1 00:00:05,360 --> 00:00:08,000 Speaker 1: Welcome to the AO rap recapping the end of each 2 00:00:08,080 --> 00:00:11,320 Speaker 1: day's play. You're with the up Lake crew. I'm Brett Thomas. 3 00:00:10,960 --> 00:00:13,880 Speaker 2: And I'm Lexi Mitchell. Here's your quick hit from day two. 4 00:00:14,920 --> 00:00:17,479 Speaker 2: Can the King of Melbourne Park regain his crown? A 5 00:00:17,560 --> 00:00:20,360 Speaker 2: century of wins for Novak Djokovic at the OZ Open, 6 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:23,640 Speaker 2: john Can Arena was popping off, but Alexipoprin ran out 7 00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:27,160 Speaker 2: of legs. AO Radio's Nat Edwards will recap a stella 8 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 2: day for the other Ossies. 9 00:00:28,920 --> 00:00:32,360 Speaker 1: Ya La Mania takes over Melbourne Park. Magic Mirror Andre 10 00:00:32,479 --> 00:00:34,959 Speaker 1: the charms the crowd in a tough three set win. 11 00:00:35,320 --> 00:00:37,919 Speaker 1: Is she a threat to a shaky fiontech as the 12 00:00:37,960 --> 00:00:40,960 Speaker 1: second seed chases an elusive OZ Open crowd? 13 00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:45,560 Speaker 3: A test thing god Na? Fifth lygas fonce. 14 00:00:46,760 --> 00:00:50,120 Speaker 4: Got the rod labor Arena wasn't at our best tonight, 15 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:51,120 Speaker 4: work to be done. 16 00:00:51,200 --> 00:00:55,160 Speaker 1: Undoubtedly has she chased his history here at Melbourne so 17 00:00:55,240 --> 00:00:58,000 Speaker 1: egas Fionceek got the job done in the end seven 18 00:00:58,120 --> 00:01:00,880 Speaker 1: six sixty three against you one a Chinese qualify, but 19 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:03,280 Speaker 1: certainly in the first set to a Lexi, it looked 20 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:05,240 Speaker 1: like we might have a major upset on the. 21 00:01:05,200 --> 00:01:07,959 Speaker 2: Cards that it did so Yuan broke syontech in the 22 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:11,280 Speaker 2: opening game. I think it just startled her really, so 23 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:14,720 Speaker 2: after that they did break each other twice, sending that 24 00:01:14,760 --> 00:01:17,640 Speaker 2: first set to a tiebreak. But what stood out was 25 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:22,840 Speaker 2: Siontek having twenty one unforced errors Chuan's thirteen, but she 26 00:01:23,200 --> 00:01:25,160 Speaker 2: was trying to go for it at the same time, 27 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:29,880 Speaker 2: hitting fifteen winners to Yuan's nine, and two of those 28 00:01:29,959 --> 00:01:32,240 Speaker 2: winners came at a crucial time when Yuma was up 29 00:01:32,319 --> 00:01:34,920 Speaker 2: five to three serving for the set, so it took 30 00:01:34,959 --> 00:01:38,959 Speaker 2: a bit for there were number two to wrangle back control. 31 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:41,399 Speaker 2: But yeah, it was looking a little bit dicey in 32 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:42,160 Speaker 2: this match. 33 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, certainly was, and it seems like a bit of 34 00:01:44,240 --> 00:01:47,440 Speaker 1: a trend. We saw Arena Sablenka last night also against 35 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:50,960 Speaker 1: the qualify, a slow start, even Al Karez if you 36 00:01:50,960 --> 00:01:52,800 Speaker 1: want to look at the men's draw as well. So 37 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:55,240 Speaker 1: some of the top seeds, you know, coming up against 38 00:01:55,240 --> 00:01:59,040 Speaker 1: players who this is their Australian Open final, a qualifier, 39 00:01:59,240 --> 00:02:01,480 Speaker 1: they're kind of playing with house money, they're playing like 40 00:02:01,480 --> 00:02:03,520 Speaker 1: they've got nothing to lose. But then in the end 41 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:07,080 Speaker 1: it's the high ranked player that just has that extra 42 00:02:07,120 --> 00:02:08,800 Speaker 1: class and experience to get the job. 43 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:12,560 Speaker 2: Done absolutely, and Siontag did like throw some punches early 44 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:14,760 Speaker 2: in that second set. She got the jump in the 45 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:17,160 Speaker 2: first three games and you an't had to take a 46 00:02:17,200 --> 00:02:20,440 Speaker 2: medical time out. But the physician must have worked some 47 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:24,239 Speaker 2: magic because she came out swinging after that. She was 48 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:27,120 Speaker 2: seeing the ball like a watermelon. She just absolutely let 49 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:30,440 Speaker 2: it rip on the return and even her serving percentage 50 00:02:30,639 --> 00:02:33,720 Speaker 2: just jumped up. It went up fifteen kilometers per hour 51 00:02:33,800 --> 00:02:34,720 Speaker 2: after that timeout. 52 00:02:34,840 --> 00:02:37,040 Speaker 1: I need to go see that physio because it was 53 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:39,480 Speaker 1: a lower back that they were working on. And look, 54 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:42,280 Speaker 1: you could question whether there was an injury, but whatever 55 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:44,440 Speaker 1: the physio did, even if it was just the mental 56 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:47,880 Speaker 1: time out, just to break the Beyoncech momentum and obviously 57 00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:50,280 Speaker 1: worked there for a short period of time. 58 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:53,160 Speaker 2: Yeah for sure. And look, just what a performance by 59 00:02:53,200 --> 00:02:55,679 Speaker 2: the qualifier to really bring it to the world number two. 60 00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:59,080 Speaker 2: It does sort of put up a bit of a 61 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:01,800 Speaker 2: few questions marks for us because we're thinking about this 62 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:05,120 Speaker 2: being a chance for Eager to take that career Grand Slam. 63 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:08,160 Speaker 2: The Australian Open has been the tournament that's sort of 64 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:11,320 Speaker 2: she's performed well that hasn't been able to get into 65 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:12,400 Speaker 2: a final yet. 66 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, she's made two semi finals, but which for 67 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 1: the average mortal would be amazing. But we're talking about 68 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,400 Speaker 1: a player who's won six Grand Slams, and as you said, 69 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:25,680 Speaker 1: this would finish it off. She would become a mortal 70 00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:29,360 Speaker 1: by completing the career Grand Slam. Only seven players have 71 00:03:29,400 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 1: done it. You're talking the likes of Navradlova, Chris Evitt, 72 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:35,880 Speaker 1: Steffi Graff the career Golden Slam with a gold medal 73 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:39,200 Speaker 1: in nineteen eighty eight, Serena Williams, Maria Sheerripover in more 74 00:03:39,240 --> 00:03:42,840 Speaker 1: modern history. So she would become an iconic player if 75 00:03:42,920 --> 00:03:45,000 Speaker 1: she can do that. And you wonder, Lexi, if that's 76 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:46,040 Speaker 1: sort of playing on her mind. 77 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:50,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, potentially. I mean, well, for me, what's standing out 78 00:03:50,320 --> 00:03:52,280 Speaker 2: is a bit of a shaky start this year. I 79 00:03:52,280 --> 00:03:55,000 Speaker 2: think sometimes she's looked a bit more in control, but 80 00:03:55,680 --> 00:03:58,800 Speaker 2: she didn't have the I guess, the easiest run into 81 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:01,680 Speaker 2: the Australian Open, to couple losses in the United Cup. 82 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:04,760 Speaker 2: I mean, Coco Gough just took care of her like 83 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:08,000 Speaker 2: quite easily, and then she lost to Benchic from a 84 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 2: set up which that stood out to me. Well, first 85 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:12,920 Speaker 2: of all, Benchic was playing like her life depended on 86 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:15,560 Speaker 2: it because she does that for her country. But that 87 00:04:15,800 --> 00:04:19,839 Speaker 2: stood out because last year, from that position being a setup, 88 00:04:19,960 --> 00:04:23,680 Speaker 2: Siontek only lost to Rebarkner and Nissimova and Keys, and 89 00:04:24,040 --> 00:04:26,640 Speaker 2: Keys was in that semi final at the Australian Open, 90 00:04:26,640 --> 00:04:28,000 Speaker 2: 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 00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:34,400 Speaker 1: draw being a battle, a race between two, whereas the 93 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:38,160 Speaker 1: women's draw last year we had four different Slam winners 94 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:42,040 Speaker 1: and really it's anyone's game, especially at the top echelon 95 00:04:42,080 --> 00:04:43,400 Speaker 1: of the WTA rankings. 