Laura Robson, the presenter on TNT Sports, describes it as “pure kismet” that Jannik Sinner’s match against Eliot Spizzirri was halted when it was due to extreme heat. The Italian was cramping badly at the time and said afterwards that he “got lucky”.

Below you will find links to all our Australian Open news pieces from today, including a report on Naomi Osaka’s injury-enforced withdrawal. Stan Wawrinka also bowed out today, at 40, after a four-set defeat by Taylor Fritz.

“I had so many emotions here the last 20 years because of you guys,” Wawrinka told the crowd after his loss. “It’s been an amazing journey. I won my first grand slam here. I’ve always enjoyed being back, so much support, and the reason I was still playing is because of you, because of the love of the game, the emotion you can give me. I’m sad to leave but it’s been an amazing journey.

“All those years, guys, I saw you enjoying the tennis, I saw you supporting us, I saw you drinking [he laughs and so do the fans] – the other day I told you about it – and now I can enjoy. If you don’t mind I would like to share a beer with Craig [Tiley, tournament director].”

Wawrinka then went to the drinks box and grabbed a couple of cans, one for him and one for Tiley, and they have a drink. A nice way to bow out. (Apparently, it was ginger beer).

That is the lot from us for today. Thanks for reading and we’ll be back tomorrow for more.

The Australian Open’s clique of champions didn’t have it easy on Saturday. Jannik Sinner survived despite severe cramps. Novak Djokovic was almost disqualified for a near miss with a ballgirl. Stan Wawrinka played at Melbourne Park for the last time. And Naomi Osaka was an 11th-hour withdrawal from her third round clash with an abdomen complaint.

By comparison, Australian Maddison Inglis – the unheralded qualifier who at 28 is still hoping to crack the top 100 – had it easy. After the walkover from the Osaka match, Inglis waltzes into the fourth round and a clash with the No 2 seed Iga Swiatek, a week after she was almost eliminated in the first round of qualifying. “I was down two match points in that match,” she told Channel Nine. “Tennis is pretty crazy like that.”

“I’m definitely relieved,” Ruud tells the on-court interviewer Barbara Schett. “Marin is a tremendous player, still at 37 or 38, he still rips the ball, plays so well, and it’s amazing to see. He’s had an incredible career, a finalist here, won the US Open final, a final at Wimbledon, the semis at Roland Garros, so he’s almost “run” all the grand slams. So it’s really really tough matches against him always, but yeah like you said, super-happy not to be out there in the fifth with him at this point. Happy to be talking to you instead.

What was his mindset when down a break in the fourth?

“I didn’t have many break chances since the second set, so I was kind of frustrated with not even getting any chances … not being able to play in his service games. I was thinking: ‘Fifth, here we go’ and was getting ready for a tough deciding set. But suddenly a few mistakes came out of his racket, and I was there to put one extra ball in, and luckily I had a few points that went my way, and that’s how tennis is.”

Ruud hit 25 aces today – his record.

“Yeah, wow. Becoming a serve-bot. It’s not typical that I get 25 free points in a match with my serve. So my shoulder is working, yeah, let’s hopefully keep it going. Next match I am playing someone who, if he has a bad serving day, has 25 aces [No 8 seed Ben Shelton] so it’s going to be really tough.”

Maria, Ruud’s fiancee, is about to have a baby. Schett asks about her potential stress levels back at home.

“Yeah, I hope I didn’t stress her too much tonight,” Ruud says. “Even though I was pretty stressed myself. I can’t really control how the matches go. Hopefully she stays in there, and in a few days I’ll get to see her, whenever I’m done here, or if I get a call I’m going to be on the way back home. So I have to say a huge thank you to Maria, she’s back home, patient, and letting me be here, so if she’s watching, I just want to let her know that I’ll be home soon.”

Barbara Schett starts talking names for their imminent daughter and suggests some Australian Open-themed options such as Margaret, Evonne – or Barbara.

