Live - Australian Open day two

Twitter
jjjlee1988 on Twitter: "Nalbandian-Hewitt: Match of the tournament so far? I decided that purely on the fifth set."
Still only the second day but it's certainly been quite lively - and long.

Hewitt 6-5 *Nalbandian
And there I was talking about twists and turns. I'll tell you something - they're back and they're haunting the Aussies. Nalbo's got two break points. One saved. And he saves the second with a blinkin massive ace. DEUCE. 2-2. 5-5. 40-40. Nothing between them apart from a barrel load of Aussie cheers. OUT. Nalbo goes long and his eyes look like dinner plates as he returns to his chair needing to serve to stay in the match. What a match.

Hewitt* 5-5 Nalbandian
There is hope you know. Hewitt takes the first point and looks good in the next point but the ball limps into the net. Shoddy. 15-15. More hope though. A massive forehand lands a few inches inside the baseline. 15-30. Drama. Nalbo plays it wide - or is it? He challenges it but replays show it was out. Two break points for Hewitt. The comeback is on. Incredible. He does it. Hold the back pages folks. Hold that luncheon table for one (for me). Hewitt does it. Brilliant. That's a kick in the wotsits for the Argentine. Hewitt's tail up and running.

Hewitt 4-5 *Nalbandian
Hewitt at least battles to take it to another game. Nalbo was sniffing the match there as he stormed into the net but Hewitt stays cool to lob him and a rebound off the frame hands him the service game. There's hope. Some. Really? I think so. Huge noise on the Rod Laver Arena.

1323: Oh poop. Please manually refresh page. A mini-boobie with the scores. The occasion has got to me. Apologies.

Hewitt* 3-5 Nalbandian
A few last desperate cries from the crowd and it works for the first point as their man blasts a forehand winner. A little dink from Hewitt lands just beyond the baseline. It's all about fractions. He was a pin's width away from 0-30. Hewitt again has a chance at a pass but his dipping soft forehand fails to get over the tape. 40-15. And a weak backhand flies wide and Nalbo gets within one of the finish. It's going a little flat for the Australian.

Hewitt 3-4 *Nalbandian
Hewitt hanging in there. He works his butt off to survive a tense service game. More work to be done in two minutes I'm afraid Lleyton.

Twitter
becafletch4 on Twitter: "predicted this would be a 5 set thriller, shame I'm missing it because I'm in college. Come on Hewitt!!!!"
Keep believing. Now get back to your studies! I'll let you know when the game's over.

Hewitt* 2-4 Nalbandian
A solid service game from the Argentine. It's not looking great for Hewitt. Although this match has already seen plenty of twists, turns and momentum shifts. Any hope for the Aussie?

1309: A reminder for all British tennis fans that BBC Two and the button du rouge (red button) are showing the Baltacha v Henin second round encounter from midnight TONIGHT. Miss it at your peril.

Hewitt 2-3 *Nalbandian
You Aussie fans aren't going to like me for saying this but the opponent of your man is playing the cuter tennis right now and looks favourite. A sliced backhand to the baseline and then a disguised backhand slice low down Hewitt's forehand is too good. Massive game for Hewitt. 30-30. Nalbo currently winning the 'who's the sweatiest player' award. Hewitt nicks it.

Hewitt* 1-3 Nalbandian
Is it illegal to win a service game easily? Nalbo stumbles to 40-30 but Hewitt looks in trouble at the back before a cracking pass gets it to deuce. A whipped forehand gives Hewitt no chance and a big serve is too strong and he nabs his service game.

1300: As the clock chimes one, here's a cheeky fact about Nalbandian. He was named one of the 50 most beautiful in the world" in People en Espanol in June 2005. How about that? Is that a Dire Straits fan magazine?

Hewitt 1-2 *Nalbandian
More Aussie wobles as Hewitt trails 0-30 and then 15-40 on his serve. More break points. A pair in fact. And there it is. Nalbo breaks. Yet another brutal rally from the baseline and Nalbo's looping forehand leaves Hewitt's feet rooted to the Melbourne blue surface.

Hewitt* 1-1 Nalbandian
Stats show Nalbandian has made 67 unforced errors. Big stat. And another error hands Hewitt a break point. This is Hewitt's 27th break point.... and has still only made six of them. A 23-stroke rally ends with Hewitt ploughing the ball into the net. His racket comes crashing down. A mini-Aussie strop that. More deuce. Another corking rally but Nalbo sneaking it to advantage with a cute combination of slice and variation in length. Hewitt plays a tired shot too long and he cries out as the scoreboard cannot separate these two gladiators. 2-2. 1-1. 0-0.
* denotes NEXT to serve

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Camilla in west Sussex, via text 81111: "Currently ill at home, but Hewitt v Nalbandian is keeping me entertained! Fancy showing this to cheer me up? :)"
I'm a sucker for sob stories but please do not see me as a soft touch! This is not the opening of the floodgates of stories of running noses and manflu just to get a mention on the commentary. Although if anybody is ill out there, may I wish you a speedy recovery. And as mentioned an hour ago, be inspired back to health by those Nalbandian locks.

Hewitt 1-0 *Nalbandian
Here we go then. Drama-rama. Everybody loves a five-setter right? A bit of a nervy one as a ballboy's spindly legs narrowly avoid a massive serve that goes about a mile too long. More tension at deuce. Nothing to choose between these two at the moment. The Aussie survives with gritted teeth. Just.
* denotes NEXT to serve

1237: And so it's a repeat of the five sets Hewitt and Nalbandian shared six years ago at the Aussie Open quarters when the Aussie came through to win 10-8 in the fifth set. How do you see this one going folks? Hewitt to serve first.

Twitter
Gallacticos87 on Twitter: "Amazing that in another era this was a Grand Slam final. Shows how awesome the Rafa-Roger hegemony really is."
Your tweet is an interesting one. I do love the word "era". It sounds so dramatic and historic.

1232: What a blinkin bloomin crackerjack of a set. Hewitt avoids the set bagel (if such a thing exists) but Nalbandian takes the set 7-6 (7-1) and it's down to a fifth set decider. You wanted drama, you got drama. Who's joining me for the rollercoaster of a run-in for Hewitt and Nalbandian? Brilliant stuff.

1230: Hewitt and Nalbandian go to a tie-break. Interesting.

Twitter
nigelwonguk on Twitter: "Watching the tennis online while im doing revision for a biology exam this afternoon! not being distracted of course! :P"
Blimey, haven't you students got a job to go to? Nahh, only joking. Good luck in all your exams. Stay cool and be inspired by Nalbandian's battling qualities - and his flowing locks.

