Australian Open 2018, quarter-finals, highlights: Marin Cilic beats Rafael Nadal; Caroline Wozniacki wins in three sets

All the results from Day 9:

Men’s singles quarter-finals

Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 2-0 ret

Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Women’s singles quarter-finals

Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) 6-4, 6-0

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-2

Caroline Wozniacki is through!

Second seed Caroline Wozniacki withstood a fightback from Spain’s unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro to stutter into the semi-finals of the Australian Open 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-2  early Wednesday morning.

The Dane, who has never won a Grand Slam title, will face another unseeded player, Elise Mertens of Belgium, on Thursday for a place in the final.

Take a look at the final stats from the Wozniacki-Suarez Navarro match:

Caroline Wozniacki is through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2011 with a 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-2 victory over Carla Suarez Navarro.

The second seed will face Elise Mertens in the last-four.

Wozniacki breaks again! 

The second seed jumps ahead to 5-2 and will now serve for a place in the semi-finals.

Wozniacki consolidates her break for a 4-2 lead.

Gutsy hold from the Dane and now she just needs two more games for victory.

Suarez Navarro wrestles out a tough hold to stay in touch at 2-3.

She trails by one break in the deciding set.

Wozniacki gets the break in the 3rd set!

She breaks for 2-1 and then consolidates with a love-hold. 

Wozniacki is three games away from a place in the semi-finals.

Take a look at the stats from the second set.

Carla Suarez Navarro saved a match point and stays alive in this quarter-final match!

.@CarlaSuarezNava clinches the second set 7-6(3)!

We're heading to set number 3️⃣!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Mt5may2WM1

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Carla Suarez Navarro forces a decider!

The Spaniard wins the second set 7-3 in the tie-break.

Two more holds and we are into the tie-break in the second set!

Can Carla Suarez Navarro take this to the decider?

Suarez Navarro fends off a match point to hold for 5-5!

Some big-hitting from the Spaniard to make sure she stays alive in this match.

Wozniacki holds at love for 5-4.

She is one game away making the Australian Open semi-finals.

Wozniacki breaks back to level the second set at 4-4.

Suarez Navarro had chances to go up 5-2 but now it’s Wozniacki who’s back in this set at 4-4.

Wozniacki digs deep to hold for 3-4.

Suarez Navarro earned break point at 30-40 after hitting a fantastic passing shot winner, but the Dane finds back-to-back aces to get out of trouble. 

That was a massive hold for the second seed!

Suarez Navarro consolidate her break for 4-2. We have a match on our hands.

.@CarlaSuarezNava has settled nicely in the second set. Consolidates the break and leads 4-2. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SgIzEqWx4N

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

There’s a chance that Caroline Wozniacki could leave Melbourne as the new World No 1.

She needs to reach the final at least, and if she faces Simona Halep for the title, the champion would walk away with the No 1 ranking.

Don’t count Carla Suarez Navarro out yet!

She breaks at love for a 3-2 lead in the second set. Can she hold on to force a decider?

A love-hold for Wozniacki and she makes it 2-1.

Wozniacki is looking to make her second Australian Open semi-final.

Carla Suarez Navarro finally gets on board!

She holds for 1-1 and the crowd gives her a loud cheer.

Seven straight games for Wozniacki and she leads 6-0, 1-0.

Suarez Navarro has had a few chances to break and has pushed her opponent to the limit but has nothing to show for it. 

You have to feel for the Spaniard, she is giving it her all but can’t get on board.

Time for some numbers!

Caroline Wozniacki drops a bagel in the first set of her quarter-final against Carla Suarez Navarro. 

The first set lasted just 34 minutes.

Wozniacki breaks again and has surged ahead to a 4-0 lead.

It’s all one-way traffic right now.

A long game on Wozniacki’s serve but she manages to hold on for 3-0.

The 2nd seed saved one break point but it was stretched to four deuces.

Caroline Wozniacki breaks at the start of the match for a 2-0 lead

Wozniacki leads the head-to-head 5-2.

Before we move on to the women’s quarter-final, take a look at the stats from Cilic’s win over Nadal.

It’s 11:17pm in Melbourne and Caroline Wozniacki & Carla Suárez Navarro are about to enter the Rod Laver Arena for the last match of the day. 

