Australian Open quarter-finals: Tsitsipas beats Lehecka, Azarenka routs Pegula – live | Australian Open 2023

Tsitsipas makes certain to indicate his appreciation for the group at Rod Laver Arena. “I like a lot of things in Australia, the people are very welcoming. I’ve said that so many times but I’ll keep saying it, because it’s very true. I grew up in a place that’s very similar in terms of conditions and lifestyle. I find myself feeling at home when I’m here.”

“It felt different this time from any other match, but the most important thing was that I found a solution,” says Tsitsipas. “It was a very difficult three-setter, one of the most difficult ones that I’ve had so far in the competition. I think Jiri had a very good tournament. He’s someone who has started playing well recently and I wish him the very best for the future.”

Tsitsipas beats Lehecka 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-4

Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-4 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Will right here, as promised. Tsitsipas blasts by his service sport with a collection of chunky aces, holding to like.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 7-6 (2), 4-4 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka overhits a forehand and he’s wobbling when a poor double-fault takes it to 0-30. Nerveless serve-volleying reduces the deficit, and an equally courageous and good forehand winner to the again of the courtroom restores parity. A volley on the internet takes us to 40-30 and an ace secures the maintain.

On which observe I’ll hand you over to Will Magee for a bit.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2), 4-3 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka squanders three extra break factors and this looks like an enormous miss in a sport that blends fashion and error. Tsitsipas mistimes a backhand after which goes 0-30 down when Lehecka sends a forehand past him on the internet into a large open courtroom. A double-fault ensues and from nowhere Lehecka has three break factors. He saves the primary when the Czech nets a comfortable return from a second serve, and saves the second on second serve too with a forceful angled forehand. The third is saved with an ace and a self-exhorting punch within the air. An extended rally ensues, which Tsitsipas wins too when he forces Lehecka to internet with a robust low return. A wild backhand from the Greek takes it again to deuce. It’s Lehecka’s flip to blunder subsequent with an overhit forehand return, and Tsitsipas secures a significant maintain with a forehand down the road.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-3 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka strikes swiftly right into a 30-0 lead – that’s 11 factors in a row going with serve by my reckoning – earlier than Tsitsipas breaks the sequence when an exhilarating, scurrying rally meets an anti-climactic finish when Lehecka shanks a forehand excessive off the sting of his racket. Tsitsipas then sends a backhand huge and an ace seals one other maintain. The Czech isn’t giving this one up with out a battle.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-2 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas blooters his method to a 40-0 lead with one other dominant show of serving and seals it with a robust second serve. This set is flying by.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 7-6 (2), 2-2 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka swiftly grabs a 40-0 lead with some correct serving and a stunning low backhand volley on the internet seals the maintain to like. This might be one other tight set. We’ve nonetheless had just one, early break of serve in all the match.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2), 2-1 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

These males are treating us to some nice rallies now however Lehecka shall be cursing himself for the unforced error that undoes his good work within the first, prolonged level of this sport. An angled low forehand winner on the run provides Tsitsipas a 30-0 lead, however wonderful returning and internet play from Lehecka wins him the following with a showboating smash. The Greek isn’t yielding a lot on his serve now although and he eases to a different maintain.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 7-6 (2), 1-1 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka advances to the web and pushes a decided Tsitsipas across the again of the courtroom to place away the opening level on his serve, however an unforced error ensues earlier than Lehecka simply edges a superb rally when Tsitsipas sends an instinctive backhand volley on the internet lengthy. It’s 30-all when the Czech overhits. More dominant internet play takes Lehecka to 40-30, and an ace wraps up an essential maintain.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2), 1-0 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas opens the third set with a wild forehand past the tramline. Lehecka then does comparable for 15-15. Tsitsipas reasserts management and a delicate-as-you-like forehand on the internet takes him to 40-15 and it’s a simple maintain. Lehecka must step it up now as a result of his opponent now appears to be like extra clearly within the ascendant.

Tsitsipas wins second set in opposition to Lehecka 7-6 (2)

Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-6 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Strong, nerveless serving swiftly takes Tsitsipas to 40-0, together with a fifth ace. He then overcooks a forehand from the again of the courtroom. It’s the one blemish on a assured service sport and we’re right into a tiebreak.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 5-6 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas is simply making the odd error right here and there now, and a wild forehand places Ledecka 30-0 up. A fierce first serve and an ace ensue to seal a simple maintain to like. The stress’s again on Tsitsipas at 5-6.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 5-5 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Having survived all these break factors earlier within the set, Tsitsipas has stepped up a notch on his serve and he’s swiftly right into a 30-0 lead right here earlier than clanking a foreand excessive off the sting of his racket. It’s adopted by a poor shot into the web for 30-all. An angled ace settles his nerves and an overhit forehand return from Lehecka retains us on serve and a tiebreak looming.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 4-5 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Some brutal hitting from each males behind the baseline begins Lehecka’s service sport, with Tsistipas coughing up the purpose finally when he hits lengthy. An overhead volley takes him to 30-0 and one other crisp forehand down the road wins the Czech the following level too. Tsitsipas’s looking low return then forces Lehecka to internet, however one other maintain of serve is secured when the Greek sends a backhand huge. The No 3 seed should now serve to remain on this very tight set.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 4-4* Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

