January 17, 2024
Key posts
5.47pmShelton’s power takes him to two-set lead5.41pm‘I mean, I’m 16. Why think about rankings?’ Andreeva puts the Australian Open on notice4.44pmO’Connell, Shelton begin4.28pm‘You’ve got to enjoy this’: Hunter3.33pmDe Minaur through to third round1.27pmHow the Aussies fared 11.30am‘We are supporting women’s tennis all around the world’: Kasatkina10.45amHighlights from the Australian Open day three
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Key matches
Here are the key matches for day 4 of the Australian Open.
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5.47pm
Shelton’s power takes him to two-set lead
Shelton was all class in winning the second set 6-1 as his power game was too much for O’Connell.
Shelton’s powerful serves were a weapon for much of the second set with his fastest clocked at 223km per hour and one of his faults reaching 228km according to the courtside speed gun.
Ben Shelton.Credit: Getty Images
He had to win his last service game from deuce after going for a few extra powerful shots but it didn’t cost him anything as he steadied himself, went to his kick serve and took the win.
Shelton’s serve and volley game is great fun to watch, if he was Australian, he would be a crowd favourite, he is well on his way to winning fans over regardless.
O’Connell will need to summon something special to stay in this match now he is trailing Shelton 6-4, 6-1.
5.41pm
‘I mean, I’m 16. Why think about rankings?’ Andreeva puts the Australian Open on notice
By Scott Spits
The newest prodigy in tennis, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva, last year only half-jokingly declared that she wanted to win 25 grand slam events.
On Wednesday, after the 16-year-old shocked Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur with a second-round win on centre court wrapped up in less than an hour, Andreeva took a much more measured approach about her career trajectory.
Mirra Andreeva’s star is on the rise.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Now into the world’s top 50, one year after the heartache of losing the Australian Open girls’ final against countrywoman Alina Korneeva, Andreeva is comfortable with where she’s going and what she’s capable of.
Tennis pundits are already talking about her major prospects and at least a deep finish at this year’s Australian Open. But she said the tournament wins and rankings jumps are not front of mind.
“I just try to not to think about that,” said Andreev after the 6-0, 6-2 win over three-time major finalist Jabeur in 54 minutes.
5.33pm
Shelton breaks again
Home fans have gone from mimicry to trying to fire up O’Connell after Shelton put in his most consummate returning game of this match to break the Aussie and take a 3-1 lead.
Shelton is back serving and looking to make it 4-1 and add to his win in the first set.
His strokes and poise on the big points is telling so far.
Cries of “Fire up Chris” and “Let’s Go” have come from the crowd between points.
Ben Shelton.Credit: Getty Images
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5.28pm
Home fans give Shelton some grief
Shelton copped some jeers after celebrating a winner that made it deuce in his last service game.
His cry of “yeah” was mimicked by a few local smart-Alecs.
O’Connell had earned a couple of break chances at 15-40 but couldn’t finish the job with Shelton coming to the net and creating his own winners when his first serve wasn’t going in.
But O’Connell is right in this match despite losing the first set.
It’s 2-1 with O’Connell about to serve.
5.20pm
Shelton wins first set
No.16 seed Ben Shelton has shown his power and class winning the first set 6-4 over Chris O’Connell from Australia on John Cain Arena.
The famously partizan court is beginning to fill as the second set begins with local fans hoping to cheer O’Connell back into this match.
Shelton’s powerful shots have served him well so far.
It’s 1-1 in the second set.
5.04pm
Shelton’s power on show
Even the home fans can be heard gasping in awe as Shelton continues powering down his huge serves.
The former University of Florida Gators star just won a service game to love with his serves blowing by O’Connell, his last one was 182km per hour according to the speedometer next to the court.
But O’Connell is holding strong. He is serving at 3-4 down with games still on serve.
Ben Shelton sends down a serve in the first round.Credit: AP
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4.44pm
O’Connell, Shelton begin
The outdoor courts are back in action now the rain has cleared away and Aussie Chris O’Connell is also playing under an open roof against big-serving American Ben Shelton on John Cain Arena.
O’Connell won in five sets on the opening day and will draw in a big, partizan crowd as the afternoon turns to evening.
Chris O’Connell celebrates his first round win.Credit: Getty Images
It will be a big ask to beat Shelton, the 16th seed, but O’Connell showed in his epic win on Sunday that he fears no one on these Melbourne Park courts.
Shelton held serve to start, O’Connell is serving at 0-1 in the first set.
4.28pm
‘You’ve got to enjoy this’: Hunter
By Scott Spits
Australia’s women’s world No.1 doubles player Storm Hunter has surged into the women’s singles third round at Melbourne Park.
Hunter broke German Laura Siegemund in the eighth game of the deciding third set and grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Storm Hunter.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Hunter has won five matches at the Australian Open having fought through qualifying to reach the main draw.
“I got over the line because of the crowd. You guys are amazing. You really pulled me through,” said Hunter after her career-best singles victory.
“I’m just riding the high right now. You’ve got to enjoy this.”
Hunter said playing in front of the Australian crowd on the popular John Cain Arena court added to the joy.
“Honestly, it’s the best time of the year for Aussies,” said Hunter, who climbed into top spot on the women’s doubles rankings in November.
4.19pm
Hunter has made the third round
Storm Hunter is into the third round in three sets.
Hunter has gone from qualifying to score two wins in the main draw.
She received a huge roar in what is being called the biggest week in her singles career.
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4.17pm
Hunter has the break
Storm Hunter let out a loud “C’mon” after earning a break on Siegemund.
She is now serving for the match in what has been a very difficult final set.
Hunter is 15-15 as she serves for the match.
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