This is yet another late start for the women in this Australian Open.

Don’t forget, we have one more match to go!

Caroline Wozniacki faces Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarter-final.

Such a shame that the match had to end this way.  

Unfortunate scenes here with the world No.1 Rafael #Nadal retiring hurt in the QF 😥@Cilic_Marin progresses through to the SF. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/IEjPruzvdi

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

It was painful to watch Nadal hobble between points. But you know he doesn’t pull the plug unless he can’t continue at all.

Rafael Nadal retires for only the second time in 264 grand slam matches. Only previous retirement was vs Andy Murray in quarter-finals of 2010 Australian Open #AusOpen

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 23, 2018

Marin Cilic advances to the semi-finals after Rafael Nadal retires hurt trailing 0-2 in the fifth set. 

This is the second time that the Croatian has reached the last-four of the Australian Open.

Nadal has called for the physio again and is getting some treatment for his right leg now.

The Spaniard does not seem fully fit and looks to be struggling.

Marin Cilic has levelled the match by winning the fourth set against top seed Rafael Nadal.

It’s 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2 after 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Stats from the fourth set:

Marin Cilic breaks and wins the fourth set, 6-2.

We are going to a decider in this match.

Cilic holds serve and is one game away from forcing a decider! 5-2.

The Croatian has grown in confidence as this set has gone on.

Nadal is back on court and serving at 1-4.

Just how much is that hip injury going to affect his play? By the looks of it, a lot, 

Cilic immediately wins three straight points and brings up break points. 

Two poor returns and it’s 30-40. One break point still to go. 

Nadal saves all three break points and then holds for 2-4.

His movement does look a little hampered but does well to not get broken again.

Nadal has taken a medical timeout.

The Spaniard is feeling some pain in his right hip and is getting treatment from the trainer on court.

Cilic breaks and leads by 4-1 in the fourth set!

The tables have turned in a matter of games as Cilic has the uper hand now. His blistering flat-out forehand is doing all the damage as he continues to hold serve with ease.

Cilic was the better player for large parts of the third set but Nadal did well to hang tough.

In the tie-break, Cilic made a couple of woeful mistakes and was punished for them. 

But it’s good to see the attitude from the Croatian in the fourth set. He clearly believes he can force a decider in this match. 

He has been serving and returning really well and still has every chance in this match.

Take a look at the stats from the third set!

Rafael Nadal leads 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5) after three hours in this quarter-final.

The top seed is one set away from reaching the last-four.

LOOK AT THAT CELEBRATION FROM NADAL!

(🎥Eurosport) pic.twitter.com/U8J4fGHB96

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 23, 2018

Nadal takes the tie-break for 2-1 lead in the match.

Nice dipping return from Nadal and he gets the advantage in the tie-break. 4-3. 

Crushing forehand winner down the line from Cilic and we are back on serve in the tie-break. 4-4. 

Both players look equally tense. 

Cilic had a backhand lined up for him but he couldn’t get it over the net. 5-4 for Nadal.

Huge serve down the “T” from Cilic and he volleys it home for 5-5. 

Cilic misfires a forehand as it sails long and it’s SET POINT for Nadal. 6-5. 

Nadal wins the tie-break with a smash. 7-5.

Tie-break time!

Nadal starts the tie-break with a service winner. 1-0. 

The first mini-break goes Nadal’s way as Cilic was caught out of position when rushing in to the net. 2-0. 

Big serve from Cilic gets him on the board in the tie-break. 2-1.

Cilic comes with two brilliant backhands back-to-back and he takes the lead. 2-3. 

Unforced error from Cilic and he hands the mini-break back. 3-all as the players change ends.

This was the game from Cilic to force the tie-break.

Cilic serving to stay in the set:

156km/h ace full of quick
185km/h serve & volley
Forehand winner down the line
207km/h first serve

Not bad, huh?

— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) January 23, 2018

Two quick holds from both players and we are into the tie-beak!

Advantage, Cilic?

Nadal looks rattled tonight.

No poker face for Nadal tonight. Feeling his stress, feeling his frustration, feeling the seriousness of Cilic's challenge

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 23, 2018

Take a look at Nadal’s returning position for Cilic’s serve bombs!

