Australian Open Day Eight: Live score and game-by-game updates as the Australian Open descends into chaos as a man throws a chair during a wild brawl

Australian Open Day Eight: Live score and game-by-game updates as the Australian Open descends into chaos as a man throws a chair during a wild brawl
By: dailymail Posted On: January 19, 2025 View: 45

Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, and game-by-game updates as Jack Draper takes on Carlos Alcaraz, while Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev look to secure a spot in the fourth round.  

19 Jan 2025 - 07:11

Ugly moment the Australian Open descends into chaos

Ugly scenes unfolded at the Australian Open on Sunday afternoon as a brawl erupted near the Grand Slam Oval.

The Herald Sun reports that a group of men were waiting in line at the Peroni stall when the argument broke out.

One man appeared to grab a chair and throw the seat.

A woman was seen attempting to break up the altercation as patrons pushed and shoved each other.

Security officers were seen arriving at the scene and attempted to break up the brawl.

It is not clear how the altercation broke out.

Boisterous crowds have been a talking point at this year's Australian Open with some players, including British star Harriet Dart, hitting out at some fan behaviour earlier in the week.

Dart said that it 'felt like being at a football match' as boisterous fans watched on as she suffered defeat against Donna Vekic on Court 14.

While it has been largely a relaxed environment at Melbourne Park, with most fans respecting the players, some behaviour among patrons has caught the attention of commentators, including Australian tennis great Pat Rafter.

'It’s been like that for a couple of years,' he said, speaking generally on some of the behaviour from fans around Melbourne Park.

'Sometimes I think it is disrespectful, sometimes I think it’s just part of the game, the transition of this generation – that’s what they want and this is the Australian Open.'

Fans had booed Jack Draper earlier in the week as he walked out to claim a huge comeback victory against Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Brit said he had relished the intimidating environment, despite also stating that he had copped a few sledges on the court.

American star Danielle Collins was also booed off after she defeated Aussie Destanee Aiava earlier this week.

During her press conference, she added: 'I think there were a lot of people that were super drunk and had a hard time controlling themselves and were really excited.'

19 Jan 2025 - 11:03

The crowd are NOT happy

A smattering of boos ring out at the Rod Laver Arena after Novak Djokovic has just delivered a quick speech before walking off the court.

Players usually stay on the court for a while to deliver a post-match interview but the Serbian grabbed the microphone, said a few words of thanks before rushing off.

He did, however, stop to sign a few autographs before making his way down the tunnel.

Djokovic had seemed incensed by some members of the crowd throughout that match who appeared to shout while he was about to serve.

Here's how he won the match...

19 Jan 2025 - 10:57

Breaking:Novak Djokovic advances to the quarter-finals!

It was a great fight back from Jiri Lehecka taking the third set to a tiebreak but the Czech couldn't secure the win, with Novak Djokovic sealing a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory.

19 Jan 2025 - 10:57

Match point for Djokovic...

It's the second one of the match for the Serbian, can he progress to the quarter-finals here?

19 Jan 2025 - 10:56

Draper fears his hip injury could last his entire career

More on Jack Draper now. The British star lifted the lid on the hip injury that saw him withdraw from his fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz earlier this afternoon.

The Brit said he had been dealing with a tendinitis issue throughout this tournament, with the 23-year-old revealing concerns that he may have to manage the injury throughout the rest of his career.

Matthew Lambert has the full story below...

19 Jan 2025 - 10:52

Tiebreak alert!

Djokovic serves out the final game to take this to a tiebreak and the Serbian has got the fans inside the Rod Laver Arena on their feet.

He's just gone 3-1 up in the final exchange with Lehecka throwing some brutal shots at him. But the Serbian holds on to play a brilliant cross-court winner against the Czech to give himself a two-point lead!

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka reacts during his fourth round match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka REUTERS/Edgar Su
19 Jan 2025 - 10:42

Much better from Lehecka

Lehecka is looking much more composed out there.

