The Special Ks return to Melbourne Park in the men’s doubles, while Australia’s James Duckworth gets a shot at Jannik Sinner – who he has some history with – in an action-packed night at the Australian Open.
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THE FIERY HISTORY BEHIND AUSSIE’S SINNER SHOWDOWN
Australian wildcard James Duckworth faces arguably the toughest test possible at Melbourne Park with a second round clash against two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on Thursday.
Duckworth rallied from two sets to one down to win his first round match against Dino Prizmic in stunning scenes two nights ago.
His fightback prompted Duckworth to joke that tournament organisers should schedule his date with Sinner on Court 6 because “I enjoyed it out here”.
But the Italian taking on a local was always destined for Rod Laver Arena.
The history between Sinner and Duckworth will only add to the occasion.
They have not met since 2021, but Duckworth toppled the then talented teenager that year in straight sets.
No Australian has beaten Sinner since as he has risen to the heights of world No.1 and won four grand slam titles.
Duckworth’s win came on the hard court of the ATP Masters 1000 Canada, and the current world No.88 clearly got under the skin of Sinner.
On his way to winning 6-3, 6-4, Duckworth let out a trademark Aussie ‘c’mon’ in celebration after winning a point.
It rattled the Italian.
“Why the f**k are you screaming?” Sinner responded in his native language.
Duckworth knows it will be a different challenge to unsettle Sinner this time around, however.
“It was, it was obviously a few years ago but yeah he’s well number two now. He has been world number one,” he told Channel 9.
“And yeah it’s going to be it’s one of biggest challenges in know beating him or Carlos in best of five. So look I know going to be difficult but looking forward to the challenge.”
Elsewhere on Night 5, former finalist Elena Rybakina is up second on centre court, while all eyes will be on Naomi Osaka before her 7pm clash with Sorana Cirstea to see what she wears on the way to the court.
The Special Ks of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are in action in the men’s doubles.
Aussie battlers fall at Melbourne Park | 00:53
AUSTRALIAN OPEN NIGHT 5 ORDER OF PLAY
Men’s and Women’s Singles second round
Show courts and Aussies – all times AEDT
Rod Laver Arena
Night session from 7pm
[WC] James Duckworth (AUS) vs [2] Jannik Sinner (ITA)
[5] Elena Rybakina (KAZ) vs Varvara Gracheva (FRA)
Margaret Court Arena
Night session from 7pm
[16] Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs Sorana Cirstea (ROM)
Jaume Munar (ESP) vs [12] Casper Ruud (NOR)
John Cain Arena
Night session from 5pm
Marie Bouzkova (CZE) vs [2] Iga Swiatek (POL)
Vit Kopriva (CZE) vs [9] Taylor Fritz (USA)
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