Australian Open 2021 tennis LIVE updates - Djokovic leads Karatsev, Brady sets up Osaka final

ByEurosport

Updated 18/02/2021 at 11:25 GMT

It's semi-final time at the 2021 Australian Open! We start with a big one, it's a rematch of the 2018 US Open final as Serena Williams faces Naomi Osaka. Afterwards American Jennifer Brady faces Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova. After all that defending champion Novak Djokovic is up against Aslan Karatsev. You can watch every moment on eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app

Novak Djokovic vs. Aslan Karatsev | Premium | Australian Open 2021

Image credit: Eurosport

11:25 - 'All the answers'

'Supreme' - Djokovic 'has all the answers' with stunning winner

10:41 - Djokovic into the final

Australian Open

‘She needs to be selfish!’ – Wilander tells Raducanu not to care what people think

00:01:48

17/01/2022 at 14:12

And there you have it, water is wet, and Djokovic is into another Australian Open final. It was testing at times but Karatsev just could not maintain the level of performance required to beat the best player in men’s tennis. Sealed with two aces, Djokovic is serving his way to a ninth title in Melbourne – surely – unless one of Tsitsipas or Medvedev can stop the Serbian on Sunday!

10:08 - Djokovic two-up

He failed to serve out for the set once, and after squandering two set points he is then forced to save two break points, but Djokovic eventually converts his third set point to take a commanding two-set lead.

09:23 - Djokovic takes first set

It was an even contest for the first seven games but in typical champion fashion, Djokovic upped the ante against Karatsev when it mattered, breaking the Russian before serving it out to take the opening set 6-3.

08:30 - Highlights: Brady vs Muchova

America’s Jennifer Brady is into her first ever Grand Slam final with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Karolina Muchova in the Australian Open semi-finals on Rod Laver Arena.

Highlights | Karolina Muchova - Jennifer Brady

08:00 - Highlights: Serena vs Osaka

ICYMI earlier 👇

Naomi Osaka is into her second Australian Open final with an emphatic 6-3, 6-4 win over 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams on Rod Laver Arena.

Highlights | Naomi Osaka - Serena Williams

Serena broke down in tears before ending her post-match press conference.

'I'm done' - Serena exits press conference in tears

07:40 - Friday's order of play

Women's doubles final - Not before 5am UK time

Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic)/Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) [3] v Elise Mertens (Belgium)/Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) [2]

Men's singles semi-final - Not before 8:30am UK time

Daniil Medvedev (Russia) [4] v Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) [5]

Both matches will, of course, be live on the Eurosport app and eurosport.co.uk.

07:20 - Up next: Djokovic vs Karatsev

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) [1] v Aslan Karatsev (Russia) [Q]

This will be the pair's first meeting

Qualifier Aslan Karatsev has already tamed three seeds this tournament in Diego Schwartzman, Felix Auger Aliassime and Grigor Dimitrov, but now – the biggest test of all, the toughest in the men’s tennis.

Facing Novak Djokovic at his “happy place”, Karatsev will need to play the match of his life in what will be the pair’s first ever meeting.

His best hope could be to capitalise on a Djokovic dip should the Serbian cut a depleted figure, but the world No 1 has a ninth Australian Open in his sights, and that means he will take some stopping after already battling past Taylor Fritz, Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic in three feels like the most likely outcome, but qualifiers have defied the odds at Grand Slams before, and Karatsev will be out to do so again.

- - -

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07:00 - Brady: I can't feel my legs!

"I can't feel my legs," Brady said post-match. "My legs are shaking and my heart is racing.

"I came out a little strange today. I felt super excited but at the same time I was pretty flat-footed. My legs felt fresh but at the same time they just weren't moving.

"I didn't really pick up my intensity until the beginning of the third set.

"I'm excited to be in the final of the Australian Open. It's an incredible achievement. It will be a really tough match. Osaka's won a few grand slams, we had a tough match at the US Open in the semi-finals.

"She even said it was one of her top two matches which was a little bit unfortunate for me at the time but I think it will be a really good match and I hope the fans can come out and enjoy it."

Brady has done it after five match points!

Two match points for Brady. Muchova wins arguably the point of the match to save one before the second one leaves Brady on her knees, thinking she'd won the match but she hit her forehand just beyond the baseline! Unbelievable!

Brady then commits another unforced error before Muchova mishits on break point!

