Australian Open 2017, Day 9 as it happned: Roger Federer sets up semi-final against Stan Wawrinka

And that brings us to an end of our live coverage on Day 9! There’s plenty of action to look forward to on Wednesday. 

Here’s the order of play for Day 10: 

Rod Laver Arena

11:00 am (0000 GMT)

Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) v Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO)

Followed by

Johanna Konta (GBR x9) v Serena Williams (USA x2)

David Goffin (BEL x11) v Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x15)

7:30 pm

Rafael Nadal (ESP x9) v Milos Raonic (CAN x3)

The records keep tumbling with every Federer win.

Watch Federer’s on-court interview after his win.

That’s it for the singles matches from Day 9.

We have our semi-finals decided for the top halves of both the women’s and men’s draw. An all-American affair for the ladies and an-all Swiss clash for the men. 

[13] Venus Williams vs Coco Vandeweghe 

[17] Roger Federer vs [4] Stan Wawrinka

Federer says after the match that he didn’t expect to reach the semi-finals. 

“I thought I might win a few rounds, depending on the draw, maybe fourth round or quarters. That was my call. I told the Swiss press. They were my expectations if the draw is okay.

“That was before I saw the draw. When I saw the draw and people were talking about the dream draw, I thought what am I missing, I didn’t see a dream draw at all. 

“I’m happy. I played as well as I could this tournament. I never thought I would be this good. Here I am still standing in a semis to play Stan. 

“It couldn’t be cooler for the both of us. I can’t wait.”

90 minutes. 65 winners. 13 unforced errors. That was a class performance from the former champion! 

Federer wins!

The four-time champion is through to his 13th Australian Open semi-final with a commanding 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Mischa Zverev. Stan Wawrinka awaits.

After 10 deuces, Federer finally breaks on his 5th break point of the game with a splendid backhand down the line return. The Swiss player will now serve for the match at 5-2.

After 10 deuces, Federer finally breaks on his 5th break point of the game with a splendid backhand down the line return. The Swiss player will now serve for the match at 5-2.

TEN deuces on Zverev’s serve at 4-2.

After five deuces, Federer finally has a break point on Zverev ’s serve with another backhand pass. But the 29-year-old German erases it with an ace.

Another look at that really fun rally! What a point.

Federer with a running cross-court pass to make it deuce once again. Zverev is finding it tough to get out of this service game.

Fourth deuce.

The SABR makes an appearance! Zverev stretched to deuce gain on his serve. He brings up advantage wih a smash at the net.

At 4-2, Federer is just two games away from reaching his 13th Australian Open semi-final.

That crazy point from Zverev’s last service game! 

And Federer breaks! The Swiss player is putting up a masterclass in lobbing and the crowd is ooohhh-ing in awe. 3-2.

Federer may be in control of the match but he still can’t get his challenges right. He called for the Hawk-Eye on a Zverev lob which just clipped the line.

Zverev isn’t doing much wrong in this match so far but he’s been undone by Federer’s brilliance. He’s only committed 3 unforced errors in the match but finds himself trailing by two-sets-to-love.

Easy holds from both players to start the third set. Federer has so far hit 39 winners and just 10 unforced errors. He’s also sent down 5 aces.

Into the third set we go!

Mischa Zverev, after beating Andy Murray, is facing a completely different match tactically. The 29-year-old’s approaches to the net have been dealt very effectively by his Swiss opponent. Federer has volleyed, chipped and smashed at the net to take a convincing lead in this quarter-final.

Federer has one foot in the semi-finals, with Stan Wawrinka waiting to face the winner of this match.

Federer with a two-sets-to-love lead!

The four-time Australian Open champion needed 36 minutes to wrap up a more evenly contested second set, 7-5.

Federer starts with another forehand winner after Zverev dropped the ball short on his return. 

The Swiss brings up three set point sbut the German saves the first two. On the third point, he sends his return long.

Federer waited for his opportunity and as soon as he saw a opening, he hit a one-handed pass beyond Zverev’s reach. Three break points for the Swiss and he didn’t need to be asked twice. He pounces on the very first one and breaks for 6-5. Federer will now serve for a two-sets-to-love lead.

