January 13, 2025 • 36 mins
Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open comeback has come to a halt at the hands of Jacob Fearnley, while Chris O’Connell has gone agonisingly close to beating Tommy Paul. It was an otherwise promising day for the home contingent with nine Australians progressing to the second round. Novak Djokovic has passed an early test against Nishesh Basavareddy to begin his tilt at an 11th Australian Open title. World No.1 Jannik Sinner has withstood a challenge from Nicolas Jarry to progress, as did women's fancy Coco Gauff, but seeds Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jelena Ostapenko have fallen at the first hurdle — Chanda Rubin and Simon Rea analyse what went wrong for the two biggest seeds to fall so far, and preview the Day 3 clash between Alex de Minaur and Botic Van de Zandschulp Plus, Ursin Caderas gets to know a different side of the men’s defending champion.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I'll set myself in some ice, hopefully get about fifteen
massages and see if fucking walk in a couple of days.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Time, Good day, and welcome to the tennis. For day
two of AO twenty twenty five, John Whovenar is bringing
you all the big news from Melbourne Park every day
of the main draw. Today on the tennis, Djokovic through,
but not without a challenge.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
He's a nice boy. I mean he's a teenager.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Still magic. Michelson sends Steph packing, I.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Came in with the proper mindset and yeah, I executed
a game.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Plan and Aussie assault. A preview of day three and
Janick Sinner opens up on life and loss.
Speaker 4 (00:36):
I believe we are tennis player and tennis players are important.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
At end of today we are nothing.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
That's all ahead on the tennis.
Speaker 5 (00:51):
Scrambling is Garcia the floating forehead. Osaka is there playing
game to the forehead. And that's long from Garcia. I
GOTSI from Naomia Soaka, who knows this court.
Speaker 6 (01:04):
Only too well.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Now me Osaka has shone under the lights of rod
laver Arena, edging past Caroline Garcia in a cracking battle.
The world number fifty one showed glimpses of the sort
of form that saw her win two AO titles in
three years. Breaking the frenchwoman served twice in a thirty
seven minute opening. Stanza Garcia had the answers in the
second set, blasting ten winners past her opponent to level
(01:27):
the match, but Osaka found an early break in the
deciding set and managed to hold Garcia at arm's length
to prevail six three, six six ' three.
Speaker 7 (01:36):
Overall, I'm just really grateful to I guess get the
opportunity to play on rod Leaver again. I was a
little shocked when I saw the schedule and it's a
really big honor for me, So thank you guys for
sticking around. Yeah, I just I really hope that I
got the chance to plan in front of you all again,
(01:57):
and thank.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
You for the Supporta's next opponent will be number twenty
seed Carolina Mukova.
Speaker 8 (02:03):
Djokovic had advantage and five to two for a place
in the second round. Serves an Asou wide and wooks
with a little bit of frustration in himself, not with
his opponent, but with his own game, and there's a
warm embrace at the net between the pair and Novak Djokovic,
the ten time champion, starts his campaign for an eleventh
(02:25):
title with a four set win over Nishesh Bassafarreati of
the United States.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Novak Djokovic is safely through to the second round of
the Australian Open, but not without his nineteen year old
opponent throwing a spanner in the works. American wild card
Nishesh bassav already stole the first set from the ten
time champ, incredibly the first opening set of an Australian
Open campaign. Djokovic has dropped since two thousand and six,
but the number seven seed soon found his groove and
(02:52):
was never headed, winning four to six, six three, six,
four six.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Two in the end.
Speaker 9 (02:57):
It was great and I think he was a better
player for set and a half and he deserves every
bit of applause that he got when he was exiting
the court.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Bus have already a finalist in Auckland, recently announcing himself
on one of the world's biggest stages in his Grand
Slam debut.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
The Quintas.
Speaker 10 (03:15):
Is a little surreal. Just seeing him in front of me,
like you're going to be competitives today is a core
feeling for sure. And then obviously on the court he
does everything really well. Just serving really well. I think
that's the biggest thing that he's improved in his career,
and today that was a big difference between me and him.
I think that ended up giving him the win. And
just how solid he is and all that. I think
(03:35):
there's a lot to learn from SGM, so definitely learned
a lot today.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Nick Kurrios has failed in his bid to overcome an
abdominal strain, slumping to a straight set's loss to Jacob
Firnley on John Kine Arena. While the home favorite looked
solid in the opening set with some blistering serves, he
was found wanting in a first set tiebreak. Then the
floodgates opened for the young Scott, who pounced on an
out of sorts curios to win seven six six three
(04:01):
seven six.
Speaker 9 (04:02):
Yeah. Obviously extremely nervous before the match, didn't get too
much sleep. I knew it was going to be a
rowty march, and but no I thought I thought I
played good. Sorry for for a neck, I could tell
he was he was dealing with some stuff. But I
thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed
playing in front of you guys.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
It brings to a premature end the campaign of Curios,
who hasn't reached the second week of his home Slam
in five years.
Speaker 11 (04:26):
Realistically, I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here. Yeah,
it was it was special, like taking that, taking that
in it was pretty good.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
It was good. Yeah.
Speaker 11 (04:38):
So yeah, I mean, look, I knew that I had
I have doubles, so I didn't want to you know,
I kind of was taking everything in tonight, you know,
in those moments. It was yeah, it was.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
It was nuts heartbreak for compatriot Chris O'Connell, who battled
for four hours before succumbing to Tommy Paul. The Aussie
had the crowd behind him all the way on Kia Arena,
trading sets with the American twelfth seed in a tug
of war of epic proportions. O'Connell had his chances in
the decider, but Paul came up clutch in the big moments,
despite showing signs of fatigue the twenty twenty three semi finalists,
(05:12):
securing a six two three, six, six one sixty seven
seventy five victory.
Speaker 10 (05:16):
Chris played some some awesome tennis, and I mean as
always that the energy in here was amazing, So thank
you guys for coming out.
Speaker 12 (05:23):
I know you didn't want me.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
To win, but.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
It's it's always a lot of fun playing.
Speaker 5 (05:28):
In front of you guys.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Meanwhile, destiny Iava played the match of her life in
front of a home crowd on court three, stealing a
win from Great Minn in a ten point super tie break,
the Aussie coming from behind to triumph five seven seven,
five seven six.
Speaker 13 (05:44):
I believed I could win before I stepped on the court.
It was just I felt like I wasn't playing my best,
and yeah, I was getting a bit negative in the
first set, and then yeah, she had a lot of momentum.
And then I just told myself, if I have to
say come on every single point that I win, then
(06:06):
I'm going to do that, and I need to do
whatever it takes.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
I will now take on twenty twenty two finalists Daniel
Collins in the second round and men's third seed Carlos
al Karez has blasted his way into the second round
and a tick under two hours with a straight sets
demolition of Alexander Chevchenko.
Speaker 14 (06:22):
Honestly, the first month of the season, you never know
how I was going to be I had the confidence
to think that he was going to be good, but
you never know. So just really really happy with the
level that I played with everything I've I've done, I've
done today, but I really want you to be better
in the nest run.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
An amazing day two of action here at the Australian Open,
particularly for the Aussies, but there were some shock results
among the international players, not least of which Stefanos Sitzipas,
Who's bundled out in four sets in the first round.
John whoven I was here on the spotlight with me
Xavier Mueller BArch Hello, welcome for your debut on.
Speaker 15 (07:03):
That I've never been on before. It's a bit of fun.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Simon rays back from the GIG team. Hello, Simon, John Isaave.
Good to be with you and for but playing now.
Commentator Chander Ruben, Welcome, Chanda Happy.
Speaker 16 (07:13):
This is my first official obligation Gig enjoyment here and
down Under, so.
Speaker 17 (07:18):
I'm looking forward to. Obligation is a strong word it is.
Speaker 16 (07:22):
I couldn't think of one, but it's it's I get
to be here.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
It's apprivileged. He love it absolutely is and it's a
pleasure to have you thank you. So a lot of
big seeds have fallen today. We didn't have many yesterday.
I think Linda Noskova was the biggest at twenty nine
in the women's Let's start though with Titsipass, who's been
bundled out by a compatriot of yours by the name
of Alex Michelson in four sets seventy five, sixty three,
two six six ' four and by Gollie Gosh. Michelson
(07:46):
has a game on him. He does.
Speaker 16 (07:48):
He's a big hitter and I'm just twenty years of age.
He's learning literally on the job in real time. He's
got the big serve, he's got the weapons from the ground,
and I think against Sitsipass it the matchup that helped him.
