Alexander Zverev* (3) 6-6 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) Zverev steps up, needing a hold to send this one to a tiebreak and takes the first point on an unforced error from Tien. An unforced forehand error on the German’s part levels things and his attempt to serve and volley ends in him slicing a backhand straight into the net to fall behind.

Zverev finds the top of the net and the rebound just stays inbounds at the start of a lengthy exchange that ends with Tien firing into the net to make it 30-30. But the German fires a backhand into the net to bring up the chance to break and secure the set!

A dominating, unreturnable serve sees off that threat – Zverev not giving up a break in the three he’s faced so far – and the third seed then takes the advantage when he stretches out and bends a backhand drop volley inbound as he gets to the net.

A second backhand drop volley from Zverev, this time with Tien also getting to the net, then secures the game, ensuring we’re off to the second tiebreak of the match.

Alexander Zverev (3) 5-6 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) Tien takes the first three points to retain the initiative and while an unforced error opens the door a crack for Zverev, the American kisses a forehand winner through to hold serve.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 5-5 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) Death, taxes, and a Zverev ace.

The third seed fires a wide serve straight past Tien to take the first point of a game he needs to keep the fourth set going and then just grazes the top of Tien’s racquet with what was everything but an ace to follow. Two more dominant serves set up an easy hold to love.

Alexander Zverev (3) 4-5 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) A cheeky little drop shot from Tien, completely catching Zverev off guard after his return, moves him ahead.

But the German third seed is able to rally and bring up deuce as he hunts for the break that would open the door to him wrapping this one up in the fourth set. But with the pressure on, Tien responds with an ace and forehand winner.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 4-4 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) Tien is able to respond after dropping the first point but Zverev accelerates away from that point, sending down back-to-back aces to grab the hold.

Alexander Zverev (3) 3-4 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) The duo exchange points to start the game off, before the American takes three of the next four to secure the hold.

This set is definitely a lot more like the second, won by Tien in a tiebreak, than the third.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 3-3 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) Zverev’s 17th ace of the match moves him ahead and Tien, positioned incredibly deep to return a second serve, fires long to make it 30-0. Tien misjudges Zverev’s direction and watches an ace fly behind him for 40-0 and then watches another serve sail down the T for the hold to love.

Zverev now has 19 aces to Tien’s eight, and the German has yet to double fault while the American has done so nine times.

Alexander Zverev (3) 2-3 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) A smart backhand winner gets Zverev on the board – and gives him one for the match (!) – only for Tien to level when he greets a recovery lob with a smashed overhand.

Tien holds at his stomach (an abdominal problem? a stitch?) after giving up the break point but saves it with a big forehand down the line. An ace then delivers the advantage which is converted when he places a second serve in an area Zverev can’t return.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-2 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) A big cheer from the crowd greets Tien digging out a backhand and firing down the line, followed by polite applause when Zverev smashes an overhand winner to level the game.

Excitement builds once again when Tien moves back ahead, only for, somewhat more muted, polite applause to follow when Zverev levels and then moves to 40-30. A 16th ace of the match then secures him the game.

Alexander Zverev (3) 1-2 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) Tien slices a shot wide to end a seventeen-shot rally and bring it back to 30-30 but his resulting serve sets up him to dink a drop shot over the net. A double fault, however, brings up deuce and ramps the pressure back up once more.

Zverev slices a forehand into the baseline to give Tien the advantage and he then secures the hold when Zverev misses long with a tired-looking forehand.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien (25) Zverev takes the first two points but Tien is somehow able to finesse a backhand across the face of the charging German to get on the board. The flash is a brief one, though, as Zverev takes the subsequent two points to hold serve and get on the board in the fourth set.

Alexander Zverev (3) 0-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 Learner Tien* (25) Tien needs to quickly get back momentum and starts well in this regard: holding to love to start the fourth set.

Alexander Zverev (3) 5-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien* (25) As the match clock ticks over two hours, Tien is clearly trying to push the tempo and play quickly but it’s not working out all that well right now; the American quickly falling behind and giving up three break points, the second of which is seized by Zverev.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 4-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) Zverev falls behind twice but is able to keep his cool and work his way back, consolidating the break with a serve that forces Tien wide and, stretched, unable to send his return inbound.

