Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Nick Kyrgios result after Raducanu and Murray exits
Follow all the reaction as Daniil Medvedev took down Nick Kyrgios in four thrilling sets amid a raucous atmosphere after Andy Murray was knocked out of the Australian Open by Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel.
In an error-strewn performance, Murray was unable to back up his first round victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili as Daniel claimed a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win. World No 120 Daniel produced an impressive display that defied his ranking and edged ahead in both of the opening sets with breaks of serve.
Murray had his chances, including in Daniel’s opening service game of the second set in which he squandered four break points, but the 34-year-old had too much work to do from two sets down. An early break of serve in the third set offered Murray some hope of a comeback but Daniel broke straight back on a double fault from the three-time grand slam champion. Daniel was able to make the crucial second break in the ninth game of the third set, and he sealed his victory with a backhand volley to claim a deserved victory.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, it was a raucous atmosphere on Rod Laver Arena as Medvedev outlasted home favourite Kyrgios 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 in an enthralling second round contest. An inspired Kyrgios pulled a set back on an electric night in Melbourne but Medvedev impressed as he kept his head in closing out the victory. Follow all the latest updates below:
Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
Evans through after walkover, Watson out
Impressive Daniel takes opening set 6-4
Errors mount for Murray as Daniel takes two-set lead
Murray out after Japanese qualifier seals 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory
Inspired Kyrgios pulls a set back against Medvedev
Raducanu exits after painful defeat to Kovinic
Australian Open 2022: Medvedev defeats Kyrgios in thriller
11:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniil Medvedev is not happy with the Rod Laver Arena crowd - and there is more booing/’SIUUing’ as he calls them out on it.
“I came here to win this match and I’m happy I managed to do it tonight. [Staying calm] is the only choice when you get booed in between first and second sets.
“Guys, please show Jim Courier some respect, I can’t hear him. What I’m saying is that in between first and second serves, it was tough to play.
“It was a funny match because we both serve big. In the second and fourth sets I started to return a big more in big moments. This match was always going to be tight.”
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 2-6 Medvedev - Game, set and match!
11:16 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s too good from Medvedev. He holds his nerve and stays patient to outlast Kyrgios on the baseline rally and bring up two match points. Kyrgios goes for the heroic winner but can only find the tramlines. What a match, but huge respect to Medvedev for getting through that test.
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 2-5 Medvedev
11:11 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s too good from Medvedev. He holds Kyrgios to love to consolidate the break and Kyrgios responds by obliterating his racket.
He will have to calm down before he serves to stay in the match - and Medvedev gets a 15-0 head start after Kyrgios is penalised for racket abuse.
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 2-4 Medvedev*
11:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev latches onto a second serve at 15-15 to force Kyrgios behind the baseline and edge ahead - and Kyrgios is then put under further pressure as Medvedev drops a low forehand which Kyrgios cannot volley over the net.
It hands Medvedev two break points. The first is saved thanks to a big serve out wide and Kyrgios thinks he’s repeated the trick on break point number two. It’s called wide, though, and Medvedev gobbles up the second serve with a wonderful backhand pass.
That’s a big break and a huge moment in the match.
Emma Raducanu exits Australian Open after painful second-round defeat by Danka Kovinic
11:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Over at Margaret Court Arena, Emma Raducanu has just been knocked out of the Australian Open after losing to Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic over three sets in the second round at Melbourne Park.
Raducanu battled through injury to force a deciding set but could not complete the comeback.
More here:
Emma Raducanu out of Australian Open after second-round defeat by Danka Kovinic
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 2-2 Medvedev
11:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev gets the better of Kyrgios in a exchange at the net, before sealing the hold to love with a couple of big serves.
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 2-2 Medvedev*
11:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Two solid opening points from Kyrgios on his serve as he dispatches a short ball from Medvedev following a huge first serve. But amongst the power there is also the touch, and a deft volley at the net moves him to 40-0. Kyrgios then goes for the underarm slice, and it would have worked had he kept the backhand pass in play. But Medvedev goes long on the next point.
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 1-2 Medvedev
10:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Easy as you like from Medvedev - he holds after a solid succession of first serves. Games like that put into context how important break point opportunities are - like the one Kyrgios had in the opening game.