Any further back and @RafaelNadal will be returning from inside the commentary bunkers... 😂#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/tmWYtbfPx3

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Marin Cilic saves a set point and holds for 5-5.

Cilic starts off with a serve out wide and wins the point with an overhead smash.

He hits a poor volley on the next point and Nadal easily passes him with his forehand. 

Another MASSIVE serve out wide and it leaves the court open for Cilic to win the point easily at the net. 

Brilliant play from Nadal to move Cilic all over the court and he makes it 30-30. 

SET POINT for Nadal and there’s another long, blistering rally which Cilic wins this time around with another volley. Set point saved.

Cilic eventually wrestles out the hold for 5-5.

Nadal edges ahead 5-4. Cilic will now serve to stay in the 3rd set. 

Cilic drills a cross-court forehand to win the first point on Nadal’s serve.

Nadal responds with a body serve that Cilic is unable to return. 15-15. 

The Spaniard hits his 3rd ace of the match for 30-15. 

Two points later, Cilic overhits his forehand return and Nadal gets the service hold.

Cilic makes it 4-4 in the 3rd set. The next few games are going to be crucial in this match.

Double fault from Cilic to start his service game. 0-15.

Nadal nets his return and then Cilic fires an ace for 30-15. 

Another HUGE serve from the Croatian down the T makes it 40-15. 

Nadal gets a deep return in play and Cilic is caught unawares. 40-30. 

Ace #14 helps Cilic hold for 4-4.

This was Nadal’s reaction mid-game!

.@RafaelNadal trying to pump himself up! 🔥

Tight tussle with #Cilic on @RodLaverArena.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/zPMJiGQMpl

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Nadal saves two break points and escapes for a 4-3 lead.

From 40-15, Cilic won three points in a row to bring up BREAK POINT.

Nadal saves it with big serve out wide that Cilic can’t return. DEUCE.

A huge forehand from Cilic sends Nadal scuttling into the corner and his return can only find the net. BREAK POINT #2.

Nadal wins the next point by volleying it home. Another deuce and this time he manages to hold!

Can Marin Cilic reach the semi-finals again?

Cilic’s best Australian Open performance is reaching the semi-finals as No 14 seed here in 2010. He is the only Croatian man to reach the Australian Open semi-finals in the history of the championships.

Cilic brings up an easy hold of his own!

Ace #12 helps him hold at 15 and make it 3-3.

We have heard a few loud “VAMOS!” from Nadal already in this set. He’s trying to pump himself up. 

Reactions/10? 🔥#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/W8uWCuk0Ro

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

We have an easy hold! Hallelujah! 

Nadal races to 3-2 with a love-hold.

It’s 2-2 in the 3rd set.

At deuce, Cilic hits his 10th ace of the match.

Another BIG serve and he holds for 2-2. 

This has been a scrappy contest, with neither player striking at his best.

Nadal gets out of trouble – saves a break point for 2-1.

Break point for Cilic on Nadal’s serve but he overcooks his backhand return and it’s DEUCE.

Another shot that was just long from Cilic brings up game point. 

Cilic is trying to push Nadal behind the baseline with his thunderous forehands. It seems to be working as Nadal nets a return for DEUCE. 

Nadal plays a smart point and comes in to win the point off a volley. Massive hold from the Spaniard.

It’s 1-1 to start off the 3rd set

Nadal ends Cilic’s game-winning streak by holding to start off the 3rd set.

Cilic responds likewise.

Nadal’s second serve win percentage dropped drastically in the second set. Take a look at the numbers: 

Marin Cilic wins the second set to level the match after an hour and 40 minutes. 3-6, 6-3. 

Cilic ends Nadal’s seven-set streak against him.

Cilic stepped up his level in the last 20 minutes. 

Down a set and a break, @cilic_marin responds to take the second set 6-3!

1️⃣ set apiece!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/n2l23LEDDI

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Marin Cilic wins the second set 6-3

Cilic makes it four straight games in a row to seal the second set. 

With his 7th ace of the match, Cilic brought up two set points. 

He wasted the first by hitting a return into the net but then fired his 8th ace to clinch the second set. What a turnaround this has been.

Cilic breaks for 5-3 and will now serve for the second set!

Deuce once again on Nadal’s serve.

Cilic seems quite pumped up after his altercation with the chair umpire over the changeover. He hits a stunning backhand down the line to bring up break point. 