1225: Another edgy game and BOOMEDY BOOM - Nalbo dishes up an ace to take it to 6-5. Hewitt to serve to stay in the fourth set. Great stuff.

1220: As midnight approaches for all those in Australia and my rumbling tummy suggest it's approaching lunch o'clock, why not give me your thoughts. Reckon Baltacha has got a chance against Henin tomorrow? Have you caught up on Murray's efforts today? Tweet me or, if you're in the UK, send a text to 81111. I look forward to hearing from you. Hewitt's serve is mistake free and it's 5-5.

1217: Nalbo leads 30-15 and a double fault gets it to 30-30. Nervy times. Another twist. Nalbo's backhand drifts wide and it's another break point for Hewitt. Oh dear. Yep - it is a twist. Hewitt breaks back and will be serving to level at 5-5. What a match.

12010: Aint sport great? Nalbandian looked out of it in this set and now he's 4-3 up and leading 0-30 against Hewitt's serve. The shift in momentum is intriguing. A stunning pass gets Hewitt gets it back to 30-30. That's livened up the audience. Mmmmm Another great rally and Nalbo gets another breakpoint after varying his length nicely. WOW. Another break in serve. And it's 5-3 to Nalbo and now serving to level the match. He's gone from 2nd gear to fifth in a matter of 20 minutes.

1207: The Aussie crowd doing their best to keep singing but I'm suspecting there are a few fingernails being nibbled on around the Rod laver Arena. Nalbandian leads 4-3 in the fourth set. The Argentine has hope after a brilliant fight back. Hewitt to serve.

1203: Astonishing. Wow. That was not in the script. Nalbo turns around successfully his third break point in the match to level the set at 3-3. The crowd go quiet. Incredibly (and I don't use that word lightly), Hewitt has had 24 break points in this match and only converted five of them. There's a stat to blow your socks off. Impressed? Or maybe you have a stat to top-trump me?

1201: More break points for Hewitt and he's got three of them for a 4- lead. Nalbo bravely comes into the net and saves one. A bloomin fab forehand on the run and he saves his second break point. Make that three. You have to admire his battling skills, despite the Knopfler look. A fourth break point from Hewitt. Saved. Nalbo mixing it up and a sliced backhand causes Hewitt to drop the ball below the tape. And Nalbo does it! Fair play to the Argentine. Hewitt 3-2 up and will be serving next. A reminder - 6-3 4-6 6-3 3-2 (Hewitt's score first).

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Max in Hertfordshire, via text 81111: "I love the Aussie Open. Gets me through a tough coursework/exam January. Hewitt is awesome. A true warrior. Ogi Ogi Ogi!!"

1152: Some words from the 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, who played only three matches last year due to a right wrist injury. He beat Israel's Dudi Sela earlier 7-6 (13-11) 6-4 6-4 and said: "I don't want to think in the past. I won a Grand Slam, but I'm working to improve my game. I don't know if I can play like two years ago or not, but I will try."

It's bad news for a Briton
BBC 5 live's Alastair Eykyn tweeting from Melbourne: "A shared muffin is never the same. Can't believe we are disputing muffins on Twitter again. Deja vu"

1145: A stunning rally between Hewitt and Nalbo with the Aussie wrapping things up with a delicate dropshot...into the net. It's soon back to deuce. Big big game. A great point to get the advantage but the Nalbo wastes it with a double fault. Sloppy. He holds on though and avoids a second consecutive service break. He still trails 2-1 in fourth set.

Twitter
iamKeith_Y on Twitter: "Looking at Hewitt is just a perfect reminder of why we love competitive sports. The passion of this man! Magical."

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Bad Student in London, via text 81111: "Sitting in my lesson with the live text hidden behind my work. As long as I don't put the words 'tennis' 'Hewitt' or 'Nalby' in my essay I'll be ok.."
Keep up the good work although I can't possibly condone your awful work ethic and shocking commitment to your studies. Any chance of getting a prediction from your teacher/lecturer for the live text commentary on how they think Andy Murray will get on this year in Melbourne?

1134: It's getting better for Hewitt. He's a break up and serving at 1-0 in the fourth set.

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Lindsay in Manchester, via text 81111: "I keep getting funny looks when I react to the tennis scores in the office. Hoping Hewitt pulls through, he needs a good year!"
Ohhh give them a funny look back. Don't they realise the drama you need to be following right now? Fools. Let me know how you get on with your face-pulling.

Twitter
ejsbennett on Twitter: "On the subject of hair, remember Murray's 'fro' he had? I'm glad that's gone, he looked like a spaniel! :D"
Now there's another subject. Sport stars who look like animals! Now don't be too harsh folks.

1129:Tsonga goes bonkers as he storms into the net to swipe away the winner. He beats Petzschner 4-6 2-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 after 194 minutes. Incredible last few games. A mighty relieved 13th seed walks off the court milking the applause. He will play Seppi next who came through against Clement.

1126: Hewitt completes the set turnaround and takes it 6-3. He leads Nalbandian 2-1 in sets. Think the crowd are going a little crazy? I should co-co.

1125: Tsonga grimacing like a man who's just walked into a stinky room. Petzschner gets it back to 5-4. Brilliant battle back by the German. The Frenchman serving for the match but with the crowd on his side and momentum with him, Petz could do it you know. What do you think?

1122: The drama building nicely on all the courts. Hewitt gets it to 5-2 in the third set. What a turnaround that is. But Nalbo holds on by the skin of his teeth. Hewitt serving now for the third set. Now what's happening with Tsonga and his crazy antics? Can Petz achieve the unachievable?

1118: Tsonga serving for the match at 5-2 against Petzschner in the fifth. Another player dressed like a cucumber and he's two points from victory. A sweet lob from the German gets him back in it though and oh my lordy - another German lob and it's 30-30 as really plays to the crowd by waving his arms demanding more noise. Petz is fighting for everything and he's got a break point. Brilliant. And Tsonga blazes wide and now it's 5-3. A stunning fightback from Petz. Une petit French wobble non? The crowd boo Tsonga as he hunts for a racket replacement. Rowdy. Like it though.

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Kevin in Hereford, via text 81111: "Re the rock hair. That's not Nalbandian out there. It's Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. We are the sultans, do do do-do, we are the sultans of swing."
Please try to avoid inserting Dire Straits music inside my head in the future please. But you're right though of course.

1115: Time to breathe a sigh of relief you French fans. Tsonga's recovery almost complete as he leads Petzschner 4-1 in the last-set decider. Another five set corker is Andreas Seppi vs Arnaud Clement. Is today French day in Australia or what? The Italian Seppi lost the first two sets but now leads 4-2 in the fifth. Another sweet comeback.

