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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final: Novak Djokovic v Daniil Medvedev

by Sports Benches

Novak Djokovic fired off with an easy serve where he first built a 1st half lead 3-0. Daniil Medvedev began to fight back with the next run 3-1. After he fell behind as soon as the game started. The momentum has swapped places this time when Medvedev another point. While Djokovic struggled with the feel that began to miss valuable points.

Medvedev managed to catch up a slow start to tie with Djokovic 3-3 for the stage 1 lead. It has been a hard fought battle between the two finalists. Djokovic nearly reached the 1st set win at the first attempt 5-4. But Medvedev is not done yet with the continued resurgence in this half 5-5. Before Djokovic just closed Medvedev out for the Stage 1 win 7-5. There is some fightback from the Russian to try and save this game. But not enough though.

Both players bounced back and forth with a great battle as Djokovic won the 1st half of Stage 2. With Medvedev struggled again to push on his early start as it was from the 1st set. Before the Serbian able to bridge a productive 2nd half play. As Djokovic wins Stage 2 6-2.

Medvedev unable to find the middle ground to get himself ahead of Djokovic. Where his 1st & 2nd half runs are lopsided throughout this stage. He even felt frustrated in agony by whacking his racket. The Russian is 2-0 down for the overall lead. With Medvedev needed to find a corner somewhere to keep himself in contention. Or else it could be game over as Djokovic is one stage away from the title.

1 1/2 hours into this game Djokovic continued to extend his lead ahead of Medvedev 3-0. Again another productive next half of play from the Serbian. With three points needed to reach the finish line first. Medvedev began to fight back once more for lost time. As the Russian wanted to win Stage 3 badly for the game to continue.

The 2nd half momentum began to finally put the puzzles together by Medvedev. When he gained two points as of late in Stage 3 off Djokovic. But the Serbian however is already miles ahead 5-2. With just one point away from the title. Before he pulled off in the end via the championship point immunity that sealed his ultimate prize.

The Final score was done in one hour and 53 minutes at 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

Commiserations from the 4th seed in Daniil Medvedev. He may have started off somewhat behind Novak. His 2nd half runs began to work and almost derailed the opposition’s progress for the 1st set win. The same goes for a little bit during the 3rd set having lost the 1st half of play 3-0. But Medvedev unfortunately rushed without the foundations set by Djokovic. And it really frustrated him for the whole night. He had a great run though before the big final. Not the night he wanted to settle 2nd but we wish Daniil the best of luck.

And congratulations to Novak Djokovic with the big win tonight at Rod Laver Arena. He got the foundations right to build a healthy lead. It was there when Novak won the 1st half of play very easily 3-0. Before he was able to bridge a balanced productive run for the whole night in the office. That reflects his natural game as a top quality player. Even so in the elite group of grand slam champions.

Novak Djokovic is your winner in the Men’s Singles Final.

It has been two weeks of Australian Open Tennis from Melbourne Park. We cannot wait for 2022.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Women’s Singles Final: Jennifer Brady v Naomi Osaka

by Sports Benches

Naomi Osaka and Jennifer Brady had a competitive duel to fire off the Women’s Singles Final of the Australian Open. Brady registered a point having won some break points against her. But Osaka got into the initial halfway mark first 3-1. Brady began to fight back though to halt the opposition 2nd half run. When she tied the lead with Osaka 3-3.

Brady lacked the consistency however after a steady start where she lost the first stage to Osaka 6-4. She had a few opportunities with the advantage having won the deuces. But just unable to get past the patience needed to lock out Osaka. As the 3rd seed from Japan enjoyed an easy ride en route towards the stage 1 win. Naomi only needed one more stage that will help win this championship.

The first start of Stage 2 was too easy from Osaka who pulled off an easy lead 3-0 off Brady. While the 25 year old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania still unable to find the feel. With the inconsistent 2nd half of Stage 1 carried on here. Brady is three points away from being eliminated. And in reverse from Osaka from almost reaching the finish line. With an unlikely stage two win is her only hope.

