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Murray set for Australian Open but will Konta & Edmund shake off setbacks?

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019
Australian Open 2019
Dates: 14-27 January Venue: Melbourne Park
Coverage: Daily live commentaries on the BBC Sport website, listen to Tennis Breakfast daily from 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra. Watch highlights on BBC TV and online from 19 January
Full coverage details

Former world number one Andy Murray will aim to reignite his career after an injury-hit 2018 when he returns to the Australian Open next week.

The 31-year-old Briton missed last year’s tournament – where he is a five-time runner-up – after hip surgery.

Murray is ranked 230th in the world after playing just six tournaments in 2018, but used his protected ranking to enter the first Grand Slam of the year.

Kyle Edmund – Murray’s replacement as British number one and ranked 14th in the world – is looking to match his maiden run to the semi-finals in Melbourne last year, but his preparations have been disrupted by a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from this week’s Sydney International.

Britain’s leading female player Johanna Konta – also a semi-finalist in 2016 – is hoping to start the new season positively after a disappointing 2018 but she, like Edmund, is seeking to shake off an injury having pulled out of the Sydney event with a neck issue.

Compatriots Heather Watson, Katie Boulter and Cameron Norrie have also qualified for the main singles draws, while Dan Evans, Katie Swan and Harriet Dart are among seven Britons trying to join them by coming through qualifying, which starts on Tuesday.

Although Murray is able to use a protected ranking to enter, he will not be seeded – meaning he could face any of the world’s top players when the draw is made on Thursday.

Defending champion Roger Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic are aiming to become the first man to win seven Australian Open titles, while Caroline Wozniacki defends the women’s trophy after her maiden Grand Slam win last year.

  • Australian Open – BBC TV, radio and online coverage times
  • Live scores, schedule and results
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Can Williams land a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam?

The fact there have been eight different female Grand Slam singles champions in the past two seasons illustrates how unpredictable the women’s game is.

One name is leading the Australian Open odds, however: Serena Williams.

The 37-year-old American, who says she almost died giving birth to daughter Olympia in September 2017, returned to action last year and reached back-to-back finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Now she is the favourite to win what would be a 24th Grand Slam singles title – and which would equal Margaret Court’s all-time record, aptly at the Australian’s home tournament.

This is the first Grand Slam since Williams lost to Naomi Osaka in the final of the US Open in September – a match that was overshadowed by the American’s outbursts that included calling the umpire a “liar” and “thief”.

Will Nadal be fit enough to play?

Spanish great Rafael Nadal hopes to be fit enough to play, despite pulling out of the Brisbane International last week with a thigh strain.

The world number two, who won the 2009 Australian Open title, said he had wanted to play at the warm-up event but was advised not to by doctors after an MRI scan.

The key men’s contenders

Novak Djokovic: The 31-year-old Serb is the man to beat after rediscovering his best form over the past year. Outside the world’s top 20 in early June, he recaptured his form to stunning effect – losing just once in 32 matches on his way to capturing the Wimbledon and US Open titles.

A third successive Slam – giving him a seventh Australian Open title – would put him alone ahead of Australian great Roy Emerson and long-time rival Roger Federer in terms of most men’s singles titles in Melbourne.

Roger Federer: The Swiss maestro may be 37 and edging ever close towards retirement, but he is the reigning champion in Melbourne.

Like Djokovic, he has won six Australian Open titles, and the 20-time Grand Slam champion is one victory away from his 100th career singles title.

Alexander Zverev: Will this be the year when the old guard is finally toppled? It is a question which continues to be asked and the answer has, so far, continued to be a ‘no’.

Germany’s Zverev, 21, proved he is the candidate most likely to lead the challenge with his victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in London in November. Now the fourth seed must show he can challenge over the five-set format.

Apart from Williams, who are the key women’s contenders?

Simona Halep: The 27-year-old Romanian will be the number one seed for the fifth Grand Slam in a row, aiming to go one better than last year when she lost to Caroline Wozniacki in the final.