His ability to go down the line with the backhand
and really expose that area, open that area up against
Sitzi pass was huge and he knew going into this match,
(08:12):
playing against a top seed, that he had to go
after it. And sometimes knowing that frees you up as
a player, especially a young player, you know you have
no other choice if you want to have a shot
to win, and he handled the moment beautifully.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Cizibas hasn't gone out this early at the Australian Open
since twenty nineteen. This has been a happy hunting ground
for him. What went wrong today?
Speaker 6 (08:34):
Yeah, Well, China makes a great point in about the matchup.
It's now too zero in Mickelson's favor. So we saw
Mickelson get over the top of sitsupas in Tokyo at
the back end of the twenty twenty four season, and
we saw it again today and I think and China
makes a great point as well about the dominance of
the Michelson backhand. But I want to identify what I
think was a technical mistake from the Sidsapas camp. So
we know sitz APAs he wants to find his four
(08:55):
handedt all costs and it starts on the return of serve.
So what we see from him today quite unusually, we
don't typically see it, not to this extent on the
second serve return, on the juice side in particular, so
not so much the ad side, where he's not prepared
to give up as much width and depth. He goes
way back five and six meters behind the baseline and
what Medvedev terak what he does when you give up
(09:16):
that type of territory against someone like Alex Michelson with
the type of backhand that he's got, is you allow
Alex Michelson to then have ascendency in the point and
he dominates thereafter. So what it then turns into, and
trying to mention the backhand is this backhand exchange and
I ransom numbers on the backhand side. So Mickelson's winners
versus eras ratio just off the back end winging this match.
(09:37):
Of the total number of back ends he hit, fifteen
percent were winners, eleven percent were eras. When you flip
that script, sit sur passes backhand side, which has always
been the whole we know about that, that's where opponents
try to get to. It's not so easy to do,
but that's what they're all trying to achieve. Four percent
winners off the backhand side, seventeen percent errors. So I
think a lot of this trace is back to serve
and return and his decision to go so far back
(09:59):
on second serve return and looking for his forehand. There's
a trade off there, there's a price you pay, and
Mickelson was able to make him pay that price.
Speaker 15 (10:07):
Toret me through the last couple of years. So I
was actually standing next to Tormy dred Craig Tarley twenty
twenty three Men's final, since Pass was there, the crowd
was loving him. It was an epic knight. Since then,
how are we now talking about a first round loss?
What has anything changed in that two year period or
are we talking just little tweaks in the last few months.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Well, I think there's been some substantial change in the
CITs of Pass camp. So we know the relationship clearly
that he's had with his father from the coaching perspective,
that's now shifted. And I think the gains or the
margins here are so fine that it doesn't take you
being a long way off your game as an elite athlete.
Alex Michelson's a coming star in the game. So if
(10:48):
you are a little bit off, and I think we've
spoken about a couple of the areas where in this
particular matchup there's the potential for CITs best to get exposed,
then you pay the price. And I think you know,
just to double down on the point made before. I
don't know what Sitzpass was doing going so far back
on second server return because he wants the points short
when the points were short in this match zero to
(11:08):
four shots, he wins eighty two. Michelson wins seventy one.
When the points start to lengthen the script totally flips.
So five to eight shots, thirty seven rallies one for Michelson,
twenty four for Sisu plus nine plus it comes out
in the wash fourteen twelve. So if you want short points,
don't go back five and six meters behind the baseline
(11:29):
on second server.
Speaker 15 (11:30):
Now, what's going the daddy? You're looking at coaches, they
haven't have that in hand.
Speaker 6 (11:35):
Yeah, well, clearly it was a plan going in, and
I think Change is identifying what it is he's looking
for his forehand there on second server return. So to
get that you need time. But the trade off in
creating time is you're giving up space. And my hypothesis anyway,
or what I'm putting forward to the panel tonight, is
that it didn't work in his favor on this occasion.
(11:55):
So next time, and it won't be at the twenty
twenty five AO, look for a change on second server
time from Sizer person that matchup.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
It's two wins in a row now in this matchup
for Alex Michelson big things to come from him. Well,
another upset Chanda on day two happened in the women's draw,
and Elena Ostapenko, who tends to do a lot of
damage around these parts in January, is out of the competition.
Belinda Benchitch strikes six, three, seven six.
Speaker 16 (12:19):
I think we've been looking to see when Belinda benchicch
with makes some moves after coming back from maternity leave.
And I saw her play a bit at the end
of the season and also to start this year, and
she has that type of game that can handle pace,
that can handle big hitting, and that's what Astapinko serves
up me. She's looking to hit big and bigger, and
(12:41):
the redirect from Benchic. She's been playing more confidently, getting
the fitness side of things back, and you could see
that coming and I think that came into play in
a big way against Ostapinco. And remember this matchup between
these two, they go back, they go way back into
junior into junior days, and so I think, you know, again,
you look at matchups on these courts first round coming in,
(13:04):
you're not quite as confident Ostapinco, maybe not as many
wins coming into this year's aos as she might have liked,
and against an opponent who can redirect the way Benchic can,
who can return and take the ball a little bit earlier.
That was the perfect counter to the pace of Yolene Ostapinco.
And I also was impressed with how well Benchic handled
(13:25):
the moment. That's always what you kind of wonder with
a player coming back who was off for so many
months off tour. But she handled the moment well. Defending
when Ostapinko saved match points, she kind of kept her poise,
saved a couple of set points herself into that tie break,
and so I think handling the moment, handling the pressure.
(13:45):
I mean, we're seeing Belinda Bencicic coming back in real
time and it's a fantastic win for her and against
a player who she matches up well against.
Speaker 15 (13:56):
And she had some really cute photos when she was,
you know, not Akapabliev, when she was playing in sit little
her daughter was on court with her little kiss on
the side of court. I just love watching the outside
of the match play players seeing their real selves, you know,
their family, their friends, following on social It's just it's
where you want to look at them.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
In the surface definitely seeing that type of insight, and
I reckon that's.
Speaker 15 (14:18):
A really insight you can get from a player on
their social media if you really think about it, you
can go, Okay, they're out having a big night and
I'm playing them tomorrow.
Speaker 17 (14:26):
This is going to be good.
Speaker 15 (14:27):
Oh they've got a new baby. They're going to be tired.
This is going to be good. Oh they've got a
new coach and they're doing an ice bath. I'm in trouble.
I need to get myself one of those.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So yeah, look a little deeper, folks, you heard of
your perennial fan favourite. So how did she chant to
use the word redirect? But how did she absorb some
of that power game coming?
Speaker 6 (14:43):
I think first of all as well in the preparation
phase that leads to getting here today on the opening
Monday of the opening week of the twenty twenty five
straight up and so Belinda benchit goes and bees a
part and is a part of the Swiss team at
the United Cup, then goes to Adelaide, has to come
through qualifying man to do that, picks up another couple
of matches, couple of tough matches, gets her retirement over
Kellen Skyer, but goes three sets with sam Sonova and Adelaide.
(15:06):
So it's time on court, it's building, it's the type
of preparation you want to see. And then today and
Chinda mentioned it and makes a great point. If you
have a poor serving day against Belinda Benchic, she is
going to come after you on second serve return. There's
not many players in the world that return more aggressively
than Belinda Bencicic. Well, unfortunately for us to Pinco, she
had a poor serving day. She serves at fifty two
(15:28):
percent today in terms of first serves in play, she
wins just thirty four percent of her second serve points.
And that's the benchitch pressure. That's what she does to you.
She will not hold back on second serve return and
she will keep coming after you no matter what. And
then it turned into a little bit of a battle
of the foehands and it was that the hole for
us to Pinco today from the back of the court
was on four hand side. Of the seventy nine fourhands
(15:49):
she hit, twenty two were eras. That's a twenty eight
percent error rate on the four hand side. Belinda Benchic,
by contrast, thirteen percent error fourhand side. So those are
a couple of things. You have a poor serving day,
you cough up too many ears on full hand sawd,
you're in trouble against an athlete the caliber Blenda Benchic.
Speaker 16 (16:05):
Yeah, I think you know when you look at Benchic
and I think, you know she's still building, you know,
I think in terms of the instinctiveness of her game
and the movement and some of those things you've got
to have live match play to really get to a
high level. I think she's still building in that area.
But she still has such a high tennis IQ and
she understands where to put position herself on the court,
(16:29):
what the likely reply is going to be from a
player who is kind of playing one way. In Ostapinko,
you know, she's just hitting the ball and it's not
as thoughtful at times, especially when she's not as confident.
So I think it was in terms of the matchup,
a little bit of a mismatch down the stretch in
that sense, even though it was a very tight second set.
(16:50):
But this I think played right into Benja's hands and
she was ready for the moment. And we talk about
her personal life and being happy off court and being
a new mom which she's coming back incredibly quick as well.