96 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:46,920 Speaker 2: Absolutely, I think we're absolutely treated to an incredible top 97 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:49,599 Speaker 2: eight this year, and even if you look at the 98 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:51,880 Speaker 2: top five, I just think anyone could take it and 99 00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:55,360 Speaker 2: I would be completely unsurprised. So you've got Sabalanca, Sjontek, 100 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 2: Goth and Nisimova, Rebarkner, and then even if you look 101 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:01,880 Speaker 2: a further down the line, I've got mirr Andreva in 102 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:04,880 Speaker 2: some incredible form. We'll talk about that in a minute. 103 00:05:04,960 --> 00:05:08,240 Speaker 2: And then even a smoky who Andreva played in the 104 00:05:08,279 --> 00:05:13,080 Speaker 2: Adelaide International final being Victoria and Boco who defeated Amerson Jones, 105 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 2: our seventeen year old Australian quite easily six four six 106 00:05:16,800 --> 00:05:17,279 Speaker 2: one today. 107 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:17,560 Speaker 3: Yeah. 108 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:21,320 Speaker 1: And then another two time former champion in Naomi Osaka, 109 00:05:21,520 --> 00:05:25,359 Speaker 1: who knows obviously how to win Australian opens before so open. 110 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:28,400 Speaker 2: Yeah, and if you think about who she could potentially 111 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:31,919 Speaker 2: meet in the quarters, it could be Osaka, Benchic or 112 00:05:31,920 --> 00:05:36,280 Speaker 2: Rebarkner like that is an incredibly tough test. But from 113 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:38,960 Speaker 2: what we saw today, tough tests are good to face 114 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:39,400 Speaker 2: early on. 115 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,600 Speaker 1: Yeah, and she looked she passed. All you can do 116 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:43,960 Speaker 1: is win. She did that. She did it in straight sets, 117 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:47,719 Speaker 1: even when she was not playing her best. She found 118 00:05:47,720 --> 00:05:49,880 Speaker 1: a way and she finished strongly. She sealed that match 119 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:53,160 Speaker 1: with a backhand winner down the line. So maybe, like 120 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:57,120 Speaker 1: you said last night about Elkaraz just sort of building 121 00:05:57,120 --> 00:06:00,160 Speaker 1: his form as he gets going, maybe that's what Fiontech do. 122 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:02,360 Speaker 1: And look, even though she was playing a qualified tonight, 123 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:03,880 Speaker 1: it was a player who's been ranked in the top 124 00:06:03,960 --> 00:06:06,200 Speaker 1: fifty in the world twenty seven. She's been on the 125 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:08,960 Speaker 1: tour for a while, so she's not a complete unknown. 126 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:10,640 Speaker 1: So Fiontek got the job done tonight. 127 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:16,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, she did. And even from Siontech to another great, 128 00:06:16,440 --> 00:06:20,640 Speaker 2: great match today, we saw Mirror Andreva really put on 129 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:24,760 Speaker 2: quite a solid performance again after a shaky start to Donnavekch. 130 00:06:24,839 --> 00:06:27,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, and look, this was a banana peel game one 131 00:06:27,720 --> 00:06:30,480 Speaker 1: that you know, perhaps she could have slipped in the 132 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:32,839 Speaker 1: first round. She's still such a young player eighteen years 133 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:35,279 Speaker 1: of age. And Donna Vekicch, you know, a semi finalist 134 00:06:35,279 --> 00:06:38,240 Speaker 1: at Wimbledon in twenty twenty four. She knows her way 135 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:41,840 Speaker 1: around a tennis courton. After the first set, it looked 136 00:06:41,839 --> 00:06:43,760 Speaker 1: like maybe Andreva was going to be sent packing. 137 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:46,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, it did. And I think this is probably the 138 00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:48,880 Speaker 2: difference that we're seeing in Andreva's game now is how 139 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:51,719 Speaker 2: much she's maturing in the in the tough battles that 140 00:06:51,760 --> 00:06:57,159 Speaker 2: she's facing. So the difference in even landing first serves 141 00:06:57,200 --> 00:06:59,760 Speaker 2: between the first set, which she lost, in the second set, 142 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:03,000 Speaker 2: which she won. First set, fifty six percent of the 143 00:07:03,080 --> 00:07:05,599 Speaker 2: first serves went in compared to seventy two percent in 144 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:10,240 Speaker 2: the next. And then from there that third set, absolutely incredible. 145 00:07:10,520 --> 00:07:17,240 Speaker 2: She won all six games, bageled, bageled, Vickich and one 146 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:19,720 Speaker 2: one hundred percent of her first serves. 147 00:07:19,960 --> 00:07:23,800 Speaker 1: Wow, that's incredible, just absolutely on fire on serve and 148 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:26,080 Speaker 1: Vickage was struggling to get the ball in the court 149 00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:26,360 Speaker 1: as well. 150 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:28,560 Speaker 2: Yeah, she was. She was looking quite tired. Had to 151 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:31,600 Speaker 2: even do an outfit change. I mean, if whatever helps 152 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:33,200 Speaker 2: you against the young enzse days. 153 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:35,760 Speaker 1: Well maybe because the physio was helping out you one 154 00:07:36,400 --> 00:07:37,800 Speaker 1: she was like, well, what can I do. I'll just 155 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:39,240 Speaker 1: have to change my apt exactly. 156 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:42,440 Speaker 2: Just summon whatever you can to beat these top players. 157 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:45,560 Speaker 1: It doesn't get any easier for on braver Nicks though. 