Having finally claimed her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in June, Halep is unburdened by the pressure of never having won a major and says being the woman to beat gives her added focus.

Caroline Wozniacki: Like Halep, the Dane shook off the unwanted tag of being a world number one who had never won a Slam with her Melbourne victory last year.

The 28-year-old will be seeded third in her first major since revealing she has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Angelique Kerber: A two-time winner in Melbourne, the Wimbledon champion is another leading contender.

The 30-year-old German finished the 2018 season strongly and, with the experience of winning the biggest prizes, is among the favourites.

Naomi Osaka: The 21-year-old Japanese player became a global star with her victory at the US Open – despite her achievement being somewhat overshadowed by Williams’ row with umpire Carlos Ramos.

Now the fourth seed is expected to continue challenging for the biggest prizes.

Who is not there?

World number five Juan Martin del Potro is the biggest name missing after being ruled out while he recovers from a fractured kneecap.

The 30-year-old Argentine, who lost to Novak Djokovic in September’s US Open final, sustained the injury in a heavy fall at the Shanghai Masters in October.

What about the doubles?

There are three Britons taking part in the men’s doubles, including Jamie Murray who won the title here in 2016 alongside Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.

The pair are the third seeds and will be seeking a third Grand Slam title together. Britain’s Dom Inglot partners Croatia’s Franko Skugor, while Joe Salisbury plays alongside American Rajeev Ram.

What’s new?

Final-set tie-breaks

Tie-breaks will be played in the final set at the Australian Open for the first time.

If the match reaches 6-6 in the final set, the winner will be the first player to reach 10 points.

Heat breaks

Men’s singles players will be permitted 10-minute breaks after the third set if temperatures reach hazardous levels in Melbourne. The rule is already in place for female players to have a heat break between the second and third sets.

Organisers have unveiled a “more extensive” Extreme Heat Policy after temperatures in the shade approached 40C during the 2018 tournament.

Schedule of play

Monday, 14 January: Round one (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Tuesday, 15 January: Round one (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Wednesday, 16 January: Round two (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Thursday, 17 January: Round two (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Friday, 18 January: Round three (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Saturday, 19 January: Round three (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Sunday, 20 January: Round four (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Monday, 21 January: Round four (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Tuesday, 22 January: Quarter-finals (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Wednesday, 23 January: Quarter-finals (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Thursday, 24 January: Women’s semi-finals (day session 03:00 GMT/14:00 local time); Men’s semi-final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Friday, 25 January: Men’s semi-final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Saturday, 26 January: Women’s final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Sunday, 27 January: Men’s final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

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Bryans Earn First Victory Since Comeback In Auckland

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Bryans Earn First Victory Since Comeback In Auckland

Americans to face Krajicek/Sitak in quarter-finals

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan earned their first victory since May 2018, battling past Jean-Juilen Rojer and Horia Tecau 3-6, 7-6(2), 11-9 at the ASB Classic on Monday.

In just their second match together since Bob Bryan sustained a right hip injury in last year’s Mutua Madrid Open final, the American twins recovered from a set and 2-4 down to reach the quarter-finals after one hour and 32 minutes. Bryan and Bryan withstood 14 aces and won 78 per cent of first-serve points (32/41) to claim their first victory in three visits to the New Zealand capital.

 

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The second seeds will meet Austin Krajicek and Artem Sitak for a place in the semi-finals. Krajicek and Auckland resident Sitak beat wild cards Ajeet Rai and George Stoupe 6-3, 6-2 in 54 minutes.

Did You Know?
Bob Bryan’s right hip injury, sustained during last year’s Mutua Madrid Open final, forced the first retirement by Bryan/Bryan in 1,409 matches as a team.

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ASB Classic: Cameron Norrie reaches second round in Auckland

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Britain’s Cameron Norrie reached the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland with a swift straight-sets win over Frenchman Beniot Paire.

