, whipping a backhand passing shot past him at the net to secure the double-break. "This is a very poor performance by Monfils," says John Lloyd. "You would think he is a player who has just joined the Tour."

1022: Few problems for Fernando Verdasco, who is into round four after beating Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4 6-3. The ninth seed will face Tomas Berdych next.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 2-0 *Monfils
While Monfils is self-destructing, Wawrinka is solid as a rock on serve. Nothing giving here - Gael can hardly get near the ball, let alone do anything with it.

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 1-0 Monfils
The last thing Monfils needs is to be broken again now, but he is on the brink of that at 0-40 down. Again, the Frenchman saves two of those break-points on the serve-volley (in confident fashion too) but, when he comes into the net again off his next serve, he sends his volley flying out. Stan is firmly in the driving seat now, leading by two sets and a break.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 0-0 *Monfils
No stopping Stan on serve right now and he lets out a yell of delight after confidently putting away a forehand winner into the corner to clinch a two-set lead. Monfils, who has only got 37% of his first serves in during this set, looks disconsolate as he opts for a new shirt after shuffling to his seat... he will need to change more than that if he is going to reach the fourth round.

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 5-2 Monfils
The atmosphere has gone a bit flat on Rod Laver Arena, mainly because Gael Monfils has lost his way so badly. The 12th seed does raise himself to save another break point but Stan will still serve for the set next. "It's been a strange second set by Monfils," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "Very up and down - but mostly down." More news of Fernando Verdasco for you. He has broken Kei Nishikori again to lead 6-2 6-4 3-2.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 5-1 *Monfils
Can Monfils respond? No, not at all actually. He is looking pretty dejected right now and, on this evidence, saving himself for the third set... which could be starting pretty soon.

Gallacticos87 on Twitter: "We should send someone over to taste the Swiss drinking water to see what it is that creates such brilliant tennis players!"

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 4-1 Monfils
Monfils, inconsistent? How does one ace, two double faults and a succession of unforced errors sound? Throw in a backhand winner down the line by Wawrinka and it spells trouble for the Frenchman in another couple of break points. Again, he saves two but runs round his backhand to flash a forehand long and that is a double-break for the Swiss. By the way, I think I've been a bit sloppy myself (with my '*s' rather than my shot selection). Give this page a manual refresh and all should be present and correct."

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 3-1 *Monfils
What Stan needs now is a solid service game to consolidate and he delivers exactly that - his delivery is too hot for Monfils to handle at the moment. "Excellent serving," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "It doesn't get much better than that."

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 2-1 Monfils
More problems for Monfils, mostly of his own making, as he falls to 0-40. Stan is just hanging in there and waiting for the next mistake, a tactic my opponents often adopt, usually successfully. Monfils does claw back two of those three break points but he cannot repeat the trick a third time and he slowly limps off for the changeover. Injured or just tired? I'm not sure, but he needs to lift himself quickly because this match is slipping away from him.

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 1-1 *Monfils
Stan's turn to wobble a bit at 0-30 but he steadies himself and, helped by more erratic play by Monfils, holds. Just. Bored of post-match press conferences? Here's a way to liven up your morning. World number one Caroline Wozniacki decided to ask herself her own questions in front of the assembled media after beating Dominika Cibulkova earlier today. One of her topics was Liverpool FC: "I hope they win more matches," she says. I'll bring you more Wozniacki gems shortly...

DavidVillaMarav on Twitter: "It must be so frustrating being the coach of Gael Monfils - especially when he tried that drop shot in the tie-breaker!"

*Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 0-1 Monfils
Both sides of Monfils' game on display here - and he's never dull to watch. More sloppy stuff lets Stan in for another couple of break points but he saves them with a solid serve and a stooping volley before soaking up more pressure and coming into the net to wrap things up. Over on Hisense Arena, Fernando Verdasco has just taken the second set too and leads Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4
* denotes NEXT to serve

Wawrinka 7-6 (7-4) 0-0 Monfils
Oh dear. Wawrinka wins five straight points as Monfils loses the plot spectacularly. Yes, Stan did bash down some big serves but Monfils made a right old mess of an attempted drop-shot at 4-5 and smacked the ball wildly out on the next point. "It was an excellent first set but right at the end of the tie-break, Monfils lost his discipline," says John Lloyd on the BBC. "His shot selection let him down."

Wawrinka 6-6 (4-4) Monfils
Monfils is the more adventurous in the early part of the tie-break and gets his reward with a mini-break. It doesn't last for long, though, because Wawrinka hits back to level...

0925: Svetlana Kuznetsova says a past spat with Francesca Schiavone has been long forgotten after setting up a clash with the French Open champion. Kuznetsova, who shocked Justine Henin earlier today, says she has apologised to Schiavone for refusing to shake her hand after their 2009 Fed Cup semi-final. "We didn't talk for some time, I didn't shake her hand," she said. "We spoke in the locker room, so we are completely over it. I said sorry or whatever. We just talked. She misunderstands me, I misunderstand her. It's women's stuff - it's women's mentality or whatever it is."