From 4-4 during stage 1 by both players to 4-0 in stage 2 puts Osaka in a great position. Brady though finally found the middle ground to put two points back. Having overcame a series of deuce battles. Where Brady began to derail Osaka’s hopes of the championship one by one. Even it means two points behind in this stage. She was almost there to close out Osaka by a point 3-4.

But Brady felt so frustrated with the missed chances to try & make Osaka hard to reach the ball. When she lost back a point 3-5. As Brady is on thin ice to retain her bid to win an unlikely route for the title. Once again Brady is not giving up just yet. She did hold back Osaka with the close reach towards the finish line at the 1st attempt.

Before Osaka held off Brady in the end for the Stage 2 win & Women’s Singles title. Final score is 4-6, 3-6 done in 1 hr & 18 mins.

Jennifer Brady has the ability to build up the foundations needed to keep an eye on Osaka. Plus the fightback needed during late in the 2nd set. Even in a tough situation during the deuces. So she can hold the 3rd seed from Japan back. It is a great sign of never giving up as she wanted this trophy badly. But Brady was unfortunately stalled in the 2nd half of Stage 1. As well as the earlier parts of Stage 2. When the missed chances to execute in return forced to settle as runner-up. Not her night but we wish her good luck.

And Naomi Osaka was outstanding who was side by side with Brady at the start. Then she dominated the last half of the 1st set to lock Brady out. The momentum was there for a while when Osaka continued a healthy lead after the break. Although Osaka began to see some close competition from Brady. Having lost some points that began to delay her title hunt at the first attempt. But Osaka noticed her fightback with the weaknesses she identified. In which Osaka able to stop Brady from closing the lead. Before she just crossed the finish line first with another title on her hands.

What a match. What a night it has been from Rod Laver Arena. 

We cannot wait for Novak Djokovic v Daniil Medvedev for the Men’s Singles final tomorrow.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open 1st Semi-Final Men’s Singles Game: Novak Djokovic v Aslan Karatsev

by Sports Benches

It’s been a competitive semi-final meeting so far for Novak Djokovic & Aslan Karatsev. When these guys fired off side by side. Having won a few points each towards the initial halfway mark. But Karatsev stalled however with a lack of feel in the next run. While Djokovic dominant at the same time as his decline. As the Serbian wins Stage 1 6-3.

Nothing much changed for a while when Djokovic still dominant to keep himself distanced away from Karatsev. He was just narrowly ahead of the Russian 2-1. Before he was almost close to win Stage 2 easily at the 1st attempt. But Karatsev did not give up though with the fightback. When he almost denied Djokovic his possible 2nd stage win altogether. Despite some great courage in return. He was still so short in the end by Djokovic for the Stage 2 win 6-4. Aslan Karatsev needs to balance consistency if he was to win the 3rd stage. As well as Stages 4 & 5 for a harder route for the Final.

Djokovic grabbed the early headstart 2-0 to begin the 3rd stage of play. But Karatsev halted his progress with two points to tie the lead before the Serbian reached the halfway line first 3-2. Before Djokovic bridged a decent next run. Where he able to find the sweet spot & execute his finishing well in the end. Novak Djokovic is now a finalist of the 2021 Australian Open. After this win in straight sets.

The final score was done in one hour and 53 minutes: 6-3, 6-4 & 6-2.

It may not be the night Karatsev unable to continue his fairytale run out of nowhere. He already has the foundations to build each set in which pressured Djokovic on occasions. Not bad at all in the 1st half run. But a lack of 2nd half executions ultimately cost him the game in the end. Bugger not to see Karatsev make it. We wish him good luck.

And well played on Djokovic tonight where he was so good to clean Karatsev out in straight sets. His 2nd half runs was the strongest where he executed so well. And closed out Karastev on each portions. Mainly the 1st and 3rd ones are easier. After he always fired off side by side with Karastev. The 2nd set was the hardest he can overcome though. But he is now here as a finalist. He will either face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas this Sunday.