He serves out to take a 4-5 lead in this final set, despite a moment of brilliance from Djokovic, who reached down low to tap a beautiful winner up and over the net.

The 37-year-old is also impressing with his agility tonight and he too holds on his own serve, stopping Lehecka from taking this match to the fourth set.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has just had an exchange of words with the chair umpire, after one fan appeared to be shouting as he reached to play a shot.

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in action during his fourth round match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
19 Jan 2025 - 10:35

Lehecka is fighting back! As Djokovic is getting a little frustrated...

A resilient performance in this third set from Lehecka. He's battling hard to stay in the match, breaking back against the former world No 1 early on in the set.

He's gone on to save two break points and currently holds a 3-4 lead against the 10-time Australian Open winner, who is looking a little frustrated here.

The Serbian has just stepped over towards his coaching box and cut a very frustrated figure as he shared some furious words.

I can see Andy Murray here talking back to the 37-year-old gesturing with his hands towards Djokovic. I can't hear what the Brit is saying but Djokovic appears to be annoyed at something.

Meanwhile, the chair umpire has just addressed fans inside the Rod Laver Arena after one member of the crowd heckled the Serbian on his serve.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038dt) Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts in frustration Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038eg) Andy Murray, coach of Novak Djokovic Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
19 Jan 2025 - 10:24

Danielle Collins: 'I feel like people take life way too seriously sometimes'

Collins also spoke out on the moment she antagonised fans inside the Kia Arena on Thursday night after her victory against Destanee Aiava.

The American cupped her ear, blew kisses to fans and even slapped her backside after fans had booed her on the court.

Collins had told some sections of fans during the match to 'shut up' as she became irate at the atmosphere she had received.

She later said that she was going to spend her cheque from the Australian open on a five-star girls holiday and would be taking her friends on a yacht.

But for the American, her on-court antics were all fun and games, with Collins urging people not to take things too seriously.

At the end of the day whatever happens, happens. The biggest thing is that nobody got hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or things were taken personally, and they probably shouldn't have been taken personally by the crowd.
But, yeah, I feel like people take life way too seriously sometimes. I think in our sport, it's like somebody was telling me that the average age of people watching and the fans of tennis is, like, 65. I think, you know, we need to kind of bring some entertainment to the game. I think we can try to make jokes and laugh.
epa11828303 Danielle Collins of USA celebrates winning her Women's Singles round 2 match against Destanee Aiava of Australia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2025.  EPA/LUKAS COCH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
Danielle Collins of the U.S. reacts after defeating Destanee Aiava of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
I don't have a big ego when it comes to this. Honestly, I don't care what's written about me. I don't care, like, what some guy living in his basement is writing on the internet. You know what I mean? I'm just trying to have fun. I'm just try to enjoy my life and have fun with it. All my friends on tour thought I was -- they knew I was just being me and trying to make humor of the situation.
Then I had a lot of my friends be, like, Well, am I getting invited on the yacht (laughing)? Yeah, a lot of the girls on tour were, like, Well, you're inviting me, right? That's all that matters. At the end of the day you can't please everybody. The most important thing is your friends and family and what they think.
Yeah, nobody got hurt. That's the main thing. This is sports. I don't think the banter is necessarily a terrible thing. I mean, I don't know.
Danielle Collins of the U.S. reacts after defeating Destanee Aiava of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
19 Jan 2025 - 10:16

Fans troll one US star after her Australian Open exit

Danielle Collins has been the talk of the tournament in recent days after her amazing outburst on Thursday.

She progressed to the third round of the women's singles with a win against Aussie star Destanee Aiava. But after being heckled on the court by some local fans, Collins became the pantomime villain.

She blew kisses to the crowd, cupped her ear and slapped her backside as fans inside the Kia Arena booed her following the win.

Collins, though, would suffer defeat by her compatriot Madison Keys on Saturday evening, and this time simply showed a peace sign as she walked off court.

