Novak Djokovic misses training amid injury concerns ahead of Australian Open semi-final - live
Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka will face each other in the Australian Open final after both women triumphed in their semi-finals.
Keys took to court in the second semi and faced World No 2 Iga Swiatek. A close first set, which was littered by errors on both sides, was clinched but the Pole who edged it 7-5. Keys however had found some rhythm and brought that into a blistering and forceful second set. Swiatek was almost beaten to nil but managed to scramble a break of serve and looked as though the onslaught had broken her. That wasn’t the case and the best tennis was saved for the final set.
Both women held their serves until Swiatek broke and moved 5-6 ahead. She had the chance to win and faced match point only for Keys to save it and force a tie break. In a first to 10 make or break sudden death, Keys trailed 8-7 but won three points on the bounce to reach the final.
Before the duo took to court, reigning champion Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2 in straight sets and has the chance to claim the title for a third year running.
Ahead of Friday’s men’s semi-finals, there are concerns over Novak Djokovic’s fitness, after the 10-time champion missed practice on Thursday. The Serb is due to play Alexander Zverev, while world No 1 Jannik Sinner prepares to face Ben Shelton.
Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open semi-finals in our live blog below:
Madison Keys v Iga Swiatek: Australian Open latest score updates
Madison Keys defeats Iga Swiatek in thriller to reach Australian Open final
SECOND SET! Keys responds with brutal set to force decider
FIRST SET! Swiatek clinches close first set versus Keys
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2 to reach final for third consecutive year
'Concerned' Novak Djokovic prepares for semi-final vs Alexander Zverev
Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton complete men's singles final four line-up
Madison Keys wins battle of wills against Iga Swiatek in Australian Open thriller
15:09 , Mike Jones
Tennis has seen its fair share of mesmerising performances. Andy Murray’s gallant five-set thrillers, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal clashing in their prime, Serena Williams dominating with power and skill in equal measure.
Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek provided another one. Under the roof and the lights of the Rod Lever Arena the pair delighted, thrilled, and broke the hearts of themselves and the watching crowd as Keys claimed a 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win in a match fit for a final.
Madison Keys wins battle of wills against Iga Swiatek in Australian Open thriller
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
15:06 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner continued his quest for consecutive Australian Open titles with a clinical deconstruction of Alex de Minaur in the last of the men’s singles quarter-finals.
Rarely in professional sport is one person so visibly better than their opponent in every aspect of play than this. Serves, second serves, movement, accuracy, and ball-striking all favoured the 23-year-old who put on a display that validated his ranking as the best tennis player in the world... not that he needed to.
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
Henry Patten hoping ‘stressful’ Wimbledon victory will help Melbourne title bid
14:45 , Mike Jones
Henry Patten is hoping his second grand slam final has the same outcome as the first – but without the stress.
Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara produced one of the more remarkable Wimbledon victories of recent years last summer in a nail-biting men’s doubles final against Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.
Henry Patten hoping ‘stressful’ Wimbledon victory will help Melbourne title bid
No Thursday practice for Novak Djokovic as he manages thigh injury
14:30 , Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic skipped practice at Melbourne Park for the second day in a row ahead of his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.
The Serbian admitted he was concerned about his physical condition after sustaining a left thigh injury during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
It was no surprise that Djokovic did not practise on site on Wednesday but, having been on the schedule on Thursday, his session was then removed.
No Thursday practice for Novak Djokovic as he manages thigh injury
Ben Shelton criticises 'embarrassing' and 'disrespectful' broadcasters at Australian Open
14:15 , Mike Jones
US tennis player Ben Shelton claims that he has been “shocked” by the actions of TV broadcasters at the Australian Open, calling some of the interviews “negative” and “disrespectful”.
Shelton’s comments come just a few days after Channel Nine presenter Tony Jones was forced to apologise to Novak Djokovic after jokingly saying on air that the Serbian was “overrated” and a “has-been”.
And Shelton, speaking at the end of his post-match press conference on Wednesday, said that he was shocked with “how players have been treated by the broadcasters”.
Shelton criticises 'embarrassing' and 'disrespectful' broadcasters at Australian Open
Madison Keys shocks Iga Swiatek to set up final clash with Aryna Sabalenka
14:00 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys stunned Iga Swiatek to set up an Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
It had appeared the world’s top two players were on a collision course to meet in a grand slam final for the first time, and Sabalenka kept her end of the bargain by beating close friend Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2.
But Swiatek, who had dropped just 14 games en route to the last four, was unable to join her, losing out 5-7 6-1 7-6 (10/8) in a pulsating match against Keys, who reached her only previous grand slam final at the US Open back in 2017.
Madison Keys shocks Iga Swiatek to set up final clash with Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka powers her way into another Australian Open final
13:50 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka is one win away from a third consecutive Australian Open title after beating close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals.
The world number one dropped her first set at Melbourne Park since the 2023 final against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova last time out but normal service was resumed in a 6-4 6-2 success.
Sabalenka and Badosa describe themselves as soulmates, and the Belarusian saw at close quarters the obstacles Badosa overcame to make it to her first grand slam semi-final, with a persistent back problem almost forcing her into retirement.
Aryna Sabalenka powers her way into another Australian Open final
Madison Keys on what to expect in final versus Aryna Sabalenka:
13:42 , Mike Jones
"There will definitely be some big hitting and definitely not a lot of long points but she's obviously going for her third Australia Open and I'm excited to get to play her.
"I'm really excited for the challenge and I don't know, Saturday is very far ahead in my brain right now."