“You know, we’ve been through 200 different names and we haven’t really settled one yet, so anything is up for grabs,” says Ruud. “But not sure if Margaret is the one we will go for. Daphne is a nice name. Not sure how that would work in Norway. We’ll find something out. Could be Daphne, could be Barbara, who knows? We’re up for suggestions. We’re going to wait to see her, and see if a name is more suiting.”

Then he’s off.

Here you will find the updated men’s and women’s draws, and tomorrow’s order of play in the singles.

*Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 6-5 Ruud (*next server)

Thanks Billy. Ruud races to 40-0 and Cilic obligingly spoons a forehand return wide to end the game with little fuss. It seemed like a five-setter was in the offing, but now Cilic has to serve to save his skin.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 5-5 *Ruud (*next server)

Cilic gobbles up a short return from Ruud at 30-15 up to set up game point. Ruud’s return is long and this fourth set goes on. Luke McLaughlin is back to see you through.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 4-5 Ruud (*next server)

Ruud breezes through his service game and, after holding the upper hand in this fourth set, Cilic finds himself serving to stay in the Australian Open.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 4-4 *Ruud (*next server)

Ruud breaks back! Cilic shows some signs of nerves as he misjudges a volley at 30-0 up and then sweeps a backhand well wide for 30-30. A double fault follows and then another backhand goes awry. A gift for Ruud, really.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 4-3 Ruud (*next server)

Cilic breaks! Ruud wobbles on serve and finds himself at 0-30. A commanding crosscourt forehand sets up three break points for Cilic – he snaps up the first as Ruud goes long with a backhand. The 37-year-old is in the groove now.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 3-3 *Ruud (*next server)

Some textbook serve-and-volley sets up three game points for Cilic and he powers a serve down the T that Ruud barely connects with to hold to love.

The roof is coming on the Margaret Court Arena as the clock strikes midnight. There’s still a decent crowd in. It is Saturday night after all. Cilic to serve.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 2-3 Ruud (*next server)

Ruud wastes little time to hold to 15. The winner of this one will play No 8 seed Ben Shelton after his straight-sets victory over Valentin Vacherot earlier.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 2-2 *Ruud (*next server)

A chance arises for Ruud as Cilic double faults at 15-15. An ace follows for 30-30. Then another thunderous serve sets up a net approach and a second point in a row. Ruud then clears the baseline and shows his frustration at an opportunity lost to break.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 1-2 Ruud (*next server)

After a let and a first serve into the net, Ruud aces a second serve down the T to hold to 15. It’s approaching midnight in Melbourne.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 1-1 *Ruud (*next server)

Both players hold their first service games of the fourth set. Cilic has swapped his stripy shirt for a purply one. More sartorial updates to follow.

And today’s women’s singles results:

• A Anisimova (US, 4) bt P Stearns (US) 6-1 6-4

• Wang X (Chn) bt L Noskova (Cz, 13) 7-5 6-4

• E Mertens (Bel, 21) bt N Bartunkova (Cz) 6-0 6-4

• I Swiatek (Pol, 2) bt A Kalinskaya (31) 6-1 1-6 6-1

• E Rybakina (Kaz, 5) bt T Valentova (Cz) 6-3 6-3

• M Inglis (Aus) bt N Osaka (Jpn, 16) w/o

A quick reminder of today’s men’s singles results:

• J Sinner (It, 2) bt E Spizzirri (US) 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4

• B Shelton (US, 8) bt V Vacherot (Mnc, 30) 6-4 6-4 7-6(5)

• T Fritz (US, 9) bt S Wawrinka (Swi) 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 6-4

• N Djokovic (Ser, 4) bt B van de Zanschulp (Neth) 6-3 6-4 7-6(4)

• J Mensik (Cz, 16) bt E Quinn (US) 6-2 7-6(5) 7-6(5)

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 5-3 Ruud (*next server)

A huge slice of luck gives Cilic a crucial break! The veteran’s return hits the top of the net and bounces the other side – Ruud had no chance. There’s an apology and Cilic now serves for the third set.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 4-3 *Ruud (*next server)

Cilic smacks a forehand crosscourt at a devilish angle to go 30-15 up but Ruud hangs on in there. The No 12 seed wastes a chance at 30-30 with an overhit backhand and Cilic seals the game with an ace.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 3-3 Ruud (*next server)

All square as Ruud holds again. I have to say I’m a fan of Cilic’s subtle stripy white shirt.