Muchova gets a second bite of the cherry but lets out an audible gasp with a backhand into the net and it swings back to Brady match point - her third one. Muchova once again saves it.

The Czech player then lays down a smash for her third break point... which she squanders yet again with an unforced error.

Brady has got herself another match point following another Muchova unforced erros and this time... Muchova successfully volleys it into the open court space! Unbelievable!

But once again Muchova commits an unforced error and it is match point number five for Brady!

This time Muchova fires long and Brady falls to her knees! She has done it!

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, *4-5 Brady

Muchova did really well to hold there while Brady looked a bit tight and within herself. Can she handle the pressure of serving out for a place in her first ever Grand Slam final?

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, 3-5* Brady

Brady lets out a "come on!" as she moves to within a game of her first ever Grand Slam final. She will surely be feeling some nerves.

The winner of this plays Osaka in the final.

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, *3-4 Brady

Muchova is not letting this go without a fight.

She serves then volleys to kill off game point to keep the Czech player within touching distance of her 22nd seed opponent ranked just three places higher than her.

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, 2-4* Brady

Brady holds her serve to move within two games of her first ever Grand Slam final.

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, *2-3 Brady

Muchova reduces the arrears but still trails by a break in this deciding set.

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, 1-3* Brady

Brady extends her lead and does so with a venomous forehand down the line. Can Muchova claw this back?

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, *1-2 Brady

Brady takes the first of two break points as Muchova whacks a forehand wildly wide.

Rather surprisingly the American is a break up in this tense third set decider!

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, 1-1* Brady

Brady with her fifth ace gets us level in this third set. That will have felt good.

Muchova 4-6, 6-3, *1-0 Brady

Muchova with yet another love service hold, taking it with a deft volley at the net and an overcooked Brady forehand for her 33rd unforced error.

Yes, you read that right... 33.

06:00 - Rejuvenated Muchova wins the second set!

Two brilliant winners from Muchova in this game as she gets a set point with a lovely two-handed backhand winner down the line.

Brady levels it but Muchova gets another chance to break after delivering a devastating service return.

Brady double faults for Muchova to seal the second set 6-3 and we're heading for a decider!

05:57 - Muchova 4-6, *5-3 Brady

We are edging towards a decider with Muchova forging her third love hold of this set.

05:53 - Muchova 4-6, 4-3* Brady

It's a solid hold from Brady who is cleaning up her act a bit, making far less silly errors. Can she go up another level and find a way to break her opponent?

05:49 - Muchova 4-6, *4-2 Brady

Muchova extends her lead with Brady not really making any real inroads on the Czech's service games. The momentum is with the 25th seed.

05:46 - Highlights: Serena vs Osaka

Serena was reduced to tears after this defeat to Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese number three seed was in outstanding form 👇

Highlights | Naomi Osaka - Serena Williams

05:45 - Muchova 4-6, 3-2* Brady

That's better from Brady as she gets back to her aggressive game and plays a clean game.

05:42 - Muchova 4-6, *3-1 Brady

Muchova is looking very sharp now as she fires a firm forehand into the open space to Brady's right for a love service hold.

05:41 - Muchova 4-6, 2-1* Brady

It's not sparkling tennis from Brady but she holds firm to win her first game in this second set against a resurgent Muchova.

05:40 - Serena leaves press conference in tears

Serena Williams broke down in tears before cutting short her post-match news conference after losing 6-3 6-4 to Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open semi-finals on Thursday.

The defeat ended Williams' bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

"It was a big error day for me today," the 39-year-old told reporters after the match at Rod Laver Arena.

Asked if it was just a bad day at the office, Williams said: "I don't know. I'm done," before leaving the room in tears.

05:36 - Muchova 4-6, *2-0 Brady

Muchova looks transformed with a love service game. As transformed as when she knocked out Barty after a medical timeout in the quarters? That we will find out...

Brady with 21 unforced errors now.

05:34 - Muchova 4-6, 1-0* Brady

A brilliantly time Muchova forehand return gives her three break points. That was her best shot of the match so far.

A Brady ace saves one break point, but she takes the next one as Brady hits a defensive shot long.

Muchova breaks! Game on!

05:30 - Muchova *4-6 Brady

Brady has a set point on Muchova's serve and a double fault hands it to her on a plate!

The 22nd seed has taken the lead in 36 minutes!

05:25 - Muchova 4-5* Brady

Better serving from Brady and we are creeping towards the end of the opening set.

This is yet to really get going with both players seemingly happy to go through the motions.