Keys on getting through the match:
13:37 , Mike Jones
"I feel like even though I lost the first set I was playing some better tennis at the end of it and that I had a little bit of momentum going into the second set. To be able to run with that second set and really just be able to settle was really nice.
"In the third set it was so up and down and there were so many big points and break point chances that neither one of us got.
“I feel I blacked out at one point and I was just there running around so just to be able to stay in it and stay fighting, and then a 10-point tie-breaker for an extra dramatic finish."
Keys on nerves and battling through to win:
13:34 , Mike Jones
"I think at the end we were both battling some nerves and really just pushing each other and it came who can get this final point and who can kind of just be a little bit better than the other one, and I'm happy it was me."
Madison Keys on booking her spot in the final:
13:31 , Mike Jones
“I’m still trying to catch up to everything that is happening, I’m in the finals.
“That match was such high level and she [Iga Swiatek] played so well and I just felt like I was fighting to stay in it.
"I then ran with the second [set] and the third was just a battle and to be able to be standing here and be in the finals is absolutely amazing and I’m so excited that I get to be here on Saturday.”
Madison Keys defeat Iga Swiatek to reach final
13:16 , Mike Jones
Australian Open: SET & MATCH! Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 (10-8) Iga Swiatek
13:12 , Mike Jones
Keys strikes back immediately with an ace. An serve out wide takes her into the lead for the first time in the tie break.
Now though she has a match point.
Iga Swiatek serves to the centre of the box. Keys gets the return back.
A nervous rally develops, Keys just keeping the ball in play. Swiatek steps forward and pushes a forehand...
... it’s too long!
Keys wins the point, takes the set and wins the match!
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 (7-8) Iga Swiatek
13:09 , Mike Jones
Another huge moment! Keys lands her serve on the T line but Swiatek gets the return back. Keys looks as though she wasn’t expecting it and is drawn into a backhand rally which ends with her lifting the ball too long.
A better backhanded effort results in another winner for Keys and she remains one point behind Swiatek.
Swiatek has a couple of serves though. Yet, she can’t press the advantage. Keys defends and waits for Swiatek to force the play. The Pole looks to switch and finds the net.
Swiatek moves back into the lead with two incredible volleys from the net. The second of which is superb with a low lunge to her right.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 (5-6) Iga Swiatek
13:06 , Mike Jones
Big miss! Keys looks to unload on a forehand and wildly sends the ball out of play.
She then faults on her first serve and Swiatek drills back a backhand. Keys’s return lands on the baseline and Swiatek awkwardly lifts the ball out of play.
The Pole still has a slight advantage and that improves as Keys is forced to run across the court. Her attempted forehand lands in the net.
Swiatek’s next serve attacked and Keys looks comfortable. She drills a forehand down the line and closes the gap once more.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 (3-4) Iga Swiatek
13:03 , Mike Jones
Chance! Keys pushes a backhand into the top of the net. If that shot had got over she would have scored a winner.
Swiatek then clips the net from a return of serve but the ball lands on her side of court.
From her own serves, the Pole wins the first rally with a lovely backhanded switch of direction.
From the second one Swiatek forces Keys onto the defensive but messes up with a drop shot. Keys gets across and scores a passing winner.
This is tense.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 (1-2) Iga Swiatek
12:59 , Mike Jones
Serving is so important in tie breaks like these.
Swiatek wins the first point against the serve then double faults.
She shakes that off to land a first serve that Keys drills into the net.
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 6-6 Iga Swiatek*
12:57 , Mike Jones
At deuce this is anyone’s game.
Madison Keys strikes first with a blistering return of serve that Iga Swiatek knocks into the net.
Swiatek’s response is to serve down the T but she misses her mark. Her second serve hits the net and bounces out!
Keys gets the break of serve.
This match will be decided by a 10-point tie break.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 5-6 Iga Swiatek*
12:55 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek didn’t hold her own serve at all in the second set, she hasn’t been broken in the third.
A hold of serve now sends her through to the Australian Open final.
Swiatek starts positively. She lands the first serve and comes forward to place a volley from the net.
Keys then goes after the next serve and forces an error as Swiatek sends the ball long.
Again Swiatek serves to the forehand but Keys drills it into the net this time.
30-15.
Incredible! Keys gets a backhand return in play then dominates the rally. She doesn’t hesitate on a cross court forehand and lands the ball on the baseline!
However, it’s Swiatek who sets up match point as Keys finds the net with another backhand.
Swiatek serves into the middle of the box. Keys strikes a forehand back and Swiatek goes into the net.
Deuce.
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 5-6 Iga Swiatek*
12:51 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys seems to have decided her forehand is the best weapon. She looks for the sideline but sends it a touch too wide.
Swiatek then charges forward to double her advantage. She meets the ball on the volley and smokes it past Keys to move 0-30 up.
Keys then double faults and has work to do to save these break points. There are three of them.
A superb serve and return helps her save the first one.
Swiatek dances on the spot but a serve down the T forces a simple return which Keys dispatches. Two saved.
There’s the break! Keys comes forward and slices over a drop shot. Swiatek reads it early and sprints up court before rolling her wrist over a forehand and scoring a passing winner!
Swiatek will serve for the match.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 5-5 Iga Swiatek
12:47 , Mike Jones
This battle is everything you want from a semi-final.
Iga Swiatek is serving to stay in the match. She forces Keys wide then comes forward with a fine forehand that earns her the point.
Her joy is short lived as a backhand down the line is pushed too wide and Keys draws level in the game.
15-15.
Keys goes on the attack. She mullers a return of serve then steps into court and drives a forehand into space to win the point.