Important 10 minutes coming up in this set as Zverev now serves at 5-5. Federer will be looking to break to end this set soon.

Federer living dangerously as he goes down 15-30 on his serve. With a composed inside-out forehand into the open court he makes it 30-all.

Zverev hits a perfect ace down the tee and holds to love to edge ahead 5-4. Federer will now com out and serve to stay alive in the second set. After the lopsided opening set, this match has now turned into an interesting tussle. A few more errors have creeped into the Swiss player’s game while Zverev has only grown in confidence.

At 40-30, Federer hits a glorious backhand down the line and Zverev sends his return long. It’s 4-4 on serve.

Here’s a look at the stats from this match so far. Federer with 22 winners as compared to Zverev’s six. 

A game of cat and mouse going on at the Rod Laver Arena, with both players trying to outdo each other at the net. When one approaches, the other attempts to pass him. Intriguing contest building up in the second set.

Zverev with an incredible cross-court passing shot and it’s 30-15 on Federer’s serve.

The next point sees a long rally which ends with Federer dumping a backhand slice into the net. 30-30.

Federer immediately brings up two break points of his own on the very next game. And he ensures Zverev can’t consolidate. The second set is back on serve, 2-3.

Three break points for Zverev and he converts his very first one! Nice turnaround in the second set as the German leads 3-1.

Zverev is playing much better in the second set and has been able to hold his own at the net against Federer. It’s on serve at 2-1.

Zverev holds to start the second set. He will be looking to do better in this one after getting completely blown off the court in the opener.

First set to Federer!

19 minutes, 18 winners and Roger Federer wins the first set 6-1 over Mischa Zverev in their quarter-final.

Federer hits a glorious forehand down the line to bring up set points! 

He sends his next shot long and it’s back to deuce. 

Federer then fires an ace to bring up set point number 2.

Zverev finally gets on the board 15 minutes into the match. Federer will now serve for the first set at 5-1.

Consolidation at love, as Federer leads with a double break at 5-0. He is striking the ball so cleanly so far into the match and passing Zverev on every occasion.

Unlike Murray in his last match, Federer has come prepared with a gameplan to neutralise Zverev’s net game. He’s passing him on every opportunity and lobbed him on the last point to bring up three more break points. 

Federer converts to make it 4-0. All going the 17-time slam champion’s way so far!

The last time these two players met, Federer defeated Zverev 6-0, 6-0. Here’s a video to jog your memory. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pulFgGzDChY

Zverev with a little window of opportunity on Federer’s serve as he makes it 0-30 but Federer quickly snuffs it out with his deft touch at the net and holds for 3-0.

The Swiss draws first blood and quickly ruses to a 2-0 lead by breaking in the very first game.

Roger Federer starts the match by serving first and holds comfortably for 1-0.

On Zverev’s serve in the very next game, he brings up break point with an inside-out forehand.

Federer and Zverev are out on court now and are warming up before the match starts. Stay tuned for regular updates!

IT’S TIME FOR THE FINAL QUARTER-FINAL OF DAY 9: ROGER FEDERER vs MISCHA ZVEREV!

Sania Mirza-Ivan Dodig will now play Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski in the quarters.

Second seed Sania Mirza/Ivan Dodig move into Mixed Doubles quarter-finals with a 2-6, 6-3, 10-6 victory over Zheng/Peya in the second round.

Australian Open 2017: Mischa Zverev’s phenomenal journey, from brink of retirement to Slam quartershttp://www.firstpost.com

Before Roger Federer’s match begins, watch our discussion on the chaotic Australian Open 2017. Dare we dream of a Fedal final?

Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer’s win a reminder that he can still produce sublime tennishttp://www.firstpost.com

Sania Mirza/Ivan Dodig have forced a match tie-breaker in their 2nd round after winning the second set 6-3. 

Sania Mirza/Ivan Dodig drop the first set against Saisai Zheng/Alexander Peya 2-6 in their 2nd round of mixed doubles.

Next up: Roger Federer vs Mischa Zverev at 1.30 PM IST.