And he is rewarded for the constant pressure on the Nadal return as he breaks! 

Big swing in momentum – three straight games won by Cilic.

Marin Cilic edges ahead, 4-3.

Two back-to-back aces from the 6′ 6″ tall Marin Cilic and he holds comfortably.

He needed a quick hold after breaking to get the momentum going his way and a love-hold was the perfect response.

Cilic’s persistence finally pays off

Game 🔛@cilic_marin breaks back! 3-3 early in the second set.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ixaE45RUzc

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Cilic breaks right back for 3-3.

Cilic gets to 0-30 on Nadal’s serve but then plays a couple of wild shots to allow Nadal back into the game. 30-30.

A point later, Cilic cracks a forehand whooper down the line to make it deuce. 

On advantage, Cilic comes in to the net behind a well-struck forehand, and for a change, he is successful with this strategy. 

Nadal throws in a double fault and it’s BREAK POINT for Cilic. 

Cilic nets his forehand return and we are back at DEUCE. On the really crucial points, Cilic hasn’t been able to deliver the goods. But he has another break point opportunity in this game. He makes the inside-out forehand this time and it’s back on serve at 3-3.

Nadal breaks for 3-2.

Oh dear. Cilic falls behind 15-40 and is dealt a time violation warning down. It upsets his rhythm, as he argues with the chair umpire.

The Croatian then hits a horror double fault to hand the break to Nadal.

Nadal holds for 2-2

Nadal’s turn to save two break points. He does so remarkably with his forehand and serve both firing. 

Cilic has been so far unable to do any damage on break points. He’s 0/3 in the match.

Nadal going for the early break in the 2nd set but Cilic avoids it by saving a break point and holding his serve for 2-1

Cilic was immediately put under pressure once again on his serve, but he responds well at 30-40.

He slams a forehand winner, fires an ace before stepping in again to force Nadal into an error.

Another one of Nadal’s quirky habits!

FUN FACT! 😬@RafaelNadal doesn't hand his towel back to the #VegemiteBallkids until he walks past the @Melbourne sign.

Every. Single. Time. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/nhztbp08g4

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Take a look at the stats from Set 1

Can Marin Cilic stage a fightback after dropping the first set?

First set goes the way of @RafaelNadal!

He leads 6-3.

🚨 STAT - #Nadal has a 40-15 record against Top 10 seeds in Grand Slams#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/8XcXSBBI7w

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Rafael Nadal wins the first set 6-3 in 52 minutes.

Nadal’s forehand has been clicking beautifully and he’s serving extremely well. Two sets away from the semi-final.

Nadal wins the first set 6-3

Cilic gets to 30-all while fighting to stay alive in the opening set. 

But Nadal quickly brings up SET POINT with an effective 1-2 combination – serve out wide followed by a forehand winner. 

Cilic hammers a forehand into the corner to make it deuce but Nadal’s third ace brings up SET POINT #2. 

Cilic saves the set point with a backhand winner down the line. Very gutsy shot from the Croatian. 

It’s SET POINT #3 for Nadal with another 1-2.

Nadal breaks for 5-3.

Cilic commits a double fault and then shanks a forehand and he’s in trouble again on his serve.

He comes forward behind a poor approach shot and Nadal rightly punishes him with an easy pass down the line. THREE BREAK POINTS.

An ace down the “T” saves one. But Cilic sends another forehand long and he’s been broken. 

Nadal will serve for the opening set with new balls.

Nadal saves one break point, holds for 4-3

After being unable to convert FIVE break points, Nadal now faces one on his own serve. 

He saves it with an ace down the ‘T’ hit at 196 kmph. DEUCE! 

Another splendid serve out wide and Nadal brings up ADVANTAGE. 

Nadal’s return clips the net and Cilic is able to hit it for a winner into the open court. It’s back to DEUCE. 

Nadal sneaks in to the net after pulling Cilic wide and then hits a delicate drop shot. He finally holds on the next point for 4-3.

Cilic truly tested on his serve but he did not crack!

That was a 10-minute long service game. The good sign – his serve rescued him every time he was in trouble but he wouldn’t be happy with how often his groundstrokes found the net. 

The first six games of this match have taken 32 minutes.

Cilic saves FIVE break points to hold for 3-3.