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 1-1 Medvedev*
10:55 , Jamie Braidwood
A lovely drop shot from Kyrgios sees him take the opening point. He follows a forehand into the net with an aggressive serve and volley play, and it pays off as he hits the winner. Medvedev responds with a truly stunning forehand pass that dropped onto the line after Kyrgios had taken off, Jordan style, to power a forehand into the corner. Kyrgios connects with a one-two punch off his serve to set up game point, before then trying to lob Medvedev. The Russian reached it but couldn’t keep it in play.
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 0-1 Medvedev
10:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Medvedev took a restroom break following the third set, probably just to get some peace and quiet and to hear himself thing. The Russian is up against it here, and Kyrgios picks up where he left off with a beautiful curling forehand around Medvedev to bring up 30-30.
Kyrgios goes on the attack on the next point and smashes a second serve winner to set up a break point!
Oh and what a chance! After an incredible rally and exchange at the net, Kyrgios had the chance to bury a forehand into the open court - but he pushed it wide! He had worked so hard to stay in that point and return Medvedev’s drop shot.
The Russian can’t close it out as he throws in a double fault, but he responds with a deft drop shot and seals the hold with a backhand winner.
Kyrgios will know he should be a break up.
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 6-4 Medvedev*
10:40 , Jamie Braidwood
What a way to start. A gorgeous touch from Kyrgios at the net earns him the opening point, only to hit the net with a whipped forehand on the following point.
Kyrgios stutters mid-point, feints, a drops a clean winner - only for a backhand error to pull him back to 30-30. Kyrgios though Medvedev’s ball had gone long but it clipped the line.
Kyrgios thunders a serve down the middle and Medvedev is inches away with a reply, but it just drifts long.
It brings up set point - and Kyrgios pulls out the drop shot to take it! Incredible. What a match we have in store here.
Australian Open 2022: Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 5-3 Medvedev*
10:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go. Medvedev holds, and Kyrgios will now try to serve out the third set. The Russian has found himself in one of the wildest atmospheres tennis has perhaps ever seen.
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 5-3 Medvedev
10:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Kyrgios holds - how, I’m not so sure.
The Australian pulled out the full box of tricks in that game, including an underarm serve and a tweener between the legs, but holds to lead 5-3! The roof almost comes off the Rod Laver Arena.
Medvedev is now serving to stay in this third set.
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 4-3 Medvedev
10:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Kyrgios breaks!
What an incredible atmosphere at Rod Laver as Kyrgios breaks Medvedev’s serve midway through the third set!
An inspired volley from the Australian, after reading Medvedev’s forehand pass, earned him two break points - as he went on a lap of the court!
Medvedev saved the first with a huge first serve, but an inspired forehand winner from Kyrgios gets him the crucial break. What a noise!
Australian Open 2022: *Kyrgios 6-7 4-6 3-3 Medvedev
10:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Over at Rod Laver - Nick Kyrgios is locked in an enthralling contest with number one seed and US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev got the better of two tight opening sets by Kyrgios has not given up and is pushing hard for the break in the third.
Australian Open 2022: Murray vs Daniel stats
10:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Aces: Murray 7-12 Daniel
1st serve percentage: Murray 62% - 58% Daniel
Winners: Murray 38 - 46 Daniel
Unforced errors: Murray 49 - 21 Daniel
Break points converted: Murray 18% (2/11) - 50% (5/10) Daniel
Australian Open 2022: Raducanu into deciding set
10:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Incredibly, Emma Raducanu has fought back to take her second round match against Danka Kovinic into a deciding set.
Australian Open LIVE: Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic updates
Andy Murray out of Australian Open after defeat to qualifier Taro Daniel
10:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Andy Murray’s Australian Open came to a disappointing end with a second-round defeat to world number 120 Taro Daniel - the lowest-ranked opponent to beat him at a grand slam.
Hopes were high that Murray could have another strong run in Melbourne when he ground out a five-set win over Nikoloz Basilashvili in round one, three years after it appeared his career had ended on the same court.
But, back on John Cain Arena, the feeling was very different this time as Murray struggled for sharpness against a tenacious and mobile opponent and fell to a 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat.
Report here:
Andy Murray out of Australian Open after defeat to qualifier Taro Daniel
Australian Open 2022: Raducanu locked in gruelling battle
09:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Meanwhile on the Margaret Court Arena, Emma Raducanu is a set down as she battles Danka Kovinic and painful blisters.
It’s 4-4 in the second set as the US Open champion looks to stay in the match. Follow live updates, here.
