AO2018: Quick hits day 4

It might have been hot at the Happy Slam, but it was still happy.

Or at least that was the case for Novak Djokovic, who survived an early scare in searing temperatures to defeat Gael Monfils 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-3 and improve on last year’s second-round exit.

“They call the Australian Open the Happy Slam for a reason. Everybody’s happy. It’s the beginning of the year, holiday season in Australia. Everybody’s smiling, doing sports. For a tennis player it’s a great pleasure to be here,” said Nole.

Despite on-court temperatures that were measured at more than 60 degrees Celcius, the six-time champion was particularly happy to be there as he erased memories of last year’s shock loss to Denis Istomin.

“Coming to this court is always a special feeling because I’ve had such wonderful memories and this has probably been the single most successful court that I’ve played on for my entire career,” Djokovic added.

Another former champion, Angelique Kerber, was in similar spirits after she claimed her 11^th straight match win of the 2018 season on her 30^th birthday.

“I really enjoy to be here in Australia – to have my 30th birthday here was just amazing,’’ said the German after a 6-4 6-1 win over talented young Croat Donna Vekic.

“I’m feeling good. I’m happy with my performances, I’m happy with how I have played over the last few days and weeks.”

No better way to celebrate your birthday than getting yourself through to 3R @AngeliqueKerber ??#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/cWhxIm1nDO

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2018

With a new coach in Wim Fissette, the 2016 champion is seemingly revitalised. “I’m really enjoying my tennis again on court,” who next faces another former champion in Maria Sharapova.

READ MORE: Kerber sets Sharapova clash

There was also smooth progress for other favourites, including Juan Martin del Potro in the men’s draw and Karolina Pliskova of the women.

In brutal conditions, there were inevitable shocks too: David Goffin and Sam Querrey making surprise exits in the men’s draw, with Garbine Muguruza and Johanna Konta departing among the women.

Win of the day:

After peaking at world No.1 in the WTA doubles rankings four years ago, Su-Wei Hsieh was encouraged by coach Paul McNamee to focus on singles. At age 32, she was rewarded in the most stunning way as she upset world No.3 Garbine Muguruza.

“I know the weather is going to be a little bit tough today because I hear weather is going to be over 39 degrees,” said the world No.88 Chinese Taipei player. “I was thinking, ‘Ah, I’m from Asia. I maybe can handle it better than other girls’.” The straight-sets victory certainly proved that theory, Hsieh advancing in an hour and 59 minutes to set up a third round with Agnieszka Radwanska.

It will be a long way home for:

Johanna Konta. Few observers could have seen an upset to world No.123 Bernarda Pera coming. Certainly there were no signs of form challenges as the AO2016 semifinalist allowed Madison Brengle just four games in the first round. Defending rankings points from a quarterfinal run at last year’s Australian Open, the Brit may struggle to retain her top-10 ranking. Pera, by contrast, is celebrating her first match wins at tour level.

Quote of the day:

“I love being in the city. I love Australia. I love the summertime. I was watching this tournament with a box of Kleenex next to me sick … I feel like I transported myself into the TV this year and I’m finding myself on Rod Laver Arena competing. A lot of things to smile about.” – a year ago, it was a very different time for Maria Sharapova, who is delighted to be returned to the Australian Open.

Stat of the day:

34 – years since a Hungarian reached the third round of the Australian Open. World No.80 Marton Fucsovics convincingly changed that stat with a 4-6 7-6(6) 6-4 6-2 win over No.13 seed Sam Querrey. It’s the first time the 25-year-old has advanced beyond the first round of a Grand Slam.

From one comes two!

Marton #Fucsovics won't forget this day! A 6-4 7-6(8-6) 4-6 6-2 win against Sam #Querrey and he's into 3R. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/HkE9qRqerz

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2018

What we’ve learned:

They don’t call them lucky losers for nothing. Bernarda Pera lost to Viktoriya Golubic in qualifying but after the main draw withdrawal of Margarita Gasparyan, she made her way into the main draw as a lucky loser. From there, the 23-year-old American defeated qualifier Anna Blinkova, before today’s stunning upset of Konta. “Credit to her,” said the gracious Brit, suggesting that Pera’s luck is something of the American’s own creation. “She also stayed calm and was very methodical in getting her end of the job done. I think she did well with the circumstances.”

We’re looking forward to:
Will Nick Kyrgios v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga see the apprentice outclass the master? Listing Tsonga as his childhood idol, the younger Kyrgios coveted the Frenchman’s power and wow factor. Few would argue that he’s achieved it – or that he can outmatch it in what’s bound to be an electrifying third round battle.