Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, and game-by-game updates as Novak Djokovic headlines Day four of the Australian Open from Melbourne.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 4-4 Popyrin
Djokovic shows great composure at the net to softly drop a winner over the net from a fizzing Popyrin effort.
He follows up with a big forehand that Popyrin is unable to keep in play and he holds serve as we enter the third hour of this absorbing contest.
Safe hands, Eddie!
The former footy star hasn’t lost it.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 3-4 Popyrin*
Cool as you like, Popyrin holds serve with ease as we head towards an absolutely pivotal point of this match. Just which way will it go?
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 3-3 Popyrin
Popyrin is back now, let’s see how compromised his movement is here.
Well, from the early goings, it doesn’t look too bad! He stretches to retrieve a fierce serve on the backhand side, Djokovic’s approach shot falls a little short and Popyrin punishes him with a passing winner.
How’s your luck, Novak! Popyrin is targeting the forehand and Djokovic just about gets it over with the help of a wicked deflection from the net cord. No chance for the Aussie to get that and Djokovic gestures a cross sign over his chest.
Are the tennis gods are with him tonight? He holds serve.
Concerning news for Alexei Popyrin fans
The medic is on, but not for Djokovic.
Popyrin appears to have a problem with his left calf and is getting a bit of treatment.
What a shame it would be if this battle ends early.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 2-3 Popyrin*
Djokovic looks up to the sky, shoulders slouched, after firing a basic backhand shot out of play.
Popyrin then asks slices a backhand into Djokovic’s forehand side and he is unable to deal with it, hooking it wide before the Aussie thumps a forehand winner to take the game.
This match is so finely poised.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 2-2 Popyrin
The crowd is 100% behind Popyrin now, but that won’t deter Novak Djokovic – he has a tendency to thrive in these settings.
He races to a 40-0 lead and forces Popyrin to drive a backhand into the net. A much-needed comfortable hold.
Here’s the moment Popyrin tied things up at the Australian Open
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 1-2 Popyrin*
Oh my word. What a point from Alexei Popyrin. He attempts to lob Djokovic but doesn’t quite execute, allowing Djokovic to drill an overhead smash to the back of the court. Popyrin retrieves, then tucks away a short volley and raises his arms in the air to receive the ovation of the Rod Laver crowd.
‘He is purring right now,’ says Kyrgios.
And again! Djokovic, up at the net, has 80% of the court to aim for to guarantee a winner, but Popyrin just about reaches it and scoops a lob over the champion, who can only stand aghast as the crowd is sent into sheer bedlam.
Popyrin follows up with a huge serve that Djokovic is unable to return, and holds. It’s all going one way here.
Djokovic* 6-3, 4-6, 1-1 Popyrin
Just what is going on with Novak Djokovic? After Popyrin held serve, it looked as though he called for the trainer, but he’s marched to the baseline to begin his service game.
He manages to hold his own serve but he looks far from pleased, now dressed in a fresh blue shirt after the second set.
Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 0-1 Popyrin*
Popyrin is absolutelty nerveless here. Djokovic has a way into his opponent’s service game at 30-30 but, once again, the Aussie has an answer, with a massive ace down the middle.
He continues to step inside the court and punish Djokovic’s weak forehand and it pays dividends, seeing the Serb overhit and give the game to Popyrin, who turns and gives a fist pump to his corner.
Popyrin takes the second set!
Djokovic breaks back! Djokovic 6-3, 4-5 Popyrin*
Big pressure on Popyrin as he falls 0-30 down in this crucial game. Djokovic, like he has done to so many of his opponents, is forcing Popyrin to play the extra shot.
Djokovic fires a couple of shots into Popyrin’s backhand side and the frustrated Australian looks to run around it and play an inside-out forehand, but fails to execute. Down 0-40. Tension is at fever-pitch in Rod Laver Arena.
He saves one break point… and another… but no! Popyrin floats a forehand long and Djokovic breaks. How crucial could that be?
Djokovic* 6-3, 3-5 Popyrin
Kyrgios is speculating that Djokovic’s pre-tournament wrist problem could be the cause of his tendency to commit forehand errors this set. It certainly is uncharacteristic of the Serb.
But he manages to see this service game off and tell Popyrin to go and win the set on his own serve.
Djokovic 6-3, 2-5 Popyrin*
Djokovic tests Popyrin with a huge lob that has him retreating, but he keeps his cool to hammer it away.
He then follows up with a whipping forehand that Djokovic has no answer for. Unlike the first set, Popyrin is keen to keep the points short and not engage in lengthy rallies.
It seems to be working a treat for him.
Djokovic* 6-3, 2-4 Popyrin
Much better from Djokovic, who quickly holds his serve to put the pressure back on Popyrin.
But the Rod Laver Arena crowd is up and backing their own man here, they want to see the champion tested.