Meanwhile, catch us discussing the tournament so far, Live on Facebook  at 12.30.

Wawrinka now awaits the winner of Roger Federer and Mischa Zverev for his semi-final clash. 

Wawrinka credits Tsonga after the match. “It’s not easy to play against him. He’s a strong player,” he said.

“I think (the) conditions was quite fast today. It was a bit windy. Not easy to control (the ball). I started to move a bit better, to be a bit more aggressive from the first shot and I think that’s made the difference.”

Third semi-final in Melbourne for the 2014 Australian Open champion, Stan Wawrinka. 

Wawrinka wins 

Stan Wawrinka notches an impressive and hard-fought 7-6(2) 6-4 6-3 win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to enter Australian Open semis.

Tsonga holds, but Wawrinka leads 5-3 and serving for the match

Tsonga serving to stay in the game.

The Frenchman seems to have run out of steam though in face of some dominant tennis from Wawrinka.

Wawrinka leads 5-2, 1 game away from victory

The Swiss fourth seed has run away with this set, despite a better showing from Tsonga, who has a breakpoint. 

He needs only a game to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open.

Tsonga doesn’t budge, taking the third set to 4-2. 

However, what looked to be a five-setter now looks like ending in three.

Stan 2 games away from semi

Wawrinka is flying in the third set against Tsonga and now he’s just two games away from the semi-finals.

Dominant display from Stan seals the game, as he leads third set 4-1. 

Unless Tsonga does something special, this is going the Swiss player’s way.

Tsonga takes the fourth game with some big hitting, fter losing six straight games. Follows it with a John Cena move to celebrate.

Can he bounce back in the third?

Three in a row for Wawrinka

The fourth seed takes third game of the third set to lead 3-0.

The Swiss looks much stronger ever since he was broken in the second. Tsonga, on the other hand, looks the exact opposite. Straight sets win calling?

Did you know: Stan Wawrinka has now won the last five games after being down 4-3 in the second set. Has broken Tsonga three times after having had no break points.

Wawrinka breaks to love

The second game is much quicker as a dominant Wawrinka breaks Tsonga to love to take a 2-0 lead. The fist-pump says it all – Stanimal on the prowl.

That was some rally! 

A 12-minute long, rally-driven game – including 4 deuces – goes to Wawrinka on serve.

But, the first game of the third set was a much better showing from Tsonga,.

Here’s a look at the stats of the match so far. Wawrinka clearly in a dominant position with a two-sets-to-love lead. 

Stan Wawrinka showing his Slam-winning mettle here

Was better in clutch moments, prevailed over Tsonga in a strong showing in Set 2. 

Maybe being broken was the key for him, Stan’s entire game shifted after that.

Did you know: Tsonga lead the second 4-3, but ended up winning just one point in his next two service games. 
Enter STANimal.

Stan takes second set

A pumped up Wawrinka takes the second set, leads 7-6(2), 6-4 against Tsonga.

No tiebreak needed as the Swiss breaks Tsonga’s serve twice, winning a set studded with some massive backhands, classic Stan power-hitting, a body shot, a failed netpoints and lot more tension between the two.

Tsonga serving to stay in the second set. 

Can Wawrinka break him again?

Wawrinka holds to lead set 5-4.

The second set has seem much more shot-making play from both sides. Maybe the changeover ‘conversation’ helped?

Stan with a another body shot there.

Second time this Australian Open, we see Wawrinka hit the ball in a place he shouldn’t.

Stan breaks back 

Wawrinka returns the favour, breaks Tsonga to love with a stunning set of returns, a game after his serve was broken by the Frenchman.

Finally, a break!

Tsonga draws first blood, breaks Wawrinka in the second set – the first break of the match – to lead 4-3.

Uncanny unforced errors from the fourth seed here. 

After recovering from 15-40 in his previous service game, he now gets broken from 40-15 up.

Meanwhile, the other Swiss is out practicing 

Tsonga levels it at 3-3 on serve, despite another double fault and a Wawrinka challenge. 
Another tiebreak seems imminent here

Here’s a closeup of the changeover fight between Tsonga and Wawrinka, just in case you wanted a second look 

#Tsonga #Wawrinka pic.twitter.com/G9ENZXgYiC

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 24, 2017

Wawrinka went down 0-15 on his serve but then came up with three ferocious winners and a stunning backhand down the line winner to hold for 3-2.