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2021 Australian Open Tennis, 4th Quarter-Final Men’s Singles Game: Stefanos Tsitsipas v Rafa Nadal

by Sports Benches

Both Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal fired off with a couple of first points on the board. They tied 2-2 apiece. As they are looking for different strategies that would help win the 1st stage. This is the 4th & final Quarter Final Game at Rod Laver Arena. With the winner will get to face Daniil Medvedev from Russia for the 2nd semi-final on Friday.

Tsitsipas however began to lose some ground in his 2nd half run of this opening stage. With two points lost against Nadal after the halfway point. Before Nadal clinched the mini win 6-3. As Tsitsipas needs to combine that 1st & 2nd half play consistently. If he wants to catch up with Nadal and win Stage 2 to tie the overall lead 1-1.

Nadal continues his strong Stage 1 with an easy headstart 2-0 v Tsitsipas. Before the Spaniard was able to bridge a dominant 2nd half run. When he pulled off a big lead with the Stage 2 win 6-2 ahead of the 3rd stage. For Tsitsipas he continued to struggle on all fronts to catch up his opponent. The only progress Tsitsipas made was holding him back during the deuces. But not enough with the finishing. Despite the late point grabbed against Nadal 2-5. 

Tsitsipas will desperately need a Stage 3 win to keep his semi-finals berth alive. And come back out of nowhere with at least another two stage wins. This is the only route he has to take now. As it is one hour & 21 minutes into the game so far tonight. With 2-0 down in the overall lead. The 4th seed from Greece had a headstart this time.

As well as the build up base in this crucial stage where Tsitsipas touched the halfway line 1st 3-2. Having won a series of duels v Nadal. Including the deuces in which it was not easy. Tsitsipas desperately scrambled to save the game by going into Stage 4. 

There is 2nd half progress at least from the Greek 5-4 ahead of Nadal. But Nadal held him back to deny Tsitsipas a Stage 3 win at the first attempt 6-6. As the Spaniard brought this into mini overtime.Tsitsipas fortunately able to close out Rafa Nadal in the end for the Stage 3 win on overtime 7-6. This game is not over just yet. It is still Nadal who has the overall lead 2-1. With Tsitsipas now needs two more Stage wins to overtime him & stage a huge comeback.

The start of Stage 4 looked very competitive with Tsitsipas and Nadal battling side by side for the lead. Nadal still needs one more Stage win to book a semis spot. Despite fallen so short behind the Greek on the mini overtime during Stage 3. The Spaniard had the first opportunity to flip towards a great 2nd half run. After Nadal touched the halfway point first 3-2. Desperately needed to close out Tsitsipas once more as it was in the first two stages to wrap it up.

Tsitsipas did not give up without a fight when he began to close in on Nadal 4-4. Having snatched this lead 5-4 when Nadal unable to overcome a few duels with the advantage. Before the 4th seed from Greece tied Nadal with the overall lead. As he wins Stage 4 6-4. It all comes down to the 5th & final stage. Where one of them will have to cross this victory line first. Both big rewards up for grabs.

It has gone right to the wire with Nadal upfront ahead of Tsitsipas earlier on. The game has already crossed the 3 1/2 hours mark when the 4th seed from Greek tied 2-2. Before Nadal began to regain the executed feel that was sorely missed in Stages 3 & 4. When he was one point away from winning Stage 5 & overall win 5-4. But Tsitsipas took advantage of Nadal’s missed conversions 5-5. In the end Tsitsipas emerged from 0-2 after Stage 2. And came back the hard way to upsurp Rafa Nadal with three straight wins. Which means he is in the semi-final now v Daniil Medvedev. The final score was done in 4 hours & 5 minutes: 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4 tie), 6-4 & 7-5.