Wawrinka 6-6 Monfils
Short and sharp, this one. Four big serves by Monfils means it's tie-break time. Someone has to crack here...

Wawrinka 6-5 *Monfils
Both players are spanking some big backhands away today but Stan's lets him down, briefly, as he drops the first two points by flopping the ball into the net. Work to do then, but Wawrinka is up to the task and he takes the next four points, throwing in an ace and a couple of sparkling backhands along the way.

*Wawrinka 5-5 Monfils
Whatever Stan can do, Gael can do better. Or, the same at least. He doesn't drop a point either, in another blink-and-you-miss-it service game.

Wawrinka 5-4 *Monfils
Stan's best service game of the match. He hurls down a succession of hammers and his backhand is right on the money too. He holds to love. "Impressive" says John Lloyd on the BBC. He's right.

*Wawrinka 4-4 Monfils
A bit of a wobble by Monfils, who doesn't exactly always look solid on serve, mainly down to his occasionally dodgy shot selection. At 15-30 Stan sniffs another break but that is as good as it gets for him.

From anon via text: "This match is a Federer v Nadal of sorts, but lower down in the rankings. Wawrinka is a flair player and Monfils is an absolute machine. Come on Stan! Use that backhand of yours to blast him out of the way!"

Wawrinka 4-3 *Monfils
A lot less drama here, as Stan holds easily enough. Here's some stats to help tell the story of this match so far - Wawrinka has made 12 winners and 11 unforced errors. Monfils has had six winners and seven unforced errors. Basically, they are both going for it.

*Wawrinka 3-3 Monfils
Monfils' athletic style is great to watch, non? He takes a leaf out of Federer's book here, hitting one shot through his legs after a rapid-fire exchange of volleys at the net, but Stan is no slouch either as he goes in pursuit of an instant break-back. The Swiss rolls out his big back-hand again to force a break-point and, when Monfils doesn't put enough drop on a drop-shot, he is in at the net to volley the winner. We are back on serve. Verdasco? He took that first set 6-2 in the end.

DiscoStew1 on Twitter: "White? thats optimistic Chris, I seem to remember they were a muddy, grey, dull colour - polar opposite of a Venus outfit!"

A bit before my time Stew to be honest. Late 1980s 'Slazenger Solos' were more my era (other green and pink neon-coloured balls are probably not available). I wonder why they never caught on?

Wawrinka 2-3 *Monfils
These boys are not holding much back in the early stages - slugging away from the baseline with rallies that John Lloyd correctly describes as "punishing". The break-points keep coming for Monfils, though, and, finally, he converts one to a loud shout of "Allez". By the way, ninth seed Fernando Verdasco and Kei Nishikori are under way out on Hisense Arena and Verdasco has got off to a flyer, breaking three times to lead 5-1.

*Wawrinka 2-2 Monfils
Plenty of pressure on the Monfils serve so far but he is dealing with it pretty well. At 30-all, Wawrinka finds the tramlines with a backhand - not sure why he challenges it because it is a few inches wide - and Monfils powers down a big serve to hold. For those of you who cannot see our live stream, both players are wearing (mostly) blue and the court is (totally) blue. Fortunately, the ball is yellow. Does anyone remember when they were white? You must be pretty old then...?

0830: Here's a reminder of how to get in touch. If you're on Twitter, then use the hashtag #BBCAussieOpen but you can you can also text in to 81111 (UK) with TENNIS before your message. Should you want a question answered, or give me some stick, then you can always Tweet me @chrisbevan_bbc but please try to be nice.

Wawrinka 2-1 *Monfils
Stan has got a pretty useful backhand, as Andy Murray found out to his cost at last year's US Open, and he uses it to full effect here. A good job too, because he has to save a break point in a topsy-turvy game. From 40-0 up, the Swiss finds himself at break-point down but, a couple of cross-court sizzlers later, we are still with serve.

*Wawrinka 1-1 Monfils
A mixed bag by both players, with a first double-fault by Monfils giving Switzerland's second best player a sniff at 30-all. But then Stan fluffs an overhead - sending it looping out and Monfils chucks down a big serve to hold.

Wawrinka 1-0 *Monfils
Is it me, or has this match got 'five-sets' stamped all over it? Anyway, we are off to a lively start, with 12th seed Monfils taking the first point after a marathon rally but 19th seed Wawrinka taking the next four thanks to some fluid serving and a couple of winners despatched firmly into the corners of the court. More of the same please chaps.
* denotes NEXT to serve

0811: Hello. Ignore Mr Ashenden (who clearly needs to learn how to spell 'holdall'). I am actually decked out in 1980s tennis gear - well, partly. Anyway, shall we crack on? Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils are about to get started...