The 23-year-old took just 58 minutes to win 6-3 6-2 against Paire, ranked 38 places above world number 93 Norrie.

Norrie, who alongside Katie Boulter stunned Americans Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the Hopman Cup last week, faces Portugal’s Joao Sousa next.

The event is one of the last before the Australian Open starts on 14 January.

Norrie saved all four break points he faced against Paire and won 79% of his first-serve points, breaking once in the first set and twice in the second to set up the victory.

  • Konta withdraws again and Watson loses
  • Live scores, schedule and results
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Australian Open 2019: BBC TV, radio and online coverage times

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019
Australian Open 2019
Venue: Melbourne Park, Australia Dates: 14-27 January
Coverage: Watch highlights on BBC TV and online from 19 January and follow live commentaries of the key matches on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website.

BBC Sport brings you live radio and text coverage plus TV highlights of the Australian Open from 14-27 January at Melbourne Park.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra has live commentary every day from 07:00 GMT, plus commentaries on other key matches during the fortnight.

BBC Two has daily afternoon highlights from the middle Saturday onwards.

The BBC Sport website will stream the live radio and TV highlights as well as hosting text commentaries on the best matches, reports, live scores and analysis.

Britain’s Andy Murray makes his return to Melbourne after recovering from his hip injury but last year’s semi-finalist Kyle Edmund is a doubt after picking up a knee injury.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are both aiming to become the first player to win seven men’s Australian Open titles in the Open era.

Caroline Wozniacki will defend the women’s trophy after celebrating her first Grand Slam championship in Melbourne 12 months ago at the 43rd attempt, while seven-time champion Serena Williams and British number one Johanna Konta, subject to fitness, will also be playing.

  • Live scores, schedule and results
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BBC coverage times

Times are GMT and subject to late changes. Further commentaries will be announced each day once the order of play is confirmed.

Monday, 14 January

First round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Tuesday, 15 January

First round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Wednesday, 16 January

Second round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Thursday, 17 January

Second round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Friday, 18 January

Third round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Saturday, 19 January

Third round

07:00-12:55, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

15:00-16:30, highlights, BBC Two

Sunday, 20 January

Fourth round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

18:00-19:00, highlights, BBC Two

Monday, 21 January

Fourth round

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

16:45-17:30, highlights, BBC Two

Tuesday, 22 January

Quarter-finals

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

16:45-17:30, highlights, BBC Two

Wednesday, 23 January

Quarter-finals

07:00-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

16:45-17:30, highlights, BBC Two

Thursday, 24 January

Semi-finals

08:30-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

17:00-18:00, highlights, BBC Two

Friday, 25 January

Semi-finals

08:30-14:00, live coverage – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

17:00-18:00, highlights, BBC Two

Saturday, 26 January

Women’s final

08:30, live coverage on either BBC Radio 5 live or 5 live sports extra

13:15-14:30, highlights, BBC One

Sunday, 27 January

Men’s final

08:30, live coverage on either BBC Radio 5 live or 5 live sports extra

13:00-14:30, highlights, BBC Two

Catch-up

You can view BBC Sport output as well as listen to our radio sports programming on the BBC iPlayer.

The BBC Sport website is available via desktop, mobile, tablet and app, giving fast and easy access to the live stream, text commentaries, news, reports, schedules and videos, as well as highlights of the day’s action. The BBC Sport app is available free on Apple and Android devices.

National and regional variations

National and regional variations have been included in this list where possible, but please check your local listings for more detailed information.

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Great Britain Fed Cup team named: Johanna Konta, Heather Watson & Katie Boulter are in

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Great Britain have named their top five players as their Fed Cup team for February’s matches in Bath.

GB number one Johanna Konta is joined by Heather Watson, Katie Swan, Katie Boulter and debutant Harriet Dart.

Great Britain will be playing at home in the women’s team competition for the first time in 26 years when they host the Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 event.

“I’m delighted to name our strongest possible team,” said captain Anne Keothavong.