What a comeback from Stefanos Tsitsipas. He did not have the best first two sets. Where his 1st run feel only worked alone. But began to have his executions up to speed from the 3rd set. And able to match his foundations Tsitsipas wanted to build. Where he just closed out Rafa via tiebreaker to keep himself in the game. Before he repeated the same thing again and again. Even though it is not an easy battle against such an opponent who won grand slams before. And that became the No.1 strength as to why win harder is stronger & better.

And on Rafa oh so close where he was buggered not to make it into the semis. Dominated a very easy 1st half of the match against Tsitsipas with two sets in the bag. Looked like the game would end under his watch within two hours. Rafa unfortunately did not make up these missed changes. When he began to falter with the executions. Before it was too late to fix by the time Tsitsipas emerged out from almost eliminated to eventual winner. Not just his night tonight. But best of luck as Rafa still has class to prove.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open 1st Quarter Final Men’s Singles Game: Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev

by Sports Benches

Alexander Zverev fired off to a great start ahead of Novak Djokovic. With a healthy lead 5-3. Although Novak fired back to catch up during the 2nd half run of play.

The first stage portion went into a tiebreaker. Despite the stalled progress there from Zverev. He won this mini overtime 8-6 to close Novak out with the 1st set. As the German leads here 1-0.

But Novak able to from the 2nd half of Stage 1. When the Serbian pulled off an easy start to touch the halfway mark 1st 3-0. Before it was too easy to tie with Zverev for the overall lead 1-1. As Djokovic takes out the Stage 2 win 6-2. With both men trying to vie for the semi-final spot.

Stage 3 saw Zverev jump back ahead of Novak with the lead. At least in the 1st half. And despite frustration from Novak with whacking his tennis racket. The Serbian bounced back out of nowhere having tied 4-4. Before the World No.1 pipped Zverev for the Stage 3 win 6-4.

Novak still lacking the feel as always in the 1st run. When Zverev at the same time was out in front 3-0. With just another stage win needed from the German to stay alive. He almost sinked Novak at 6-5.

But Novak held him short 6-6 going into a mini overtime. With one way or another we will really know who will end up winning this game. Both players gone through each of these tough duels 6-6. Before Novak closed Zverev out for the Stage 4 win 8-6 in the tiebreaker. Which means Novak won three stages throughout the night. As he will face Aslan Karastev from Russia in the semi-final. The final score is 6-7 (6-8 tie), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6 tie).

Zverev unfortunately came up short in the end. Always shown great ability to fire off each set. So he can try and stay away from Novak. But mightily struggled to bridge these conversions. Where it was the one area that left him down last night.

Djokovic on the other hand might have experienced some slow fire offs. Having fell behind Zverev at least during the 1st half portion. Even at one time he whacked his tennis racket in such agony. But Novak always catches up. Where he always consistent in each of the 2nd half. Before he blew Zverev by the closest of margins.

Brilliant match played by these two superstars. But Novak is the overall winner though. Roll on Day 10 of the Australian Open.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open 4th Quarter Final Women’s Singles Game: Serena Williams v Simona Halep

by Sports Benches

It’s been a great first half of battles between Serena Williams & Simona Halep in the 4th Quarter Final game. Where they both fired off side by side 2-2. Before Serena bridged an easy 2nd half run. As it is so far so powerful from Serena who took out the 1st stage 6-3.

Halep began to make up the lost time with the early Stage 2 lead ahead of Serena 2-0. The 2nd seed from Romania has the build up base to fight back her opponent. But once again Halep struggled to connect with the middle ground on her next run. Despite a few good deuce battles to try that eventually slipped away valuable points.

It turned out to be Serena’s night at Rod Laver Arena instead with the win. As the 10th seed from Saginaw, Michigan wrapped this game up easily in straight sets. The final score is 6-3, 6-3. As this tie was completed in just one hour & 20 minutes. Not too hard there from Serena who is age 39 right now. While Halep is 10 years and one month younger than her. Age is pretty much a number here.