Tsonga takes the fourth game , ties second set at 2-2.

Same guy?

Wawrinka holds in face of two breakpoints as he leads the second set 2-1.

A game apiece in the second set as Wawrinka gets ready to serve.

First game of the second set goes to Wawrinka on serve. Still no break in the match

It took Wawrinka 3 tiebreakers in 3 sets to overcome Andreas Seppi in his last match.
Will it be a repeat of that against Tsonga or will the 4th seed manage a more comprehensive win?

#3 Vesnina-Makarova knocked out of women’s doubles 

First set to Stan

Stan Wawrinka races ahead in the tiebreaker, wins the first set 7-6(2)

Wawrinka leads 4-2 in the tiebreak, as the crowd cheers

Wawrinka seems to be in a hurry, as he takes the game to make it 6-6 in the first set. 

Something’s got to give soon. Who will blink first?

Tsonga double faults, gives Wawrinka the lead, but makes up with another fabulous, almost blinder of a net point to secure the game on serve. First set stands at 6-5.

Wawrinka makes it 5-5, despite some super volleying by Tsonga.

Meanwhile, fans have begun to prepare for the next match already 

Tsonga races away with the game as the first set stands at 5-4.

First set is deadlocked at 4-4, as Wawrinka wins on serve with some power-hitting. 
Will we see a tiebreak first up?

Tsonga takes the game on his serve, leads first set 4-3. 
Will we see a break soon?

Stan Wawrinka’s big forehand and backhand make an appearance, as he takes the game to leave the first set tied at 3-3.

Wawrinka or Tsonga, who is your pick to win this match? 

Fifth game goes to Tsonga on serve, as a wayward shot from Wawrina seals it. Both players have not been broken yet, at 3-2.

A much stronger serve and a huge smash from Wawrinka gives him the fourth game.

A strong serve-and-volley game by Tsonga on serve gives him the third game, as Wawrinka struggles to counter the net points.

Wawrinka gets the second game relatively easy, as his parents watch from the player’s box.

Tsonga serves first and gets the first game with some well-placed shots

Bryan brothers enter semis

Bob and Mike Bryan booked a semis spot at the Australian Open for the tenth time, with a 7-6(5) 5-7 6-4 win over Ivan Dodig and Mike Granollers.

Time for Tsonga vs Wawrinka 

Time for the next quarterfinal, the match between former champion Stan Wawrinka and former finalist Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, as they enter the Rod Laver Arena for a place in the semis 

Men’s QF action on RLA with @tsonga7 vs @stanwawrinka #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Y0Epn8QAWZ

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2017

American Coco Vandeweghe, 25, is into her 1st Grand Slam singles semi-final with a 6-4, 6-0 demolition of 7th seed Garbine Muguruza. Will play Venus Williams next.

After an hour and 23 minutes on court, Vandeweghe has match point!

Break point for Muguruza as Vandeweghe misses a rare forehand. She comes up with a winner to make it deuce.

Coco Vandeweghe is now serving for a place in her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final!

Vandeweghe putting a lot of pressure on Muguruza’s serve and is standing well inside the baseline to receive them. The Spaniard double faults under pressure. Another break point for Coco, who converts without any fuss. 5-0.

Vandeweghe hits a forehand down the line and holds for 4-0. We are two games away from an all-American semi-final at the Australian Open! 

And don’t forget Serena Williams is in the other half, set to play her quarter-final on Wednesday.

Vandeweghe has hit 25 winners in the match so far, 6 in the second set! And she gets a double break over Muguruza. Complete domination at 3-0.

Coco Vandeweghe is in the zone! she races away to a 2-0 lead in the second set. The American is hitting winners at will, and has Muguruza on the run on every point.

The American is just one set away from making her maiden Grand slam semi-final. Here’s a look at the stats from the match so far. 

