Updates from seventh day of tennis at Melbourne ParkSecond seed defeats Raducanu 6-1, 6-0 in third roundAny thoughts? Get in touch with Jonathan on emailEmma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek have completed their warm-ups on Rod Laver Arena and we’re about to get under way. But hang on, the second seed is have a word to the match official and seems to be concerned about a lack of towels. Well, I guess that sets the tone for what should be a heated clash in steamy conditions.There is plenty of action on the court to keep us entertained but it can be easy to forget the impact that tennis can have on families in the present day, let alone across generations.It’s been an odd experience. Esna died in 1966 so has always been an ethereal presence – a long-skirted woman with Princess Leia buns in an ageing photograph who my mother would chide me with when asking why I was so terrible at sport. Continue reading...

Politics

Brit outclassed in 6-1, 6-0 loss to second seedSwiatek eases into fourth round at Melbourne ParkOver the past few years of professional tennis, the sight of Iga Swiatek annihilating another poor, defenceless opponent has become as sure as the sun will rise. When Swiatek’s game is flowing and her mind is clear, the combined quality of her violent ball-striking, athleticism and unrelenting focus is so great that, at some point or another, she has rendered nearly all of the best players in the world spectators in their own match.On Saturday afternoon at Melbourne Park, it was Emma Raducanu’s turn to endure such an unpleasant experience. Raducanu cut a lonely, solemn figure on one of the biggest tennis stadiums in the world as she was completely helpless in the face of a supreme Swiatek, who ruthlessly opened up her bakery to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win. Continue reading...

Politics

Updates from seventh day of tennis at Melbourne ParkSecond seed defeats Raducanu 6-1, 6-0 in third roundAny thoughts? Get in touch with Jonathan on emailEmma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek have completed their warm-ups on Rod Laver Arena and we’re about to get under way. But hang on, the second seed is have a word to the match official and seems to be concerned about a lack of towels. Well, I guess that sets the tone for what should be a heated clash in steamy conditions.There is plenty of action on the court to keep us entertained but it can be easy to forget the impact that tennis can have on families in the present day, let alone across generations.It’s been an odd experience. Esna died in 1966 so has always been an ethereal presence – a long-skirted woman with Princess Leia buns in an ageing photograph who my mother would chide me with when asking why I was so terrible at sport. Continue reading...

Politics

Updates from seventh day of tennis at Melbourne ParkRaducanu drops first set to the second seedAny thoughts? Get in touch with Martin on emailEmma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek have completed their warm-ups on Rod Laver Arena and we’re about to get under way. But hang on, the second seed is have a word to the match official and seems to be concerned about a lack of towels. Well, I guess that sets the tone for what should be a heated clash in steamy conditions.There is plenty of action on the court to keep us entertained but it can be easy to forget the impact that tennis can have on families in the present day, let alone across generations.It’s been an odd experience. Esna died in 1966 so has always been an ethereal presence – a long-skirted woman with Princess Leia buns in an ageing photograph who my mother would chide me with when asking why I was so terrible at sport. Continue reading...

Politics

Raducanu has not taken a set off Swiatek in three previous meetings

Politics