Well played from Serena who fired off steady and then execute it to wipe off Halep in the attack. Where her next run in the 1st set was easy to pull off this mini win. May have fallen behind a bit during the early stages by Halep in the next set. But halted her finishing touches & turned into one of her own with an easy win. Her next oppontent will be Naomi Osaka from Japan in the semi-finals.

And commiserations on Simona Halep where she did not enjoy the result she wanted. The foundations are there to make the move having done so first ahead of Serena. Not just the 1st but also the 2nd sets. The only thing that lets her down is the lack of conversions. Despite some great battles in the deuces. Just unable to hold on to keep herself close to Serena. At least in the 2nd set alone which was decent. But only the 1st half alone. We wish Simona all the best as well as her Aussie coach Darren Cahill.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open 2nd Quarter Final Singles Game: Gregor Dimitrov v Aslan Karastev

by Sports Benches

It was a close 1st half battle of Stage 1 to kickstart the Quarter Finals. With Grigor Dimitrov facing off qualifier Aslan Karastev. Having gone side by side 2-2.

But it is Dimitrov who drove in the front seat during the 2nd half. When he pulled away a big lead to win Stage 1 6-2. As Karastev was blown away with a lack of feel. In which was difficult to catch up.

But the 112th qualifier seed from Russia made up lost time. With the early lead 3-2 after the initial break 2. Despite a few tough duels in the deuces part. As Karastev needs this stage win to keep himself in the game. As well another two more to help advance in the Final Four.

Dimitrov though is not giving Karastev an easy ride. Nothing much changed between these two. Both players are battling hard trying to get this Stage 2 win. Having tied 4-4 apiece. Before Karastev got the upper hand ahead of Dimitrov 5-4. And just closed Dimitrov out too easily for the Stage 2 win 6-4. The lead remains 1-1 by Dimitrov & Karastev.

The 3rd stage saw Dimitrov gone ahead up a bit. But he still struggled with a lack of middle ground to catch up. Where the Bulgarian was easily hammered by Karastev 6-1. With Karastev matched a functional 1st & 2nd half run. In which assisted his 2nd stage win after the 3rd set. He just need one more Stage win to book into the Final Four at the Aus Open.

In the end nothing has changed between the two players. With Dimitrov struck at neutral since Stage 3. Despite having the foundations to kickstart each stage portion. But unfortunately did not have the finishing tools to keep Karastev quiet. When Dimitrov picked up an injury before Stage 4. As the 112th seed from Russia won the 4th stage. Plus the win & semi-finals berth.

This Quarter Final game was done in two hours & 32 minutes. Scoreline at Rod Laver Arena is 6-2, 4-6, 1-6, 2-6. The campaign has to end here from Grigor Dimitrov. Got a great start with the early 1st set win as seen with the foundations built. But faltered for the majority having unable to close him out through the deuces. Before the conversion plays began & eventually fell down with injuries. Despite having the ability to start off a game.

He is disappointed not to overcome Karastev. Where he does not let any opponent a free a ride against him. Just not his day to remember. Good luck. While a fairytale run still going from Aslan Karastev. Might have been fired off slowly in the 1st set. But was able to catch up & connect the dots. With a great close battle to overcome Dimitrov. As he is a tough opponent. Then pulled off a big lead that is too easy to execute this game.

We will keep an eye on Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev tonight. Where the winner of this other Quarter Final tie will meet Karastev. And face this emerging star from Russia in the 1st semi-Final.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Section 8 R4 Women’s Singles Game: Iga Swiatek v Simona Halep

by Sports Benches

It was a first half close battle between Iga Swiatek v Simona Halep in Section 8 of this R4 Clash. Both players tied 3-3 through the initial halfway mark. But Swiatek pulled off the 2nd half portion lead away from Halep. As Switatek who is the 15th seed wins Stage 1 6-3.

