At the Australian Open, Murray was eliminated, Osaka was defeated by Garcia, and Thiem was beaten by Auger-Aliassime – here’s a recap of the events.

Will Auger-Aliassime be able to maintain his composure? He has struggled with this in the past. He evens the score at 15-15 with some powerful shots. Then he hits some massive forehands that continuously push Thiem into difficult positions, giving him a 30-15 lead. Thiem has a chance on a second serve but misses as he retreats. Will FAA be able to close it out? It took him two hours longer than it should have, but he finally does so after a significant delay and a warning. After a grueling four hours and 59 minutes, he secures the victory. Finally! It felt like that match would never end.

Thiem begins his latest rescue attempt with a powerful serve. FAA is ready for him on the following point, returning with a strong backhand. However, Thiem manages to secure a 30-15 lead with his 109th winner. He then gains a 40-15 advantage. Auger-Aliassime will have to serve to stay in the match. Thiem holds his serve with a well-executed volley at the net.

Auger-Aliassime is in a determined state and easily scores three consecutive points to make it 40-0, thanks to an unreturnable shot. Then, he makes a mistake by serving a double fault. However, he manages to hold his serve and only needs to win one more game to claim his longest ever match victory. The score is now 5-2.

“The quality of play has been high, but there has also been tension. There have been a few errors, and plenty of them. Thiem manages to score a backhand and brings the score to 4-2. He receives applause from the audience.”

Thiem successfully holds his serve, bringing the score to 1-3. He finishes with a precise lob and appears exhausted as he begins the next game. Will FAA struggle in response? Most likely. However, before that happens, he approaches the net and ties the score at 15-15. Thiem becomes frustrated, believing a serve was out, and ultimately loses the following point and the match. The score is now 4-1, leaving Thiem with a difficult path to come back from.

Auger-Aliassime takes a commanding 3-0 lead with a powerful forehand winner. He appears to be in charge. However, is that truly the case?

In the second game, Auger-Aliassime initially appears to have the upper hand, but then seems to lose focus. Thiem then also struggles and makes a mistake at the net, allowing the Canadian to break and take a 2-0 lead. However, this has happened before in the match.

Thiem attempts to get an early lead, but is brought back to a tie score. This match, as with all the others, is being fiercely contested until the end. However, Auger-Aliassime successfully maintains his serve. This is a huge relief for him.

Thiem initially leads 30-0, but then experiences nerves and ties at 30-30. There is a sense of relief as he reaches set point. He successfully serves out the set with a shot that cannot be returned. This means there will be a fifth set. They have been playing for four hours and 14 minutes.

The sounds in this match are reminiscent of a battle scene from Game of Thrones. Fueled by testosterone and adrenaline, both players are on edge. They engage in an intense rally, resulting in Thiem earning three break points. He will now have the opportunity to serve for the set, leading 6-5.

Auger-Aliassime has successfully broken back, tying the fourth set at 5-5. Surprisingly, Thiem loses a point on his serve, a rare occurrence in this set. He then makes an error, bringing the score to 30-30. Auger-Aliassime earns a break point and is thrilled when Thiem attempts a tennis trick shot between his legs, but ultimately hits the ball into the net. Auger-Aliassime seizes the opportunity and celebrates the break point.

Currently, Thiem and Auger-Aliassime are the only players remaining on the court. The game is still evenly matched, with each point being hard-fought. Thiem is leading 5-3 in the fourth set and is determined to take it to a fifth set. On the other hand, Auger-Aliassime is serving to keep himself in the set. He successfully does so, serving without losing a point. The question now is whether Thiem can maintain his momentum and win the set.

Struff starts off strong with a powerful serve, taking the lead at 1-0. He follows it up with a solid return, increasing his lead to 2-0. Struff then dominates with a massive forehand, securing a 3-0 lead. However, he falters on a forehand attempt from the ground, allowing his opponent to score a point and making it 3-1. Struff continues to dominate with impressive stop volleys, extending his lead to 4-1. His opponent, Rinky, is unable to reach the ball. Struff then delivers a strong backhand return, further solidifying his lead at 5-1. Despite Hijikata’s attempts to withstand Struff’s attacks, he manages to score two points, making it 3-5. Struff maintains full control as his powerful serve sends Rinky diving for the ball, followed by a successful volley that Hikikata cannot return. Struff is now ahead at 7-3, but Hijikata manages to score one point with an ace. Struff has two more serves to secure his victory. The first one is met with a forehand winner from his opponent, but he is able to take the win with his second serve.

Following that, there is some traditional Becker/Stich serve and volley action resulting in a score of 8-5. However, a powerful serve cannot be returned, leading to a score of 8-6. The score then becomes 8-7 after a strong smash. Two more serves are all that is needed. Struff manages to reach two match points after chasing down a mishit. A local seabird briefly interrupts the game. Struff attempts a backhand volley but is too tense, causing the ball to fly out. Can Rinky save himself? Unfortunately, he is unable to keep the ball in play. It was a classic display of early-round tennis and Struff, in his 10th appearance, advances to the second round for only the second time.

The strength of Struff’s serve is equal to, if not greater than, Hijikata’s. He easily reaches 40-0 and holds his serve with ease. The pressure is now on Rinky. Hijikata slips, causing a smile from Struff, but another powerful serve puts him at 40-15. Struff celebrates with a fist pump after a strong return. However, he nets the next point, resulting in a tied score of 6-6 and leading to a decisive 10-point tie-breaker. The tension is high as the players prepare for the tie-breaker.

