Sinner defeats Rublev; Sabalenka, Djokovic, and Gauff advance to Australian Open quarter-finals – live updates.

Rublev makes two mistakes, giving Sinner a 0-30 advantage. However, Rublev’s stomach issue is still causing problems. He reduces his deficit with an ace, tying the game with a strong serve. But then he mishits a forehand into the net without a good reason, potentially changing the outcome of the match, especially if Sinner takes advantage. Despite this, Sinner’s return is too short and he ends up netting a backhand, resulting in a deuce. But Rublev’s serve goes wide and Sinner anticipates it, hitting a powerful forehand winner cross-court. However, he hits long after hitting two lines earlier in the rally, bringing the game back to deuce. As Rublev, I am noticing Sinner’s injury and trying to tire him out by making him run and stretch. However, my amateur coaching advice is proven wrong as Sinner hits an unexpected and impressive winner, bringing the game back to deuce. This is another crucial game that could determine the match if Sinner wins it. But Rublev closes it out well and now Sinner must serve to stay in the second set, leading 6-4 4-5. Rublev takes a break and checks in with us.

Sinner hits a backhand shot too far and once more grabs his stomach in discomfort. If it is caused by a muscle issue, there may not be much that can be done except for taking a pain reliever. However, if it is a serious problem, even if he manages to finish this match, he won’t be able to defeat Djokovic while injured. Despite this, he doesn’t seem ready to give up, clenching his fist when Rublev squanders a second serve with a netted return while leading 15-30. A well-executed backhand deep into the forehand corner earns Sinner a break point in his third service game on the bike… but once again, he fails to convert, carelessly hitting a backhand shot too far. This is a very poor display – he wasn’t trying to make a winning shot or hit the line, so the lack of precision is unacceptable. As a result, the game quickly slips away from him. Sinner remains ahead at 6-4 4-4, but the pressure continues to rise.

Despite trailing 15-40, Sinner manages to gain control of the following rally by aggressively hitting forehands, causing an error from his opponent. However, he then makes a mistake and hits the return too long, allowing Rublev to hold and take a 4-3 lead. The tension in this set is increasing.

I am curious about Sinner’s abilities. While he is undoubtedly talented, once Djokovic retires, will he have what it takes to win Grand Slams? His serve and temperament are excellent, but I believe he needs to improve in stopping points against top players. He rarely does anything spectacular, which seems to be a common trait among major winners in men’s tennis. In his latest service game, he struggles and goes from being 40-15 up to facing deuce thanks to a Rublev winner and an unforced error. He holds his stomach, possibly due to a muscular issue, but then hits a forehand that lands just outside the line. He saves a break point with an ace, leaving Rublev at 0/5. The Russian loses patience and hits wide and into the net. Despite leading 6-4 3-3, Sinner continues to touch his stomach gingerly, indicating a potential injury. The match may be shifting.

I am experiencing a loss of coverage, but when it returns, I see that the score is tied at deuce on Rublev’s serve. This is not surprising, as the last time he missed break points, he was subsequently broken. However, he manages to serve his way out of this situation and now leads 3-2 in the second set.

Rublev is performing well, with his powerful forehand leading to two successful rallies and a score of 30-all. However, Sinner remains unfazed and quickly gains the next point. Rublev stays persistent and manages to make it to deuce when Sinner makes a mistake. It seems as though Rublev’s coaches are following our advice, as he remains patient before executing a forehand shot that lands perfectly on the line. With an ace, Sinner reaches deuce. Similar to how Rublev played against D-Min on Sunday, Sinner is staying ahead by winning the important points. But a double fault puts him at another break point, with Rublev taking his time before unleashing a pair of powerful forehands, one of which narrowly misses the mark. This match has become much more competitive, with this game being the longest so far at around eight minutes. Sinner gains advantage with a cleverly placed backhand and secures the game with a service winner, bringing the score to 6-4 2-2. Rublev has now missed all four of his break point opportunities.

