The Australian Open continues with Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley knocking out the returning Nick Kyrgios in straight-sets, while Novak Djokovic secured an opening victory under the guidance of coach Andy Murray.
Rising star Fearnley, who rocketed up the rankings last season to qualify for the Australian Open for the first time, remained composed to beat Kyrgios 7-6 6-3 7-6 and claim one of the biggest wins of his career against the home crowd.
Meanwhile, all eyes have been on Djokovic’s new partnership with Murray, but the 37-year-old had to come from behind to beat the 19-year-old wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, eventually prevailing 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 in just under four hours.
Earlier, British No 1 Jack Draper survived a scare against Argentina’s Mariono Navone as the 23-year-old battled from two sets to one down to reach the second round.
Draper, who missed most of pre-season with a hip injury, held up physically as the match went the distance and the 15th seed prevailed in five sets.
There were also wins for Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, but Stefanos Tsitsipas is out and there was an emotional victory for Jodie Burrage.
Follow all the latest action from Melbourne Park below:
Australian Open LIVE: Latest scores and results
- Australian Open continues with day two in Melbourne
- MATCH! Britain’s Jacob Fearnley knocks out home favourite Nick Kyrgios
- MATCH! Novak Djokovic comes back to beat wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy
- MATCH! Jack Draper battles through five sets to defeat Mariono Navone
- Former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas dumped out in first round
- Emotional Jodie Burrage celebrates win after year of injury turmoil
- Jannik Sinner begins title defence with straight-sets win
- Carlos Alcaraz also through with thumping win
- Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek through to second round
- Naomi Osaka beats Caroline Garcia in three sets
Who is Jacob Fearnley? Level-headed Scot continues incredible rise at Australian Open
16:02
Jamie Braidwood
Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley made an impressive Australian Open debut as he subdued a hostile atmosphere to beat Nick Kyrgios and continue his incredible rise.
The 23-year-old Scot was the World No 646 this time last year but shot up the rankings after turning professional last season, breaking into the world’s top 100 to qualify for the Melbourne grand slam.
Fearnley said his straight-sets victory over Kyrgios was the best win of his career, playing in just his third grand slam match after taking a set off Novak Djokovic in the second round of last year’s Wimbledon.
The Scot said keeping his composure was key to landing the victory and setting up a second-round match against Frenchman Arthur Cazaux, and his calm attitude on court has been a big part of his development.
Elena Rybakina defends suspended coach Stefano Vukov
15:33
Jamie Braidwood
Elena Rybakina launched another staunch defence of coach Stefano Vukov and hit out at those expressing concern for her welfare.
Croatian Vukov, who was the former Wimbledon champion’s long-time coach before she announced their split in August, is provisionally suspended by the WTA pending an investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct.
Rybakina hired Goran Ivanisevic during the off-season but then announced earlier this month that Vukov was rejoining her team.
Vukov, who has denied any wrongdoing, is unable to obtain an accreditation for the Australian Open because of the suspension, and Rybakina said: “I don’t agree with a lot of things what WTA do in the sense of my relationship with Stefano.
“As I said before, I have never made any complaints or any of these things. I always said that he never mistreated me. That’s one thing. Since this situation how it is now, I don’t really want to speak about this more. I want to focus on my matches here.”
Jannik Sinner pleased with crowd reaction after advancing at Australian Open
15:17
Jamie Braidwood
World number one Jannik Sinner said he was happy with his reception from the Australian Open crowd on Monday as he launched his title defence with a comfortable win over Nicolas Jarry while still embroiled in a doping case.
Sinner avoided suspension after failing two drug tests last March but the World Anti-Doping Agency is seeking a ban of up to two years at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a hearing set for April.
A string of players have criticised tennis authorities for their handling of the case, including Chilean Jarry, who was banned for 11 months by the International Tennis Federation in 2020 after testing positive for anabolic agents.
Former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas dumped out of Australian Open in first round
15:03
Jamie Braidwood
Young American Alex Michelsen caused the first big upset of the Australian Open by knocking out former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round.