Mensik v Quinn has gone to a tiebreak in the third set, the Czech player two sets up.

Casper Ruud is looking to get beyond the third round in Melbourne for only the second time in his career and the first since 2021. He was knocked out in the second round by Alexander Zverev last year. The No 12 seed is back on serve.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 3-2 *Ruud (*next server)

Cilic thunders down an ace at 30-15 before wrapping up another hold with a first serve that Ruud wafts into the net.

Cilic* 4-6, 4-6, 2-2 Ruud (*next server)

Hello everyone. This third set is motoring on nicely. Ruud closes out a hold to 15 with an ace down the T.

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 2-1 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

And another hold for Cilic. Your move, Caspar.

Billy Munday is here while I take a break.

*Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 1-1 Ruud (*denotes next server)

With serve early doors in the third set.

Just one of the day’s big stories: Naomi Osaka withdrawing due to injury.

“I thought I could push through it,” she said. “I played my last match with some pain, and I thought maybe if I gave myself a break before my match today, I would be able to handle it, but I warmed up, and it got a lot worse.”

Cilic 4-6, 4-6, 1-0 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

The Croatian holds to open the third set. He spurned a golden chance to break his opponent at the end of the second. Can he make any progress on the Ruud serve in the third?

Mensik 6-2, 7-6, 3-3 Quinn is a latest score in the men’s singles third round.

Cilic 4-6, 4-5 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

Now the 27-year-old Ruud can serve for the set. It doesn’t feel like Cilic is going to be able to apply any meaningful pressure.

*Cilic 4-6, 3-5 Ruud (*denotes next server)

Some more elite serving from the Norwegian. He is playing very fluently and with beautiful rhythm. Cilic must serve to stay in the second set.

Any thoughts on the action, including Djokovic’s earlier win, or anything else? Do send me an email.

Cilic 4-6, 3-4 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

Cilic starts off with a confident serve and volley, the volley being an overhead smash that wins the point quicksmart. A wild backhand return from Ruud, on Cilic’s second serve, makes it 40-15, and an ace seals it.

*Cilic 4-6, 2-4 Ruud (*denotes next server)

The Croatian will serve, seeking to stay in touch in this second set.

It’s approaching 11pm in Melbourne, and the temperature has dropped to about 29C. If the forecast is correct, Tuesday will see daytime temperatures into the early 40s.

Cilic 4-6, 2-3 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

A comfy hold for Cilic. This match looks potentially similar to Djokovic’s win earlier: regular moments of brilliance, but a bit short on genuine drama. We shall see.

*Cilic 4-6, 1-3 Ruud (*denotes next server)

So Ruud holds, and Cilic needs to find something from somewhere in this second set.

Mensik 6-2, 7-6(7) Quinn is the latest from Show Court Arena, Mensik having just sealed the second-set tiebreak.

Cilic 4-6, 1-2 *Ruud (*denotes next server)

The Norwegian is a set and a break up.

“I’m happy with the win, definitely,” says Rybakina.

“Today there were a lot of tight games. I was focused. I’m happy to be in the next round.

“I feel for now, it’s not my best tennis yet. Hopefully I can show it. I’m slowly trying to work on some things. Not every day is the same. But yeah, hoping for better confidence in the matches. There are a lot of things I’m working on.

“Elise Mertens is a tough opponent. We played a couple of months ago. The most important thing is for me to focus on my game, stay aggressive, and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

Rybakina 6-2, 5-3 Valentova is the score on John Cain Arena.

So farewell, Botic van de Zandschulp, and see you in the fourth round, Novak.

Cilic v Ruud here we come …

It’s been an eventful day in Australia. Naomi Osaka withdrew from the women’s singles, and play was suspended due to extreme heat.

“He very nearly hit a ball kid, which was crazy,” says Henman of Djokovic as the studio analysis begins.