Struff successfully maintains his serve, and if he manages to break Hijikata’s serve, he will advance to the next round. The score is currently 5-4 in the final set, and Struff’s first return is impressive, resulting in a score of 0-15. However, there is an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd as Rinky hits a winning shot, bringing the score to 15-15. With a loud “C’mon,” Rinky confidently smashes the ball for a score of 30-15. Struff then maneuvers Rinky to the baseline, but his next shot hits the net, tying the score at 30-30. The crowd erupts into cheers and jumps in celebration as Hijikata’s second serve is returned and powerfully struck back. A big serve and ace follow, bringing the score to 5-5 and ensuring an intense match until the end.

Thiem is currently performing well. Both players are making loud noises as he takes a 2-0 lead in the fourth set while trying to even the score.

Hijikata takes a 4-2 lead, but loses the following game, bringing the score to 4-3. It is now midnight in Melbourne, making it Tuesday. Hijikata experiences a moment of uncertainty while leading 30-0, allowing Struff to catch up and tie the score at 4-4. Despite Struff’s strong serves, he is only 5’10”. However, Hijikata concedes another point, resulting in a deuce, and Struff capitalizes with a winning shot, earning a break point. Struff then breaks back, bringing the score to 4-4.

Thiem has recently scored a point against Auger-Aliassime, and it looks like there will be a five-set match coming up as well.

Tennis update: Hijikata and Struff are still in a close match, with the Sydney player leading Struff 3-2 in the fifth set. The crowd is cheering loudly for the Australian player.

The tie-break is intense and nerve-wracking. Auger-Aliassime gains a 3-2 lead, followed by a 4-2 lead, putting Thiem in a difficult position. Thiem becomes frustrated with himself as he struggles to maintain control and concedes a point, bringing the score to 5-2. He manages to serve an ace, bringing the score to 5-3. However, Auger-Aliassime then makes a mistake, resulting in a score of 5-4 on his serve. He hits two serves out, resulting in a double fault and a tie score of 5-5. He then misses a crucial shot, giving Thiem the opportunity to serve for the set. Thiem quickly rushes to the net and scores, making it 2-1 for Auger-Aliassime. Despite his initial lead, Auger-Aliassime’s mistakes have cost him, and Thiem’s performance has the crowd cheering.

The tie-break between Auger-Aliassime and Thiem is set to occur. They have reached a score of 6-6 through a love-service game.

Rinky Hijikata has successfully defeated Struff and has now taken a 2-0 lead after serving. There is a joyful atmosphere on Court Three.

Thiem and Auger-Aliassime are currently playing, with Thiem serving to take the lead at 6-5 in the third set. A tie-break is guaranteed, and the match could potentially go to five sets.

Rinky has accomplished it, the fifth set is now in play.

A complete report will be provided regarding Osaka’s defeat. We will also share the post-match statements from the Japanese player once we receive them. In the meantime, Auger-Aliassime and Thiem’s match continues, with Auger-Aliassime close to winning. In Australia, Rinky Hijikata appears to be heading towards a fifth set against Struff, as he has taken a strong lead in the tie-breaker.

During Alex de Minaur’s match, there was a sudden turn of events when Raonic sustained a hip injury, making it less of a walkover for de Minaur.

Caroline Garcia expressed her admiration for Osaka, both as a tennis player and as an individual. She acknowledged the challenges Osaka has faced in the past 15 months and praised her for her strength and resilience. Garcia also noted Osaka’s impressive return to the court just six months after giving birth. She believes this match will be one she remembers for a long time, and she credits her own solid and aggressive performance for the win.

Garcia wins the game with a serve down the line, making it 2-1. Osaka takes a risk and succeeds on her second serve, tying the game at 2-2. However, she is thrown off by a forehand shot and falls behind at 3-2. Garcia then serves her way to a 4-2 lead, followed by a powerful shot down the line for 5-2. Osaka faces a difficult challenge as she now trails by three points. Garcia continues to dominate with a strong forehand shot for 6-2 and four match points. Despite Osaka’s efforts, she is unable to make a comeback and loses the match. Although Osaka played well, her 15-month absence from the game was evident. She faced a tough opponent in Garcia, who played with great determination and skill.

Hijikata and Struff have been deadlocked at deuce with a score of 5-4 in the fourth set for what feels like an incredibly long time. The crowd is showing their support for the local favorite, Rinky. However, Struff manages to hold on, resulting in a tie of 5-5.

Garcia makes an error at 30-15, could this be a sign that her serve is becoming unstable? “Let’s go,” exclaims Garcia as Osaka misses a lob at 40-15. Another double fault excites the crowd. But then Garcia serves a powerful ace, leading to a tie-breaker.

The score in Osaka’s serve is currently 6-5, with both players delivering impressive serves. Garcia will now serve in order to stay in the set and potentially force a tie-breaker. The remaining three matches are closely contested and could go either way.

Struff and Hijikata observe Struff attempting to stay in the fourth set. The atmosphere on Court Three is lively.

Garcia’s service and her successful drop shot dominate. Despite being behind at 0-15, she serves to tie the score at 5-5. This is when nerves become a factor.

Tumaini Carayol, our correspondent in Melbourne, reports that Andy Murray appears to have all but ended his love affair with the Australian Open as a five-time finalist and five-time loser. This likely still stings.

My chances of winning matches are slim with that style of play. Practicing does not equate to actual competition. I am fully aware of this distinction. I have a clear understanding of what constitutes good tennis. I have performed well in the past. I am aware of how strong my game was in the last week, specifically against top-ranked players.

Garcia currently maintains the lead and appears to be in control. Her serve continues to be a strong weapon. The pressure is now on Osaka.

Osaka is currently leading with her strong serve, having already scored nine aces. The score is 4-3 in the second set, making it an exciting match for both players.