Novak Djokovic leads Taylor Fritz in quarter-finals after Coco Gauff result

Novak Djokovic is eyeing an 11th Australian Open title this week in Melbourne and takes on American player Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals this morning. The defending champion has found his form after a shaky start to the opening grand slam of the year and was utterly ruthless in his demolition of Adrian Mannarino in the previous round.

Fritz claimed the best win of his career at the grand slams after defeating last year’s runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round, but the American knows he faces the ultimate test against the 36-year-old Djokovic. Fritz, the 12th seed, has lost all eight matches he has played against Djokovic. The winner of Djokovic-Fritz will take on the victor between fourth seed Jannik Sinner and fifth seed Andrey Rublev, with the pair headlining the night session as the second match on Rod Laver Arena.

In the women’s singles, US Open champion Coco Gauff reached the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time after battling past unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in three sets on Rod Laver Arena. Both players looked nervous in an error-strewn match, but Gauff put her foot down in the deciding set to win 7-6 6-7 6-2 in over three hours. Gauff will play the winner of the match between Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion who is yet to drop a set, and another former major winner in 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open below:

Australian Open: Latest score and updates

• Australian Open quarter-finals underway in Melbourne

• Novak Djokovic continues title defence against 12th seed Taylor Fritz

• Djokovic wins epic 84-minute first set on tiebreak after Fritz had set points

• Coco Gauff defeats Marta Kostyuk in three sets to reach semi-finals

• Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka then takes on Barbora Krejcikova

• Jannik Sinner vs Andrey Rublev the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Fritz*

This has been so impressive from Fritz. He saves break point again with a backhand winner down the line!

But Djokovic forces another – his 15th of the match and fourth of this game – but it’s met by another backhand line winner from Fritz! A remarkable game, this.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Fritz*

Fritz looked to be in a comfortable position on 30-0… but I don’t think you can ever be in a comfortable position against Djokovic. Two unforced errors in a row mid-rally see Djokovic get back to 30-40… Fritz comes into the net and his backhand volley just about manages to drop onto the line! Well played.

Deuce.

Djokovic’s depth to the baseline forces the backhand error, and another break point!

RALLY OF THE MATCH SO FAR! A 25-shot rally, some inspired backhand hitting from Fritz and defence from Djokovic, then a brilliant angle from Djokovic is returned by Fritz, who saves break point! Stunning.

Deuce… and Djokovic steps in on the backhand winner down the line!

Another break point.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 3-4 Fritz*

Fritz is putting all his energy into holding serve, so Djokovic is able to find some rhythm as he ticks off another hold – featuring a beauty of a drop shot.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:44 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 7-6 2-4 Fritz

Woooow! Unbelievable defence from Djokovic! As Fritz catches not one but two net cords, Djokovic hangs on and then survives a series of increasingly brutal Fritz forehands! It’s Fritz who blinks first with the drop shot into the net.

Two break points.

Fritz finds the ace out wide on the first… Djokovic attacks the second-serve on the backhand, but Fritz grinds his way back into the rally behind a brave forehand down the line… and puts away the winner!

ACE from Fritz! Another first-serve, and Djokovic’s return is long! That’s such a good hold as we hit the two-hour mark!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 2-3 Fritz*

Fritz has meanwhile found his best serving of the match at just the right time. He comes up with two aces in a row to get a quick hold and stay in front.

And now Djokovic replies with his own love hold.

Djokovic is calling for ice at every changeover.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 1-2 Fritz*

Djokovic gets a quick hold of serve – which is needed because his first-serve percentage is still below 50%, as it has been all match.

He’s winning 85% per cent of those points, so finding it more regularly should prove the difference through the rest of the match.

Now, though, Djokovic is a break down.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:30 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 7-6 0-2 Fritz

Fritz comes under pressure straight away as he takes a wild swing on the forehand side on 40-30, followed by another loose forehand on deuce.

It gives Djokovic a look at break point but Fritz steadies and Djokovic nets behind the baseline. That’s now nine break points that Djokovic has missed in this match.

Ace from Fritz!

And another! Well, well. That’s a strong hold all of a sudden.

But Djokovic 0/9 on break points? Fritz winning more pressure points than Djokovic? Unreal.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 0-1 Fritz* – Fritz breaks!

We’re back underway as both players take a long break off court following that opening set. Fritz gets an immediate look at Djokovic’s service game as he jumps to 0-30, but can’t balance aggression and control Djokovic gets to deuce.

But… hang on… Djokovic makes two double faults in a row to hand Fritz a look at break point in the opening game of the second… but Fritz goes long on the forehand mid-rally! That was a chance!

Djokovic and his box are exchanging some frank views during this game… and Djokovic, still unable to find a first serve, nets on the backhand! A second break point chance for Fritz…

And this time Fritz gets it! Stunning depth from the American as he catches the baseline twice in the rally and follows it in to put away the volley! It’s the first break in the match and the perfect response to losing the previous tiebreak.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 Fritz – Djokovic wins the first set!

