Hewitt makes emotional farewell

Lleyton Hewitt has played the last singles match of his tennis career, losing to David Ferrer in the second round of the Australian Open.

Former world number one Hewitt, who won two Grand Slam titles, was beaten 6-2 6-4 6-4 by the Spaniard.

“I left nothing in the locker room. My whole career I’ve given 100%,” said the 34-year-old Australian.

“I love coming out here and competing. I’ve been so fortunate to have that opportunity 20 years in a row.”

Hewitt, who won 30 singles tour titles, was victorious at the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002 and also helped his home country win the Davis Cup twice – in 1999 and 2003.

“Playing for Australia has always been my biggest honour,” added Hewitt, in an emotional interview at Rod Laver Arena.

“I feel honoured to have had this support and this love from this crowd. It means so much for me.

“I’ve had so much success in big matches on this court and I feel fortunate to finish here. It’s the perfect place to finish.”

Despite ending his singles career, Hewitt has at least one more match to play before becoming captain of Australia’s Davis Cup team.

He partners countryman Sam Groth against Finland’s Henri Kontinen and Australia’s John Peers in a second-round men’s doubles match on Friday.

‘You were an idol of mine’

Some of the biggest names in tennis paid tribute to Hewitt.

Roger Federer: “Thank you for everything you have done for tennis. I’ve loved every moment. I’ve enjoyed listening to you as a commentator as well, and I wish you all the best now with your family.”

Rafael Nadal: “I have always had something special with you. You are a big inspiration of my tennis and my mentality. I think your love and passion for this sport is a great inspiration for the next generation too. Thank you very much.”

Andy Murray: “You were an idol of mine when I was growing up and you’ve always been so nice to me and helpful on tour and I really appreciate that. Enjoy your retirement, it is well deserved. Good luck mate.

Nick Kyrgios: “You’ve taught all us young kids a lot so hopefully you’ll still be hanging around. I just want to repeat what I’ve been saying to you: Don’t go mate, you’re playing such a high level of tennis, you’re definitely still the best player in Australian tennis.”

Ferrer, who will next meet American Steve Johnson, said: “It’s a sad day because Lleyton is finishing his career. He’s an amazing player. It’s a pleasure to play against him in his last match.

“He’s such a fighter until the last ball. He deserves all the tributes – he is one of the best players in history.

“I never had idols but he is one for me. I have a T-shirt signed by him from seven years ago. I have a museum in my house and that is in it – it’s the only T-shirt of a tennis player I have.”

Hewitt’s career – the highlights

• Qualifies for the Australian Open in January 1997, a month before his 16th birthday, the youngest qualifier in tournament history.
• Captures his first title, at his home town of Adelaide, over fellow Australian Jason Stoltenberg in 1998 after stunning Andre Agassi in the semi-finals.
• Becomes the youngest ever world number one aged 20 and nine months in 2001, breaking the 69-year-old record set by American Wimbledon champion Ellsworth Vines, aged 21, in 1932.
• Wins his first Grand Slam title at the 2001 US Open, beating Pete Sampras 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 6-1 in the final.
• Crowned Wimbledon champion a year later, crushing Argentina’s David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the final.
• Member of two Australian Davis Cup-winning teams, over Spain in 2003 and France in 1999. He played in 41 ties, winning 58 singles and doubles matches for his country between 1999-2015, an Australian record.

Analysis

Russell Fuller – BBC Radio 5 live tennis correspondent

“Hewitt had seven break back points to level the second set at 4-4, but Ferrer saved them all, and belief in a trademark Hewitt fightback all but disappeared.

“The 34-year-old’s final set was not without some champagne moments – improbably chasing down a drop shot and dinking the return crosscourt for a winner will live long in the memory – but Ferrer is not the sort to offer anything in the way of encouragement.

“Hewitt squeezed every last drop out of his career, and his injury ravaged frame: he will retire as a Wimbledon and US Open champion, a former world number one – and a national treasure.”

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In-form Azarenka makes progress

Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka gave further evidence she is a title contender at the Australian Open with a swift win in the second round.

The Belarusian, champion in 2012 and 2013, beat Danka Kovinic of Montenegro 6-1 6-2 and will next face unseeded Japanese teenager Naomi Osaka.

Third seed Garbine Muguruza beat Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium 6-4 6-2.

Fourth seed Stan Wawrinka breezed past Radek Stepanek 6-2 6-3 6-4 and eighth seed David Ferrer beat Lleyton Hewitt.

It was the final singles match of Australian Hewitt’s career.

‘I feel good’

Azarenka’s victory followed her dominant ‘double bagel’ 6-0 6-0 first-round win against Belgian Alison van Uytvanck, and sent another warning to the likes of defending champion Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

After a turbulent two years battling injuries, the 14th seed came into the tournament on the back of winning the Brisbane International.

“I think I’m feeling in the best shape body-wise, spirit-wise, everything-wise. You know, my team around me too,” said the 26-year-old.