But after Thursday's antics, some took to the internet to troll the American, with some fans switching up her Wikipedia page.

Read more below...

19 Jan 2025 - 10:16

Fans troll one US star after her Australian Open exit

Danielle Collins has been the talk of the tournament in recent days after her amazing outburst on Thursday.

She progressed to the third round of the women's singles with a win against Aussie star Destanee Aiava. But after being heckled on the court by some local fans, Collins became the pantomime villain.

She blew kisses to the crowd, cupped her ear and slapped her backside as fans inside the Kia Arena booed her following the win.

Collins, though, would suffer defeat by her compatriot Madison Keys on Saturday evening, and this time simply showed a peace sign as she walked off court.

But after Thursday's antics, some took to the internet to troll the American, with some fans switching up her Wikipedia page.

Read more below...

19 Jan 2025 - 10:07

Djokovic just doesn't give up!

Novak Djokovic takes the second set 6-4!

After winning an early break the Serbian continued to press on Jiri Lehecka but credit must go to his Czech opponent who saved four break points during that second set.

Djokovic, though, was firmly in control of that set and showed off his brilliant fitness skills to win an amazing point at the net, having gone 4-2 up.

19 Jan 2025 - 09:43

Alexander Zverev wins it! But the day is not done for the world No 2...

He advances to take on American Tommy Paul after sealing a 1-6 6-2 3-6 2-6 victory against France's Ugo Humbert at the John Cain Arena.

Zverev clinched the victory by forcing his opponent to strike an errant backhand out of play.

Zverev is really looking in good form at the moment. In that match, he struck 43 winners past his opponent while forcing Humbert to hit 41 unforced errors.

The German has reached the finals of two Grand Slams during his career but has never clinched victory.

He is, though, looking a hot favourite to win in Melbourne this week.

And even after a blisteringly hot day on court, Zverev said he is heading back out to the practice court tonight to work more on his game!

The grind never stops!

19 Jan 2025 - 09:31

Celeb spotting at the tennis!

Plenty of celebs have flocked to Melbourne Park this week for the tennis.

Earlier last week we spotted Rebel Wilson in the stands as she watched Alexander Zverev beat Lucas Pouille in the first round. We've also seen multiple footy stars including Mason Cox and Luke Beveridge enjoying the tennis festival.

Today we've been around the grounds and have spotted a few more familiar faces.

Jackson Warne is currently lapping up the atmosphere at the Rod Laver Arena, as Novak Djokovic has taken a 3-1 lead against Jiri Lehecka.

January 19  Jackson Warne in Novak Djokovic (SRB) player box on Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ FIONA HAMILTON

Meanwhile, Aussie TV presenter Sonia Kruger is also in the house at the Rod Laver Arena.

January 19  Sonia Kruger in the piper heidsiek seats on Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ FIONA HAMILTON

Chef Curtis Stone cheered the players as he watched on earlier on Sunday afternoon.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Chef Curtis Stone is seen during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

While Love Island star Matt Zukowski was also pictured at the Rod Laver Arena earlier this afternoon.

January 19  Matt Zukowski on Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ FIONA HAMILTON
19 Jan 2025 - 09:12

Zverev goes in front!

It's been a real tussle out on the John Cain Arena tonight between Ugo Humbert and Alexander Zverev.

The German has just taken a 2-1 lead in the match and is using his booming service game to his advantage having struck 17 Aces already.

He's also put 36 winners past his opponent and is stepping his foot on the gas pedal here in the fourth set, having found a break against the Frenchman, ranked 14th on the ATP Tour, to go 2-1 up.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Alexander Zverev of Germany serves against Ugo Humbert of France in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
epa11835510 Ugo Humbert of France in action during his Men's Singles round four match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 19 January 2025.  EPA/JOEL CARRETT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
19 Jan 2025 - 09:09

Zverev goes in front!

It's been a real tussle out on the John Cain Arena tonight between Ugo Humbert and Alexander Zverev.

