Australian Open - Day Four

The pick of the matches on day four are as follows:-

Osaka V Konta - I take Konta to win in straight sets.

Istomin V Djokovic - Istomin just doesn't have the all-round game to trouble Novak. Djoko to win in straight sets but one or two of those may be tight. A win of something like 7-5 6-4 6-2.

Baghdatis V Nadal - Rafa to win in three or maybe four sets at the most.

Muller V Raonic - Raonic to win in four sets.

Dimitrov V Chung - Dimitrov to win in four sets.

Dolgopolov V Monfils - Could be the match of the day. Both are unconventional - anything could happen. Monfils to win in five.

of those matches, I am going for:

Konta in straight sets
Djokovic in straight sets
Nadal in straight sets
Muller in 4 (I know that is an out there call but I am predicting the upset)
Dimitrov in 4
Monfils in 4

Konta in 2
Djokovic in 3
Rafa in 3
Raonic in 4
Dimitrov in 3
Dolgopolov in 4

I want it noted that I called Evans in four today too.

Mixed news so far for the Brits in action. Konta has won the first set of her match but Edmund has lost his first set against Carreno Busta

Konta through but Edmund crashes out quite tamely. Is Tomintoul has just taken a marathon first set against Djokovic but you feel the tank will be running dry soon and Novak will pounce.

Sadly, a fairly typical Heather Watson loss - served for the match in the second set and all sorts of match points in the third but eventually beaten 10-8 in the third. She seems to lose so many of these close matches.

A sore one for Heather Watson to take. She loses 10-8 in the third set to qualifier Jennifer Brady having had five match points.

Djokovic saves two set points in the second set to hold. Could that be the moment this match turns? He played the best tennis to dig himself out of a self-built hole.

And Djokovic pounces to break to lead 6-5 and will serve for the second set as the match approaches the two and a half hour mark.

Djokovic back level at one set all and you feel there is only one winner now. Credit to Istomin who really has hung in there very well considering how out of nick he was coming into this match. Novak has offered up chances but in the last couple of games Istomin's level has dipped and Novak's risen.

Djokovic has broken Istomin's spirit and the UzbekistanI is running on empty as Novak serves for the third set after three hours of play. Novak's hasn't been too bad throughout to be fair.

Djoko's level dips and the tiring Istomin is hitting stand and deliver shots and breaks to lead 2-0 in the fourth set. Still back Novak to wrap it up in four though.

Still awaiting Novak to power back but he trails 4-1 in this fourth set as the match nears the three and a half hour mark.

Monfils beats Dolgopolov in four sets and a win for veteran Ferrer in four.

Novak breaks back in the fourth and back on serve. He trails 4-3 in this set.

Novak saves a set point in the fourth. Level at 5-5 as we approach the four hour mark.

And we go to a fourth set tie-break.

Istomin with three set points. Two saved. Istomin serves for the set with a third set point.

Stunning. An Istomin ace and he levels the match up at two sets all after 4 hours 9 minutes.

You'd still back Djokovic to win this. Holds serve very comfortably in his first two service games. A little more problematic for Istomin but it stays on serve.

From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

Good updates Craig - lets hope Istomin can get the job done!

Istomin comes through another tense service game to hold at 4-2. Djokovic looks to have his competitive head back on again though as he holds comfortably. He still trails 4-3. You feel either Istomin blinks or Djokovic breaks but am I thinking of the Novak of old?

CaledonianCraig wrote:From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

This is Novak. He's winning this set 6-4 and probably won't drop another set on his way to the title. He doesn't get fatigued.

Born Slippy wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

This is Novak. He's winning this set 6-4 and probably won't drop another set on his way to the title. He doesn't get fatigued.

Point taken but Boris did drop those naughty hints before this tournament started.

Istomin staying strong and holds to love. He is playing the match of his life here.

Djokovic serving to stay in the championship.

Istomin playing it a little too aggressively and Djokovic holds and Istomin will serve for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set.

