Sport

Tennis

Long history: Serena Williams plays a forehand on her way to beating Nicole Gibbs.

Not quite on anniversary, but many happy returns for Serena

It was, Serena Williams was told during the on-court interview that followed her routine 6-1, 6-3 defeat of fellow American Nicole Gibbs, exactly 19 years ago to the day that she played her first match on Rod Laver Arena. Except that, actually, it wasn't. Ah, details, details.

Murray takes next step to justifying favouritism

Justified: Andy Murray is the undisputed favourite now for the Australian Open.

Tennis is a zero-sum game. So, even though Andy Murray had nothing to do with Novak Djokovic's defeat, he is well placed to take advantage - a process he began with an efficient victory over the big-serving Sam Querrey.

Social media is here to stay so focus on the positive aspects

Nicole Gibbs of the US has had experiences with trolls.

Tennis players are no different to a lot of you out there in the stands. We've all got plenty of potential distractions in our lives. And we also have been affected by the enormous impact of social media – in positive and negative ways.

Barty's dream return comes to an end

Germany's Mona Barthel, left, is congratulated by Australia's Ash Barty.

Ash Barty had been here before and never before. The newest sporting code-hopper has emphatically returned to the sport she eschewed for the other summer sport but she has done so as a reawakened player and taking her game to places she had never been before.

Gavrilova dashing towards a fourth-round repeat

Daria Gavrilova.

The year after Casey Dellacqua's breakthrough 2008 charge past three top-50 opponents into the last 16 of the Australian Open, she returned, with a far higher profile and elevated expectations, and promptly lost in the first round. The second time, having equalled her best Melbourne Park result,  the 2015 encore lasted just one match longer.

Nicking off down the street

Colourful: Denis Istomin is hard to miss with his eye-catching glasses and bandana.

With his fitness and overall preparation called into question after his shock second-round exit at the Australian Open, perhaps Nick Kyrgios has started pre-season early.

Becker slams Djokovic after shock loss

Novak Djokovic reacts after losing to Denis Istomin.

Novak Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker has criticised the Serbian for lacking fight and playing too defensively during his Australian Open defeat to Denis Istomin.

Barty on a roll at Australian Open

Nothing to lose: Ashleigh Barty.

The cards continue to fall beautifully at the Australian Open for local star Ashleigh Barty as she looks to extend her best singles run at a major.