Coco Vandeweghe takes the opening set over 7th seed Garbine Muguruza 6-4 in 55 minutes.

Muguruza saves a set point and holds with an ace down the tee. But Vandeweghe will now come out and serve for the first set. 4-5.

Muguruza struggling massively on her serve. Vandeweghe has been able to read it quite easily and has used the pace of her serve to change direction and hit it for a winner. 

Set point No 1 for Coco.

Vandeweghe consolidates her break and she’s hitting her shots with great depth to off-balance Muguruza. The Spaniard will now serve to stay alive in the opening set at 3-5.

10 minutes into that service game and on her 5th break point opportunity, Vandeweghe finally converts! She takes a 4-3 lead over Muguruza.

Fifth deuce of the game as Vandeweghe comes up with a forehand winner to the open court. Muguruza fires another ace and it’s game point.

A well-timed return from Vandeweghe and she brings up yet another break point. Muguruza erases it with an ace out wide.

Vandeweghe with a stunning drop shot and she has another break point on Muguruza’s serve. 

Ths Spaniard saves it with a service winner. Back on deuce.

No breaks of serve so far in the match. with Muguruza saving all the three break points that she faced. It’s 3-3.

Both of Vandeweghe’s wins over Muguruza came on grass – the American’s favored surface – and both came back in 2014, before the Spaniard rocketed up the rankings and claimed her maiden Grand Slam title.

It’s on serve after the opening four games of the second quarter-final. 2-2. 

Vandeweghe is the first American (other than Serena Williams and Venus Williams) to defeat a WTA World No 1 since Jennifer Capriati defeated Martina Hingis at 2001 French Open.

The second semi-final between Coco Vandeweghe and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza is now under way! 

Vandeweghe knocked out defending champion Angelique Kerber in the fourth round. Vandeweghe leads 2-1 in the head-to-head.

Coming up next on Rod Laver Arena — Coco Vandeweghe vs Garbine Muguruza!

A very jubilant and emotional Venus Williams after the win! 

Venus Williams is the first player into the 2017 Australian Open semi-finals and she does so without dropping a set! what an achievement from the 36-year-old American! Fantastic display today.

Venus Williams defeats Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 7-6(3) to reach the semis. First #AusOpen semi-final since 2003 for the 36-year-old.

Pavlyuchenkova double faults on match point!

THREE MATCH POINTS FOR VENUS WILLIAMS!

Pavlyuchenkova hits her 8th double fault of the match and it’s 3-3.

A quick exchange of mini-breaks to start the tie-break. It’s on serve at 2-1. 

Pavlyuchenkova edges ahead 3-1 with a monstrous ground stroke.

Pavlyuchenkova comes up with a beautifully constructed point and swings a forehand down the line ot make it 40-30. On the next point, she attacks Venus’ forehand again and again to bring up game point.

A Venus error and we are into the toe-break in the second set. 6-6.

Both players receive an additional challenge.

Not the start that Pavlyuchenkova wanted to her service game at 5-6. She goes down 0-30 after a Venus backhand winner and a double fault.

Venus at the net: 13 of 16 points won so far. Another area where she’s been really good at today. She holds to love with an ace out wide. 6-5.

Pavlyuchenkova under the gun once again.

What a massive, massive hold from Pavlyuchenkova under immense pressure. After a nine-point drought, she holds for 5-5.

Venus’ backhand has been on fire today! 30-30 on Pavlyuchenkova’s serve.

Venus reels off eight straight points, holds to love and ia now a game away from the semi-finals.

Pavlyuchenkova serving at 4-5 to stay alive in the match.

Pavlyuchenkova breaks for a 4-3 lead in second set, but Venus breaks back at love. Service holds have been so rare in this set and it’s 4-4.

This was an astounding winner from Venus!

Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski beat Kubot and Chan 6-4, 5-7, 10- 3 to reach the mixed doubles quarter-finals.

Venus was pushed to 40-30 but she grinds out a crucial hold to edge ahead 3-2. A great body serve from the American had Pavlyuchenkova all tied up at 30-all. And then the Russian netted her forehand on the next point to give Venus the hold.