“If you think about it, it’s my 12th year being here. Almost half of my life. It’s a long time. I still feel young and I think I still have a lot more years to play.”

‘I was really shaking’

There was a lengthy delay on Rod Laver Arena during the first match of the day – Ana Ivanovic’s 6-3 6-3 win over Anastasija Sevastova.

Ivanovic, beaten finalist in 2008, was leading 4-3 in the first set when medical personnel rushed to help a spectator who had fallen on the stairs in the upper level of the 15,000-seat stadium. The players stayed on the court during the break, and were given regular updates from tournament officials.

“I felt really bad,” said Ivanovic, the 20th seed. “I was really shaking, because the sound of the lady falling was really loud.

“It just really didn’t sound so good. It was actually good that we had to wait a little bit because I was really shaking, because I could imagine and it was not so nice.

“Then they told us she was bleeding, so I hope she’s well.”

Tournament organisers said the woman was treated in the stadium before being taken by stretcher for observation and more treatment.

Who else went through?

Fernando Verdasco, who beat fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the first round, lost 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to Dudi Sela of Israel.

Canada’s 13th seed Milos Raonic advanced to the third round by beating Tommy Robredo 7-6 (7-6) 7-6 (7-5) 7-5, breaking the Spaniard’s serve to win with the only service break of the match.

Tenth seed John Isner and 23rd seed Gael Monfils were other winners.

In the women’s draw, American 15th seed Madison Keys, a semi-finalist last year, battled her way past Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3 and next faces Ivanovic.

Czech Denisa Allertova beat German 30th seed Sabine Lisicki 6-3 2-6 6-4 and will play Britain’s Johanna Konta next.

‘Like a dream come true’

China’s Shuai Zhang who beat second seed Simona Halep in the first round, continued her giant-killing run by knocking out world number 33 Alize Cornet 6-3 6-3.

The qualifier, ranked 133 in the world, arrived in Melbourne having lost 14 consecutive first-round matches at major tournaments.

“Maybe because I lost 14 times, it gave me a lot more energy to work hard,” she said.

“I don’t want to check the cell phone right now because there are so many messages. I’m so tired right now. I don’t have time to check.”

Murray knocks out flatmate Marray

Jamie Murray set aside domestic loyalties to make progress in the men’s doubles with Brazil’s Bruno Soares.

The pair, seeded seventh after winning in Sydney last week, beat Britain’s Jonny Marray and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan 6-3 6-4.

Murray and Marray have been sharing a flat in Melbourne, along with fellow British Davis Cup player Colin Fleming.

“I think I’m partly to blame for jinxing it as on the morning of the draw, I said ‘I hope we don’t get a derby match in the flat,'” Fleming told BBC Radio 5 live. “But we’ve all played enough matches to get on and be professional.

“Jamie and Bruno look very composed coming off the back of winning in Sydney and will have high hopes here.”

Quotes of the day

“I just wanted to qualify. That’s all I was expecting. But I don’t really like thinking about it too much because it freaks me out.” Japanese qualifier Naomi Osaka, appearing in a Grand Slam for the first time, on setting up a third-round meeting with Azarenka by beating 18th seed Elina Svitolina 6-4 6-4.

“Sign the camera? I’ve never done that before,” Germany’s world number 97 Laura Siegemund talks about tennis’ traditional post-match ritual after beating former world number one Jelena Jankovic 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4.

“I gave him a hug… at the end he was a bit loose,” Monfils said after beating fellow Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 7-5 6-4 6-1.

“The dab. D-a-b,” said Azarenka about the victory salute she has displayed after winning her first two matches at the Australian Open. It entails leaning into a bended elbow, as if sneezing, and raising the other arm up straight. “It comes from American football. “I think it’s really fun. It’s entertaining. I love doing it.”

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VIDEO: Murray delights in Groth win

World number two Andy Murray beats Australia’s Sam Groth 6-0 6-4 6-1 to reach the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne – and says he was “pleased” to stem the home favourite’s fightback.

READ MORE: Johanna Konta beats China’s Zheng Saisai

You can see live radio and text commentary on all Andy Murray matches on the BBC Sport website and also listen to Tennis Breakfast on Radio 5 live Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website from 07:00 GMT every day.

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VIDEO: Konta enjoying entertaining crowd

British number one Johanna Konta says it is a “real pleasure” to play in front of a sizeable crowd as she makes it through to the the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-2 6-3 win over China’s Zheng Saisai in Melbourne.

READ MORE: Andy Murray thrashes big-serving Sam Groth

You can see live radio and text commentary on all Andy Murray matches on the BBC Sport website and also listen to Tennis Breakfast on Radio 5 live Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website from 07:00 GMT every day.

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Isner Serves Notice

Isner Serves Notice

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Murray thrashes big-serving Groth

Britain’s Andy Murray swept past home hope Sam Groth to reach the third round at the Australian Open.

The Scot, seeded number two, dismantled the Australian’s big serve to win 6-0 6-4 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes.