0806: You can't get rid of me that easily. Chris appears to be still rummaging in his holdhall ( I think he's lost his fingers). Please REFRESH the page to get the video and if you're really lucky you'll get another name at the top as well. I really am off this time.

0801: So as the bell strikes eight, the unmistakable whiff of Christopher Bevan wafts around me as he rummages in his 1970s sports holdhall preparing for his live text commentary shift. Go easy on him today folks. He looks like a man who didn't have much sleep. Although I am in no position to pass judgement on that. I'll be back at midnight tonight for Murray et al. Thanks for all your comments. Night. Morning.

0753: It seems like Caroline Wozniacki had a bit of fun at her press conference. After beating Dominika Cibulkova without too many fireworks, she strolled in front of the media and said: "I know what you're going to ask me already, so I'm just going to start with the answers"…which preceded a five-minute monologue by the Dane.

0740: Justine Henin, 2004 champion in Australia and runner-up last year, admits she had injury problems in the build-up to her defeat by Svetlana Kuznetsova. "I know I'm not 100%. I knew it before walking on the court. That's why I say there are no excuses. I decided to play not being 100%. It's been difficult in the last three days on my elbow and I just did everything that I could that it will be okay, but it wasn't enough."

0730: Sharapova on her shaky start before coming through against Goerges: "It was an up and down match for me. I didn't concentrate when I had to and I had a lot of let downs, but she played really great tennis today."

0726: What's coming up then? From 0800 GMT (and it's on the Red Button and online) 19th seed Stanislas Wawrinka v 12th seed Gael Monfils. Then it's Venus Williams v Andrea Petkovic. Don't go away folks. Although I can't promise I'll be sharing the tennis journey with you.

jjjlee1988 on Twitter: "Morning! Can't wait for the weekend to start so I can finally get down to do some serious tennis-watching!! It's Friday!! :)"
Fan-bloomin tastic Friday - although try telling that to my head. My brain is saying it's Sunday right now. My legs say it's Wednesday. What is happening out there in the world?

0715: So the Andy Murray v Guillermo Garcia-Lopez match (expected to be around 0100 GMT later tonight) will be shown live on the Red Button/online and will also be on 5 live sports extra. Rafael Nadal v Bernard Tomic also guaranteed to be shown on Saturday morning after Sammy Stosur.

DJ_SPARX on Twitter: "I'm an Ex Pat now in Perth, WA Watching the BBC Live Text for the Tennis at work because i can't get away with watching it!"
Nice to see you clinging to your roots and checking out the Beeb for your updates. Hope the Ashes went down well.

0708: A big booming noisy rally and Sharapova has two match points. The fists are raised and the Russian wins. SHARAPOVA BEATS GOERGES 4-6 6-4 6-4.

0704: Boom boom. I turn around for one minute to make a cup of tea and Sharapova is now serving for the match. Where did that come from?

0656: Sharapova has a few things to ponder as Goerges bags her second successive game to get it back to 4-2. And now it's 4-3 after a brutal service game from the German. And she screams "COME ON" as the Russian fails to return the final service. If you were German, wouldn't you shout "Kommen on sie" or something? Her tail is most definitely pointing northwards. Tense times. More drama to follow.

0648: Maria Sharapova is flying at 4-1 in the decider after struggling in the early stages against Julia Goerges. Just a reminder for those who may be slipping slowly out of their slumbers, these two had to leave the Hisense Arena Court during their warm-up after the umpire found some 'dead' spots on the surface. The pair soon returned to resume their match but it remains unclear as to whether it was due to the heat or the foundations under the court. Just to keep you updated.

0645: Roger Federer has been chatting after his win over Xavier Malisse. His victory broke Swede Stefan Edberg's record for the most Open Era wins at the Australian Open with 57 since his 2000 tournament debut. Feds: "It's very nice to take the record but Edberg still stays my idol."

Patrick in Belfast, via text 81111: "A fifth night at this following via web and TV - sleep pattern up the wall! Gives us students on a 'year out' something to do! Really looking forward to the Wawrinka match! That could be a 5 set classic!!"
Wawrinka vs Monfils match live on the Red Button and online from around 0800 GMT. Following live sport is surely a crucial part of anybody's education no?

0637: Fists clenched, eyes like daggers, Sharapova scraps and screams her way to a 2-0 lead in the deciding set. Any way back for the German?

Matt in Blackburn, via text 81111: "What on earth does Becca in Manchester think she's doing? Sincerity has no place on the live text! Doesn't she realise it'll go straight to your heads?! I also feel compelled to enquire what the subject of her exam is, though hasten to add unless it's history or politics, I'm likely very little help. Terrific performance from Federer, never looked in real danger, just bored and irritable. Don't think he liked coming out in the peak of the Aussie sun"
Welcome back to the inbox Matt. Do you ever sleep? I admire your endurance. No sincerity?! You're a man with a heart made of stone. I like your fighting spirit though. And don't worry - we receive our fair share of criticism to keep our feet firmly rooted to the ground.