It's phenomenal to see. But a lot of that takes
the pressure off and just allows you to handle those
moments that Blenda Benjach handled so beautifully today and that upset.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
Turning the spotlight to day three now, a couple of
really interesting matchups to look up. Firstly with the man Simon,
Australia's number one Alex Deminor has a tricky first up encounter.
Baltic funders On School, the Dutchman who took down Raphael
and Nadal at the Davis Cup finals.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
Yeah, and these guys have played before too. You have
to go back a few years, but you're back in
the twenty twenty two Davis Cup campaign. I think they
met and it was a tight three setter between Demonor
and Vanderson Scoop on that occasion. So it's a dangerous matchup.
Vanders On School the last couple of seasons not as
successful from his perspective as when he was at his
career high. From a rankings perspective, He's got a big fourhand,
(17:50):
can do a lot of damage with the forehead, uses
the slice backhand more than we would see from most players.
So there's a couple of different things or a couple
of elements of danger there for demon. But I think
we're all waiting, certainly those of us down under, all
waiting with baited breath. I think we've all got an
asterix on on Alex and we're all just wanting to
see him have a good hit out, a solid hit out.
Perhaps be challenged, but not to the point where you know,
(18:12):
our palms are too sweaty. We'd like him to get
through with a degree of comfort and build his momentum
across the fortnite. That's what we're all hoping for.
Speaker 15 (18:18):
We're seeing it up a bit though. Does he really
have a lot to worry about or it just be cautious?
He should he be optimistic? Taught me through it.
Speaker 6 (18:26):
I think it's probably somewhere in the middle. So certainly,
if you're in the in the camp, you're always on
red alert, and as an athlete, you can place never
afford not to be. Is it a realistic through Yeah, Look,
I think on paper, sure, yep, he's a red hot favorite.
But you know you've got to go and play the game.
That's why they don't just send you through to the
second round because it's not done on pat.
Speaker 15 (18:46):
That's why he gets this is why it's my first
and last.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
I think it's great confidence in the body. Alex spoke
about getting the legs back at United Cup. He finally
feels like all his weapons about how important would that
be for aply and knowing that he's at one hundred
percent going into his home Slam.
Speaker 16 (19:03):
Yeah, I think it's huge. I mean, when you go
into a major, there's a different kind of nervousness. Even
if you aren't the nervous type, you know, there's just
that little bit of tension that comes into play. These
are the big events you want to do well at,
So those are the intangibles you're dealing with as a player.
And then you add to it, this is your home major,
and it's just huge. So in terms of how your
(19:24):
body reacts and how you go out there and play,
there's sometimes things you can't explain. Even though you see
a player and you go, I mean, he should be
beating this guy hands down, it's not going to be
the case. There is an equalizer that that occurs at
these events, especially in the first round. And Vanda Zenskulp,
he's a dangerous guy. I mean, he's twenty two in
the world at his high that was a couple of
years ago. He has this ability to match up and
(19:48):
play big time tennis against you know, top players, against
top tenors. He's gotten a couple of wins, you know,
significant wins over top ten players, you know, the last
couple of seasons ago. And he always is an unknown
quantity in that sense if he can put it together. Mentally,
that being said, I think Demonor from a mental standpoint,
(20:11):
is just the more solid player. He's got a much
better vein and history of winning and winning tough matches
and big matches under pressure. I think that's going to
come into play. And if it does get into that zone,
you gotta favor Demonor all day long. That's a Van
de Zensculp can keep it close. He's a good athlete
(20:32):
vand Zenskulp. He has that ability to play in the
different areas of the court. He's going to have to
bring that type of game. But with that being said,
I think Demonor, with his movement, with his ability to
come forward, take some chances, take some risk. You know,
he's such a smart player around the court. Demonor and
I think that's going to come into play and it's
going to be too much for Vanderzensculp to handle overall.
(20:53):
But you know, we'll see when you toss the balls up.
That's kind of the fun of it. And I think
Demonoor is going to accept that challenge. And that's the
first important part of it, you know, to not show
away to.
Speaker 15 (21:03):
One of the real tests for vander Vantsko is going
to be the Aussie fans. How's he going to cope
when there are fourteen thousand plus Aussies screaming for demon
and he's maybe have a little contingent.
Speaker 16 (21:17):
Remember at Davis Cup against the doll there was nobody
wanting him to win.
Speaker 11 (21:23):
He came and just there we.
Speaker 6 (21:25):
Got some recent practices.
Speaker 16 (21:31):
Secret actually better in those situations than when he's expected
to win good. So you know, that could that could
be interesting. I still think Demonor is going to have
what it takes, but it could be interesting.
Speaker 15 (21:43):
I mean, he's loving underdog, but we also love an Aussie.
So five gripping sets and we'll see what happens to.
Speaker 6 (21:51):
Taking the game.
Speaker 15 (21:55):
You probably just want to win.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Four Well, it might not have been the night for
curios Or O'Connell, but it was still a pretty good
day to be an Aussie. Nine out of twelve Australians
won through to the second round, with young gun Talia
Gibson setting the trend. Earlier in the day, the twenty
year old notched her first major winner for her career,
(22:17):
and it was closely followed by a triumph from Isiler
Tom Lanovich, while the men's contingent of Jordan Thompson, Alex Vukich,
James Duckworth, Tristan Schoolcate, James McCabe and the Nasi Kokinakis
all secured spots in the round of sixty four. Kochin
Arkus particularly relieved to make it through after a physical
three six six three six three seven six win.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Just another one of my stupid long matches. I could barely.
Speaker 3 (22:43):
Sleep last night.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
A lot of anxiety coming out here. I knew the
crowd was going to be packed and it was going
to be incredible. Like you wait for moments like this,
you train for moments like this, so to play in
front of you guys was incredible.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
You guys whirled me through.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
I was struggling there and.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
You boys were unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
Sit myself in some eyes, hopefully get about fifteen massages
and see if I can walk in a couple of
days time.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Ozzie wildcard Ala Tomlanovitch has brushed off first round nerves
against American Ashland Krueger in a three set dogfight. It
was only last week that Kruger took the points in Adelaide,
but today the Ossie had the last laugh, winning sixty
four four six sixty four, A positive sign for the
thirty one year old as her body gets back on
track after an injury hampered past two years. As she
(23:27):
explained to Craig Gabriel on AO Radio.
Speaker 3 (23:29):
Heil Tomlanovitch, nice to see you.
Speaker 18 (23:31):
Nice to see you as well.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
How have you been?
Speaker 13 (23:35):
You had to pull out of Brisbane there was a niggle,
so physically generally, how are you feeling?
Speaker 18 (23:40):
I feel really good, you know. It was really sad
that Brizzy couldn't happen for me and it was just
a bit too early. I had a bit more to
go just with my match prep. But feeling really good now.
I mean, probably my best match physically since two years
ago that I played.
Speaker 13 (23:57):
Today, really two years ago.
Speaker 18 (24:00):
Yeah, I mean I even though I've played you know,
on and off last years, it just haven't really gotten
it right, and I've you know, it wasn't for the
lack of trying. I definitely have been trying to find
so many solutions just to feel how I used to feel.
And it got pretty close today to really just focusing
on my game and not completely forgetting about my knee
(24:22):
and my troubles.
Speaker 13 (24:22):
Yeah, tell me about how satisfied you were with this result.
Speaker 18 (24:28):
Oh it's pretty up there, I will say, especially having
lost her last week, And honestly, I thought I didn't
play badly at all, especially after it being my first
match back in a while, and I feel like I
came in with with a bit more knowledge about her
game and her tendencies. But also you know, there it
was a rollercoaster today, and to keep my emotions and
(24:48):
check and just not give up and try to at
the same time enjoy the moment, which we tend to
forget sometimes when we're out there. I just thought to myself,
you know, I'm playing in front of a you know,
on my favorite cord, in front of a pretty full crowd,
and this is what I kind of work for, and
the fact that I get to produce some good tennis
was a great thing as well. So I just tried
(25:09):
to embrace it and really try to win, because there's
no other feeling like winning.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
Tom Lanovich next faces Diana Schneider, who accounted for Italy's
Elisabetta Cocciareto.
Speaker 19 (25:19):
He's one of his last thirteen matches in straight sets,
and now that becomes match number fourteen in straight sets.
He's on a sixteen match winning streak. Takes out Chilli's
Nicholas Jarry in straits seven sets, seven six, six, one,
two hours and forty minutes. It's job done for the
(25:41):
world number one.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Janick Sinna has withstood a gallant performance from Nicholas Jarry
in his first match of the season to win through
to the second round. As predicted by Simon Ray on
yesterday's episode, Jarry took it up to the defending champ,
taking him to two tie break sets without a single
break of serve. But I found a chink in the
Chilean's armor early in the third set and broke a
(26:03):
second time, closing it out seven six, seven, six, six
to one.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
No, he was playing really really well, to be honest,
especially serving incredibly good and important moments.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
Also from the back of the court.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
He was returning really well, playing aggressive, so you know
I could have forallceolastic first couple of sets.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
You know, you know we're not sinner.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Now faces Ozzie wildcard Tristan school Kate, who turned around
a first set deficit to beat Tarot Daniel in four.