An 84-minute first set for Djokovic is only 20 minutes shorter than his ENTIRE fourth-round win against Adrian Mannarino.

It was nervy, but Djokovic was blowing kisses to the crowd and pointing to his ear at the end of that first set.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 7-6 Fritz – Djokovic wins the first set!

SHOT of the match from Djokovic to win a 21-point rally! He produces a stunning backhand winner with Fritz coming into the net and guides it crosscourt and inside the lines.

Five set points for Djokovic… he takes it on the second as Fritz nets!

And after saving two set points on 5-6, Djokovic survives to win an EPIC 84-MINUTE opening set. Brutal for Fritz.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

07:02 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 6-6 Fritz – TIEBREAK

A poor miss from Fritz on the opening point as he sends a drive volley long! Djokovic was beaten but is handed the opening mini-break.

And he keeps it as Fritz places the forehand return, followed by Djokovic thumping an ace down the middle. 3-0!

Djokovic comes alive on the next point… holding on on the baseline before dragging Fritz into the net on the drop shot… Fritz can’t pick it up and Djokovic roars!

Fritz finds the one-two punch on serve but Djokovic leads 4-1 and it’s hard to see how Fritz comes back from here…

Especially as Djokovic produces his own one-two and lands the backhand winner. 5-1 at the change.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:56 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 6-6 Fritz – TIEBREAK!

Djokovic saves the first as he takes on a backhand on the rise and slams it down for a crosscourt winner.

30-40… and Fritz misses the Djokovic serve up the middle! He got his racket to it… but then lost it!

Djokovic controls the deuce point, moving Fritz around the baseline. The American then fires long on the backhand.

A ringing phone and a crying baby distracts Djokovic’s attention briefly… and he then goes long on the forehand. Still a chance for Fritz.

But Djokovic holds on as Fritz sends a forehand wide. Off to a first-set tiebreak we go!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:52 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 5-6 Fritz

Djokovic is fuming at his team during the change-over as he tries to catch their attention. Huge game here…

And now Fritz get ahead for 0-15! He finds the inside-out drop shot and the whips the forehand winner down the line.

Djokovic wins the next point but Fritz then produces a wonderful backhand winner crosscourt and inside the line… 15-30!

Fritz faces Djokovic in the rally and then takes his chance to bend a lovely forehand winner down the line… it catches the paint!

Two set points!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:50 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 5-6 Fritz

Fair play, though. Fritz gets it out of his system with a lovely backhand winner steered down the line and then a thumping ace. Djokovic stretches on the forehand and Fritz attacks – a love hold for the American and the perfect response.

Now, can he attack Djokovic here? Or are we heading for a first-set tiebreak?

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 5-5 Fritz*

We’re past the hour-mark in this opening set and Fritz gets himself a real look at the Djokovic service game on 30-30, only to chuck a second-serve return long!

That’s a real missed opportunity from Fritz – and another baseline error allows Djokovic to hold. Fritz shakes his head. He knows it.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:38 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 4-5 Fritz

Now the pressure shows as Fritz sends a forehand an inch long of the baseline before Djokovic takes control of the rally and sends Fritz running the wrong way.

Fritz then blinks first on the baseline rally and a forehand crosscourt drifts wide of the lines – giving Djokovic a look at two break points.

Djokovic went for a huge return as Fritz found the serve out wide – but misses by half a foot.

Djokovic then groans at the baseline as he shanks a forehand wide – two break points saved by Fritz at a crucial stage in this first set.

And that’s a great hold from Fritz as Djokovic nets on game point. Brave play from the American and he gets his reward to stay in front.

Djokovic has seen eight break points come and go in this first set.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 4-4 Fritz*

Djokovic faces pressure on 30-30 but produces the first-serve down the middle of the court. Fritz then leaves a loopy ball in midcourt and Djokovic attacks to get the hold.

50 minutes in – we press on.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:28 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 3-4 Fritz

Stunner from Fritz! He holds with a brilliant, sliding forehand volley hit down the line. Two forehand winners, a backhand winner and an ace from Fritz there – who is playing as well as he could have hoped for so far.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 3-3 Fritz*

Djokovic finds his third ace of the match to hold to 15- a comfortable one after Fritz had found a good forehand winner on the second point. Djokovic’s first-serve percentage is standing at only 40 per cent through the first three games.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:20 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 2-3 Fritz

A confident hold from Fritz as he connects with the forehand winner from inside the baseline and then follows it up with an ace. The 26-year-old has settled well, and Djokovic is changing his shirt already after just give games.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 2-2 Fritz*

Djokovic’s ball-bouncing slows as he takes his time facing a pressure point on 15-30. But Djokovic’s play from there is excellent, finding his spots to pull and push Fritz around the court with his control from the baseline.

There is a lot for Fritz to be encouraged by, however. Maybe dragging this set out for as long as possible could be an advantage to the American?