05:22 - Muchova *4-4 Brady

Brady is her own worst enemy here. She is giving up way too many unforced errors to gift Muchova points.

05:20 - Muchova 3-4* Brady

Brady outlasts Muchova in a lengthy rally as the Czech hits into the net. The American is narrowly in front after 24 minutes.

05:15 - Muchova *3-3 Brady

Muchova secures her service game with her first winner of the match. Brady has already racked up 13 unforced errors!

05:09 - Muchova 2-3* Brady

Brady regains her composure and wins a slightly unconvincing service game.

05:06 - Muchova *2-2 Brady

A love hold from Muchova will give her heaps of confidence after Brady seemingly overwhelmed her in the opening two games.

Brady has made eight unforced errors so far compared to Muchova's two.

05:02 - Muchova 1-2* Brady

A coupe of slightly overconfident shots from Brady gives Muchova the chance to break straight back and she seals it as the American double faults.

We're back on serve!

05:00 - Muchova *0-2 Brady

A brilliant, powerful crosscourt reverse forehand from Brady hands her two break points. She converts as Muchova fires one back beyond the baseline.

Brady looks really confident out there. You would never have known this is just her second ever Grand Slam semi-final.

04:55 - A confident start from Brady

There was some nerves at the beginning of Osaka vs Serena but there are no signs of that in this one. Brady kicks off with four successive points in a flawless service game.

04:45 - On now: Muchova vs Brady

Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic) [25] v Jennifer Brady (USA) [22]

Muchova leads H2H 1-0, winning their only meeting 6-3 3-6 7-6 in Prague round-of-16 in 2019

Few will have predicted it would be the 22nd and 25th seed going head to head for a place in the final, but the pair have earned their right to be here after some terrific wins.

Muchova has claimed some huge scalps, beating world No 1 Ash Barty in the previous round as well as Elise Mertens and Karolina Pliskova, and the 24-year-old Czech will be confident of reaching his first ever Grand Slam final.

Meanwhile, Brady has predominantly avoided seeded opposition, having only faced 28th seed Donna Vekic so far, but nevertheless the American has impressed, most recently when fighting from a set down to beat compatriot Jessica Pugula.

This one feels too tight to call, but the wins Muchova has collected along the way here could give her the edge.

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04:42 - Osaka: I hope my final opponent gets nervous!

“I hit a lot of unforced errors in the first few games," she said post-match.

"I was really nervous and scared in the beginning and then I eased my way into it. For me the biggest thing is to just have fun and it is the first day having a crowd in a while.

“Honestly for me it is just an honour to play her and I didn’t want to go out really bad so I just tried my best.

“I was a little kid watching her play and just to be on the court against her for me is a dream. The biggest thing I’ve learnt over the last few years is just be competitive but you are playing against another competitor. That in itself is the funnest part because tennis is a game.

“It depends if [having experience playing in grand slam finals] you are really hard-headed or not. I feel like everyone is really excited when they play they’re first final but they’re also really nervous.

“I don’t want to wish nerves on someone but hopefully one of them [the winner of Brady vs Muchova] gets nervous!

For the past three weeks I’ve been eating Japanese food on the day before my matches and yesterday I decided to eat Greek food so then I went to sleep. And I woke up and Tsitsipas beat Nadal so I thought ‘maybe this is a sign!'

04:30 - Osaka beats Serena 6-3 6-4!

Three match points and Osaka does it as Serena backhands into the net! It's a muted reaction from Osaka but in all honesty she demolished Serena on court with some overpowering tennis.

Williams is out and Osaka is into the final!

04:27 - Osaka 6-3, 5-4* Williams

A Serena double fault now gives Osaka three break points! She wins the first one with a glorious backhand which she viciously whipped over the net!

Simply brutal. Serena a break down again. Osaka will now serve for a place in her second Australian Open final having won it two years ago.

04:25 - Osaka 6-3, *4-4 Williams

The nerves appear to be striking Osaka again and Serena all of a sudden has three break points. Wow!

The first two points Osaka saves but the third was a double fault from Osaka as the ball just missed the T! We're back on serve!

04:20 - Osaka 6-3, 4-3* Williams

It's a relatively straighforward service game from Serena but how will she get that all-important break back?

Despite Serena improving in this second set, Osaka really has outclassed her so far.

04:17 - Osaka 6-3, *4-2 Williams

It's a magnificent service game from Osaka, winning four points in a row, just as Williams was growing into the contest. Ideal timing really.