The German has just taken a 2-1 lead in the match and is using his booming service game to his advantage having struck 17 Aces already.

He's also put 36 winners past his opponent and is stepping his foot on the gas pedal here in the fourth set, having found a break against the Frenchman, ranked 14th on the ATP Tour, to go 2-1 up.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Alexander Zverev of Germany serves against Ugo Humbert of France in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
epa11835510 Ugo Humbert of France in action during his Men's Singles round four match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 19 January 2025.  EPA/JOEL CARRETT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
19 Jan 2025 - 09:04

Djokovic takes the first set

Novak Djokovic has won the first set 6-3 against Jiri Lehecka.

The Serbian hasn't quite got out of first gear as yet but his opponent has made 15 unforced errors in this match.

He's also just taken a break in the second set, with Lehecka, who sits at 29th in the ATP Rankings, struggling to find his rhythm here.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in action during his fourth round match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
19 Jan 2025 - 09:04

Djokovic takes the first set

Novak Djokovic has won the first set 6-3 against Jiri Lehecka.

The Serbian hasn't quite got out of first gear as yet but his opponent has made 15 unforced errors in this match.

He's also just taken a break in the second set, with Lehecka, who sits at 29th in the ATP Rankings, struggling to find his rhythm here.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in action during his fourth round match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
19 Jan 2025 - 08:58

Alcaraz fumes at the chair umpire

During his match against Jack Draper, Carlos Alcaraz was seen fuming at the chair umpire following a bizarre incident that involved his towel.

Despite sealing a 5-7 victory in the first set, Alcaraz did not deliver the performance that we've come to expect of the 21-year-old. After taking a 5-3 lead, he struggled to close out the opening exchange, conceding a break before Draper pulled level at 5-5.

During the first set, Alcaraz copped a towel warning from the chair umpire. The official had deemed that he was heading over to his towel basket too frequently during the match.

Temperatures soared to 31ºc on Sunday afternoon and both players were seen throughout the match mopping the sweat from their brows.

Yet, Alcaraz, was incensed by the warning and was seen fuming at the chair umpire during one changeover.

He was overheard saying to the umpire.

It’s my fourth match and you are the only one who, after a game, you had to be like that with the clock, it’s crazy.
I finish a game, I went to the towel and I didn’t take too much time for it, and then when I ask for the balls I have 15 seconds... it's crazy!
I have to go to the towel and if I go, the balls are all on that side. You know where is the towel, it’s unbelievable! Come on!

Eurosport commentator Anne Keothavong was a little taken aback by the outburst:

Wow, well you don’t usually see Alcaraz rattled like that, and he was before he served for the set.
Fergus Murphy just gave him a heads-up on the time he was taking between points, but I do think Alcaraz had a fair point. I don’t think he is deliberately stalling - this is a big court.

She later added:

I’m not sure it was necessary by the umpire to say anything there.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038cl) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain frustrated with the umpire Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038ci) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain frustrated with the umpire Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz speaks to the umpire during his men's singles match against Britain's Jack Draper on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
19 Jan 2025 - 08:58

Alcaraz fumes at the chair umpire

During his match against Jack Draper, Carlos Alcaraz was seen fuming at the chair umpire following a bizarre incident that involved his towel.

Despite sealing a 5-7 victory in the first set, Alcaraz did not deliver the performance that we've come to expect of the 21-year-old. After taking a 5-3 lead, he struggled to close out the opening exchange, conceding a break before Draper pulled level at 5-5.

During the first set, Alcaraz copped a towel warning from the chair umpire. The official had deemed that he was heading over to his towel basket too frequently during the match.

Temperatures soared to 31ºc on Sunday afternoon and both players were seen throughout the match mopping the sweat from their brows.

Yet, Alcaraz, was incensed by the warning and was seen fuming at the chair umpire during one changeover.

He was overheard saying to the umpire.