0622: Sharapova now serving to level the match. Her squealing has gone into overdrive.

0619:MURRAY NEWSFLASH: Any plans for the early hours of Saturday? First up from midnight GMT is Lucie Safarova vs Vera Zvonareva. Then it's Andy Murray who's up against Spain's 32nd seed Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. So probably at around 0200GMT. Perfect for you lovely people heading out. Any early thoughts on how and where you might take in the action?

jimitsays on Twitter: "This is a perfect game to watch while doing homework. Every once in a while you look up & everything's normal. Sleepy tennis."

0614: Massive cheers for Malisse. He's won a game and he bows to the crowd. Still 5-1 down though. Did you know that Federer leads 7-1 in the head-to-heads but actually lost the first match they played in back in 1999 in Brussels. And that's that. FEDERER BEATS MALISSE 6-3 6-3 6-1. He seals it on the third match point. One hour 45 minutes. A patchy show from Federer but this boy has high standards.

0607: If you Federer fans were a little concerned an hour ago you can now get your slippers back on. He's won 10 games in a row and now just one game from victory. Feds attempting a few fireworks in these closing stages. Even Mrs Feds looks a little bored.

0604:Sharapova at least showing some fight. She's a set down against Goerges but a break up in the second set at 3-2. Robredo leads Stakhovsky 2-1 in sets and it's 2-2 in the fourth.

Becca in Manchester, via text 81111: "When asking how we are all doing I noticed a squirrel got a mention but you left out students. I am one of them, cramming for my exam later. If I get anything less than a 1st I am suing the BBC for providing LiveText which is actually proving more of a distraction than Facebook. In all seriousness though you are keeping my spirits up and making me laugh - though that may have more to do with sleep deprivation and lots of sugary tea"
How about student squirrels? Don't they get any loving? Keep up the good work. You'll be hearing from my lawyers if you dare accuse me of hindering your 1st degree aspirations! Best of luck. Sounds like you've got it all under control.

0558: Federer has officially turned the corner and is now dishing up a feast for all those on Rod Laver. Eight games on the bounce now and Malisse's head is focusing more on his feet than what's ahead. Maybe he can draw out some energy from his highly-charged florescent top?

mvandewiele on Twitter: "Sometimes you wonder why you wake up at 4am to watch tennis. Hope Xavier can still win a set."
Your man looks like a beaten man right now but looked bang up for the battle before Federer started waving his magic wand. Thanks for joining us.

0544: The second set takes 41 minutes and it's quite a turnaround for Federer. He had been trailing 3-1 and five games later he secures a two-set lead 6-3. Winning first serve success at 64%. Pretty useful. He's also won 55% of points when receiving. And a stunning forehand is the best shot of the match for half an hour as Federer opens up the third set in style. Two aces in a row steadies the Swiss serving ship and then a forehand volley on the run with both feet in the air (how the bloomin' heck did he do that?) gets him the game. Malisse smiling at last.

0541: Malisse looking a little grumpy as Federer bags his fourth consecutive game to lead 5-3. The Belgian now serving to stay in the second set.

0536: Time to jump into my Aussie copter and whizz round the courts. the 14th seed Maria Sharapova has lost the first set 6-4 to German Julia Goerges on Hisense. Shock on the cards? On Margaret Court, Tomas Berdych has just completed a straight sets win over Richard Gasquet. Robredo has hit back to win two sets after losing the opener against Stakhovsky. The winner of that plays Federer or Malisse. That'll do for now. Anything else you're looking for?

0527: A reminder for those wanting some live Aussie Open action on the Red Button and online. The evening session, which gets going from around 0800 GMT, include Stanislas Wawrinka v Gael Monfils. Followed by Venus Williams v Andrea Petkovic.

0525: Federer having a bit of a snoozy set. He was trailing 3-1 with Malisse serving to continue the domination but Feds breaks him to love. 3-2. Strange.

0518: Despite the crazy hour, there is much to talk about. Henin's defeat, Wozniacki's wobbly progression, Murray's win yesterday and anything else you care to mention. Getting involved in the text commentary couldn't be easier. On Twitter just use the hashtag option with #BBCAussieOpen. Or chuck us a text to 81111 (UK) with TENNIS before your message. If you want to throw me anything specific then you can always tweet me @bbcsport_mark .

0510: Federer was almost playing with Malisse at the end there like a cat would do with a mouse. It lasted 35 minutes anyway, 13 unforced errors from Malisse (11 from Feds), while Feds made 16 winners (exactly twice as many as his opponent). Interestingly, Federer came into the net 18 times in the first set and won 11 of them. Winner of this match will play Robredo or Stakhovsky who are currently one-set each and 2-2 in the third.