1112: Hewitt runs back to his chair shaking his racket towards his sweaty opponent. Two aces on the bounce and he leads 3-2. Bit of a turnaround and time to chomp on a banana for the hungry Aussie.

1110: The Aussie fans go wild as their boy walks around the court with fists clenched and the screams of "Come on" ring around the arena. Hewitt breaks back. 2-2 in the third set. Interesting. Cracking battle.

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Dom at Warwick Uni, via text 81111: "Here in a seminar watching the Nalby vs Hewitt match! Great preparation for my own Tennis match at 11:30. Just hope I can play with the battling qualities of these guys"
I trust your lecturers understand your commitment to the game of tennis. Phone under the desk is it?

1104: I blink and what happens? Nalbandian breaks and leads 2-0 in the third set. A bit of a wobble from the Aussie and he's rattled as he argues with the chair umpire over a line call. Get back to the court Lleyton. He does and he serves and he wins his service game. Keep your mind on those balls Lleyton. Nalbo still a break up and leads 2-1. 1-1 in sets.

1101: DING DONG NEWSFLASH. The BBC have nailed an absolute corker of a match for you. Who said the BBC doesn't do anything for you? Why the heck wouldn't you want to watch Britain's Elena Baltacha take on seven-time major winner Justine Henin. The red button will be across it from midnight TONIGHT. More details shortly. Here's the match report on Baltacha's first round win over Jamie Hampton.

1057: And as the drama unfolds in Melbourne, why not give me your thoughts, opinions and nonsense. Tweet me or, if you're in the UK, send a text to 81111. I'm an open book at your utter and complete service.

1053: For all you French tennis fans out there wondering what le heck is happening with your 13th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, he has taken it to a last-set decider. He trailed 4-6 2-6 and looked dead and buried but he's battled back to take the next two sets conceding five games and it's down to a last set. Drama? I'll give you drama for nothing. Nalbandian and Hewitt could also go the distance. You weren't planning on doing anything else today were you?

1050: A few quotes from an understandably grumpy Dinara Safina after being double-bagelled 6-0 6-0 by Kim Clijsters. "I was sitting in the changeover, and I was like, OK, at least how can I get a chance to hurt her? There was nothing that I could do to hurt her. Embarrassing." Read the Clijsters and Safina match report right here.

1047: A big looping forehand from Hewitt drifts long and the set goes to Nalbandian. 1-1 in sets. Fancy some stats? Tough, you're getting some. Nalbo's first serve success jumped to 75%. (Hewitt's 70%). Nalbo only had one break point in that set. Game on. The winner of this match plays Richard Berankis.

1042: Hewitt serving to stay in the set at 3-5 and he saves a break point. Nalbandian leaps to swash back a loopy one from the Aussie but it hits the net and Hewitt is still in this second set. Nalbo now serving to level the match at 5-4. The commentators questioning both the players' fitness if the match drags on. What do you reckon?

1034: Hewitt holds his serve to trail 4-3 in the second set and asks the ball staff (for want of a better name) for a drink. I love looking at the eyes of a sport star. Check out how white the white bits are. Fired up, adrenaline flowing and that's how Hewitt looks right now. Piercing.

Twitter
sssssarah on Twitter: "A friend of mine refers to Djokovic as 'brillo pad' because of his hair."
I'm delighted it's because of his hair. How else could anybody be called brillopad! My mind boggles like a boggly thing.

1029: Hewitt has had 10 break points in the match so far and only taken two. The Aussie had chances in that Nalbandian service game but the Argentine holds with all his might and determination. 4-2.

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Rich at work in Perth (Scotland, not Oz unfortunately), via text 81111: "Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Troy Pa'uluamala endorses shampoo and his locks are insured for about £2m. That's pedigree right there"
Other contenders for best (or interesting) hair in include English prop Joe Marler and Everton's Marouane Fellaini.

1026: Nalbandian serving at 3-2 in the second set and just has the upperhand over Hewitt.

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Craig from Norfolk, via text 81111: "With his hair does anyone else think Nalbandian looks like bill from the bill and ted movies.... Or is it just me...?"
I think it's just you. Is it just Craig?

1023: Show court number 2 is enjoying a bit of a battle between Juan Ignacio Chela and Michael Llodra. Or they were anyway. France's 22nd seed Llodra has just nicked it 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4.

1017: Over on court 14, Carla Suarez Navarro has just won through and will be next in line for Kim Clijsters. The Spaniard is coming back from a right ankle injury but was a quarter-finalist in Melbourne in 2009 when she beat Venus Williams along the way.

1015: Mmmmm interesting. A muted round applause at the Rod Laver Arena as Nalbandian breaks Hewitt to lead 2-1 in the second set. Tsonga has pulled a set back against Petzschner to trail 2-1 in sets. Plenty still to do for the 13th seed.

1012: And if you do one thing this morning, can I suggest you check out the highlights from Andy Murray's victory earlier and here's the report if you fancy a text round-up of the match you mad old fashioned people. The video is only for UK users, so sorry for you overseas audience. Get on a plane to the UK if you fancy a view.

1007: Some early suggestions for hair awards in sport. See entry 0934. NFL quarterback Tom Brady for "best". Monfil's dreadlocks for "best". Also in the best category is "Novak's fluffy hair".

1005: Tsonga hitting back against Petzschner and boy, he had to. The French 13th seed lose the first two sets and leads 5-2 in the third.

Twitter
ARainbowPhoenix on Twitter: "Nalby v Hewitt. 2 players who fight for every ball and hit it back with more power than the last one - I love! Thank you BBC!"
Bless you. You crazy fool!

1001: Some first set stats from Hewitt and Nalbandian. Hewitt's % success on first serve is 73% - compared to Nalbandian's 68%. The Aussie is also winning two-thirds of his second serve. 11 winners and 8 unforced errors - Nalbandian has made 9 and 10 respectively. Hewitt has also won all five of his net approaches.

0957: Nalbandian serving to stay in the first set with Hewitt. Pressure and the crowd are on his back. Hewitt finds a cheeky one that slaps the line and gets two break points. Lleyton's 30 in February don't you know. Those knees will be creaking soon. Wallop - 40 minutes gone and he takes the first set 6-3. Well on top.

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Kate in London, via text 81111: "Off to get my hand x-rayed, all this talk of breakfast is making me hungry as not eaten yet. Definitely need a hash brown! Hoping Lleyton does well!"
Good luck with the hospital visit. A tennis injury? I hope it involves a dramatic story anyway. If not, make something up.

