Sinner weighs up Kyrgios and Kim Jong-Un, plus an Aussie exodus - quick hits from the Australian Open - ArkforgeAI.com

Photo: DAVID GRAY Tennis shouldn't have much to do with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, however, on day four at the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner was asked to compare the two. He found it awkward when asked which of the two would he rather have as a doubles partner. Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev broke an extended run of not getting past the third round of a grand slam and Coco Gauff revealed she went to a gig just days before her first match in Melbourne. And five Australians were knocked out on what was a tough day at the tournament for the locals. Here are the quick hits from the Australian Open. 1. Sinner weighs up Kim or Kyrgios Nick Kyrgios was pretty vocal in his opposition to Jannik Sinner's brief doping ban last year, and it appears the Italian world number two was listening. In an interview on Australian Open podcast Pod Laver Arena, Sinner was asked to choose between Kyrgios and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un, first as a doubles partner, and second just to hang out with. And his answer was telling. Sinner was asked who he'd rather play doubles with between Nick Kyrgios or Kim Jong Un Jannik: "Well playing tennis definitely with Nick. I don't want to lose... but also to hang out, honestly..” "You don't have to answer" Jannik: "I don't know" pic.twitter.com/1zQVDDQUiE — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2026 "Playing tennis definitely with Nick - I don't want to lose," he said. "But to hang out, honestly, I don't know." Host Mike Goldstein quickly shuffled the conversation along saying: "We don't want to put you in a bind." But the bind was bound. "Why you ask me this question?" Sinner said as he, Goldstein and Lizzy Hoo shared a laugh, perhaps realising they'd added another brick in the Sinner-Kyrgios lore. 2. Aussie exodus on day four The "Happy Slam" was not a very happy place for Australians on day four of the tournament. Five Australians were knocked out of the tournament in one day. Exodus. Priscilla Hon fulfilled a childhood dream of hers playing on Rod Laver Arena, but she was comfortably beaten by inform American Iva Jovic. Earlier, Jordan Thompson was beaten by Portugal's Nuno Borges in four sets and Ajla Tomljanović lost to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. It means that Thompson and Tomljanović have now been eliminated in the second round of the AO six and seven times respectively. Talia Gibson and Storm Hunter were also knocked out on day four. Alex de Minaur was the only Australian who found form on day four. That being said, he dropped the first set. Hopefully day five brings better fortune for the locals. 3. Medvedev snaps second round hoodoo Three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev progressed to the third round after he defeated Quentin Halys on day four. He won it in four sets, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, but still looked disgruntled after winning the match. After the win, he was quick to remind everyone he hasn't been in the third round of a grand slam in nearly 15 months. From a set down to full control. Daniil Medvedev defeats Halys 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-2 to progress to the third round of the #AusOpen.#AO26 pic.twitter.com/szMpm97LyT — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2026 His last journey this deep in a major came at the US Open in 2024. He made the quarterfinals that tournament. "It's the first time in a couple of years I'm in the third round of a Grand Slam, so feeling good," he said post-match on John Cain Arena. Despite finding some form in the early knockings of 2026, Medvedev said he still isn't feeling quite right at Melbourne Park. "I still can't get exactly used to the court here," he said. "I feel like I'm missing a little bit of power on my shots but it's good because when you continue winning usually during the tournament you find it step by step." Daniil Medvedev signs the camera after beating Halys at the Australian Open “Not 5 sets” pic.twitter.com/goFREXLaCL — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2026 Before leaving the court, Medvedev signed the camera "not five sets" and added a smiley face. 4. Fans not pleased with rain delay At a crucial point in the night session on day four, there was a rain delay. Social media was sent into a frenzy. "Death taxes and having rain delays at the Australian Open," one person posted on X. Another asked the question how is there a rain delay at the only grand slam with three roofed venues. At the moment the rain came in, Alex de Minaur had just won the second set and had all the momentum. Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe and Francisco Comesana had to watch the crowd dance along to the Nutbush on Margaret Court Arena. On social media, the Australian Open showed us an animated version of the roof being closed on Rod Laver Arena. Animated feed does it too pic.twitter.com/aaSNPuSjIU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2026 5. Gauff went to a gig days before first round Speaking after her win over Olga Danilovic, American Coco Gauff shared she had spent a lot...

Sinner weighs up Kyrgios and Kim Jong-Un, plus an Aussie exodus - quick hits from the Australian Open

Continue Reading on RNZ

How do you feel about this article?

📝 Article Information

Author

Original Publisher

Published Date

Disclaimer