Speaker 5 (26:31):
It's a serve down the tee on the forehand of golf.
It's a short ball ken it all. She's made a
hash of that. A fourhand at the open court, missed
by some Marchin and Coco goff Is.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Through Coco Gough has moved through to the second round,
beating compatriot Sophia Kennon in straight sets. The former AO
champion gave GoF a run for her money, breaking her
serve in the first, but the world number three quickly settled,
sending down twelve bases across the match. As midday some
threatened her ball toss. GoF zeroed in to win eighty
(27:03):
eight percent of her first serves in the second set.
Speaker 12 (27:06):
On the first, like you know, you can like change
your toss a little bit and you go for more
of on the second. It was a bit tougher because
obviously most people kind of throw their second serf tofts
to the left to get that kick, and that was
kind of right where the sun was and it kind
of like didn't move at all like the match, So yeah,
I was a bit struggling, and it was kind of
(27:27):
one of those things like when she served on that side,
she I noticed she went a bit slower on first
serves to get that higher percentage, and I kind of
kept serving the same speed because I was getting so
many aces. So it's one of those things. I think
that's just like a decision that I have to make
in the moment.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
One of the queens of Melbourne Park has been dethroned
on day two, with Victoria Azarenka falling to Italy's Lucia Bronzetti.
After dropping the opening set, the two time champion managed
to take the second set to a tie break, but
was soon staring down the barrel of five match points,
Bronzetti storming into the second round for the second time.
(28:04):
Six two seven, six.
Speaker 20 (28:06):
Yeah, I'm very I'm very happy and proud of myself today.
I think that I played really well against a great champion,
so yeah, it can be more happier.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Francis Tiafo has overcome cramping and nausea to outlast Arthur
Rinderknek in a four hour, five set drama. Tiafo took
a two sets to one lead before his body betrayed
him in the fourth set, vomiting on the side of
court and forcing play to be momentarily paused to clean
up the mess. Minutes later, he lost the fourth set
tiebreak before bravely fighting back to win the decider, ceiling
(28:39):
a seven six sixty three four six sixty seven six '
three result. Tiafo a bit coy after a tumultuous post
game recovery.
Speaker 21 (28:47):
Walked around for a while in locker room, just stitches
and cart to manager. They're finally going to shower, finally
a pastille, not film ray. But at the same time,
you do feel great. You can see in another day,
so you're feel even worse if you know you feel
like this and you're out of the term. But you
(29:08):
know I'm still in so promisly sleeps and I have
a little chuckle on my face for sure.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
Second seed, Igish Fianceek made light work of Katerina Sindi Arkiva,
winning six three six four, adding to her incredible first
round record in Melbourne.
Speaker 22 (29:21):
Yeah, I only I think lost once in the first round.
It was at Winbroom twenty eighteen, so I wish this tournament.
I wish I didn't play so my start would be
a perfect But yeah, I mean, I'm happy. It shows
that I'm consistent and I always kind of I'm just
more confident. I think before some I'm even paying this
first match. I know that no matter what's going to happen,
(29:43):
like I have, I have kind of the stats, so
I should just do what I always do and it
will be good.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Other winners on day two Jess Pagoula, Elena Fittalina, Marta
kostyuk leod Mila sam Sonova, Carolina Mukhova and Anastasia pavlo Chenkova,
and for the men, Jack Draper, Felix u Ja see
seb Quarter and lucky loser Francesco Passaro, who led a
set to love when his opponent Griggordomitrov was forced to
retire with a hip injury, and qualifier Yanna Fett was
(30:11):
just inches away from a free pass into the second
round when Wimbledon champ Marquetevon Drusova withdrew due to an
injury she suffered in Adelaideluy loser Harriet Dart took her place,
ultimately downing Fete in a third set tiebreak. Well, yesterday
we heard Ersin's car ride with Arena Sablenca. Ersin's back today.
(30:32):
Is this all you do, go around with professional tennis
players in cars?
Speaker 17 (30:36):
I wish because we really kind of managed to get
their personalities out a little bit more in the car
rather than a in a studio in a one on
one interview. So yes, I'm all for it. I did
a few of those interviews. But now that the tournament's
up and running, you know, it's back to the studio.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
And today we're going to hear one that you took
with the defending champion in Yannick Cina, who's actually a
resident of a town not too far away from your
own hometown.
Speaker 17 (31:06):
Yeah, my hometown is in the Swiss Alps, and it's
about a five hour drive down to the Italian the
Northern Italian Alps, where they speak German as well, where
Yannick Cina is from a town called Sexton. And we
spoke a bit about, you know, about our Christmas is
because we both spend Christmas in the mountains. White Christmas,
(31:28):
and then it suddenly got turned into turned and it
got quite reflective and a bit sad as well.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
Oh, let's hear a little bit from your journey with Janickxina.
Speaker 17 (31:46):
This is the first time driving back to Melbourn Park
since you won your first Grand Slam.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
How do you feel about it?
Speaker 4 (31:52):
Yeah, it's a very hot day today. You know, coming
back to the place I said defending champion is it's
a nice feeling. It's a different feeling. It's a very
special place for me where obviously many things started.
Speaker 17 (32:05):
Do you get the penhouse sweet or something at the
hotel now that you're an AO champion?
Speaker 3 (32:11):
I have the I have the same room as last year.
Speaker 4 (32:14):
I do remember the thirty six on my room last year,
and I have thirty six again.
Speaker 17 (32:19):
You want to repeat not just the room number, but
also what you did last year.
Speaker 4 (32:23):
I am in a different position at the moment. This
year was so different for me because of the loss
of my aunt last year, and.
Speaker 3 (32:33):
I was they are just different.
Speaker 4 (32:37):
It was like I could talk with her about everything,
even when she was sick, and she always tried to
put you know, her effort in trying to let me feel.
Speaker 3 (32:48):
A loved person and that she was a very lovely person.
Speaker 17 (32:53):
Do you feel like in a way you'll be carrying
her memory with you.
Speaker 3 (32:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (33:01):
I'm here now and in this stage with a different mindset,
you know, because I believe we are a tennis player,
and tennis players are important.
Speaker 3 (33:09):
By the end of the day, we are nothing in
this world.
Speaker 4 (33:12):
So you know, I'm trying to have the people around us,
the people we love from our heart is much more
important than in winning tournaments, even if winning tournaments is
that what we work for for.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Years and years. Here is already a match feeling, you
know when you come here, When on.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
Match day you step out of the car, the beginning
of the Grand Slam, there are so many people around,
and it's.
Speaker 3 (33:36):
A nice Grand Slam.
Speaker 4 (33:37):
That's because they change always small things to try to
make it better. Were the first day here, first time
going on the court, and hopefully I can also play
some good tennis this year, but obviously it's it's going
to be very difficult.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Well, Victoria, the Rankers AO campaign may have come to
an abrupt ending today, but it doesn't undermine her incredible
record at this event. The dual champion recently spoke to
Matt and viv from The sit Down podcast to discuss
her relationship with the Australian Open.
Speaker 18 (34:14):
Have you ever stopped and thought about how much this
tournament has changed your life?
Speaker 20 (34:19):
Oh?
Speaker 23 (34:19):
Yeah, Actually I don't think really that much, but it
definitely has. It changed my life since the junior days
when I came here for the first time, I just
fell in love with this place and I think I
just wanted to do good because when I feel good,
I play good, you know, So coming back here, but
(34:39):
Australiana Opened definitely has changed my life. Tennis has changed
my life drastically, and I'm very, very grateful for not
only you know, the achievements that I've had on the
tennis court, but all the things that I was able
to achieve off court, all the friendships that I've been
able to build my friends. You know, the diversity of
(34:59):
my francis My best friends is Turkish, Japanese, Mexican and
Belarusians and stuff. So it's very cool the pool that
I've been able to create. I think while I play,
it's very hard for me to have that reflection and
understanding of what I've done in the sport. And I'm
(35:20):
not the best in talking about myself, but I definitely
feel it. In a few years, so whenever I decided
to start playing, I'll have hopefully the moment of that reflection.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
And you can hear more of that conversation with Victoria
as a nker and more episodes of the sit Down
by searching for The sit Down wherever you get your podcasts.