So Courier didn’t ask Djokovic about nearly hitting the ball girl, but he hinted at some sort of contrition by saying he is too stressed on court.

What advice would Djokovic give to his younger self?

“Calm down you jerk. I’m too stressed on the court very often. Too much tension at times. I would say patience is a big one. When we are younger, regardless of the area of life we are involved in, I think we want everything here and now, today. Just having a bit of patience and trust in the process – and surrounding yourself with the right people, I think that’s a big one – that’s one of the biggest keys I think early on in the career of the young tennis player … you have to build your character so you understand what kind of people you want around yourself. People who can connect with you on a private level … There has to be a good chemistry, there has to be a good atmosphere, from which you can extract good vibes and good energy that can serve you for your great performance.”

Where is Djokovic physically, asks Courier.

“Really good. It’s been a great start. Things can change. I’m not getting ahead of myself, last year, I got too excited too early in some of the grand slams.

“Getting to the quarters and semis and then getting injured in three out of four last year. Well, anyway, I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money. I am still around, still hanging in there. Obviously Alcaraz and Sinner, the two best players in the world, they’re playing on a different level from all of us right now … but when you enter the court, and the ball rolls, you always have a chance – particularly here, the court that has given me the most in my career. I look forward to the next battle.”

Jim Courier is doing the on-court interview. Will he ask him about nearly hitting the ball girl?

“It was a pretty good treatment I must say,” Djokovic says of his opponent’s medical timeout in the first. The crowd chuckles. “He was serving extremely well from that moment onwards. I think at the beginning of the second he did struggle with the arm … I had more looks on his first serve and second serve. But then the tables turned and I must say that I relaxed a little bit too much. I was in trouble to close out the second set. From that moment onwards it was really anybody’s game. I was really lucky to get out of the trouble, the set point in the third. He had an upper hand in that point. Things happen so quickly in this sport … one shot can determine the winner. Really glad to overcome it in “straights”.

It was 48 unforced errors in the end for Van de Zandschulp.

He strolls off court, applauded by the crowd, and Djokovic himself. And Juan Mata.

Double fault! 6-4 Djokovic in the tiebreak …

Tiebreak: Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 6-6 Djokovic

And that’s 6-3 to Djokovic after three errors on the bounce from the Dutchman. Three match points.

Tiebreak: Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 6-6 Djokovic

5-3 to Djokovic after Van de Zandschulp pats an attempted drop shot into the net. Could this be it?

It’s 3-3 in the tiebreak between Djokovic and Van de Zandschulp …

Ruud is a break up on Cilic at 3-2 in the first.

Rybakina has won the first set v Valentova, 6-2.

Tiebreak: Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 6-6 Djokovic

Djokovic dabs a drop shot over the net at 15-0 but Van de Zandschulp runs it down impressively. A sloppy error from Djokovic then makes it 30-30, dumping a forehand into the net … and some astonishing defence from the Dutchman earns him a break point!

He reads a smash correctly, pats back an ordinary volley from Djokovic, who can only find the net after having to chase to the back of the court. Second serve on break point, Van de Zandschulp composes himself, and stays in the point very nicely – but Djokovic opens his shoulders and dispatches an insanely good forehand winner that kisses the line and brings it back to deuce.

And yet … a fresh error from Djokovic hands Van de Zandschulp another break point. Djokovic complains about noise from the crowd, but I think he’s just trying to disrupt his opponent yet again.

The Serbian is losing his temper, which could be good and could be bad for his opponent. Probably bad. At deuce, Van de Zandschulp is in control, spanking a few big forehands everywhere – then he goes to the drop shot, and fluffs it. Djokovic quickly holds and it’s a third-set tiebreak.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 6-5 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Van de Zandschulp will have a tiebreak, at least. Djokovic must serve to stay in the set.

The Dutchman has racked up 41 unforced errors as we approach the conclusion of this third set. Djokovic has recorded 19.

Mind you, Van de Zandschulp also has 32 winners to 26 for Djokovic. He’s dangerous but wildly inconsistent.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 5-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Your move, Botic. It’s 5-5 in the third.