A stunning low volley on the internet takes Tsitsipas swiftly to 30-0, earlier than Lehecka responds with an incredible double-handed backhand winner from out huge – his finest pictures are very, excellent. An unstoppable ace follows however Tsitsipas then sends a soppy return into the web for 40-30. No matter although as a result of one other robust first serve seals the maintain.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 3-4 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

This set stays actually laborious to name. A fascinating rally – the longest of the match – is ended by Lehecka’s nerveless smash for 15-0. The Czech undermines all that although with a sloppy double-fault. It’s then Tsitsipas’s flip to err with an overlong forehand, adopted by one other dominant level from Lehecka. A rasping forehand winner into an open courtroom seals one other spectacular maintain.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 3-3 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas was requested loads of questions on his earlier service sport. He’s requested none on this, completely commanding this one and holding to like very quickly in any respect.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 2-3 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

A brutal Tsitsipas smash settles a crowd-pleasing rally. Canny net-play from Lehecka restores parity then takes him to 30-15. He undoes his good work with a second double-fault earlier than sending down a second ace and one other agency serve to safe the maintain.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 2-2 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas survives 5 break factors for a significant maintain. Lehecka hits a rasping forehand return to the nook from an honest Tsitsipas first serve. Tsitsipas responds with a brutal forehand on the leap. An uncharacteristic comfortable backhand ensues from the Greek, after which we’re at two break factors when a double-handed angled backhand from Lehecka simply – simply – lands in. Tsitsipas saves the primary with an unplayable first serve down the center and a poor return from his second serve means the second is squandered too. But a dominant rally from the web provides Lehecka break level No 3. This one is tossed away too when the Czech bullets a forehand into the highest of the web. Tsitsipas mishits a backhand horribly handy over a fourth alternative for Lehecka, which is retrieved courtesy of a robust second serve and a weak backhand return. Break level No 5 arrives courtesy of a assured inside-out forehand winner however once more the tenacious Tsitsipas saves it. The Greek gees up his immediately quiet and anxious supporters and will get his first benefit, which he – not like his opponent – capitalises on. An enormous alternative missed for the Czech.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 1-2 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka atones for a primary double-fault with a natty angled winner on the internet, however then hits lengthy when beneath no stress for 30-all. The Czech responds by once more showcasing his abilities on the internet, this time with a lovely low angled backhand volley however one other error from him takes us to deuce. A fierce first serve alleviates among the stress and it’s then Tsitsipas’s flip for an unforced overhitting error to provide Lehecka a key maintain.

Tsitsipas 6-3, 1-1 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka hits the return of the match, reaching for a robust first serve and skimming it again throughout his opponent. A Tsitsipas error then provides a chink at 15-30 nevertheless it’s narrowed with a forehand down the road from the No 3 seed. Tsitsipas dominates the following couple of rallies to carry.

Tsitsipas* 6-3, 0-1 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

A stunning forehand down the road kickstarts Lehecka’s second set. He’s quickly 40-0 up earlier than Tsitsipas unveils a crunching forehand to the other nook that his opponent can’t get close to. Another one follows down that line for 40-30 however Lehecka responds with a terrific forehand winner. A very good maintain from a high-quality sport.

Tsitsipas wins first set in opposition to Lehecka 6-3

Tsitsipas* 5-3 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka, serving to remain within the first set, will get a few first serves within the zone for 30-0 earlier than a robust looking low return from Tsitsipas forces a miscue into the web. The Greek bosses the following rally too for 30-30, earlier than a greater serve from Lehecka makes it 40-30. He pushes Tsitsipas around the courtroom artfully to then wrap up the sport. Tsitsipas will now serve for the set.

Tsitsipas 5-2 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka’s rising into this match however isn’t actually making many inroads into Tsitsipas’s serve although he wrests management of a superb rally with a intelligent lob to peg his opponent again to 30-15. Tsitsipas responds with an ace down the center and a dominant rally following a robust angled serve. Another snug maintain.

Tsitsipas* 4-2 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka will get an opportunity to unfurl his masterful back-of-court forehand throughout a dominant lengthy rally that takes him to 30-0. A strong serve and a fragile backhand drop shot safe a maintain to like.

