Key events
Alexander Zverev* (3) 4-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) Zverev falls behind twice but is able to keep his cool and work his way back, consolidating the break with a serve that forces Tien wide and, stretched, unable to send his return inbound.
Alexander Zverev (3) 3-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien* (25) A double fault sees Tien fall behind 15-30 but he promptly sends down an ace to level things. A pattern that repeats on the next pair of points as we move to deuce.
We finally get an exchange of shots, one ending with Tien firing a backhand into the net to bring up a break point which is seized when Zverev whips a forehand return into the corner.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) No mucking about from Zverev as he holds to love. He’s hitting 75% of his first serves thus far but is in a proper battle with Tien.
Alexander Zverev (3) 1-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien* (25) The crowd has well and truly settled in behind Tien – a cohort of fans in the stands donning L-Plates on their chest to signify their support – and enjoy watching the American get on the board for the first time in the third set.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-0 6-3 6-7 (5-7) Learner Tien (25) Zverev gets to the net and quickly takes the first point of the third set, a tactic he repeats to induce a long lob that sees him move to 30-0. Tien gets on the board for the first time in the third set but Zverev forges ahead and holds with an ace.
After winning 78% of his second serves in the first set, Zverev only took out 44% in that second set — something of a pattern emerging wherein Learner, if he’s able to see off the first few shots after Zverev’s big serve, has the initiative.
Learner Tien wins the second set 6-7 (5-7)
Alexander Zverev (3) 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev can’t return Tien’s serve down the T but a huge serve-and-forehand as he crashes the net gets him on the board. An almost mirror-image, this time the winner delivered by an overhead, moves the German ahead only for him to be pegged back when an extended baseline exchange concludes with Zverev sending a backhand into the net.
A deep baseline forehand from Tien just fails to clear the net and Zverev uses another commanding serve to set the scene for him to move ahead 4-2. The mini-break is immediately returned when a lengthy 18 shot rally ends with Tien getting to a drop shot and then directing a cross-court volley away from Zverev. After all that drama, though, Zverev comes straight back with another mini-break. And though Tien steadies, it brings up an opportunity for the third seed to serve out the set.
But not so fast, my friend! A huge cheer from the crowd rises up as Zverev goes long to move it back to 5-5 and an even greater one rises when Tien spots his opponent getting to the net and launches a magnificent passing shot up the line to bring up set point.
We then go level, when Tien tees up a forehand that flashes across the face of Zverev, levelling things. From 5-3 down in the tie break and starring down a mountain to climb to game well and truly on, a remarkable response from the American.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 6-6 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev’s serve gives him a quick point to move ahead 15-0 but Tien constructs and exchange and fire a forehand winner down the baseline to level things. Zverev responds with a big old 206 km/h ace but Tien doesn’t panic and once more restores parity when the third seed sends a forehand long. A serve-and-backhand moves Zverev back ahead and he delivers a 12th ace to take it.
We’re off to a tiebreak.
Alexander Zverev (3) 5-6 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An 11-shot baseline exchange concludes with Zverev slicing a backhand into the net and Tien then moves further ahead with another deft slice that leaves his opponent rooted at the baseline. Zverev gets back on the board only for Tien to rip off the next two points and take it.
Neither man has blinked with their serve in this second set, and now the onus falls on Zverev to keep it that way lest he be pegged back to a set apiece.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 5-5 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Another big first serve gets Zverev rolling as he seeks to avoid the break that would surrender the second set but Tien pegs him back with a big forehand.
A tenth ace of the match restores the third seed’s advantage, only for it to be surrendered when he gets to the net and misses his attempt to volley across the court. Tien gets to the net as he seeks to bring up break point but Zverev rockets a backhand that Tien can’t return over the net.
The pressure on Zverev starts to ramp up when his long backhand brings up deuce but the German’s serves come through once more: delivering back-to-back attempts that Tien can’t return to take the game.
Alexander Zverev (3) 4-5 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) The ninth game of the second set commences with both players still searching for a break but with Zverev’s serve on point, there’s a growing sense that it’s Tien that needs to find something new if he’s going to take control of the match.
The American fires a shot wide and into the net to surrender the first point of the game but is back level when Zverev sends a forehand into the net. The 25th seed takes the next two points, the latter won with a big forehand winner up the line, but then watches Zverev return the favour to make it 40-30.
