1 00:00:05,360 --> 00:00:07,980 Speaker 1: Welcome to the AO Wrap, recapping the end of each 2 00:00:08,039 --> 00:00:10,860 Speaker 1: day's play. You're with the Uplake crew. I'm Brett Thomas. 3 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:13,940 Speaker 2: And I'm Lexi Mitchell. Here's your quick hit from day two. 4 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:17,480 Speaker 2: Can the King of Melbourne Park regain his crown? A 5 00:00:17,560 --> 00:00:20,200 Speaker 2: century of wins for Novak Djokovic at the Aus Open. 6 00:00:20,780 --> 00:00:23,600 Speaker 2: John Kane Arena was popping off, but Alexi Poprin. 7 00:00:23,260 --> 00:00:24,120 Speaker 3: Ran out of legs. 8 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:27,640 Speaker 2: AO Radio's Nat Edwards will recap a stellar day for 9 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:28,580 Speaker 2: the other Aussies. 10 00:00:28,920 --> 00:00:32,620 Speaker 1: Iala Mania takes over Melbourne Park. Magic mirror Andre the 11 00:00:32,700 --> 00:00:35,650 Speaker 1: charms the crowd in a tough three-set win. Is she 12 00:00:35,690 --> 00:00:38,550 Speaker 1: a threat to a shaky Sviontek? As the second seed 13 00:00:38,590 --> 00:00:40,970 Speaker 1: chases an elusive Aus Open crown. 14 00:00:42,710 --> 00:00:48,200 Speaker 4: A testing opener for Igor Sviontek. from the Rod Laver Arena. 15 00:00:48,740 --> 00:00:51,830 Speaker 4: Wasn't at her best tonight. Work to be done undoubtedly 16 00:00:52,750 --> 00:00:54,670 Speaker 4: as she chases history here in Melbourne. 17 00:00:55,070 --> 00:00:57,470 Speaker 1: So Egas Fiontek got the job done in the end. 18 00:00:57,490 --> 00:01:01,470 Speaker 1: 7-6-6-3 against Yuan, a Chinese qualifier, but certainly in the 19 00:01:01,550 --> 00:01:04,020 Speaker 1: first set, Lexi, it looked like we might have a 20 00:01:04,100 --> 00:01:05,480 Speaker 1: major upset on the cards. 21 00:01:05,620 --> 00:01:08,819 Speaker 2: That it did. So Yuan broke Fiontek in the opening game. 22 00:01:09,280 --> 00:01:12,640 Speaker 2: I think it just startled her really. So After that, 23 00:01:12,660 --> 00:01:15,280 Speaker 2: they did break each other twice, sending that first set 24 00:01:15,300 --> 00:01:19,740 Speaker 2: to a tiebreak. But what stood out was Siontek having 25 00:01:19,740 --> 00:01:23,660 Speaker 2: 21 unforced errors to Yuan's 13, but she was trying 26 00:01:23,760 --> 00:01:26,040 Speaker 2: to go for it at the same time, hitting 15 27 00:01:26,040 --> 00:01:30,520 Speaker 2: winners to Yuan's 9. And two of those winners came 28 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:33,280 Speaker 2: at a crucial time when Yuan was up 5-3 serving 29 00:01:33,319 --> 00:01:35,970 Speaker 2: for the set. So it took a bit for the 30 00:01:35,990 --> 00:01:39,970 Speaker 2: world number two to wrangle back control, but... Yeah, it 31 00:01:39,990 --> 00:01:41,850 Speaker 2: was looking a little bit dicey in this match. 32 00:01:42,069 --> 00:01:44,110 Speaker 5: Yeah, it certainly was. And it seemed like a bit 33 00:01:44,150 --> 00:01:44,670 Speaker 5: of a trend. 34 00:01:44,709 --> 00:01:48,070 Speaker 1: We saw Arena Sabalenka last night, also against a qualifier, 35 00:01:48,150 --> 00:01:51,350 Speaker 1: slow start. Even Alcaraz, if you want to look at 36 00:01:51,390 --> 00:01:53,770 Speaker 1: the men's draw as well. So some of the top 37 00:01:53,810 --> 00:01:57,430 Speaker 1: seeds coming up against players who this is their Australian 38 00:01:57,490 --> 00:02:00,710 Speaker 1: Open final, a qualifier. They're kind of playing with house money. 39 00:02:00,750 --> 00:02:03,010 Speaker 1: They're playing like they've got nothing to lose. But then 40 00:02:03,050 --> 00:02:06,250 Speaker 1: in the end, it's the high-ranked player that just has 41 00:02:06,290 --> 00:02:08,730 Speaker 1: that extra class and experience to get the job done. 42 00:02:08,970 --> 00:02:12,790 Speaker 2: Absolutely. And Shiontag did throw some punches early in that 43 00:02:12,850 --> 00:02:15,300 Speaker 2: second set. She got the jump in the first three 44 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:18,260 Speaker 2: games and Yuan had to take a medical timeout. But 45 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:22,580 Speaker 2: the physician must have worked some magic because she came 46 00:02:22,660 --> 00:02:25,090 Speaker 2: out swinging after that. She was seeing the ball like 47 00:02:25,130 --> 00:02:28,049 Speaker 2: a watermelon. She just absolutely let it rip on the return. 48 00:02:28,669 --> 00:02:32,149 Speaker 2: And even her serving percentage just jumped up. It went 49 00:02:32,210 --> 00:02:34,690 Speaker 2: up 15 kilometers per hour after that timeout. 50 00:02:34,870 --> 00:02:37,030 Speaker 1: I need to go see that physio because it was 51 00:02:37,110 --> 00:02:39,490 Speaker 1: a lower back that they were working on. And look, 52 00:02:39,510 --> 00:02:42,280 Speaker 1: you could question whether there was an injury, but whatever 53 00:02:42,310 --> 00:02:45,060 Speaker 1: the physio did, even if it was just the mental timeout, 54 00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:48,800 Speaker 1: just to break the Svantec momentum, it obviously worked there 55 00:02:48,860 --> 00:02:50,060 Speaker 1: for a short period of time. 56 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:50,799 Speaker 5: Yeah, for sure. 57 00:02:50,900 --> 00:02:53,940 Speaker 2: And look, just what a performance by the qualifier to 58 00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:55,680 Speaker 2: really bring it to the world number two. 59 00:02:56,540 --> 00:02:56,839 Speaker 6: It does. 60 00:02:57,300 --> 00:02:59,700 Speaker 2: sort of put up a bit of a few question 61 00:02:59,740 --> 00:03:02,260 Speaker 2: marks for us because we're thinking about this being a 62 00:03:02,300 --> 00:03:05,490 Speaker 2: chance for Iga to take that career grand slam. The 63 00:03:05,570 --> 00:03:08,750 Speaker 2: Australian Open has been the tournament that sort of, she's 64 00:03:08,790 --> 00:03:11,549 Speaker 2: performed well but hasn't been able to get into a 65 00:03:11,610 --> 00:03:12,209 Speaker 2: final yet. 66 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:16,630 Speaker 1: Yeah, well she's made two semi-finals but which for the 67 00:03:16,910 --> 00:03:19,989 Speaker 1: average mortal would be amazing, but we're talking about a 68 00:03:20,190 --> 00:03:23,350 Speaker 1: player who's won six Grand Slams, and as you said, 69 00:03:23,410 --> 00:03:25,609 Speaker 1: this would finish it off. She would become a mortal 70 00:03:26,010 --> 00:03:29,370 Speaker 1: by completing the career Grand Slam. Only seven players have 71 00:03:29,410 --> 00:03:32,710 Speaker 1: done it. You're talking the likes of Navratilova, Chris Evatt, 72 00:03:32,790 --> 00:03:35,970 Speaker 1: Steffi Graf, the career Golden Slam with a gold medal 73 00:03:36,070 --> 00:03:39,950 Speaker 1: in 1988, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and more modern history. 