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The next big tennis exhibition—titled The MGM Rewards Slam—was announced on Thursday and includes six of the sport’s biggest stars.
Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka headline the women’s competition, while World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul will compete as well.
The exhibition will take place on March 1 and 2 in Las Vegas at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Tickets will go on sale beginning Monday, Jan. 27.
JUST ANNOUNCED: The MGM Rewards Slam is coming to Michelob Ultra Arena at @MandalayBay on March 1 and 2!
See the world’s top Men’s and Women’s tennis players square off!
Sabalenka could win her fourth major title at the Australian Open this weekend as she faces Madison Keys in the final. Sinner and Zverev are also still alive in the tournament. Sinner won two majors, including the Australian Open, last year.
Fritz and Paul are currently ranked at career highs of No. 4 and No. 11, respectively. They’re still fighting to end the streak of American men not winning a major tournament—the last to do it was Andy Roddick in 2003. Fritz came close at the U.S. Open last year, losing to Sinner in the final.
Exciting News for Tennis Fans: Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner to Headline Las Vegas Exhibition Matches
Get ready for some thrilling tennis action as two of the sport’s brightest stars, Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner, are set to headline a series of exhibition matches in Las Vegas. The event promises to be a showcase of talent and skill, with Osaka, a multiple Grand Slam champion, and Sinner, a rising star on the ATP Tour, facing off in what is sure to be a highly competitive and entertaining showdown.
Fans can expect to see some incredible shot-making, lightning-fast rallies, and fierce competition as these two players battle it out on the court. Osaka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness, will be looking to assert her dominance, while Sinner, with his explosive game and aggressive style, will be gunning for an upset.
The exhibition matches are sure to draw a large crowd of tennis enthusiasts and fans of the sport, all eager to witness these two talented players go head-to-head. With both players in top form and playing some of the best tennis of their careers, this is an event that you won’t want to miss.
So mark your calendars and get ready to witness some top-notch tennis action as Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner headline the Las Vegas exhibition matches. It’s sure to be a tennis spectacle that you won’t soon forget!
Las Vegas (KSNV) — MGM Resorts International is set to host “The MGM Rewards Slam,” featuring the world’s top tennis players, on March 1-2 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
The event will showcase the world’s No. 1 men’s and women’s tennis players, including Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, alongside other highly ranked professionals.
Single-day tickets start at $55, while two-day tickets begin at $127.50, excluding service charges or fees.
Tickets will be available to the public starting Monday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. PST via axs.com.
Pre-sale access is available for Club and Seat License members, as well as MGM Rewards and AXS members, from Thursday, Jan. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 26.
In the main event on Saturday, Women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will compete against former No. 1 Naomi Osaka.
Sabalenka, a two-time reigning Australian Open champion, will defend her 2024 U.S. Open title later this year.
Osaka has won four Grand Slam titles, including the 2018 U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open.
Sunday’s action will feature Men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev, and Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ranked 4th and 9th, respectively, in a four-player competition.
“The 2024 ‘Netflix Slam’ at Mandalay Bay was a huge success and one of our most entertaining sporting events of the year,” said Lance Evans, MGM Resorts’ Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorships. “We anticipate creating another memorable event experience as tennis fans worldwide will enjoy watching the sport’s best players compete at the highest level in Las Vegas.”
Further details about the Sunday men’s event format, additional competitors, the 2025 event broadcast partner, and VIP programming will be announced soon.
Two of the biggest stars in women’s tennis, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka, will go head-to-head in the main event of the ‘MGM Rewards Slam’ in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated match-up is set to showcase the talents of these two dynamic players in a battle for supremacy on the court.
Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play, has been in top form this season, capturing multiple titles and climbing the rankings. On the other hand, Osaka, a former world number one and multiple Grand Slam champion, brings her own unique blend of power and finesse to the court.
Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as these two fierce competitors face off in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown. With the bright lights of Las Vegas shining down on them, Sabalenka and Osaka will leave it all on the court in their quest for victory.
Stay tuned for all the action and drama as these two tennis titans clash in the ‘MGM Rewards Slam’ main event. Don’t miss out on the excitement as Sabalenka and Osaka battle it out for glory in the entertainment capital of the world.
A third straight miss on the forehand from Gauff – it’s still her most fallible shot – helps Fernandez gets herself out of a hole from set point down at 30-40. Gauff will still get the chance to serve for the set though, and swiftly moves 30-0 ahead. Make that 40-0. She’s won 14 of 16 points when her first serve has landed. But it’s a second serve that Fernandez can’t get back into play on the second set point and Gauff holds to 15 to take the set!
Gauff holds in the blink of an eye for 5-3. Djokovic takes a little longer to serve out the set, dropping 30-40 down, before a strong serve and an overhead give him set point. Machac whacks his return into the net and that’s that. Djokovic wins the first set 6-1 in just 35 minutes. Murray applauds and gives a half-hearted fist pump. I guess the first set was too straightforward to warrant a more committed one.