Alexander Zverev (3) 3-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien* (25) A double fault sees Tien fall behind 15-30 but he promptly sends down an ace to level things. A pattern that repeats on the next pair of points as we move to deuce.

We finally get an exchange of shots, one ending with Tien firing a backhand into the net to bring up a break point which is seized when Zverev whips a forehand return into the corner.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) No mucking about from Zverev as he holds to love. He’s hitting 75% of his first serves thus far but is in a proper battle with Tien.

Alexander Zverev (3) 1-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien* (25) The crowd has well and truly settled in behind Tien – a cohort of fans in the stands donning L-Plates on their chest to signify their support – and enjoy watching the American get on the board for the first time in the third set.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-0 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) Zverev gets to the net and quickly takes the first point of the third set, a tactic he repeats to induce a long lob that sees him move to 30-0. Tien gets on the board for the first time in the third set but Zverev forges ahead and holds with an ace.

After winning 78% of his second serves in the first set, Zverev only took out 44% in that second set -- something of a pattern emerging wherein Learner, if he’s able to see off the first few shots after Zverev’s big serve, has the initiative.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 6-6 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev’s serve gives him a quick point to move ahead 15-0 but Tien constructs and exchange and fire a forehand winner down the baseline to level things. Zverev responds with a big old 206 km/h ace but Tien doesn’t panic and once more restores parity when the third seed sends a forehand long. A serve-and-backhand moves Zverev back ahead and he delivers a 12th ace to take it.

We’re off to a tiebreak.

Alexander Zverev (3) 5-6 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An 11-shot baseline exchange concludes with Zverev slicing a backhand into the net and Tien then moves further ahead with another deft slice that leaves his opponent rooted at the baseline. Zverev gets back on the board only for Tien to rip off the next two points and take it.

Neither man has blinked with their serve in this second set, and now the onus falls on Zverev to keep it that way lest he be pegged back to a set apiece.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 5-5 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Another big first serve gets Zverev rolling as he seeks to avoid the break that would surrender the second set but Tien pegs him back with a big forehand.

A tenth ace of the match restores the third seed’s advantage, only for it to be surrendered when he gets to the net and misses his attempt to volley across the court. Tien gets to the net as he seeks to bring up break point but Zverev rockets a backhand that Tien can’t return over the net.

The pressure on Zverev starts to ramp up when his long backhand brings up deuce but the German’s serves come through once more: delivering back-to-back attempts that Tien can’t return to take the game.

Alexander Zverev (3) 4-5 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) The ninth game of the second set commences with both players still searching for a break but with Zverev’s serve on point, there’s a growing sense that it’s Tien that needs to find something new if he’s going to take control of the match.

The American fires a shot wide and into the net to surrender the first point of the game but is back level when Zverev sends a forehand into the net. The 25th seed takes the next two points, the latter won with a big forehand winner up the line, but then watches Zverev return the favour to make it 40-30.

Deuce is then secured but a golden chance to bring up break point is blown when Zverev charges the net only to loft a forehand out with most of the court to aim at. Tien then utilises the reprieve to secure the hold.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 4-4 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev sends a backhand into the net to open things but responds with a 204 km/h serve Tien can’t return. Tien gets on top of Zverev’s subsequent second serve but commits a frustrating error to fall further behind but Zverev then commits an unforced error of his own when he pushes a forehand out.

Tien then finds an angle as Zverev charges forward and induces an error – the first point Zverev has lot coming to the net today – and brings up break point. Zverev dashes those hopes, however, and brings up deuce with an ace smashed down the T. An extended rally ends with Tien sending a backhand into the net and responding by smashing the top of his racquet into the surface in frustration. But he’s able to channel that anger into a top return of serve and a magnificent drop shot that leaves Zverev scrambling.

But here comes that big serve once again, Zverev firing down a wide ace to seize the advantage and then using a forehand winner to take the game.