158 00:07:45,760 --> 00:07:50,200 Speaker 2: No, she's facing Maria Sachary, who will claims and I 159 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:53,200 Speaker 2: would say I would also back her claim that she 160 00:07:53,280 --> 00:07:55,840 Speaker 2: hit the shot of the tournament yesterday that. 161 00:07:55,960 --> 00:07:59,520 Speaker 1: Around the post. That was phenomenal. I mean we've seen 162 00:08:00,080 --> 00:08:02,800 Speaker 1: I can remember Pat Rafter in the US Open final 163 00:08:02,880 --> 00:08:06,160 Speaker 1: Roger Federer, but I would almost say that's better than 164 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:08,360 Speaker 1: those that I've seen. The way she hit that ball. 165 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:11,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, again, we would be diving very far into 166 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 2: the memory bank because I was merely a child when 167 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:16,920 Speaker 2: those matches were being played. But yeah, it was incredible, 168 00:08:16,960 --> 00:08:19,200 Speaker 2: and if we were to talk about it each episode 169 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:24,520 Speaker 2: for the next thirteen days, it would be not a 170 00:08:24,560 --> 00:08:25,440 Speaker 2: problem whatsoever. 171 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:28,200 Speaker 1: Yeap, that is something that will live long in your memory, 172 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:32,160 Speaker 1: that's for sure. Mira Andreva, though we love her personality, 173 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:34,440 Speaker 1: she's such a fun person and she has a new 174 00:08:34,480 --> 00:08:38,079 Speaker 1: addition to her team that's helping her at the moment, 175 00:08:38,120 --> 00:08:39,160 Speaker 1: both on and off the court. 176 00:08:39,600 --> 00:08:42,800 Speaker 5: Now, you've been on an absolutely incredible run of form 177 00:08:42,920 --> 00:08:45,600 Speaker 5: in the starts of this twenty twenty six season. So 178 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:48,400 Speaker 5: either it's all of the hard work that you put 179 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:50,440 Speaker 5: in the off season, which can Cheeta had nothing to 180 00:08:50,440 --> 00:08:53,320 Speaker 5: do with, of course, or it's the fact that you 181 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:56,120 Speaker 5: are now a new dog mom and that's bringing you 182 00:08:56,160 --> 00:08:59,040 Speaker 5: good luck. Which one is it? 183 00:08:59,120 --> 00:09:00,720 Speaker 6: Probably a dog man of course. 184 00:09:01,960 --> 00:09:02,280 Speaker 7: Yeah. 185 00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:05,760 Speaker 5: Since we got our papp into the family, I do 186 00:09:05,840 --> 00:09:08,480 Speaker 5: feel like I became more calm actually off court and 187 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:11,760 Speaker 5: on the court as well, So it's definitely the puppy energy. 188 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:14,720 Speaker 1: So Lexi, we flipped the script tonight. Last night we 189 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:17,160 Speaker 1: had the men on first, then the women. Tonight it 190 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:19,960 Speaker 1: was the women who took center stage, followed by the 191 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:23,360 Speaker 1: men and Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena, show that 192 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:26,240 Speaker 1: there's still life left in those thirty eight year old legs. 193 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:32,679 Speaker 8: Game Figae six three six twoon six two A century 194 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:37,480 Speaker 8: of whens for the ten time champion in Australia. 195 00:09:38,080 --> 00:09:42,160 Speaker 2: He just absolutely clocked down the winners across this match. 196 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:46,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, forty nine and fourteen aces and how rock solid 197 00:09:46,640 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 1: was he on serve LEXI unbelievable. 198 00:09:48,679 --> 00:09:52,520 Speaker 2: So he gave Martinez, he gave away just five points 199 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:55,960 Speaker 2: on his own serve, So in sets two and three, 200 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:58,679 Speaker 2: Martinez was only able to take off a single point 201 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:03,480 Speaker 2: from Djokovic's serve, so the Joker held to love eight times. 202 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:06,960 Speaker 1: That is crazy. I'm amazed that Pedro Martinez won a 203 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:09,840 Speaker 1: game in that match. To think in the best of 204 00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:12,480 Speaker 1: five set match that you can win such few points 205 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:14,640 Speaker 1: on your opponents serv you are never going to be 206 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:17,320 Speaker 1: in any match. You don't think of Novak like a 207 00:10:17,360 --> 00:10:21,160 Speaker 1: Pete Sampras or like a massive serve. But he is 208 00:10:21,280 --> 00:10:24,680 Speaker 1: just so solid and he very rarely is troubled so 209 00:10:24,800 --> 00:10:27,240 Speaker 1: early in a tournament, especially here at Melbourne Park. As 210 00:10:27,240 --> 00:10:28,920 Speaker 1: we mentioned, he has been the king, he winning it 211 00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:29,679 Speaker 1: ten times. 212 00:10:29,880 --> 00:10:33,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, he was absolutely locked in tonight and overall winning 213 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:37,680 Speaker 2: ninety eight points to fifty seven. So look, just an 214 00:10:37,679 --> 00:10:42,160 Speaker 2: incredible performance. And I guess with Novak being thirty eight 215 00:10:42,240 --> 00:10:46,600 Speaker 2: years old, he's putting on great matches, but everyone's still 216 00:10:46,640 --> 00:10:48,600 Speaker 2: thinking could this be his last season? 217 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:51,160 Speaker 1: Well, in terms of the level he's playing at semi 218 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:55,040 Speaker 1: finals every Major last year. Did beat Carlos Elkaraz in 219 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:58,480 Speaker 1: the quarter finals here twelve months ago. But a year 220 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:02,080 Speaker 1: is a long time in ten can he still match 221 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,920 Speaker 1: it with the two top players their Sinner and Alcarez. 222 00:11:06,120 --> 00:11:08,319 Speaker 1: Because of that, LEXI, we need to soak up every 223 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:10,199 Speaker 1: moment of Novak playing here in. 224 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:13,679 Speaker 2: Melbourne, absolutely, and I think if we're thinking about mentality 225 00:11:13,679 --> 00:11:16,640 Speaker 2: and whether he can or he can't, I think if 226 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:20,600 Speaker 2: Novak believed he couldn't win it, then he wouldn't be there. 227 00:11:20,720 --> 00:11:24,600 Speaker 2: Like if he's still competing at this level. He's believing 228 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:26,600 Speaker 2: that he has a chance to win a Slam, and 229 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:30,240 Speaker 2: he's competed incredibly well over the last twelve months. As 230 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:31,840 Speaker 2: you say, is semi at every slam. 231 00:11:31,880 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 7: Great to be back once again and definitely my favorite 232 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:38,440 Speaker 7: court court that has given me so much. I try 233 00:11:38,440 --> 00:11:40,560 Speaker 7: to give it back as as much as they could 234 00:11:40,600 --> 00:11:42,480 Speaker 7: in the last twenty plus years. And hopefully you guys 235 00:11:42,559 --> 00:11:44,480 Speaker 7: enjoyed the tennis tonight. Thank you for coming out. 236 00:11:46,960 --> 00:11:49,800 Speaker 1: Of course, we're not sure if Novak might be playing 237 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:52,360 Speaker 1: his final season. We do know that stan Vavrinka will, 238 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:54,959 Speaker 1: though earning his wild card. He had a great win 239 00:11:55,040 --> 00:11:57,920 Speaker 1: today at the Ripe old age or young age of 240 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 1: forty years old there Alexi. 241 00:12:00,160 --> 00:12:02,920 Speaker 2: Yeah, his first win at the Australian Open in five 242 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:07,520 Speaker 2: years over Laslo Jere in four sets, and then joining 243 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:10,520 Speaker 2: him in the old guard was Marion Chilich opening up 244 00:12:10,559 --> 00:12:11,160 Speaker 2: the bakery? 