So far, things are going swimmingly for Novak Djokovic against Tomas Machac. Photograph: Edgar Su/Reuters
Machac just can’t get going on serve. This time he slumps 0-40 down. Djokovic prevails in the next point too and he’ll serve for the set at 5-1. Meanwhile Gauff emerges victorious after an absorbing 26-shot rally to get back to deuce on Fernandez’s serve … and from there Gauff breaks! The third seed leads 4-3.
Coco Gauff eyes a return to Leylah Fernandez. Photograph: Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
Two more break points for Djokovic at 15-40, to add to the ones he had in Machac’s opening service game. This time he takes the second, as Machac makes the error on the backhand side. It’s 3-1 Djokovic, and he’s looking much sharper than he did in his opening two matches. Murray looks on approvingly, before Djokovic backs up the break for 4-1.
On John Cain, the young phenomenon Fils is serving for the opening set at 5-3 against Humbert. It doesn’t go quite to plan, as the 20-year-old slides 30-40 down, and then Humbert, his fellow Frenchman, picks him off with a backhand pass down the line! It’s 5-4 Fils.
Arthur Fils fires off a serve to Ugo Humbert. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
On Margaret Court Arena, in the match between the 2023 US Open champion and the 2021 runner-up, Gauff flumps a forehand into the net and it’s deuce, with Fernandez leading 2-1 on serve. Gauff quickly makes up for her error by taking the next two points to hold. It’s 2-2.
Leylah Fernandez plays a return to Coco Gauff. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP
From 0-40 down, Machac holds his opening service game. The camera pans to Andy Murray in the coaching box – or more accurately the new courtside coaching pod – for the first of probably 9,337 times today. He’s sitting there quite impassively as the moment. No chattering or chuntering, like in his playing days. Maybe that’ll come later.
Djokovic will need to step it up a level today. The 10-times champion has not been convincing so far, dropping a set in both the first and second rounds against opponents ranked outside the world’s top 100. And it takes him five minutes to secure the opening game on serve here. Machac has beaten Djokovic before, by the way, in the semi-finals of the Geneva Open last year, but that was best of three sets. The 24-year-old Czech has the ability, he boasts so much power, but can he keep it together over the course of five potential sets?
Night session order of play
ROD LAVER ARENA (8am GMT/7pm AEDT) 7-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) v 26-Tomas Machac (Czech Republic) Olga Danilovic (Serbia) v 7-Jessica Pegula (US) MARGARET COURT ARENA (8am GMT/7pm AEDT) 3-Coco Gauff (U.S.) v 30-Leylah Fernandez (Canada) 15-Jack Draper (Britain) v Aleksandar Vukic (Australia) JOHN CAIN ARENA 14-Ugo Humbert (France) 2-2 20-Arthur Fils (France) KIA ARENA 24-Jiri Lehecka (Czech Republic) v Benjamin Bonzi (France)
Davidovich Fokina saved two match points in the third-set tie-break before pulling off his Houdini act, having also come from two sets to love down in the second round. He’s so exhausted he doesn’t even seem to remember those match points when he’s interviewed on court. “I’m a little bit tired. First two sets I wasn’t playing good. Very happy to come back,” he says. Next up for him in the last 16 is the American 12th seed Tommy Paul.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina looks pretty happy after his victory over Jakub Mensik. Photograph: Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images
Thanks Joey and g’day/good afternoon/good evening everyone, depending on your whereabouts. Right, let’s get this evening session started. Novak Djokovic is about to get going against Tomas Machac on Rod Laver, Coco Gauff will be under way against Leylah Fernandez very shortly, Arthur Fils has taken the opening game on serve in his all-French affair with Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils …. but let’s go straight to the Kia Arena, where Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has three match points against Jakub Mensik. And just the one MP will do as the Spaniard ends the young Czech’s run with an ace!
Maybe not, as Menšík breaks back to make sure that Davidovich Fokina knows this won’t all go his way.
Or maybe yes as the Spaniard promptly breaks back and will now have the chance to serve this third round epic out! And boy did he love that one, roaring a huge “come on!” to the crowd.
That, however, is where I’ll leave you. It’s been a pleasure having you for company over these past few hours and I’ll now leave you in the very capable hands of Katy Murrells to wrap this one up and take you through the evening play.
Menšík gets on the board at last, holding serve for the first time in three attempts. Nonetheless, the look on his face suggests he’s coming to terms with a game that he once had match point on slipping through his fingers.
The crowd is now well and truly behind Davidovich Fokina as he looks to complete the comeback; the commentators noting that a fan in a Manchester United shirt cheering him on hasn’t had much to be happy about as of late. Bantz.
WOW. By the barest of margins, Davidovich Fokina fires a huge forearm winner past Menšík and keeps it just inside the baseline to break the Czech once more.