It’s my fourth match and you are the only one who, after a game, you had to be like that with the clock, it’s crazy.
I finish a game, I went to the towel and I didn’t take too much time for it, and then when I ask for the balls I have 15 seconds... it's crazy!
I have to go to the towel and if I go, the balls are all on that side. You know where is the towel, it’s unbelievable! Come on!

Eurosport commentator Anne Keothavong was a little taken aback by the outburst:

Wow, well you don’t usually see Alcaraz rattled like that, and he was before he served for the set.
Fergus Murphy just gave him a heads-up on the time he was taking between points, but I do think Alcaraz had a fair point. I don’t think he is deliberately stalling - this is a big court.

She later added:

I’m not sure it was necessary by the umpire to say anything there.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038cl) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain frustrated with the umpire Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock (15105038ci) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain frustrated with the umpire Australian Open, Day Eight, Tennis, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 19 Jan 2025
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz speaks to the umpire during his men's singles match against Britain's Jack Draper on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
19 Jan 2025 - 08:42

Alcaraz has all the skills...

19 Jan 2025 - 08:42

Alcaraz has all the skills...

19 Jan 2025 - 08:40

Alcaraz reveals what he said to Draper after the match

Carlos Alcaraz gave Jack Draper a big hug after the British star withdrew from their fourth-round clash earlier this afternoon.

Draper cut a deflated figure after he was forced to retire from the match due to an injury.

The Spaniard, meanwhile, is gunning to clinch his first Australian Open title and a career Grand Slam this week in Melbourne, but he admitted that today's result was not the way he wanted to progress to the quarter-finals.
Well, for me in that situation, I don't feel comfortable. Obviously, it's not the way I wanted to get through to win matches. When I see someone who has to retire because of an injury, for me it's not an easy moment.

I couldn't say anything to Jack in that moment. Just wish him a good recovery. Just said sorry.

He added that he saw Draper in the locker room after the match and made another touching gesture to the British star.

But I just said that I'm going to see him soon playing his best again.
Britain's Jack Draper (L) embraces Spain's Carlos Alcaraz as Draper retires from their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
19 Jan 2025 - 08:33

Carlos' class act

Carlos Alcaraz has been praised by many for a classy gesture he completed at the end of his victory against Jack Draper.

He progressed to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after the British No 1 withdrew with a hip injury.

Draper who looked uncomfortable on the court this afternoon revealed that he was battling through a tendinitis problem in his hip.

Alcaraz, who will now face either Novak Djokovic or Jiri Lehecka in the next round, showed his support to Draper at the end of the match, giving him a hug before writing a message on the television camera lens.

The message read: 'You will be where you deserve! Get well soon Jack!'

19 Jan 2025 - 08:30

'I've been unbelievably surprised with how much I've been able to play': Draper

Jack Draper has spoken out on the injury that forced him to retire during his fourth-round clash against Carlos Alcaraz earlier this afternoon.

The 23-year-old revealed that he had been suffering from a tendinitis injury in his hip in recent weeks that he has had to battle through, despite having been forced to play three five-set matches to reach the fourth-round of the Australian Open.

Essentially I had tendinitis in my hip, which I had to get MRI looked at and stuff. I have had a history of problems in that area. Like, it hasn't gone away. I'm still dealing with that.
Obviously in the preseason, it into my back and I couldn't walk and it was really difficult. I have come here and I have been managing that.
You know, I have been unbelievably surprised with how much I have been able to play and put my body through, more than I have ever done before, especially.
So, yeah, I think it's just one of those things, just massive overload. This area of my body, you know, if I don't get that right and I don't make good decisions, you know, I don't want to miss three or four months because of that, you know.
19 Jan 2025 - 08:29

'I've been unbelievably surprised with how much I've been able to play': Draper

Jack Draper has spoken out on the injury that forced him to retire during his fourth-round clash against Carlos Alcaraz earlier this afternoon.