245 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:14,320 Speaker 1: How did he open up a bakery? 246 00:12:14,360 --> 00:12:18,640 Speaker 2: Bageling Daniel Altmeyer twice in his straight sets win. 247 00:12:19,040 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 1: To be honest, I have to admit I didn't realize 248 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:22,959 Speaker 1: Marion Chilich was still playing, but great to see him 249 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:25,079 Speaker 1: here in Gale Mont Fees. It is his last season 250 00:12:25,120 --> 00:12:29,000 Speaker 1: as well, contesting his twentieth AO. Tomorrow he comes up 251 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,679 Speaker 1: against an Aussie in Dane Sweeney, who came through qualifying. 252 00:12:33,080 --> 00:12:34,959 Speaker 1: I've been watching a lot of Dane Sweeney. I hope 253 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:37,000 Speaker 1: he does well and I hope that some of the 254 00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:40,320 Speaker 1: form of the Australians from today and tonight rubs off 255 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:41,880 Speaker 1: on the shoulders of the young Australian. 256 00:12:43,840 --> 00:12:50,920 Speaker 4: That is one of the greatest wins a perform. 257 00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:55,679 Speaker 1: Well, Lexi. It was almost the perfect day for Australia. 258 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:58,800 Speaker 1: We have just watched a five set epic Alexi Popproin 259 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,800 Speaker 1: going down to Alexandra all of from France. We thought 260 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:04,520 Speaker 1: he had it won more times than one. 261 00:13:04,640 --> 00:13:08,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was heartbreaking, over and over and over again. 262 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 2: He had so many chances, didn't he He did. 263 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,240 Speaker 1: In the fourth set, he was up four games to two, 264 00:13:14,080 --> 00:13:16,960 Speaker 1: then in the tiebreak he was up five points to two. 265 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:19,920 Speaker 1: In the fifth set, he's leading five to three. He's 266 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:23,440 Speaker 1: just broken to love, couldn't serve it out. I can't 267 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:25,559 Speaker 1: think of a more gut wrenching loss than that one. 268 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 1: I mean, he did have some cramp, so perhaps there 269 00:13:28,240 --> 00:13:30,360 Speaker 1: was a few issues there for Alexi. 270 00:13:30,520 --> 00:13:33,840 Speaker 2: Yeah. It's so tough, isn't it, especially when it seemed 271 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:36,120 Speaker 2: like he was in the perfect position to close out 272 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:39,160 Speaker 2: the match. I mean, in the fourth set, he was 273 00:13:39,280 --> 00:13:42,360 Speaker 2: upper break, he just had to hold his serve to 274 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:44,840 Speaker 2: give himself a chance to actually close out the match. 275 00:13:45,080 --> 00:13:48,880 Speaker 2: At that point, he'd sent down thirty eight aces, so 276 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:51,680 Speaker 2: it just felt locked in that he was just going 277 00:13:51,720 --> 00:13:54,040 Speaker 2: to hold serve and then off we go. He's won 278 00:13:54,080 --> 00:13:57,319 Speaker 2: the match. But then Molar, to his credit, broke back, 279 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 2: sent it to a tiebreaker, and even Claudie way back 280 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:03,520 Speaker 2: in the tiebreaker at five to two, he won five 281 00:14:03,559 --> 00:14:06,120 Speaker 2: points in a row and took that set. So just 282 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:07,560 Speaker 2: incredible work from him. 283 00:14:07,920 --> 00:14:10,839 Speaker 1: Yeah, it was unfortunately at the expense of the Australian 284 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:13,560 Speaker 1: who wasn't in the greatest form leading into it, and 285 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:15,120 Speaker 1: that's been a bit of a theme for the other 286 00:14:15,160 --> 00:14:17,840 Speaker 1: Australians today, but they managed to get the win. The 287 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:21,640 Speaker 1: likes of Jordan Thompson, Rinky Hi Jakarta, both outside the 288 00:14:21,680 --> 00:14:24,440 Speaker 1: top one hundred, had wild cards and they won. Isler 289 00:14:24,520 --> 00:14:27,280 Speaker 1: tom Yanovich as well came from a set down and 290 00:14:27,840 --> 00:14:31,080 Speaker 1: storm Hunter the lefty one is a qualifier today. 291 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:34,360 Speaker 2: So plenty of Australians getting wins today. How does that 292 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 2: help the likes of alex demenol. 293 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:38,400 Speaker 1: Oh, that's a great question, Lexie. I'm going to give 294 00:14:38,400 --> 00:14:40,680 Speaker 1: that an ace, and that's the segment we've coming out 295 00:14:40,760 --> 00:14:43,480 Speaker 1: talking about Alexandra e aler Butt an ace to you 296 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:45,640 Speaker 1: because I think it takes some of the pressure off 297 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:48,400 Speaker 1: his shoulders because he's in. I think he's the sixth 298 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:51,160 Speaker 1: seed here, the demon winning today in straight sets, but 299 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:53,760 Speaker 1: all the focus is on him because it seems like 300 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 1: he's our only hope. So he gets all the interview requests, 301 00:14:56,760 --> 00:14:59,360 Speaker 1: all the pressure. With a few Australians through at least 302 00:14:59,360 --> 00:15:03,000 Speaker 1: for another round, then we can sort of divide our 303 00:15:03,120 --> 00:15:06,080 Speaker 1: attention among a group of Australians rather than just one. 304 00:15:06,280 --> 00:15:09,920 Speaker 2: Yeah, so a few Aussie's sharing the spotlight. One of those. 305 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:12,160 Speaker 2: I want to give a shout out to Priscilla Hon. 306 00:15:12,680 --> 00:15:16,480 Speaker 2: She's through via the retirement of her opponent. That her 307 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:20,800 Speaker 2: sportsmanship in that match was incredible, helping an opponent onto 308 00:15:20,840 --> 00:15:22,680 Speaker 2: a wheelchair to wheel her off the court. 309 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:26,200 Speaker 1: Yeah, and considering that, Priscilla Hon, it's just a second 310 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:30,640 Speaker 1: win here, first in six years. To even just think 311 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,000 Speaker 1: about your opponent in that moment, it's such a crucial 312 00:15:33,040 --> 00:15:35,640 Speaker 1: stage of the match in the final set. Hats off 313 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:37,040 Speaker 1: to her. Well done to Priscilla Hon. 314 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:38,040 Speaker 2: Incredible compassion. 315 00:15:38,160 --> 00:15:40,600 Speaker 1: That is the great Australian spirit. There was plenty of 316 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:46,640 Speaker 1: spirit on court six watching Alexandra Iala. I remember back 317 00:15:46,680 --> 00:15:50,120 Speaker 1: in the day Lexi, Swedish fans would turn out in force, 318 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:52,400 Speaker 1: but I don't even think they were as vocal as 319 00:15:52,400 --> 00:15:56,760 Speaker 1: the Filipinos going absolutely nuts for their girl Iala today. 320 00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,560 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was wild, wasn't it. So this is something 321 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:02,920 Speaker 2: we're bringing into the podcast our ace or unforced error? 322 00:16:03,320 --> 00:16:07,280 Speaker 2: So do we think bringing Yala onto court six? Was 323 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:09,560 Speaker 2: that an ace or an unforced error for the tournament? 