Oh, and also, Marin Cilic v Caspar Ruud (12) has just started on Margaret Court Arena. Why do I think that has five-set marathon written all over it?

Meanwhile Jakub Mensik (16) has taken his first set against Ethan Quinn, 6-2.

Rybakina 5-2 Valentova is a latest score in the women’s singles.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 5-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

And there’s another love hold. Could Van de Zandschulp raise his game, pressurise Djokovic’s serve, and nab the set? It looks unlikely but you never know.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 4-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The Serbian holds, and we move closer to a third-set tiebreak.

Look out! A Djokovic serve flies off the frame of the Dutchman’s racket, and a female fan in the expensive seats at courtside appears to take a hit. She is OK.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 4-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A couple of aces from the Dutchman and it’s his turn to hold with ease.

This must be quite frustrating for his team, you’d have thought, because Van de Zandschulp clearly has the tools to make life consistently difficult for Djokovic. He can’t apply enough pressure for any length of time though, which is of course largely due to Djokovic’s uncanny ability at the other end of the court.

Rybakina leads Valentova 4-2 in the first, two breaks to one up.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The Serbian holds with minimal fuss, and treats himself to a fresh racket.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 3-2 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

All too predictably, it’s an immediate break back. Two quality forehands and the Serbian is up 15-30. A double fault and it’s 15-40, the prospect of a genuine contest between these two seeming to disappear just as quickly as it came into view. On second serve at 15-40, Djokovic knows he has his opponent precisely where he wants him. He plays is steady from the back of the court and waits for the error which duly comes. World-class matchplay from the 38-year-old tennis machine. That is why he’s in the side.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 3-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Van de Zandschulp earns three break points with a stunning forehand return winner cross-court, Djokovic left rooted to the spot. Djokovic then turns away while about to serve, after some noise from the crowd. He eventually smashes his way to 15-40 and the Dutchman then dumps a return into the net. That’s 30-40. Djokovic takes his time over the next serve, presumably looking to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm, but it makes no difference. Van de Zandschulp absolutely climbs into a forehand return on second serve, and it flicks off the net, but beats the Serbian for pace anyway and still bounces in. That’s a handy break for the world No 75.

Djokovic is back on court. The commentator just said exactly what I was thinking: this match has had its moments, but it’s never really got going. Can the Dutchman find some form and push his illustrious opponent in the third?

We’d have had a massive story on our hands had Djokovic accidentally struck that ballgirl after a petulant and unnecessary show of frustration in the previous set, but he got away with it.

Elena Rybakina (5) has just got her match under way against Tereza Valentova over on John Cain Arena.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 2-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Djokovic is receiving some medical treatment after the Dutchman holds his second service game in this third set. The Serbian had a worrying spill in the previous game, but he doesn’t look badly hurt.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Djokovic looks to have his game face back on, the frustration of the second set seemingly ebbing away. He directs one particularly punishing forehand half-volley to the corner that has Van de Zandschulp looking on in awe. Djokovic holds to love.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-6, 1-0 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The Dutchman holds to -15 to open the third set, benefiting from a careless forehand from Djokovic to close it out.

What do you think about all this? You can email me.

Swiatek has certainly steadied her own ship and leads 5-1 in the deciding set v Kalinskaya.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 4-5 Djokovic

Djokovic is now serving for the second set.

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match against the Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis, ending a campaign noted for fashion and friction.

The breaking news from that game is that when Van de Zandschulp hit long during the deuce battle, Djokovic belted the ball wide of the court in frustration, and very nearly hit the ball girl crouched by the net on his left-hand side. He has form for that kind of thing and that would have been an immediate DQ. Djokovic is relentless in his pursuit of tennis perfection but he still can’t control his temper at times.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 3-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The Dutchman’s error at 30-30 gives Djokovic a break point. Then he redeems himself on a mad point that has the crowd on their feet, Djokovic running down a drop volley but failing to put it away and paying the price.