0949: TV pictures show Danni Minogue watching on. Which begs the question - who's your favourite Ozzie celeb? Hewitt holds to lead 4-2. Nalbandian's locks flow in the Melbourne breeze and he pulls it back to 4-3 with a comfortable service game.

0945: 25 minutes gone and Hewitt's famous war cry echoes round the Rod Laver Arena as he gets an early break to lead 3-2. The Aussie crowd loved that.

0942: Right folks. Let's get my round-up head on. Hewitt and Nalbandian are bashing the hell out of the ball and it's 2-2. The 13th seed Tsonga is heading for a first round shock exit - he trails German Petzschner 4-6 2-6. The Frenchman has rattled up 26 unforced errors in those first two sets with % success on first serve only 61%. Disappointing.

0934: So a fair bit of needle between Hewitt and Nalbandian. A feisty Aussie Open quarter-final six years ago. Hewitt came through in a five-set thriller - winning the decider 10-8. Hewitt also beat the Argentine in straight sets in the 2002 Wimbledon final. The last time they played was in Sydney in 2009 with Nalbandian coming through. I need to say something though. It's Nalbandian's hair. I'm all for individual style but since when has 1980s 'rock' hair come back in fashion? It's a shocker. Am I on my own there? Who's got the worst hair in sport? Let's not make this too negative - who's got the best hair in sport? Men and women. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

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DG, via text 81111: "Are toast and / or a drink included as an item?"
It's a fair question - NO - I normally give toast as a given and not part of the six items. Same with drink. I'm going beans, scrambled egg, sausage (spicy), bacon, plantain, hash brown. Sorry Mr Mushroom.

0922: Some of you are probably just checking this out for the first time so a lightning speed wrap-up. Andy Murray won a few hours ago, Nadal eased through, Zvonareva is through, Clijsters double-bagelled Safina and Ivanovic lost a three-set marathon. So how about chucking me some thoughts? Tweet me or, if you're in the UK, send a text to 81111. I want predictions, thoughts on Andy Murray, still happy with any breakfast analysis and any other nonsense. My rules are there are no rules. Apart from being bloomin rude that is.

0918: If you're on a PC, give the page a manual refresh - I just had to tidy up entry 0911. Thanks. You guys finished your breakfast yet? If there's a spare hash brown kicking around can you chuck it my way. I'm Hank Marvin starvin.

0917: Fair enough, it's the Aussie Open so why not haul out an Aussie for the day's final match on Rod Laver Arena? I spoke to Aussie snooker player Neil Robertson at Wembley last week and he was still feeling sick over the Ashes loss. The country are desperate for some more sporting heroes. So how about Lleyton Hewitt? He's taking on David Nalbandian.

0911: A few facts on Makarova from the WTA. She won 2010 Eastbourne which was her first singles title. After defeating five top 20 players, she reached the Aussie Open mixed doubles final last year with Jaroslav Levinsky. Anybody else know anything about her? Ivanovic was runner-up here in 2008. In July last year the former number one dropped to number 65 in the world but since then has a 22-8 win-loss record and returned to the top 20 and strained a stomach muscle at the Hopman Cup.

A shock result
0909: Makarova beats Ivanovic 3-6 6-4 10-8. Incredible final point. She finally edged it on her sixth match point.

Text in your views on 81111
Somerset, via text 81111: "Food-wise, the perfect breakfast is clearly coffee, apple juice, a boiled egg with soldiers, then blueberries and an almond croissant. Current tennis-wise , you can't beat Nadal, Djoko, Clijsters, Sharapova, Henin and, go on then, Federer. (Only as I'm feeling nice). What a start to the day that would be!"

Twitter
hemphill101 on Twitter: "Ivanovic on her 5th match point - true warrior - smashes a forehand winner. Come on Ana!!"
From those words, I'm still a little unsure as to who you want to win. Ivanovic serving to stay in the match yet again at 8-9.

Twitter
DiscoStew1 on Twitter: "We want shocks!...(not with Fed obviously) but where are the dodgy results? The big boys are breezing through...roll on Rd 2."

0900: As the clock strikes nine Ivanovic saves her FIFTH match point. (Worth the capital letters I think). It's now 8-8 in the decider after a whopping 160 minutes. Who says tennis players don't have to be that fit? I was still sleeping when that match started.

0859: Some words from Clijsters: "I'm surprised I'm playing this well. Returning [from my retirement] was a big challenge again. The last six months I've worked hard and it's going well."

0855: At least Safina showed a bit of fight there. She saved three match points on her serve and even had a game point. A double bagel in 44 minutes though. Clijsters beats Safina 6-0 6-0. Can Kim do it this year? "Absolutely brilliant" and "awesome" says commentator John Lloyd.

0853: Ivanovic fighting for her life as she gets it to 7-7 in the decider. Another stat on Safina - she is likely to drop out of the top 100 after this defeat (she reached the 4th round last year) and check this out - she's been residing in the top 100 since May 2002. Wobbly.

0850: Makarova fires down her fourth ace and leads 7-6 against Ivanovic. The Serb looks pooped in her purple outfit with green piping. Looks a bit Primark - which is not a bad thing. Tsonga leads Petzschner 4-3 in the first set. Sorry folks - have left all the tweets and texts aside for a few moments as I grappled with everything that happened last night. The grappling is over - now let's see what you've all been saying.

0845: Some interesting stats and facts coming in from the WTA. Safina suffered a back injury at last year's Aussie Open and returned three months later but has won only nine of her last 25 matches, dropping from number two 75. This year she has drawn number two, one and third seeds in her first three tournaments. Harsh. Ivanovic by the way has survived four match points against Makraova. 6-6 in the decider. A bit more drama that the Clijsters match.

0842: Safina has made a remarkable recovery.....just kidding. Seeing if you were all still with me and not focusing too much on your bangers and fried eggs. 30 minutes in and Clijsters has still not dropped a game. 6-0 3-0.

0841: Baghdatis - ponytail and all (reminds me of Pat Rafter) - packs up all his bags after securing a hard-earned win over qualifier Grega Zemlja 3-6 7-5 6-1 4-6 6-2. Good effort.

0837: Baghdatis now serving for the match against Zemlja in the fifth set after his earlier wobbles. Ivanovic has made a mini-recovery. She survived her service game anyway and it's deuce and 5-5 in the decider. Squeaky-bum time all round there on Hisense. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - France's 13th seed - is in action against Philip Petzschner. That's just started. That's enough for now.

A bagel
0832: Who wants some breakfast? How about a nice big juicy bagel? Clijsters is dishing up the early morning feast. 20 minutes and she is steam-rolling Safina at 6-0 in the first set. Impressive. 24 points total compared to Safina's 9. The word dominant springs to mind.