How about this from Stefanos Tsitsipas
He’s absolutely DRILLED that one!
Djokovic 6-3, 1-4 Popyrin*
Djokovic is renowned for his ability to break back as soon as he’s broken, so Popyrin can’t celebrate too much here.
But he’s got a determined look in his eye, has the Australian. He fires a serve out wide for an ace before smashing a volley past Djokovic, who then hits another unforced error to make it 40-0 Popyrin.
Up steps Popyrin, who aces down the middle for his most comfortable hold yet.
Popyrin breaks! Djokovic* 6-3, 1-3 Popyrin
Big chance for Popyrin as he wins the first two points on Djokovic’s serve to hold an unexpected 0-30 lead.
The Serb comes in clutch with a big unanswered first serve but then floats a shot out of play to give the Aussie TWO break points.
‘Here we go, he needs to take one of these,’ says Kyrgios.
And he does! Djokovic tries to catch Popyrin off guard with a drop shot, but the Aussie makes it and punishes him.
Djokovic 6-3, 1-2 Popyrin*
This game should be a lesson for Popyrin: Aggression is your best chance of success.
The 24-year-old fires a forehand deep in court before approaching the net, forcing Djokovic to return the ball into the net.
He then sees his forehand shot kiss the tramline to seal the game. Much better from the Aussie.
Djokovic* 6-3, 1-1 Popyrin
Better from Popyrin, who could’ve let this Djokovic service game get away from him after going 30-0 down but has battled back to 30-30.
But for some inexplicable reason, Popyrin loops his return from a slow Djokovic second serve out of play. He is furious with himself and gives his box an earful.
Again, another opportunity is wasted on the Djokovic second serve, as he drills a backhand into the net to let the Serb hold.
Djokovic 6-3, 0-1 Popyrin*
After a brief pep talk at the change of ends, Popyrin bursts to 40-0 lead, before Djokovic pins a perfect backhand down the line.
But he is unable to work his way back into the game after pulling a backhand wide of court. A much better hold from Popyrin.
Djokovic takes the first set 6-3
‘He has to be the aggressor tonight,’ says Nick Kyrgios of Popyrin, the consensus being that the underdog is playing within himself at the moment.
But he’s just way too deep in his own court and offering no avenue for himself to work his way into Djokovic’s serve.
Djokovic only needs one set point and he takes it. It was 3-3 around five to ten minutes ago, now the Serb has won the set 6-3.
Djokovic breaks! Djokovic 5-3 Popyrin*
A lengthy baseline exchange sees Popyrin blink first as he buries a backhand into the net, offering Djokovic two break points. Can he take them this time around?
He can! Popyrin attempts a drop shot at the net but he gets it all wrong, giving Djokovic plenty of time to tuck a forehand winner away and now he is serving for the set.
Djokovic* 4-3 Popyrin
Solid hold from Djokovic, who shows all the experience he has gathered over the years with second serves that left Popyrin bamboozled.
The Aussie needs to make more inroads on Djokovic’s service games to relieve the pressure.
Djokovic 3-3 Popyrin*
After going 30-0 up, an unexecuted volley and back-to-back double faults offers Djokovic a chance to break. Brutal.
Cool as you like, Popyrin serves and volleys the opportunity away from Djokovic.
He then hits two unplayable aces to clinch the game. He’s chuffed with that one, letting out a roar to his box. Djokovic has been wasteful.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry marches on
The man who conquered Andy Murray has comfortably beaten another veteran, sending Gael Monfils packing from the tournament.
He will meet the winner of Djokovic vs Popyrin next.
What a shot this is from Andrey Rublev
He is running away with it against Chris Eubanks.
Djokovic* 3-2 Popyrin
Surgical precision from Djokovic sees him move to 40-0. Popyrin then skews a return wide and it’s a comfortable hold for the champion.
Djokovic 2-2 Popyrin*
Big moment. Game tied at 30-30 and Popyrin double faults.
Up against a break point, the Aussie refuses to crumble and fires an ace down the tee, but gives Djokovic another opportunity to break after hitting a forehand too long.
He weathers the storm again by whipping a forehand to Djokovic’s backhand side, and he has no answer. Popyrin goes onto hold. First pressure test passed for the young gun.
‘That’s a great hold,’ says Kyrgios.
Djokovic* 2-1 Popyrin
Djokovic pins Popyrin to the back of the court with his deep, probing shots, taking him to a 40-0 lead.
But Popyrin refuses to roll over and give Djokovic an easy hold, punching an unanswered backhand down the line. But the Serb prevails to move to 2-1.
Djokovic 1-1 Popyrin*
For a big man standing at 6ft 5ins, Popyrin moves ever so well. The Aussie is unafraid to engage in the lengthy, drawn-out baseline battles, but mixes it up with a beautiful drop shot which Djokovic doesn’t even attempt to chase.