At deuce Van de Zandschulp crafts a stunning backhand down the line, on the run, that leaves his opponent laughing and shaking his head. Djokovic thought he had that point won but it was Van de Zandschulp who stormed back into it … the Dutchman eventually takes the game.

The riverside walk to the Australian Open courts is a scenic joy for the sporting pilgrim. Rowing crews train up and down the water, framed by the city’s sun-flecked skyline. The Melbourne Cricket Ground floodlights signal distantly ahead. Beneath the feet of the crowds hurrying to ticket barriers, the concrete path transforms into an artwork: a twisting confluence of eels honouring their Yarra River migration, which once provided abundant food for the Wurundjeri people.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 2-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Djokovic is forced to deuce on his serve. He roars once when forcing advantage, and again when he tonks down an unreturnable serve to hold. Physically, things seem to be improving for Van de Zandschulp.

Swiatek leads Kalinskaya 1-0 in the third set and it looks like a battle royale on the Russian’s serve too.

Kalinskaya 1-6, 6-1, 0-1 Swiatek.

A shame for Osaka, and a shame for the fans too. Let’s hope she is back to full strength soon.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 2-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A couple of elegant, powerful winners allows the world No 75 to hold serve. He’s still a break down in the second, but Djokovic’s rhythm has been disrupted by that medical timeout for the Dutchman. The Serbian will probably get his foot right back on Van de Zandschulp’s throat from here, but right now, this is threatening to turn into a contest again.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 1-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

There’s a turn-up for the books. The Dutchman breaks thanks to a couple of gifts from his usually miserly opponent. Perhaps the medical timeout allowed him to reset, to take a breather from the relentless pressure that the Serbian tends to apply.

“The shoulder … such an important part of your body in tennis,” observes Tim Henman on commentary of Van de Zandschulp’s problem. Hard to argue.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A double break for Djokovic now. And Van de Zandschulp is being checked by the doctor. The problem appears to be with his right shoulder.

*Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

Djokovic’s serene progress continues. Meanwhile I think Van de Zandschulp has called for the doctor. He’s grimacing with regularity and doesn’t look comfortable, but isn’t moving that badly around the court.

Van de Zandschulp 3-6, 0-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

And that’s a break for Djokovic to open the second set. Van de Zandschulp connected with one handsome forehand winner in that game – he’s a dangerous opponent – but something is missing.

In November 2024, the Dutchman brought the curtain down on Rafael Nadal’s career in the Davis Cup.

Van de Zandschulp’s body language looks quite negative. I am not sure if he is injured but he’s not giving off a “I can beat Novak Djokovic today” vibe.

Linda Noskova (13) and Wang Xinyu are doing battle on “Show Court Arena”. Wang is serving for it at 6-5.

Van de Zandschulp 3-5 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

One of those crazy, sliding double-handed backhands from Djokovic makes it 0-15. At 0-30 he somehow stays in the point after a crushingly powerful serve from his opponent. But a rare mistake, hitting long with a backhand, then hands Van de Zandschulp a rare free point for 30-30.

Oh my days! Van de Zandschulp then unwisely chooses to attack the net while his opponent lines up a backhand –Djokovic sees him coming a mile off and whips a cross-court winner far beyond the Dutchman’s reach.

Then, surprisingly, Djokovic hits horribly wide for deuce, Van de Zandschulp aces him, double faults, but finally closes out with another ace. Djokovic will serve for the first set.

*Van de Zandschulp 2-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A businesslike hold for the Serbian. Early on, his opponent was connecting with a few lusty blows from the back of the court to go with his huge serve, and was threatening to make this a difficult night. At the moment he is fading but the Dutchman may look to reset in the second set. However, it appears that Van de Zandschulp is struggling a bit with an injury, possibly to his wrist.

The grim expression across Jannik Sinner’s face as he limped gingerly to the bathroom said enough. As play was briefly suspended in the overbearing Australian heat, the two-time defending champion was suffering from full-body cramps and at serious risk of also enduring one of the great Australian Open upsets in recent memory.