0502: Malisse is wearing the brightest tennis shirt I have ever seen. That's official. He looks like a massive highlighter pen. Federer wins first set 6-3. Stats on the way.

0459: Is it me or does Xavier Malisse have a touch of the Jack Nicholsons about him?

0457: So how are we all doing? And when I say "all" I'm aware that could incorporate a couple of truck drivers, a squirrel and a busload of Aussies, but whoever you are, wherever you are, I'm delighted to be here and welcoming you with open arms, droopy eyelids and a desire to satisfy your tennis needs.

0451: Mrs Feds must be fed up with me already. I slip into the commentating throne and within four seconds, I look up and what do I see? It's only Malisse breaking the mighty world number two. Who'd have thought it? But calm down folks. Feds is now leading 5-2 so mini panic over.

0449: Before I say anything else, please manually refresh. I know you must get bored of us saying that but I'm sick of seeing David Ornstein's name splashed everywhere. Aren't you? Only joshing. Ornstein's put in a belter of a shift there while I've been cracking out the reports. Team game and all that.

0447: All I can say is howdy doody. Or a simple good morning. Whatever your preference is.

0440: With balls finally now bouncing on Hisense Arena, this seems as good a time as any to pass you into the ever-so-capable hands of Mark Ashenden. Any leftover scrambled eggs, Jamie? Cheerio.

0435: Brilliant start from Federer, who opens the match with a trouble-free service hold and follows that up with a break to love. Doesn't look in the mood to hang about in this heat, the great Swiss. But out of nowhere, here's a break point for Malisse... Federer saves and holds serve for 3-0. The winner of this plays Tommy Robredo or Sergiy Stakhovsky, the latter a set up but a break down in the second on Show Court 3. One other singles tussle of note at the moment - Tomas Berdych is a set up against Richard Gasquet, who is serving to stay in this season set.

0430: Bizarre reports coming into us from Hisense Arena, where Maria Sharapova and Julia Goerges have been delayed by a problem with the court. The pair went out for a hit, returned to their seats and were getting ready to start when the umpire told them to stay put. It sounds like there's a issue with the Plexicushion surface, to the extent that the ball isn't actually bouncing. Hmmmm, not sure how easy that will be to solve...

0425: Well, Paul, that wait of yours is over. Roger Federer and Xavier Malisse have just completed their warm-ups on Rod Laver. Not that you'd need much warming up in 32-35 degree heat.

Paul, Sutton, via text on 81111: "Forget all this cricket, would rather wait for King Fed! Got to be up at 7am, but the Aussie Open is just irresistible... "

0420: "I'm really pleased with way I played today, especially in the first set," says Kuznetsova, who will play Francesca Schiavone for a place in the last eight. "After that it's tennis, you get nerves, I wanted to win so much and it was a great atmosphere. Match by match I'm getting better and better, it's a real pleasure for me to play on this court today."

0415: Suddenly the quality of play on Rod Laver rises a few notches and Kuznetsova brings up a second match point, only for Henin to save it with a magical forehand down the line. Henin then engineers a set point, but her opponent comes out on top after an engrossing baseline rally. Kuz squanders a third opportunity to triumph before bringing up a fourth match point and this time Henin shoves a forehand into the tramlines. Kuznetsova beats Henin 6-4 7-6 (10-8) to reach round four of the Australian Open.

0405: Didn't for the life of me think Roddick v Haase would finish before Henin v Kuznetsova, but it has. Andy Roddick beats Robin Haase 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2 and will play either Stanislas Wawrinka or Gael Monfils, who meet in the evening session, for a place in the quarter-finals.

0400: With the rising temperatures on Rod Laver has come a dramatic slump in the quality of tennis. Kuznetsova was moving and striking the ball beautifully for the best part of two sets, but her game decided to crumble under pressure. Henin has failed to get anywhere close to top form all match and how she's still in contention only her opponent knows. I've lost count of the number of unforced errors in this tie-break; it has made for painful viewing.

0355: Another shocker from Kuznetsova sees Henin get to 40-15 on the Russian's serve. Sveta saves the first break point with an off-forehand winner but goes long on the second. Henin breaks and into a second-set tie-break we go. Ear-splitting yelp of "Allez!" from the 2004 champion, who is clearly struggling with her right elbow - you can see it in the way she's playing her forehand.

0350: Oh dear oh dear. Anything you can do, I can do worse. Henin pushes the self-destruct button and some more woeful decision making - the elbow definitely seems to be affecting her range of movement - allows Kuznetsova to break and the Russian will now serve for the match for the second time at 6-4 6-5.

0345: Oh dear. Kuznetsova looks a nervous wreck as she comes out to serve for the match and a third double fault today sees her gift Henin a break point. You can sense the anxiety around Rod Laver. Can Kuznetsova regroup? No. A tentative backhand drifts beyond the baseline and there's the break back for Henin. The Belgian did very little to deserve that but she's right back in this now.