04:15 - Osaka 6-3, 3-2* Williams

Williams absorbs the energy from the crowd as she lets out screeches after every point.

It seemed to work for her. She wins her service game but is it all just a little too late?

04:10 - Osaka 6-3, *3-1 Williams

A fantastic forehand down the line extends Osaka's lead. She is on fire now.

Serena looks up to the heavens as the crowd try to give her some support. She's not been at the races.

04:05 - Osaka 6-3, 2-1* Williams

That's better from Williams who was helped out greatly by her improved serving there. Osaka still a set and a break up, though.

04:02 - Osaka 6-3, *2-0 Williams

It's another confident hold of serve from Osaka. Serena needs to find her game quickly because this is quickly turning into a bit of mismatch.

03:59 - Osaka 6-3, 1-0* Williams

The momentum is all with Osaka and she has a break point. Serena can't reach her devastating backhand and Osaka is in full control.

03:55 - Osaka a set up

After a bright start from Serena, Osaka wins the opening set confidently, coming back from 2-0 to take it 6-3 in 38 minutes.

Williams made 16 unforced errors in that opener. She is being made to run around the court and she is not keeping up with her big-hitting opponent right now.

03:52 - Osaka 5-3* Williams

Williams forces Osaka to serve for the first set. Will Osaka be able to retain her composure?

03:48 - Osaka *5-2 Williams

A quick service hold from Osaka puts her within a game of the first set. That's her fifth game in a row.

Williams shakes her head. She's struggling to let rip on her forehands at the moment.

03:45 - Osaka 4-2* Williams

Some big hitting from Osaka and some mistimed forehands from Serena presents the former with two break points. She clinches it at the first time of asking with a powerful winner.

It's been quite the turnaround from the number three seed who went a break down in the opening game.

03:40 - Osaka *3-2 Williams

Osaka hits one out and Williams gets a break point. Osaka makes no mistake to take it to deuce, though, with the number three seed's backhand volley too quick to return.

The Japanese player goes on to hold her serve after a tight six-minute game. That's three games in a row for Osaka after 25 minutes.

03:35 - Osaka 2-2* Williams

Osaka wins two points in a row to take the game to deuce with some crushing forehands. The second was particularly impressive with Osaka delivering a blistering shot at the net.

Williams recovers from Osaka's brilliant service return with a cross-court backhand to take the advantage, but Osaka pounds a forehand winner into the corner.

A lucky kick up at the net allows Osaka to grab her first break point opportunity and she breaks back with Serena firing a forehand long!

We're back on serve!

03:28 - Osaka *1-2 Williams

Osaka is still struggling with her ball tosses and Williams has a chance to double break at 30-40, but two unforced errors and Osaka's first ace of the match delivers an important hold.

The crowd cheer Osaka after that. That should ease the nerves.

03:23 - Osaka 0-2* Williams

Osaka is looking a bit tight and nervous at the moment and is trying to relax her muscles between points by waving her arms around.

Serena comfortably wins her opening service game with her typically aggressive style working well right now.

03:18 - Serena a break up after game 1!

Osaka kicks us off. She seems to be having trouble with her serve a bit with the sun directly in her eyes when she lobs the ball into the air.

A wild forehand gives Serena two break points. The first one is an unforced error from the American but the second Osaka hits into the net.

Serena with the early advantage.

03:10 - Who will win?

Wilander: "I'm going to go for Serena. I think Osaka feels the pressure and I think the Australian Open crowd would like to see Serena break Margaret Court's record."

Henman: "I would say Osaka. It will come down to small margins and who plays the big points well. Mats has Serena I'll take Naomi."

03:05 - The experts in the Eurosport Cube

Tim Henman on Osaka: "She's produced a consistent high level. She had to deal with adversity against [Garbine] Muguruza being down two match points. She was able to respond and get herself out of trouble. I think she goes into this semi-final full of energy and confidence.

Mats Wilander on Serena: "I think it's a huge match for her. To beat [Simona] Halep you have to be consistent, you have to move and serve well. I think she is moving better and this match against Osaka is very rare at least in my eyes. Serena is going to have to be the one who does a little more thinking in terms of 'where do I serve, how many first serves do I need to get in? How do I spread the court?'

"If you go in toe-to-toe in terms of power, I think Osaka has a little too much for Serena. Experience could maybe pay off for Serena."

03:00 - We are live!