0829: How about a spot of catch-up while we're at it? If you missed Andy Murray's win over Karol Beck earlier why not check out the words of David Ornstein for his fine report, here are pictures of the day's action and why not read about how Rafael Nadal got on earlier.


0826: Few problems for Clijsters though. I think she's keen to get back to the hotel. 4-0 after a dozen minutes. Safina's new blonde locks not helping her right now.

0823: Fancy some news on Ana Ivanonvic? Bit of an office favourite. Don't know why. She's serving to stay in the match. 3-6 6-4 4-5 and now 0-30. Battling to prolong her stay in Melbourne.

0819: Just heading out to court 3 where Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis was struggling against qualifier Grega Zemlja. He lost the first set, won the next two, lost the fourth and looked a little hot under the collar. Baggo's turned it around though and now leads 4-0 in the decider.

0817: A lively start from the Belgian Clijsters. Swift service game, a super-swift break of serve and looking good in the third. 2-0. Clijsters, playing her ninth Aussie Open, also looking good in a lime green outfit. Like it.

0815: Clijsters, seeded third, is facing former number one Safina currently at number 75. So it's the start of a brand new day. Tuesday in fact. Although we all wave goodbye to Mr Newbery whose day is ending shortly and we thank him for his monumental efforts throughout the night. How about chucking me a few thoughts? Tweet me or, if you're in the UK, send a text to 81111. Feel free to throw in your predictions, thoughts on Andy Murray's efforts earlier or your perfect breakfast. I'll limit you to six items.


0807: Plenty going on and still trying to wrap my paws around a steaming coffee and catching up on Andy Murray's antics during the night. Kim Clijsters and Dinara Safina will be grabbing my immediate attention as they're just about to slug it out in the Rod Laver Arena. Will keep you across everything else. How are we all doing?

0804: Morning. Fancy some tennis? Nice work Piers.

By Piers Newbery

0752: Right, time for me to hand over for what should be an entertaining night session, one way or another. My money is on a lot of double faults in Clijsters v Safina and a lot evil looks in Hewitt v Nalbandian. Mark Ashenden is the perfect man to guide you through that, I'll be back at midnight for day three - and the British women in particular. A quick manual refresh of the page should bring video and audio streams to life in front of your eyes....

0738: Ivanovic has been pegged back to one set all by Makarova. Meanwhile, we have the details for tonight's Brits in action. Elena Baltacha will take on Justine Henin first up on Rod Laver Arena at 0000 GMT, while Anne Keothavong takes on Andrea Petkovic in the fourth match on Court Three. Doubles types Sarah Borwell and Ken Skupski are also in action on day three.

The match is over
0725: Robin Soderling looks well and truly pumped as he finishes off Potito Starace 6-4 6-2 6-2, and the Swede looks ready for a real run in Melbourne this year. He'll play Gilles Muller in round two.

The match is over
0719: Benjamin Becker beats Ernests Gulbis 7-6 6-2 6-4, and any signs the Latvian showed last year of finally fulfilling his talent have disappeared, for now at least.

0715: Come on Robin, cheer up. Soderling makes a big deal of a line call despite serving at two sets and 4-1 up. Baghdatis has recovered from losing the opening set against Zemjla and looks about to go two sets to one up, while Ivanovic is 3-1 down in the second against Makarova.

0705: Ukraine's Illya Marchenko beats Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-3 6-4 6-1 to set up a second-round match against Andy Murray. It will be the first time the pair have met.

The match is over
0655: The decline of Ernests Gulbis continues apace as he slips two sets and a break down to Benjamin Becker on Court 18, while John Isner has beaten Florent Serra 6-3 7-6 (10-8) 6-3.

Text in your views on 81111
From anon via text: "Solid start from murray needs to improve that serve big time!! Del potro sod rafa and fed wud destroy him if he serves like that!!"

Latest scores
0638: It looks as though Murray will be playing Marchenko in round two as the 23-year-old Ukrainian is serving for a two-set lead against Ramirez Hidalgo. Soderling now has the break in the second set against Starace, which might cheer him up a bit, and Ivanovic leads 4-1 on Hisense.

0630: Soderling grabs the net cord and gives it a good hard yank in frustration after he fails to get the early break in the second set against Starace. The Swede lost in the first round last year so will be hoping to hoover up a lot of ranking points with a decent run in Melbourne. Ana Ivanovic leads Ekaterina Makarova 2-1 on Hisense.

Twitter
Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "I'm bringing everything out of my bag for tonight as the temperature's going to be extremely cold for Hewitt-Nalbandian. i'll be huddled up."

The match is over
0619: Farming the wind - imagine! Juan Martin del Potro defeats Dudi Sela 7-6 (15-13) 6-4 6-4 and that's his first Grand Slam win for a year, and Soderling snaffles the opening set against Starace.

Text in your views on 81111
Stuart, North Sea, via text: "On a boat building windfarms, following the tennis through the satellite internet! Thanks modern technology! Come on Murray!!"

0612: There are some big hitters from Murray's section of the draw out and about now, with Robin Soderling 4-3 and a break up on Potito Starace on Margaret Court Arena, while Del Potro is serving for the match against Sela.

The match is over
0611: Great scenes of celebration on Rod Laver Arena as Australia's Alicia Molik beats Roberta Vinci 1-6 6-3 8-6. I didn't see it, but I'm guessing it was a thriller.

0608: That's your lot as far as video and radio coverage is done for now but it will return at 0800 GMT for the night session, which features two potentially great matches in Dinara Safina v Kim Clijsters followed by Lleyton Hewitt v David Nalbandian.

It's good news for a Briton
0556: Andy Murray tells BBC Two: "His serve definitely slowed down towards the end of the match. Up until he hurt himself I thought it was a good match, a lot of good points. I definitely played a lot lot better from late in the second set."

0553: A bit of a sudden end to that one but the result was beyond doubt, and it was a pretty good workout for the British number one all in all. He will next face Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo or Illya Marchenko, with the Ukrainian currently 6-3 2-1 up on Court Five.

* Murray 6-3 6-1 4-2 Beck
Beck plays a couple of wild forehands from 30-0, and when another leaks into the tramlines it's break point for Murray.... and a good return does the job. And that's it - Beck retires!

Murray 6-3 6-1 3-2 Beck *
Beck momentarily forgets about his iffy shoulder and cracks a huge forehand winner to get to 15-40 and his first break points of the match..... but Murray plays a heavy forehand service winner to escape. A body serve sees off a third break point.