Nadal hooks another forehand winner down the line at the start of the sixth game. 

Serve-and-volley from Cilic to make it 15-15.

Cilic had the right thought on the next point, trying to go behind Nadal but he couldn’t make the following volley at the net to a short Nadal reply. 15-30.

Big, booming serve and it’s 30-all.

HUGE inside-out forehand winner from Cilic and he has game point. He sends his backhand flying wide and it’s DEUCE once again on his serve. 

On the next point, Nadal can’t keep his return in play and it’s ADVANTAGE to Cilic. Cilic nets his forehand into the net and we are back at DEUCE. 

Cilic double faults and he hands Nadal the first BREAK POINT of the match.

Cilic saves it with a solid serve out wide that Nadal can’t return. 

Another unforced error from Cilic’s forehand and Nadal has BREAK POINT #2. 

Cilic again saves it after a long rally that he wins for a change. DEUCE. 

BREAK POINT #3 for Nadal with a stunning return into the corner that whizzed past Cilic. 

Two more deuces. Nadal can’t convert on BREAK POINT #4 either. 

Nadal has another chance to break after Cilic overhits his forehand return. 

Cilic finally wins two points in a row with his serve and it’s GAME POINT for him! He holds with a smash winner.

Nadal edges ahead 3-2, on serve

The Nada forehand is already in full flow. He’s making the most of serving out wide and then finishing it with a forehand winner into the open court. 

Cilic won two points on his serve, but was unable to win a third. The Croatian will need to attack more often to have a chance in this match.

A tough service game for Cilic but he holds for 2-2

Cilic is stretched to deuce on serve but he wins the next two points in spectacular fashion – he comes to the net to slam the ball on to the baseline and then an ace.

First test on his serve and he comes through it.

Two love-holds to start off the match!

Cilic will obviously depend on his serve, but that’s the perfect way for Nadal to begin.

It’s time for the second men’s quarter-final!

[1] Rafael Nadal vs [6] Marin Cilic

Nadal leads the head-to-head 5-1.

Watch our wrap of Week 1 of the Australian Open and our predictions for the upcoming matches.

Here’s a recap of Kyle Edmund’s win over Grigor Dimitrov:

Kyle Edmund is through to the Australian Open semi-finals after an upset 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov.

Edmund was the only British male player in the draw when Andy Murray withdrew to have hip surgery. Now Edmund is one win away from advancing to the final and a chance to win an Australian Open title — Murray has lost five times here in the championship match.

Edmund broke Dimitrov’s serve in the ninth game of the fourth set when Dimitrov netted a backhand on break point.

Edmund set up match point with an ace and then waited while a video challenge confirmed that Dimitrov’s floating backhander was long.

Edmund will play either top-seeded Rafael Nadal or No 6 Marin Cilic in the first men’s semi-final on Thursday.

The next quarter-final will start at 1.30 pm.

Stay tuned as we build up to the two matches left.

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Marin Cilic (CRO x6)

Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Here’s what the numbers have to say about the match!

This was a monumental victory for the 23-year-old Kyle Edmund. 

Not only is he through to his first Grand Slam semi-final, he will also break into the top-30 when the new rankings come out next Monday.

The win over Grigor Dimitrov was the first time that Edmund beat a top-5 player.

This is also the first time that Edmund has won five Tour-level matches in a row in his career.

Biggest win of Kyle Edmund’s career and look what it means to him!

He's done it! What a moment for @kyle8edmund - look at what it means! 🇬🇧#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/RqmA6f7ChT

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Kyle Edmund upsets 3rd seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

The 23-year-old Brit is through to his first Grand Slam semi-final.

Kyle Edmund wins 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Ace from Edmund at 30-all to bring up MATCH POINT! 

Dimitrov’s return floats long and it’s Game, Set and Match to Kyle Edmund!

Edmund breaks once again! 

He will now serve for a place in the Australian Open semi-final at 5-4. 

That was drama-filled game, with even Hawk-Eye adding to the suspense. Dimitrov goes down the line with his backhand, Edmund challenges it – Hawk-Eye first calls it in and then zooms in to declare it’s out! Out by the tiniest of margins.

It’s two break points for Edmund but Dimitrov saves the first.

The 3rd seed nets on the second and Edmund has the break.