A second attempt to power in a forehand goes wrong though and Swiatek is thankful for the error.
30-30.
Out comes the fist pump. This time it’s for Swiatek who forces Keys behind the baseline and running side-to-side. Keys is too far away to get a stretching forehand over the net and Swiatek moves ahead.
Hold! Keys fails to drop a volley over the net and these women cannot be separated.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 5-4 Iga Swiatek*
12:42 , Mike Jones
Oh wow! A battling rally sees both women on top then under pressure.
Swiatek takes the point but misses out on the break as Keys falls back on her power.
Two rallies later she’s got the opportunity to hold and does so as Swiatek goes wide.
“Come on!” she yells.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 4-4 Iga Swiatek
12:39 , Mike Jones
That game may have given Swiatek a boost. She steps into court and attacks Keys’ forehand doing enough to take the first point.
The second point goes her way as well as Keys’s backhand effort goes long.
Oh no! The errors keep coming from Keys who hooks a forehand wide of play and leaves Swiatek with three break points.
Swiatek looks for the baseline corner with a whipped forehand but gets the angle slightly wrong and Keys saves the first point.
Keys saves the second with a wide serve and a follow up driving volley.
She saves the third as Swiatek finds the net!
Deuce.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 4-4 Iga Swiatek
12:36 , Mike Jones
Incredible.
A display of mental fortitude and grit from Iga Swiatek sees her save two break points and shake off a missed opportunity to smash back a winner to hold serve.
Over to you Madison.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 4-3 Iga Swiatek*
12:34 , Mike Jones
Is Keys making her move?
The American takes the first two points against the serve but then lifts a backhand return over the back of court.
Swiatek lands another first serve then follows up with repeated shots to the baseline.
Keys defends and lofts the ball up for a smash but Swiatek blazes it wide!
Two break points for Keys.
Swiatek saves the first with a spinning serve out wide. She saves the second after Keys punts a backhand into the net.
Deuce.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 4-3 Iga Swiatek*
12:30 , Mike Jones
The cogs are whirring inside Iga Swiatek’s head as she looks for a way to attack.
Her first couple of ideas are to go across court with the forehand but both times she misses the mark.
Then she decides to sprint up the court and Keys is hurried. She lifts the ball over the back and there’s a chink in the armour.
Swiatek controls the next rally and makes Keys sprint along the baseline. Again the American is hurried and the point goes to the Pole.
Keys digs in. She takes the next point to move 40-30 up the holds her ground as Swiatek goes after a second serve.
Swiatek drills it across the court but Keys’s response is to drive a backhand into the vacant space and hold serve.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 3-3 Iga Swiatek
12:26 , Mike Jones
With the way this set is playing out, Iga Swiatek has the most pressure.
She’s tasked with responding to every hold from Madison Keys with one of her own. So far she’s been up to that task.
At 40-0 up, Swiatek seems to have things in hand. But two simple mistakes, where she should win both points, leave the door ajar for Keys.
Swiatek remains composed and gets the hold. Nothing to separate these two in the third set.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 3-2 Iga Swiatek*
12:20 , Mike Jones
Lovely from Keys.
A serve wide to the forehand draws the error and a follow up down the T puts her in control of the next rally.
Swiatek is worked side-to-side before a tired and stretching forehand forces the ball into the net.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 2-2 Iga Swiatek
12:18 , Mike Jones
Despite the feeling that Madison Keys is in the ascendancy this match is finely poised.
It may only take one moment for Swiatek to turn it all around. This might be it.
Swiatek sprints forward to go after a volley but lets it bounce instead. She’s then forced into a backhand flick and finds the baseline which draws a mishit from Keys.
It’s now Keys’s turn to dig in and she keeps the game level at 30-30.
Chance! Swiatek feeds to ball to Keys’s backhand and the American hits the net. Break point for the Pole...
Saved!
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 2-2 Iga Swiatek
12:14 , Mike Jones
There’s been a lot more energy from Swiatek in this set already but she’s uncomfortable.
Keys is matching her blow for blow and is executing the tricky shots better.
At 30-30 with the serve Swiatek serves out wide but then fizzes a forehand down the line and sends it too long!
She had time to get that right but messed up.
Keys senses the moment to break and goes after. It’s a forehand down the line of her own but she goes wide and Swiatek has a reprieve.
She makes use of it with a fine flick from the net and holds her serve.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 2-1 Iga Swiatek*
12:07 , Mike Jones
One of Keys’s main threats is from her first serve.
When the accuracy is there the pace is too much for Swiatek to deal with.
Couple that with some fine play to get the ball to dip just over the top of the net and Keys is a handful at the minute.
Another hold for the American but Swiatek is finding ways to challenge her.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 1-1 Iga Swiatek
12:04 , Mike Jones
It’s been a while since Iga Swiatek held her own serve. Can she do so here?
There seems to be a change in mindset from Swiatek to keep the ball in play. She’s sharper across the court than Keys and can draw the erros if she makes the American run.
Twice Keys sends shots too long and then hits a return of serve into the net.
An attempted slice from Swiatek doesn’t make it over the net but she has a cushion at 40-15.
Keys crunches the ball into the middle of court but Swiatek gets up to the net and wins with a smash volley.
All square.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 1-0 Iga Swiatek*
12:00 , Mike Jones
Ace! A fine start from Keys.
Swiatek looks to raise her game but can’t get a grip of it. She goes after a second serve and drills a backhand well wide.
Keys has found her serve and Swiatek has no answer.
The American takes the first game of the third set.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 0-0 Iga Swiatek
11:57 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek takes five minutes to change her kit in between sets.
