Australian Open 2024 LIVE updates: Teen sensation ousts Jabeur; Demon blitzes Arnaldi; Storm battles in third set

On KIA Arena, Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk let out some strong emotions after she won a 10-point tiebreaker in the third set to beat No.29 seed Elise Mertens tonight.

Kostyuk cried and than celebrated. Cameras in the tunnels showed her hugging and celebrating with her team post match.

She said that the Australian Open means a lot to her because it was where she made her professional debut and she was excited to be in the third round.

The pictures really tell the story.

Marta Kostyuk.Credit: AP

Marta Kostyuk.Credit: AP

Marta Kostyuk.Credit: AP

Stefanos Tsitsipas was asked by John McEnroe what will it take for him to finally win a Grand Slam after making two finals, including last year’s decider loss to Novak Djokovic.

What do you think it takes for you to get over the hump? You have been so close. You have been in two finals, Grand Slams. What’s if going to take for you to make that final step?

Tsitsipas: Well, it’s one of the two scenarios and I think numbers don’t lie. Novak has been able to win here 10 times. He is a very selfish person. So, if he just manages to wake up one-day feeling a sharing is scaring more type of vibe, then I guess [he laughs].

There are two scenarios. Whether someone needs to beat Novak, that is not me or it has to be me.

So we will have to find a way, either way.

Stefanos Tsitsipas.Credit: Getty Images

Novak Djokovic says he hopes his best form is still to come after needing four sets to win each of his opening two games at the Australian Open.

Djokovic said his best form was still to come and he had faced two talented young players in his early matches.

Novak Djokovic.Credit: AP

“I haven’t been playing my best but still trying to find my form,” Djokovic told Jim Courier post match.

“In the earlier rounds, you play players who have nothing to lose. They come out on centre court and try to play their best games.

“I think both my first and second round opponent were really, really great quality tennis players and managed to find a way to win four. That’s what counts in the end.

“Hopefully, I will be able to build this as the tournament progressed.”

Djokovic said he was lucky to win the third set after Popyrin missed a potential winner on set point.

“He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it. I didn’t do anything special. I was lucky,” Djokovic said.

“He was the better player for a set and a half. The momentum shifted in the tiebreak. I put one more ball into the court than he did.

“Credit to him for tactically coming out with the right game plan and serving big. He deserves a round of applause for his performance tonight.”

Djokovic wasn’t asked about his verbal clash with the fan in the fourth set.

Novak Djokovic had to work for it and grapple with some fan commentary he found too much to ignore but the 10-time champion is into the third round.

Djokovic won in four sets 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 but needed five match points before he could seal the win.

Djokovic let out a scream and punched the air after his win.

Popyrin was down three match points in his service game at 5-2 but he battled back to win that game and make it 5-3.

Djokovic lost just one game after calling out the alleged heckler early in the fourth set.

Novak Djokovic.Credit: Eddie Jim

Djokovic has fired up and taken a 5-2 lead in the fourth set.

Popyrin is now serving to stay in the match.

Djokovic appears to have been taunted by a member or members of the crowd as he started his last service game.

The world No. 1 stopped play and approached the stands, beckoning someone to come closer and saying: “Come and say that in my face”.

The situation seems to have been diffused and play continues, but there is tension on Rod Laver Arena in this fourth set.

Novak Djokovic.Credit: Getty Images

Jim Courier was asked during commentary if Djokovic had called out rude fans as a way to fire himself up in recent times.

“I don’t know if he needs it but it has happened,” Courier said during commentary.

“When he has found some aggravation in the stands, he has generally played well after it.

“He wins the point and then snarls at him.

“If that gentleman hasn’t been escorted from the stands, there is a good chance he will snarl back at him at some point.”

Djokovic wins the tiebreak and takes a two sets to one lead.

Popyrin for all his effort is getting a harsh lesson in what it takes to beat Novak in a five set grand slam match: unrelenting prowess – especially on the big points – not just long bursts of it.

Djokovic leads 6-3, 4-6, 7-6.

Djokovic claimed the set by winning a 19-shot rally where he outlasted Popyrin and lured him into hitting wide.