Alexander Zverev (3) 3-4 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An hour of match time is brought up as Tien serves, falling behind after hitting a backhand into the net at the end of a 22-shot rally in which both players clipped the net.

An unreturnable serve gets Tien back level and he shows the initiative to get to the net and force a wild attempted passing shot to move ahead. Zverev levels but just sends a backhand long to miss out on break point. The German does bring up deuce and pushes Tien but the American is able to force a forehand error to take the advantage and then secures the game with a serve Zverev can’t return.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 3-3 6-3 Learner Tien (25) A big ace down the T starts things off well for Zverev but the American recovers and takes a 10-shot baseline exchange with a big backhand kept just inbound.

But the third seed’s serve continues to prove telling whenever he’s challenged and he secures yet another hold with his eighth ace of the match.

Alexander Zverev (3) 3-2 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An unforced error from Tien, dropping a backhand into the net, moves Zverev ahead. A leaping backhand is blasted into the net by the third seed to level things back up and Tien then advances to the net and cuts down on the angles to induce another error.

A cheeky drop shot catches Zverev off guard and makes it 40-15, before Tien gets to the net and forces an error to take the game.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-2 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev kisses a forehand deep and wide an induces a forehand error from Tien to move ahead, with an ace sent down the T then getting him further in front. A serve and volley combination then makes it 40-0 and while he sends a baseline forehand long to miss out on the chance to hold to love, a second ace of the game wraps things up.

Alexander Zverev (3) 1-2 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) Zverev gets to the net and smashes down a crosscourt forehand winner to move ahead. Tien fires back with the next three points and while Zverev responds with a forehand that forces the error to make it 40-30, the American takes the game with a commanding overhead winner.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-1 6-3 Learner Tien (25) An extended, 18-shot baseline rally ends when Tien finds the angle and drives a backhand winner beyond Zverev. A powerful serve forces an error that brings Zverev back level and he then fires down an ace to move ahead. The third seed smashes a forehand down the line to make it 40-15 and then uses yet another powerful first serve, this one sent back into the net by Tien, to claim his first game of the second set.

Alexander Zverev (3) 0-1 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) Tien quickly moves to a 40-15 lead in the second set’s opening game but then double faults, giving Zverev a sniff. The American responds, though, and takes the game when an extended baseline rally ends with the German committing an unforced forehand error.

Zverev did what he need to do to ease to that first set win: landing 70% of his first serves across the opening set, compared to just the 46% by Tien. And while the American is winning 82% of his first serves, that drops to 46% on his second.

Alexander Zverev (3) 5-3 Learner Tien* (25) An unforced forehand error on a deep return from Zverev sees Tien give up the first point but he gathers himself and takes the next three to move to 40-15. A really well-placed second serve ace, one that leaves Zverev blinking, then wraps up the hold.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 5-2 Learner Tien (25) Tien takes the first point but sends a shot long at the end of a 13-shot baseline battle to be pegged back. Zverev works the bounce well on second serve once more to move ahead but Tien fires back with a forehand down the baseline that Zverev is forced to stretch for and fail to slice back over the net.

A mishit backhand slice from Zverev collects the net and brings and gives Tien his first break point of the match but the third seed fires across another unreturnable serve to make it deuce. The German than moves into the advantage with a big forehand but Tien pegs him back by moving him around the court and ultimately forcing an error.

Zverev gets to the net and regains the advantage by dropping a shot that angles away from Tien’s charge. Another big serve is then unable to be returned and the hold is secured.

Alexander Zverev (3) 4-2 Learner Tien* (25) Zverev takes the first point but Tien answers back by forcing two errors – the second at the end of a nine-shot rally – to move ahead 30-15.

But another double fault – Tien’s second – brings Zverev back level and an unforced forehand error than brings up the game’s first break point. The American rallies to bring it back to deuce only to fall behind once again and this time, the break comes: Zverev letting out a guttural yell as he watches a Tien forehand go wide.