74 00:03:40,430 --> 00:03:43,190 Speaker 1: So she would become an iconic player if she can 75 00:03:43,230 --> 00:03:45,230 Speaker 1: do that. And you wonder, Lexi, if that's sort of 76 00:03:45,270 --> 00:03:45,990 Speaker 1: playing on her mind. 77 00:03:46,510 --> 00:03:50,170 Speaker 2: Yeah, potentially. I mean, well, for me, what's standing out 78 00:03:50,310 --> 00:03:52,250 Speaker 2: is a bit of a shaky start this year. I 79 00:03:52,270 --> 00:03:55,030 Speaker 2: think sometimes she's looked a bit more in control, but 80 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:58,860 Speaker 2: she didn't have the, I guess, the easiest run into 81 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:00,940 Speaker 2: the Australian Open, had a couple of losses in the 82 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:03,900 Speaker 2: United Cup. I mean, Coco Goff just took care of 83 00:04:03,980 --> 00:04:07,900 Speaker 2: her quite easily. And then she lost to Bencic from 84 00:04:07,940 --> 00:04:10,310 Speaker 2: a set up, which that stood out to me Well, 85 00:04:10,330 --> 00:04:12,830 Speaker 2: first of all, Bencic was playing like her life depended 86 00:04:12,870 --> 00:04:15,089 Speaker 2: on it because she does that for her country. But 87 00:04:15,430 --> 00:04:19,080 Speaker 2: that stat stood out because last year, from that position 88 00:04:19,140 --> 00:04:22,479 Speaker 2: being a set-up, Stjontek only lost to Rabakina and Nisimova 89 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:25,719 Speaker 2: and Keyes. And Keyes was in that semi-final at the 90 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:28,080 Speaker 2: Australian Open, which she went on to win. 91 00:04:28,720 --> 00:04:31,400 Speaker 1: And that's the thing about– we talk about the men's 92 00:04:31,460 --> 00:04:34,420 Speaker 1: draw being a battle, a race between two, whereas the 93 00:04:34,460 --> 00:04:38,339 Speaker 1: women's draw last year, we had four different slam winners– 94 00:04:38,620 --> 00:04:42,029 Speaker 1: And really, it's anyone's game, especially at the top echelon 95 00:04:42,070 --> 00:04:43,310 Speaker 1: of the WTA rankings. 96 00:04:43,430 --> 00:04:43,870 Speaker 5: Absolutely. 97 00:04:43,930 --> 00:04:47,130 Speaker 2: I think we're absolutely treated to an incredible top eight 98 00:04:47,170 --> 00:04:50,140 Speaker 2: this year. And even if you look at the top five, 99 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:52,180 Speaker 2: I just think anyone could take it and I would 100 00:04:52,220 --> 00:04:57,260 Speaker 2: be completely unsurprised. So you've got Sabalenka, Siontek, Goff, Anisimova, Rybakina. 101 00:04:57,750 --> 00:04:59,870 Speaker 2: And then even if you look further down the line, 102 00:04:59,890 --> 00:05:03,850 Speaker 2: you've got Mira Ondrava in some incredible form. We'll talk 103 00:05:03,870 --> 00:05:07,039 Speaker 2: about that in a minute. And then even a smoky 104 00:05:07,120 --> 00:05:11,100 Speaker 2: who Ondrava played in the Adelaide International Final, being Victoria Mboko, 105 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:16,540 Speaker 2: who defeated Emerson Jones, our 17-year-old Australian, quite easily, 6-4, 106 00:05:16,560 --> 00:05:17,240 Speaker 2: 6-1 today. 107 00:05:17,380 --> 00:05:21,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, and then another two-time former champion in Naomi Osaka, 108 00:05:21,580 --> 00:05:24,000 Speaker 1: who knows obviously how to win Australian Opens before. 109 00:05:24,050 --> 00:05:24,320 Speaker 3: Yeah. 110 00:05:24,760 --> 00:05:25,300 Speaker 5: Wide open. 111 00:05:25,580 --> 00:05:25,800 Speaker 4: Yeah. 112 00:05:25,940 --> 00:05:28,620 Speaker 2: And if you think about who she could potentially meet 113 00:05:28,660 --> 00:05:32,539 Speaker 2: in the quarters, it could be Osaka, Bencic or Rabakina. 114 00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:36,280 Speaker 2: Like that is an incredibly tough test, but well, from 115 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:38,930 Speaker 2: what we saw today, tough tests are good to face 116 00:05:39,020 --> 00:05:39,440 Speaker 2: early on. 117 00:05:39,580 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 7: Yeah. 118 00:05:39,790 --> 00:05:41,950 Speaker 5: And she, look, she passed, all you can do is win. 119 00:05:42,010 --> 00:05:42,570 Speaker 5: She did that. 120 00:05:42,710 --> 00:05:45,210 Speaker 1: She did it in straight sets. Even when she was 121 00:05:46,010 --> 00:05:48,330 Speaker 1: not playing her best, she found a way and she 122 00:05:48,370 --> 00:05:50,710 Speaker 1: finished strongly. She sealed that match with a backhand winner 123 00:05:51,290 --> 00:05:54,020 Speaker 1: down the line. So, Maybe, like you said last night 124 00:05:54,040 --> 00:05:57,650 Speaker 1: about Alcaraz just sort of building his form as he 125 00:05:57,670 --> 00:06:00,589 Speaker 1: gets going. Maybe that's what Sviontek will do. And look, 126 00:06:00,730 --> 00:06:02,630 Speaker 1: even though she was playing a qualifier tonight, it was 127 00:06:02,650 --> 00:06:04,270 Speaker 1: a player who's been ranked in the top 50 in 128 00:06:04,290 --> 00:06:07,010 Speaker 1: the world, 27. She's been on the tour for a while. 129 00:06:07,450 --> 00:06:09,919 Speaker 1: So she's not a complete unknown. So Sviontek got the 130 00:06:09,940 --> 00:06:10,560 Speaker 1: job done tonight. 131 00:06:11,060 --> 00:06:16,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, she did. And even from Sviontek to another great 132 00:06:16,740 --> 00:06:21,159 Speaker 2: match today, we saw Mira Andreeva. Really put on quite 133 00:06:21,180 --> 00:06:24,650 Speaker 2: a solid performance again after a shaky start to Donna Vekic. 134 00:06:24,810 --> 00:06:26,909 Speaker 5: Yeah, and look, this was a banana peel game. 135 00:06:27,550 --> 00:06:30,250 Speaker 1: One that, you know, perhaps she could have slipped in 136 00:06:30,490 --> 00:06:32,650 Speaker 1: the first round. She's still such a young player, 18 137 00:06:32,650 --> 00:06:35,260 Speaker 1: years of age. And Donna Vekic, you know, a semi-finalist 138 00:06:35,339 --> 00:06:38,740 Speaker 1: at Wimbledon in 2024. She knows her way around a 139 00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:41,960 Speaker 1: tennis court. And after the first set, it looked like 140 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:43,670 Speaker 1: maybe Ondrava was going to be sent packing. 141 00:06:43,930 --> 00:06:44,470 Speaker 3: Yeah, it did. 142 00:06:44,550 --> 00:06:46,969 Speaker 2: And I think this is probably the difference that we're 143 00:06:46,990 --> 00:06:50,029 Speaker 2: seeing on Drava's game now is how much she's maturing 144 00:06:50,370 --> 00:06:54,029 Speaker 2: in the tough battles that she's facing. So the difference 145 00:06:54,130 --> 00:06:58,430 Speaker 2: in even landing first serves between the first set, which 146 00:06:58,470 --> 00:07:02,750 Speaker 2: she lost, and the second set, which she won. First set, 56% 147 00:07:02,750 --> 00:07:04,830 Speaker 2: of the first serves went in compared to 72% in 148 00:07:04,890 --> 00:07:09,500 Speaker 2: the next. And then from there, that third set, absolutely 149 00:07:09,580 --> 00:07:16,670 Speaker 2: incredible performance. She won all six games, bageled Vekic, and 150 00:07:16,690 --> 00:07:19,710 Speaker 2: won 100% of her first serves. 151 00:07:19,990 --> 00:07:21,190 Speaker 5: Wow, that's incredible. 152 00:07:21,350 --> 00:07:25,260 Speaker 1: Just absolutely on fire on serving. Vekic was struggling to 153 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:26,360 Speaker 1: get the ball in the court as well. 154 00:07:26,420 --> 00:07:26,900 Speaker 8: Yeah, she was. 155 00:07:26,940 --> 00:07:29,400 Speaker 2: She was looking quite tired, had to even do an 156 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:32,080 Speaker 2: outfit change. I mean, if whatever helps you against the 157 00:07:32,120 --> 00:07:32,940 Speaker 2: young'uns these days. 158 00:07:33,020 --> 00:07:36,560 Speaker 1: Well, maybe because the physio was helping out Yuan, she 159 00:07:36,580 --> 00:07:37,460 Speaker 1: was like, well, what can I do? 160 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:38,620 Speaker 5: I'll just have to change my outfit. 161 00:07:38,690 --> 00:07:42,330 Speaker 2: Exactly, just summon whatever you can to beat these top players. 162 00:07:43,030 --> 00:07:45,510 Speaker 5: Doesn't get any easier for Ondrava next, though. 163 00:07:45,830 --> 00:07:50,250 Speaker 2: No, she's facing Maria Zachary, who, well, claims, and I 164 00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:53,260 Speaker 2: would say... I would also back her claim that she 165 00:07:53,300 --> 00:07:55,000 Speaker 2: hit the shot of the tournament yesterday. 