American tennis writer Christopher Clarey on Twitter: "Henin looks to be on her way out against Kuznetsova. Henin not playing as well as last yr but Kuz looks fit, fresh, dangerous. Break helped."

0338: Squeaky bum time, Henin fans. Your lady has just held to stay in the match but a ridiculously in-form Kuznetsova is about to serve for the spoils. No-one could deny the Russian the win if it comes - she's been superb.

0333: Semi-finalist in last year's event, winner in Sydney last week... Li Na books her place in round four of the Australian Open with a 6-2 6-1 win over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Next up for the ninth seed from China is Azarenka or Scheepers. Azarenka a set and a break up in their match on Show Court 2.

0330: Roddick now in the ascendancy against Haase, taking the third set 6-2 for a two-sets-to-one lead on Hisense Arena.

0320: It's getting very interesting out on Rod Laver, where 23rd seed Svetlana Kuznetsova leads 11th seed Justine Henin by a set and a break. Sveta displaying the sort of form that won her the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open. Something just not quite right with Justine. A positive service hold in game five gives Henin hope and two stunning backhand winners help her to a break point in game six. But a slimline Kuznetsova digs in and unleashes a double fist pump after securing the hold for a 5-2 lead.

5 live tennis on Twitter: "Great stuff from Wozniacki in press conf: 'I've had enough of all the same questions, all the same answers...gonna do this differently'. Woz wants people to know who she is - great to hear her on baking / cricket / King Kenny / her ideal man. Vive la difference!"

0310: For those of you joining the party at this unseemly hour, the bad news is you've missed Caroline Wozniacki, Novak Djokovic, Francesca Schiavone and Nicolas Almagro advance to the last 16. But the good news is you arrive in time to see Justine Henin battling for dear life (not literally, of course) and Andy Roddick attempting to haul himself out of a spot of bother. We also await the entrance of Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova.

Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on Twitter: "We will see exactly how strong the Haase ankle is now."

0300: Boom. Roddick comes back with bang, ripping his 19th ace of the day down the 'T' to take the second set tie-break against Haase. One set all and this one is very nicely poised.

Matt, Blackburn, via text on 81111: "Looks like Henin may be the first casualty of my predictions. Kuznetsova looks good, far better than she looked at any time last year. On the big issues of the night, I think Anne's hair is very nice, but would be nice to see a change, so long as its not drastically shorter. And Venus will wear some horrendous number no doubt. Maybe she'll follow in Lady Gaga's footsteps and wear a dress made of meat, which can slow-cook in the heat of the Aussie sun, before being sold to the masses after the match. Oops, brought the discussion back round to food, sorry."

0251: Three set points for Kuznetsova. The first one goes begging but the second is converted when Henin lifts a lob beyond the baseline. Sveta takes the opener 6-4 in 45 minutes and lets a smile creep across her face as she returns to her seat. The Russian calls for the trainer to treat some blisters but looks fine to continue.

0250: Kuznetsova saves two break points for an impressive hold. A couple of uncharacteristic misses from Henin, though. Nervy times for Haase, meanwhile, as Roddick wraps up a straightforward service hold for 6-5 in the second set. Women's ninth seed Li Na takes the first set off Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. With a name like that, I'm tempted to say the Czech had it coming to her. On Show Court 2, Victoria Azarenka holds for a 2-1 lead in her third round against Chanelle Scheepers.

0240: Henin keeps playing with her strings, visibly annoyed with this particular racquet. Why not go and change it, Juju? The former world number one and 2003 Aussie Open champion, seeded 11th this time round, is sporting a curious green skirt, white shirt with green sleeve trim and pink collar number. Talking of interesting outfits, what are we expecting for Venus - Alice in Wonderland - Williams today?

0235: Excitement at BBC Towers as a member of cricket crew turns up an hour early for his overnight shift on the second one-day international, England v Australia. He's not at all happy but it's given him the chance to sample a far more enjoyable sport taking place at Melbourne Park, where short-back-and-sides Kuznetsova has broken Henin to love and is now serving for a 5-3 lead in the opening set.

0225: Back to the Annie K haircut dilemma. Will she? Won't she? Thoughts please on Twitter via the hashtag #BBCAussieOpen or by text message to 81111 (UK) with TENNIS before your message. Perhaps Miss Keothavong will take inspiration from Sveta Kuznetsova, who looks to have gone for a short back and sides at the barbers and is going along very nicely against Henin.

0225: Back to the Annie K haircut dilemma. Will she? Won't she? Thoughts please on Twitter via the hashtag #BBCAussieOpen or by text message to 81111 (UK) with TENNIS before your message. Perhaps Miss Keothavong will take inspiration from Sveta Kuznetsova, who looks to have gone for a short back and sides at the barbers and is going along very nicely against Henin.