Groth, 28, has the fastest serve ever recorded to his name at 163mph, but was broken in his first four service games as Murray totally dominated.

Murray, 28, moves into the last 32 where he will face Portugal’s Joao Sousa for the third time in four years.

Fellow Briton Johanna Konta earlier beat China’s Zheng Saisai 6-2 6-3 to reach the third round in the women’s draw.

Groth serve diffused by Murray

In their first singles meeting, Groth quickly discovered that his huge serve made barely a dent on the Murray return game.

After just 30 minutes Murray wrapped up a first set that was characterised by return winners and unplayable lobs from the Briton, and not one ace from the Australian.

Groth finally delivered his first ace after 36 minutes, only to drop serve again moments later, and there were 43 minutes on the clock when he finally got the scoreboard moving to trail 6-0 3-1.

There was a brief respite for the world number 67 as Murray’s level dropped long enough for him to be pegged back to 4-4, but another run of games – this time five in a row – saw the four-time finalist regain control.

Groth’s situation was so desperate that he challenged his own serve after sensing another Murray return heading his way, but it was overruled and he was broken for a seventh time.

With Murray serving for victory, the Australian then twisted his ankle reaching for a low ball and looked in real pain as the Scot sealed victory.

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Konta races through to round three

British number one Johanna Konta reached the third round of the Australian Open with an impressive win over China’s Zheng Saisai in Melbourne.

Konta, ranked 36 places higher at 47 in the world, won 6-2 6-3 and will next face German 30th seed Sabine Lisicki or Czech Denisa Allertova.

The Sydney-born Briton had never won a match in the main draw at the Australian Open before this year.

Britain’s Andy Murray plays Australian Sam Groth later on Thursday.

Konta keeps up the momentum

The Eastbourne-based 24-year-old made a huge breakthrough at the US Open in September by reaching the fourth round, and she has continued that Grand Slam form at Melbourne Park.

Konta upset world number 10 Venus Williams in the opening round on Tuesday and backed up that fine win with a solid performance against Zheng.

The pair were meeting for the second time, with Konta having won in French Open qualifying two years ago, and she moved 3-1 ahead thanks to some aggressive returning.

Zheng pressed hard but could not convert a handful of break points and dropped serve once again as Konta took the first set in 37 minutes.

Some wayward volleying saw Konta fail to capitalise on two early chances in the second set, but the relentless pressure of her groundstrokes told two games later as she again broke for 3-1.

The world number 47 finally dropped serve, to love, while serving for the match at 5-1 before wrapping up victory after one hour and 22 minutes.

“There were definitely some nerves at the end,” said Konta.

“I was very happy I was able to keep it together, there’s so much tension out there. I’m just happy I was able to deal with it the best I could and come through.”

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Fixing claim 'absurd' – Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has denied “absurd” allegations in an Italian newspaper that he “wanted to lose” a match at the Paris Masters in 2007.

The Serb, then world number three, was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, ranked 36 places below him.

Djokovic, 28, says the match has only been re-examined following a corruption investigation by the media.

“You can pick any match that you like that the top player lost and just create a story out of it,” he said.

“I think it’s not supported by any kind of proof, any evidence, any facts. It’s just speculation, so I don’t think there is a story about it.”

A joint BBC/Buzzfeed investigation alleged that the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), the organisation responsible for policing the sport, failed to act on suspicions that 16 top-50 ranked players have been involved in match-fixing.

Djokovic, the world number one, has previously claimed he was offered £110,000 to lose a first-round match at the St Petersburg Open in 2007.

When asked about the claims about the Santoro match in Tuttosport after his Australian Open second-round victory over French qualifier Quentin Halys, Djokovic said: “What it is to say? I’ve lost that match?

“I don’t know if you’re trying to create a story about that match, or for that matter any of the matches of the top players losing in the early rounds. I think it’s just absurd.”

Meanwhile, a former senior police officer has claimed tennis authorities failed to act on “extremely damaging evidence” he provided about a player linked to Sicilian gamblers thought to be fixing matches at Wimbledon.

Albert Kirby, a former detective who had previously been in charge of the James Bulger murder investigation, prepared a secret report for the ATP in 2008 as part of an inquiry into suspected match fixing.

The ATP report into a suspicious match between the Russian Nikolay Davydenko and Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina cleared both players of breaking any rules.

However, Kirby said he obtained phone evidence from Arguello which he claims showed he had links to four suspected Italian fixers.

“That information showed conclusively of his direct contact with the Italian gamblers. There was really a prima facie case to go for him,” he told the BBC.

Arguello has not responded to questions about his connections to the Italian gamblers. The ATP has categorically denied suppressing the evidence uncovered by investigators and said the information was not strong enough to merit any further enquiries.

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Djokovic Holds Off Halys At Australian Open 2016

Djokovic Holds Off Halys At Australian Open 2016

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Djokovic Holds Off Halys In Melbourne

Djokovic Holds Off Halys In Melbourne

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