He’s now up three games to love in this fifth and decisive set and it’s difficult to see him giving the lead up from here.
Tumaini Carayol was out at Margaret Court Arena to watch Alexander Zverev make light work of Jacob Fearnley on his way to the fourth round.
It took just 20 minutes into one of the most significant occasions of Jacob Fearnley’s uncommonly short professional tennis career for the 23-year-old to receive evidence of the soaring level required to consistently trouble the very best tennis players in the world.
All the momentum is with Davidovich Fokina as he breaks Menšík in the first game of the fifth set and, for the first time in this match, gets his nose ahead.
A powerful serve right into his breadbasket gives Menšík little scope to do anything other than scoop the ball out and give up two set points, only one of which Davidovich Fokina needs as he ties this game up and forces a fifth set.
It’s the second straight match that the Spaniard has dropped the opening two sets only to force his way back, having beaten Canadian 29th need Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (6-9) 6-7 (7-5) 6-4 6-1 6-3 in the second round.
For Menšík, it’s pretty much been downhill ever since I wrote he was about to wrap this game up. Sorry mate.
Menšík drops just a single point as he holds serve but must now break Davidovich Fokina if he’s to avoid – having had the chance to serve for the match in the third — being taken to a fifth and deciding set.
Belinda Bencic signs the camera after Naomi Osaka retired from their match at the Australian Open:
What a shot from Davidovich Fokina, an incredible backhand winner across the court capping off a fightback that saw him give up two break points to Menšík, only to hold serve.
Some strong baseline play from the Spaniard then sees him break Menšík to seize the initiative in this fourth set.
In some of the doubles action currently under way, Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse are up a set over Australian pair Maddison Inglis and Destanee Aiava on the 1573 Arena.
Women’s 15th seeds Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund also hold a one set lead over Quinn Gleason and Suzan Lamens out on court six but tenth seeds Sofia Kenin and Monica Niculescu are down a set against Renata Zarazua and Miyu Kato.
Osaka can’t continue, what appears to be the abdominal injury she picked up in Auckland rearing its ugly head midway through that set and ending her Australian Open campaign. It’s the first time she’s retired during a match at a major but it’s the third straight tournament, following on from Beijing and Auckland, where the former world number one has been forced to bow out mid-match.
The two-time champion in Melbourne had looked as if she was cruising midway through the set off the back of a dominant first serve but that increasingly faded as play continued and she looked less and less comfortable. Once Bencic rallied back and took that opening set the call was made to retire.
The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist will now move into a fourth round meeting with either Coco Gauff or Leylah Fernandez, which will start on Margaret Court Arena in about 45 minutes.
Bencic brings up three set points against Osaka but needs only one, taking out the first set 7-6 (7-3).
Heading into this tiebreak, it certainly looks like the abdominal strain that forced Osaka to retire in the final of a WTA tournament in Auckland earlier this month has reared its head once more.
If she can battle through it and find a way to down Bencic is one question but so, too, is if she’ll be able to recover in time for a fourth round meeting with Coco Gauff or Leylah Fernandez if she does.
Osaka is back on her feet and awaiting Bencic’s serve, with the Swiss no doubt having taken note of exactly what the issue is and planning how she can take advantage.
A drop shot attempt from Osaka goes straight into the net to give Bencic a 40 to love lead and she takes things out with a forehand.
We will have a fourth set on Kia Arena! That’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler, because Davidovich Fokina has taken out the third set tie break against Menšík, who now leads 6-3 6-4 6-7 (9-7) heading into the fourth.
Osaka’s serve is increasingly abandoning her as this first set goes on, with the host broadcaster noting that she’s not able to get her wrist over the ball as she had been.
She’s able to hold serve to take a 6-5 lead in this opening set but the trainer has been called for.
A big break from Bencic and this first set will continue! It wasn’t looking good as she went down 30-0 to start things off but she rallied back to win the next four points and gets another chance to serve.
And the Olympic gold medallist has little challenge in subsequently locking this up at 5-5, not dropping a single point as she holds serve.
I’ve been to a few of them myself here in Melbourne, so if Alcaraz is looking for any parlour recommendations come the end of this tournament he’s free to hit me up.
Another hold from Bencic to keep herself in this opening set. But she’ll have to break Osaka and her strong first save to keep herself in it.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Australian Open 2025! The stage is set for some exciting matches today, including Novak Djokovic taking on Jiri Machac in the men’s singles and Coco Gauff facing Leylah Fernandez in the women’s singles.
Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion and world number one, is looking to continue his dominance as he faces off against the up-and-coming Czech player, Jiri Machac. Djokovic has been in top form this tournament, but Machac is not to be underestimated as he has been causing upsets left and right. Will Djokovic be able to maintain his composure and advance to the next round, or will Machac pull off another surprise victory?