It’s the maximum time off court that she’s allowed and it forces Madison Keys to wait.
Naturally, Keys wants to keep going. She was incredible in the second set but these are mind games and little tricks to break up Keys’ flow.
Keys will serve first in the third set.
Australian Open: SET! Madison Keys 5-7 6-1 Iga Swiatek
11:52 , Mike Jones
That was an incredible set of tennis from Madison Keys.
It was far too good for Iga Swiatek to deal with and this semi-final heads into deciding set.
Which way is it going to go?
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 5-7 5-1 Iga Swiatek*
11:49 , Mike Jones
That is actually unbelievable.
Madison Keys looks to take the second set without giving up a game and get right back in the match.
Iga Swiatek needs a break to reset and re-balance but first she wants to find some form.
Keys is playing out of her skin though with some incredible hitting skimming the top of the net and finding the tight angles.
Swiatek digs in. She fights back and forces Keys onto the back foot which helps. A couple of errors secures her the break of serve and she avoids losing the set to love.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-7 5-0 Iga Swiatek
11:44 , Mike Jones
Ig Swiatek rolls her shoulders and eases her back.
The momentum of the match has totally abandoned her as Madison Keys rediscovers her form.
The American is a force of nature and her imposition on this set has thrown Swiatek off.
Keys moves 0-30 up then clips the tape and gives up a point. Swiatek is flustered. She looks to whip a forehand across court but blazes it high and wide.
Two more break points for Keys.
She needs one. Keys is just one game away from winning the second set.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 4-0 Iga Swiatek*
11:40 , Mike Jones
Bang, bang, bang. Ace, ace, ace.
Madison Keys flies up to 40-0 and holds serve after Iga Swiatek unleashes on a forehand that sails over the back of court.
Swiatek is well up against it now.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 5-7 3-0 Iga Swiatek
11:37 , Mike Jones
There’s an added layer of pressure on Iga Swiatek now.
She has to hold serve repeatedly until she can break Keys.
The Pole is being made to work hard for her points and has no answer to shots like Keys’ cross court forehand return.
The American sets up another break point and Swiatek drives another shot out of play.
Double break for Keys!
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-7 2-0 Iga Swiatek*
11:33 , Mike Jones
That could be a big moment for Keys. She’s starting to find a bit more rhythm in her game and the errors are less.
Swiatek gets lucky after clipping the tape and the ball drops onto Keys’ side of court.
A backhand across court from Keys lands in the net after Swiatek goes on the attack against the second serve.
Keys gets herself on the board by landing the first serve and draws level at 30-30 with a wonderful inside out forehand to the corner.
From there it’s simple enough to hold serve.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 5-7 1-0 Iga Swiatek
11:30 , Mike Jones
When Madison Keys is on song, she’s very good.
A driving volley pokes her nose in front in the first game of the second set and a return of serve to the body of Swiatek sets up a couple of break points.
She needs one. Swiatek goes long and was outclassed in that game.
Australian Open: SET! Madison Keys 5-7 Iga Swiatek*
11:25 , Mike Jones
Can Iga Swiatek win the set or will Madison Keys force a tie break?
The pair trade points in the first couple of rallies from Keys’ next service game before Swiatek wildly smokes a return out of play.
A backhand down the line helps her come up court and Keys punts her return over the back.
30-30.
That is insane. Swiatek steps inside the baseline then smokes a backhand to the top left corner from the middle of court. Keys has not answer.
Swiatek has another set point and this time she takes it!
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 5-6 Iga Swiatek
11:21 , Mike Jones
Swiatek regains her focus and puts in a couple of deep serves that Keys fails to return.
Swiatek is a quiet operator. A slight nod or glance to her coach shows you that she’s in control again.
A hold to love means she’s at least secured a tie break in the set.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 5-5 Iga Swiatek*
11:18 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek has already had a chance to close out this set which she missed.
It’s still quite a way back for Madison Keys and she needs to start with a hold of serve.
Twice Swiatek drills the ball into the top of the net and gives points away. She’s frustrated and a touch more energy is pushed into a backhand which flies long.
Oh no! A superb serve means Swiatek can only loft the ball back. Keys waits for it to bounce then smashes the ball into the net. 40-30.
The American isn’t affected by that miss. She shuffles over to the right and pings a forehand winner down the line!
All square.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 4-5 Iga Swiatek
11:14 , Mike Jones
Huge moment!
Swiatek saves the first couple of break points and gets drawn into a backhand rally.
She looks to switch it up but pushes a forehand too long.
Madison Keys breaks and the first set is back on serve!
Australian Open: Madison Keys 3-5 Iga Swiatek*
11:12 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys must break Swiatek here. She strides forward and drills the ball at her opponent who can;t get it over the net.
Keys has some momentum. She turns it on and steps into court and a forehand winner. 0-30.
Swiatek takes a moment to settle herself but to no avail.
Keys continues to bully her and now has three break points.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 3-5 Iga Swiatek*
11:09 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek has an uncanny ability to press her advantage whenever she gets a lead.
Madison Keys has the task of reining her back in.
She’s doing an okay job. Swiatek is relentless with flicked forehands and rapid backhands.
Keys goes wide with a cross court shot and offers up a set point. Swiatek looks to win it with a driving backhand down the line but goes wide!
From deuce, Keys is superb on the serve and manages to hold.
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 2-5 Iga Swiatek
11:05 , Mike Jones
There’s a few nerves around at 30-30 but Swiatek lands first serve to the backhand to move ahead.