0220: Going with serve on Rod Laver - Henin 2-1 up, Sveta gulping down some water before getting game four under way. Also with serve on Hisense, although Roddick has it all to do after dropping to opener. Just seen TV replays of Haase turning his ankle. Think he's OK, we could do without another withdrawal.

Anne Keothavong on Twitter: "Heading back home to London today. Planning on chopping my hair off this weekend. Nervous about it already but think it's time for a change."

0215: And continuing with the British theme...

Elena Baltacha on Twitter: "Well my Aus Open campaign is now finished. Really enjoyed my time here in Melbourne, flying home tonight! Yay… home sweet home :) xx"

0210: Away we go on Rod Laver, Henin opening with a service hold. Rusty start to the week from Justine as she was taken the distance by Mirza, but she was back to her old self against Britain's Elena Baltacha and is already looking smooth today. Henin says the elbow injury she picked up at Wimbledon forces her to play through the pain early on at the moment but that it feels better in warm conditions than cold. No sign of discomfort so far. Kuznetsova looking sharp too, mind. On Hisense Arena, Andy Roddick has lost the first set of his second-round match against the unseeded Dutchman Robin Haase and on Show Court 2, Almagro is a two sets and a break up on Ljubicic.

Coach and commentator Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "Just getting ready for the start of Sparky Henin vs Kuzzy. This is an outstanding third round match-up. 16-2 lifetime for JH, hard to ignore."

5 live tennis on Twitter: "Federer hit with Brit junior George Morgan a few days ago and liked him. Morgan's back today to warm up the champ #BBCaussieopen."

0200: "It was close to going to third set," says Schiavone. "But I kept pushing to be aggressive, serve good, try to push the third ball and I did good. She changed a lot the speed but when I'm in a good position with the forehand I can hit the ball very heavy. It was a good mix of speed and power."

0159: Joining Wozniacki in the fourth round is Francesca Schiavone. The French Open champion, seeded fifth, beats Monica Niculescu of Romania 6-0 7-6 (7-2) and will next play Justine Henin or Svetlana Kuznetsova. Those two are warming up on a baking Rod Laver as we speak.

0155: "I'm very happy that I won this match, Dominika is a really tough opponent," says Wozniacki, who is into the last 16 for the seventh Grand Slam in a row. "I had to be ready because she was really hitting hard from first point. I tried to get the ball deep, move my feet and play aggressive."

0145: Just as the temperature in Melbourne hits 30 degrees and the sun starts to beat down on Rod Laver, Caroline Wozniacki beats Dominika Cibulkova 6-4 6-3 to book her place in the last 16. Cibulkova saved one match point but threw an off-forehand into the tramlines on the second. Huge smile and fist pump from Wozniacki, her Ballerina Dress flapping all over the shop as she bounds into the net. Next up for the Dane is Anastasija Sevastova who, according to the WTA, missed her first two tournaments of the year with bronchitis.

0140: An eighth break of serve on Rod Laver. It goes to Wozniacki and she is now serving for the match against gritty Cibulkova.

5 live tennis on Twitter: "Interested to see how many of the ATP Youth Team - Nishikori, Tomic, Berankis & Raonic - can make R4 #BBCaussieopen My hunch is 2/4."

0130: Back to the action and Cibulkova is giving Wozniacki a real run for her money. The world number one gets the first break of the second set for a 4-2 lead but her diminutive opponent hits straight back and we're going with serve again. Over on Hisense, Andy Roddick and Robin Hasse have just got going while on Margaret Court, Schiavone was on the verge of losing the second set against Monica Niculescu but has battled back to force a tie-break. Almagro and Ljubicic are into a second-set breaker.

British junior Alex Ward on Twitter: "Good prediction @hewitt_92, I'm going haase to beat roddick, hope he won't pull out after a set! #bbcaussieopen."

Alex, London, via text on 81111: "Evening all, just to praise Matt on some excellent predictions for tonight, only one I would like to disagree on is Xavier Malisse to cause some real trouble for Fed. If he keeps his temper watch out for some outrageous ground stroke winners. Mark my words!"

0120: Word is that Troicki actually pulled out with a stomach problem. Here's what 2008 champion Djokovic has had to say about it: "Like any tennis player, you don't wish to win like this. I knew before the match that he had a little trouble with his stomach. I know it's the third round of a Grand Slam and he wanted to give 100%... and he was not able."

0115: Victory for Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova over Vesna Manasieva makes her the first woman through to the last 16. Our friends at the WTA tell us Sevastova had never previously been beyond round two of a Grand Slam and that she is the second Latvian to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open after Larisa Savchenko in 1992.

0110: Loads of you asking about when we'll be able to feast our eyes on the live BBC feed. Not for a while, sadly. But once it arrives, it will be well worth it. Promise. So, live on the Red Button and here on the website you can watch Stanislas Wawrinka v Gael Monfils at 0800 GMT and then straight afterwards Venus Williams v Andrea Petkovic. Both on Rod Laver.

Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on Twitter: "Troicki retires after one set v. Djokovic. He had withdrawn from dubs ysty, ankle problems we think."

0100: After a couple of visits from the trainer, Viktor Troicki loses the first set 6-2 to Novak Djokovic and decides he can't continue. Not too sure what the problem is but it's a sad end for a player who pushed Djokovic to five sets in their last Grand Slam meeting, at last year's US Open. Novak goes on to meet either Almagro or Ljubicic and Spaniard Almagro has just picked up the first set in that one.

0055: Bagels, scrambled eggs... enough about food. Although a tasty break to love has given Wozniacki the first set against Cibulkova. Dramatic capitulation from the Slovak after such a positive start. And I'm afraid to say I'm hearing news of a retirement on Hisense.

0050: Thanks, Jamie, you just reminded me I'll be sat here for the next eight or so hours with nothing to eat #scrambledeggjealously.

Jamie Murray on Twitter: "Made some fantastic scrambled eggs this morning :)) thats the extent of my culinary skills however."

0045: Going with serve on Rod Laver but Djokovic is closing in on the first set against Troicki, the latter now serving a 5-2 down. Sorry, Ashley. Meanwhile, we have our first bagel set of the day and it's gone to French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. On Show Court 2 Spain's Nicolas Almago has just broken Ivan Ljubicic's serve and looks like he's about to wrap up the opener.

British junior Ashley Hewitt on Twitter: "I think Troicki could upset djokovic today if he can find that form he had at the US Open im going for him in 5 sets #bbcaussieopen"

0040: A double fault from Cibulkova helps Wozniacki break back to level things up at 3-3 and a second break for Djokovic restores his advantage over Troicki, 3-1. In other news, Wozniacki used Thursday's off to exhibit her skills in the famous Danish sport of... erm... cricket. Web users should be able to see a nice pic of the 20-year-old batting to slip cordon of Aaron Finch and Peter Siddle at the MCG.

Matt, Blackburn, via text on 81111: "Evening David. Fancied trying my hand at some predictions: Wozza in 2, Henin in 2, Fed in 3, Stan the Man in 4, Venus in 3 (unless she packs it in tonight), Djoko in 4 or 5 but a humdinger of a match, A-Rod in 3, Sharapova in 2, Schiavone in 2, Azarenka in 2. The three main shocks will be Nishiko ri to beat Verdasco in 4, BZS to beat Li Na in straight sets and Gasquet to beat Berdych over 5 sets. Course Wozza could get beat now and that would all be rendered pointless. Ho hum."

0032: Wozniacki breaks back to love but here come two more break points for Cibulkova. And she gets it at the second time of asking when the world number one fails to control a volley at the net. Fist pump from Cib. Elsewhere, Djokovic goes a break up on his pal Troicki but hands it straight back. Could someone please hold serve?

DavidVillaMarav on Twitter: "Wow Cibulkova is landing some bombs with that forehand so powerful #BBCAussieOpen"

0025: Trouble for Wozniacki as Cibulkova takes the second of her three break points to get her nose in front. Upset o'clock? Hold your horses. She may be the shortest player in the women's top 100 at 5ft 3ins, but Cib shocked Woz in Sydney last week and could be on course for a repeat today.

0020: Impressive start from Cibulkova on Rod Laver. The Slovak pushes top seed Wozniacki to deuce with some aggressive shot making in game one before easily holding serve in game two. Oooh and here come three break points for a 2-1 lead. On Hisense, Djokovic opened with a service hold and has a break point of his own in game two.

0015: Now then, this show can't work without you guys - but a slight change in procedure... if you fancy contributing to the text commentary on Twitter I'd kindly ask you to do so via the hashtag #BBCAussieOpen. Alternatively, you can send a good old-fashioned text message to 81111 (UK) with TENNIS before your message. Should you want a question answered, you can always Tweet me @bbcsport_david and I'll attempt to help you out.

0010: A manageable 26 degrees in Melbourne just now and the sun's trying its very best to shine down on this splendid tennis complex. Over on Hisense Arena, Serbian Davis Cup team-mates Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki go head-to-head in the opening match. They're about to get started.

0005: A few technical issues resolved and we're up and running. Less of that tonight please, computer system. Getting us started on Rod Laver Arena are world number one Caroline Wozniacki and the 29th seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. The ladies are warming up on a sparsely-populated RLA as we speak.

2355: Hello there. Day five of the Aussie Open and more than a few potential firecrackers to keep us occupied over the next few hours. How d'ya like the sound an appetizer menu featuring Wozniacki, Djokovic, Henin, Roddick, Federer and Sharapova before sunset at Melbourne Park? Delicious, if you ask me.