Australian Open 2019: Nishikori, Halep, Osaka, Williams sisters all into round 3

World number one, Simona Halep survived a scare to edge past Sofia Kenin in three nervy sets 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4.

The Romanian was a set and break up before finding herself a break down in the decider due to several unforced errors; Halep, however, dug deep to seal her spot in the third round.

Japanese superstar, Kei Nishikori also survived a huge scare as he was a whisker away from elimination in his match against Ivo Karlovic, who sent down 59 aces.

The eighth seed was 2 sets up before losing the next two sets, with the deciding set headed to the shootout of the first to 10 points. Nishikori eventually prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 5-7, 7-6 (10-7).

US Open champion, Naomi Osaka made light work of Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 6-4 to hit the third round. Venus Williams overcame a stern test from fellow American Alize Cornet 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 to progress into the third round.

WTA Finals Champion, Elina Svitolina advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-4, 6-1 win over Viktoria Kuzmova. All top eight seeds in the Women’s category has made it to the third round of a slam for the first time since Wimbledon 2009.