Keys responds with a strong return and keeps the pressure on to force deuce.
This is a key moment in the match.
Swiatek looks to rise to it. A lovely weighted forehand scores her another winner before a serve down the T gives her control of the next rally.
Keys gets the return back but a forehand then dabbed volley follow up from Swiatek brings her the point and the game.
Australian Open: Madison Keys 2-4 Iga Swiatek*
11:02 , Mike Jones
Now this is an opportunity. If Iga Swiatek can hold serve in this game she’ll be on the brink of winning the opening set.
She starts off poorly though with a double fault. Her next first serve lands and she positions herself in the middle of the baseline. Swiatek targets the Keys backhand and peppers it until the winner comes her way.
Keys then steps onto the front foot and drives Swiatek back before coming up to the net. Swiatek looks to hit over her and sends the ball out of play.
15-30.
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 2-4 Iga Swiatek*
10:59 , Mike Jones
Keys is an aggressive player and is going for her shots. The shoulders start to sag though after another error helps Swiatek into a 0-30 lead.
Swiatek’s rapid movement across the court is one of her assets. She gets to shots most other players wouldn’t and is happy to loft defensive strokes over the net to herself some time to recover.
The Pole sets up three break points. Keys saves the first two then pings a forehand down the line and out of play!
Australian Open: *Madison Keys 2-3 Iga Swiatek
10:54 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek is starting to get her first serves to land which are pacey and accurate.
The Pole moves 40-0 ahead as Keys hits three errors in a row.
Swiatek then looks for a forehand down the centre line and clips the tape with the ball bouncing back onto her own side of court.
A fine drive down the line gets Keys running and Swiatek comes up to the net. Keys attempts the lob but Swiatek smashes back the volley for the first hold of the match.
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 2-2 Iga Swiatek*
10:51 , Mike Jones
It’s been a strange match so far. No holds of serve and errors dominating play with the odd superb strike bringing a winner.
Keys goes wide with a backhand and offers a break point up to Swiatek.
She receives it and whips a serve back over the net with her backhand. Keys drives the ball into the net.
Another break!
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 2-1 Iga Swiatek
10:46 , Mike Jones
A double fault starts this next game off on the wrong foot for Swiatek.
She then errs with a wide return and is beaten but Keys’ brilliant backhand.
Another error gives Keys a second break in the set.
The World No. 2 isn’t firing yet.
Australian Open: BREAK! Madison Keys 1-1 Iga Swiatek*
10:43 , Mike Jones
That’s just the start that Keys would have wanted. The American has been in fine form recently and spoke about her productive training in the off season.
Keys comes up to the net and works Swiatek from left to right. The Pole is willing to chase down everything in a display of fitness but the point doesn’t come her way.
Keys is enjoying herslef and a bouncing serve nudges her into a 40-30 lead.
However, a wild forehand from the American brings the game to deuce.
From there, Swiatek lofts a looy shot over the net to stay in the next rally before switching from defence to attack and winning with an inside out forehand.
Lovely play.
It’s crucial as well as Swiatek then immediately breaks back.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Madison Keys 1-0 Iga Swiatek
10:39 , Mike Jones
Swiatek is a hotbed of energy and movement. She’s got quick hands and great balance which allows to work the ball to different sides of court.
However, her accuracy isn’t quite there in this opening game and the Pole gives up a couple of break points.
The first is saved with a serve to the backhand. The second is won by Keys!
Swiatek comes up to the net but a battering of forehands breaks her down and the America takes the break!
Australian Open: Madison Keys 0-0 Iga Swiatek*
10:36 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys has spent almost three hours more on court than Iga Swiatek in this tournament.
She’s feeling good and looks to take on the Swiatek serve from the start.
A forehand jab to the corner baseline gives her control and she sends a passing winner wide of her opponent to get points on the board first.
Madison Keys v Iga Swiatek
10:31 , Mike Jones
Back on court the next semi-final is about to get underway with Madison Keys of the USA facing Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek has dropped just 14 games in this tournament so far with seven of those coming in her first round match.
She’s in blistering form and set be on a collision course to face Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Sabalenka on putting aside her friendship with Badosa
10:29 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa are good friends turned competitors in this Australian Open semi-final.
Sabalenka was asked how they put that friendship to one side when they play each other and focus on the job at hand.
She replied: “I don’t know [how we put our friendship to one side]. I think after a couple of battles against each other we spoke and decided to put it aside. Here she wanted it badly, we both wanted it badly. It’s our dream and here we are opponents.
“No matter what’s happened on the court we are going to be friends after our matches. It’s tough to do but we agreed and I think we do it pretty well. I hope she’s still my friend, I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next day or two but I’m okay with that.
“I’m sure after that we’ll be back to being friends going out to together, shopping and I don’t know what else.”
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to victory over Paula Badosa:
10:24 , Mike Jones
“Honestly, I have no idea [how she turned it around from 2-0 down in the first set].
“No for real, I was just trying to build for the next games but somehow I was able to turn around the [third] game and that crucial game.
“That was a super tough match against a friend and I’m happy to see her at her highest level. It was a touch match, a touch battle and I’m super happy to be through this difficult match.”
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Paula Badosa 6-4 6-2
10:21 , Mike Jones
Australian Open: SET & MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-2 Paula Badosa
10:13 , Mike Jones
Oof. That is seriously impressive.
Aryna Sabalenka moves into the Australian Open final with a hold of serve to love.
Her first serves lands and the crowd amps up the excitement level.
It’s fitting that the match ends with a Sabalenka winner.