Tsitsipas 4-1 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Strong serving, erratic returning, take Tsitsipas to 40-15 on his serve, and he seals the maintain reaching for a wonderful low angled backhand drop-volley. He’s about greater than the ability and is ready honest on this opening set.

Tsitsipas* 3-1 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

Lehecka’s not been in a grand slam quarter-final earlier than and it’s proven in a few of his early unforced errors, however the drop shot he flicks over for 30-15 is a factor of magnificence and it units him up for a nerve-settling straightforward maintain.

Tsitsipas 3-0 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas romps by an emphatic maintain to like within the blink of an eye fixed.

Tsitsipas* 2-0 Lehecka (*denotes subsequent server)

An early break, after a gruelling opening service sport from the Czech. Tsitsipas dominates from again of courtroom to win the primary two factors on Lehecka’s serve. A smash on the internet helps regular the Czech, conqueror of two huge seeds already in Félix Auger-Aliassime and Cam Norrie, and he pushes Tsitsipas deftly across the again of the courtroom to maneuver to 40-30. A weak backhand into the web undoes Lehecka’s good work and Tsitsipas seizes break level when his opponent nets a backhand. It’s brilliantly saved with a wise serve and drop-volley however he sends one other backhand out to provide Tsitsipas break level No 2, which this time is saved with an ace. A 3rd break level follows with one other unforced error, earlier than Tsitsipas errs this time and we’re again at deuce. Tsitsipas takes a fourth with a simple advancing forehand winner on the internet, however but once more can’t take it. Groundhog day continues with break level No 5 following a comfortable Lehecka shot into the web. This time Tsitsipas cashes in with an incredible stretching forehand lob from the again of the courtroom that his opponent reaches for and will get however sends a backhand volley out.

Tsitsipas 1-0 Lehecka* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tsitsipas will get us beneath approach, and it’s already obvious he has raucous backing inside Rod Laver Arena. Confident serving takes him to 30-0 earlier than he miscues a forehand into the web. It’s quickly 40-15 earlier than Lehecka responds with a beautiful lob to settle an extended rally. That’ll settle the Czech, and he’s quickly at deuce and making use of stress on the Greek No 3 seed. Tsitsipas swats that stress apart with a forehand winner and wraps up the maintain when Lehecka steers a forehand huge.

Azarenka performs Rybakina within the semis – an attractive match-up of two immediately in-form gamers. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas and Lehecka are knocking up and shortly to begin.

Right, subsequent up it’s Tsitsipas v Lehecka. I’m simply going to avail myself of some espresso after which shall be proper again atcha.

Azarenka speaks: “It hurts to beat [Pegula] because I want her to do well and she’d; been playing amazing. We had so many rallies, I wanted to try and stay there and take my opportunities because otherwise she would. I executed my game plan really well and I’m so proud to be in a semi-final of another grand slam.

The 2012 and 2013 champion is then asked how she feels to be back winning on Rod Laver arena in front of the man himself. “You want to show your best tennis in front of the best,” she replies. “I hope you guys enjoyed watching me because I really tried my best.

“My tennis wasn’t bad last year but I wasn’t really there mentally and I played with a lot of fear. It’s diiffuclt to be brave when you feel anxious and hesitant so I worked a lot on my mindset, challenging myself because sometimes you can become conservative so I thought I’d be open minded and try new things.

Asked about the challenge of playing when you’re a parent she replies that her son Leo “doesn’t really care so much [about tennis] – he worries more about his football and when we’re gonna go play again but he’s watching matches and he wants me to be home. It’s my dog’s birthday too”. Happy birthday, pet canine.

Azarenka beats Pegula 6-4, 6-1

Pegula 4-6, 1-5 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

Another break – the fourth in a row – as Pegula appears to be like to be capitulating. She simply can’t dominate off her serve and begins the following sport with two forehands into the web. An overcooked Azarenka forehand give the No 3 seed some respite. Yet one other netted forehand coughs up two extra break factors, and it’s given up right away with one other unforced error as Pegula hits too lengthy. Azarenka will now serve for the match.

Pegula* 4-6, 1-4 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

Pegula is returning higher than she’s serving and a pleasant if dangerous little dink over the web brings her the primary level earlier than dropping the following with a netted forehand. An overhit return takes it to 30-15 as Pegula provides up a mournful sigh. The subsequent rally is an epic one, principally dominated by Pegula however received by Azarenka who not like her opponent seizes her alternative with a passing shot down the road. It turns into a simple maintain, the primary for some time. Pegula is staring down the barrel right here.

Pegula 4-6, 1-3 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

The roof’s nonetheless over Rod Laver Arena after the sooner rain, depriving these inside of what’s now a stunning Melbourne sundown. Pegula is made to work in her service sport once more, not helped by a comfortable forehand into the web for 30-30. Azarenka helps her out although with a misjudged sliced backhand too lengthy, however atones with a forensic and fierce driving forehand to take us to deuce. Azarenka then shanks one off the sting of her racket however dominates the following rally to safe deuce No 2, then carves out one other break level by pushing her opponent additional again within the courtroom. She takes it too, in a equally dominant return, to safe a 3rd successive break of Pegula’s serve. Azarenka’s rolling again the years right here. Can she consolidate the break this time?