Sinner aggressively returns a second serve with a backhand shot that lands on the line. However, Rublev makes a poor forehand error, causing him to lose the point. Despite this, Rublev manages to stay in the next rally and earns 15-30 when his opponent’s shot hits the net. Unfortunately, he repeats the same mistake and Sinner gains two break points. Rublev saves the first with a strong serve, and then saves the second with another impressive serve, bringing the score to deuce. Rublev continues to play well, executing a clever drop shot that catches Sinner off guard. Sinner has an opportunity to return the ball, but instead hits it into the net, giving Rublev a crucial hold. This saves him from a potential breakdown and he takes the lead 2-1, after losing the first set.

Leading 30-0, Sinner, who has been very strong on his serve since saving break points in the second game, hits the net and then misses wide despite seemingly having already won the rally. As expected, he then serves an ace to make it 40-30, followed by a powerful second serve that secures the hold and ties the score at 1-1 in the second set. Rublev doesn’t seem too upset, but there is potential for an outburst.

Rublev can rest assured that I have a plan for him. He simply needs to take a strong swing and assess the GBG. Instead of focusing on specific lines, he should slightly adjust his aim to hit the ball early and keep Sinner on the move. This will prevent Sinner from getting comfortable and hitting powerful shots. The truth is, in order to win the first set, Rublev didn’t need to be perfect, he just needed to play consistently. He knows that Rublev is a better shot-maker, but not enough to overcome his mistakes. However, Rublev starts the second set strong, winning the first game with ease and showing improvement from the beginning of the match. Sinner leads 6-4 0-1 Rublev.

Sinner has been consistently performing well in this match, possibly because he anticipates Rublev’s tendency to take many risks. If he remains solid, he should be able to win unless his opponent has a remarkable performance. He gains 15 points when Rublev’s return goes too far, and takes control of a rally for 30 points. He then earns three set points when Rublev’s return hits the net. An effective serve secures the set for Sinner. Rublev may need to reconsider his strategy, as his current tactics may not lead to victory unless he pulls off a spectacular performance like Wawrinka in a Grand Slam final.

After leading 30-0, Rublev hits a powerful inside-out shot and follows it up with a service winner. He seems to be improving his play, but is it too late to save this set? Sinner will soon have the opportunity to serve for the set at 5-4.

During a lengthy volley, Rublev accidentally hits his own knees with his racket in frustration. This is not the first time he has done this, and it results in drawing blood, just like in a previous match in Turin. Despite this setback, he manages to reach 30-all, giving him a chance to score. However, Sinner’s powerful serve forces Rublev to hit a long return, and the same happens on the second serve. Sinner is playing exceptionally well and appears to be in control, leading the set 5-3.

Trailing 0-15, Rublev hits an impressive forehand winner, but a double fault adds to his stress; a service ace helps relieve it, and he goes on to win the game and now trails 3-4.

Rublev’s forehand is not performing well, which is a common issue for him as he tends to take big risks. As a result, he quickly falls behind 30-0. However, a mistake from Sinner gives him a chance to get back into the game and earn his first point in 12 attempts. He takes advantage of another error and secures the hold with an ace, giving him a 4-2 lead. Both players are struggling to find their rhythm, so the one who makes fewer mistakes will likely have the upper hand.

Next. After four consecutive points, Sinner now has six in a row. He scores 0-30, but Rublev hits a forehand into the net and has to defend three break points. Unfortunately, he fails to do so and nets another shot. Sinner easily gains control of the first set with eight consecutive points, making it 3-2.

Sinner scores a forehand to tie the score at 15-all, then follows it up with a backhand after what I believe is the longest rally of the match so far. If he can continue to win points like this, he has a good chance of advancing. His powerful backhand near the sideline earns him two break points, which is significant as there may not be many opportunities like this in the match. However, a long forehand shot misses and a strong serve saves the second break point. Sinner then secures the game with an ace down the T from advantage, making a strong statement. The first set is tied at 2-2.

Rublev swiftly gains a 40-0 advantage with a service winner, ace, powerful serve, and well-executed forehand. However, two mistakes allow Sinner to have a chance. Sinner forces Rublev to make a difficult volley, but he misses and the score is now tied at deuce. Nevertheless, Rublev finishes strong with a series of serves and forehands, securing a 2-1 lead.

There are too many posts in my file causing it to lag. Please be patient with me. Sinner quickly makes it through a love-hold, securing an ace down the T.

Rublev’s initial serve is a powerful shot, but the issue arises when he fails to make it, as his second serve is not as effective. Nonetheless, he manages to hold on to his serve and takes a 1-0 lead with a score of 15.