166 00:07:55,320 --> 00:07:59,010 Speaker 1: Oh, that around the post, that was phenomenal. I mean, 167 00:07:59,030 --> 00:08:02,110 Speaker 1: we've seen, I can remember Pat Rafter in the US 168 00:08:02,170 --> 00:08:05,470 Speaker 1: Open final, Roger Federer, but I would almost say that's 169 00:08:05,710 --> 00:08:07,930 Speaker 1: better than those that I've seen, the way she hit 170 00:08:07,970 --> 00:08:08,310 Speaker 1: that ball. 171 00:08:08,500 --> 00:08:11,370 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, again, we would be diving very far into 172 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:14,190 Speaker 2: the memory bank because I was merely a child when 173 00:08:14,210 --> 00:08:16,870 Speaker 2: those matches were being played. But yeah, it was incredible. 174 00:08:17,010 --> 00:08:19,180 Speaker 2: And if we were to talk about it each episode 175 00:08:19,220 --> 00:08:24,580 Speaker 2: for the next 13 days, it would be not a 176 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:25,440 Speaker 2: problem whatsoever. 177 00:08:25,610 --> 00:08:28,130 Speaker 1: Yep, that is something that will live long in your memory, 178 00:08:28,150 --> 00:08:32,150 Speaker 1: that's for sure. Mira Ondrava, though, we love her personality. 179 00:08:32,190 --> 00:08:34,450 Speaker 1: She's such a fun person, and she has a new 180 00:08:34,490 --> 00:08:38,069 Speaker 1: addition to her team that's helping her at the moment, 181 00:08:38,130 --> 00:08:39,120 Speaker 1: both on and off the court. 182 00:08:39,610 --> 00:08:42,790 Speaker 7: Now, you've been on an absolutely incredible run of form 183 00:08:43,010 --> 00:08:47,040 Speaker 7: in the start of this 2026 season. So either it's 184 00:08:47,059 --> 00:08:48,720 Speaker 7: all of the hard work that you put in the 185 00:08:48,820 --> 00:08:51,220 Speaker 7: off season, which Conchita had nothing to do with, of course, 186 00:08:51,850 --> 00:08:54,450 Speaker 7: or it's the fact that you are now a new 187 00:08:54,630 --> 00:08:56,630 Speaker 7: dog mom and that's bringing you good luck. 188 00:08:56,710 --> 00:08:57,400 Speaker 3: Which one is it? 189 00:08:57,410 --> 00:08:57,550 Speaker 6: Um.... 190 00:08:59,170 --> 00:09:00,650 Speaker 3: Probably a dog mom, of course. 191 00:09:01,929 --> 00:09:05,130 Speaker 9: Yeah, since we got our puppy into the family, I 192 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:08,390 Speaker 9: do feel like I became more calm, actually, off court 193 00:09:08,410 --> 00:09:09,330 Speaker 9: and on the court as well. 194 00:09:09,390 --> 00:09:11,689 Speaker 7: So it's definitely the puppy energy. 195 00:09:11,990 --> 00:09:14,730 Speaker 1: So, Lexi, we flipped the script tonight. Last night, we 196 00:09:14,809 --> 00:09:17,189 Speaker 1: had the men on first, then the women. Tonight, it 197 00:09:17,250 --> 00:09:20,150 Speaker 1: was the women who took centre stage, followed by the men. 198 00:09:20,500 --> 00:09:23,579 Speaker 1: And Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena showed that there's 199 00:09:23,600 --> 00:09:25,300 Speaker 1: still life left in those 38-year-old legs. 200 00:09:32,020 --> 00:09:37,500 Speaker 10: A century of wins for the 10-time champion in Australia. 201 00:09:38,080 --> 00:09:42,120 Speaker 2: He just absolutely clocked down the winners across this match. 202 00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:46,679 Speaker 1: Yeah, 49 and 14 aces. And how rock solid was 203 00:09:46,710 --> 00:09:47,620 Speaker 1: he on serve, Lexi? 204 00:09:47,830 --> 00:09:48,570 Speaker 3: Unbelievable. 205 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:52,470 Speaker 2: So he gave Martinez, he gave away just five points 206 00:09:52,670 --> 00:09:56,000 Speaker 2: on his own serve. So In sets two and three, 207 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:58,770 Speaker 2: Martinez was only able to take off a single point 208 00:09:58,820 --> 00:10:03,460 Speaker 2: from Djokovic's serve. So the Joker held to love eight times. 209 00:10:03,580 --> 00:10:04,439 Speaker 5: That is great. 210 00:10:04,559 --> 00:10:08,040 Speaker 1: I'm amazed that Pedro Martinez won a game in that match. 211 00:10:08,420 --> 00:10:10,740 Speaker 1: To think in the best of five set match that 212 00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:13,390 Speaker 1: you can win such few points on your opponent's serve, 213 00:10:13,710 --> 00:10:15,530 Speaker 1: you are never going to be in any match. And 214 00:10:15,550 --> 00:10:18,620 Speaker 1: you don't think of Novak like a Pete Sampras or... 215 00:10:19,070 --> 00:10:21,970 Speaker 1: like a massive serve, but he is just so solid 216 00:10:22,010 --> 00:10:25,800 Speaker 1: and he very rarely is troubled so early in a tournament, 217 00:10:25,860 --> 00:10:27,840 Speaker 1: especially here at Melbourne Park, as we mentioned. He has 218 00:10:27,860 --> 00:10:29,699 Speaker 1: been the king here, winning it 10 times. 219 00:10:29,860 --> 00:10:33,320 Speaker 2: Yeah, he was absolutely locked in tonight and overall winning 220 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:38,929 Speaker 2: 98 points to 57. So, look, just an incredible performance 221 00:10:39,170 --> 00:10:43,439 Speaker 2: and I guess... With Novak being 38 years old, he's 222 00:10:43,620 --> 00:10:47,479 Speaker 2: putting on great matches, but everyone's still thinking, could this 223 00:10:47,540 --> 00:10:48,620 Speaker 2: be his last season? 224 00:10:48,740 --> 00:10:51,580 Speaker 1: Well, in terms of the level he's playing at, semifinals 225 00:10:51,660 --> 00:10:55,110 Speaker 1: every major last year. He did beat Carlos Alcaraz in 226 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:58,650 Speaker 1: the quarterfinals here 12 months ago, but a year is 227 00:10:58,670 --> 00:11:02,209 Speaker 1: a long time in tennis. Can he still match it 228 00:11:02,250 --> 00:11:06,510 Speaker 1: with the two top players there, Sinner and Alcaraz? Because 229 00:11:06,550 --> 00:11:08,689 Speaker 1: of that, Lexi, we need to soak up every moment 230 00:11:08,710 --> 00:11:10,460 Speaker 1: of Novak playing here in Melbourne. 231 00:11:10,660 --> 00:11:13,780 Speaker 2: Absolutely and I think if we're thinking about mentality and 232 00:11:13,820 --> 00:11:17,240 Speaker 2: whether he can or he can't I think if Novak 233 00:11:17,340 --> 00:11:20,540 Speaker 2: believed he couldn't win it then he wouldn't be there 234 00:11:20,660 --> 00:11:24,630 Speaker 2: like if he's still competing at this level he's believing 235 00:11:24,710 --> 00:11:26,690 Speaker 2: that he has a chance to win a slam and 236 00:11:27,110 --> 00:11:30,190 Speaker 2: he's competed incredibly well over the last 12 months as 237 00:11:30,210 --> 00:11:31,689 Speaker 2: you say a semi at every slam. 238 00:11:31,890 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 11: Great to be back once again and definitely my favorite 239 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:37,280 Speaker 11: court you know court that has given me so much 240 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:40,380 Speaker 11: I try to give it back as much as I 241 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,480 Speaker 11: could in the last 20-plus years, and hopefully you guys 242 00:11:42,540 --> 00:11:43,479 Speaker 11: enjoy the tennis tonight. 243 00:11:43,620 --> 00:11:44,340 Speaker 6: Thank you for coming out. 244 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:49,760 Speaker 1: Of course, we're not sure if Novak might be playing 245 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:52,570 Speaker 1: his final season. We do know that Stan Wawrinka will, though, 246 00:11:52,830 --> 00:11:55,390 Speaker 1: earning his wild card. He had a great win today 247 00:11:55,770 --> 00:11:58,790 Speaker 1: at the ripe old age or young age of 40 248 00:11:58,790 --> 00:12:00,070 Speaker 1: years old there, Lexi. 249 00:12:00,110 --> 00:12:02,949 Speaker 2: Yeah, his first win at the Australian Open in five 250 00:12:02,990 --> 00:12:07,520 Speaker 2: years over Laszlo Gere in four sets. And then joining 251 00:12:07,580 --> 00:12:10,560 Speaker 2: him in the old guard was Marin Cilic opening. 