* Murray 6-3 6-1 2-2 Beck
Murray slaps a brilliant forehand winner down the line for 0-30 but cannot quite retrieve a smash on the next point, almost taking out a ball boy with his attempt, and Beck holds once again.

Latest scores
0536: The trainer has his hand down the back of Beck's shirt and is rummaging around like he's lost his keys. Elsewhere, Del Potro is serving for a two-set lead against Sela, Baghdatis is under way against Zemjla, and Molik and Vinci are having a bit of a three-set ding-dong on Rod Laver Arena.

Murray 6-3 6-1 2-1 Beck *
Murray plays a fabulous drop shot to get to 40-0, and then plays another into the net, but he serves out the game and Beck's shoulder is troubling him, so another break can't be far away. The Slovak takes a medical time-out for a bit of rubbing from the trainer.

Hawkeye
* Murray 6-3 6-1 1-1 Beck
That latest tweet is from Andy Murray's dog. Yes, it's come to this. Beck's game disintegrates from 40-0 and Murray leaps on a return at deuce to force break point.... but the over-eager Briton goes for too much on a second serve return. Hawkeye then comes to Murray's aid, and suggests one of the line judges get an eye test, as the ball is shown to be about six inches wide, but Beck wins a great point to take the game.

Twitter
maggiemay_hem on Twitter: "I don't care who/what is on tv- this dog doesn't get up before 8, people. What on earth's this 5am business?!!"

Murray 6-3 6-1 1-0 Beck *
Murray plays a couple of blinding winners off the backhand as he opens the third set with a hold, but my concentration is broken with the news from Andrew Cotter on BBC Two that Beck is a huge snooker fan.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Twitter
hemphill101 on Twitter: "Murray to beat Feds in the Final. No crying this time! Only the Murray ROAR! COME ON!!"

* Murray 6-3 6-1 Beck
Murray earns two set points with some crunching returning but Beck saves the first with a brilliant second serve ace, before Murray remembers that he hasn't tried a drop shot for 10 minutes and sticks one in the net. No matter, a third chance comes along and Murray swats away a forehand cross-court.

Murray 6-3 5-1 Beck *
Murray is looking much smoother on serve at the moment and holds easily.

* Murray 6-3 4-1 Beck
Murray gets a good rhythm going on the forehand and moves his man all over the place to force deuce. Beck then fires a backhand well long and it's break point.... and Murray takes it with a brilliant running forehand pass down the line. His best few minutes of the match.





Beck holds to love. Apologies for the slight slowing of updates, I'm considering digging out my ZX Spectrum for tomorrow night. I could play Jet Pac while we wait for it to update.

Twitter
mike_willis_uk on Twitter: "Crowd chant is wrong I'm afraid. Just did a quick search on Facebook and there's hundreds of Andy Murrays..."

Murray 6-3 2-0 Beck *
Murray holds swiftly to take complete control of the second set.

* Murray 6-3 1-0 Beck
From 0-30, Beck wins a couple of great points to level it up but Murray earns a break point from deuce, only for the Slovakian to wallop down an ace. Several deuces follow, with Murray seeing off a game point with a magnificent forehand winner, before he takes his second break point by forcing the error with some superb defence. Over on on Court Two, Del Potro wins the first set tie-break against Sela 15-13.
* denotes NEXT to serve

Text in your views on 81111
Emily via text: "Hats off, as t'were, to Murray for resisting the apparently magnetic allure of a peaked cap (yuck). It's Australia, not the 1990s. Proud to be British just now! COME ON, ANDEH!"

It's good news for a Briton
Murray 6-3 Beck *
No problem. Murray serves it out to 30 after 35 minutes despite a couple of decent shots from Beck at 40-0. "There's only ooooonnneeeee, Andy Murray," comes the chant from the crowd.

* Murray 5-3 Beck
Beck holds to 15 and this set is drifting along right now, not much suggestion of a break either way. Let's see if that remains the case as Murray serves for it...

Murray 5-2 Beck *
Beck wallops a huge forehand cross-court that has Murray scrambling without success but then thumps one long on game point to the Scot.

Twitter
Nick Hewson on Twitter: "I've held a koala and it actually smelt of eucalyptus. Lovely! It's against the law to hold them in New South Wales..."

* Murray 4-2 Beck
Beck holds from 30-30, with a big forehand helping him out. And John Lloyd gives his backing to Murray's green shirt. "I like it, I think its a good colour," says the 1977 Aussie Open finalist. The jury's out.

0429: Elena Baltacha v Justine Henin will be the opening match on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. See you at midnight for that one.

Murray 4-1 Beck *
Beck plays a fine return down the line to get to 0-30 again but then makes four unforced errors, the third a dreadful volley off another dodgy drop shot from Murray.

* Murray 3-1 Beck
Beck double faults at 30-0 but Murray lets him off the hook with a drop shot into the net. "That was a strange shot selection," says John Lloyd on BBC Two. Beck holds.

Murray 3-0 Beck *
Murray frames a forehand to fall 0-30 down but then comes up with a heavy cross-court blow off the same wing to get himself into the game, which he takes moments later. The Briton's first serve percentage is down at 36% but I'd promised myself I wouldn't go on about that this year. Oh well.

* Murray 2-0 Beck
Murray plays two trademark backhand winners down the line and, encouragingly, attacks a mid-court forehand to earn a break point.... which he converts when the Beck backhand breaks down under pressure. I always imagine koalas are a bit whiffy.

Twitter
Caroline Wozniacki on Twitter: "Had a nice practice this morning.. Went to the Zoo and held a Koala, it was really cute!"

The sun is out
Murray 1-0 Beck *
Murray holds to 30 after a couple of pounding rallies, with Beck playing one very sharp backhand volley, and with the sun coming out the Briton might have his fitness levels tested today. * denotes NEXT to serve

0408: If you refresh the page once again you'll gain access to the 5 live coverage. Murray to serve....

0401: Murray and Beck are out on court, the Briton wearing his new togs of green top and black shorts and Beck in white shirt and black shorts. It's the first time Murray has played the Slovakian, who is ranked 104 in the world. Plenty of Scots in the crowd.

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Richard, Uxbridge, via text: "Come on Murray!!! This is the beginning of a long tournament. I'm quietly confident but there's a niggling feeling it's going to be a slow start."

0355: Right, on your best behaviour everyone, we.... are.... live! If you're in the UK and refresh this page you will find BBC Two coverage of Murray v Beck at the top.

The match is over
0349: Serbia's seventh seed Jelena Jankovic beats Alla Kudryavtseva 6-0 7-6 and will play Shuai Peng next. Coming up in a few minutes, Andy Murray v Karol Beck...