That's all for Day two of the Australian Open. Join
us again tomorrow for all of the big stories from
Day three the conclusion of the first round. Be sure
to subscribe to never miss an episode, and please consider
(35:55):
leaving a rating in review so more people can discover
the tennis. You can also watch out daily spotlight segment
on our YouTube channel, Australian Open TV and I'll catch
you tomorrow for more of the tennis
I'll set myself in some ice, hopefully get about fifteen
massages and see if fucking walk in a couple of days.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Time, Good day, and welcome to the tennis. For day
two of AO twenty twenty five, John Whovenar is bringing
you all the big news from Melbourne Park every day
of the main draw. Today on the tennis, Djokovic through,
but not without a challenge.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
He's a nice boy. I mean he's a teenager.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Still magic. Michelson sends Steph packing, I.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Came in with the proper mindset and yeah, I executed
a game.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Plan and Aussie assault. A preview of day three and
Janick Sinner opens up on life and loss.
Speaker 4 (00:36):
I believe we are tennis player and tennis players are important.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
At end of today we are nothing.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
That's all ahead on the tennis.
Speaker 5 (00:51):
Scrambling is Garcia the floating forehead. Osaka is there playing
game to the forehead. And that's long from Garcia. I
GOTSI from Naomia Soaka, who knows this court.
Speaker 6 (01:04):
Only too well.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Now me Osaka has shone under the lights of rod
laver Arena, edging past Caroline Garcia in a cracking battle.
The world number fifty one showed glimpses of the sort
of form that saw her win two AO titles in
three years. Breaking the frenchwoman served twice in a thirty
seven minute opening. Stanza Garcia had the answers in the
second set, blasting ten winners past her opponent to level
(01:27):
the match, but Osaka found an early break in the
deciding set and managed to hold Garcia at arm's length
to prevail six three, six six ' three.
Speaker 7 (01:36):
Overall, I'm just really grateful to I guess get the
opportunity to play on rod Leaver again. I was a
little shocked when I saw the schedule and it's a
really big honor for me, So thank you guys for
sticking around. Yeah, I just I really hope that I
got the chance to plan in front of you all again,
(01:57):
and thank.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
You for the Supporta's next opponent will be number twenty
seed Carolina Mukova.
Speaker 8 (02:03):
Djokovic had advantage and five to two for a place
in the second round. Serves an Asou wide and wooks
with a little bit of frustration in himself, not with
his opponent, but with his own game, and there's a
warm embrace at the net between the pair and Novak Djokovic,
the ten time champion, starts his campaign for an eleventh
(02:25):
title with a four set win over Nishesh Bassafarreati of
the United States.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Novak Djokovic is safely through to the second round of
the Australian Open, but not without his nineteen year old
opponent throwing a spanner in the works. American wild card
Nishesh bassav already stole the first set from the ten
time champ, incredibly the first opening set of an Australian
Open campaign. Djokovic has dropped since two thousand and six,
but the number seven seed soon found his groove and
(02:52):
was never headed, winning four to six, six three, six,
four six.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Two in the end.
Speaker 9 (02:57):
It was great and I think he was a better
player for set and a half and he deserves every
bit of applause that he got when he was exiting
the court.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Bus have already a finalist in Auckland, recently announcing himself
on one of the world's biggest stages in his Grand
Slam debut.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
The Quintas.
Speaker 10 (03:15):
Is a little surreal. Just seeing him in front of me,
like you're going to be competitives today is a core
feeling for sure. And then obviously on the court he
does everything really well. Just serving really well. I think
that's the biggest thing that he's improved in his career,
and today that was a big difference between me and him.
I think that ended up giving him the win. And
just how solid he is and all that. I think
(03:35):
there's a lot to learn from SGM, so definitely learned
a lot today.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Nick Kurrios has failed in his bid to overcome an
abdominal strain, slumping to a straight set's loss to Jacob
Firnley on John Kine Arena. While the home favorite looked
solid in the opening set with some blistering serves, he
was found wanting in a first set tiebreak. Then the
floodgates opened for the young Scott, who pounced on an
out of sorts curios to win seven six six three
(04:01):
seven six.
Speaker 9 (04:02):
Yeah. Obviously extremely nervous before the match, didn't get too
much sleep. I knew it was going to be a
rowty march, and but no I thought I thought I
played good. Sorry for for a neck, I could tell
he was he was dealing with some stuff. But I
thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed
playing in front of you guys.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
It brings to a premature end the campaign of Curios,
who hasn't reached the second week of his home Slam
in five years.
Speaker 11 (04:26):
Realistically, I can't really see myself probably playing singles again here. Yeah,
it was it was special, like taking that, taking that
in it was pretty good.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
It was good. Yeah.
Speaker 11 (04:38):
So yeah, I mean, look, I knew that I had
I have doubles, so I didn't want to you know,
I kind of was taking everything in tonight, you know,
in those moments. It was yeah, it was.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
It was nuts heartbreak for compatriot Chris O'Connell, who battled
for four hours before succumbing to Tommy Paul. The Aussie
had the crowd behind him all the way on Kia Arena,
trading sets with the American twelfth seed in a tug
of war of epic proportions. O'Connell had his chances in
the decider, but Paul came up clutch in the big moments,
despite showing signs of fatigue the twenty twenty three semi finalists,
(05:12):
securing a six two three, six, six one sixty seven
seventy five victory.
Speaker 10 (05:16):
Chris played some some awesome tennis, and I mean as
always that the energy in here was amazing, So thank
you guys for coming out.
Speaker 12 (05:23):
I know you didn't want me.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
To win, but.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
It's it's always a lot of fun playing.
Speaker 5 (05:28):
In front of you guys.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Meanwhile, destiny Iava played the match of her life in
front of a home crowd on court three, stealing a
win from Great Minn in a ten point super tie break,
the Aussie coming from behind to triumph five seven seven,
five seven six.
Speaker 13 (05:44):
I believed I could win before I stepped on the court.
It was just I felt like I wasn't playing my best,
and yeah, I was getting a bit negative in the
first set, and then yeah, she had a lot of momentum.
And then I just told myself, if I have to
say come on every single point that I win, then
(06:06):
I'm going to do that, and I need to do
whatever it takes.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
I will now take on twenty twenty two finalists Daniel
Collins in the second round and men's third seed Carlos
al Karez has blasted his way into the second round
and a tick under two hours with a straight sets
demolition of Alexander Chevchenko.
Speaker 14 (06:22):
Honestly, the first month of the season, you never know
how I was going to be I had the confidence
to think that he was going to be good, but
you never know. So just really really happy with the
level that I played with everything I've I've done, I've
done today, but I really want you to be better
in the nest run.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
An amazing day two of action here at the Australian Open,
particularly for the Aussies, but there were some shock results
among the international players, not least of which Stefanos Sitzipas,
Who's bundled out in four sets in the first round.
John whoven I was here on the spotlight with me
Xavier Mueller BArch Hello, welcome for your debut on.
Speaker 15 (07:03):
That I've never been on before. It's a bit of fun.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Simon rays back from the GIG team. Hello, Simon, John Isaave.
Good to be with you and for but playing now.
Commentator Chander Ruben, Welcome, Chanda Happy.
Speaker 16 (07:13):
This is my first official obligation Gig enjoyment here and
down Under, so.
Speaker 17 (07:18):
I'm looking forward to. Obligation is a strong word it is.
Speaker 16 (07:22):
I couldn't think of one, but it's it's I get
to be here.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
It's apprivileged. He love it absolutely is and it's a
pleasure to have you thank you. So a lot of
big seeds have fallen today. We didn't have many yesterday.
I think Linda Noskova was the biggest at twenty nine
in the women's Let's start though with Titsipass, who's been
bundled out by a compatriot of yours by the name
of Alex Michelson in four sets seventy five, sixty three,
two six six ' four and by Gollie Gosh. Michelson
(07:46):
has a game on him. He does.
Speaker 16 (07:48):
He's a big hitter and I'm just twenty years of age.
He's learning literally on the job in real time. He's
got the big serve, he's got the weapons from the ground,
and I think against Sitsipass it the matchup that helped him.
His ability to go down the line with the backhand
and really expose that area, open that area up against
Sitzi pass was huge and he knew going into this match,
(08:12):
playing against a top seed, that he had to go
after it. And sometimes knowing that frees you up as
a player, especially a young player, you know you have
no other choice if you want to have a shot
to win, and he handled the moment beautifully.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Cizibas hasn't gone out this early at the Australian Open
since twenty nineteen. This has been a happy hunting ground
for him. What went wrong today?
Speaker 6 (08:34):
Yeah, Well, China makes a great point in about the matchup.