Now the pressure shifts on Edmund. Probably the biggest few games of his career coming up.

He hits his 3rd double fault of the match, and then a point later, dumps a forehand into the net. 30-30. 

Dimitrov overhits his forehand and it’s game point for Edmund. Dimitrov really should have done more in that rally. 

Edmund holds for 4-4 with another good serve.

Dimitrov holds for 4-3.

Serving at 3-3, Dimitrov saves one break point with a smart serve. Deuce.

The 3rd seed is living quite dangerously at the moment.

Another big serve out wide helps him bring up Advantage. 

A third service winner gets him out of trouble and he holds for 4-3. This one was hit down the ‘T’ and Edmund couldn’t get a racquet on it.

Grigor Dimitrov breaks right back!

There is still some life in Dimitrov as he plays an excellent game to break right back and make it 3-3. 

Dimitrov digs in!

He breaks back to get it on serve. This is tense. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/DXOdoP0eXM

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Kyle Edmund has never beaten a top-5 player in his career. 

He is three games away from causing a huge upset. Edmund breaks in the 4th set for a 3-2 lead. 

The body language from Dimitrov is not looking good as he slumps back to his seat after being broken. A long way back for him in this match.

No breaks of serve in the first four games of the fourth set. 2-2.

Edmund is plastering the court with his massive forehands while Dimitrov is hanging by a thread.

Edmund with the advantage in this match!

Grigor Dimitrov has been let down by his serve in the third set – he landed only 39% of his first serves. 

Meanwhile, Kyle Edmund is hitting his forehand with scary accuracy and power.

Edmund won six points more overall in the third set. 

Kyle Edmund is one set away from his maiden semi-final!

Edmund leads 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 after two hours and six minutes into this last-eight match.

Edmund wins the 3rd set 6-3 in 39 minutes.

Edmund in trouble at 15-30 on his serve. Dimitrov doing everything possible to break back. 

Edmund fires a inside-out forehand into the corner for a sensational winner. 30-all. 

Set point for Edmund after a Dmitrov slice clips the net and falls in hitting range for Edmund and he hammers it away for a winner.

BIG serve from Edmund and he clinches the third set!

Edmund breaks for 5-3 and will serve for the third set.

Dimitrov serving at 3-4 and he drops the first point with a poorly hit slice. Edmund should look to attack here and get the break.

At 0-30, Dimitrov comes in at the net to take Edmund by surprise and it works. However, he loses the next point and it’s two break points for Edmund.

Dimitrov saves one but then hits yet another double fault to get broken.

Steady going in the third set so far as it’s on serve at 3-3.

Both Edmund and Dimitrov have had their chances but neither has been able to capitalise. 

The Brit looks to be playing a tad better but Dimitrov has hung in well. 

Important few games coming up.

On full stretch

Sliding into the #AusOpen with style... 🏃 pic.twitter.com/PvigaWcdrh

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Dimitrov gets out of jail again! 2-2.

The Bulgarian saves a break point after a long rally where Edmund drags Dimitrov all over the court. But Edmund just couldn’t find the killer blow. 

Dimitrov slices the ball and gets the error from his opponent. 

He holds with an ace and yells a loud “Come On”!

Do you guys remember this moment from the first week of January? The Dimitrov sprint was a sight to behold!

The last time Grigor Dimitrov and Kyle Edmund faced off, it was "Air Grigor" time! 🐦✈️🎾#ATP #AusOpen

More ➡️➡️ https://t.co/0z91UkR8bu pic.twitter.com/ttoZRclixm

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 23, 2018

Two quick holds to start off the third set. 1-1.

It’s still a bit scrappy from Dimitrov while Edmund has been making way too many errors. A crucial third set that could decide who progresses to the semi-finals. 

Buckle up. We could be here for a long while!

Take a look at the second set stats. Still more winners from Edmund’s racquet but the errors have been piling up as well.

Dimitrov’s coach needs to have a special camera just for his reactions!

Daniel Vallverdú approves...

Or is that Mauricio Pochettino? 🤔 @SpursOfficial#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/K5uy8wUH9b

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Grigor Dimitrov takes 44 minutes to seal the second set 6-3.

Six double faults in the match so far from Dimitrov, including three in one game, but he’s fought back to level this match.