Istomin stretches Novak down the line and the Serb nets 15-0. Novak hits the next return into the net 30-0

Well, well, well.

I bet Boris will be delighted

Two match points for Istomin.

Wow. Istomin wins. Remarkable. That is a massive shock.

Take a bow Denis. Istomin here on a wildcard and stood toe-to-toe with Novak who didn't play terrible but had peaks and troughs (too many). Take nothing away from Istomin he was immense. He played the match of his life and I have my fingers crossed for him he can go further. A win like that you have to hope he gets further and earns stacks of ranking points to raise him back up the rankings.

If Andy can at least defend his points from last year this result virtually guarantees him number one until the French

Born Slippy wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

This is Novak. He's winning this set 6-4 and probably won't drop another set on his way to the title. He doesn't get fatigued.

Shucks, called that one wrong. Phenomenal from Istomin - Rosol like at the end. Nerveless.

Born Slippy wrote:

Born Slippy wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

This is Novak. He's winning this set 6-4 and probably won't drop another set on his way to the title. He doesn't get fatigued.

Shucks, called that one wrong. Phenomenal from Istomin - Rosol like at the end. Nerveless.

To be fair, I though exactly the same thing. 5 setter pah! no problem. He'll be fresh as a daisy for the next rd. Delighted to be proven wrong

Born Slippy wrote:

Born Slippy wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:From nowhere Istomin fashions a couple of break points and a superb down the line winner sees him break serve to lead 3-2. Surely, Novak isn't done yet? Even if he should win what will a match near to five hours do to his chances later on?

This is Novak. He's winning this set 6-4 and probably won't drop another set on his way to the title. He doesn't get fatigued.

Shucks, called that one wrong. Phenomenal from Istomin - Rosol like at the end. Nerveless.

An easy mistake to make. I was sitting here waiting for it to turn. Once Novak won the third set I felt sure Istomin was going to fade mentally and physically and I was wrong. I was sure though that Novak would knuckle down and manoeuvre Istomin around but if anything it was Istomin moving Novak around. Istomin stayed mentally strong and Novak could not find a way back in.

That shock blows open the bottom half of the draw. The contenders to reach the final there are Rafa, Raonic, Thiem, Goffin, Monfils and Dimitrov. Of them half of them have never played in a slam final.

From a big Djokovic fan...........Denis Istomin take a bow ! what an immense performance. That guy has really paid his dues on the ATP tour, been around the block a long time, always had plenty of game.

I was really impressed by how he held his nerve in the final set and particularly his final service game. He went after it rather than do what so many would have done in that situation, just try and defend and not make errors.

As for Djokovic, as a fan since 2006 it is hard for me to complain as sooner or later this had to start happening. I really did fear for novak at the end of last year, his form was very poor but I thought when he won in Doha he may have turned a corner. However, I think he still looks very short on confidence. He is just not committing to his shots. I wouldn't be overly confident of Novak winning slams this year but the guy has surprised me time and again so who knows.

Murray must have one big grin on his face seeing that result!! It is definitely there for the taking now, mind you that win could inspire others in the draw to really have a go. I hope Istomin pushes on and reaches the latter rounds. He certainly deserves it, seems a lovely humble bloke too.

Well done Denis!

I wonder could this be an opening for Nadal to refind his form. Djokovic has been a bad match up for him in recent times and seeing his name gone could give Nadal the chance to go deep and really build his confidence. If he were to reach the final now, maybe his old winning instinct will kick back in. Could be just what he needs.

Murray the big favourite now though

slashermcguirk wrote:From a big Djokovic fan...........Denis Istomin take a bow ! what an immense performance. That guy has really paid his dues on the ATP tour, been around the block a long time, always had plenty of game.

I was really impressed by how he held his nerve in the final set and particularly his final service game. He went after it rather than do what so many would have done in that situation, just try and defend and not make errors.