It's now too zero in Mickelson's favor. So we saw
Mickelson get over the top of sitsupas in Tokyo at
the back end of the twenty twenty four season, and
we saw it again today and I think and China
makes a great point as well about the dominance of
the Michelson backhand. But I want to identify what I
think was a technical mistake from the Sidsapas camp. So
we know sitz APAs he wants to find his four
(08:55):
handedt all costs and it starts on the return of serve.
So what we see from him today quite unusually, we
don't typically see it, not to this extent on the
second serve return, on the juice side in particular, so
not so much the ad side, where he's not prepared
to give up as much width and depth. He goes
way back five and six meters behind the baseline and
what Medvedev terak what he does when you give up
(09:16):
that type of territory against someone like Alex Michelson with
the type of backhand that he's got, is you allow
Alex Michelson to then have ascendency in the point and
he dominates thereafter. So what it then turns into, and
trying to mention the backhand is this backhand exchange and
I ransom numbers on the backhand side. So Mickelson's winners
versus eras ratio just off the back end winging this match.
(09:37):
Of the total number of back ends he hit, fifteen
percent were winners, eleven percent were eras. When you flip
that script, sit sur passes backhand side, which has always
been the whole we know about that, that's where opponents
try to get to. It's not so easy to do,
but that's what they're all trying to achieve. Four percent
winners off the backhand side, seventeen percent errors. So I
think a lot of this trace is back to serve
and return and his decision to go so far back
(09:59):
on second serve return and looking for his forehand. There's
a trade off there, there's a price you pay, and
Mickelson was able to make him pay that price.
Speaker 15 (10:07):
Toret me through the last couple of years. So I
was actually standing next to Tormy dred Craig Tarley twenty
twenty three Men's final, since Pass was there, the crowd
was loving him. It was an epic knight. Since then,
how are we now talking about a first round loss?
What has anything changed in that two year period or
are we talking just little tweaks in the last few months.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Well, I think there's been some substantial change in the
CITs of Pass camp. So we know the relationship clearly
that he's had with his father from the coaching perspective,
that's now shifted. And I think the gains or the
margins here are so fine that it doesn't take you
being a long way off your game as an elite athlete.
Alex Michelson's a coming star in the game. So if
(10:48):
you are a little bit off, and I think we've
spoken about a couple of the areas where in this
particular matchup there's the potential for CITs best to get exposed,
then you pay the price. And I think you know,
just to double down on the point made before. I
don't know what Sitzpass was doing going so far back
on second server return because he wants the points short
when the points were short in this match zero to
(11:08):
four shots, he wins eighty two. Michelson wins seventy one.
When the points start to lengthen the script totally flips.
So five to eight shots, thirty seven rallies one for Michelson,
twenty four for Sisu plus nine plus it comes out
in the wash fourteen twelve. So if you want short points,
don't go back five and six meters behind the baseline
(11:29):
on second server.
Speaker 15 (11:30):
Now, what's going the daddy? You're looking at coaches, they
haven't have that in hand.
Speaker 6 (11:35):
Yeah, well, clearly it was a plan going in, and
I think Change is identifying what it is he's looking
for his forehand there on second server return. So to
get that you need time. But the trade off in
creating time is you're giving up space. And my hypothesis anyway,
or what I'm putting forward to the panel tonight, is
that it didn't work in his favor on this occasion.
(11:55):
So next time, and it won't be at the twenty
twenty five AO, look for a change on second server
time from Sizer person that matchup.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
It's two wins in a row now in this matchup
for Alex Michelson big things to come from him. Well,
another upset Chanda on day two happened in the women's draw,
and Elena Ostapenko, who tends to do a lot of
damage around these parts in January, is out of the competition.
Belinda Benchitch strikes six, three, seven six.
Speaker 16 (12:19):
I think we've been looking to see when Belinda benchicch
with makes some moves after coming back from maternity leave.
And I saw her play a bit at the end
of the season and also to start this year, and
she has that type of game that can handle pace,
that can handle big hitting, and that's what Astapinko serves
up me. She's looking to hit big and bigger, and
(12:41):
the redirect from Benchic. She's been playing more confidently, getting
the fitness side of things back, and you could see
that coming and I think that came into play in
a big way against Ostapinco. And remember this matchup between
these two, they go back, they go way back into
junior into junior days, and so I think, you know, again,
you look at matchups on these courts first round coming in,
(13:04):
you're not quite as confident Ostapinco, maybe not as many
wins coming into this year's aos as she might have liked,
and against an opponent who can redirect the way Benchic can,
who can return and take the ball a little bit earlier.
That was the perfect counter to the pace of Yolene Ostapinco.
And I also was impressed with how well Benchic handled
(13:25):
the moment. That's always what you kind of wonder with
a player coming back who was off for so many
months off tour. But she handled the moment well. Defending
when Ostapinko saved match points, she kind of kept her poise,
saved a couple of set points herself into that tie break,
and so I think handling the moment, handling the pressure.
(13:45):
I mean, we're seeing Belinda Bencicic coming back in real
time and it's a fantastic win for her and against
a player who she matches up well against.
Speaker 15 (13:56):
And she had some really cute photos when she was,
you know, not Akapabliev, when she was playing in sit little
her daughter was on court with her little kiss on
the side of court. I just love watching the outside
of the match play players seeing their real selves, you know,
their family, their friends, following on social It's just it's
where you want to look at them.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
In the surface definitely seeing that type of insight, and
I reckon that's.
Speaker 15 (14:18):
A really insight you can get from a player on
their social media if you really think about it, you
can go, Okay, they're out having a big night and
I'm playing them tomorrow.
Speaker 17 (14:26):
This is going to be good.
Speaker 15 (14:27):
Oh they've got a new baby. They're going to be tired.
This is going to be good. Oh they've got a
new coach and they're doing an ice bath. I'm in trouble.
I need to get myself one of those.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So yeah, look a little deeper, folks, you heard of
your perennial fan favourite. So how did she chant to
use the word redirect? But how did she absorb some
of that power game coming?
Speaker 6 (14:43):
I think first of all as well in the preparation
phase that leads to getting here today on the opening
Monday of the opening week of the twenty twenty five
straight up and so Belinda benchit goes and bees a
part and is a part of the Swiss team at
the United Cup, then goes to Adelaide, has to come
through qualifying man to do that, picks up another couple
of matches, couple of tough matches, gets her retirement over
Kellen Skyer, but goes three sets with sam Sonova and Adelaide.
(15:06):
So it's time on court, it's building, it's the type
of preparation you want to see. And then today and
Chinda mentioned it and makes a great point. If you
have a poor serving day against Belinda Benchic, she is
going to come after you on second serve return. There's
not many players in the world that return more aggressively
than Belinda Bencicic. Well, unfortunately for us to Pinco, she
had a poor serving day. She serves at fifty two
(15:28):
percent today in terms of first serves in play, she
wins just thirty four percent of her second serve points.
And that's the benchitch pressure. That's what she does to you.
She will not hold back on second serve return and
she will keep coming after you no matter what. And
then it turned into a little bit of a battle
of the foehands and it was that the hole for
us to Pinco today from the back of the court
was on four hand side. Of the seventy nine fourhands
(15:49):
she hit, twenty two were eras. That's a twenty eight
percent error rate on the four hand side. Belinda Benchic,
by contrast, thirteen percent error fourhand side. So those are
a couple of things. You have a poor serving day,
you cough up too many ears on full hand sawd,
you're in trouble against an athlete the caliber Blenda Benchic.
Speaker 16 (16:05):
Yeah, I think you know when you look at Benchic
and I think, you know she's still building, you know,
I think in terms of the instinctiveness of her game
and the movement and some of those things you've got
to have live match play to really get to a
high level. I think she's still building in that area.
But she still has such a high tennis IQ and
she understands where to put position herself on the court,
(16:29):
what the likely reply is going to be from a
player who is kind of playing one way. In Ostapinko,
you know, she's just hitting the ball and it's not
as thoughtful at times, especially when she's not as confident.
So I think it was in terms of the matchup,
a little bit of a mismatch down the stretch in
that sense, even though it was a very tight second set.
(16:50):
But this I think played right into Benja's hands and
she was ready for the moment. And we talk about
her personal life and being happy off court and being
a new mom which she's coming back incredibly quick as well.
It's phenomenal to see. But a lot of that takes
the pressure off and just allows you to handle those
moments that Blenda Benjach handled so beautifully today and that upset.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
Turning the spotlight to day three now, a couple of
really interesting matchups to look up. Firstly with the man Simon,
Australia's number one Alex Deminor has a tricky first up encounter.
Baltic funders On School, the Dutchman who took down Raphael
and Nadal at the Davis Cup finals.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
Yeah, and these guys have played before too. You have
to go back a few years, but you're back in
the twenty twenty two Davis Cup campaign. I think they
met and it was a tight three setter between Demonor
and Vanderson Scoop on that occasion. So it's a dangerous matchup.