252 00:12:10,380 --> 00:12:11,179 Speaker 3: Up a bakery. 253 00:12:12,220 --> 00:12:13,459 Speaker 5: How did he open up a bakery? 254 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:18,680 Speaker 2: Bageling Daniel Altmaier twice in his straight sets win. 255 00:12:19,070 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 1: To be honest, I have to admit, I didn't realise 256 00:12:20,830 --> 00:12:23,150 Speaker 1: Marin Cilic was still playing, but great to see him here. 257 00:12:23,190 --> 00:12:25,410 Speaker 1: And Gael Monfils, it is his last season as well, 258 00:12:25,809 --> 00:12:29,469 Speaker 1: contesting his 20th AO tomorrow. He comes up against an 259 00:12:29,590 --> 00:12:33,469 Speaker 1: Aussie in Dane Sweeney. who came through qualifying. I've been 260 00:12:33,530 --> 00:12:35,449 Speaker 1: watching a lot of Dane Sweeney. I hope he does well, 261 00:12:35,490 --> 00:12:37,510 Speaker 1: and I hope that some of the form of the 262 00:12:37,570 --> 00:12:40,930 Speaker 1: Australians from today and tonight rubs off on the shoulders 263 00:12:40,970 --> 00:12:45,929 Speaker 1: of the young Australian. That is one of the greatest 264 00:12:45,950 --> 00:12:52,420 Speaker 1: wins of his career. What a performance from Alexandra Muller. Well, Lexi, 265 00:12:52,480 --> 00:12:56,000 Speaker 1: it was almost the perfect day for Australia. We have 266 00:12:56,040 --> 00:12:59,420 Speaker 1: just watched a five-set epic, Alexi Popperin going down to 267 00:12:59,500 --> 00:13:02,630 Speaker 1: Alexandra Muller from France. We thought he had it won 268 00:13:03,330 --> 00:13:04,150 Speaker 1: more times than one. 269 00:13:04,490 --> 00:13:08,430 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was heartbreaking over and over and over again. 270 00:13:08,490 --> 00:13:10,120 Speaker 2: He had so many chances, didn't he? 271 00:13:10,270 --> 00:13:10,580 Speaker 5: He did. 272 00:13:10,620 --> 00:13:13,220 Speaker 1: In the fourth set, he was up four games to two. 273 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,960 Speaker 1: Then in the tiebreak, he was up five points to two. 274 00:13:17,400 --> 00:13:20,460 Speaker 1: In the fifth set, he's leading 5-3. He's just broken 275 00:13:20,520 --> 00:13:23,729 Speaker 1: to love, couldn't serve it out. I can't think of 276 00:13:23,750 --> 00:13:25,890 Speaker 1: a more gut-wrenching loss than that one. I mean, he 277 00:13:25,910 --> 00:13:29,069 Speaker 1: did have some cramp, so perhaps there was a a 278 00:13:29,090 --> 00:13:30,329 Speaker 1: few issues there for Alexi. 279 00:13:30,470 --> 00:13:33,770 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's so tough, isn't it? Especially when it seemed 280 00:13:33,850 --> 00:13:36,070 Speaker 2: like he was in the perfect position to close out 281 00:13:36,110 --> 00:13:39,150 Speaker 2: the match. I mean, in the fourth set, he was 282 00:13:39,309 --> 00:13:42,270 Speaker 2: up a break. He just had to hold his serve 283 00:13:42,309 --> 00:13:44,770 Speaker 2: to give himself a chance to actually close out the match. 284 00:13:45,130 --> 00:13:48,989 Speaker 2: At that point, he'd sent down 38 aces. So it 285 00:13:49,030 --> 00:13:51,830 Speaker 2: just felt locked in that he was just going to 286 00:13:51,950 --> 00:13:54,430 Speaker 2: hold serve and then off we go, he's won the match. 287 00:13:54,480 --> 00:13:57,829 Speaker 2: But then Muller, to his credit, broke back, sent it 288 00:13:57,850 --> 00:14:00,570 Speaker 2: to a tiebreaker and even clawed his way back in 289 00:14:00,590 --> 00:14:04,050 Speaker 2: the tiebreaker at 5-2. He won five points in a 290 00:14:04,090 --> 00:14:07,490 Speaker 2: row and took that set. So just incredible work from him. 291 00:14:07,910 --> 00:14:10,829 Speaker 1: Yeah, it was unfortunately at the expense of the Australian 292 00:14:10,870 --> 00:14:13,280 Speaker 1: who wasn't in the greatest form leading into it. And 293 00:14:13,660 --> 00:14:15,160 Speaker 1: that's been a bit of a theme for the other 294 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:17,800 Speaker 1: Australians today, but they managed to get the win. The 295 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:21,900 Speaker 1: likes of Jordan Thompson, Rinky Hijikata, both outside the top 296 00:14:21,940 --> 00:14:25,350 Speaker 1: hundred had wild cards and They won. Isla Tomjanovic as 297 00:14:25,390 --> 00:14:29,250 Speaker 1: well came from a set down. And Storm Hunter, the lefty, 298 00:14:29,690 --> 00:14:30,990 Speaker 1: won as a qualifier today. 299 00:14:31,410 --> 00:14:34,410 Speaker 2: So plenty of Australians getting wins today. How does that 300 00:14:34,470 --> 00:14:36,090 Speaker 2: help the likes of Alex Diminal? 301 00:14:36,250 --> 00:14:38,300 Speaker 5: Oh, that's a great question, Lexi. I'm going to give 302 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:38,920 Speaker 5: that an ace. 303 00:14:38,960 --> 00:14:41,400 Speaker 1: And that's a segment we've got coming up talking about 304 00:14:41,700 --> 00:14:44,420 Speaker 1: Alexandra Iala. But an ace to you because I think 305 00:14:44,460 --> 00:14:46,980 Speaker 1: it takes some of the pressure off his shoulders because 306 00:14:47,020 --> 00:14:49,370 Speaker 1: he's in, I think it's the sixth seed here, the Demon, 307 00:14:49,770 --> 00:14:52,390 Speaker 1: winning today in straight sets. But All the focus is 308 00:14:52,450 --> 00:14:54,830 Speaker 1: on him because it seems like he's our only hope. 309 00:14:54,850 --> 00:14:57,470 Speaker 1: So he gets all the interview requests, all the pressure. 310 00:14:57,670 --> 00:15:00,250 Speaker 1: With a few Australians through, at least for another round, 311 00:15:00,770 --> 00:15:04,080 Speaker 1: then we can sort of divide our attention among a 312 00:15:04,120 --> 00:15:06,000 Speaker 1: group of Australians rather than just one. 313 00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:09,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, so a few Aussies sharing the spotlight. One of 314 00:15:09,740 --> 00:15:12,210 Speaker 2: those I want to give a shout out to, Priscilla Hon. 315 00:15:12,730 --> 00:15:16,500 Speaker 2: She's through via the retirement of her opponents. But her 316 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:20,840 Speaker 2: sportsmanship in that match was incredible, helping her opponent onto 317 00:15:20,880 --> 00:15:22,680 Speaker 2: a wheelchair to wheel her off the court. 318 00:15:22,960 --> 00:15:26,180 Speaker 1: Yeah, and considering that Priscilla Hon, it's just a second 319 00:15:26,220 --> 00:15:30,350 Speaker 1: win here, first in, you know, six years, to even 320 00:15:30,390 --> 00:15:32,390 Speaker 1: just think about your opponent in that moment at such 321 00:15:32,430 --> 00:15:34,650 Speaker 1: a crucial stage of the match in the final set. 322 00:15:35,270 --> 00:15:37,010 Speaker 5: Hats off to her. Well done to Priscilla Hon. 323 00:15:37,090 --> 00:15:38,070 Speaker 2: Incredible compassion. 324 00:15:38,110 --> 00:15:40,550 Speaker 1: That is the great Australian spirit. There was plenty of 325 00:15:40,670 --> 00:15:46,420 Speaker 1: spirit on court six earlier. watching Alexandra Ayala. I remember 326 00:15:46,460 --> 00:15:49,600 Speaker 1: back in the day, Lexi, Swedish fans would turn out 327 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:51,880 Speaker 1: in force, but I don't even think they were as 328 00:15:51,920 --> 00:15:55,690 Speaker 1: vocal as the Filipinos going absolutely nuts for their girl 329 00:15:55,710 --> 00:15:56,690 Speaker 1: Ayala today. 330 00:15:56,890 --> 00:15:59,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was wild, wasn't it? So this is... something 331 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:03,000 Speaker 2: we're bringing into the podcast, our ace or unforced error. 332 00:16:03,360 --> 00:16:07,260 Speaker 2: So do we think bringing Ayala onto court six, was 333 00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:09,550 Speaker 2: that an ace or an unforced error for the tournament? 