0344: Sixth seed Sam Stosur beats Lauren Davis 6-1 6-1, no problem. Jankovic and Kudryavtseva are into a tie-break.

The match is over
0340: Jurgen Melzer, the 11th seed, beats Vincent Mallot 6-2 6-4 6-2 and the Austrian is a possible fourth-round opponent for Murray. I was sitting about 10 feet away when Melzer harangued a ball girl at the ATP Finals in November. "Always the same with you, what's your problem?" A man of exacting standards.

0336: Next up on Court Two is an interesting one between Big Juan Martin del Potro and Little Dudi Sela, who is probably not the man you want to play when you're finding your way back after a year of injury hell. Meanwhile, Jankovic has started firing aces out wide. All very odd, but she's a game away at 6-5 in the second.

0332: Yikes. Kudryavtseva plays a shocker of an overhead and screams in anguish before Jankovic nails a backhand volley. The Serb breaks and it's 5-5 in the second. As for fancy dress, I suggest you all wear gorilla suits except one of the group, who has to go as a banana.

Twitter
Brill_IAN_T on Twitter: "Any ideas for some good fancy dress for the tennis? Last year we were an IBM Speedometre. We need something original."

0323: Judging by the increasing number of texts and tweets, a good number of you have stayed up, or have got up, to see Murray v Beck. However, we are at the mercy of Jelena Jankovic's form, which is not a comfortable place to be, and she's serving to stay n the second set. Stosur is flying at 6-1 1-0 against Davis and Alicia Molik v Roberta Vinci has been moved to Laver to follow that one.

0317: Last year's semi-finalist Marin Cilic, who needs a good run here to stop his ranking taking a nosedive, hammers American Donald Young 6-3 6-2 6-1.

Text in your views on 81111
Sam, Oxford, via text: "Piers, sat up trying to conquer my first uni medieval assignment of this term ... Think i subconsciously left it far too late in order to justify for staying up for my man Murray. In fact i know I did, I'm thoroughly delighted i'm awake! Murray 6-4 6-4 6-2!"

Anna in Camberwell via text: "Got to pull an allnighter for work and despite knowing virtually nothing about tennis, it's nice to know I'm not the only weirdo up and about. Go "Andy" is it?"

Someone is having a tantrum
0303: Very disappointingly, it seems I missed Radwanska's racket head flying off during her win over Date-Krumm. That kind of moment is pure gold when you're sitting here, and it's what this graphic was made for.

Latest scores
0258: Kudryavtseva has stopped the rot with a break at the start of the second set and this one could yet go on a while, as she's a decent player and Jankovic can be anything from one game to the next. Australia's sixth seed Sam Stosur is quickly 3-0 up against 17-year-old American Lauren Davis on Laver.

The match is over
0248: She's a lovely girl but Agnieszka Radwanska is the pantomime villain today as she defeats the 80-ye..... 40 year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm, the third oldest player to contest the Australian Open women's singles after Virginia Wade (1985) and Beverley Rae (1974). Maybe next year?

0242: It's not much fun for the good people on Hisense but it's going down quite well in this corner of west London - Jankovic is demolishing Kudryavtseva 5-0 and Murraytime approaches.

0233: Date-Krumm is broken when serving for the match against Radwanska, one set all and 5-5.

The match is over
0228: World number one Rafael Nadal goes through when Marcos Daniel calls it quits at 6-0 5-0 down, tough luck on the Brazilian but he did play on longer than necessary just to give the crowd a bit more Rafatime. "It's a terrible feeling for sure," says Nadal. "I wish him all the best and fast recovery, but if you are bad it's better to go and recover."

0225: Jelena Jankovic and Alla Kudryavtseva are about to get started on Hisense, with Murray v Beck to follow that one. Jankovic is wearing a lot of pink.

Text in your views on 81111
Owain, Leeds, via text: "Despite leaving at 8 for work in the morning I'm staying up! Foolish you say! Hoping to see Murray perform top class tennis, Worried for him though in th is tournament as he has got to beat Del Potro Soderling and Nadal just to make the final! Tough times ahead."

0222: Ooof. Nadal absolutely creams a forehand return down the line to break to love and he now leads 9-0 in games played. Over on Court Six, Date-Krumm has a double-break in the final set before Radwanska takes a lengthy time out for a lower back massage. The Pole comes straight out and breaks serve to trail 4-2.

0218: Nadal's concentration starts to wander, not altogether surprisingly, with one smash framed about six feet long. Daniel manages to fashion four break points but appears as mystified by that as the rest of us and dutifully fails to take any of them. He does slow Rafa down though, with that game lasting exactly the same length as the entire first set.

0207: I don't know about 32, Daniel is moving like he's 62. With his legs heavily strapped, the Brazilian is hobbling around shaking his head after he loses a seventh straight game of the match but receives a hearty round of applause when he decides to play on. "Hang in there Rafa," shouts one wag. Good one, that.

The match is over
0205: There's a gasp when Bernard Tomic, holding two match points, moves to the net only to see a Chardy lob float over his head and drop inside the baseline. The Aussie converts his second match point with a rasping backhand winner though, and he will play Falla or Lopez next.

A bagel
0200: Nadal sticks away a smash to win the opening set 6-0 in 19 minutes, and it's too one-sided to be enjoyable. Much better stuff on Hisesnse where Tomic is pegged back to 3-3 in the tie-break.

0156: A few results are starting to come through, with 25th seed Petra Kvitova beating Sally Peers 6-2 6-4, and Serbian teenager Bojana Jovanovski seeing off Kai-Chen Chang 7-5 6-1. Over on Hisense, Chardy lets out a scream as a return goes long and he and Tomic are into a third set tie-break.

Latest scores
0150: Nerves are jangling on Hisense as Aussie teenager Tomic misses two chances to break at 4-4 in the third, and then has to fight off two Chardy sets points in the following game. He hangs on and it's 5-5. Nadal breaks again for 3-0 and the day session on Laver might not last too long.

0142: Oh dear. Daniel hoiks a forehand into the tramlines and drops his opening service game to love.

0137: Nadal chooses to receive serve. Rafa is resplendent in orange, Daniel glorious/garish in green. Meanwhile, Date-Krumm levels at one set all against Radwanska. By the way, use of 'Piersy' is not to be encouraged. I saw 'pierstonight' was trending on Twitter earlier. Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be that Morgan character.

Text in your views on 81111
Dom in Leamington Spa via text: "Piersy are you seeing what I'm seeing? The evergreen Kimiko Date-Krumm is a break up in the 2nd set! I think we need Pistol Pete and Mr Kafelnikov to make a comeback on the Men's side."