Pegula* 4-6, 1-2 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

Pegula breaks again in her most spectacular sport of the match to date, her vary of pictures extra to the fore. A morale-boosting backhand drop shot from Pegula foxes Azarenka within the context of an extended trade from the again of the courtroom, and a searing forehand winner provides Pegula an opportunity at 0-30. A very good huge serve from Azarenka cuts the deficit. But Pegula snatches two extra break factors when the Belarussian sends a backhand huge. Dominant serve-volleying saves the primary of them however can’t save the following, an errant backhand gifting Pegula the break-back.

Pegula 4-6, 0-2 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

Azarenka sends an awry forehand huge, and a booming serve down the center takes Pegula to 30-0. But the American proceed to err with back-of-court tried winners and sends two lengthy in a row, and Azarenka forces one other break level with a robust return to the nook. It’s taken too when Pegula hits lengthy – once more. Is her quarter-final curse persevering with?

Pegula* 4-6, 0-1 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

The opening levels of this set really feel pivotal after the primary set ended with the gamers wanting extra intently matched, and Azarenka, who has not seemed just like the underdog at any level, races by a service maintain to like.

Azarenka wins first set in opposition to Pegula 6-4

Pegula* 4-5 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

Azarenka loses her hitherto robust grip on the match as Pegula breaks again after saving two extra set factors. Azarenka rasps a double-handed backhand into the nook to settle a superb rally for 30-15, and one other overhit forehand grants Azarenka two set factors, that are additionally squandered. The first is saved after a gruelling slogfest ends in a fierce forehand from the American, and the second by a nice driving volley from the encroaching Pegula. And immediately, she has a break level after Azarenka double-faults. And this one is taken after one other prolonged trade ends with the Belarussian skewing a forehand huge. Game on.

Pegula 3-5 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

Azarenka squanders an opportunity to wrap up the set as Pegula digs in to carry. A double-fault places Pegula in additional trouble at 0-30 earlier than she will get fortunate with a internet twine deflection to get on the board. But one other careless lengthy backhand from the American items Azarenka two set factors. The first is saved courtesy of a robust first serve, as is the second. And Azarenka then overcooks her return earlier than one other overlong backhand from Pegula will get us again to deuce. An excellent ace ensues and Pegula goes on to carry.

Pegula* 2-5 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

Apologies for the break in protection – work/life steadiness points. Anyway, three extra service holds have ensued leaving Pegula serving to remain within the set, Pegula lacking an opportunity to interrupt within the final sport.

Pegula 1-3 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

An audacious lob units Azarenka on her approach once more and Pegula then nets to provide her opponent one other platform at 0-30. She’s wanting a tad out of types however manages to level Azarenka across the courtroom to win the following level however a searing forehand winner from the again of the courtroom delivers two extra break factors. Pegula saves them each with a few nice angled serves earlier than coughing up one other with a miscued return into the web. Pegula saves this one too with a forehand on the internet. She will get a bonus earlier than being pegged again to deuce. Azarenka unleashes a surprising forehand to realize one other break level however Pegula once more digs in. And finally the American holds agency to get on the board.

Pegula* 0-3 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

Azarenka’s wanting assured and forceful – these are so typically the events when expertise and muscle-memory come to the fore. Pegula’s a deft shotmaker although and a penetrating low forehand will get her to 15-all. Azarenka then will get fortunate with a internet twine earlier than Pegula pulls it again to 30-all, dominating on the internet. Some robust serving then secures the maintain.

Pegula 0-2 Azarenka* (* denotes subsequent server).

First blood to Azarenka because the Belarussian breaks. Pegula exhibits her class with an excellent stretching crosscourt backhand that atones for a earlier error to make it 15-15. But an overhit forehand provides Azarenka a gap at 15-30. It’s two break factors when Pegula skews a forehand huge. She takes it right away after dominating an absorbing rally.

Pegula* 0-1 Azarenka (* denotes subsequent server).

A wrongfooting forehand winner and an instinctive smash on the internet after a internet twine get Azarenka beneath approach earlier than Pegula outsmarts Azarenka on the internet after a nice rally. A booming Pegula forehand will get the American again to 30-30. Azarenka is made to work laborious to win the following level however manages to take action when Pegula hits lengthy. Azarenka secures the maintain when Pegula nets. A aggressive fiercely fought first sport although.

The gamers are out on courtroom knocking up, Pegula chasing her first slam semi-final look, Azarenka having reached eight.

Preamble