In the women’s singles, we have a highly anticipated match between Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. Gauff, known for her powerful groundstrokes and impressive speed, will be looking to outwit Fernandez, who has been showcasing her talent and determination throughout the tournament. Both players are young and hungry for success, so this match promises to be a thrilling battle of the next generation of tennis stars.
In a shocking turn of events, former world number one Naomi Osaka has announced her retirement from professional tennis. Osaka, who has been struggling with injuries and personal issues, has decided to step away from the sport to focus on her well-being. Her absence will surely be felt in the tennis world, but we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates and results from the Australian Open 2025. Don’t miss out on the action as the world’s best players compete for glory on the court!
Survival is all about adaptation. The second round of this Australian Open was a masterclass in that respect:
Naomi Osaka lost the first set 6-1 to Karolina Muchova — and rallied to win in three.
“I wasn’t really prepared for it,” Osaka said later. “Yeah, just be aware and try not to get so negative on yourself. Just try not to live in the past.”
Coco Gauff, down 5-3 in the second set to Jodie Burrage, won the last four games to secure the match.
“I think it’s just one of those adrenaline-type things,” Gauff said later.
Mirra Andreeva found herself in a third-set tiebreak with Moyuka Uchijima, trailing 8-6.
“I was freaking nervous,” said Andreeva, who then won the last four points.
They all embraced the ability to change their approach, to think outside the box they were in — and as a result they’re all into Friday’s third round. As is No.1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, who herself overcame a 4-1 second-set deficit to defeat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
If they can find a way to survive and advance once more, there are some extremely enticing fourth-round matches to look forward to. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s savor these eight top-half, third-round matchups:
Naomi Osaka vs. Belinda Bencic (John Cain Arena, 5 p.m.)
Head-to-head: 3-2, Bencic. Most recently a three-set win went to Osaka in the 2022 Miami semifinals.
They are not seeded, but don’t let that fool you. Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and Bencic an Olympic gold medalist. They are also mothers working to recapture their glory days.
“It probably adds extra stuff for you guys,” Osaka told reporters. “Not necessarily for me. We are labeled `moms,’ of course. I think when you go on the tennis court, you just think of yourself as a tennis player.”
They’re both 27, but Osaka’s been back on tour for one year longer. After a solid 2024, she’s looked sharp, winning six of seven matches. The only loss came with an asterisk; she actually won the first set of the Auckland final against Clara Tauson but, with the Australian Open in mind, chose to retire with an abdominal injury.
In a charged second-round match, Osaka defeated No.20 Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 — the first time in her comeback that she’s beaten a seeded player at a Grand Slam, a goal the two-time Australian Open champion was happy to achieve so early this year.
Bencic, too, has been steady since coming back to play three ITF events late last year. She’s won six of eight matches (including qualifying), the last a 6-1, 7-6(3) decision over Suzan Lamens. Ordinarily, she likes to stay in rhythm by playing matches every day, but the every-other-day schedule of a major is now a better fit.
“I have more time,” Bencic said. “A little bit practice and then more family time. We went to the aquarium yesterday, so that was nice. In terms of physically how my body feels, is really good.”
No.1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. Clara Tauson (Rod Laver Arena, 11:30 a.m.)
Head-to-head: 0-0.
It’s become so automatic that it’s easy to take Sabalenka’s success Down Under for granted. The win over Bouzas Maneiro was her 16th straight at the Australian Open, something that hasn’t happened since Victoria Azarenka did it in 2014.
With a record of 52-11 (.825), Sabalenka now owns the best winning percentage of any active player at Grand Slam events on hard court. Since 2020, Sabalenka has won 46 matches with those parameters — Iga Swiatek (36) is a distant second.
And one of the biggest challenges in her path to a third straight title, No.5 Zheng Qinwen, was eliminated by Laura Siegemund.
“Very sad to see,” Sabalenka said of the player she beat in last year’s final. “Listen, it’s a Slam, you know? Not everyone can handle these emotions. As you see, there [are] so many players playing really well in these conditions. It’s not like if they gone, it’s easy for me. No, it’s not.”
Tauson, for example, is a perfect 7-0 in the new year after taking the title in Auckland and winning matches against No.29 seed Linda Noskova and Tatjana Maria. In Auckland, she never saw a player ranked among the Top 20, so this is a massive step up for the 22-year-old from Denmark.
“I know that she’s very aggressive player, serving well, hitting pretty heavy shots,” Tauson said of Sabalenka. “Really looking forward to face her for the first time.”
Head-to-head: 1-0, Gauff, 6-3, 6-2 at this year’s United Cup.
Some context for what we’re seeing from the 20-year-old Gauff: Since 2000, only Maria Sharapova won more Grand Slam matches before the age of 21 than Gauff’s 61. Additionally, only Sharapova and Kim Clijsters won more matches in Melbourne before turning 21 than Gauff’s 14.
To get here, Gauff handled Jodie Burrage 6-3, 7-5 and Fernandez was a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 winner over Cristina Bucsa.