324 00:16:09,600 --> 00:16:12,120 Speaker 1: Well, I feel like you're gonna tell us whether that 325 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:13,800 Speaker 1: was an ACE or an unforced there, give us your 326 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:14,880 Speaker 1: thoughts first. 327 00:16:14,600 --> 00:16:18,440 Speaker 2: There, Look, the ace is that she has become so popular. 328 00:16:18,800 --> 00:16:21,000 Speaker 2: I mean, she rose to fame after her semi final 329 00:16:21,080 --> 00:16:24,640 Speaker 2: run at the wa WTA one thousand in Miami, she 330 00:16:24,720 --> 00:16:28,320 Speaker 2: took out Madison keyes IGOs Jontek. So she has just 331 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:34,640 Speaker 2: propelled herself into enormous fame in the Philippines. But the 332 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:39,320 Speaker 2: unforced erar is potentially not taking making the most of that, 333 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:42,920 Speaker 2: and she's out on court six, everyone's shouldered and shoulder 334 00:16:42,920 --> 00:16:45,640 Speaker 2: trying to watch IRV when put her on care arena. 335 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, look, and that's probably a positive. I mean, 336 00:16:48,880 --> 00:16:51,680 Speaker 1: ranking based, she didn't deserve to be on one of 337 00:16:51,760 --> 00:16:54,080 Speaker 1: the top courts. But in terms of the support, I 338 00:16:54,120 --> 00:16:57,120 Speaker 1: mean there were just cues of people and we had 339 00:16:57,160 --> 00:16:59,440 Speaker 1: seen this in Hong Kong in other tournaments that she's 340 00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:01,560 Speaker 1: played in. The WTA is now going to have a 341 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:05,440 Speaker 1: tournament in the Philippines to capitalize on her popularity. That's 342 00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:09,800 Speaker 1: in the future a definite ace, I reckon. If Yala 343 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:13,240 Speaker 1: does come back, and you know, especially if her seating 344 00:17:13,320 --> 00:17:16,080 Speaker 1: goes up, then Australian Open organizers will look to put 345 00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:20,080 Speaker 1: her on a bigger court. Yeah, an ace for just 346 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:25,040 Speaker 1: her popularity. An unforced era though, for cheering unforced errors. 347 00:17:25,080 --> 00:17:28,080 Speaker 1: The opening game against Alisia Parks, Poor Alicia Parks, who won, 348 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:32,440 Speaker 1: by the way, despite losing the first set six love. 349 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:34,840 Speaker 1: They were cheering her mistakes, which I'm not a big 350 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:37,760 Speaker 1: fan of, but I do love the passion of the 351 00:17:37,760 --> 00:17:39,080 Speaker 1: Filipino fans. 352 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:43,159 Speaker 2: And look, Parks did well to not rub in the 353 00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:45,679 Speaker 2: loss at all after the end of the match, because 354 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:50,480 Speaker 2: there have been players were in qualifiers doing some fun 355 00:17:50,520 --> 00:17:54,840 Speaker 2: celebrations after wins. So yeah, good sportsmanship from her. 356 00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:56,840 Speaker 1: Hey take us through some of the other players to 357 00:17:56,840 --> 00:17:58,200 Speaker 1: get through to the second round today. 358 00:17:58,600 --> 00:18:01,880 Speaker 2: So other winners today were Caspar Rude, who made light 359 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:05,640 Speaker 2: work of Mattia Balucchi six one, six, two sixty four. 360 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:09,280 Speaker 2: But there was an upset to seventeenth seed Yuri Lehechka, 361 00:18:09,720 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 2: who got done in straight sets by French qualifier Arthur 362 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:17,600 Speaker 2: Gi and Dennis Shapovolov Is also through in straight sets, 363 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:20,880 Speaker 2: and for the women, twenty third seed Diana Schneider overcame 364 00:18:20,920 --> 00:18:24,600 Speaker 2: two time champion Barbora Krachikova from a set down and 365 00:18:24,760 --> 00:18:28,960 Speaker 2: also heading into the second round is Pallabadosa Iviovic and 366 00:18:29,080 --> 00:18:31,359 Speaker 2: Elise Mertens all through in straight sets. 367 00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:34,080 Speaker 1: Okay, great work recapping that. Let's get a recap of 368 00:18:34,119 --> 00:18:37,160 Speaker 1: what happened in the day and the twilight with AO 369 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:40,960 Speaker 1: Radio's Nat Edwards and the Evening Serve team. And she's 370 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:43,240 Speaker 1: got a special guest from the US as well, talking 371 00:18:43,280 --> 00:18:46,840 Speaker 1: about how well things are going for American tennis, particularly 372 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:48,240 Speaker 1: on the women's side of things. 373 00:18:48,600 --> 00:18:51,159 Speaker 9: That shot from rakim over a little bit deep and 374 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:53,400 Speaker 9: it's a clinch Swiss for Coca Gock. He begins her 375 00:18:53,440 --> 00:18:57,720 Speaker 9: twenty twenty six Australian Open campaign with Away over Camilla 376 00:18:57,920 --> 00:18:59,840 Speaker 9: rack him over representing uz Pakistan. 377 00:19:00,119 --> 00:19:01,959 Speaker 4: Bangs are backand on the line. It's here and it 378 00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:05,520 Speaker 4: catches the sideline. My job done for Jessicguler. Come with 379 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:08,840 Speaker 4: the first from the American John volley from Dominori's the 380 00:19:08,840 --> 00:19:11,560 Speaker 4: backhands in the net John Gorel and it's done in 381 00:19:11,640 --> 00:19:13,080 Speaker 4: dusted for Australia's number one. 382 00:19:13,119 --> 00:19:16,159 Speaker 3: Here is through to the second round. As comfortable as 383 00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:16,480 Speaker 3: you like. 384 00:19:17,280 --> 00:19:20,280 Speaker 4: Switches it up with a second survey and I smile 385 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:22,480 Speaker 4: on the face of Amanda and this I'm over and 386 00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:24,520 Speaker 4: she is through to round two with a six to three, 387 00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:26,960 Speaker 4: six to two victory over to Morning twelve. 388 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:31,080 Speaker 10: Plenty of big names on the winner's list. Today, day 389 00:19:31,119 --> 00:19:34,760 Speaker 10: two of the Australian Open. We've had a huge day 390 00:19:34,960 --> 00:19:38,320 Speaker 10: session here at Melbourne Park. It has been hot once again. 391 00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:40,280 Speaker 10: My name is Nat Edwards. It's great to have your 392 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:43,360 Speaker 10: company on the evening Serve. Thanks for tuning into AO 393 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,680 Speaker 10: Radio wherever you are listening in the world. 394 00:19:45,760 --> 00:19:47,000 Speaker 6: And our special guest. 395 00:19:47,119 --> 00:19:51,360 Speaker 10: This evening is sports journalist and award winning journalist from 396 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:53,000 Speaker 10: the Athletic In Matt Fudman. 397 00:19:53,080 --> 00:19:54,240 Speaker 6: Matt, it's great to have you here. 398 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:57,000 Speaker 3: It's great to be here. Thanks so much for having me. 399 00:19:57,200 --> 00:19:59,840 Speaker 10: I mean, especially because I think I counted about tw 400 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:03,160 Speaker 10: empty two Americans who are on court at some stage today, 401 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:05,240 Speaker 10: which is just outrageous. We're going to talk about them 402 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:07,359 Speaker 10: in just a bit. But how have you found the 403 00:20:07,359 --> 00:20:08,760 Speaker 10: first couple of days so far. 404 00:20:09,080 --> 00:20:13,520 Speaker 11: I think it's been terrific. I mean, the crowds is 405 00:20:13,560 --> 00:20:18,000 Speaker 11: what makes this place so special. And you know, starting 406 00:20:18,040 --> 00:20:21,000 Speaker 11: off on the Sunday it was just sort of bang. 407 00:20:21,080 --> 00:20:21,520 Speaker 3: It was on. 408 00:20:21,760 --> 00:20:25,240 Speaker 11: Their lines were literally out the door and down the 409 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:27,840 Speaker 11: street to get to get into the grounds and then 410 00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:31,760 Speaker 11: to get into some of the stadiums, and it's been loud, 411 00:20:32,040 --> 00:20:34,040 Speaker 11: it's been beautiful. 