But the second stage saw Halep bounce back real quick to prevent Swiatek from winning in straight sets. Where this portion was too good for the World No.2. With Swiatek only registered a point when she was behind 3-1. And not much progress there to hold Halep up 6-1 after the 2nd stage. Having just passed the one hour mark that will go into the 3rd & final stage of this tie. The winner will get to face the 10th seed Serena Williams in the 4th Quarter-Final.

Halep has the upper hand to take the overall lead ahead of Swiatek for the first time 2-0. Swiatek is doing everything possible to save her game. When she duels a lot with Halep. Especially in the deuces section. So Swiatek can close in on the Romanian before she can weather the storm. The Pole was a game away from being eliminated at the first attempt 3-5. Where Swiatek won a point to go 4-5. But just felt a tad short by two points in the end. Simona Halep wrapped this game up in one hour & 50 mins, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6.

Oh so close for Iga Swiatek who is aged 19 from Poland have played so well. She has the ability to fire off as demonstrated with her natural talent. As well as some close battles to hold Simona Halep back. Halep is a tough opponent where Swiatek does not let opponents walk past her easily. The only weakness is maintaining the momentum & executing these conversions. Swiatek has a big future ahead though with as a future grand slam champion.

While Halep might have lost some ground during the 2nd half of the 1st set. Where she lost to Swiatek 3-6. But Halep compensated this slow start with a very easy 2nd set run. Where she denied Swiatek a straight sets chance into the 3rd set. Before Halep profited her reprieve by escaping the 15th seed unscathed. With a Quarter-Finals meeting awaits v Serena Williams. It was a very close match tonight that was not easy. But Halep is glad to continue her journey here.

We look forward to the second week of the Grand Slam in Melbourne. Having ticked off the 1st week. With the remaining Round 4 games to wrap up before the Quarter Finals begin. And we hope by Day 11 when the fans are allowed to attend these games.

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2021 Australian Open News, Section 4, R4 Men’s Singles Game: Felix Auger-Aliassime v Aslan Karastev

by Sports Benches

The World No.20 from Canada Felix Auger-Aliassime fired off well in the 1st half of Stage 1 3-1. When Aslan Karatsev may have held the Canadian back a bit. Having fired back to desperately save his Stage 1 bid for the mini win. But was narrowly beaten to the punch by Auger-Aliassime with a three point gap. Auger-Aliassime wrapped up Stage 1 in just 39 minutes of play this afternoon. This score is 6-3.

Nothing much has changed with Auger-Aliassime held on the build up base that worked so well. Despite a little headstart Karatsev made after the 1st break. Auger-Aliassime however bridged the 1st & 2nd half runs this time too easy. With another productive stage to tie two mini wins up after just one hour of play 6-1. While Karasev still frustrated with a lack of feel on each run so far this afternoon. The Russian will need to find a solution somewhere to save his game.

Karatsev began to reach boiling point with a huge roar over his conversion play. He still has the ability to get off the mark having scored a point first. As well as the first half run that bounced back as it was in Stage 1. Where he lead Stage 3 for the first time ahead of Auger-Aliassime 3-2. Before Karasev was able to slow down his progress. As he denied Auger-Aliassime a straight sets route. With a stage win by himself after the 3rd set 6-3 that goes into Stage 4.

Auger-Aliassime however began to report the lack of middle ground this time on his end. Where the Canadian was blown away by Karatsev. Having found plenty of difficulties catching up in the 1st & 2nd half play. Before Karatsev blocked his chance to close out a win at the 2nd attempt. As Karastev won another stage to keep himself in the game. Despite a late challenge from Auger-Aliassime 6-3.

Both players are now tied 2-2 apiece going into the 5th & final stage of the afternoon. Karatsev would like to wrap it up with a decent comeback after the first two stage losses. Auger-Aliassime on the other hand can still turn his recent slump around. With just one more stage win needed to book a spot in the Quarter Final on Tuesday.