Venus Williams breaks back! It’s the seventh break in this match so far and Venus did a splendid job of putting the Russian on the run on break point. She’s moving Pavlyuchenkova side to side and pushing her further behind the baseline. It’s back on serve at 2-2.

Meanwhile in the mixed doubles, Dabrowski’s serve is broken and the Indo-Canadian pair lose the second set 7-5.

Rohan Bopanna and Dabrowski won the opening set 6-4 against Yung-Jan Chan/Lukasz Kubot, the 5th seeds.

After that important hold, Pavlyuchenkova turns things around quickly to break Venus. Controlled aggression from the Russian and she forces Venus into sending her backhand wide. Pavlyuchenkova up a break, leads 2-1.

Pavlyuchenkova saved three break points in that marathon service game! It’s 1-1 in the second set.

After EIGHT deuces and almost 12 minutes, Pavlyuchenkova holds with an inside-out forehand winner. Very important service hold for the Russian!

What a long game at the start of the second set. SIXTH deuce.

Pavlyuchenkova huts her 5th double fault to give Venus a break point at the start of the second set. She saves it with a powerful forehand but the Russian is still not out of trouble.

Another double fault and we are back on deuce.

First serve points won:

Venus 47% Pavlyuchenkova 55%

It’s definitely a day for the returner so far. And Venus came up with three amazing returns in that game at 5-4 to secure a third break in the opening set.

Take a look at the stats from the opening set between Venus and Pavlyuchenkova.

Venus Williams breaks at love with a crisp backhand return and takes the opening set 6-4 in 39 minutes.

Pavlyuchenkova starts with a double fault. Two more errors from the Russian’s racquet and she is down three set points!

Nine games have been won by the player serving from the left side of the chair umpire. The sun is really affecting the players’ ball toss. Four breaks of serves, and five holds later we are at 5-4 with Pavlyuchenkova serving next.

Pavlyuchenkova was serving while facing the sun, and she gets broken again. Neither player has been able to hold from the far end of the court. We are back on serve! It’s 4-4.

The coin toss for this match got off to a smooth start…In case you missed it, watch it below. 

Another poor service game from Venus Williams while Pavlyuchenkova is hitting her forehand extremely well. Venus nets a forehand and Pavlyuchenkova edges in front with a break again at 4-3.

Meanwhile across Melbourne Park on Court 2, India’s Rohan Bopanna, playing with Gabriela Dabrowski in the mixed doubles, has taken the first set 6-4 in their second round clash against Chan/Kubot.

After that early exchange of breaks, both players follow it up with quick holds. Pavlyuchenkova seems to have steadied her nerves and makes it 3-3 in the opening set. 

The Russian ill need to make as many first serves as possible, with Venus waiting to attack her second serve across the net. The love-hold will give Pavlyuchenkova a lot of confidence.

Oh dear! What a disappointing game from Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian barely makes any first serves and then double faults on break point to hand the advantage back. It’s back on serve, at 2-2.

The Russian gets the first break of the match! Pavlyuchenkova has come out attacking from the word go, and her powerful ground strokes help her get an early break. She leads 2-1 over the Russian.

2017 Australian Open marks Venus’ 73rd Grand Slam main draw appearance – an Open Era record. The oldest woman in the draw, she is turning back the years, making the Australian Open quarterfinals for the ninth time in her career.

Contrasting starts from both women to the match.

Venus forced to deuce on her serve before wrestling out a tight hold. Pavlyuchenkova, on the other hand, races to 40-0 on her own serve and then double faults. She eventually holds after the American dumps a forehand into the net on the next point. 1-1.

Venus Williams starts proceedings by serving first. Venus leads the pair’s head-to-head 3-2, with Pavlyuchenkova’s last victory coming in 2009.

Australian Open 2017: Venus Williams, Coco Vandeweghe look to steam into last fourhttp://www.firstpost.com

Venus and Pavlyuchenkova are warming up on court right now and will begin shortly.

If Venus wins today, it will be her 20th time in the last four at a Grand Slam. For the Russian, it will be the first.

First up on Day 9 is 36-year-old Venus Williams who takes on Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on the Rod Laver Arena.