This will be the second time they’ve played in a span of less than three weeks. In anticipation of her United Cup match against Fernandez, Gauff actually practiced against a few lefties, including Robin Montgomery. She’ll be focused on serving better than the last time out.
“She’s going to be aggressive — that’s her game,” Gauff said. “She’s a great mover. Slam finalist and has great results against top players. I expect her to play great tennis. I just hope I can do the same.”
No.7 Jessica Pegula vs. Olga Danilovic (Rod Laver Arena, 7 p.m.)
Head-to-head: 1-0, Pegula, who won 6-1, 6-3 in a 2018 ITF W25 event in Orlando on clay.
Pegula loves these conditions — warm weather and fast hard courts — and the numbers back that up. Since the turn of the century, only Swiatek (157) and Sabalenka (149) have more than her 142 tour-level match wins on hard courts.
Pegula defeated Mertens 6-4, 6-2 in the second round, while Danilovic upset No.25 Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-2.
No.11 Paula Badosa vs. No.17 Marta Kostyuk (KIA Arena, 12:30 p.m.)
Head-to-head: 3-1, Badosa, including two wins at the Australian Open (2019 qualifying and 2022 third round).
This is a high-quality third-round match, featuring two players who know each other well. Kostyuk was a 6-3, 6-0 winner over Jule Niemeier and Badosa defeated Talia Gibson 6-1, 6-0.
“It’s a tricky match,” Badosa said. “She likes to play in these conditions. She likes to play the big matches. I’m expecting she’s going to bring the best out of her.”
No.12 Diana Shnaider vs. No.18 Donna Vekic (Margaret Court Arena, 11:30 a.m.)
Head-to-head: 1-0, Shnaider, a three-set win in the final of 2024 Bad Homburg on grass.
Both Shnaider and Vekic have faced challenges to get to this stage. Shnaider has yet to drop a set but was tested early, navigating a first-set tiebreak against Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the opener. In the second round, Ajla Tomljanovic pushed her before Shnaider secured a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
Vekic, coming off a career-best season in 2024, endured a tough three-set battle against Harriet Dart in the previous round.
At just 20 years old, Shnaider holds a recent edge over Vekic, defeating her in the 2024 Bad Homburg Open final to capture the second of her four career titles.
Both players struggled but managed to advance to this first-time meeting.
The 17-year-old Andreeva hung on to defeat Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 3-6, 7-6[8] and Frech came back to beat Anna Blinkova 0-6, 6-0, 6-2.
No.27 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Laura Siegemund (John Cain Arena, 11 a.m.)
Head-to-head: 1-0, Siegemund, but that was nine years ago in Stuttgart.
Siegemund authored the upset of the tournament so far, a 7-6(3), 6-3 win over Zheng, a finalist here last year and the gold medal winner in Paris. How’s that for a game-changer for the 36-year-old German ranked No.97?
“I didn’t expect it,” Siegemund said afterward. “My goal was to win a match here and defend my points. Singles is not really my priority anymore, but at the same time, I know what I can do still. I know that if physically I’m healthy, that my game is there.”
After losing her 16 previous matches against Grand Slam finalists, Siegemund was finally a winner. After going 0-7 in Grand Slams against Top 10 players, she’s on the board.
As the second week of the US Open approaches, all eyes are on Naomi Osaka as she looks to hold off the formidable Belinda Bencic and secure her spot in the next round. Osaka, the defending champion, has been in top form so far in the tournament, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness.
However, Bencic is no slouch on the court either. The Swiss player has been playing some of the best tennis of her career lately, and she will be a tough opponent for Osaka to overcome. With her precise shot-making and ability to move her opponents around the court, Bencic has the tools to cause an upset and send Osaka packing.
It will be a thrilling battle between two of the top players in the women’s game, and fans can expect a high-quality match filled with intense rallies and breathtaking winners. Will Osaka be able to hold off Bencic’s challenge and advance to the next round, or will Bencic pull off the upset and continue her impressive run at the US Open? Tune in to find out as these two talented players go head-to-head on the court.
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka can set up a blockbuster clash as the Australian Open enters the third round on Friday while Novak Djokovic steps up his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
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Women’s number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will also be in action with a potential clash against highly rated 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva the prize awaiting in the fourth round.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has raced into the last 32 for the loss of just 12 games, and second seed Alexander Zverev will also look to book their places in the second week of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
American third seed Gauff had to battle back from 5-3 down in the second set against Britain’s Jodie Burrage in round two after dropping her serve three times.
She knows she will need to improve against former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, even though she recently beat the Canadian at the United Cup.
“Obviously I did well at the United Cup. It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen,” said Gauff, who plays in the night session on Margaret Court Arena.
Awaiting the victor will be either two-time Melbourne champion Osaka or Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.
Following two tough three-set wins in Melbourne, Osaka is in the third round of a Slam for the first time since the birth of her daughter in 2023.