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:10 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-2 Fritz

Wow – well played Taylor Fritz. The American comes under huge pressure again as Djokovic gets to 0-40 on his service game, but Fritz then finds some big-serving to win the next five points and take the hold. Brave play from the 12th seed after Djokovic looked to pick his game apart from the baseline.

That hold takes Fritz to 2-1… after 25 minutes.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-1 Fritz*

That’s classic Djokovic. After Fritz gives everything to hold his serve in the opening game, Djokovic holds to love in less than two minutes. A stunning backhand drop shot was the pick of the points there, and the pressure switches back to Fritz immediately.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

06:01 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 0-1 Fritz

We’re past the 15-minute mark already for this opening game alone! Fritz had the chance to put away the backhand volley at the net but gets the connection all wrong. Djokovic gave Fritz another opportunity with the backhand miss down the line, but again Fritz blinks on game point.

A good serve from Fritz – is this the moment? Yes! The American gets the hold at last as Djokovic nets on the forehand from inside the baseline.

Just the 16 minutes and 24 seconds for the opening game, but Fritz makes sure he takes it.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

05:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 0-0 Fritz*

Djokovic gets a look at his second break point after finding a lovely angle on the backhand volley, but Fritz survives as Djokovic then nets.

A long game already, this, in the heat – and Fritz blinks on a forehand as he sends the strike long from midcourt. Djokovic had a look at the backhand winner but sends it long with Fritz stuck at the net!

And that’s really good hitting from Fritz, as he digs in on a 23-shot rally and Djokovic goes long on the backhand. Fritz goes long on the forehand, though, and we go to a sixth deuce already!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

05:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 0-0 Fritz*

An ominous start from Djokovic, who doesn’t need to do anything special to take on Fritz from the baseline and work his way to break point.

Fritz does very well to save with the backhand winner down the line before following a forehand into the net and putting away an excellent volley.

Fritz can’t put away the smash as Djokovic gets back to deuce.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

05:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 0-0 Fritz*

Here we go! Djokovic has won 32 matches in a row at the Australian Open – can Fritz end that run with his first ever victory against the 24-time grand slam champion? That’s the scale of the challenge facing the 12th seed.

*Denotes next server

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

05:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Taylor Fritz on what it will take to beat Novak Djokovic:

“I mean, if I beat someone eight times in a row, I’d be pretty confident playing them, too, I’d have to say. I can’t really fault him for that.

“I think the conditions here are definitely better for me than maybe US Open or Cincinnati. I mean, to be honest, the only decent match I’ve played against him in our last couple meetings was in Turin at the end of ‘22. In that match I served for the second set. It was pretty close. Since then when I’ve played him, I’ve played pretty poor, I think.

“I think that I have a lot more level to bring than I’ve previously brought against him. Hopefully I can play another match like today.”

He needs to show the level he found against Tsitsipas.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

05:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic is playing in the day session for the second round in a row – and it’s a hot, hot day in Melbourne with the sun currently over the Rod Laver Arena.

The Serbian is eyeing his 11th Australian Open title while Fritz is playing in the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time.

Fritz wins the toss and elects to serve first.

Australian Open LIVE

05:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic has won ALL EIGHT matches he has played against Taylor Fritz.

That includes a straight-sets defeat in the US Open quarter-finals last season.

Australian Open LIVE

05:24 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Coco Gauff 7-6 6-7 6-2 Marta Kostyuk!

Coco Gauff: “Happy. Really proud of the fight I showed today. Marta is always a tough opponent and I left everything out on court today. In the third I was trying to play aggressive. It’s great to see the American flags and it hopefully they can stay for the next match (Fritz vs Djokovic).”

Australian Open LIVE

05:22 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Coco Gauff 7-6 6-7 6-2 Marta Kostyuk!

Yes she can! Coco Gauff is through to the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time as the 19-year-old continues her winning run at the grand slams. The US Open champion came through a tough, nervy test against the in-form Kostyuk, who battled back to win the second set on the tiebreak.

That was not pretty from Gauff’s perspective, with plenty of errors throughout the match, particulary on the forehand, but she got through – and that’s what champions do. She will take on the winner of Aryna Sabalenka vs Barbora Krejcikova in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Australian Open LIVE

05:20 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s been a nervy, error-strewn quarter-final but Coco Gauff stands on the brink of the semi-finals as the American leads Marta Kostyuk 5-2 in the deciding set.

Can the 19-year-old get over the line?

Australian Open LIVE

05:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Is the Australian Open on TV in the UK?

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Good morning

05:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic is eyeing an 11th Australian Open title this week in Melbourne and takes on American player Taylor Frtiz in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The winner of Djokovic-Fritz will take on the victor between fourth seed Jannik Sinner and fifth seed Andrey Rublev, with the pair headlining the night session as the second match on Rod Laver Arena.

In the women’s singles, US Open champion Coco Gauff faces unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk first up on Melbourne Park’s biggest court. Then the defending champion who is yet to drop a set, Aryna Sabalenka, takes on another former major winner in 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open in today’s live blog: