Legend’s miracle run continues; Aussie clashes with champ at centre of controversy — AO LIVE

NIGHT 7 PREVIEW

The lone local woman left in the Australian Open faces her biggest ever test, as qualifier Maddison Inglis battles two-time champion Naomi Osaka on centre court tonight.

Inglis, 28, has already matched her career best by reaching the third round. Both of her wins thus far came in lengthy three-setters.

But Osaka has been nowhere near her best either, dropping sets in both matches, and sparking controversy by making noise in-between her opponent’s serve in the second round.

Inglis would be the first Australian qualifier to reach the fourth round at the Open since Christine Matison in 1978.

The winner is likely to face world No.2 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round, with the Pole needing to get past Anna Kalinskaya this evening.

The night session opens on Rod Laver Arena with 10-time champion Novak Djokovic battling Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

Veterans Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka are also in action tonight, with 2014 champion Wawrinka playing his final Australian Open.

His five-set win in the second round made him the player with the most five-set matches in tennis history.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN NIGHT 7 ORDER OF PLAY

Men’s and Women’s Singles third round

Show courts and Aussies – all times AEDT

Rod Laver Arena

Night session from 7pm

Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) vs [4] Novak Djokovic (SRB)

[16] Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs [Q] Maddison Inglis (AUS)

Margaret Court Arena

Night session from 7pm

[31] Anna Kalinskaya (RUS) vs [2] Iga Swiatek (POL)

Marin Cilic (CRO) vs [12] Casper Ruud (NOR)

John Cain Arena

Night session from 5pm

[WC] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs [9] Taylor Fritz (USA)

[5] Elena Rybakina (KAZ) vs Tereza Valentova (CZE)