Paula Badosa stuck with her in the early stages of the match but Sabalenka constantly turned up the pressure and skill.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-2 Paula Badosa
10:10 , Mike Jones
Superb work from Paula Badosa.
The match has pretty much gone and all she can do is keep performing.
A solid hold forces Sabalenka to serve for the match and a place in the final.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-1 Paula Badosa*
10:07 , Mike Jones
That’s the game.
From deuce, Sabalenka reverts to her power game and takes no nonsense.
It’s been a bruising outing for Paula Badosa, can she hold serve here?
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-1 Paula Badosa
10:03 , Mike Jones
Two games will do it for Aryna Sabalenka. She’ll be confident of getting this game over an down with quickly.
Badosa has other ideas and unloads on a cross court forehand that Sabalenka just lets go.
There’s so much power in Sabalenka’s arsenal though. She can afford to let some points drop as the response is usually aggressive.
At 40-15, Sabalenka double faults and shakes her head. She then drills a forehand into the net and Badosa forces the game to deuce.
A chance perhaps?
Australian Open: BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-1 Paula Badosa
09:59 , Mike Jones
Deuce. Sabalenka is comfortable and doesn’t feel the need to go for winners early in rallies.
She tries to park herself in the middle of the baseline and work Badosa left and right.
A double fault from the Spaniard puts Sabalenka at advantage where she mullers a backhand return across court.
Badosa gets the ball back but Sabalenka sweeps another winner past her to break for the second time in the set.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 3-1 Paula Badosa*
09:54 , Mike Jones
This isn’t quite the last chance saloon but Badosa’s back is firmly up against the wall.
There’s very little room for error which also means it’s more difficult to take risks. And to beat Sabalenka you sort of have to risk more than usual.
A serve out wide is latched onto by Badosa but she drills her effort down the line too wide.
Sabalenka then nails a backhand winner (her 24th of the match) before following up with a dainty drop shot.
It’s too easy and too good.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 2-1 Paula Badosa
09:49 , Mike Jones
The good news for the neutrals is that Paula Badosa is more threatening from her own serve.
It’s when she gets drawn into a rally that things go pear shaped as Sabalenka is so good at dictating play. The Belarusian sets up for her winning forehands and asserts the pressure right back on Badosa.
There’s a chance for Sabalenka to break and annoyingly, Badosa double faults.
Advantage Sabalenka.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 1-1 Paula Badosa*
09:46 , Mike Jones
Ouch! Paula Badosa slides across court but gets her foot stuck and lands on the deck.
There’s an intake in breath from the crowd but she gives a thumbs up and gets back on her feet.
Sabalenka took the point though and doesn’t let the moment distract from her job.
Three more follow in quick succession and that’s a hold of serve.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 0-1 Paula Badosa
09:44 , Mike Jones
Paula Badosa needs another strong start to this set.
Aryna Sabalenka has clicked into gear but there are still mistakes coming from the World No.1.
A confident hold from Badosa, who lands some accurate first serves, gives her the opening game of the set.
Australian Open: SET! Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 Paula Badosa*
09:39 , Mike Jones
Scary!
Sabalenka is putting everything into her serve and is hurrying the return from Badosa which in turn allows her to come through with a follow up winner.
It works twice before Sabalenka drives a backhand into the net.
Still, there’s no way in for Badosa and Sabalenka’s next two serves secures her the first set.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 5-4 Paula Badosa
09:37 , Mike Jones
This is unexpected but not surprising. Paula Badosa holds serve to love in probably the quickest game of the set so far.
Sabalenka wasn’t at it but now has the chance to serve for the set.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 5-3 Paula Badosa*
09:34 , Mike Jones
A slight nod of acknowledgement from Aryna Sabalenka shows she’s dialled in now.
A excellent service game, in which Badosa struggles to return the serve, puts Sabalenka on the brink of taking the opening set.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 4-3 Paula Badosa
09:30 , Mike Jones
Brilliant! Badosa isn’t done yet. A forehand down the line brings her a winner as the ball lands right in the corner of the baseline.
That’s only her fourth winner of the set which perhaps shows why she’s struggling to gain a foothold.
This game is a great response though. Sabalenka is her usual aggressive self and gets to deuce but Badosa composes and rattles through the next two points to clinch a hold.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 4-2 Paula Badosa*
09:25 , Mike Jones
Sabalenka resumes the match and flicks over another sliced drop shot before flicking back to the return to take the point.
Her confidence is growing and her forehand power strokes are beginning to land.
The Belarusian moves to 40-0 up but fives away a point before securing her break of serve with a fine hold.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 3-2 Paula Badosa
09:21 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka is in charge of this set now. There’s a few drops of rain around so the roof is being closed.
Should Sabalenka hold here, it could be a long way back for Badosa.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 3-2 Paula Badosa
09:19 , Mike Jones
Finally! On her fourth attempt at getting through Badosa, Sabalenka secures the break with a forehand to the corner.
Badosa stretches to reach it and sends the ball wide in an attempt to come down the line.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 2-2 Paula Badosa*
09:16 , Mike Jones
This is a good match up and both women are trading blows and points.
That is until Sabalenka employs a fine backhanded drop shot to catch Badosa on her heels.
Sabalenka sets up a break point and goes after it with a forehand that gets pumped out of play. She’s frustrated and the game goes to deuce.
Sabalenka forces Badosa behind the baseline and goes on the attack.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 2-2 Paula Badosa*
09:08 , Mike Jones
“Come on!” says Sabalenka with some fury as she volleys back a winner from the net.
This has been a most testing opening few games than she was maybe expecting.