As this game just crossed the three-hour mark Karatsev still maintained his build up base momentum. Where he began to distance himself lead away from Auger-Aliassime. But the 20th seed from Canada however began to climb back 2-4. In a bid to spoil his comeback trail in the last minute. Before it was too little, too late from Auger-Aliassime. From a almost easy and then unsuccessful route in Stage 3 & 4 to an upset loss. As Aslan Karatsev dominated the 2nd half of the game out of nowhere. Despite a slow first two stages. And worked through it the hard way to get this job done.

The final score was completed in 3 hours & 25 mins: 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 3-6, 4-6. Aslan Karatsev made the Quarter Finals the conventional way via the qualifier in this competition. He was on the verge of being knocked out at the first attempt after Stage 2. By a tough opponent from Felix Auger-Aliassime. But Karatsev able to turn around with the 1st & 2nd half runs functioning together. From a 2% chance of winning at the time to 80-90% chance of winning after Stage 5.

While Auger-Aliassime dominated just the 1st half of this match on all cylinders. It looked to be an easy task to wrap it up before the two-hour mark after Stage 2. But the last half of the afternoon saw him falter. Before a lack of 1st and 2nd half consistency eventually bit back to haunt him. As his journey at the Australian Open comes to a close. Not the way how he was knocked by the Qualifer/World 112 seed from Russia. We do wish Auger-Aliassime the best of luck.

Karastev will meet either Grigor Dimitrov or Dominic Thiem in the 2nd QF game.

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Tennis Australia News, Section 8 R3 of the 2021 Australian Open Singles Game: Fabio Fognini v Alex De Minaur

by Sports Benches

Fabio Fognini and Alex De Minaur went side by side to kick off this game at Margaret Court Arena. So things went steady between the two. Fognini was the first player to pull the lead away from De Minaur past the halfway mark. De Minaur did close the lead to Fognini 4-5.

But De Minaur just did not have enough time to sort out his conversion play. After a slow first half run where he would like to fix up after the break. As Fognini wins Stage 1 6-4. Nothing much has changed going into Stage 2. Where Fognini still just ahead of De Minaur in a bid to tie two straight mini wins. De Minaur on the other hand reported a lack of feel in the 1st & 2nd half play. And it has been a frustrating night so far for De Minaur. With Fognini once again firing on all corners for the Stage 2 win 6-3. The 33 year old Italian just needs one more stage win to set up a fourth round showdown.

Nothing much unfortunately changed without the control of De Minaur. When the Australian No.1 seed alone searched all night on ways to hold down Fognini. The solutions were not there when Fognini pulled off another big lead away off De Minaur. Progress at last was finally made when De Minaur began to fight back. Where Fognini made two double faults at the first match point attempt. As well as unable to get over the net during the 2nd time of asking. But it was still a big enough lead from Fognini to close out the win. The final score was done just over two hours of play at 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Bugger for De Minaur who tied his best result of Round 3 twice here from 2019 & 2021. There is fightback and courage at last. But just left it so late until the last minute. Where he was struggling with the fire off & conversion play mightly. And that kind of little to no momentum will leave him isolated. With time eventually ran out against him to repair the Stage 1 & 2 losses. De Minaur though should take those weaknesses & come back better next time.

While Fognini has dominated this game all night to connect the 1st & 2nd half performances. And marry up all three stage victories in straight sets. Where he turned this Round 3 tonight into his 4th round ticket. He will now meet Spainard Rafael Nadal who just beat Cameron Norrie from England. Norrie was originally from South Africa & used to fly with New Zealand colours. The other game scores are 7-5, 6-2 & 7-5. Well there is no Aussies now in the Men’s singles section now. But Ash Barty is still the lone Aussie in the women’s singles where she will face Shelby Rogers from USA.

Day 6 now done at the Australian Open and the first of the five days at least without fans. We are missing the fan crowd/atmosphere & the Jim Courier post-game interviews. Just like NASCAR on NBC refused to have a theme song last year with nobody. But the organisers have to follow the strict Government rules. So we do not get sick. We cannot wait for Day 7 though tomorrow on Valentines Day. Before the finals week begins in the next few days.

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