Dimitrov wins the second set 6-3 to level the match

Edmund makes it 30-all on Dimitrov’s serve with a great rally, and bu pushing Dimitrov from one end of the court to another. 

He nets a forehand on the next point and it’s set point for Dimitrov. 

A solid first serve down the T and Dimitrov holds!

Edmund holds to make it 3-5

Dimitrov will now serve for the second set and level the match at 1-1.

Grigor Dimitrov holds for 5-2. 

Dimitrov down 15-30 on his serve. Small window for Edmund opening up. 

A deep second serve from Dimitrov and Edmund can’t keep the return in. 30-30. 

An ace out wide from Dimitrov brings up game point. 40-30. 

Dimitrov muffs a forehand return into the net and it’s deuce. 

A break point chance for Edmund come sup on the next point but Dimitrov saves it with another thundering serve. Deuce. 

Two points later, Dimitrov finally holds. He’s one game away from taking the second set.

Two straight holds from both players and we are at 4-2 in the second set.

Dimitrov could have stamped his authority on this set but Edmund has made sure that he has stayed in touch.

Just one break of serve separates the two players.

Huge hold from Kyle Edmund! He saves two break points and makes it 1-3.

Dimitrov had plenty of opportunities in that game as a few errors have crept into Edmund’s game. 

But the Brit did enough to avoid being broken and held with a great serve.

Dimitrov saves three break points and holds for 3-0

The 3rd seed fell in a 0-40 hole on his own serve, but did admirably well to climb out of it. 

He jumps ahead to 3-0 in the second set. Much better play from the Bulgarian.

Dimitrov breaks early for a 2-0 lead in the second set.

Another big challenge for Dimitrov. He’ll have to fight back from being a set down and will need to play at least four sets for the fourth match in a row.

So far at the Australian Open this year, the Bulgarian has risen bravely to every obstacle. 

Edmund plays with a lot of topspin, which is tougher for Dimitrov to control with his backhand slice.

Take a look at the first set stats. Edmund with 15 winners to Dimitrov’s seven.

Kyle Edmund wins the first set 6-4 in 42 minutes over 3rd seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Are we in for another upset on Rod Laver Arena?

Kyle Edmund saves three breaks points and clinches the first set 6-4.

Dimitrov brings up two break points immediately on Edmund’s serve. 

Edmund saves one break point with a big serve. Dimitrov floats a return wide on the next point and it’s deuce. 

Dimitrov brings up a third break point with an excellent rally that he wins with a smash at the net.

Edmund erases the break point with an ace! Back to deuce. 

Another solid serve into the body of Dimitrov from Edmund and it’s set point for the Brit. 

Edmund overcooks his backhand down the line and we are back at deuce. 

Edmund brings up his second set point with a perfect volley winner. ADVANTAGE! 

Edmund finally holds to win the set with a good serve out wide that Dimitrov can only dump in the net.

Edmund breaks once again!

The Brit hammers a return winner on break point and will now serve for the opening set at 5-4. 

His backhand has been tremendous so far in the match.

Two straight service holds and we are at 4-4 in the opening set.

Both players have settled into the match as we head to the pointy end of the first set.

Dimitrov breaks back to level the opening set at 3-3

Edmund misses two forehand returns and Dimitrov pounces on his chance. 

It’s back on serve in the opening set.

Kyle Edmund has surged ahead to a 3-2 lead. 

King Kyle 👑🇬🇧

Edmund up a break, leads Dimitrov 3-2.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ihNgnjnK6n

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

If you are just tuning in, here’s a quick recap of first match

Elise Mertens extends her winning streak to 10 matches into the Australian Open semi-finals.

The 22-year-old Belgian player had an upset 6-4, 6-0 win over No 4 Elina Svitolina in the first women’s quarter-final on Tuesday at Rod Laver Arena.

Mertens, ranked 37th, successfully defended her Hobart International title two weeks ago, and has now won five matches at Melbourne Park.

Mertens dominated, leading 5-2 in the first set. She won a 27-point rally while holding serve in the fourth game of the second set, then hit a backhand winner into the open corner to break Svitolina in the next game for a 5-0 lead.

Serving the match, Mertens clinched it on her first opportunity with a backhand winner, then threw her arms up in the air in celebration.