Badosa is playing well but is relying on the errors from her opponent. Most of the lengthy rallies seem to have gone Sabalenka’s way.
Still, at 30-30 Badosa is hanging in there until a wayward stroke gifts the Belarusian an advantage.
Sabalenka takes it with a wonderful cross court forehand. Badosa lifts back the return but a drive volley wins the game for the defending champion.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Aryna Sabalenka 1-2 Paula Badosa
09:02 , Mike Jones
Oh that’s lovely, Sabalenka cleanly smokes a cross court forehand over the net but Badosa is up to the task and guides back a forehand of her own down the line.
She moves to advantage but Sabalenka isn’t letting this game go. She’s starting to warm up and find her feet.
Sabalenka takes the next two points and has the chance to break back.
She takes it on the second attempt and the first set is back on serve.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 0-2 Paula Badosa*
08:58 , Mike Jones
Badosa knows this is an opportunity. Sabalenka is struggling on the forehand and seems the more nervous of the two players.
The Spaniard is focusing on keeping the ball in play and trying to land it close to the baseline.
A backhand down the line wins her a point and two more errors from Sabalenka put her on the brink of a hold.
Badosa sweeps a forehand across court but gets the angle slightly wrong and the ball lands wide of the sideline.
Sabalenka senses a chance and mullers a return of serve past her opponent to get back into the game. A third point in a row takes them to deuce.
Australian Open: BREAK! Aryna Sabalenka 0-2 Paula Badosa*
08:54 , Mike Jones
A mistimed and over-rotated forehand from Sabalenka flies out of play and gives Badosa a 0-30 in the second game.
Can she capitalise?
Sabalenka pulls the next point back with a characteristically strong forehand but then overhits in the follow up rally.
Badosa has a couple of break points and needs one! Sabalenka again searching to find rhythm on the forehand but pinging the ball out of play.
An early break for Badosa.
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 0-1 Paula Badosa
08:51 , Mike Jones
Hold! Some brilliant first serves and counter-punching from Paula Badosa sees her hold serve in this opening game.
A volley from up the court landing in the net from the defending champion.
Badosa needed to start strongly and she has.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Paula Badosa*
08:48 , Mike Jones
Even before a ball has been served, the win predictor is giving Aryna Sabalenka a 71% chance to reach the final.
Paula Badosa gets this match going with a serve to Sabalenka’s forehand. The Belarusian pounds back some heavy strokes which eventually break down Badosa who skews a return out of play.
Badosa’s response is an ace but Sabalenka continues her tactic of forehand bullying and nudges ahead.
15-30.
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 0-0 Paula Badosa*
08:41 , Mike Jones
The first of the women’s semi-finals is about to get underway.
Paula Badosa has won the toss and will serve first. The Spaniard has never reached this stage of the Australian Open and she’ll want to impress on the biggest stage.
Aryna Sabalenka has the better head-to-head record between the two but they’ve played out a few tense matches.
Hopefully there’s another one today.
Aryna Sabalenka v Paula Badosa
08:38 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka strides onto the court at Rod Lever Arena with headphones and a determined look on her face.
Paula Badosa waves to the crowd as she precedes the world No. 1.
These two are good friends but Sabalenka is the overwhelming favourite to win this one.
Sabalenka 'not scared' of defeat or pressure
08:37 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka was asked if she got scared ahead of big matches like today’s semi-final in a pre-match press conference.
She said: “Did you say scared?
“I think it’s nothing to do with being scared, I’m past that stage. I was just trying to figure out how to play in these conditions.”
Sabalenka and Badosa must set aside friendship
08:28
Sabalenka and Badosa must set aside friendship when the two meet on Rod Laver Arena
Having dropped just one set so far at Melbourne Park, Spanish 11th seed Badosa presents a formidable obstacle for Belarusian world number one Sabalenka.
Badosa, who is looking in her best shape since falling out of the top 50 due to a series of injuries including a chronic back problem that threatened her career, stunned American third seed Coco Gauff to advance to her first Grand Slam semi-final.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka's relentless pursuit of a third straight Australian Open title continued after she battled past Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2 2-6 6-3, dropping a set for just the second time in three years at Melbourne Park.
Sabalenka and Badosa have previously met seven times, with Sabalenka winning five of those meetings including their latest encounter at the third round of Roland-Garros last year.
Badosa will now have the opportunity to avenge that heartbreak.
"She is showing why she's the number one in the world right now. She's being very consistent, very aggressive. Very intense player. She's always a really tough one to face," former world number two Badosa told reporters.
"I faced her last year, but I think I was not in the form I am in now. If it is Aryna, I am really looking forward for that match."
Swiatek on double bounce controversy:
08:25 , Mike Jones
“I didn’t see the replay because after the point I didn’t look up at the screens because I wanted to stay focused and didn’t want this point to stay in my head for a longer period of time.
“I wasn’t sure if it was a double bounce or I hit it with my frame. It was hard to say because I was full sprinting. I don’t remember even seeing the contact point.
“I thought this is the umpire’s job to call it. I was also waiting for the VAR, but I didn’t see it, so I just kind of proceeded.”
Emma Navarro calls for rule change after Australian Open loss to Iga Swiatek
08:20 , Mike Jones
Emma Navarro called for a change in the rules after a controversial moment during her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Iga Swiatek.
The only real moments of pressure came early in the second set and particularly at 2-2 on the Swiatek serve, when the Pole won the game after umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore failed to spot that the ball had bounced twice before Swiatek got to a short ball.