0132: So, Marcos Daniel... he's 32 and has a 0-4 record at the Australian Open, and Nadal has won both their previous meetings, including a 6-2 6-2 win at Queen's last year. If you're in the UK, you can have a quick look at the highlights.

0125: Tomic is cruising against Chardy, the world number 44, and leads by two sets and 2-2, and Youzhny is about to make it two sets to love against Ilhan. Nearly time for Rafa...

Text in your views on 81111
Sharon, London, via text: "AO is the best for waking up in the mornings! Instead of pressing snooze, I jump up to find out what's happened! Obviously, that still doesn't mean I get to school on time..."

The match is over
0116: Second seed Vera Zvonareva finishes off Sybille Bammer 6-1 6-2. "It's very tough to play your best in the first match and we both struggled to find our rhythm," says the Russian.

BBC Radio 5 Live
0111: The 5 live team are and about around the grounds this year recording all sorts, and they have kicked off with an experimental work that includes the impressive chanting of the Berdych fans, give it a listen via audioBoo.

A celeb has been spotted
0107: Slim pickings on the celeb front today, I'm afraid, at least from a UK perspective. Having not watched Neighbours since Helen headed for the Bungle Bungles in about 1989, I have no idea who Valentina Novakovic is, while Billy Brownless might have an excellent name but his AFL stardom has passed me by. Dannii Minogue is back later. I'm well aware of her work.

Latest scores
0101: Tomic has broken in the third game of the second set and looks extremely impressive so far (kiss of death), while Zvonareva is closing in at 4-0 in the second, so it might not be long until we see Nadal. And regarding Murray, I had a fairly loud argument with someone in a pub the other day after they suggested he hadn't won a Slam because he "couldn't handle the pressure". Age 23, two Slam finals, lost both to arguably the greatest player ever. Harsh. I'm also pretty sure I was the first person ever to have an argument over tennis in that particular south London pub.

Text in your views on 81111
David, Lewes, via text: "We shouldn't only judge Murray on Slams. Atp 1000 events have all the top players and Murray has won those. Main difference with Slams is the five set format and Murray has not got the stamina of some of the more naturally athletic players, so he is less likely to win those. Still great!"

Rob from Stoke via text: "Gawd any chance of moving australia nearer to the uk? When i press the light button, to cross the road, tommorow, if i see tennis balls, instead of WALK, can i blame you?"

0051: Tomic, sporting a very large blue headband, swings a fine backhand past Chardy at the net early in the second set and the home crowd get right behind their man, who follows up with a deadly drop shot. Impressive stuff.

0046: Zvonareva angles a nice cross-court backhand winner to take the first set 6-2 against Bammer, and Tomic wins the opener 6-3 against Chardy.

Someone is having a tantrum
0040: Hewitt and Nalbandian played each other in the quarter-finals six years ago in an ill-tempered encounter that saw the Argentine purposefully bump into lil' Lleyton at a changeover, afterwards saying "nobody is friends" with Hewitt and he is "not a gentleman". Nalbandian once levelled the latter charge at Tim Henman as well, who was probably not the best choice of target for that specific criticism. You've got to love Nalbo.

0035: Australia's men have made a good start, with 18-year-old Bernard Tomic 5-2 up against Jeremy Chardy on Hisense, and Matthew Ebden a break up on Michael Russell on Margaret Court Arena. At least he was, 2-2 now. Of course, the big Aussie focus will be on Hewitt v Nalbandian in the late match, which should be a cracker. I'll probably be asleep.

Text in your views on 81111
Joe in Manchester via text: "First time in a while i'm not feeling too optimistic about Murray's slam hopes for the coming year, although i'm unsure exactly why. Hopefully i'll be wrong again though and he'll prove me wrong!"

Twitter
camstep1405 on Twitter: "In Kenya, 3:22 am my time. School in 4 hours. If I fail exams I'll blame it on your commentary eh?"

Latest scores
0025: Zvonareva gets the break for 3-0 as Bammer is a bit loose from the baseline. Other names on show at the moment: Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm is still going strong at the incredible age of 40 - can you imagine such an age? - against the 21-year-old Agnieszka Radwanska on Court Six, and 10th seed Mikhail Youzhny has an early break against Turkey's Marsel Ilhan on 13.

0018: Bammer, the pride of Austria, sees three break points go begging in the opening game against Zvonareva. The 30-year from Linz has a 2-0 record against Serena Williams, and a nine-year-old daughter named Tina. I don't think the two are connected. And to answer your question, Ryan.... no.


Simon from Lincoln via text: "Energy drinks in the mini fridge and education on hold; bring on the tennis!"

Ryan via text: "Got a driving lesson tomorrow morning, if I crash, can I blame you?"

0012: The Murray excitement is still some way off but play is about to start around Melbourne Park, with second seed Vera Zvonareva facing Sybille Bammer on Rod Laver Arena, to be followed by Rafael Nadal v Marcos Daniel. Local hope Bernard Tomic opens the action on Hisense against Jeremy Chardy, while fellow Aussie Matthew Ebden plays Michael Russell on Margaret Court Arena. Strange bit of scheduling, that one.

Twitter
Elena Baltacha on Twitter: "Morning everyone..only managed to sleep for 3hrs last night,adrenaline was on over drive!! but feeling fantastic today. 1 hit this afternoon, physio then chillaxing...xx"

Andy Murray
0007: The important stuff..... Andy Murray v Karol Beck is the third match on Hisense Arena after a men's and a women's singles match. If you stay right here we'll have game-by-game text updates and, if you're in the UK, live video streaming and 5live coverage. If you prefer looking at a different box in another part of the room, the match will be on BBC Two with a scheduled start time of 0410 GMT. I will endeavour to keep you updated on how close we're getting as the day/night progresses.

0003: If I'm staying up, so are you, and to prove your commitment to the cause you can get in touch by tweeting me or, if you're in the UK, sending a text to 81111 to tell me how you're planning to make it through the night. I've gone for the healthy food and drink options tonight. I'm already regretting it.

0001: The fans on Rod Laver Arena are going through their pre-match preparations - face paint is being applied, Rafa flags laid out, a small child clings onto a giant tennis ball that is almost half his size, and a young girl looks mortified when she's caught on the big screen deep in conversation with her mum. That's all about to cease, though, as second seed Vera Zvonareva and Sybille Bammer make their way towards the court for the first match of the day.

2355: Hello again, I knew you'd be back. Day two is almost upon us and after the sterling work of Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong yesterday, it's Andy Murray's turn to make it worth our while staying up all night. He will get a bit of help on that front from Rafael Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic, Robin Soderling and many more.