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The Australian Open rolls on with a huge meeting between Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz headlining an action-packed day in Melbourne.
British No 1 Draper came through a five-set thriller on Friday against Aleksandar Vukic, going the distance again against an Australian player yet overcoming both his opponent and the crowd. His prize? A player who could end this tournament having completed a career grand slam, with Alcaraz so far looking in fine touch as he chases the only major singles title that eludes him. The Spaniard beat Nuno Borges to set up this fourth round clash.
Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic is in action later against the talented Jiri Lehecka, while second seed Alexander Zverev takes on Ugo Humbert. Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka were among those involved earlier on Sunday as the second week of the tournament draws near.
Follow all of the action from the Australian Open in our live blog below:
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz
A little alarming, this, the medical timeout sees Draper disappear for a short time. He’s put his body through a lot this last week.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:08
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz
In a slugfest, Alcaraz prevails in set one after 56 minutes…
He produced 21 winners to Draper’s 11.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:01
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz – GAME, FIRST SET ALCARAZ
Much needed, there, VAMOS! screams Alcaraz, he holds and moves to 6-5. But what a contest this has been.
They’ll switch ends and Alcaraz has cooled down…
That is quite magnificent, Draper is controlling the rally and his backhand is deep into the deuce side of the court but the Spaniard sprints across the court and unleashes a rocket, GAME AND FIRST SET ALCARAZ!
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:55
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
Time spent on court at Australian Open 2025
A tense game here, Draper must hold to extend this set and he captures an ace at 30-30, measured and swinging away from the Alcaraz backhand. And he holds, 5-5, this fascinating first set takes a turn.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:52
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
“It’s crazy,” Alcaraz says, visibly upset and remonstrating with the umpire. Towel gate again?
He’s rattled here after being warned over the time taken to serve.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:50
Australian Open: Jack Draper 3-5* Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz is 54-1 at Grand Slams when he takes the first set… Not exactly promising for Draper as he attempts to break to stay in the first set… And that defeat after going ahead 1-0 was against Mikael Ymer four years ago in Melbourne in the second round. A different beast entirely now, of course.
Magnificent disguise on the drop shot from Alcaraz, that shot still so potent in his arsenal. But a rushed forehand gives Draper break-back point… 30-40.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:46
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz not willing to waste any time waiting to serve it out himself, attacking Draper’s serve and dictating the points, sending Draper on a run and then putting the ball in the other half of the court.
But Draper has discovered an extra zip to that serve, can he pair it with the flattened out forehand? Game point, though, and didn’t he pick up two backhands superbly to stay in that rally? THEN, the whipped forehand, scrambling, rockets cross court and flashes past Alcaraz to hold. 3-5.
AND BREAK BACK HE DOES! *4-5. ASTONISHING.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:44
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:41
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
In-to-out forehand, and Alcaraz is now ALIVE!
An ace, too, and this version of the Spaniard is now imposing himself on Draper. Already at 40-0, Draper must compose himself here, he battled so hard to stay level after four games, now the set is getting away from him.
Maybe that’s the spark? Reaching out wide of the lines, a forehand pass gives Draper hope. And another breathtaking winner from the return, a backhand cross court leaves Alcaraz rather puzzled. 40-30. But he’ll dispatch the next point at the net, game and Draper serving to stay in the set.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:38
Australian Open: Jack Draper *2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz now dancing into the net and the volley is crisp despite Draper’s thumping backhand.
Break points coming… And a second serve from Draper to come too. And Draper cracks, a backhand dug out fro beneath his feet, then he sprays a forehand wide. The Spaniard seizes an early advantage in this match.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 05:36