Tsitsipas was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final two years ago and is also a three-time semi-finalist, but he has struggled since reaching the quarter-finals of the French Open last spring.
He has now lost three grand slam matches in a row after a second-round exit at Wimbledon and first-round defeat at the US Open.
The Greek 11th seed threatened a comeback by winning the third set against Michelsen, but the talented 20-year-old, who reached the third round on his debut last year, held his nerve to claim a 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4 victory.
Emotional Jodie Burrage celebrates Australian Open win after year of injury turmoil
14:47
Jamie Braidwood
Jodie Burrage let the tears flow after what she rated as one of the best wins of her career at the Australian Open.
The 25-year-old admitted ahead of the tournament that she considered quitting the sport a couple of months ago, but she tasted victory in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time with a 6-2 6-4 success against French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean.
After her final forehand dribbled over the net, Burrage covered her face with her hands as the emotion of the moment caught up with her before sobbing into her towel.
It was her first match at a grand slam since a first-round defeat here last year, with Burrage suffering a wrist injury in February that needed surgery before rupturing an ankle ligament just as she was about to make her comeback.
“I think I was really nervous for this match, even last night,” said a beaming Burrage, who faces a formidable challenge next against third seed Coco Gauff.
Tomorrow’s Australian Open order of play, latest results and full schedule
14:33
Jamie Braidwood
Emma Raducanu returns to the Australian Open with Cameron Norrie’s match against Matteo Berrettini also scheduled for the early hours in Melbourne.
Raducanu faces a tricky first match and faces 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the opening round, starting from midnight UK time.
Later, British No 1 Katie Boulter begins her campaign against Canada’s Rebecca Marino, while her fiance Alex de Minaur headlines the night session.
The in-form qualifier Joao Fonseca, 18, is one to watch in Melbourne and will have nothing to lose when he faces ninth seed Andrey Rublev.
Jack Draper issues update on hip injury after showing heart in ‘big win’
14:16
Jamie Braidwood
Jack Draper was proud of the heart he showed in winning ugly after coming through a five-set battle in the first round of the Australian Open for the second year in a row.
Twelve months ago, the British number one vomited into a courtside bin at the end of a gruelling win over Marcos Giron in intense Melbourne heat.
It was cooler and breezier this time, with Draper’s biggest problem against Argentinian Mariano Navone being his own inconsistency after a disrupted build-up caused by a hip injury.
Draper committed a whopping 88 unforced errors and looked to be heading for defeat at two sets to one down but dug himself out of a big hole to win 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2 after four hours and one minute.
Naomi Osaka reveals impact of LA wildfires with flames ‘three blocks away’ from house
14:00
Jamie Braidwood
Los Angeles resident Naomi Osaka has revealed the impact of the wildfires raging across southern California as the four-time grand slam champion revealed the flames have been as close as three blocks away from her house.
Osaka is in Melbourne competing at the Australian Open but sent her wishes to her home city after beating Caroline Garcia in the opening round on Monday.
The 27-year-old said that the wildfires have been on her mind while she has been away and asked friends back home to retrieve valuables such as her daughter Shai’s birth certificate from her home.
“I’ve been watching the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house,” Osaka said on her on-court interview.
“I had someone go and get my daughter’s birth certificate and all that because I didn’t know what would happen if it burned down.
“I guess I’m sending all my love to LA. I know we hear about fires but I didn’t know how devastating it could be. I hope everyone is doing well and I’m sending them my love.”
Osaka also wrote “I heart LA” on a court-side camera after her interview, after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek also used their first-round victories at the Australian Open to send messages of support to California.
Ice-cool Jacob Fearnley tames Nick Kyrgios and ‘rowdy’ crowd for biggest career win
13:45
Jamie Braidwood
Jacob Fearnley said keeping his composure against the “rowdy” Australian Open crowd was key to landing the biggest win of his career as the 23-year-old Scot defeated home favourite Nick Kyrgios to reach the second round.