“It won’t be easy, that’s for sure, but it’s a challenge we relish and hope to give the home crowd something to cheer about.”

Konta is ranked 38th in the world, with Watson 93rd, Boulter 99th, Dart 132nd and Swan 181st.

Great Britain are one of eight teams playing in the event at the University of Bath, which runs from 6 to 9 February.

The teams will be split into two groups at a draw on 14 January. Group winners will face each other to decide who will advance to April’s World Group II play-off.

Britain have reached the play-offs four times in the past seven years but lost on each occasion.

Their most recent defeat came last April, when they lost the deciding doubles rubber against Japan to go down 3-2.

  • Konta withdraws again and Watson loses
  • Live scores, schedule and results
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De Minaur Wins On Sydney Return

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

De Minaur Wins On Sydney Return

World No. 29 to meet Opelka in second round

In 2018, Alex de Minaur reached his first ATP Tour final at the Sydney International ranked No. 167 in the ATP Rankings.

One year on, the World No. 29 made a winning return to Ken Rosewall Arena, beating Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 6-3 in 81 minutes. The 2018 ATP Newcomer of the Year won 79 per cent of first-serve points (30/38) and recovered from a 0-2 deficit in the second set to book his place in the last 16.

Sydney-born De Minaur looks set for another stellar season on the ATP Tour after earning his third victory in four tour-level matches this season, following a run to the Brisbane International quarter-finals last week (l. to Tsonga). The 19-year-old Australian ended his 2018 season with a runner-up finish at Next Gen ATP Finals (l. to Tsitsipas) on his debut at the 21-and-under event in Milan.

De Minaur will meet American Reilly Opelka for a place in the quarter-finals. Opelka overpowered Albert Ramos-Vinolas, landing 16 aces and dropping just eight points on serve (41/49) to earn a 6-3, 6-4 win after 63 minutes.

Sydney:

Watch Live

Sam Querrey also advanced to the second round. The 31-year-old was leading Malek Jaziri 6-1, 4-1 when the Tunisian was forced to retire.

Did You Know?
De Minaur achieved a career-high ATP Ranking on 18 occasions in 2018. The Australian began last year at No. 208 in the ATP Rankings and ended his 2018 campaign at No. 31.

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Johanna Konta withdraws from Sydney and Heather Watson loses in Hobart

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

British number one Johanna Konta withdrew from the Sydney International for a second time in two days.

The 27-year-old was due to play Kiki Bertens as a lucky loser in the first round on Monday, having retired from her second-round qualifying match with a neck injury on Sunday.

No reason has been given yet for the latest withdrawal, which comes a week before the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Heather Watson lost in the Hobart International first round.

British number two Watson was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu.

The tournaments in Sydney and Hobart are the final WTA events before the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, begins on 14 January.

Konta, ranked 37th in the world, reached the Australian Open semi-finals in 2016 and was a quarter-finalist in 2017, although she exited last year’s tournament in the second round.

She changed coaches in October – appointing Dimitri Zavialoff to replace Michael Joyce – and has spoken of feeling positive about her chances in 2019 after a “very strong pre-season”.

  • GB name team for Fed Cup in Bath
  • Live scores, schedule and results
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ATP Cup: Sydney and Brisbane to host A$22m event

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Sydney and Brisbane will be two of three host cities at next January’s inaugural ATP Cup, with more than 100 players competing for A22m (12.3m).

The final of the 24-nation event, carrying 750 ranking points, will be in Sydney with a third venue to be chosen.

ITF president David Haggerty says the tournament could amalgamate with a revamped Davis Cup in the future.

The WTA is also discussing “exciting new concepts for women’s tennis” with Tennis Australia.

The organisation’s chief executive Craig Tiley said: “We want more players rewarded, more opportunities for them, more opportunities for fans to get to see them and more global exposure for the sport.”

The current Davis Cup format is being overhauled and replaced by an 18-nation World Cup-style event to be held in Madrid in November 2019.

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