Vanders On School the last couple of seasons not as
successful from his perspective as when he was at his
career high. From a rankings perspective, He's got a big fourhand,
(17:50):
can do a lot of damage with the forehead, uses
the slice backhand more than we would see from most players.
So there's a couple of different things or a couple
of elements of danger there for demon. But I think
we're all waiting, certainly those of us down under, all
waiting with baited breath. I think we've all got an
asterix on on Alex and we're all just wanting to
see him have a good hit out, a solid hit out.
Perhaps be challenged, but not to the point where you know,
(18:12):
our palms are too sweaty. We'd like him to get
through with a degree of comfort and build his momentum
across the fortnite. That's what we're all hoping for.
Speaker 15 (18:18):
We're seeing it up a bit though. Does he really
have a lot to worry about or it just be cautious?
He should he be optimistic? Taught me through it.
Speaker 6 (18:26):
I think it's probably somewhere in the middle. So certainly,
if you're in the in the camp, you're always on
red alert, and as an athlete, you can place never
afford not to be. Is it a realistic through Yeah, Look,
I think on paper, sure, yep, he's a red hot favorite.
But you know you've got to go and play the game.
That's why they don't just send you through to the
second round because it's not done on pat.
Speaker 15 (18:46):
That's why he gets this is why it's my first
and last.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
I think it's great confidence in the body. Alex spoke
about getting the legs back at United Cup. He finally
feels like all his weapons about how important would that
be for aply and knowing that he's at one hundred
percent going into his home Slam.
Speaker 16 (19:03):
Yeah, I think it's huge. I mean, when you go
into a major, there's a different kind of nervousness. Even
if you aren't the nervous type, you know, there's just
that little bit of tension that comes into play. These
are the big events you want to do well at,
So those are the intangibles you're dealing with as a player.
And then you add to it, this is your home major,
and it's just huge. So in terms of how your
(19:24):
body reacts and how you go out there and play,
there's sometimes things you can't explain. Even though you see
a player and you go, I mean, he should be
beating this guy hands down, it's not going to be
the case. There is an equalizer that that occurs at
these events, especially in the first round. And Vanda Zenskulp,
he's a dangerous guy. I mean, he's twenty two in
the world at his high that was a couple of
years ago. He has this ability to match up and
(19:48):
play big time tennis against you know, top players, against
top tenors. He's gotten a couple of wins, you know,
significant wins over top ten players, you know, the last
couple of seasons ago. And he always is an unknown
quantity in that sense if he can put it together. Mentally,
that being said, I think Demonor from a mental standpoint,
(20:11):
is just the more solid player. He's got a much
better vein and history of winning and winning tough matches
and big matches under pressure. I think that's going to
come into play. And if it does get into that zone,
you gotta favor Demonor all day long. That's a Van
de Zensculp can keep it close. He's a good athlete
(20:32):
vand Zenskulp. He has that ability to play in the
different areas of the court. He's going to have to
bring that type of game. But with that being said,
I think Demonor, with his movement, with his ability to
come forward, take some chances, take some risk. You know,
he's such a smart player around the court. Demonor and
I think that's going to come into play and it's
going to be too much for Vanderzensculp to handle overall.
(20:53):
But you know, we'll see when you toss the balls up.
That's kind of the fun of it. And I think
Demonoor is going to accept that challenge. And that's the
first important part of it, you know, to not show
away to.
Speaker 15 (21:03):
One of the real tests for vander Vantsko is going
to be the Aussie fans. How's he going to cope
when there are fourteen thousand plus Aussies screaming for demon
and he's maybe have a little contingent.
Speaker 16 (21:17):
Remember at Davis Cup against the doll there was nobody
wanting him to win.
Speaker 11 (21:23):
He came and just there we.
Speaker 6 (21:25):
Got some recent practices.
Speaker 16 (21:31):
Secret actually better in those situations than when he's expected
to win good. So you know, that could that could
be interesting. I still think Demonor is going to have
what it takes, but it could be interesting.
Speaker 15 (21:43):
I mean, he's loving underdog, but we also love an Aussie.
So five gripping sets and we'll see what happens to.
Speaker 6 (21:51):
Taking the game.
Speaker 15 (21:55):
You probably just want to win.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Four Well, it might not have been the night for
curios Or O'Connell, but it was still a pretty good
day to be an Aussie. Nine out of twelve Australians
won through to the second round, with young gun Talia
Gibson setting the trend. Earlier in the day, the twenty
year old notched her first major winner for her career,
(22:17):
and it was closely followed by a triumph from Isiler
Tom Lanovich, while the men's contingent of Jordan Thompson, Alex Vukich,
James Duckworth, Tristan Schoolcate, James McCabe and the Nasi Kokinakis
all secured spots in the round of sixty four. Kochin
Arkus particularly relieved to make it through after a physical
three six six three six three seven six win.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Just another one of my stupid long matches. I could barely.
Speaker 3 (22:43):
Sleep last night.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
A lot of anxiety coming out here. I knew the
crowd was going to be packed and it was going
to be incredible. Like you wait for moments like this,
you train for moments like this, so to play in
front of you guys was incredible.
Speaker 3 (22:54):
You guys whirled me through.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
I was struggling there and.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
You boys were unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
Sit myself in some eyes, hopefully get about fifteen massages
and see if I can walk in a couple of
days time.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Ozzie wildcard Ala Tomlanovitch has brushed off first round nerves
against American Ashland Krueger in a three set dogfight. It
was only last week that Kruger took the points in Adelaide,
but today the Ossie had the last laugh, winning sixty
four four six sixty four, A positive sign for the
thirty one year old as her body gets back on
track after an injury hampered past two years. As she
(23:27):
explained to Craig Gabriel on AO Radio.
Speaker 3 (23:29):
Heil Tomlanovitch, nice to see you.
Speaker 18 (23:31):
Nice to see you as well.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
How have you been?
Speaker 13 (23:35):
You had to pull out of Brisbane there was a niggle,
so physically generally, how are you feeling?
Speaker 18 (23:40):
I feel really good, you know. It was really sad
that Brizzy couldn't happen for me and it was just
a bit too early. I had a bit more to
go just with my match prep. But feeling really good now.
I mean, probably my best match physically since two years
ago that I played.
Speaker 13 (23:57):
Today, really two years ago.
Speaker 18 (24:00):
Yeah, I mean I even though I've played you know,
on and off last years, it just haven't really gotten
it right, and I've you know, it wasn't for the
lack of trying. I definitely have been trying to find
so many solutions just to feel how I used to feel.
And it got pretty close today to really just focusing
on my game and not completely forgetting about my knee
(24:22):
and my troubles.
Speaker 13 (24:22):
Yeah, tell me about how satisfied you were with this result.
Speaker 18 (24:28):
Oh it's pretty up there, I will say, especially having
lost her last week, And honestly, I thought I didn't
play badly at all, especially after it being my first
match back in a while, and I feel like I
came in with with a bit more knowledge about her
game and her tendencies. But also you know, there it
was a rollercoaster today, and to keep my emotions and
(24:48):
check and just not give up and try to at
the same time enjoy the moment, which we tend to
forget sometimes when we're out there. I just thought to myself,
you know, I'm playing in front of a you know,
on my favorite cord, in front of a pretty full crowd,
and this is what I kind of work for, and
the fact that I get to produce some good tennis
was a great thing as well. So I just tried
(25:09):
to embrace it and really try to win, because there's
no other feeling like winning.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
Tom Lanovich next faces Diana Schneider, who accounted for Italy's
Elisabetta Cocciareto.
Speaker 19 (25:19):
He's one of his last thirteen matches in straight sets,
and now that becomes match number fourteen in straight sets.
He's on a sixteen match winning streak. Takes out Chilli's
Nicholas Jarry in straits seven sets, seven six, six, one,
two hours and forty minutes. It's job done for the
(25:41):
world number one.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Janick Sinna has withstood a gallant performance from Nicholas Jarry
in his first match of the season to win through
to the second round. As predicted by Simon Ray on
yesterday's episode, Jarry took it up to the defending champ,
taking him to two tie break sets without a single
break of serve. But I found a chink in the
Chilean's armor early in the third set and broke a
(26:03):
second time, closing it out seven six, seven, six, six
to one.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
No, he was playing really really well, to be honest,
especially serving incredibly good and important moments.
Speaker 3 (26:13):
Also from the back of the court.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
He was returning really well, playing aggressive, so you know
I could have forallceolastic first couple of sets.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
You know, you know we're not sinner.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Now faces Ozzie wildcard Tristan school Kate, who turned around
a first set deficit to beat Tarot Daniel in four.
Speaker 5 (26:31):
It's a serve down the tee on the forehand of golf.
It's a short ball ken it all. She's made a
hash of that. A fourhand at the open court, missed
by some Marchin and Coco goff Is.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Through Coco Gough has moved through to the second round,
beating compatriot Sophia Kennon in straight sets. The former AO
champion gave GoF a run for her money, breaking her
serve in the first, but the world number three quickly settled,
sending down twelve bases across the match. As midday some
threatened her ball toss. GoF zeroed in to win eighty
(27:03):
eight percent of her first serves in the second set.
Speaker 12 (27:06):
On the first, like you know, you can like change
your toss a little bit and you go for more
of on the second. It was a bit tougher because
obviously most people kind of throw their second serf tofts
to the left to get that kick, and that was
kind of right where the sun was and it kind
of like didn't move at all like the match, So yeah,
I was a bit struggling, and it was kind of
(27:27):
one of those things like when she served on that side,
she I noticed she went a bit slower on first
serves to get that higher percentage, and I kind of
kept serving the same speed because I was getting so
many aces. So it's one of those things. I think
that's just like a decision that I have to make
in the moment.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
One of the queens of Melbourne Park has been dethroned
on day two, with Victoria Azarenka falling to Italy's Lucia Bronzetti.
After dropping the opening set, the two time champion managed
to take the second set to a tie break, but
was soon staring down the barrel of five match points,
Bronzetti storming into the second round for the second time.
(28:04):
Six two seven, six.
Speaker 20 (28:06):
Yeah, I'm very I'm very happy and proud of myself today.
I think that I played really well against a great champion,
so yeah, it can be more happier.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Francis Tiafo has overcome cramping and nausea to outlast Arthur
Rinderknek in a four hour, five set drama. Tiafo took
a two sets to one lead before his body betrayed
him in the fourth set, vomiting on the side of
court and forcing play to be momentarily paused to clean
up the mess. Minutes later, he lost the fourth set
tiebreak before bravely fighting back to win the decider, ceiling
(28:39):
a seven six sixty three four six sixty seven six '
three result. Tiafo a bit coy after a tumultuous post
game recovery.
Speaker 21 (28:47):
Walked around for a while in locker room, just stitches
and cart to manager. They're finally going to shower, finally
a pastille, not film ray. But at the same time,
you do feel great. You can see in another day,
so you're feel even worse if you know you feel
like this and you're out of the term. But you
(29:08):
know I'm still in so promisly sleeps and I have
a little chuckle on my face for sure.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
Second seed, Igish Fianceek made light work of Katerina Sindi Arkiva,
winning six three six four, adding to her incredible first
round record in Melbourne.
Speaker 22 (29:21):
Yeah, I only I think lost once in the first round.
It was at Winbroom twenty eighteen, so I wish this tournament.
I wish I didn't play so my start would be
a perfect But yeah, I mean, I'm happy. It shows
that I'm consistent and I always kind of I'm just
more confident. I think before some I'm even paying this
first match. I know that no matter what's going to happen,
(29:43):
like I have, I have kind of the stats, so
I should just do what I always do and it
will be good.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Other winners on day two Jess Pagoula, Elena Fittalina, Marta
kostyuk leod Mila sam Sonova, Carolina Mukhova and Anastasia pavlo Chenkova,
and for the men, Jack Draper, Felix u Ja see
seb Quarter and lucky loser Francesco Passaro, who led a
set to love when his opponent Griggordomitrov was forced to
retire with a hip injury, and qualifier Yanna Fett was
(30:11):
just inches away from a free pass into the second
round when Wimbledon champ Marquetevon Drusova withdrew due to an
injury she suffered in Adelaideluy loser Harriet Dart took her place,
ultimately downing Fete in a third set tiebreak. Well, yesterday
we heard Ersin's car ride with Arena Sablenca. Ersin's back today.
(30:32):
Is this all you do, go around with professional tennis
players in cars?
Speaker 17 (30:36):
I wish because we really kind of managed to get
their personalities out a little bit more in the car
rather than a in a studio in a one on
one interview. So yes, I'm all for it. I did
a few of those interviews. But now that the tournament's
up and running, you know, it's back to the studio.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
And today we're going to hear one that you took
with the defending champion in Yannick Cina, who's actually a
resident of a town not too far away from your
own hometown.
Speaker 17 (31:06):
Yeah, my hometown is in the Swiss Alps, and it's
about a five hour drive down to the Italian the
Northern Italian Alps, where they speak German as well, where
Yannick Cina is from a town called Sexton. And we
spoke a bit about, you know, about our Christmas is
because we both spend Christmas in the mountains. White Christmas,
(31:28):
and then it suddenly got turned into turned and it
got quite reflective and a bit sad as well.
Speaker 2 (31:35):
Oh, let's hear a little bit from your journey with Janickxina.
Speaker 17 (31:46):
This is the first time driving back to Melbourn Park
since you won your first Grand Slam.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
How do you feel about it?
Speaker 4 (31:52):
Yeah, it's a very hot day today. You know, coming
back to the place I said defending champion is it's
a nice feeling. It's a different feeling. It's a very
special place for me where obviously many things started.
Speaker 17 (32:05):
Do you get the penhouse sweet or something at the
hotel now that you're an AO champion?
Speaker 3 (32:11):
I have the I have the same room as last year.
Speaker 4 (32:14):
I do remember the thirty six on my room last year,
and I have thirty six again.
Speaker 17 (32:19):
You want to repeat not just the room number, but
also what you did last year.
Speaker 4 (32:23):
I am in a different position at the moment. This
year was so different for me because of the loss
of my aunt last year, and.
Speaker 3 (32:33):
I was they are just different.
Speaker 4 (32:37):
It was like I could talk with her about everything,
even when she was sick, and she always tried to
put you know, her effort in trying to let me feel.
Speaker 3 (32:48):
A loved person and that she was a very lovely person.
Speaker 17 (32:53):
Do you feel like in a way you'll be carrying
her memory with you.
Speaker 3 (32:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (33:01):
I'm here now and in this stage with a different mindset,
you know, because I believe we are a tennis player,
and tennis players are important.
Speaker 3 (33:09):
By the end of the day, we are nothing in
this world.
Speaker 4 (33:12):
So you know, I'm trying to have the people around us,
the people we love from our heart is much more
important than in winning tournaments, even if winning tournaments is
that what we work for for.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Years and years. Here is already a match feeling, you
know when you come here, When on.
Speaker 4 (33:29):
Match day you step out of the car, the beginning
of the Grand Slam, there are so many people around,
and it's.
Speaker 3 (33:36):
A nice Grand Slam.
Speaker 4 (33:37):
That's because they change always small things to try to
make it better. Were the first day here, first time
going on the court, and hopefully I can also play
some good tennis this year, but obviously it's it's going
to be very difficult.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Well, Victoria, the Rankers AO campaign may have come to
an abrupt ending today, but it doesn't undermine her incredible
record at this event. The dual champion recently spoke to
Matt and viv from The sit Down podcast to discuss
her relationship with the Australian Open.
Speaker 18 (34:14):
Have you ever stopped and thought about how much this
tournament has changed your life?
Speaker 20 (34:19):
Oh?
Speaker 23 (34:19):
Yeah, Actually I don't think really that much, but it
definitely has. It changed my life since the junior days
when I came here for the first time, I just
fell in love with this place and I think I
just wanted to do good because when I feel good,
I play good, you know, So coming back here, but
(34:39):
Australiana Opened definitely has changed my life. Tennis has changed
my life drastically, and I'm very, very grateful for not
only you know, the achievements that I've had on the
tennis court, but all the things that I was able
to achieve off court, all the friendships that I've been
able to build my friends. You know, the diversity of
(34:59):
my francis My best friends is Turkish, Japanese, Mexican and
Belarusians and stuff. So it's very cool the pool that
I've been able to create. I think while I play,
it's very hard for me to have that reflection and
understanding of what I've done in the sport. And I'm
(35:20):
not the best in talking about myself, but I definitely
feel it. In a few years, so whenever I decided
to start playing, I'll have hopefully the moment of that reflection.
Speaker 2 (35:34):
And you can hear more of that conversation with Victoria
as a nker and more episodes of the sit Down
by searching for The sit Down wherever you get your podcasts.
That's all for Day two of the Australian Open. Join
us again tomorrow for all of the big stories from
Day three the conclusion of the first round. Be sure
to subscribe to never miss an episode, and please consider
(35:55):
leaving a rating in review so more people can discover
the tennis. You can also watch out daily spotlight segment
on our YouTube channel, Australian Open TV and I'll catch
you tomorrow for more of the tennis
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