412 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:35,359 Speaker 3: Weather, which certainly helps a lot. 413 00:20:35,760 --> 00:20:38,600 Speaker 11: And I guess, I guess the one word we used 414 00:20:38,600 --> 00:20:40,280 Speaker 11: to describe it is it's just alive. 415 00:20:40,480 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 10: Now you've had a busy couple of years, because you've 416 00:20:43,040 --> 00:20:44,600 Speaker 10: got a book coming out soon. 417 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:48,639 Speaker 11: Mass I do. It's called Cruelest Game. It's inside professionals tennis. 418 00:20:48,640 --> 00:20:50,840 Speaker 11: It's about the chief. It's about, you know, the chase 419 00:20:50,920 --> 00:20:54,280 Speaker 11: for greatness and professional tennis and why it's so damn hard. 420 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:55,560 Speaker 6: It is very, very hard. 421 00:20:55,600 --> 00:20:57,800 Speaker 10: We want to unpack the big stories from today, so 422 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:00,440 Speaker 10: here's what's making news. On day two of the twenty 423 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:04,560 Speaker 10: twenty six Australian Open. Well seventh seed Felix Ugi Aliasim 424 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:07,160 Speaker 10: has been forced to retire in his opening round match 425 00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:10,440 Speaker 10: against Portugal's Nuno Borges. The Canadian was down two sets 426 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:13,160 Speaker 10: to one, pulling the pin in the fourth set due 427 00:21:13,200 --> 00:21:16,560 Speaker 10: to cramp. Augieliasim wasn't the only one forced to retire 428 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:20,480 Speaker 10: with cramp in the searing heat. His compatriot Marina Stakouzik 429 00:21:20,600 --> 00:21:23,480 Speaker 10: collapsed late in the third set against Ozzie Priscilla Hon, 430 00:21:23,600 --> 00:21:27,080 Speaker 10: leaving the court in a wheelchair. Speaking of the Australians 431 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:29,520 Speaker 10: in action today, hon was one of several ossis to 432 00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:32,720 Speaker 10: win through to the second round. Sixth seed Alex Demonoor 433 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:35,120 Speaker 10: got the job done in three sets against his American 434 00:21:35,160 --> 00:21:39,120 Speaker 10: opponent Mackenzie MacDonald, while Storm Hunter and Jordan Thompson also 435 00:21:39,400 --> 00:21:43,720 Speaker 10: enjoyed first round wins. Seeds Daniel Medvedev and Tommy Paul 436 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,160 Speaker 10: progressed through to the second round and the men's draw, 437 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:49,959 Speaker 10: as did Coco gov Jessica Pagoula and Anna Anisimova in 438 00:21:50,080 --> 00:21:54,399 Speaker 10: the women's while twenty twenty Australian Open champions Sophia Kennon 439 00:21:54,440 --> 00:21:58,119 Speaker 10: and fellow American and fifteenth seed Emma Navarro were among 440 00:21:58,240 --> 00:22:02,440 Speaker 10: several seeds to fall on Day two. And I mentioned 441 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:05,760 Speaker 10: a lot of American names in that little rap match. 442 00:22:05,800 --> 00:22:08,320 Speaker 10: I want to talk more about the Americans that I 443 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:11,080 Speaker 10: hear in particular, just starting with the women's draw, because 444 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:13,720 Speaker 10: if you look at the top ten rankings right now, 445 00:22:13,720 --> 00:22:17,040 Speaker 10: you've got four American women in there in golf and Nisimova, 446 00:22:17,119 --> 00:22:19,840 Speaker 10: Pagola and Cays. I mean, American tennis is in a 447 00:22:19,920 --> 00:22:20,960 Speaker 10: very good spot at the moment. 448 00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:23,000 Speaker 3: Yeah, especially on the women's side. 449 00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:26,760 Speaker 11: You know, I think they give the They give the 450 00:22:26,800 --> 00:22:28,919 Speaker 11: boys a hard time because the boys haven't had a 451 00:22:28,920 --> 00:22:32,200 Speaker 11: Grand Slam champion in over twenty years, and the women 452 00:22:32,320 --> 00:22:36,120 Speaker 11: have had had several of them. So it is an 453 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:40,160 Speaker 11: incredibly exciting time. Tennis is, you know, just massive right 454 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:44,239 Speaker 11: now in America, both in terms of people watching and 455 00:22:44,280 --> 00:22:47,640 Speaker 11: coming out to tennis tournaments, and then also participation numbers 456 00:22:47,640 --> 00:22:50,360 Speaker 11: are through the roof. They have been ever since COVID, 457 00:22:51,240 --> 00:22:53,439 Speaker 11: and you know it is it is kind of a 458 00:22:53,440 --> 00:22:57,879 Speaker 11: golden time. All that's missing is for that American unicorn 459 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:00,600 Speaker 11: to come up and try and put on a good 460 00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:02,639 Speaker 11: challenge to Colitos and Jana. 461 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:05,119 Speaker 10: Well, yes, we'll get to that in a moment and 462 00:23:05,160 --> 00:23:07,920 Speaker 10: see who maybe might be able to push those to 463 00:23:08,119 --> 00:23:10,280 Speaker 10: the big two at the moment. But sticking with the 464 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:12,360 Speaker 10: women for now, I'm in Cocoa, GoF. We mentioned her 465 00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:17,560 Speaker 10: winning through in six two six three against Rakomova earlier today, 466 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:18,600 Speaker 10: a two. 467 00:23:18,400 --> 00:23:19,760 Speaker 6: Time Grand Slam champion. 468 00:23:19,800 --> 00:23:23,919 Speaker 10: Already You forget that she's just twenty one years of age. 469 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:26,520 Speaker 10: How have you seen her progression? I guess over the 470 00:23:26,640 --> 00:23:28,120 Speaker 10: last twelve months or so. 471 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:31,480 Speaker 11: You know, it's a fascinating progression because you know she 472 00:23:31,880 --> 00:23:35,679 Speaker 11: is and on any given day, she's you know, number two, 473 00:23:35,800 --> 00:23:38,359 Speaker 11: number three, number four, she's right up there. She's a 474 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:40,800 Speaker 11: two time Grand Slam champion, she won the French Open 475 00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:44,440 Speaker 11: last year, and yet I think she would tell you that, 476 00:23:44,560 --> 00:23:49,399 Speaker 11: like on any given day, she could be terrible because 477 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:51,480 Speaker 11: she has this issue with her serve. 478 00:23:51,720 --> 00:23:51,880 Speaker 4: Yep. 479 00:23:51,960 --> 00:23:54,000 Speaker 11: You know, as I like to say, God doesn't give 480 00:23:54,600 --> 00:23:58,879 Speaker 11: anyone everything, and the thing that she doesn't have is 481 00:23:58,880 --> 00:23:59,960 Speaker 11: a reliable service. 482 00:24:00,000 --> 00:24:01,159 Speaker 3: It's something she's worked on. 483 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:05,439 Speaker 11: She's hired this biomechanist, Gavin McMillan, who really helped Arena 484 00:24:05,480 --> 00:24:07,720 Speaker 11: Sablanca cure her serf problems. 485 00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:09,440 Speaker 3: But it's a work in progress. 486 00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:13,280 Speaker 11: And you know, I think she had six double faults today, 487 00:24:13,600 --> 00:24:14,920 Speaker 11: five of them in the first set. 488 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,600 Speaker 3: Things were pretty ugly early on. 489 00:24:17,840 --> 00:24:21,199 Speaker 11: The serve was really low in terms of velocity, but 490 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:22,720 Speaker 11: you know, by the second. 