The 23-year-old revealed that he had been suffering from a tendinitis injury in his hip in recent weeks that he has had to battle through, despite having been forced to play three five-set matches to reach the fourth-round of the Australian Open.

Essentially I had tendinitis in my hip, which I had to get MRI looked at and stuff. I have had a history of problems in that area. Like, it hasn't gone away. I'm still dealing with that.
Obviously in the preseason, it into my back and I couldn't walk and it was really difficult. I have come here and I have been managing that.
You know, I have been unbelievably surprised with how much I have been able to play and put my body through, more than I have ever done before, especially.
So, yeah, I think it's just one of those things, just massive overload. This area of my body, you know, if I don't get that right and I don't make good decisions, you know, I don't want to miss three or four months because of that, you know.
19 Jan 2025 - 08:25

Djokovic underway!

Grab yourself a cup of tea as we've got a big evening coming your way, with Novak Djokovic getting underway against Jiri Lehecka at Rod Laver Arena.

Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev and Ugo Humbert are going toe-to-toe at the John Cain Arena.

It's all square in that match, with Zverev, one of the favourites to win here this week, taking the first set 6-1.

Humbert responded strongly with a second-set victory of 6-2.

Temperatures have topped 32ºc here in Melbourne today and I reckon these players will be happy they weren't playing earlier on in the blistering heat.

BGUK_3127521 - Melbourne, AUSTRALIA  -  Day 6 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia  Pictured: Novak Djokovic  BACKGRID UK 17 JANUARY 2025   BYLINE MUST READ: BEST IMAGE / BACKGRID  UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com  USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com  *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY17: Jiri Lehecka of Czechia in action against Benjamin Bonzi of France (not seen) during round 3 at the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia on January 17, 2025 (Photo by Mark Avellino/Anadolu via Getty Images)
19 Jan 2025 - 08:12

'RIP TikTok USA'

Coco Gauff came from behind to beat Belinda Bencic 5-7 6-2 6-1 on Sunday afternoon to progress to the quarter-finals of the women's singles.

She faces a tough match against 11th seed Paola Badosa in the round of eight.

But there was a lighthearted moment at the end of her match against Bencic, where Gauff wrote 'RIP TikTok USA' with a heart on the TV camera lens.

The social media video platform has gone offline in the USA and is no longer available in app stores to users in the United States after a law had been enacted in the country to ban the social media platform.

American users were greeted by the message: 'A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US.

'Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now.

'We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.'

Gauff has 757,800 users on the social media platform and has accrued 22.3million likes on her videos.

USA's Coco Gauff writes the message
19 Jan 2025 - 08:05

Rowdy fans catch the ire of some players

Last week one game being played on Court 8 had to be moved to Court 7 because of disruptions caused by boisterous fans over on Court 6, known as the 'party court'.

Court 6 has been a controversial topic over the years, with players at last year's tournament having been critical over the atmosphere around that particular section of Melbourne Park.

On the eastern side of the court, fans can enjoy a drink at the two-tier bar while they watch the tennis. Background music is played and television screens show highlights of the other matches taking place around the tennis precinct.

While, for the most part, players have embraced the atmosphere on the court, it wasn't the case last year, with some hitting out at the atmosphere.

Jacob Fearnley secured victory on Court 6 earlier in the week against Arthur Cazaux and commented on the atmosphere.

'I actually didn’t really look at the court before I went on, so when I saw the bar, I was thinking it’s going to be a pretty rowdy atmosphere.

'But as I settled into the match, I kind of blocked it out as much as I could.

'Obviously, there was some supporters who were extremely drunk, but it was a great atmosphere.

'There was one guy, actually, who was extremely vocal on the bar side. At first, I couldn’t tell if he was trying to psych me out — but then I realised he was on my side.'

In fact, because some fans were so noisy during that match, Davidovich Fokina's match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Court 8 had to be moved.

19 Jan 2025 - 07:53

A touching message from Carlos Alcaraz

The 21-year-old booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this afternoon.

