tennis

Serbia's Novak Djokovic on Sunday dismantled Russia's Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win a record-extending ninth Australian Open title at the Rod Laver Arena. The win moves world No 1 Djokovic, 33, within two of Swiss great Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal's record total of 20 major victories.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rohan Bopanna had bowed out of the men's doubles event after he lost his first round contest alongside Japanese partner Ben McLachlan 6-4, 7(7)-6(0) to the South Korean pair of Ji Sung Nam and Min-Kyu Song in a match lasting one hour and 17 minutes.

No.10 seed Williams, in search for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title, defeated Nina Stojanovic of Serbia 6-3, 6-0 in one hour and nine minutes at the Rod Laver Arena to claim a third-round spot in Melbourne for the 19th time in her 20 appearances at the event.

Nagal, India's second-highest ranked men's singles player, lost 2-6, 5-7, 3-6 to Berankis in a match that lasted two hours and six minutes at Court 17. Last week, the 23-year-old Indian had lost to the world number 72 in the build-up event.

With the win, the seven-time Australian Open champion improved her flawless record in first-round matches at Grand Slam events to an astounding 76-1. Serena is contesting a milestone 20th Australian Open, and her 56-minute win over Siegemund was her 100th career match at the event.

Medvedev defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 6-2 in a match that lasted 79 minutes to cap a near-perfect singles performance by his country shortly after Rublev overpowered Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 2 singles match in just 61 minutes.

According to his family members, he passed away at 2:30 a.m. The All India Tennis Association condoled his demise in a statement and said: "The All India Tennis Association mourns the demise of Mr. Akhtar Ali who passed away today on 7th February 2021 at Kolkata, India."

Zverev partnered JanLennard Struff to register a 764, 57, 107 win in the deciding doubles rubber against Djokovic and Nikola Cacic. Struff was Germany's hero, having earlier won the No. 2 singles against Dusan Lajovic, before teaming with Zverev to seal the tie for Germany 21, knocking out the defending champion.

"Wimbledon holds a rich tradition and is the most prestigious tennis event of the year. Star India and the AELTC have been partners in the Indian market for over a decade and we are delighted to extend our association for the next three years," said Sanjog Gupta, Head - Sports, Star India in a statement on Friday.

In a much tighter contest than the first final last week where the two had contested in the summit clash, Marin won the first game 21-19. The Taiwanese 26-year-old then appeared to lose her confidence early in the second game, as her 27-year-old Spanish opponent asserted her dominance. Tai then saved four match points but it was not enough to stop Marin to seal the game 21-17 and clinch her second Thailand Open title in a fortnight.