Deuce is then secured but a golden chance to bring up break point is blown when Zverev charges the net only to loft a forehand out with most of the court to aim at. Tien then utilises the reprieve to secure the hold.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 4-4 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev sends a backhand into the net to open things but responds with a 204 km/h serve Tien can’t return. Tien gets on top of Zverev’s subsequent second serve but commits a frustrating error to fall further behind but Zverev then commits an unforced error of his own when he pushes a forehand out.
Tien then finds an angle as Zverev charges forward and induces an error – the first point Zverev has lot coming to the net today – and brings up break point. Zverev dashes those hopes, however, and brings up deuce with an ace smashed down the T. An extended rally ends with Tien sending a backhand into the net and responding by smashing the top of his racquet into the surface in frustration. But he’s able to channel that anger into a top return of serve and a magnificent drop shot that leaves Zverev scrambling.
But here comes that big serve once again, Zverev firing down a wide ace to seize the advantage and then using a forehand winner to take the game.
Alexander Zverev (3) 3-4 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An hour of match time is brought up as Tien serves, falling behind after hitting a backhand into the net at the end of a 22-shot rally in which both players clipped the net.
An unreturnable serve gets Tien back level and he shows the initiative to get to the net and force a wild attempted passing shot to move ahead. Zverev levels but just sends a backhand long to miss out on break point. The German does bring up deuce and pushes Tien but the American is able to force a forehand error to take the advantage and then secures the game with a serve Zverev can’t return.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 3-3 6-3 Learner Tien (25) A big ace down the T starts things off well for Zverev but the American recovers and takes a 10-shot baseline exchange with a big backhand kept just inbound.
But the third seed’s serve continues to prove telling whenever he’s challenged and he secures yet another hold with his eighth ace of the match.
Alexander Zverev (3) 3-2 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) An unforced error from Tien, dropping a backhand into the net, moves Zverev ahead. A leaping backhand is blasted into the net by the third seed to level things back up and Tien then advances to the net and cuts down on the angles to induce another error.
A cheeky drop shot catches Zverev off guard and makes it 40-15, before Tien gets to the net and forces an error to take the game.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-2 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev kisses a forehand deep and wide an induces a forehand error from Tien to move ahead, with an ace sent down the T then getting him further in front. A serve and volley combination then makes it 40-0 and while he sends a baseline forehand long to miss out on the chance to hold to love, a second ace of the game wraps things up.
Alexander Zverev (3) 1-2 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) Zverev gets to the net and smashes down a crosscourt forehand winner to move ahead. Tien fires back with the next three points and while Zverev responds with a forehand that forces the error to make it 40-30, the American takes the game with a commanding overhead winner.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-1 6-3 Learner Tien (25) An extended, 18-shot baseline rally ends when Tien finds the angle and drives a backhand winner beyond Zverev. A powerful serve forces an error that brings Zverev back level and he then fires down an ace to move ahead. The third seed smashes a forehand down the line to make it 40-15 and then uses yet another powerful first serve, this one sent back into the net by Tien, to claim his first game of the second set.
Alexander Zverev (3) 0-1 6-3 Learner Tien* (25) Tien quickly moves to a 40-15 lead in the second set’s opening game but then double faults, giving Zverev a sniff. The American responds, though, and takes the game when an extended baseline rally ends with the German committing an unforced forehand error.
Zverev did what he need to do to ease to that first set win: landing 70% of his first serves across the opening set, compared to just the 46% by Tien. And while the American is winning 82% of his first serves, that drops to 46% on his second.
Alexander Zverev takes the first set 6-3
Alexander Zverev* (3) 6-3 Learner Tien (25) Zverev steps up, seeking to serve out the first set, and with Tien very deep to return his second serve gets him moving across the baseline on his follow-up shot and forces the error. He cramps the American and forces another to move further ahead but a strong forehand return from Tien tees him up to soon fire down a big forehand winner to get on the board.
Zverev whips down another serve Tien can’t return to bring up set point and then finishes things with an ace to take the first set in 36 minutes.
Alexander Zverev (3) 5-3 Learner Tien* (25) An unforced forehand error on a deep return from Zverev sees Tien give up the first point but he gathers himself and takes the next three to move to 40-15. A really well-placed second serve ace, one that leaves Zverev blinking, then wraps up the hold.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 5-2 Learner Tien (25) Tien takes the first point but sends a shot long at the end of a 13-shot baseline battle to be pegged back. Zverev works the bounce well on second serve once more to move ahead but Tien fires back with a forehand down the baseline that Zverev is forced to stretch for and fail to slice back over the net.