Former world number four Bencic only returned to the circuit in December after her own maternity leave, but has not dropped a set so far.
“She’s an incredibly tough player. She fights a lot,” said Osaka.
“I think it’s really cool that she also had a baby and she came back as well.”
Sabalenka will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30am against Denmark’s Clara Tauson with the prize a potential last-16 date with 14th seed Andreeva.
The Russian Andreeva announced her burgeoning talent by beating Sabalenka in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.
She faces Poland’s 23rd seed Magdalena Frech.
Seventh seed Jessica Pegula, the US Open finalist last year, will take on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic to round off the action on centre court.
In the men’s draw Djokovic and Alcaraz will look to remain on track for a quarter-final clash.
Ten-time Melbourne champion Djokovic first must dispose of Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in a prime-time 7:00 pm centre court match to reach the last 16, while Alcaraz faces Portugal’s unseeded Nuno Borges earlier in the day.
Djokovic set another record in the second round when he played his 430th Slam contest to claim sole ownership of most singles matches played, men or women, in the Open Era ahead of Roger Federer and Serena Williams .
No one else has played 400 or more.
Zverev came into Melbourne at a career-high number two ranking and has barely been troubled in two straight-sets victories.
He faces up-and-coming Briton Jacob Fearnley, who saw off an ailing Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Jakub Mensik, the Czech teenager who shocked sixth seed Casper Ruud in round two, will make his bid to reach the second week against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
dh/pst
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The Australian Open is heating up as young sensation Coco Gauff and former champion Naomi Osaka are on a collision course in the third round. Gauff, who burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019, has continued to impress with her fearless play and maturity on the court. Meanwhile, Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is looking to add another title to her impressive resume.
Both players have cruised through their first two matches in Melbourne, setting up what is sure to be a highly anticipated showdown in the third round. Gauff’s speed and powerful groundstrokes will be put to the test against Osaka’s precise ball-striking and big serve.
Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching as these two promising young stars battle it out for a spot in the fourth round. Will Gauff continue her meteoric rise in the tennis world, or will Osaka show why she is considered one of the best players in the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this match is not to be missed.
Coco Gauff can set up a blockbuster last-16 showdown against Naomi Osaka (WILLIAM WEST)
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka can set up a blockbuster clash as the Australian Open enters the third round on Friday while Novak Djokovic steps up his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Women’s number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will also be in action with a potential clash against highly rated 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva the prize awaiting in the fourth round.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has raced into the last 32 for the loss of just 12 games, and second seed Alexander Zverev will also look to book their places in the second week of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
American third seed Gauff had to battle back from 5-3 down in the second set against Britain’s Jodie Burrage in round two after dropping her serve three times.
She knows she will need to improve against former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, even though she recently beat the Canadian at the United Cup.
“Obviously I did well at the United Cup. It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen,” said Gauff, who plays in the night session on Margaret Court Arena.
Awaiting the victor will be either two-time Melbourne champion Osaka or Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.
Following two tough three-set wins in Melbourne, Osaka is in the third round of a Slam for the first time since the birth of her daughter in 2023.
Former world number four Bencic only returned to the circuit in December after her own maternity leave, but has not dropped a set so far.
“She’s an incredibly tough player. She fights a lot,” said Osaka.
“I think it’s really cool that she also had a baby and she came back as well.”
Sabalenka will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30am (0030 GMT) against Denmark’s Clara Tauson with the prize a potential last-16 date with 14th seed Andreeva.
The Russian Andreeva announced her burgeoning talent by beating Sabalenka in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.
She faces Poland’s 23rd seed Magdalena Frech.
Seventh seed Jessica Pegula, the US Open finalist last year, will take on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic to round off the action on centre court.
– Djokovic eyes Alcaraz –
In the men’s draw Djokovic and Alcaraz will look to remain on track for a quarter-final clash.
Ten-time Melbourne champion Djokovic first must dispose of Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in a prime-time 7:00 pm centre court match to reach the last 16, while Alcaraz faces Portugal’s unseeded Nuno Borges earlier in the day.
Djokovic set another record in the second round when he played his 430th Slam contest to claim sole ownership of most singles matches played, men or women, in the Open Era ahead of Roger Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423).
No one else has played 400 or more.
Zverev came into Melbourne at a career-high number two ranking and has barely been troubled in two straight-sets victories.
He faces up-and-coming Briton Jacob Fearnley, who saw off an ailing Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Jakub Mensik, the Czech teenager who shocked sixth seed Casper Ruud in round two, will make his bid to reach the second week against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
dh/pst
The Australian Open is heating up as two of the biggest names in women’s tennis, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, are on a collision course in the third round.
Gauff, the 17-year-old American sensation, has been making waves in the tennis world since bursting onto the scene a few years ago. She has already defeated some top players in the tournament and is looking to continue her impressive run.
On the other hand, Osaka, the former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, is always a force to be reckoned with on the court. She has been in great form recently and will be a tough opponent for anyone she faces.