“I think a lot of it was mental, especially in that third set,” Fearnley said. “You could kind of see that the tide was turning a little bit. I had to really fight to stay composed and not let my emotions get the better of me, not let the crowd get to my head.
“It was amazing. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Obviously I was extremely nervous. It wasn’t really until I walked out there that I actually was kind of calm.
“I think I kind of knew that I couldn’t really show any emotion because I felt that the crowd was just going to eat that alive. So I was kind of fighting to just stay composed and stay calm and not give them anything. That’s kind of what happened.”
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka beats Caroline Garcia
13:26
Jamie Braidwood
MATCH! What a win for Naomi Osaka! The two-time champion defeats Caroline Garcia 6-3 3-6 6-3 to earn some revenge for last year’s defeat at this very stage.
A huge forehand winner down the line set up three match points, and Garcia blasts long on the second. The French player battled back to force the decider but was too erratic.
But Osaka, the four-time grand slam winner, is through, and this really shows the progress she has made in the last year since returning to the tour.
“I have been grinding,” she says. “It’s a big coincidence that I played her again, it was a night match last time too. It felt a little familiar.”
It’s Karolina Muchova next. Ouch.
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia
12:51
Jamie Braidwood
GAME ON! Caroline Garcia is a dangerous opponent for a reason. The French player levels the match with a 6-3 reverse of the opener. Such a great ball-striker, Garcia found her serve too and forces Naomi Osaka into the decider.
Nick Kyrgios hints at retirement after Australian Open defeat to Jacob Fearnley
12:47
Jamie Braidwood
Nick Kyrgios admitted he may have played his last singles match at the Australian Open after losing to Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
The Australian, 29, struggled with an abdominal injury as he made his long-awaited return to the tournament after almost 18 months on his sidelines.
But the former Wimbledon finalist was beaten in straight-sets by the Australian Open debutant Fearnley, who subdued a raucous crowd on the John Cain Arena.
Kyrgios and his powerful serve were hampered by his injury but he said he did not want to quit as he does not know if he will be back playing singles again.
“I mean, realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here,” Kyrgios told reporters after the defeat.
Novak Djokovic admits to ‘strange’ Andy Murray coaching debut at Australian Open
12:20
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic admitted his first on-court experience of being coached by Andy Murray was “strange” but said his former rival offered some “great advice” after opening his Australian Open campaign with a comeback win over teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.
Djokovic and Murray faced each other in four Australian Open finals but the retired Scot has joined the 37-year-old’s’ team as he bids to win a record 25th grand slam title this month.
Murray was positioned in the new ‘coaching pods’ on the Rod Laver Arena, which are positioned at court-level and allowed him to exchange feedback with Djokovic during the first-round match.
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia
12:13
Jamie Braidwood
SET! Super impressive set from Naomi Osaka as she takes a 6-3 lead over Caroline Garcia. The four-time major winner did not advance past the second round of a grand slam last year after missing the whole 2023 season but looks detemined to make it through what was another brutal draw.
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia
12:02
Jamie Braidwood
Break! Great to see Naomi Osaka moving so well as she gets the first breakthrough against Caroline Garcia. There is another interesting player-coach duo to look out for here, with Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou joining Osaka’s team during the off-season.
The four-time major winner leads 4-3.
Australian Open: Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia
11:42
Jamie Braidwood
If you’re feeling a sense of deja vu watching Naomi Osaka face Caroline Garcia in the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena, that’s because this is a repeat of last year’s first-round clash at the Australian Open.
Two-time Australian Open champion Osaka was just coming back to the sport when Garcia won their first-round battle last year.
She will be more confident after a year on tour, but has been handed another brutal draw against the former World No 3 Garcia.
This is underway.
Novak Djokovic’s next match at Australian Open
11:39
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic will take on Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round. The 21-year-old defeated Pavel Kotov in the first round after coming through three rounds of qualifying.