A mishit backhand slice from Zverev collects the net and brings and gives Tien his first break point of the match but the third seed fires across another unreturnable serve to make it deuce. The German than moves into the advantage with a big forehand but Tien pegs him back by moving him around the court and ultimately forcing an error.
Zverev gets to the net and regains the advantage by dropping a shot that angles away from Tien’s charge. Another big serve is then unable to be returned and the hold is secured.
Alexander Zverev (3) 4-2 Learner Tien* (25) Zverev takes the first point but Tien answers back by forcing two errors – the second at the end of a nine-shot rally – to move ahead 30-15.
But another double fault – Tien’s second – brings Zverev back level and an unforced forehand error than brings up the game’s first break point. The American rallies to bring it back to deuce only to fall behind once again and this time, the break comes: Zverev letting out a guttural yell as he watches a Tien forehand go wide.
Tien is landing just 47% of his first serves and winning just 40% of his second serves. Danger signs.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 3-2 Learner Tien (25) A nicely placed forehand from Tien can’t be returned by Zverev and ends a 10-shot baseline rally. Two powerful serves from Zverev result in him coming back to claim the ascendency and he uses then uses a mammoth bounce on second-serve to induce the error that makes it 40-15.
There’s a brief pause as Zverev sees… something (?) he doesn’t like but that doesn’t stop him from firing a forehand winner from the baseline to hold serve.
Alexander Zverev (3) 2-2 Learner Tien* (25) Both players have their serve working early, Zvrev missing three returns in a game sealed when Tien firs a 201 km/h ace down the T.
Alexander Zverev* (3) 2-1 Learner Tien (25) Tien sends a backhand long to give Zverev the first point but is able to force his opponent to scramble and send a backhand wide to level things.
An unforced forehand error from Zverev sees him fall behind but he responds with a devastating ace sent wide. The German then moves ahead with a forehand winner and follows that up with a powerful serve Tien can only return long to take the game.
Alexander Zverev (3) 1-1 Learner Tien* (25) Tien looks to answer straight back by racing to a 40-0 lead and while a double fault denies him a hold to love of his own, Zverev sends a deep forehand long to hand him his first game of the contest.
Zverev and Tien get under way
Alexander Zverev* (3) 1-0 Learner Tien (25)
Just the start that Zverev would have wanted, making a statement of intent by holding to love in the opening game of the match.
Zverev (3) advanced past Argentine Francisco Cerundolo (18) in straight sets the fourth round, after previously defeating Cameron Norrie (26), Alexandre Muller, and Gabriel Diallo.
Tien (25) surprised many by dominating Daniil Medvedev (11) to punch his ticket to the quarterfinals and has also beaten Nuno Borges, Alexander Shevchenko, and Marcos Giron so far.
Before we start the actual tennis, it’s time for another episode of the Fashion Files. Both players are highlighting their ensembles with a dash of orange this afternoon, Zverev donning an orange headband and Tien an orange cap, wristbands, and socks. Both belligerents are wearing white t-shirts, while the third seed has opted for black shorts and the underdog opting for a white pair that matches his top.
As a horde of influencers descend upon the Australian Open this year, the off-court fashion has become much more noticeably this year, too, as Lucianne Tonti has explored today.
No doubt the black Chuck Taylors, black jeans, and black t-shirt I donned to cover the A-League Men across the road at AAMI Park yesterday is going to start a trend any day now.
The Heat Stress Scale has moved past 5.0, prompting a swathe of suspensions across the outdoor courts in Melbourne.
Given that it’s taken place between matches, however, it doesn’t look like it’s going to delay the start of Zverev and Tien – the pair making their way out onto Rod Laver Arena as I type.
The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 5.0. Play and practice is suspended on outside courts.
The roofs on RLA and MCA are now closed and will remain closed as per the AO Extreme Heat Protocols.
If onsite, please seek shade and apply cooling strategies. Ground Pass holders can…
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2026
We said goodbye to Casper Ruud (12) last night but, perhaps, not a moment too soon: the Norwegian now able to return home to be with his wife, Maria, ahead of the expected birth of their first child this weekend.