Australian Open LIVE: Emma Raducanu vs Danka Kovinic updates
Australian Open 2022: Murray out after Daniel defeat
09:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Here’s Taro Daniel - quite the on-court interview too.
“Winning a big match here, after a couple of years of not playing in front of crowds, wow, unbelievable. It’s amazing. Amazing level from me. I was actually getting a bit nervous in the third set, I was cramping a little bit, I was like ‘Oh, s***!’
“But I tried not to make too big a deal out of this match, everyone was saying, you’re playing Murray but it’s just another match, at the end of the day.
“Even if [the crowd] was against me, I was trying to steal this energy within my body. I had goosebumps. Even if it was three sets today it was a pretty long match. I will try and prepare myself as best I can for Saturday.”
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 4-6 Daniel - Game, set and match
09:42 , Jamie Braidwood
That was quiet the performance from Taro Daniel but this is such a disappointing defeat for Andy Murray. He’s had a great couple of weeks in Australia but he was targeting a deep run here. His victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili earned him a presentable draw - but Daniel’s display here shows us you can never take anything for granted in sport.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 4-6 Daniel - Game, set and match
09:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray gets on the board at 15-15 with a crosscourt volley, but Daniel responds with a confident ace up the middle to edge two points away from the match.
Murray nets on the backhand after Daniel seizes control of the latest lengthy rally.
And Daniel seals the win with a bold serve and volley across court.
Murray is out - but Daniel thoroughly deserves to advance.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 4-5 Daniel*
09:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Huge moments now, and Daniel plays another wonderful shot, this time a delicate backhand drop shot, to edge into a 15-30 lead in the crucial ninth game of the set.
Daniel then gets the better of the next net exchange, as Murray nets on the backhand to bring up two break points for Daniel.
Murray gets away with one as Daniel nets under little pressure on the first one.
And that’s the story of the match. Murray hits the net on his backhand and throws his racket to the ground in disgust as Daniel takes the break.
He will now serve for the match.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 4-6, 4-4 Daniel
09:24 , Jamie Braidwood
A poor forehand into the net from Murray as he looked to advance gets Daniel off to a good start. He then lets out a sigh of relief as a booming backhand volley just catches the back of the baseline to bring up 40-0.
Positive play from Murray forces Daniel behind the baseline and he can’t clear the net with a forehand, before Murray puts away a smash at the second attempt to get back to 40-30.
But a superb backhand pass from Daniel earns him the hold. Murray had looked to come into the net but Daniel’s winner was magnificent. The shot of the match.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 4-3 Daniel*
09:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel senses his chance as he steps into a forehand at 15-15 to immediately put the pressure on Murray, who keeps his nerve on the following point to put away a forehand winner on the volley.
Murray edges ahead but Daniel produces another lovely backhand winner down the line to bring up deuce.
Daniel snatches at the return into the net - but Murray’s backhand is wayward and drifts wide.
An ace down the middle is followed up by another big serve, eventually put away thanks to a backhand winner, and that’s a big hold for Murray to make.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 4-6, 3-3 Daniel
09:11 , Jamie Braidwood
A brilliant volley from Murray on the stretch hands the 34-year-old some hope in Daniel’s next service game, but an error on the next point and an ace from Daniel sees him move to 40-15.
Murray’s stays in the hunt and finds himself back at deuce with another lovely volley at the net - but Daniel responds with a charge of his own with Murray on the back foot to set up game point. Murray is then unable to convert a forehand on the run as Daniel takes the hold.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 3-2 Daniel*
09:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray is unable to get through a comfortable game at the moment. After taking a 30-0 lead, Daniel responds with a couple of winners.
Murray gets more joy as he advances into the net after pushing Daniel back, dispatching the volley into the open court.
But that’s better! Murray whips a forehand winner onto the line to claim the hold. More of that, please.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 4-6, 2-2 Daniel
08:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray rushes the net and puts away a forehand volley to move into 15-30. There are some encouraging signs from Murray, especially when he takes a positive approach, if only he can cut out the errors.
Daniel isn’t putting a foot wrong though, and he keeps the ball in play before Murray nets from out wide.
But Murray prevails on the next lengthy rally and raises his arm to the sky after Daniel goes long after 24 shots, to bring up another break point.
That’s a chance wasted. Murray stepped into the court but goes long on the backhand in the latest unforced error from the Scot, and Daniel produces a stunning backhand on the reach to pass Murray.
And Daniel survives to claim the hold as Murray nets from a low volley.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 2-1 Daniel*
08:50 , Jamie Braidwood
That is tough. After taking the break, Murray hands it straight back after a wayward forehand volley and a double fault sees Daniel get back on serve.
Murray had taken a 30-0 lead as he looked to back up his break but the errors was once crept into his game. That’s a huge relief for Daniel.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 4-6, 2-0 Daniel
08:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel breezes into an early 30-0 lead on his opening service game, but Murray responds well with a clean winner on the following point. A nervous error from Daniel then brings up 30-30, and he then nets to hand Murray an early break point chance.
Daniel finds a big serve just when he needed one, though, with Murray unable to return from out wide. He lets out a grin as the chance goes begging, but he then is handed another one after Daniel miscues a forehand.
And there it is! Daniel double faults and Murray gets the crucial early break!
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-6, 1-0 Daniel*
08:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray has made some remarkable comebacks from two sets down in his career - including at the US Open in September 2020 against Yoshihito Nishioka - but this would be right up there if he can turn it around.
He will have to win in five sets once again if he is to advance to the third round of the Australian Open and a dramatic improvement is needed, as well as a dip from Daniel.
Two early errors from Murray brings up 30-30 on his opening service game, however, already a difficult position to be.
He responds with a controlled volley from the net after pushing Daniel behind the baseline - and a strong serve out wide gets him out of the hole.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 4-6 Daniel - Daniel wins second set
08:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel starts off with an ace - that will settle any nerves. Murray gets a racket to a big serve down the middle to stay in the next point, but Daniel is too strong and Murray sends a shot long.
Daniel then hits a supreme forehand winner which catches the line to bring up three set points - and Daniel takes it on the next point as Murray goes long.
It’s a long way back for Murray now.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 4-5 Daniel*
08:31 , Jamie Braidwood
A comfortable hold of serve from Murray, helped by a couple of aces on his first serve.
He’s made Daniel serve it out, which is all he could do. He simply needs to break her though. It would be a long way back from two sets down.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 3-5 Daniel
08:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Big moments for Murray here, and he tries to get himself going by asking for some more noise from the John Cain Arena crowd.
He drops the opening point with a poor backhand on Daniel’s second serve - such a strange error from Murray to make. It’s not helped by a net cord on the following point - those errors just keep coming.
Daniel moves to 40-15 with a big serve out wide, and claims an important hold with an ace to the opposite corner.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 3-4 Daniel*
08:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray immediately finds himself in trouble as he nets a forehand under little pressure to hand Daniel 0-30.
He responds well though, firing off an unreturnable serve, a forehand winner, another unreturnable serve, and an ace to claim the hold. He simply needed that.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 2-4 Daniel
08:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel makes a confident start to his latest service game before Murray shows signs of life with a nice backhand winner down the line.
He can’t take advantage though, as he nets a presentable volley chance that would have moved him to 30-30.
Instead, Daniel can claim the hold with an ace.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 2-3 Daniel*
08:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray wins a couple of comfortable points on his serve, but Daniel then ramps up the pressure again as he steps into a crosscourt backhand and powers a winner past Murray to bring up 30-30.
A loose shot from Murray on his backhand side gives Daniel the chance for a double break, and despite some impressive defence from Daniel, Murray survives as his opponent goes long.
But a further error from Murray, this time an volley into the net, hands Daniel another break point. Murray gets away with a initial volley that he failed to put away, before adjusting to win the point at the net.
The next two points rather sum up Murray’s match so far. A brilliant forehand winner from behind the baseline is followed up by a sloppy unforced error into the net - and he’s then made to work again to put away a challenging backhand overhead.
Murray can’t get a first serve in on game point, but he gets away with it as Daniel drifts a backhand wide to finally secure the hold. That’s an important one.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 1-3 Daniel
08:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel backs up his break of serve with a comfortable hold to love, sealed with an ace down the middle.
Earlier today, Dan Evans reached the third round of the Australian Open without hitting a ball but Heather Watson was beaten by Tamara Zidansek.
Evans had been due to take on Arthur Rinderknech at Melbourne Park on Thursday but received a walkover prior to the start of play when the Frenchman withdrew because of a wrist injury.
It means Evans, who comfortably beat David Goffin in round one, is through to the last 32 in Melbourne for the first time since 2017, when he made the fourth round at a grand slam for the first time.