Tien is landing just 47% of his first serves and winning just 40% of his second serves. Danger signs.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 3-2 Learner Tien (25) A nicely placed forehand from Tien can’t be returned by Zverev and ends a 10-shot baseline rally. Two powerful serves from Zverev result in him coming back to claim the ascendency and he uses then uses a mammoth bounce on second-serve to induce the error that makes it 40-15.

There’s a brief pause as Zverev sees… something (?) he doesn’t like but that doesn’t stop him from firing a forehand winner from the baseline to hold serve.

Alexander Zverev (3) 2-2 Learner Tien* (25) Both players have their serve working early, Zvrev missing three returns in a game sealed when Tien firs a 201 km/h ace down the T.

Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-1 Learner Tien (25) Tien sends a backhand long to give Zverev the first point but is able to force his opponent to scramble and send a backhand wide to level things.

An unforced forehand error from Zverev sees him fall behind but he responds with a devastating ace sent wide. The German then moves ahead with a forehand winner and follows that up with a powerful serve Tien can only return long to take the game.

Alexander Zverev (3) 1-1 Learner Tien* (25) Tien looks to answer straight back by racing to a 40-0 lead and while a double fault denies him a hold to love of his own, Zverev sends a deep forehand long to hand him his first game of the contest.

Zverev (3) advanced past Argentine Francisco Cerundolo (18) in straight sets the fourth round, after previously defeating Cameron Norrie (26), Alexandre Muller, and Gabriel Diallo.

Tien (25) surprised many by dominating Daniil Medvedev (11) to punch his ticket to the quarterfinals and has also beaten Nuno Borges, Alexander Shevchenko, and Marcos Giron so far.

Before we start the actual tennis, it’s time for another episode of the Fashion Files. Both players are highlighting their ensembles with a dash of orange this afternoon, Zverev donning an orange headband and Tien an orange cap, wristbands, and socks. Both belligerents are wearing white t-shirts, while the third seed has opted for black shorts and the underdog opting for a white pair that matches his top.

As a horde of influencers descend upon the Australian Open this year, the off-court fashion has become much more noticeably this year, too, as Lucianne Tonti has explored today.

No doubt the black Chuck Taylors, black jeans, and black t-shirt I donned to cover the A-League Men across the road at AAMI Park yesterday is going to start a trend any day now.

The Heat Stress Scale has moved past 5.0, prompting a swathe of suspensions across the outdoor courts in Melbourne.

Given that it’s taken place between matches, however, it doesn’t look like it’s going to delay the start of Zverev and Tien – the pair making their way out onto Rod Laver Arena as I type.

We said goodbye to Casper Ruud (12) last night but, perhaps, not a moment too soon: the Norwegian now able to return home to be with his wife, Maria, ahead of the expected birth of their first child this weekend.

Tumaini Carayol was on hand as he went down 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to Ben Shelton (8).

In case you missed it yesterday, youngster Ntungamili Raguin made history: becoming the first player from Botswana to win a Grand Slam match when he defeated Dimitar Kisimov 7-5 6-1 6-4 in the junior boy’s singles.

Out on on Margaret Court Arena, fourth seeded women’s duo Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang have taken out the opening set of their clash with American team Hailey Baptiste and Peyton Stearns 6-4. The winner of that match will face Eri Hozumi and Fang-Hsien Wu in the quarterfinals, who upset eighth seeds Ellen Perez and Demi Schuurs.

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Aryna Sabalenka (1) 5-0 6-3 Iva Jovic (29) Before we take you through the rest of the colour of today’s action and run down what you may have missed yesterday, though, we’ll need to turn our eyes to Rod Laver, as the top seed is threatening to make light work of her American challenger in the second set.

As the Heat Stress Scale hits 4.0, a remarkable passing backhand brings up yet another break point for Sabalenka, with a third-straight break then secured when Jovic double-faults.

Could de Minaur be said to have twice the home court advantage today; the ‘Demon not only playing in front of his home fans but also taking the court on a day that’s hot as hell?

Admittedly, the extreme heat means that the roof is likely to be closed when he takes the court against Alcaraz later today – the air conditioned conditions ensuring the temperature won’t play a defining factor in the result – but this, too, could prove something of a bonus to the Sydneysider.

Simon Cambers explains how.