Tumaini Carayol was on hand as he went down 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to Ben Shelton (8).
In case you missed it yesterday, youngster Ntungamili Raguin made history: becoming the first player from Botswana to win a Grand Slam match when he defeated Dimitar Kisimov 7-5 6-1 6-4 in the junior boy’s singles.
Out on on Margaret Court Arena, fourth seeded women’s duo Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang have taken out the opening set of their clash with American team Hailey Baptiste and Peyton Stearns 6-4. The winner of that match will face Eri Hozumi and Fang-Hsien Wu in the quarterfinals, who upset eighth seeds Ellen Perez and Demi Schuurs.
Sabalenka sees off Jovic to move into semis
Aryna Sabalenka (1) 6-0 6-3 Iva Jovic (29) After being challenged by Jovic in the first set, Sabalenka was irresistible in the second; taking less than half-an-hour to bring up the bagel and move into the final four, where she’ll face Coco Gauff (3) or Elina Svitolina (12). It’s going to take something special to deny her a third-title here in Melbourne.
After claiming the scalp of Jasmine Paolini (7) in the second round, Jovic’s first trip to the last eight of a grand slam proves a short one. But at just 18-years of age, it can be guaranteed that it’s not her last one. Cannot wait to see what this young Californian achieves in the future.
Wat
Aryna Sabalenka (1) 5-0 6-3 Iva Jovic (29) Before we take you through the rest of the colour of today’s action and run down what you may have missed yesterday, though, we’ll need to turn our eyes to Rod Laver, as the top seed is threatening to make light work of her American challenger in the second set.
As the Heat Stress Scale hits 4.0, a remarkable passing backhand brings up yet another break point for Sabalenka, with a third-straight break then secured when Jovic double-faults.
The AO Heat Stress Scale is above 4.0.
A 10-minute cooling break will be allowed in singles matches.
If onsite, please seek shade or air-conditioned areas. Ground Pass holders can access MCA.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2026
Could de Minaur be said to have twice the home court advantage today; the ‘Demon not only playing in front of his home fans but also taking the court on a day that’s hot as hell?
Admittedly, the extreme heat means that the roof is likely to be closed when he takes the court against Alcaraz later today – the air conditioned conditions ensuring the temperature won’t play a defining factor in the result – but this, too, could prove something of a bonus to the Sydneysider.
Simon Cambers explains how.
Preamble
Joey Lynch
Howdy y’all it’s ya boi Joey Lynch and to another day of the Guardian’s live coverage of the 2026 Australian Open. And the word of the day is: extremely hot. Yes, that’s two words. But it’s just that hot.
The Bureau of Meteorology says that it’s 36C right now – 96.8F in freedom units – and is projecting that it’s going to rise to a murderous top of 45C (13F) by the time we get to 5pm local time. Thus, it’s not a matter of if the Australian Open Heat Stress Scale reaches five, play on outdoor courts is suspended, and play on the indoor courts are halted until the roofs are closed, but when.
Fans and organisers are doing their best to seek relief from the conditions where they can but there’s still tennis to be played – even if the start of the wheelchair tennis draw has been pushed back because of the conditions.
We’ll be bringing you live coverage of Alexander Zverev (3) and Learner Tien’s (25) quarterfinal clash out on Rod Laver Arena when their meeting commences but before they can take the court we’ll run through the conclusion of the last eight meeting between Aryna Sabalenka (1) and Iva Jovic (29).
The teenage American took the world No 1 to 59 minutes in the opening set before going down 6-3 but her hopes of quickly responding were dented when she was broken in her first two service games in the second set. Nonetheless, with less expectations to go deep into this tournament, you’d think the prospect of the long and arduous battle she’d need to launch to come-from-behind would weigh less on Jovic’s mind than Sabalenka’s – who will undoubtedly want to see this match out quickly and begin recovery for a semifinal.
Zverev and Tien will be followed later this evening by meetings between Coco Gauff (3) and Elina Svitolina (12) and Carlos Alcaraz (1) and local hope Alex de Minaur (6). Elsewhere, the American women’s double pairing of Hailey Baptiste and Peyton Stearns are meeting fourth seeded duo Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang on Margaret Court Arena, the same court where Australian men’s doubles wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans will meet 12th seeded French team Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul later this evening.