334 00:16:09,570 --> 00:16:11,970 Speaker 1: Well, I feel like you're going to tell us whether 335 00:16:12,010 --> 00:16:13,310 Speaker 1: that was an ace or an unforced error. 336 00:16:13,330 --> 00:16:14,830 Speaker 5: Give us your thoughts first there. 337 00:16:15,070 --> 00:16:18,470 Speaker 2: Look, the ace is that she has become so popular. 338 00:16:18,490 --> 00:16:21,310 Speaker 2: I mean, she rose to fame after her semifinal run 339 00:16:21,510 --> 00:16:26,200 Speaker 2: at the WTA 1000 in Miami. She took out Madison Keyes, 340 00:16:26,320 --> 00:16:32,260 Speaker 2: Igas Yontek, So she has just propelled herself into enormous 341 00:16:32,340 --> 00:16:37,560 Speaker 2: fame in the Philippines. But the unforced error is potentially 342 00:16:37,620 --> 00:16:40,780 Speaker 2: not making the most of that. And she's out on 343 00:16:40,850 --> 00:16:43,710 Speaker 2: court six, everyone's shoulder to shoulder trying to watch her 344 00:16:43,750 --> 00:16:45,650 Speaker 2: when put her on Kira Arena. 345 00:16:45,670 --> 00:16:48,670 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, look, and that's probably a positive. I mean, 346 00:16:48,870 --> 00:16:51,710 Speaker 1: ranking based, she didn't deserve to be on one of 347 00:16:51,730 --> 00:16:54,250 Speaker 1: the top courts. But in terms of the support, I mean, 348 00:16:54,570 --> 00:16:57,359 Speaker 1: there were just queues of people. And we had seen 349 00:16:57,400 --> 00:16:59,800 Speaker 1: this in Hong Kong and other tournaments that she's played in. 350 00:17:00,040 --> 00:17:02,160 Speaker 1: The WTA is now going to have a tournament in 351 00:17:02,180 --> 00:17:05,150 Speaker 1: the Philippines to capitalise on her popularity. 352 00:17:05,250 --> 00:17:05,870 Speaker 3: That's an ace. 353 00:17:06,510 --> 00:17:08,490 Speaker 5: In the future, a definite ace. 354 00:17:08,950 --> 00:17:12,149 Speaker 1: I reckon if Ayala does come back and, you know, 355 00:17:12,290 --> 00:17:15,450 Speaker 1: especially if her seating goes up, then Australian Open organisers 356 00:17:15,490 --> 00:17:17,820 Speaker 1: will look to put her on a bigger court. Yeah, 357 00:17:17,950 --> 00:17:22,480 Speaker 1: an ace for just her popularity. An unforced error, though. 358 00:17:23,390 --> 00:17:26,850 Speaker 1: four cheering unforced errors. The opening game against Alicia Parks. 359 00:17:26,950 --> 00:17:30,810 Speaker 1: Poor Alicia Parks, who won, by the way, despite losing 360 00:17:30,830 --> 00:17:34,129 Speaker 1: the first set six love. They were cheering her mistakes, 361 00:17:34,150 --> 00:17:36,060 Speaker 1: which I'm not a big fan of, but I do 362 00:17:36,180 --> 00:17:38,720 Speaker 1: love the passion of the Filipino fans. 363 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:43,500 Speaker 2: And look, Parks did well to not rub in the 364 00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:45,800 Speaker 2: loss at all after the end of the match, because 365 00:17:46,280 --> 00:17:51,340 Speaker 2: there have been players in qualifiers doing some fun celebrations 366 00:17:51,460 --> 00:17:51,840 Speaker 2: after wins, so. 367 00:17:53,510 --> 00:17:54,790 Speaker 2: Yeah, good sportsmanship from her. 368 00:17:54,810 --> 00:17:56,850 Speaker 1: Hey, take us through some of the other players to 369 00:17:56,869 --> 00:17:58,060 Speaker 1: get through to the second round today. 370 00:17:58,619 --> 00:18:01,940 Speaker 2: So other winners today were Kasper Ruud, who made light 371 00:18:01,980 --> 00:18:06,619 Speaker 2: work of Mattia Bellucci, 6'1, 6'2, 6'4. But there was 372 00:18:06,640 --> 00:18:10,490 Speaker 2: an upset to 17th seed Yuri Lechka, who got done 373 00:18:10,530 --> 00:18:15,470 Speaker 2: in straight sets by French qualifier Arthur Guy. And Denis 374 00:18:15,490 --> 00:18:18,650 Speaker 2: Shapovalov is also through in straight sets. And for the women, 375 00:18:19,130 --> 00:18:23,350 Speaker 2: 23rd seed Diana Schneider overcame two-time champion Barbora Krachikova from 376 00:18:23,369 --> 00:18:26,320 Speaker 2: a set down. And also heading into the second round 377 00:18:26,490 --> 00:18:30,719 Speaker 2: is Paola Bedosa Ivayovic. and Elise Mertens all through in 378 00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:31,300 Speaker 2: straight sets. 379 00:18:31,460 --> 00:18:33,100 Speaker 5: Okay, great work recapping that. 380 00:18:33,119 --> 00:18:35,379 Speaker 1: Let's get a recap of what happened in the day 381 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:38,820 Speaker 1: and the twilight with AO Radio's Nat Edwards and the 382 00:18:39,060 --> 00:18:41,940 Speaker 1: Evening Serve team. And she's got a special guest from 383 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:44,820 Speaker 1: the US as well, talking about how well things are 384 00:18:44,840 --> 00:18:48,100 Speaker 1: going for American tennis, particularly on the women's side of things. 385 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:51,340 Speaker 8: That shot from Rakimov a little bit deep and it's 386 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,340 Speaker 8: a clenched fist for Coco Goff. He begins her 2026 387 00:18:54,340 --> 00:18:59,880 Speaker 8: Australian Open campaign. With a win over Kamila Rakimova representing Uzbekistan. 388 00:19:00,140 --> 00:19:01,440 Speaker 10: Bangs a backhand down the line. 389 00:19:01,460 --> 00:19:01,780 Speaker 6: It's in. 390 00:19:02,020 --> 00:19:05,530 Speaker 10: Catches the sideline. Job done for Jesper Guler. Pump of 391 00:19:05,550 --> 00:19:08,710 Speaker 10: the fist from the American. Forehand volley from Domenor is good. 392 00:19:08,750 --> 00:19:11,490 Speaker 10: The backhand's in the net from McDonnell. And it's done 393 00:19:11,530 --> 00:19:13,919 Speaker 10: and dusted for Australia's number one. He is through to 394 00:19:13,940 --> 00:19:17,780 Speaker 10: the second round. As comfortable as you like. Switches it 395 00:19:17,840 --> 00:19:20,409 Speaker 10: up with a second serve ace. A nice smile on 396 00:19:20,450 --> 00:19:23,409 Speaker 10: the face of Amanda Inisimova. And she is through to 397 00:19:23,430 --> 00:19:27,180 Speaker 10: round two with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Simone Valtteri. 398 00:19:28,150 --> 00:19:31,060 Speaker 9: Plenty of big names on the winner's list today. Day 399 00:19:31,119 --> 00:19:34,840 Speaker 9: two of the Australian Open. We've had a huge day 400 00:19:34,980 --> 00:19:38,360 Speaker 9: session here at Melbourne Park. It has been hot once again. 401 00:19:38,420 --> 00:19:40,260 Speaker 9: My name is Nat Edwards. It's great to have your 402 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:43,109 Speaker 9: company on the evening serve. Thanks for tuning in to 403 00:19:43,190 --> 00:19:45,750 Speaker 9: AO Radio wherever you are listening in the world. 404 00:19:45,790 --> 00:19:50,100 Speaker 3: And our special guest this evening is sports journalist... an. 405 00:19:50,060 --> 00:19:53,020 Speaker 9: Award-winning journalist from The Athletic in Matt Fuhrman. 406 00:19:53,100 --> 00:19:54,220 Speaker 3: Matt, it's great to have you here. 407 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:56,570 Speaker 6: Oh, it's great to be here. Thanks so much for 408 00:19:56,609 --> 00:19:56,990 Speaker 6: having me. 409 00:19:57,230 --> 00:19:59,590 Speaker 9: I mean, especially because there are, I think I counted 410 00:19:59,630 --> 00:20:03,180 Speaker 9: about 22 Americans who are on court at some stage today, 411 00:20:03,220 --> 00:20:05,160 Speaker 9: which is just outrageous. We're going to talk about them 412 00:20:05,619 --> 00:20:07,359 Speaker 9: in just a bit. But how have you found the 413 00:20:07,400 --> 00:20:08,800 Speaker 9: first couple of days so far? 414 00:20:09,119 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 6: I think it's been terrific. I mean, the crowds is 415 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:17,980 Speaker 6: what makes this place so special. And, you know, starting 416 00:20:18,020 --> 00:20:21,050 Speaker 6: off on the Sunday, it was just sort of bang, 417 00:20:21,090 --> 00:20:24,690 Speaker 6: it was on. The lines were literally out the door 418 00:20:24,710 --> 00:20:27,149 Speaker 6: and down the street to get to get into the 419 00:20:27,210 --> 00:20:29,369 Speaker 6: grounds and then to get into some of the stadiums. 