Up ahead, Djokovic’s path to the quarter-finals has been made a little more straight-forward by the hugely unfortunate news that Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire from his opening match. Italy’s Francesco Passaro advances instead.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 Nishesh Basavareddy
11:35
Jamie Braidwood
Former British tennis player Laura Robson was sat court-side for Eurosport and Discovery+ and has revealed some of the dynamics between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray during his win over Nishesh Basavareddy.
“I managed to keep an eye on him. He did not stay for the on-court interview, he was out of there pronto. He’s not used to sitting down and watching a match for three hours and was stretching his back out by the end.
“I was surprised with how vocal he was. I was surprised to hear, ‘C’mon Novak, keep the energy up’, and I saw some hand signals too. It was more than I thought we were going to get in a way.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 Nishesh Basavareddy
11:23
Jamie Braidwood
“He was the better player for a set and a half, he deserved every bit of applause he got” says Novak Djokovic as he congratulates Nishesh Basavareddy on his debut appearance at the Australian Open.
“To be honest, I’ve never seen him play until a few days ago. These matches are always dangerous when they have nothing to lose, first match at the grand slam level. A very complete player. He surprised me with his shots and fighting spirit, I wish him all the best with the rest of his career. He’s a boy but he didn’t get carried away by the moment.”
There is applause for Andy Murray as Djokovic is asked about his coach’s skiing skills. “It was his first experience, we were joking about it. It was a strange experience with him court-side, I’m thrilled to have him in my corner. We played for over 20 years against each other.
“He gave me some great advice mid-match. We exchanged some feedback. It’s a completely different angle when you are watching from the side and he is doing really well, hopefully we don’t stop here.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 Nishesh Basavareddy
11:16
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic comes from behind to beat the 19-year-old wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy and get his bid for a 25th grand slam title up and running.
Andy Murray applauds from the coaching pod in the corner as Djokovic and Basavareddy shake hands at the net. The American has earned every bit of his ovation after taking the opening set against the 10-time champion.
Djokovic didn’t panic and increased his level, while the occasion got to Basavareddy as he struggled with cramps and the tension of leading the 37-year-old.
In the end, Djokovic gets the job done but there will be plenty for him to discuss afterwards when he and Murray review the match after leaving the Rod Laver Arena.
After winning match point, Djokovic was muttering and pointing to his box after spurning a previous match point with a double fault. Room for improvement, for sure.
Carlos Alcaraz through in straight-sets
11:14
Jamie Braidwood
World No 3 Carlos Alcaraz began his bid for a first Australian Open title and the career grand slam with a dominant 6-1 7-5 6-1 victory over Alexander Shevchenko.
The four-time grand slam champion is bidding to become the youngest man to complete a career grand slam at the Australian Open, having won the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon.
And it was straight-forward for the 21-year-old as he required less than two hours to advance to the second round, where he will take on Yoshihito Nishioka.
“I always say that it’s hard work,” Alcaraz said. “I try to bring the best of me every day. That’s the secret. Every day I try to be a better person and better player.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 4-1 Nishesh Basavareddy*
11:06
Jamie Braidwood
And there’s the double break! After losing the opening set, Novak Djokovic is cruising towards the second round. The teenager Nishesh Basavareddy will get a big reception when he leaves the Rod Laver Arena.
He has given to this three-hour match, and gave the 10-time champion a little shock after taking the first set.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 3-1 Nishesh Basavareddy
10:57
Jamie Braidwood
Another roar from Djokovic as he saves a break point agianst Basavareddy. The 10-time champion had to withstand a blazing return winner from the wildcard, as well as a couple of noisy seagulls.
Australian Open: SET! Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 6-4 2-0 Nishesh Basavareddy
10:53
Jamie Braidwood
Normal service resumed on Rod Laver Arena as Djokovic holds to take the third set with just the single break of serve.
The 37-year-old is back in charge against the 19-year-old American wildcard, who is moving a bit better now but finds himself behind again by the break in the fourth set. Djokovic found his fire at last to win the third set.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 7-6 Nick Kyrgios
10:51
Jamie Braidwood
Next up for Jacob Fearnley? He will play either Frenchman Arthur Cazaux, who has just beaten No 28 seed Sebastian Baez in five sets. That match will likely be on Wednesday.