As for Djokovic, as a fan since 2006 it is hard for me to complain as sooner or later this had to start happening. I really did fear for novak at the end of last year, his form was very poor but I thought when he won in Doha he may have turned a corner. However, I think he still looks very short on confidence. He is just not committing to his shots. I wouldn't be overly confident of Novak winning slams this year but the guy has surprised me time and again so who knows.

Murray must have one big grin on his face seeing that result!! It is definitely there for the taking now, mind you that win could inspire others in the draw to really have a go. I hope Istomin pushes on and reaches the latter rounds. He certainly deserves it, seems a lovely humble bloke too.

Well done Denis!

Totally agree.

Istomin played without pressure, without fear and with a big grin on his face throughout. I think, as Eurosport commentators said he was just loving that rare moment of being out on the big stage and centre of attention. Hopefully, he can rest up and refocus for the next round as it is a match he can certainly win against Carreno Busto. In the fourth round he'd play Gasquet or Dimitrov where his run may end.

As for Novak it was weird. He blew hot and cold. Hot when the pressure was applied and then his levels would drop off and wasn't so potent on the stretch either like he has been in recent years. At this moment in time his confidence will be low but he must look to rally himself as the year has only just begun. I am not sure how much Murray benefits from this as it will dump more pressure on him now as it is a title he really wants to win and must realize this is a golden chance. Key for me will be if he can reach the final - if he can manage that I'd fancy him for the title. Big matches from the QF's onwards for him though.

Meanwhile, the tennis goes on. Fognini levels at two sets all against Bruno Paire. Another marathon match looming?

Wow. Following the scores from the Canary Islands. Like others I kept expecting Djoko to break back. But he forgot to take his anti-Istomin tablets.
Great chance for Murray now who will now get a good run at number one.

sirfredperry wrote:Wow. Following the scores from the Canary Islands. Like others I kept expecting Djoko to break back. But he forgot to take his anti-Istomin tablets.
Great chance for Murray  now who will now get a good run at number one.

Ironic that Djokovic defeat will ensure Murray surpasses Novak's ex-coach Boris Becker in the list for weeks spent at No. 1.

Paire beats Fognini in five sets and looks set to play Dominic Thiem next.

Rafael Nadal will be taking on Marcos Baghdatis on Rod Laver Arena shortly.

slashermcguirk wrote:From a big Djokovic fan...........Denis Istomin take a bow ! what an immense performance. That guy has really paid his dues on the ATP tour, been around the block a long time, always had plenty of game.

I was really impressed by how he held his nerve in the final set and particularly his final service game. He went after it rather than do what so many would have done in that situation, just try and defend and not make errors.

As for Djokovic, as a fan since 2006 it is hard for me to complain as sooner or later this had to start happening. I really did fear for novak at the end of last year, his form was very poor but I thought when he won in Doha he may have turned a corner. However, I think he still looks very short on confidence. He is just not committing to his shots. I wouldn't be overly confident of Novak winning slams this year but the guy has surprised me time and again so who knows.

Murray must have one big grin on his face seeing that result!! It is definitely there for the taking now, mind you that win could inspire others in the draw to really have a go. I hope Istomin pushes on and reaches the latter rounds. He certainly deserves it, seems a lovely humble bloke too.

Well done Denis!

I think I agree with all of this. I am a Djokovic fan, but fear he is finished winning slams now. How many times has he turned these sort of matches around previously? If you look at Rafa now he often loses tight matches, look at Federer losing to Raonic at Wimbledon. Once they are on the decline they don't manage to win these matches.

In some ways it makes it interesting, with the bottom half being wide open. But in some ways it makes it boring - think we will likely see a Murray v Raonic final, with Murray winning fairly comfortably. I was actually really looking forward to a Murray v Djokovic final, especially after Doha.

Rafa Nadal breaks to lead and holds to extend it to 4-1. He's looking in good shape here.

Nadal sensing a bakery product here breaks again to lead 5-1.

Rafa looking good - hitting with depth and not missing

Sounds like the old Rafa

I think he's the favourite now

Can't see anyone on this side to stop him and if he plays Murray in the final I know who I'd put my money on.