420 00:20:29,990 --> 00:20:34,530 Speaker 6: And it's been loud. It's been beautiful weather, which certainly 421 00:20:34,609 --> 00:20:38,210 Speaker 6: helps a lot. And I guess the one word I 422 00:20:38,230 --> 00:20:40,360 Speaker 6: would use to describe it is it's just alive. 423 00:20:40,540 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 9: Now, you've had a busy couple of years because you've 424 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:44,780 Speaker 9: got a book coming out soon, Matt. 425 00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:48,760 Speaker 6: I do. It's called Cruelest Game. It's inside professional tennis. 426 00:20:48,859 --> 00:20:53,020 Speaker 6: It's about the chase for greatness in professional tennis and 427 00:20:53,140 --> 00:20:54,200 Speaker 6: why it's so damn hard. 428 00:20:54,630 --> 00:20:56,409 Speaker 3: It is very, very hard. We want to unpack the 429 00:20:56,470 --> 00:20:57,619 Speaker 3: big stories from today. 430 00:20:57,670 --> 00:21:00,060 Speaker 9: So here's what's making news on day two of the 431 00:21:00,060 --> 00:21:02,080 Speaker 9: 2026 Australian Open. 432 00:21:02,380 --> 00:21:05,540 Speaker 3: Well, seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. 433 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:07,150 Speaker 9: Has been forced to retire in his opening round match 434 00:21:07,190 --> 00:21:10,410 Speaker 9: against Portugal's Nuno Borges. The Canadian was down two sets 435 00:21:10,450 --> 00:21:13,170 Speaker 9: to one, pulling the pin in the fourth set due 436 00:21:13,210 --> 00:21:16,119 Speaker 9: to cramp. Augie Eliassime wasn't the only one forced to 437 00:21:16,160 --> 00:21:17,880 Speaker 9: retire with cramp in the searing heat. 438 00:21:18,180 --> 00:21:20,170 Speaker 3: His compatriot Marina. 439 00:21:19,830 --> 00:21:23,490 Speaker 9: Stakuzic collapsed late in the third set against Aussie Priscilla Hon, 440 00:21:23,570 --> 00:21:25,109 Speaker 9: leaving the court in a wheelchair. 441 00:21:25,550 --> 00:21:26,510 Speaker 3: Speaking of the. 442 00:21:26,470 --> 00:21:29,430 Speaker 9: Australians in action today, Hon was one of several Aussies 443 00:21:29,470 --> 00:21:32,300 Speaker 9: to win through to the second round. Sixth seed Alex 444 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:34,620 Speaker 9: Demonor got the job done in three sets against his 445 00:21:34,720 --> 00:21:38,620 Speaker 9: American opponent Mackenzie McDonald. while Storm Hunter and Jordan Thompson 446 00:21:38,920 --> 00:21:43,720 Speaker 9: also enjoyed first-round wins. Seeds Daniel Medvedev and Tommy Paul 447 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,120 Speaker 9: progressed through to the second round in the men's draw, 448 00:21:46,460 --> 00:21:50,080 Speaker 9: as did Coco Goff, Jessica Pagula and Anna Anissimova in 449 00:21:50,119 --> 00:21:54,530 Speaker 9: the women's, while 2020 Australian Open champion Sophia Kennan and 450 00:21:54,609 --> 00:21:58,570 Speaker 9: fellow American and 15th seed Emma Navarro were among several 451 00:21:58,630 --> 00:21:59,600 Speaker 9: seeds to fall off. 452 00:22:00,060 --> 00:22:01,320 Speaker 3: On day two. 453 00:22:01,460 --> 00:22:04,660 Speaker 9: And I mentioned a lot of American names in that 454 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:07,399 Speaker 9: little rap, Matt. I want to talk more about the 455 00:22:07,440 --> 00:22:10,210 Speaker 9: Americans that are here, in particular, just starting with the 456 00:22:10,270 --> 00:22:12,729 Speaker 9: women's draw, because if you look at the top 10 457 00:22:12,730 --> 00:22:15,910 Speaker 9: rankings right now, you've got four American women in there 458 00:22:16,010 --> 00:22:19,510 Speaker 9: in Goff, Anisimova, Pagula and Keyes. I mean, American tennis 459 00:22:19,550 --> 00:22:20,950 Speaker 9: is in a very good spot at the moment. 460 00:22:21,050 --> 00:22:24,210 Speaker 6: Yeah, especially on the women's side. You know, I think 461 00:22:25,010 --> 00:22:28,129 Speaker 6: they're They give the boys a hard time because the 462 00:22:28,190 --> 00:22:30,920 Speaker 6: boys haven't had a Grand Slam champion in over 20 years. 463 00:22:31,780 --> 00:22:35,639 Speaker 6: And the women have had several of them. So it 464 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:40,140 Speaker 6: is an incredibly exciting time. Tennis is just massive right 465 00:22:40,180 --> 00:22:44,240 Speaker 6: now in America, both in terms of people watching and 466 00:22:44,300 --> 00:22:47,580 Speaker 6: coming out to tennis tournaments. And then also participation numbers 467 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:51,490 Speaker 6: are through the roof. They have been ever since COVID. And, 468 00:22:51,869 --> 00:22:54,640 Speaker 6: you know, it is kind of a golden time. All 469 00:22:54,680 --> 00:22:59,020 Speaker 6: that's missing is for that American unicorn to come up 470 00:22:59,100 --> 00:23:02,190 Speaker 6: and try and put on a good challenge to Carlitos 471 00:23:02,250 --> 00:23:02,629 Speaker 6: and Yannick. 472 00:23:02,980 --> 00:23:05,080 Speaker 9: Well, yes, we'll get to that in a moment and 473 00:23:05,140 --> 00:23:08,100 Speaker 9: see who maybe might be able to push those two, 474 00:23:08,140 --> 00:23:10,300 Speaker 9: the big two at the moment. But sticking with the 475 00:23:10,340 --> 00:23:12,300 Speaker 9: women for now, I mean, Coco Goff, we mentioned her 476 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:19,140 Speaker 9: winning through in 6-2, 6-3 against Rakamova earlier today, a two-time. 477 00:23:18,680 --> 00:23:20,090 Speaker 3: Grand Slam champion already. 478 00:23:20,170 --> 00:23:24,130 Speaker 9: You forget that she's just 21 years of age. How 479 00:23:24,170 --> 00:23:26,889 Speaker 9: have you seen her progression, I guess, over the last 480 00:23:26,890 --> 00:23:28,150 Speaker 9: 12 months or so? 481 00:23:28,490 --> 00:23:31,750 Speaker 6: You know, it's a fascinating progression because, you know, she is... 482 00:23:33,150 --> 00:23:36,750 Speaker 6: On any given day, she's number two, number three, number four. 483 00:23:36,790 --> 00:23:39,750 Speaker 6: She's right up there. She's a two-time Grand Slam champion. 484 00:23:39,790 --> 00:23:43,090 Speaker 6: She won the French Open last year. And yet, I 485 00:23:43,170 --> 00:23:46,170 Speaker 6: think she would tell you that on any given day, 486 00:23:46,830 --> 00:23:51,000 Speaker 6: she could be terrible because she has this issue with 487 00:23:51,020 --> 00:23:53,980 Speaker 6: her serve. As I like to say, God doesn't give 488 00:23:54,660 --> 00:23:58,869 Speaker 6: anyone everything. And the thing that she doesn't have is 489 00:23:58,910 --> 00:24:01,650 Speaker 6: a reliable serve. It's something she's worked on. She's hired 490 00:24:01,690 --> 00:24:06,540 Speaker 6: this biomechanist, Gavin McMillan, who really helped Irina Sabalenka cure 491 00:24:06,580 --> 00:24:09,860 Speaker 6: her serve problems. But it's a work in progress. And, 492 00:24:10,040 --> 00:24:13,380 Speaker 6: you know, I think she had six double faults today, 493 00:24:13,619 --> 00:24:16,020 Speaker 6: five of them in the first set. Things were pretty ugly. 494 00:24:17,100 --> 00:24:21,370 Speaker 6: Early on, the serve was really low in terms of velocity. But, 495 00:24:21,510 --> 00:24:23,730 Speaker 6: you know, by the second set, she found something of 496 00:24:23,770 --> 00:24:26,929 Speaker 6: a groove. But still, it's kind of sometimes game to 497 00:24:26,970 --> 00:24:29,810 Speaker 6: game with her, so you never really know. She's someone 498 00:24:29,850 --> 00:24:34,640 Speaker 6: who you really wouldn't be surprised if she either lost 499 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:36,780 Speaker 6: in the second round, and you wouldn't be surprised if 500 00:24:36,859 --> 00:24:40,560 Speaker 6: she won the title. That's a kind of amazing thing 501 00:24:40,580 --> 00:24:42,320 Speaker 6: to think about, because I don't know that you would 502 00:24:42,500 --> 00:24:48,810 Speaker 6: say that about her competitors up there, whether it's Anisimova, Sabalenka, 503 00:24:48,930 --> 00:24:49,570 Speaker 6: or Sviantek. 