World No 2 Alexander Zverev is a potential opponent in the third round. He plays Pedro Martinez next up.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 7-6 Nick Kyrgios
10:45
Jamie Braidwood
Jacob Fearnley takes the applause on John Cain Arena. It looks like he can barely believe it, but the 23-year-old is just coming to terms with victory after the focus required to beat Nick Nyrgios.
He’s now talking to John McEnroe: “Extremely nervous before the match, didn’t get much sleep. I knew it would rowdy. Sorry for Nick, I knew he was dealing with some stuff.
“Tried to just focus on myself. I knew I couldn’t get you guys onside so I had to focus on my game and do what I could to move past every point.
“All things considered, it’s the best match of my career, yeah. I’ve never experienced anything like this - I’m sure it will help me going forward.
“My expectations were nerves and excitment. You never know what you’re going to get with Nick and he played some unbelievable tennis and I knew it was going to be entertaining.
“The tennis at the end was very enjoyable to play in. I just leaned on my team and focussed on them. We had talked about that but it was difficult to keep my composure for sure. I had to fight to do it.
“My Scottish accent? It’s nowhere to be seen, it’s coming back the longer I’m out of the States.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 7-6 Nick Kyrgios
10:36
Jamie Braidwood
Jacob Fearnley tames Nick Kyrgios to win on his Australian Open debut! The 23-year-old Scot marches into the second round with a straight-sets win over the returning Australian, who came to life in the third set but was unable to claim victory in his first match at Melbourne Park in three years.
Kyrgios struggled with his fitness throughout, but Fearnley stayed calm and composed despite his opponent’s frustration. Kyrgios found something in the third set and got the home fans back behind him, but Fearnley stayed cool and got the job down in the tiebreak after saving a set point.
Such an impressive win, and Fearnley barely cracks a grin as he shakes hands with Kyrgios at the net. There’s a warm handshake before Kyrgios quickly heads off the court.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 6-6 Nick Kyrgios - TIEBREAK!
10:33
Jamie Braidwood
Fearnley jumps into a 2-0 lead before Kyrgios races to reach a drop shot from Fearnley and swats the winner. But Kyrgios hands the advantage to Fearnley as he nets on the backhand! A 3-1 lead to the Scot.
Make that 4-1. It was all or nothing from Kyrgios on the second serve, but he fires long. A long baseline rally: that’s only going one way, Fearnley holds his own and waits until the Australian nets on the backhand.
5-1!
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 6-6 Nick Kyrgios - TIEBREAK!
10:31
Jamie Braidwood
Some more nerves from Fearnley as he makes a double fault - thankfully, he was 40-0 up and gets over the line to reach the tiebreak.
He won the first-set breaker 7-3. Ths is Kyrgios’s last chance.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 5-6 Nick Kyrgios
10:27
Jamie Braidwood
A double fault from Kyrgios gives Fearnley a look a break point, but Kyrgios hangs on. He finds a couple of spinning serves to the middle, which Fearnley is unable to return.
Good hold from Kyrgios and the pressure goes back onto Fearnley’s shoulders.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 5-5 Nick Kyrgios*
10:24
Jamie Braidwood
Huge hold from Fearnley! Between the jeers, he finds a good enough second serve as Kyrgios puts the return into the net.
5-5 with set point saved. Are we heading to another tiebreak?
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 4-5 Nick Kyrgios
10:20
Jamie Braidwood
Gulp. Another big game for Fearnley to get through, especially from 15-30. Kyrgios took a big swing on a forehand and it looked to be dropping in until just fading away at the last moment.
Kyrgios goes for another forehand winner on 30-30 but sends it wide. Fearnley gets dragged into deuce as Fearnley sends his backhand long. Deuce.
Ah! Fearnley applauds as Kyrgios puts away a lovely volley at the net, then Fearnley misses on the forehand to bring up a set point for Krygios!