If both players continue to advance in the tournament, they could potentially meet in a highly anticipated match-up that is sure to draw a lot of attention from tennis fans around the world.
Stay tuned as the Australian Open continues to unfold and we see if Gauff and Osaka will indeed clash in the later rounds of the tournament. It’s sure to be a match you won’t want to miss!
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Gauff and Osaka set to collide at Australian Open
Tennis phenoms Gauff and Osaka meet in third round
Third round action at the Australian Open sees two-time AO champion Naomi Osaka looking to post her best result at a Grand Slam since 2021, while Jessica Pegula continues her question to reach another Grand Slam title. Our panelists have predictions for every third round match.
Mirra Andreeva vs Magdalena Frech
Andreas Pelekis: This should be an exciting encounter between two seeds, and they’ve both entered 2025 on the heels of a great ending to last season. Andreeva relies on defense and consistency more than Frech, and she’ll have to use her strong serve to frustrate the Pole, who relies on aggressive ballstriking. Andreeva did make over 50 unforced errors in her second-round match, in which she barely scraped by in a third-set tiebreak. Frech also recovered from a lopsided 6-0 first-set loss in her last match. In the end, look for Andreeva to use her fight and better 2024 success to reach the second week. Andreeva in 3
Jordan Reynolds: Frech has had good success at the Australian Open and the conditions suit her game. However, Andreeva is in a great place right now and her game is well suited to wearing her down. The teenager to win in two sets. Andreeva in 2
Yesh Ginsburg: The young Russian phenom survived a scare in the second round, a good reminder that while obviously an elite talent, she’s still very young and prone to inconsistency. We can’t expect it to happen again, though. Andreeva in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Donna Vekic
Andreas: This is another interesting matchup between two seeds, though Shanider and Vekic more similarly resemble one another with their powerful serves and forehands. The two played last year in the finals of a WTA 500 grass court event in Germany, where Shanider won 6-3 2-6 6-3. I anticipate a similar outcome here, as Shnaider has a couple more weapons and confidence being higher ranked. Shnaider in 3
Jordan: There will be a lot of powerful hitting in this matchup. Shnaider’s superior athleticism might give her a slight edge. The young player may also cope better in the hot conditions if the match becomes long. Shnaider in 3
Yesh: Diana Shnaider is a rising star who seems to have somewhat plateaued. She’s probably not ready to win Slams yet, but she might start getting close. Shnaider in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Belinda Bencic
Andreas: Osaka has started to return to her best tennis here after two big wins over Caroline Garcia and Karolina Muchova. However, Bencic is one of the former World #1’s biggest nightmares. Bencic has stunned Osaka on multiple occasions when the latter was ranked at the top of the tour, but the Swiss star is just starting to return to form after giving birth last year. Osaka may just have a few more matches under her belt, and I see the crowd helping her to a big return to the second week. Osaka in 3
Jordan: Bencic has made a very impressive return from maternity leave. She also has a good record against Osaka, but the two-time champion in Melbourne made a statement with her win against Karolina Muchova. She will almost certainly win by reaching that level again. Osaka in 2
Yesh: Naomi Osaka dug deep to reach this round, and now she finds herself against a talented player who hasn’t found her best game in a few years. I expect the Japanese superstar to advance. Osaka in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Olga Danilovic
Andreas: Danilovic could be an underrated weapon in this draw, especially after a bruising 6-1 6-2 second-round win over Liudmila Samsonova. The Serb relies on heavy power with her lefty forehand, something that Pegula will have to defend with her consistency. Pegula cruised through her first two matches, but this could be a difficult level-up. If the American can get a hold of this match early, she’ll force Danilovic into errors and win in straight sets. If Danilovic gets a hold of the match in the first few games, there may be an upset. I feel that it’s more likely that Pegula’s good form frustrates her younger opponent. Pegula in 2
Jordan: Danilovic’s improvements on hard courts in recent have been impressive. That does not change the fact she is not near Pegula’s level on the surface. Last year’s US Open runner-up to be very comfortable here. Pegula in 2
Yesh: Jessica Pegula is quietly still plugging away after a weaker-than-expected end to 2024. It’s tough to know exactly what to expect from her, but it will take an elite level to beat her. Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
The Australian Open Day 6 is shaping up to be an exciting day for women’s tennis, with some highly anticipated matches on the schedule. One of the most talked-about matches of the day is between two top-ranked players, Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic.
Naomi Osaka, the current world No. 3, is coming off a strong performance in the previous rounds and is looking to continue her winning streak. The Japanese superstar has been in top form recently, winning the US Open last year and reaching the final of the Australian Open in 2019. Osaka’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style make her a formidable opponent for anyone on the tour.
Belinda Bencic, ranked No. 11 in the world, is known for her consistency and versatility on the court. The Swiss player has a solid all-around game and has the ability to adapt to different playing styles. Bencic has had success in Grand Slam tournaments before, reaching the semifinals of the US Open in 2019.