504 00:24:49,900 --> 00:24:51,140 Speaker 3: Yeah, those double faults. 505 00:24:51,180 --> 00:24:52,660 Speaker 9: I mean, I think I was reading a stat, something 506 00:24:52,700 --> 00:24:56,140 Speaker 9: like she has 10% double faults during a match, which 507 00:24:56,200 --> 00:24:57,460 Speaker 9: is just quite incredible. 508 00:24:57,500 --> 00:24:59,379 Speaker 3: It's a very, very high number. 509 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:04,240 Speaker 9: Amanda Anisimova is the one that really intrigues me because 510 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:09,159 Speaker 9: 2025 season for her was outstanding. I mean, she started 511 00:25:09,220 --> 00:25:10,980 Speaker 9: the year, if you look back 12 months ago, she 512 00:25:11,020 --> 00:25:13,930 Speaker 9: was ranked 36 in the world. She comes here She's 513 00:25:13,990 --> 00:25:17,710 Speaker 9: ranked number four. I love her back end. That thing 514 00:25:17,910 --> 00:25:20,670 Speaker 9: is a thing of beauty. And she's really improved her 515 00:25:20,730 --> 00:25:23,030 Speaker 9: serve as well. Is that where you've seen the biggest 516 00:25:23,190 --> 00:25:24,330 Speaker 9: difference in her? 517 00:25:24,350 --> 00:25:27,629 Speaker 6: I think the biggest difference in her is actually her 518 00:25:27,690 --> 00:25:31,920 Speaker 6: improved movement. And that's the thing she's working so, so 519 00:25:31,960 --> 00:25:34,500 Speaker 6: hard on. It's the big weakness in her game, I 520 00:25:34,540 --> 00:25:37,340 Speaker 6: think she would say. You know, if tennis was just 521 00:25:37,440 --> 00:25:40,740 Speaker 6: a standing still hitting contest, she would win just about 522 00:25:41,300 --> 00:25:46,600 Speaker 6: every match because... She hits the truest, smoothest, most solid 523 00:25:46,640 --> 00:25:49,609 Speaker 6: ball in the game, I think, when she's standing still. 524 00:25:50,150 --> 00:25:52,550 Speaker 6: But no one gets to stand still when they're playing 525 00:25:52,570 --> 00:25:56,510 Speaker 6: tennis for the most part. So she's made great strides. 526 00:25:56,530 --> 00:25:58,870 Speaker 6: I mean, you mentioned a year ago she was 36 527 00:25:58,869 --> 00:26:01,510 Speaker 6: in the world. Go back 18 months, she was, I think, 528 00:26:01,570 --> 00:26:04,270 Speaker 6: outside the top 300, and she didn't make it through 529 00:26:04,310 --> 00:26:10,060 Speaker 6: Wimbledon qualifying. She was coming back from an extended period 530 00:26:10,100 --> 00:26:12,990 Speaker 6: of time off to, you know, do some work with 531 00:26:13,080 --> 00:26:16,550 Speaker 6: her mental health. She lost her father when she was 19. 532 00:26:16,540 --> 00:26:18,400 Speaker 6: She had a really rough go of it in her 533 00:26:18,500 --> 00:26:23,300 Speaker 6: early 20s. Her comeback has been astonishing. If there's one 534 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:26,139 Speaker 6: word to describe her, it's resilient. This is a woman 535 00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:30,900 Speaker 6: who lost 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final. And two 536 00:26:30,940 --> 00:26:35,540 Speaker 6: months later, she beat Niga Shiantek. at the US Open 537 00:26:35,580 --> 00:26:37,840 Speaker 6: and then beat her again at the WTA Tour Finals. 538 00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:41,429 Speaker 6: She certainly is resilient, isn't she? She has a short memory, 539 00:26:41,470 --> 00:26:45,229 Speaker 6: which is probably the greatest gift anyone in tennis can 540 00:26:45,250 --> 00:26:45,970 Speaker 6: possibly have. 541 00:26:46,130 --> 00:26:48,810 Speaker 9: I'd say that losing a Grand Slam, six love, six 542 00:26:48,830 --> 00:26:51,409 Speaker 9: love in a final could destroy a lot of players, 543 00:26:51,450 --> 00:26:53,280 Speaker 9: but not Amanda Anissimova. 544 00:26:53,340 --> 00:26:55,859 Speaker 3: Perhaps it will make her and be the making of her. 545 00:26:56,190 --> 00:27:02,130 Speaker 9: Jessica Pagula, Madison Keyes, another couple who are in action. Well, 546 00:27:02,170 --> 00:27:05,020 Speaker 9: Jessica Pagula won earlier today. And as we know, Madison Keyes, 547 00:27:05,080 --> 00:27:08,440 Speaker 9: last year's winner, has had a few niggles and bits and. 548 00:27:08,400 --> 00:27:11,000 Speaker 3: Pieces going wrong for her at the end of last year. 549 00:27:11,060 --> 00:27:15,060 Speaker 9: Just looking at the men, Ben Shelton, for me, just 550 00:27:15,160 --> 00:27:18,420 Speaker 9: watching him, he's so flamboyant. We saw him last year 551 00:27:18,500 --> 00:27:21,140 Speaker 9: make the semifinals here at the Australian Open. 552 00:27:21,180 --> 00:27:23,580 Speaker 3: I think he won a lot of hearts. 553 00:27:24,220 --> 00:27:28,370 Speaker 9: Also maybe against some Australian opponents, not so much. But, look, 554 00:27:28,770 --> 00:27:31,510 Speaker 9: I really love watching him play, but that shoulder injury 555 00:27:31,869 --> 00:27:35,690 Speaker 9: that he sustained that caused him to miss the U.S. 556 00:27:35,830 --> 00:27:36,449 Speaker 3: Open. 557 00:27:36,670 --> 00:27:39,109 Speaker 6: He had to drop out in the fourth set of 558 00:27:39,190 --> 00:27:42,730 Speaker 6: his third-round match. After the fourth set of his third-round 559 00:27:42,770 --> 00:27:46,110 Speaker 6: match against Adrian Monterino. He was up two sets to one, 560 00:27:46,130 --> 00:27:50,590 Speaker 6: and very early in the fourth set, all of a 561 00:27:50,609 --> 00:27:52,690 Speaker 6: sudden he felt what he described to his father as, 562 00:27:53,260 --> 00:27:56,899 Speaker 6: Has the worst pain of his life. And look, I mean, 563 00:27:56,940 --> 00:27:59,580 Speaker 6: that's a terrifying thing if you're Ben Shelton. The guy 564 00:27:59,619 --> 00:28:03,969 Speaker 6: has 145, 150 mile per hour serve. A big serve. 565 00:28:05,430 --> 00:28:08,350 Speaker 6: Every tennis player's game is built around their shoulder. Ben 566 00:28:08,369 --> 00:28:11,910 Speaker 6: Shelton's game is especially built around having a live arm 567 00:28:12,250 --> 00:28:14,909 Speaker 6: and having that big serve and having that big forehand. 568 00:28:15,530 --> 00:28:19,190 Speaker 6: He took six weeks off in the fall. He sort 569 00:28:19,230 --> 00:28:22,020 Speaker 6: of came back some to get his legs underneath him. 570 00:28:22,660 --> 00:28:26,500 Speaker 6: had a solid preseason. He says he's fit for battle, 571 00:28:27,300 --> 00:28:29,980 Speaker 6: but this is going to be his first big test 572 00:28:30,200 --> 00:28:33,760 Speaker 6: tomorrow when he comes out on the big stage, best 573 00:28:33,800 --> 00:28:37,640 Speaker 6: of five sets. And he has done so well here before. 574 00:28:37,780 --> 00:28:41,280 Speaker 6: He debuted here three years ago and went all the 575 00:28:41,320 --> 00:28:44,320 Speaker 6: way to the quarterfinals. Last year, all the way to 576 00:28:44,340 --> 00:28:47,950 Speaker 6: the semifinals. He loves to play here. And I think 577 00:28:48,230 --> 00:28:50,010 Speaker 6: a lot of people are hoping he's going to be 578 00:28:50,090 --> 00:28:53,600 Speaker 6: one of these guys who can play you know, join 579 00:28:53,620 --> 00:28:57,480 Speaker 6: that magic air up there where Alcaraz and Sinner are 580 00:28:57,500 --> 00:28:57,910 Speaker 6: hanging out. 581 00:28:57,920 --> 00:29:00,510 Speaker 3: He doesn't have a great record against those two, though, 582 00:29:00,530 --> 00:29:00,730 Speaker 3: does he? 583 00:29:00,750 --> 00:29:01,630 Speaker 5: Yeah, but nobody does. 584 00:29:01,650 --> 00:29:06,410 Speaker 6: That's true. You know, who has a great record? 