SAVED! Fearnley keeps calm, finds the first serve and places the forehand winner behind Kyrgios after he moved to the other side of the court.
Australian Open:Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 4-2 Nishesh Basavareddy*
10:17
Jamie Braidwood
Over on Rod Laver Arena, there’s been another mood shift as Novak Djokovic takes the early break and Nishesh Basavareddy struggles after receiving treatment between sets.
The alarm bells have gone off but it’s been a brilliant effort from Basavareddy until this point. Djokovic has improved his level since going behind.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 4-5 Nick Kyrgios
10:15
Jamie Braidwood
Kyrgios goes for another underarm serve but misses the box, with Fearnley then punishing the second serve.
What a point! Fearnley doesn’t give up as he reaches a Kyrgios drop shot and then slaps the forhand winner.
Break point: denied by Kyrgios as he finds a clutch ace out wide. And another! Fearnley nets on the next return and Kyrgios holds.
He is still wincing in pain as he returns to his seat.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 4-4 Nick Kyrgios*
10:11
Jamie Braidwood
I’m sure this is what Jacob Fearnley was expecting from the start when he was drawn to face Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open.
A subdued crowd is much more hostile now, cheering errors and misses from the Scot. This will be a big achievement if he comes through this set now.
Fearnley shakes off a forehand miss and finds the winner, then keeping his cool to slam a forehand winner. ACE! Just what he needed to hold.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 3-4 Nick Kyrgios
10:08
Jamie Braidwood
Ridiculous! Kyrgios holds with an under-arm serve and a shot hit behind his back! On 40-0, Kyrgios plays his tricks, and the home fans love it.
A huge swing in mood out there on the John Cain Arena. It’s come to life.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 3-3 Nick Kyrgios*
10:06
Jamie Braidwood
BREAK! Wow. The John Cain Arena explodes as Kyrgios finds the break from nowehere. Testing moments for Fearnley now. The home crowd are starting to cheer missed serves and the Scot is starting to feel some pressure.
On deuce, Fearnley moved in but put a simple volley into the net. Kyrgios then took his chance and is striking the ball much cleaner now. It’s still a long way back, but Kyrgios has found something and Fearnley needs to ride this out.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 3-2 Nick Kyrgios*
09:59
Jamie Braidwood
Hang on, though. There is some pressure now as Fearnley makes a double fault on the opening point and the Kyrgios fans cheer.
Fearnley reponds with a huge ace, but a forehand error follows and Kyrgios finds some inspiration out of nowhere. He pushes Fearnley back onto his backhand and puts away the volley.
Break point, and a test of Fearnley here. Saved. The body serve does the trick and Kyrgios can’t return. Another first serve - Kyrgios sends the return long.
Kyrgios has found something at last and blasts the forehand winner to get back to deuce. Key game, this.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 3-2 Nick Kyrgios
09:57
Jamie Braidwood
Kyrgios battles on and draws some home roars on the John Cain Arena with a hold of serve. But Fearnley remains in control of this with the break. To be honest, he’s not faced any pressure on serve since the first set. The Scot has been dominant in the rallies.
Australian Open: SET! Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-3 Nishesh Basavareddy
09:52
Jamie Braidwood
Just like that, Djokovic levels.
But there is real concern for the 19-year-old wildcard Basavareddy, who is limping back to his chair as Djokovic holds serve. He looks to have tweaked something in his leg. It could be the nerves, or cramp, suddenly hitting him.
Basavareddy has called the trainer and is receiving treatment on his left leg.
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-3 Nishesh Basavareddy
09:50
Jamie Braidwood
Over on Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic lets out a huge roar as he breaks Nishesh Basavareddy to lead in the second set.
The American was looking so composed on 40-15 and was serving wonderfully, but Djokovic senses his moment and a backhand error from the wildcard offered a route back.
Suddenly, the pressure gets to Basavareddy and Djokovic breaks with a winner down the line. He will serve for the set next.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 2-1 Nick Kyrgios
09:48
Jamie Braidwood
Kyrgios is offered some encouragement as his serve starts firing and he lands an ace to move to 40-15.