Watson lost a very close match against 19th seed Zidansek in Adelaide last week, and there was little to choose between the pair again here but it was the Slovenian who went through 7-6 (4) 6-4.
More here:
Dan Evans gets Australian Open walkover but Heather Watson suffers defeat
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 1-2 Daniel*
08:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray is put under pressure after Daniel goes after his serve with a backhand down the line, before Murray then nets on a backhand to bring up 15-30.
Daniel attacks Murray’s second serve again, this time with a forehand whipped down the line, and Daniel converts the break points with a third winner of the match to send a backhand winner crosscourt.
Impressive from Daniel, worrying for Murray.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6. 1-1 Daniel
07:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray is handed two break points after two unforced errors from Daniel on the backhand side. He saves the first with a big serve out wide before putting away the smash. Daniel holds his nerve again on a second testing overhead to save the second and bring about deuce.
Positive play from Murray on deuce forces Daniel back and sees the Brit eventually put away the smash to to set up a third break point.
Ah - that was a chance! Murray was able to stay in the rally after Daniel took over but can’t make the most of a wayward Daniel drop shot as he come into the net - clipping the net cord.
But that’s so much better. He advances on a forehand down the line before placing a deft volley across court - which Daniel almost picked up.
Daniel replies with a clever drop shot of his own to save a fourth break point - and on we go.
That’s impressive from Daniel, though, unloading on a forehand down the line. An error from Daniel sees him frame a forehand - before Murray stays alive in this game as he puts away a volley at the net.
Daniel moves back to game point with an ace down the line, and finally holds after 11 minutes as Murray hits the net on a backhand. That will be a big boost to get through that game, but that was a chance for Murray after those two early errors from Daniel.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-6. 1-0 Daniel*
07:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel deserved that opening set. The world No 120 is showing why he breezed through qualifying to earn a place in the main draw with a confident display, one with very few errors.
Murray has got work to do to turn this around but he has yet to find his own level. Daniel is gaining control of the majority of the lengthy rallies but if Murray can start turning his unforced errors into winners then it would put some pressure on the 28-year-old.
Murray gets off to a good start in the opening game of the second set - he fires a strong serve out wide before turning a forehand into the space on the opposite side of the court.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 4-6 Daniel - First set Daniel
07:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray clips the net cord on a backhand as he looked to move into the court on the opening point. A second error from Murray to hit a forehand long moves Daniel to 30-0 and within touching distance of the opening set.
Daniel then attacks a Murray backhand as he moves into the net before putting away the backhand volley - setting up three set points.
And the 28-year-old seals it with an ace down the middle. Murray faces an uphill battle to turn this one around.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 4-5 Daniel*
07:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Tense moments, these, as Murray quickly finds himself at 0-30 on a must-hold service game after a couple of errors on his forehand side. The serve gets him out of trouble though, reeling off four unreturnable serves in a row to make Daniel close it out.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 3-5 Daniel
07:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel balloons a forehand over the baseline to bring up 0-30 on his next service game, before producing his biggest serve of the match so far.
Great play from Murray, though, to work the angle and open up the court before closing the net to pressure Daniel - who loops a shot long.
That sets up two break points for Murray. Daniel goes on the attack and Murray initially does a good job staying in the rally - before a error on the forehand sees Daniel save one.
And there’s the second. Bold, aggressive play from Daniel puts Murray on the back foot. Daniel waits for his lob to come down before putting away the smash.
He then whips a forehand winner into the corner on deuce - and Murray nets to win him the game. That’s a big hold from the Japanese player.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 3-4 Daniel* - Daniel breaks
07:26 , Jamie Braidwood
Daniel’s level undoubtedly dropped in that last game as errors started to creep into his groundstrokes.
But at 15-15 on Murray’s serve, Daniel applies the pressure as he takes over the point before forcing Murray into the error.
Daniel then does brilliantly to retrieve a backhand from Murray that opened up the court - and Murray nets with a disappointing backhand into the net to set up two break points.
And that’s even worse - Murray chucks in a double fault at the worst possible time to hand Daniel the advantage again.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 3-3 Daniel* Murray breaks!
07:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray lets Daniel off the hook at 0-15 as he sends a crosscourt forehand wide just as he was starting to settle into the rally. Daniel has so far been incredibly consistent, barely making an error and extending the points to a length that Murray does not seem entirely comfortable with.