We are just moments away from the first semi-final of the day in 31c temperatures in gloriously sunny Melbourne. Get some coffee and enjoy the ride!

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02:50 - 'Serena still needs to step it up a bit'

Eurosport tennis expert Mats Wilander says it is difficult to argue against Serena Williams’ candidacy for the title of the GOAT after her win against Simona Halep.

However, he added that she will need to step her level up again for her semi-final against Naomi Osaka.

‘Serena may be the GOAT but she still needs to step up’ – Wilander on Williams

02:40 - The fans are back!

Fans return to Melbourne Park for the Grand Slam semi-finals after Covid-19 lockdown rules are lifted 🙌

Fans return for the Australian Open semi-finals

02:30 - The other reason Slam 24 is important for Serena

Serena fought past Halep into her 40th Grand Slam semi-final - and was hailed as the greatest tennis player of all time by those in her camp as well as one of the Eurosport experts.

She has nothing to prove by winning her 24th major, but it could be crucial for another reason 👇

Read here

02:15 - Last time out

Seven time Australian Open champion Serena Williams stormed into the semi-finals at Melbourne Park with a stunning straight sets 6-3 6-3 victory over fellow former world number one Simona Halep.

Serena put on a masterclass in racing past the Romanian in style on Rod Laver Arena and dominated the encounter.

Highlights | Serena Williams - Simona Halep

Naomi Osaka progressed to the semis with a straightforward 6-2, 6-2 win over Hsieh Su-wei on Rod Laver Arena in one hour and eight minutes.

Hsieh was simply unable to cope with the power of Osaka’s groundstrokes and the 35-year-old, the oldest player to ever make her maiden appearance in a Slam quarter-final, made too many unforced errors - 23 to Osaka's 14.

Highlights | Su-Wei Hsieh - Naomi Osaka

02:00 - One hour to go

It's a rather big match coming up. Three-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka takes on 23-time Slam winner Serena Williams in what is set to be an epic encounter on Rod Laver Arena.

A final against Karolina Muchova or Jennifer Brady - today's second semi-final - awaits. Who will come out on top?

A head-turning offer for head-turning tennis. One-month premium subscription for just 99p on the Eurosport app and eurosport.co.uk.

The heavyweight clash

Naomi Osaka (Japan) [3] v Serena Williams (USA) [10]

Osaka leads H2H 2-1 – last meeting 2019 Toronto QF, Williams won 6-3 6-4

The final before the final? Karolina Muchova and Jennifer Brady would perhaps like to think otherwise, but there is no denying that the winner of Naomi Osaka v Serena Williams will be the heavy favourite come Saturday’s final in Melbourne.

‘Serena may be the GOAT but she still needs to step up’ – Wilander on Williams

This will be the fourth instalment of Osaka-Serena, and while the standout meeting so far is , there is a real chance here for a spectacle in front of the returning supporters.

Back at Melbourne Park, the crowd could well witness a classic, but with their meetings so far all finishing in straight sets, that trend may have to change if it is to become a match to remember.

The pair also met in Adelaide last month in an exhibition which Williams won 2-6, 6-2, 7-10 – there’s not too much to read into that, but given both players have only dropped a set all tournament, it really does feel like a toss of a coin as Osaka seeks Grand Slam No. 3 and Williams, of course, a record-levelling No. 24.

'I always watch Serena's matches' - Osaka's reaction to beating Hsieh in straight sets

The semi-final few predicted

Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic) [25] v Jennifer Brady (USA) [22]

Muchova leads H2H 1-0, winning their only meeting 6-3 3-6 7-6 in Prague round-of-16 in 2019

Few will have predicted it would be the 22nd and 25th seed going head to head for a place in the final, but the pair have earned their right to be here after some terrific wins.

'Incredible, I'm stunned' - Reaction to shock Barty defeat to Muchova

This one feels too tight to call, but the wins Muchova has collected along the way here could give her the edge.

Highlights | Jennifer Brady - Jessica Pegula

The World No 1 meets The Qualifier

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) [1] v Aslan Karatsev (Russia) [Q]

This will be the pair's first meeting

'Defines a great champion' - Henman on Djokovic winning without playing well

Facing Novak Djokovic at his “happy place”, Karatsev will need to play the match of his life in what will be the pair’s first ever meeting.

Djokovic in three feels like the most likely outcome, but qualifiers have defied the odds at Grand Slams before, and Karatsev will be out to do so again.