But Fearnley keeps the pressure on and forces Kyrgios into a couple of mistakes to get back to deuce.
A double fault hands Fearnley a golden opportunity to claim the break - and Kyrgios lands the volley into the bottom of the net.
Moans around the John Cain Arena. Kyrgios is struggling with his stomach but that was a poor game to give away. Big break for Fearnley.
Australian Open: SET! Jacob Fearnley 7-6 6-3 Nick Kyrgios
09:36
Jamie Braidwood
So good Jacob Fearnley. The ice man keeps cool in the lion’s den and takes a two-set lead over the struggling Nick Kyrgios.
A massive net-cord, on a forehand that was going miles out but bounces in, gives Fearnley three set points. The home fans boo but Fearnley shrugs them off to take the set as Kyrgios blasts long.
It’s a long, long way back for the Australian. Fearnley is closing in on a debut win at the Australian Open. That was a serene second set.
Australian Open: *Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-2 Nishesh Basavareddy
09:33
Jamie Braidwood
Superb hold from Basavareddy, as the teenager saves two break points to keep serve. There were a couple of classy points from the wildcard, inclduing a forehand winner past Djokovic and a drop shot that left the 10-time champion stranded.
Djokovic is starting to get a bit more heated at the back of the court. Andy Murray said he was prepared for Djokovic to vent his frustrations at him during the Australian Open - he maybe didn’t expect to see it so soon into the tournament. Brilliant from Basavareddy.
Australian Open: *Jacob Fearnley 7-6 4-2 Nick Kyrgios
09:27
Jamie Braidwood
“Too good,” says Kyrgios as Fearnley plants a winner past the Australian - who received treatment on his stomach during the changeoever.
It brought up two break points for Fearnley but Kyrgios finds his serve and fights through the pain to hold with a lovely whipped forehand winner.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-1 Nishesh Basavareddy
09:25
Jamie Braidwood
This time last year, Djokovic was battling Dino Prizmic in the opening round of the Australian Open, losing the second set to the 18-year-old qualifier. Djokovic eventually worked his way out of a sticky situation to win in four sets.
He faces a similar test against Basavareddy here, with the 19-year-old American wildcard having nothing to lose. That will start to change the more Basavareddy starts to think he has a chance here.
However, early in the second set, Basavareddy is continuing to enjoy himself.
Australian Open: Jacob Fearnley 7-6 4-1 Nick Kyrgios*
09:22
Jamie Braidwood
More grimacing from Nick Kyrgios as he gets through another service game. The 29-year-old had to cancel an exhibition match before the Australian Open because of this abdominal strain, and he is risking aggravating it further here.
Kyrgios, though, is able to put some pressure on the Fearnley serve by reaching 30-30. Fearnley finds a big serve down the middle and swats away the forehand winner. Kyrgios then finds the net with a limp backhand, as he mutters to himself.
The Scot is in a great position here - ah, and Kyrgios has called the trainer.
Australian Open: BREAK! Jacob Fearnley 7-6 2-0 Nick Kyrgios
09:14
Jamie Braidwood
Super from Jacob Fearnley, who continues to play his own game as Nick Kyrgios struggles and fumes at the other end of the court.
The Australian is doubling over and grimacing after each serve, but Fearnley concentrates on the points as he finds the backhand pass to take the break.
It’s the first of the match and puts the 23-year-old in a great position to take control of this first-round match. He has certainly silenced the John Cain Arena.
Australian Open: SET - Novak Djokovic 4-6 Nishesh Basavareddy
09:08
Jamie Braidwood
WOOOW. Pinch yourself, Nishesh Basavareddy! The American teenager takes the opening set against the 10-time Australian Open champion.
The wildcard shows incredible steel to save a break point while serving for the set, subduing the 24-time grand slam champion as coach Andy Murray watches on.
It was just very solid from Basavareddy, making less errors and hitting mroe winners than Djokovic. Much for Djokovic and Murray to think about on Rod Laver Arena.