That’s better though. Good depth from Murray on a backhand then allows him to step into a forehand, forcing Daniel to net to bring up 30-30.
On the first pressure point from Daniel, the 28-year-old drifts a shot long to bring up break point. Murray stayed patient on the rally - but too patient - Daniel stepped up the pace with a forehand, before hitting a questionable drop shot. It gave Murray a chance to put the ball away - but he couldn’t take it as Daniel replies with a shot into the open court.
Murray slightly gets away with it on the next point after bringing Daniel into the net - but an error on his backhand brings up a second break point.
“Let’s go!” Murray shouts after a wayward backhand from Daniel sees him get the break back!
Australian Open 2022: Murray 2-3 Daniel*
07:13 , Jamie Braidwood
A couple of good first serves to open the game sees Murray take a 30-0 lead, before he gets a break off a net cord to set up game point. Daniel pushes the backhand return wide and that secures a comfortable hold, just what was needed after his previous game. I got the sense that both players were still catching their breath after that 15-minute epic.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 1-3 Daniel
07:11 , Jamie Braidwood
This has been a really impressive start from the Japanese qualifier. He’s barely put a foot wrong in the rallies and is putting a lot pressure on Murray by gradually taking over control over the long exchanges.
He’s serving well, too, as he races into a 40-0 love lead on his next service game. Murray had a slight chance at 30-0 but put his forehand wide as Daniel looked to close down the line.
After his first double of the match, Daniel then is able to secure the hold on the next point.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 1-2 Daniel* - Daniel breaks
07:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Good from Murray, working the angle on the next point before hitting the forehand winner into the space down the line.
Murray then drags a forehand wide after the latest lengthy rally between the pair - both are striking their groundstrokes well from the baseline to start this match.
Oh, and what a shot from Daniel. Under pressure from Murray, he produces a backhand slice from deep in his corner, past Murray and onto the baseline.
It brings up another break point. Murray smashes down the serve out wide - and Daniel’s return almost hits the umpire!
Daniel outlasts Murray again to set up his third break point opportunity - and Daniel then changes up the pace of the rally to hit a backhand winner to finally win the game and claim a break of serve.
The game must have been 14 or 15 minutes long.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 1-1 Daniel*
06:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Impressive power from Daniel, who edges his way into the point before unloading on a forehand winner down the line.
Another lengthy rally breaks out and Murray tries to change it up with a drop shot. Daniel is able to reach it but his reply just clears the baseline.
Daniel is certainly having the better of the baseline rallies and Murray nets as his opponent maintains the pressure. A strong serve out wide takes Murray back to 30-30 before an ace down the middle sets up game point.
Daniel somehow keeps Murray’s next serve in play, before gaining control in the next rally and forcing the error from Murray to bring deuce.
A double fault from Murray hands Daniel the first break point of the match but he fires down two good serves down the middle of the T to get out of trouble.
Murray goes for the forehand winner to the corner that just drifts wide, but a cut forehand down the line gets him back to game point. Murray then looks to play short with another drop shot but Daniel is able to reach it - and we go on.
Australian Open 2022: *Murray 1-1 Daniel
06:52 , Jamie Braidwood
A big serve up the middle from Daniel, clipping the line for his first ace of the match, moves him to 30-0 early.
Murray can’t keep his next serve in play either and he sends a backhand into the net on the next point as Daniel holds to love.
Australian Open 2022: Murray 1-0 Daniel*
06:49 , Jamie Braidwood
A thunderous serve from Murray down the middle wins the opening point - which is greeted, annoyingly, by a chorus of ‘SIUUUs’.
He backs that up with another strong return that Daniel can’t keep in play, before producing a brilliant backhand pass to win a lengthy rally after Daniel had rushed to the net.
Daniel replies with a forehand smacked down the line as Murray looked to increase the tempo, but another good first serve out wide seals the opening hold for Murray.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:43 , Jamie Braidwood
The players are out on court at the John Cain Arena. Taro Daniel is the world No 120 and progressed to the main draw here as a qualifier. The Japanese 28-year-old has faced Murray once before, with Murray winning 6-1 6-3 6-1 in a Davis Cup match in 2016.
Here we go, then. Murray won the toss and will serve first.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:39 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray is heading to the John Cain Arena as we speak so we are probably five or so minutes from the 34-year-old taking to the court against Taro Daniel.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Stefanos Tsitsipas is 3-0 up in the third set against Sebastian Baez after the Argentine levelled the scores by winning a second-set tiebreak.