When these two players face off in the Australian Open Day 6, it promises to be a thrilling match-up. Osaka’s aggressive game will be tested by Bencic’s defensive skills, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
In my prediction, I believe Naomi Osaka will edge out Belinda Bencic in a close match. Osaka’s power and shot-making abilities give her the edge in this match-up, and I expect her to come out on top in a hard-fought battle. However, Bencic is a tough competitor and could certainly pull off an upset if she brings her A-game.
Overall, the Osaka vs Bencic match is one to watch on Day 6 of the Australian Open, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top-ranked players. Stay tuned for more exciting women’s tennis action at the Australian Open!
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“Another three-hour match, back to back against the youngsters,” Djokovic said after his four-set, second-round win over 21-year-old Jaime Faria, which came two days after his four-set win over a 19-year-old qualifier.
If Djokovic sounds proud of his stamina at 37, he has a right to be. But he’ll likely want to clean up the rest of his game a little against the 24-year-old, 26th-seeded Machac.
The Czech is not only young, he can bash a ball from the baseline with the best of them, including Djokovic. They’ve played twice, both matches have gone three sets, and each man has won once. In the seven months since they last faced each other, Machac has shown even more upside; in Shanghai last October, he outhit and upset Carlos Alcaraz.
Two things may help Djokovic. Traditionally, the third round is when he begins to put his game in cruise control at the Slams. The early, ragged, four-set wins turn into more polished straight-setters. And while Machac is 13 years younger, he’s coming off a long, five-set struggle with Reilly Opelka.
Machac is a dangerous opponent for Djokovic, but I’m not ready to bet on him winning over best of five. Winner: Djokovic
As the Australian Open heats up, many tennis fans are wondering if top players like Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, or Novak Djokovic are in danger of being upset in the tournament. With tough competition and unpredictable outcomes, anything can happen on the court. Stay tuned to see if these tennis superstars can navigate their way through the Australian Open unscathed.
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Fans and organisers will be breathing a sigh of relief after Naomi Osaka survived a scare to reach the semifinals.
The seventh seed is the biggest remaining name in a tournament largely lacking star power and an upset loss in the quarter-finals would have been a blow for those with tickets to the weekend sessions.
Osaka ensured fans would get their money’s worth, though, coming from a set down to defeat Hailey Baptiste 6-7, 6-1, 6-2. The American put up a brave fight after progressing from a marathon match that stretched past 11pm last night, but in the end Osaka’s quality was too much to overcome.
The Japanese will now meet the winner of the semifinal between Americans Katie Volynets and Alycia Parks for a place in the final.
Osaka romps in second set
Naomi Osaka has wasted little time in levelling her quarter-final with Hailey Baptiste at a set apiece.
After falling 7-6 to begin the match, the seventh set waltzed to a 6-1 victory in the second set, setting up a decider with a semifinal spot on the line.
Osaka will be favoured to advance against the world No 92 Baptiste, who was on court for almost three hours late last night.
Osaka drops first set in tiebreak
One of the biggest stars remaining in the tournament will have to fight back from a set down to reach the semifinals.
Naomi Osaka has dropped the first set in a tiebreak to American Hailey Baptiste, who had earlier served for the set before Osaka rallied back.
The Japanese seventh seed was unable to repeat that resurgence after falling behind in the tiebreak, with Baptiste showing few signs of wear despite her round-of-16 match finishing after 11pm last night.
Excellent from the young left-hander. Finishes with an ace, her 12th of the match, and takes down Bernarda Pera 6-4, 6-4. The 20-year-old American will face either top seed Madison Keys or Clara Tauson for a spot in the final.
“I feel great. Just hope my team is happy with my serve,” she says after the victory.
“I still have to do my routine. It’s just another day,” she adds about playing in the semifinals for the first time.
First set to Montgomery
Montgomery burns through a few break point chances but an early break is enough to take the opening set 6-4. She’s one set away from her first WTA semifinal.
Time to find out the top four of the tournament. Six of the eight quarter-finalists are American, with two of them featuring in the first match on Grandstand right now. There was a delayed start with some rain in Auckland this morning.
The ASB Classic in Auckland is heating up as we head into the quarter-final day. The top seeds Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys are set to lead the schedule, promising some exciting matches for tennis fans.
Osaka, the world number three and defending champion, will be facing off against Amanda Anisimova in what is expected to be a thrilling match. Anisimova, the rising star from the USA, has been in great form and will be looking to make a statement by taking down the reigning champion.
On the other hand, Madison Keys will be taking on Caroline Garcia in another highly anticipated match-up. Keys, known for her powerful game, will be looking to overpower Garcia and secure her spot in the semi-finals.
With these two exciting matches on the schedule, fans can expect a day filled with intense competition and high-quality tennis. Stay tuned for more updates as the ASB Classic continues to unfold.
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