Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic responds to apology controversy ahead of Carlos Alcaraz clash – UK Times

Alex de Minaur has made the perfect start on Rod Laver Arena and wins the opening set 6-0 against Alex Michelsen.

The Australian Open home favourite is bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, after three successive fourth-round exits.

If he manages, De Minaur would also have reached the quarter-finals at the last four grand slams in a row, but his goal is making a first grand slam semi-final.

Iga Swiatek was once again in ruthless form as the second seed thrashed the lucky loser Eva Lys 6-0 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2022.

Swiatek has dropped just 11 games this tournament and only two in her last two matches, following another 6-1 6-0 win over Emma Raducanu.

And Swiatek, who suffered early exits at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, believes there is still more to come.

“I’m still 23 years old, so there is a lot to improve always. I don’t feel like I’m in my peak yet but matches like that definitely give me confidence. I feel like I’m playing a good game.

“Usually I don’t feel comfortable with my game at the Australian Open, but this year it is a bit better. I’m just enjoying being on the court and off the court as well because I definitely have a good time here. Hopefully it’s going to last even longer.

Record-breaking Gael Monfils retired from his Australian Open fourth round match against young American Ben Shelton, as the 38-year-old’s epic run in Melbourne came to an unfortunate end.

An ailing Monfils received a standing ovation as he left the court after trailing 6-7 7-6 6-7 1-0 early in the fourth set. The Frenchman, who last week became the oldest player to win an ATP tour title, had nothing left to give and struggled with a back injury after being dragged into a three-hour battle by the big-serving Shelton.

Monfils had rolled back the years at the Australian Open with his victories over fourth seed Taylor Fritz, Daniel Altmaier and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to become the oldest man to reach the fourth round in Melbourne since Roger Federer. He had also won eight matches in a row, following his surprise title in Auckland.

Monfils and Shelton smiled as they shook hands at the net and the 22-year-old was complimentary of the veteran’s efforts in the match.

Elina Svitolina was happy to bring some light to Ukraine with her victory over Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Svitolina, who has refused to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents after matches since the start of the war nearly three years ago, recovered from a poor start to win 6-4 6-1 and reach her 12th grand slam quarter-final.

“This fighting spirit that I have is completely Ukrainian spirit that I try to show, that I try to represent, as well,” she said.

“Especially now these days in very difficult days for Ukraine. It’s almost been three years that the war is ongoing. Of course, it’s on a daily basis a very heavy rucksack that all Ukrainians have on their backs.

“For me to find a way to win matches, to find a way to bring a little light, a little win for Ukrainian people, is something that I feel I am responsible of. To bring the fight is the least that I can do.

“I feel like sometimes people, they forget that there’s still the war, that we still need help. Just for me, it’s very important to show the resilience, to show that I’m here to fight no matter what.”

Ailing defending champion Jannik Sinner admitted he was fortunate to survive a fourth-round battle with Holger Rune at the Australian Open.

Sinner looked in deep trouble after losing the second set and he took a long medical timeout early in the third as he battled to stay on level terms.

But Rune was also feeling the heat and a bizarre delay at the beginning of the fourth set when Sinner broke the net with a serve also played into the Italian’s hands.

He eventually completed a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2 victory, saying in his on-court interview: “It was for sure very, very tough.”

Novak Djokovic is satisfied with the apology issued by Australian TV presenter Tony Jones.

Djokovic has turned his attention to Tuesday’s blockbuster match against Carlos Alcaraz after Channel Nine said in a statement that it apologised “for any offense caused from comments made” while live on air.

“No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans,” the statement continued. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”

“Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested,” read a statement issued Monday by Tennis Australia, “and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”

Novak Djokovic insists he boycotted a post-match interview at the Australian Open after claiming a journalist for an official broadcaster made “offensive” remarks towards him.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who maintains he is happy to receive a fine over his stance, also claimed Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones made a “mockery” of Serbian fans at Melbourne Park.

But Djokovic opted against a conversation and instead made a simple statement before being booed by some fans: “Thank you for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I’ll see you in the next round.”

An Australian TV presenter has publicly apologised to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis fans after the 10-time Australian Open champion boycotted his post-match interview on Sunday.

Djokovic revealed afterwards that his decision not to answer on-court questions in the customary manner following his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka was in protest at comments made on host broadcaster Channel 9 by Tony Jones.

Jones mocked a group of chanting Djokovic fans behind him ahead of the Serbian’s third-round match by singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”