He secured his passage as British star Jack Draper withdrew with injury after losing the first two sets.

After playing five sets in each of his opening three rounds, the rigours of this week had appeared to take their toll on the British No 1, with Draper ultimately withdrawing to concede the match against Alcaraz.

It was a tough moment for the Brit, who looked gutted as he packed up his things, but there was a touching moment after the match from Alcaraz.

The 21-year-old, who is gunning to win his first Australian Open title this week, hugged and appeared to share some words with Draper after the match.

He then proceeded to write a heartwarming message of support to the Brit on the TV camera lens before vacating the court.

He wrote: 'You will be where you deserve. Get well soon Jack!'

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz writes a message on a TV camera for Britain's Jack Draper after he retires from his fourth round match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Jack Draper of Great Britain acknowledges the crowd as he walks off the court after retired from the match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the Men's Singles Fourth Round during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
19 Jan 2025 - 06:43

Breaking:Jack Draper withdraws from his match against Carlos Alcaraz

Tough break for Jack Draper as he has withdrawn from his fourth-round clash against Carlos Alcaraz with what seems like an injury.

It's been a brutal week for Draper who has had to play out three five-set matches to reach the fourth round here at Melbourne Park.

Draper went two sets down in the match and had been hanging on against ferocious 21-year-old Alcaraz, who is bidding to win his first Australian Open title this week.

But Draper just wasn't looking in the best of form and much to his anguish was forced to retire after suffering a 6-1 defeat in the second set.

Recap on all the action below...

19 Jan 2025 - 06:42

Kyrgios blasts TV presenter

Jack Draper manages to hold again! It's the eighth break point he's saved this match and he's managed to fend off the advances of his opponent twice in this game to pull a game back.

Having watched Draper this week, one thing for certain is that you do not rule this man out, with Draper having produced an epic comeback win against Thanasi Kokkinakis earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Kokkinakis' doubles partner Nick Kyrgios has brutally slammed a television presenter today.

The Aussie firebrand took aim at Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones after the TV star taunted Novak Djokovic at Melbourne park.

Jones branded Djokovic a 'has been' during a segment ahead of the Serbian's third-round clash against Tomas Machac earlier in the week.

Speaking in front of a crowd of fans who were chanting for Djokovic, Jones turned and delivered his own song to the fans.

Bizarrely he shouted: 'Novak is overrated ... Novak's a has-been ... Novak kick him out.'

He added to the TV cameras: 'I'm glad that they can't hear me...'

The video has gone viral online, with Kyrgios subsequently publishing a clip of the controversial moment to his Instagram account.

The Australian, who bowed out of the men's singles in the opening round this week, captioned the Instagram story: 'Coming from this clown – couldn't run around a park this bloke.'

Jones has copped flack from several others for his bizarre spray, with Paul McNamee hitting back at the remark.

The Aussie tennis great added: 'Tony I'm surprised, especially as you work for the host broadcaster, that you would send up a bunch of Aussies [with European heritage] having a good time celebrating their 10-time AO champion … trying to be funny mate.'

Even Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan blasted the comment.

'How can this be on TV. Disrespecting the GOAT, embarrassing,' he wrote.

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19 Jan 2025 - 06:28

Good afternoon!

Or good morning if you're just waking up in the United Kingdom!

We're mid-way through the tournament and what a week it's been.

While we've not had as many matches on today at Melbourne Park, we've got a huge evening to bring you, with Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev both in action later this evening.

The big news this afternoon is that Jack Draper is currently a set down against Carlos Alcaraz and the world No 3 is showing no signs of letting up.

We're deep into the second set here at Rod Laver Arena and Alcaraz is on the cusp of securing a double break that could put him 4-0 up, should he win the game.

It is his 11th break point opportunity of the match, but Draper is making things hard for the Spaniard.

Britain's Jack Draper hits a shot against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates a point against Jack Draper of Great Britain in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

 

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