Navarro said: “I think it should be allowed to see after the point even if you play. It happened so fast. You hit the shot, and she hits it back, and you’re just, like, ‘Oh, I guess I’m playing’.
“In the back of your head you’re, like, ‘OK, maybe I can still win the point even though it wasn’t called. It’s going to be a downer if I stop the point and it turns out it wasn’t a double bounce’. It’s tough.”
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
08:17 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner continued his quest for consecutive Australian Open titles with a clinical deconstruction of Alex de Minaur in the last of the men’s singles quarter-finals.
Rarely in professional sport is one person so visibly better than their opponent in every aspect of play than this. Serves, second serves, movement, accuracy, and ball-striking all favoured the 23-year-old who put on a display that validated his ranking as the best tennis player in the world... not that he needed to.
Jannik Sinner’s clinical deconstruction of Alex De Minaur was a lesson in class
Jannik Sinner reacts to reaching semi-finals
08:13 , Mike Jones
"I was feeling everything, when you break quite early in each set it’s a little bit easier but Alex de Minaur is a very tough competitor, he’s an amazing player and I know so many guys came for him tonight but thank you so much for being so fair, it was an amazing atmosphere.
"We know each other quite well now, we played last year so many times and we try to understand each other’s game and try and prepare each other in the best possible way.
"But these kind of matches can go quickly but they can also change very fast if I go down a level a little bit, he takes opportunities, so I’m very happy about my performance."
Madison Keys reacts to victory over Elina Svitolina
08:10 , Mike Jones
Madison Keys swept into the semi-finals for the Australian Open 10-years after her first time reaching this stage.
She defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets and said after the match: “It feels good. Kind of surprising but I’m really, really happy.
“I feel like I put in a lot of hard work in the off season and my goal was to try and do all the things we were doing in the off season in matches.
“I feel like it’s a little bit nerve-wrecking to apply it but that’s been my goal and to see it paying off this quickly is really nice.
“It’s been something I’ve really worked on [having plans A, B and C]. When she started winning points when we were both at the baseline I tried getting up to the net
“You know things are dire when I’m starting to hit slices and drop shots. I really just tried to use all the tools in the toolbox today.”
Swiatek sets up semi-final clash with Keys
08:05 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek will face Madison Keys in the women’s singles semi-finals and leads the head-to-head between the pair 4-1.
Yet, Keys did win their last hard-court meeting in Cincinnati in 2022.
"Madison is a great player and really experienced, so you never know," Swiatek said.
"The match that I lost, she kind of killed me, so I think it can be tricky."
What are the Australian Open semi-finals?
08:00 , Mike Jones
Women’s singles
[1] Aryna Sabalenka vs [11] Paula Badosa
[19] Maddison Keys vs [2] Iga Swiatek
Men’s singles
[1] Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton [21]
[7] Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev [2]
Novak Djokovic on injury picked up versus Carlos Alcaraz:
07:55 , Mike Jones
“Since I am still in the tournament, I don’t want to reveal too much. The medication started to kick in.
“They helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose. If I’d lost that second set, I don’t know if I’d have continued playing.
“I felt better and better and managed to play a great couple of games at the end of the second set.
“Then I saw that Carlos was hesitant a little bit at the back of the court and I took my chances, started to feel better and move better.
“It didn’t bother me or create any hindrance towards the end of the match. When the medication starts to release, I’ll see what the reality is tomorrow morning.
“Right now I am just trying to be in the moment and enjoy this victory.”
Where can I watch the Australian Open?
07:46 , Mike Jones
In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.
The tournament takes place every day from midnight UK time each day on the outside courts and 1am on the show courts, while night sessions will start at 8am.
Aryna Sabalenka sets up Australian Open semi-final with good friend Paula Badosa
07:42 , Mike Jones
Aryna Sabalenka will face close friend Paula Badosa in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after battling to victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
The two-time defending champion’s 18-match winning run at Melbourne Park looked in serious danger when she lost the second set on a windy Rod Laver Arena.
Aryna Sabalenka sets up Australian Open semi-final with good friend Paula Badosa
Alexander Zverev through to Australian Open semi-finals
07:40 , Mike Jones
Alexander Zverev is through to the Australian Open finals for the second year in a row after riding his luck to beat American Tommy Paul.
Paul served for the first and second sets but Zverev broke back and then played excellent tiebreaks, eventually winning 7-6 (1) 7-6 (0) 2-6 6-1.
“I should have been down two sets to love,” Zverev said. “He played better than me, I was not playing great and I thought he was.
“I won the first set somehow, won the second set somehow. The fourth set was definitely the best I’ve played and I’m obviously extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals.”
Zverev will play Novak Djokovic in the last four.
Dominant Iga Swiatek cruises into Australian Open semi-finals
07:37 , Mike Jones
Iga Swiatek continued her romp through the Australian Open draw with a quarter-final victory over Emma Navarro.
The Pole’s 6-1 6-2 win means she has dropped just 14 games so far in five matches – a feat bettered under the current format by only Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles and Steffi Graf.
But there was controversy after umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore did not spot a double bounce at a crucial moment in the fifth game of the second set.
Dominant Iga Swiatek cruises into Australian Open semi-finals
Good morning!
07:33 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Australian Open action.
The women’s semi-finals dominate proceedings this morning as Aryna Sabalenka seeks to reach consecutive finals in her quest to defend her title. She faces Spain’s Paula Badosa in the first of the semi-final matches and will be on court from 8.30am GMT.
Afterwards, there’s a blockbuster clash between Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys with both players aiming to reach the final for the very first time.
Follow for all the build-up and action from the Australian Open semi-finals.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