Sinner, the second seed, survived thanks to the combined force of his supreme mental toughness and a significant amount of luck, holding off a spirited challenge from Eliot Spizzirri to reach the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win.

Swiatek wins the first set v Kalinskaya, 6-1.

Van de Zandschulp 2-4 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

At 30-30 the Dutchman tonks a big ace down the middle. He needed that. Then Djokovic is all over his second serve at 40-30, smashing a return on to his toes, that he can only put long. Van de Zandschulp finds another big first serve, and another that Djokovic nets, and holds. But Djokovic is firmly in the ascendancy.

Fritz is serving to go 2-1 up in sets against the crowd favourite, Stan Wawrinka.

Swiatek is a double break up on Kalinskaya, 5-1 in the first.

*Van de Zandschulp 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A hold to love. Djokovic is yet to cough up an unforced error. A familiar story is emerging …

Van de Zandschulp 1-3 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

A break for Djokovic! At 15-15 Van de Zandschulp scoops a lovely forehand down the line to take control of the point, but Djokovic guesses right on the ensuing smash, and his opponent fluffs a drop-volley at the net. Crazy defence from the Serbian, he wins points no other player can.

Then on break point, Djokovic wears his opponent down in absolutely imperious fashion – it’s a long rally the Dutchman should probably win with a volley at the net, but he fails to find the corner, and the Serbian manages to stay in the point with a defensive lob that drops on the line. Once Djokovic had regained parity in the point it felt like that was only one winner.

Wawrinka, meanwhile, trails Fritz 4-3, a break down in the third.

6-7, 6-2, 3-4.

Swiatek is a break up on Kalinskaya: it’s 3-1 in the first on Margaret Court Arena.

*Van de Zandschulp 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The Dutchman finds an inspired return winner for 15-15. At 30-30 Van de Zandschulp hits a forehand to the corner, a shot that says he is here to take a few risks, and deservedly wins the point. That’s break point on the Djokovic serve. At 30-40 the world No 75 goes inside-out with his forehand but it’s fractionally wide. A worrying moment successfully negotiated for the Serbian, who seals the hold with little fuss.

Van de Zandschulp 1-1 *Djokovic (*denotes next server)

At 30-30 the Dutchman conjures up a 210-kmh serve down the middle, and follows it up with an ace to clinch his first hold. When he connects with that first serve sweetly it is a thing of ludicrous power.

Van de Zandschulp has only been broken once in the tournament himself, so Djokovic is unlikely to get anything for free there.

*Van de Zandschulp 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server)

The 10-times Australian Open champions opens with a ruthless hold, beginning with an ace out wide, working Van de Zandschulp around the court on the second and third points, and gratefully receiving an unforced error from his opponent to close it out.

Play is yet to resume on the outside courts due to the extreme heat.

Iga Swiatek, the No 2 seed in the women’s draw, is under way against Anna Kalinskaya on Margaret Court Arena.

“He’s looked good,” Tim Henman says on commentary of Djokovic’s form. “There’s always slight uncertainty coming into a new year and a new tournament … he’ll feel good. A lot of talk today about the heat and it’s a huge advantage being scheduled at night.”

Here we go then. Novak Djokovic and Botic van de Zandschulp are on court. The referee John Blom gives the players a very sensible-sounding briefing. A girl called April helps with the toss – she is introduced to the crowd and gets a warm round of applause, too. Djokovic wins the toss and will serve.

The roof will be closed for the first match, and I’m sure the powers-that-be will assess the temperature after that.

On John Cain Arena, the 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka has just taken the second set against Taylor Fritz (9). It’s 6-7(7), 6-2 over there.

Scheduled after Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena is Naomi Osaka (16) v Maddison Inglis. Osaka has been in the news.

The Australian Open issued a statement on social media at 2.36pm local time.

“The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 5.0,” it said. “Play is suspended for all matches and practice on outside courts. The roofs on RLA [Rod Laver Arena], MCA [Margaret Court Arena] and JCA [John Cain Arena] will close and remain closed for the remainder of the match.

“If onsite, please seek shade and apply cooling strategies.”