585 00:29:06,450 --> 00:29:09,570 Speaker 9: Well, Sinner has a good record against Alcaraz and then Bison, probably. 586 00:29:09,670 --> 00:29:10,170 Speaker 3: Exactly. 587 00:29:10,230 --> 00:29:13,229 Speaker 6: I mean, Pat Rafter was joking the other night. He 588 00:29:13,270 --> 00:29:17,990 Speaker 6: has a lifetime 3-0 record against Roger Federer. And, you know, 589 00:29:18,230 --> 00:29:20,060 Speaker 6: he's going to go to his grave with that. Of course, 590 00:29:20,100 --> 00:29:24,420 Speaker 6: he established it before Federer really became Roger Federer, as 591 00:29:24,460 --> 00:29:27,620 Speaker 6: he is the first one to point out. But, yeah, 592 00:29:27,640 --> 00:29:31,219 Speaker 6: I mean, those two are just incredibly special. And the 593 00:29:31,290 --> 00:29:35,350 Speaker 6: question right now, hanging around tennis, is if anyone can 594 00:29:35,390 --> 00:29:35,750 Speaker 6: join them. 595 00:29:36,330 --> 00:29:38,510 Speaker 3: It's a big question, isn't it? Just lastly, before we 596 00:29:38,550 --> 00:29:41,610 Speaker 3: wrap up the American... and a little bit of focus. 597 00:29:41,650 --> 00:29:44,840 Speaker 9: But Taylor Fritz is the other one who's had really consistent, 598 00:29:45,170 --> 00:29:47,760 Speaker 9: I guess, four or five years. I think this is 599 00:29:47,820 --> 00:29:51,480 Speaker 9: his fourth straight season inside the top ten now. A 600 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:56,080 Speaker 9: little bit of a knee niggle during the United Cup 601 00:29:56,100 --> 00:29:58,170 Speaker 9: at How do you think that's going to play out? 602 00:29:58,180 --> 00:30:02,090 Speaker 9: Is just the physical nature of tennis, unfortunately, rearing its 603 00:30:02,130 --> 00:30:02,570 Speaker 9: ugly head? 604 00:30:02,750 --> 00:30:06,690 Speaker 6: Yeah, he's got knee tendinitis. And, you know, I was 605 00:30:06,730 --> 00:30:08,590 Speaker 6: saying to you before when we were off the air, 606 00:30:08,930 --> 00:30:10,970 Speaker 6: I've had tendinitis in my knee and it can hurt 607 00:30:11,010 --> 00:30:12,150 Speaker 6: to get up in the middle of the night to 608 00:30:12,190 --> 00:30:13,950 Speaker 6: go to the bathroom. He's got to play best of 609 00:30:13,970 --> 00:30:16,430 Speaker 6: five set tennis. That could be a challenge. I'd say 610 00:30:16,470 --> 00:30:19,709 Speaker 6: the larger narrative in American men's tennis right now is 611 00:30:19,750 --> 00:30:23,790 Speaker 6: that generation of Fritz Francis Tiafoe, who's another big star, 612 00:30:23,870 --> 00:30:28,140 Speaker 6: and Tommy Paul. who have all done really well in 613 00:30:28,200 --> 00:30:31,540 Speaker 6: Grand Slams at times. Tommy Paul is a semifinalist here. 614 00:30:31,980 --> 00:30:34,880 Speaker 6: They are all around 28 years old. They are getting 615 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:38,500 Speaker 6: pushed now a little bit by this next generation of Americans, 616 00:30:38,620 --> 00:30:41,690 Speaker 6: led by Shelton, but also Lerner Tian, who won his 617 00:30:41,710 --> 00:30:45,969 Speaker 6: match today in five sets. Great win. He had his 618 00:30:46,030 --> 00:30:49,050 Speaker 6: debut here last year in a very big way, beat 619 00:30:49,070 --> 00:30:51,650 Speaker 6: Daniil Medvedev in a marathon match in the middle of 620 00:30:51,690 --> 00:30:54,570 Speaker 6: the night. And then there's Alex Mickelson, who is another 621 00:30:54,590 --> 00:30:57,870 Speaker 6: American who loves to play here, who has done well here, 622 00:30:57,910 --> 00:31:01,600 Speaker 6: who has a big, big game. Another sort of like, 623 00:31:01,920 --> 00:31:04,760 Speaker 6: he's almost like Shelton Light, although that's kind of insulting 624 00:31:04,800 --> 00:31:07,320 Speaker 6: to him because he, you know, Shelton calls him his 625 00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:12,000 Speaker 6: dog because he just loves his game. And so I 626 00:31:12,020 --> 00:31:13,780 Speaker 6: think that's sort of the mini narrative there. And I 627 00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:16,610 Speaker 6: think you're going to see that this season, especially you're 628 00:31:16,630 --> 00:31:20,490 Speaker 6: going to see Tien and Mickelson and hopefully Shelton, if 629 00:31:20,510 --> 00:31:23,860 Speaker 6: he stays healthy again. really sort of give that next 630 00:31:23,960 --> 00:31:26,980 Speaker 6: crew of Americans who's getting older a real run for 631 00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:27,460 Speaker 6: their money. 632 00:31:27,600 --> 00:31:29,660 Speaker 9: Thank you, Matt, for joining us on The Evening Serve. 633 00:31:29,700 --> 00:31:30,709 Speaker 3: It's been great having you on. 634 00:31:30,890 --> 00:31:32,130 Speaker 6: Oh, it's been great being on. 635 00:31:32,410 --> 00:31:33,630 Speaker 3: Good luck with all the Americans. 636 00:31:33,650 --> 00:31:36,290 Speaker 9: There's plenty of them around in this Australian Open. 637 00:31:36,430 --> 00:31:38,890 Speaker 3: That's us for now from The Evening Serve. 638 00:31:39,470 --> 00:31:42,430 Speaker 1: Well, thank you to AO Radio, Nat Edwards in particular, 639 00:31:42,510 --> 00:31:45,160 Speaker 1: and the team at The Evening Serve. We'll catch them tomorrow. 640 00:31:45,200 --> 00:31:48,900 Speaker 1: Speaking of tomorrow, Alexi, who are you most excited for 641 00:31:49,080 --> 00:31:50,260 Speaker 1: on day and night three? 642 00:31:51,080 --> 00:31:54,680 Speaker 2: I am incredibly excited to watch Maya joint play in 643 00:31:54,700 --> 00:31:56,900 Speaker 2: the morning against Teresa Valentova. 644 00:31:56,920 --> 00:31:57,980 Speaker 5: The ginger ninja. 645 00:31:59,460 --> 00:32:03,430 Speaker 2: This will be Maya's first Grand Slam seeding at number 646 00:32:03,430 --> 00:32:07,110 Speaker 2: 30 and her second Australian Open. She hasn't won here yet, 647 00:32:07,210 --> 00:32:09,190 Speaker 2: so I'm really excited to see what she can do, 648 00:32:09,610 --> 00:32:12,170 Speaker 2: especially in front of some home fans. And then for 649 00:32:12,190 --> 00:32:16,080 Speaker 2: the night, I'm really excited for the Kia Arena match 650 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:20,150 Speaker 2: between Grigor Dimitrov and Thomas Mahak. I think that'll be 651 00:32:20,170 --> 00:32:23,470 Speaker 2: a really fun matchup. It's not necessarily the two biggest names, 652 00:32:23,550 --> 00:32:27,050 Speaker 2: but I think they will probably match each other really well. And, 653 00:32:27,630 --> 00:32:30,260 Speaker 2: you know, fans on both sides, I'm really excited for 654 00:32:30,300 --> 00:32:30,580 Speaker 2: that one. 655 00:32:30,670 --> 00:32:32,600 Speaker 1: And, of course, we've got Yannick Sinner. We'll see him 656 00:32:32,640 --> 00:32:34,880 Speaker 1: in action for the first time with Round 1 spread 657 00:32:34,920 --> 00:32:37,420 Speaker 1: now over three days. The one I'm looking forward to, 658 00:32:37,440 --> 00:32:40,280 Speaker 1: I mentioned it earlier, Gail Monfils and Dane Sweeney. 659 00:32:40,320 --> 00:32:42,000 Speaker 5: Those two will bring four. 660 00:32:41,860 --> 00:32:44,480 Speaker 1: Or five pairs of sneakers because they love sliding all 661 00:32:44,520 --> 00:32:47,540 Speaker 1: over the court. We know Monfils loves to entertain. It's 662 00:32:47,580 --> 00:32:50,150 Speaker 1: his last season. He is going to go down swinging, 663 00:32:50,310 --> 00:32:53,560 Speaker 1: and Sweeney is an entertainer himself as well. 664 00:32:53,600 --> 00:32:56,140 Speaker 5: So we are looking forward to that. Great work tonight, Lexi. 665 00:32:56,240 --> 00:32:56,980 Speaker 2: Thank you very much. 666 00:32:57,260 --> 00:33:00,740 Speaker 1: We'll see you tomorrow on the AO Wrap, recapping night three.