491 00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:24,159 Speaker 3: Set she found something of a groove. 492 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:27,640 Speaker 11: But still it's kind of sometimes game to game with her, 493 00:24:27,760 --> 00:24:31,000 Speaker 11: so you never really know. She's someone who you really 494 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:35,520 Speaker 11: wouldn't be surprised if she either lost in the second round, 495 00:24:35,600 --> 00:24:38,280 Speaker 11: and you wouldn't be surprised if she won the title. 496 00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:41,560 Speaker 11: That's a kind of amazing thing to think about because 497 00:24:41,560 --> 00:24:44,880 Speaker 11: I don't know that you would say that about her 498 00:24:44,920 --> 00:24:49,600 Speaker 11: competitors up there, whether it's Anissimova, Sablanca or Siantec. 499 00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:51,720 Speaker 10: Yeah, those double faults, I mean I think I was 500 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:54,520 Speaker 10: rating a stat something like she has ten percent double 501 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:57,480 Speaker 10: faults like during a match, which is just quite incredible. 502 00:24:57,480 --> 00:25:00,399 Speaker 6: It's a very very high number. A man. 503 00:25:00,560 --> 00:25:04,800 Speaker 10: Anisimova is the one that really intrigues me because twenty 504 00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:08,720 Speaker 10: twenty five season for her was outstanding. I mean, she 505 00:25:08,800 --> 00:25:10,760 Speaker 10: started the year. If you look back twelve months ago, 506 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:13,440 Speaker 10: she was ranked thirty six in the world. She comes here, 507 00:25:13,680 --> 00:25:17,360 Speaker 10: she's ranked number four. I love her back end. That 508 00:25:17,440 --> 00:25:20,520 Speaker 10: thing is a thing of beauty, and she's really improved 509 00:25:20,560 --> 00:25:22,600 Speaker 10: her serve as well. Is that where you've seen the 510 00:25:22,640 --> 00:25:24,280 Speaker 10: biggest difference in her. 511 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:27,640 Speaker 11: I think the biggest difference in her is actually her 512 00:25:27,640 --> 00:25:31,760 Speaker 11: improved movement, and that's the thing she's working so so 513 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:32,359 Speaker 11: hard on. 514 00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:34,400 Speaker 3: It's the big weakness in her game. 515 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:37,199 Speaker 11: I think she would say, you know, if tennis was 516 00:25:37,240 --> 00:25:40,439 Speaker 11: just a standing still hitting contest, she would win just 517 00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:47,080 Speaker 11: about every match because she hits the truest, smoothest, most solid. 518 00:25:46,640 --> 00:25:47,480 Speaker 3: Ball in the game. 519 00:25:47,520 --> 00:25:51,280 Speaker 11: I think when she's standing still, but no one gets 520 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:52,480 Speaker 11: to stand still when they're. 521 00:25:52,280 --> 00:25:54,119 Speaker 6: Playing tennis for the most unfortunately. 522 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:57,520 Speaker 3: So she's made great strides. I mean you mentioned a 523 00:25:57,640 --> 00:25:59,440 Speaker 3: year ago she was thirty six in the world. 524 00:25:59,640 --> 00:26:02,000 Speaker 11: Go back eighteen months she was i think outside the 525 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:05,440 Speaker 11: top three hundred, and she didn't make it through Wimbledon qualifying. 526 00:26:05,520 --> 00:26:10,520 Speaker 11: She was coming back from an extended period of time 527 00:26:10,560 --> 00:26:14,640 Speaker 11: off to you know, do some work with her mental health. Yeah, 528 00:26:14,760 --> 00:26:16,800 Speaker 11: she lost her father and she was nineteen. She had 529 00:26:16,800 --> 00:26:19,280 Speaker 11: a really rough go of it in her early twenties. 530 00:26:20,160 --> 00:26:23,679 Speaker 11: Her comeback has been astonishing. If there's one word to 531 00:26:23,720 --> 00:26:26,800 Speaker 11: describe her, it's resilient. This is a woman who lost 532 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:29,920 Speaker 11: six oh six to zero in the Wimbledon finals, and 533 00:26:30,680 --> 00:26:35,200 Speaker 11: two months later she beat Eggish Chiantech at the US 534 00:26:35,280 --> 00:26:37,920 Speaker 11: Open and then beat her again at the WTA Tour finals. 535 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:39,119 Speaker 3: So it's resilient. 536 00:26:39,200 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 11: She she has a short memory, which is probably the 537 00:26:43,040 --> 00:26:45,919 Speaker 11: greatest gift anyone in tennis can possibly have. 538 00:26:46,080 --> 00:26:48,760 Speaker 10: I'd say that losing a Grand Slam six love, six 539 00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:51,480 Speaker 10: love in a final could destroy a lot of players, 540 00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:54,480 Speaker 10: but not Amanda and Nissimoment. Perhaps it will make her 541 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:57,960 Speaker 10: and be the making of her. Jessica Pogol Madison Keys. 542 00:26:58,680 --> 00:27:03,160 Speaker 10: Another couple who are in action. Well, Jessica Pagola won 543 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:06,280 Speaker 10: earlier today and as we know, Madison Keys, last year's winner, 544 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:09,200 Speaker 10: has had a few niggles and bits and pieces going 545 00:27:09,240 --> 00:27:11,040 Speaker 10: wrong for her at the end of last year. 546 00:27:11,119 --> 00:27:12,600 Speaker 6: Just looking at the men. 547 00:27:12,960 --> 00:27:17,200 Speaker 10: Ben Shelton, for me, just watching him, he's so flamboyant. 548 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:19,800 Speaker 10: We saw him last year make the semi finals here 549 00:27:19,840 --> 00:27:21,119 Speaker 10: at the Australian Open. 550 00:27:21,160 --> 00:27:23,640 Speaker 6: I think he won a lot of hearts. 551 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:28,399 Speaker 10: Also maybe against some Australian opponents not so much. But look, 552 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:31,520 Speaker 10: I really love watching him play. But that shoulder injury 553 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:36,080 Speaker 10: that he sustained that caused him to miss the US Open. 554 00:27:36,600 --> 00:27:38,800 Speaker 11: He had to drop out drop out in the fourth 555 00:27:38,800 --> 00:27:42,000 Speaker 11: set of his third round match. After the fourth set 556 00:27:42,040 --> 00:27:44,760 Speaker 11: of his third round match against Adrian Manorino, he was 557 00:27:44,880 --> 00:27:49,439 Speaker 11: up two sets to one, and very early in the 558 00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:51,520 Speaker 11: fourth set, all of a sudden he felt what he 559 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:54,880 Speaker 11: described to his father as the worst pain of his life. 560 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:58,639 Speaker 11: And look, I mean that's a terrifying thing. If you're 561 00:27:58,680 --> 00:28:01,080 Speaker 11: Ben Shelton. The guy has a high and forty five 562 00:28:01,240 --> 00:28:04,720 Speaker 11: hundred and fifty miles per hour serve his You know, 563 00:28:05,359 --> 00:28:08,320 Speaker 11: every tennis players game is built around their shoulder. Ben 564 00:28:08,359 --> 00:28:11,880 Speaker 11: Shelton's game is especially built around having a live arm 565 00:28:12,200 --> 00:28:14,919 Speaker 11: and having that big serve and having that big forehand. 566 00:28:15,520 --> 00:28:18,120 Speaker 3: He you know, had a rock, took six weeks off 567 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:18,760 Speaker 3: in the fall. 568 00:28:18,840 --> 00:28:21,320 Speaker 11: He sort of came back some to get his legs 569 00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:24,040 Speaker 11: underneath him, had a solid preseason. 570 00:28:24,119 --> 00:28:26,520 Speaker 3: He says, he's, you know, fit for battle. 571 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:29,639 Speaker 11: But this is going to be his first big test 572 00:28:30,160 --> 00:28:33,760 Speaker 11: tomorrow when he comes out on the big stage best 573 00:28:33,760 --> 00:28:36,560 Speaker 11: of five sets. And you know, he has done so 574 00:28:36,680 --> 00:28:40,520 Speaker 11: well here before. He debuted here three years ago and 575 00:28:40,840 --> 00:28:44,040 Speaker 11: went all the way to the quarterfinals last year, all 576 00:28:44,080 --> 00:28:45,240 Speaker 11: the way to the semifinals. 