He races to 40-15 and holds with a big serve. Great first service game for the underdog.
BIG upset elsewhere at Melbourne Park
Young hotshot Frances Tiafoe is OUT of the Australian Open after the No 17 seed was defeated in straight sets by unseeded Tomas Machac.
The underdog had the game of his life to defeat his rival, including this insane winner. Check it out.
Djokovic* 1-0 Popyrin
‘Very exciting match we’ve got on our hands here tonight,’ says Nick Kyrgios as Djokovic gets us underway for the final match on Rod Laver Arena today.
And it’s pretty smooth-sailing for Djokovic in this opening game, burying back-to-back aces down the tee to take it 1-0.
We’re moments away from first serve, folks
Djokovic and Popyrin have done the coin toss and customary photo with a young mascot, and are now going through their paces in the warm up.
The Serb is wearing a white t-shirt with blue shorts, but don’t be surprised to see him change clothes if this match goes longer than expected.
‘Popyrin has got to play the match of his life’
Tim Henman is under no illusions as to what is required for a major shock tonight.
‘He’s got to serve huge and get the crowd involved,’ he said on Eurosport. ‘If he does that, we could get another upset.’
So, can he do it? The players are on their way out now.
Here’s the moment Sabalenka booked her place in the third round
Breaking: Sabalenka beats Fruhvirtova
The second set was a doddle for the Belarusian, taking it 6-2.
Just over an hour’s work for the defending champion against her 16-year-old opponent.
‘For somebody who is 16 years old, she is doing an incredible job. I wish I was this level when I was 16.
‘I am super happy with the win, I was focused on myself and just fought for every point.’
Be warned, Novak Djokovic
Alexei Popyrin is not unfamiliar with taking big scalps. Last year, the Australian beat Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, then world No 6, at the Adelaide International.
Of course, the Serb is a different kettle of fish altogether, but here’s hoping the Aussie doesn’t buckle on the big stage.
Ben Shelton lives to fight another day
Sabalenka is running away with it now
She’s won 11 points in a row on Rod Laver Arena and now leads 3-0 in the second set.
I wouldn’t put any money on Brenda Fruhvirtova stemming the tide.
Ons Jabeur has been a recurring figure at the top of women’s tennis for the past couple of years, with the fan-favourite making the Wimbledon final in 2022 and 2023.
But she will play no major part in this year’s Australian Open following a shock defeat by a 16-year-old upstart.
Click below to read more.
Australian sporting royalty is in attendance at Rod Laver Arena
Fans of AFL will recognise the man in the picture here. Of course, it is Carlton Blues and Adelaide Crows legend Eddie Betts.
Sabalenka takes the first set!
After a cagey start, the Belarusian has wrapped up the opening set on Rod Laver Arena, prevailing 6-3.
Here’s how Djokovic fared last time out
It certainly wasn’t smooth sailing for the all-conquering champion on Sunday night.
Up against a young, hungry 18-year-old who earned his place in the tournament as a qualifier, Djokovic had to dig deep to put Dino Prizmic away and march onto tonight’s contest.
Check out the highlights below.
Sabalenka breaks!
Back on Rod Laver Arena, Aryna Sabalenka has got a major breakthrough after breaking Brenda Fruhvirtova.
She leads 5-3 and is now serving for the first set.
McEnroe savages new punditry colleague Kyrgios
They may have played in different eras, but Nick Kyrgios and John McEnroe are very much cut from the same cloth.
Like the American all those years ago, Kyrgios divides opinion when he takes to the court and even after 10 years in the game, he is still a marmite figure.
McEnroe has explained why he thinks Aussies believe Kyrgios is ‘a bit of a d***’.
Meanwhile, on Rod Laver Arena…
Reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka has just started her second round match against Brenda Fruhvirtova.
It’s been a cagey opening, with the Czech holding serve to tie things up at 3-3.
Ball kid catches the ball while it’s still in play
That’s right. For some inexplicable reason, a ball kid intervened to catch a looping ball while it was still in play during Aleksander Kovacevic’s match against Karen Khachanov.
With the ball destined to bounce out of play, Khachanov was understandably miffed when the umpire called to replay the point, before Kovacevic’s incredible act of genorisity changed things.
Hello and welcome to Day Four at the Australian Open
What a few days we’ve had at the tournament so far.
We’ve seen racquet smashes, commentary debuts and even seagulls causing chaos!
And tonight Novak Djokovic returns to the Rod Laver Arena as he takes on Aussie hopeful Alexei Popyrin.
The reigning champion had to work hard for his opening win over Dino Prizmic, his longest first-round match ever, leaving his rivals hopeful that there are chinks in his armour.
Stay tuned for game-by-game coverage from Melbourne.