Novak Djokovic v Tomas Machac live score: Australian Open latest updates as Jack Draper in third-round action but Jacob Fearnley knocked out
The Australian Open continues as Novak Djokovic faces a stern test against Tomas Machac and Jack Draper bids to set up a clash against Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round.
But Jacob Fearnleyโs debut run is over after the 23-year-old Scot was beaten in straight-sets by second seed Alexander Zverev, who is yet to drop a set in Melbourne.
British interest in the menโs singles now lies with Draper who will expect another hostile crowd when he takes on Australiaโs Aleksandar Vukic after surviving a marathon test against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has dropped sets to both Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria so and the 24-time grand slam champion will expect an even tougher challenge against Machac, a player who beat him in their last meeting.
In the womenโs singles, Aryna Sabalenka continued her winning run at the Australian Open while Coco Gauff battles Leylah Fernandes and two-time champion Naomi Osaka takes on Belinda Bencic.
Follow all the latest scores and results from Melbourne Park below:
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka through after shaky win
Aryna Sabalenka dismissed concerns about her serve after beating Carla Tauson 7-6 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
The match on the Rod Laver Arena began with seven consecutive breaks of serve, with the World No 1 struggling with the conditions on the Rod Laver Arena.
“After a few games the balls became much heavier and it’s hard to serve aggressive, powerful serves, so you just try to direct the serve somehow and start building the rallies,” Sabalenka said.
“Tauson received it very well and I did too and that’s why it was such a rather unusual match. Thank God that I succeeded in managing the conditions.”
Jamie Braidwood17 January 2025 07:10
Jacob Fearnley bundled out of Australian Open in straight sets
Jacob Fearnleyโs fine Australian Open debut ended with a straight-sets loss to second seed Alexander Zverev in the third round.
The Scot continues to take the upper levels of the professional game comfortably in his stride and he did not look out of place against one of the tournament favourites on Margaret Court Arena.
But he could not maintain any sustained pressure on Zverev, who wrapped up a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory in two hours and two minutes.
Fearnley struck marginally more winners, with his forehand causing Zverev consistent problems, but there were also 34 unforced errors compared to only 15 for the German.
It has nevertheless been an excellent week for Fearnley, who defeated Nick Kyrgios and the Australian crowd in the first round before coming from a set down to see off Arthur Cazaux in round two.
Eleanor Crooks17 January 2025 07:05