577 00:28:45,280 --> 00:28:48,640 Speaker 3: He loves to play here, and I think a lot. 578 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:50,280 Speaker 11: Of people are hoping he's going to be one of 579 00:28:50,320 --> 00:28:54,280 Speaker 11: these guys who can you know that join that magic 580 00:28:54,720 --> 00:28:57,479 Speaker 11: that magic air up there where Alkaraz and Center are. 581 00:28:57,760 --> 00:29:00,520 Speaker 6: He doesn't have a great record against those. 582 00:29:00,360 --> 00:29:01,600 Speaker 3: Two, but nobody does. 583 00:29:02,920 --> 00:29:07,200 Speaker 11: You know who who has a great record has a 584 00:29:07,200 --> 00:29:08,360 Speaker 11: good record against alk. 585 00:29:09,760 --> 00:29:10,160 Speaker 3: Exactly. 586 00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:12,760 Speaker 11: I mean Pat Rafter was joking the other night he 587 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:17,280 Speaker 11: has a lifetime three and zero record against Roger and 588 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:19,640 Speaker 11: you know he's going to go to his grave with that. 589 00:29:19,760 --> 00:29:21,960 Speaker 11: Of course, he of course he established him he cook 590 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:24,880 Speaker 11: before Federer really became Roger Federer, as he is the 591 00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:28,040 Speaker 11: first one to point out. But yeah, I mean those 592 00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:32,080 Speaker 11: two are just incredibly special. And the question right now 593 00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:35,880 Speaker 11: hanging around tennis is if anyone can join them. 594 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:38,440 Speaker 10: It's a big question, isn't it. Just lastly before we 595 00:29:38,520 --> 00:29:40,920 Speaker 10: wrap up the Americans and a. 596 00:29:40,880 --> 00:29:43,040 Speaker 6: Little bit of focus. But Taylor Fritz is the other. 597 00:29:42,920 --> 00:29:46,880 Speaker 10: One who's had really consistent I guess four or five years. 598 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:49,200 Speaker 10: I think the last this is his fourth straight season 599 00:29:49,320 --> 00:29:52,360 Speaker 10: inside the top ten. Now, a little bit of a 600 00:29:52,480 --> 00:29:56,960 Speaker 10: knee niggle during the United Cup, but how do you 601 00:29:57,000 --> 00:29:59,760 Speaker 10: think that's gonna play out? As just the physical nature 602 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:02,600 Speaker 10: of tennis unfortunately rearing its ugly head. 603 00:30:02,760 --> 00:30:04,280 Speaker 3: Yeah, he's got me tendonitis. 604 00:30:04,480 --> 00:30:07,680 Speaker 11: And you know I was saying to you before when 605 00:30:07,680 --> 00:30:10,120 Speaker 11: we were off the air, I've had tendonitis in my 606 00:30:10,200 --> 00:30:11,480 Speaker 11: knee and it could hurt to get up in the 607 00:30:11,520 --> 00:30:13,120 Speaker 11: middle of the night to go to the bathroom. He's 608 00:30:13,120 --> 00:30:15,520 Speaker 11: got to pay blessed of five set tennis. That could 609 00:30:15,560 --> 00:30:18,120 Speaker 11: be a challenge. I'd say the larger narrative in American 610 00:30:18,160 --> 00:30:21,680 Speaker 11: men's tennis right now is that generation of Fritz Fritz 611 00:30:21,720 --> 00:30:25,280 Speaker 11: Francis Tiaffo, who's another big star, and Tommy Paul who 612 00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:29,600 Speaker 11: have all done really well in Grand Slams at times. 613 00:30:29,680 --> 00:30:33,120 Speaker 11: Tommy Paul's a semifinalist year. They are all around twenty 614 00:30:33,160 --> 00:30:36,320 Speaker 11: eight years old. They are getting pushed now a little 615 00:30:36,360 --> 00:30:39,480 Speaker 11: bit by this next generation of Americans led by Shelton, 616 00:30:39,520 --> 00:30:42,520 Speaker 11: but also lerner Chian who won his match today and 617 00:30:42,520 --> 00:30:45,959 Speaker 11: Go five six, great win. He you know, had his 618 00:30:46,040 --> 00:30:49,000 Speaker 11: debut here last year in a very big way beat 619 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:51,640 Speaker 11: Danil Medvedev and a marathon match in the middle of 620 00:30:51,720 --> 00:30:54,520 Speaker 11: the night. And then there's Alex Michelson, who is another 621 00:30:54,560 --> 00:30:57,840 Speaker 11: American who loves to play here, who has done well here, 622 00:30:57,880 --> 00:31:01,560 Speaker 11: who is a big, big game another sort of like 623 00:31:01,840 --> 00:31:04,800 Speaker 11: he's almost like Shelton late, although that's kind of insulting 624 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:07,720 Speaker 11: him because he you know, Shelton calls him his dog 625 00:31:08,480 --> 00:31:12,200 Speaker 11: because he just loves his game. And so I think 626 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:13,920 Speaker 11: that's sort of the mini narrative there, and I think 627 00:31:13,920 --> 00:31:16,720 Speaker 11: you're going to see that this season especially, You're going 628 00:31:16,800 --> 00:31:20,600 Speaker 11: to see Tienne and Medalsen and hopefully Shelton if he 629 00:31:20,640 --> 00:31:24,240 Speaker 11: sees healthy, really sort of give that next crew of 630 00:31:24,240 --> 00:31:27,520 Speaker 11: Americans who's getting older, a real run for their money. 631 00:31:27,640 --> 00:31:29,680 Speaker 6: Thank you Matt for joining us on the Evening Serve. 632 00:31:29,720 --> 00:31:30,640 Speaker 6: It's been great having you on. 633 00:31:30,800 --> 00:31:32,640 Speaker 3: Oh, it's been great being good. 634 00:31:32,560 --> 00:31:33,640 Speaker 6: Luck with all the Americans. 635 00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:36,280 Speaker 10: There's plenty of them around in this Australian Open. 636 00:31:36,440 --> 00:31:38,920 Speaker 6: That's us for now from the Evening Serve. 637 00:31:39,400 --> 00:31:42,400 Speaker 1: Well, thank you to AO Radio, Matt Edwards in particular 638 00:31:42,480 --> 00:31:45,160 Speaker 1: and the team at the Evening Circle. Catch them tomorrow. 639 00:31:45,200 --> 00:31:48,880 Speaker 1: Speaking of tomorrow, Lexi, who are you most excited for 640 00:31:49,000 --> 00:31:50,440 Speaker 1: on day and Night three? 641 00:31:50,920 --> 00:31:54,640 Speaker 2: I am incredibly excited to watch Maya joint play in 642 00:31:54,680 --> 00:31:57,520 Speaker 2: the morning against Teresa Valentova. 643 00:31:57,120 --> 00:31:58,520 Speaker 1: The Ginger Ninja. 644 00:31:59,440 --> 00:32:02,440 Speaker 2: This will be at Maya's first Grand Slam seating at 645 00:32:02,520 --> 00:32:06,600 Speaker 2: number thirty and her second Australian Open. She hasn't won 646 00:32:06,680 --> 00:32:08,760 Speaker 2: here yet, so I'm really excited to see what she 647 00:32:08,880 --> 00:32:11,840 Speaker 2: can do, especially in front of some home fans. And 648 00:32:11,880 --> 00:32:15,200 Speaker 2: then for the night, I'm really excited for the Kia 649 00:32:15,280 --> 00:32:19,840 Speaker 2: Arena match between Grigor Dimitrov and Thomas Mahak. I think 650 00:32:19,840 --> 00:32:22,440 Speaker 2: that'd be a really fun match up. It's not necessarily 651 00:32:22,480 --> 00:32:25,360 Speaker 2: the two biggest names, but I think they will probably 652 00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:28,360 Speaker 2: match each other really well, and you know, fans on 653 00:32:28,400 --> 00:32:30,800 Speaker 2: both sides. I'm really excited for that one. 654 00:32:30,640 --> 00:32:32,600 Speaker 1: And of course we've got Jenick Sinner. We'll see him 655 00:32:32,640 --> 00:32:34,920 Speaker 1: in action for the first time with Round one spread 656 00:32:34,960 --> 00:32:37,400 Speaker 1: now over three days. The one I'm looking forward to 657 00:32:37,720 --> 00:32:40,600 Speaker 1: I mentioned it earlier gal Montfees and Dane Sweeney. Those 658 00:32:40,600 --> 00:32:43,320 Speaker 1: two will bring four or five pairs of sneakers because 659 00:32:43,360 --> 00:32:46,240 Speaker 1: they love sliding all over the court. We know Monfees 660 00:32:46,280 --> 00:32:49,160 Speaker 1: loves to entertain. It's his last season, he is going 661 00:32:49,240 --> 00:32:53,240 Speaker 1: to go down swinging, and Sweeney is an entertainer himself 662 00:32:53,280 --> 00:32:55,280 Speaker 1: as well, so we are looking forward to that great 663 00:32:55,280 --> 00:32:57,720 Speaker 1: work tonight. Lexi, thank you very much. We'll see you 664 00:32:57,760 --> 00:33:06,400 Speaker 1: tomorrow on the AO Rap Recapping Night three.