Mertens will play either second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki or Carla Suarez Navarro in the semis. They play their quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Kyle Edmund draws first blood in the match and has an early break for a 2-0 lead.

The Brit has started this match in the best way possible. He breaks Dimitrov in the very first game and then consolidates with a quick hold.

There’s plenty at stake today!

Grigor Dimitrov is aiming to reach the semi-finals here for the 2nd straight year and equal his best Grand Slam result. 

Kyle Edmund is bidding to reach the semi-finals at a Grand Slam for the first time and become the 6th British man to reach the last 4 at a major in the Open Era – after Andy Murray (21 Grand Slam semifinal appearances), Tim Henman (6), Roger Taylor (3), John Lloyd (1) and Greg Rusedski (1).

Next up: It’s the first men’s quarter-final!

3rd seed Grigor Dimitrov takes on World No 49 Kyle Edmund

Dimitrov leads the head-to-head 2-0.

Watch Mertens’ on-court interview after her win

"I'm without words, I don't know what to say... I gave it all today."@elise_mertens goes on! She's the first 🇧🇪 to make an #AusOpen SF since @Clijsterskim in 2012. pic.twitter.com/ckDSeFCaP5

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Elise Mertens won 20 more points than Elina Svitolina in her win! Take a look at the stats from the match. 

Elise Mertens is through to her maiden Grand Slam semi-final!

Mertens takes an hour and 15 minutes to rout Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0.

Elise Mertens wins 6-4, 6-0

In her first main draw appearance at the Australian Open, unseeded Elise Mertens is through to the semi-final. 

She steamrolls past 4th seed Elina Svitolina to continue her unbeaten run.

Brilliant from Mertens and abysmal from Svitolina. It’s 5-0 in the Belgian’s favour in the second set.

Mertens breaks for a third time and now she will serve for the match. 

Don’t forget, this is her first appearance at the Australian Open!

Mertens’ excellent hands at the net

.@elise_mertens in great touch!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/AwDQx1ISGq

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018

Mertens holds for 4-0.

Mertens’ backhand down the line has been her biggest weapon! She is playing some of her best tennis in this tournament so far. 

Svitolina has been let down by her forehand, just too many errors from her today.

It’s all one-way traffic at the moment! Mertens breaks for a second time for a 3-0 lead!

Mammoth task for Svitolina to try and find a way back into this match. 

Mertens is just three games away from booking her spot in the semi-finals.

Some more numbers for you 

Rally hit points. Big difference pic.twitter.com/VOkL5hsYCG

— Ilya Ryvlin (@ryvlin) January 23, 2018

Mertens breaks and consolidates for a 2-0 lead

The Belgian is on a roll. She can do no wrong at the moment and is firmly in the driver’s seat. 

She is slicing and dicing the ball really well and moving Svitolina all over the court. Svitolina has been quite passive so far and has allowed herself to be dictated in the long rallies.

Take a look at the 1st set stats. Mertens with double the number of winners as Svitolina. 

Elise Mertens takes 41 minutes to clinch the opening set 6-4.

Mertens is looking to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final and she is just one set away.

Elise Mertens wins the first set 6-4

Mertens hits a double fault and follows it up with an ace to make it 30-30. She is two points away from taking the opening set. 

Smart play at the net from Mertens and she brings up set point. 

Svitolina sprays a forehand wide and the first set is in Mertens’ bag.

Svitolina holds for 4-5

A tough game which went to deuce, but Svitolina manages to wrestle out a hold. 

Mertens will serve for the opening set for a second time at 5-4.

Svitolina gets one break back

Mertens hits her first double fault of the match and it’s 5-3 now. 

Shaky game from the Belgian. Can Svitloina make the most of it?

Mertens secures a double break in the opening set and leads 5-2.

The Belgium will now serve for the opening set. Her backhand has been on fire. 

Mertens is using her backhand well to open up the court and then coming in to finish at the net.

First up, it’s 4th seed Elina Svitolina against Belgium’s up-and-coming 22-year-old Elise Mertens.

Both players are looking to make their first Grand Slam semi-final.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the Australian Open 2018!

We have reached the business end of the first Grand Slam of the year. There are eight men and women left in the draw. 

Stay tuned as we bring you scores and updates from all the matches at Melbourne Park.