Felix Auger-Aliassime is also going through a bit of an epic against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. It’s 1-1 on sets midway through the third after the first couple were split on tiebreaks.
No 5 seed Andrey Rublev is through after a dominant 6-4 6-2 6-0 win over Ricardas Berankis, while Taylor Fritz defeated American compatriot Francis Tiafoe in straight sets.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:32 , Jamie Braidwood
There have already been a couple of big shocks in the women’s draw on day four of the Australian Open.
The No 3 seed Garbine Muguruza is out after a 6-3 6-3 defeat to Alize Cornet while No 6 seed Anett Kontaveit lose 6-2 6-4 to Clara Tauson.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are safely through to the third round.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:26 , Jamie Braidwood
There has already been some good news for British players this morning, with Dan Evans already through to the third round.
The No 24 seed benefitted from a walkover against Arthur Rinderknech and will now play the winner of the match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Heather Watson is out, though, after a straight sets defeat to Tamara Zidansek. The No 29 seed won a first-set tiebreak on her way to securing a 7-6(4) 6-4 victory.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray’s match is scheduled last up on the John Cain Arena - the same scene as his first round win over Basilashvili - and he is expected to take to the court at 6:30am GMT.
The previous match at John Cain has just come to an end, with No 12 seed Elena Rybakina having to retire from her match against Shuai Zhang.
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray’s victory over Basilashvili was fought over four hours, but the 34-year-old is hoping for smoother progress into the third round this morning.
Murray gave some interesting comments ahead of his second round match on how he and his team are looking to close out matches quicker, something he is yet to do since returning to the grand slams.
“Obviously, in some of the matches that I have played I wouldn’t expect, even if I was playing at my peak, necessarily to win in straight sets,” Murray said.
“A match like (Basilashvili) against someone who is in the 20s in the world, it’s always going to be difficult. But obviously it would be nice to have some quicker ones.
“That’s where I have had this discussion with my team and we were talking about trying to shorten matches and ways to play quicker points.
“It’s difficult to get the balance because if, right now, I’m playing 20 in the world level tennis then, if I’m playing anyone that’s in the top 50, those matches are going to be very, very competitive and difficult to win.
“If you start trying to play a different style of tennis and try to shorten points and everything, and you maybe make a few more mistakes or maybe don’t break serve as much, that also can prolong matches, as well.
“Playing my game style but playing it at a higher level, I think will give me the best chance of shortening matches.
“When I look back at a lot of my matches in 2015, 2016, I was quite efficient and clinical, when I had opportunities and when I was ahead of guys, I’d finish them off quickly.
“Right now, because I’m not quite playing at that level, the matches are maybe a little bit tighter. So, hopefully, if I can continue to improve my level, I’ll be able to shorten some of the matches.”
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Murray’s first-round win over Nikoloz Basilashvili was another win for the ages from the former world No 1, characterised by the same grit and resilience that has defined his career as well as his injury comeback.
Three years ago, it looked as if we might have seen the last of it ahead of his five set defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut, but on his first match back at the Australian Open Murray returned to thrill his fans over another five-set encounter.
The Scot is now targeting a deep run at the opening major of the year, something he hasn’t had since returning to the sport since hip resurfacing injury.
Raducanu and Murray defy age and expectation at Australian Open
Australian Open 2022: Andy Murray vs Taro Daniel
06:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Follow all the action as Andy Murray faces Taro Daniel in the second round of the Australian Open.
After his gruelling and typically spirited five-set victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, Murray has benefitted from what should in theory be a much kinder draw. His Japanese opponent is ranked 120th in the world and was easily dispatched by Murray in the pair’s only previous meeting back in 2016. Of course, Murray’s body is far more fragile now but, despite spending almost five hours on court on Tuesday, he insisted he was ready to make a deep run at this year’s tournament.
“It’s amazing to be back,” he said. “It’s been a tough three, four years. I have put a lot of work to be back here and I have played on this court many times and the atmosphere has been incredible.... I would love to have a deep run here if possible. It’s something I have not had at one of the slams since I came back from the injury and it is something that motivates me.”
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, the most raucous atmosphere in Melbourne will be reserved for the pulsating contest between crowd favourite Nick Kyrgios and the tournament favourite Daniil Medvedev, which gets underway at around 8am on Rod Laver Arena.