Alright, let’s get started.

Rublev has advanced to the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams, but has yet to win a match in that stage, which he carries as a burden onto the court. He will have a strong desire to break this streak and come out victorious.

Sinner and Rublev are both skilled players with strong shots from the back. However, Sinner is currently in better form and has a more composed attitude. While Rublev’s serve and forehand are formidable, he has yet to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam due to his struggle against higher-ranked opponents in crucial moments.

Regarding Sabalenka, her strength was the most noticeable aspect, as it always is. However, in the first set, her finesse was also on display. This could be due to her underestimating the threat of Krejcikova, but she may face a tougher challenge from Gauff, who can match her power and keep her on the move. This also reflects the hard work she has put in, her increasing confidence, and her comfort on Laver court. If she maintains her level of play, she is likely to defend her title without much opposition. However, performing at her best when under pressure has been a struggle for her in the past, so only time will tell.

Up next: Jannik Sinner, ranked 4th, against Andrey Rublev, ranked 5th.

Sabalenka expressed her gratitude to the audience, noting that it brought back memories of last year’s final. She also questioned why she is performing exceptionally well here, as she has yet to drop more than three games in a set or lose an entire set. She credited her team, which includes many Australians, and acknowledged the support of the crowd. When asked about her consistent success in recent Grand Slam quarterfinals, with a record of 8 wins and 0 losses, she attributed it to her hard work. With that, she wished her opponent, Coco, good luck.

Sabalenka starts off strong with a successful return, but takes a brief pause to have an insect removed from the court by a ball kid. She continues her dominance with another powerful return, leaving Krejcikova unable to respond. The rally ends with a wide backhand from Krejcikova, giving Sabalenka three match points. With a single brutal backhand return, Sabalenka takes control of the rally and finishes it off with an impressive volley. Her performance is described as stunning and terrifyingly good, making her opponent look like a child. If she can maintain this level, she will be nearly unbeatable, as it is unmatched in the women’s game.

Krejcikova forces Sabalenka to move quickly, scoring 15-30 with a strong forehand to the corner. In response, Sabalenka hits a forehand down the line, followed by a successful serve down the middle and another one out wide. With a score of 6-2 5-3, she is one game away from securing a spot in the semifinals.

Later on, Iron Mike stated…

Once again, we find ourselves at 0-30. Sabalenka hits a long forehand and then a backhand that goes into the net. This is followed by another backhand error. Krejcikova serves an ace out wide, her second of the match, and her loud cry of excitement shows that she is still determined to keep fighting. Sabalenka is currently ahead 6-2 4-3, with a break.

Krejcikova quickly rushes to the net and successfully hits two overhead shots to Sabalenka, but still falls behind 0-15. She then misses a backhand shot, giving her opponent a chance to break her serve. Despite this, Krejcikova manages to hit an ace and then desperately tries to return a powerful serve, causing Sabalenka to miss her overhead shot. In the first set, Sabalenka responded to a similar situation by winning the next two games, and it wouldn’t be surprising if she does the same again. Sabalenka currently leads 6-2 4-2.

Sabalenka is unrelenting and secures a 0-30 advantage while effectively defending against Krejcikova’s attacks. Krejcikova succumbs to the pressure and misses a forehand putaway that she typically executes with ease. Sabalenka continues her dominance with a massive forehand-overhand winner, putting her up two points for a double-break. Despite Krejcikova’s clever drop shot, Sabalenka maintains her lead and ultimately takes the set at 6-2 4-1. Krejcikova is unable to defend against Sabalenka’s powerful attacks and must feel frustrated, hurt, and embarrassed as a top player and strategist. As Mike Tyson famously stated, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

Sabalenka scores a point by hitting a powerful overhead from the top of the net, causing the ball to bounce right near it and fly into the crowd. She apologizes for the unexpected shot, but it is clear that she had intended to do it. She follows it up with an ace, but then makes a mistake and hits the net with her next shot. This gives Krejcikova a chance to score, but Sabalenka quickly regains control and wins the point in a forceful manner. She is now leading 6-2 3-1.

My system malfunctions, but it recovers in time for me to witness Sabalenka winning 6-2 2-1. It seems like Krejcikova will not last much longer in the match.