While we were sleeping: Williams sisters in, Bryan brothers out
MELBOURNE, Australia – American tennis is alive and well… in Australia. Monday three American women booked their spots in the quarterfinals of a major for the first time in over 10 years, led by wins by Venus and Serena Williams.
How did the day in Melbourne shake out while you were sleeping? Find out here.
The sisters and Madison: Both Venus and Serena survived three-set challenges on Monday, Venus in an upset over No. 6 seed Agnieszka Radwanska and Serena over Garbiñe Muguruza, who had stunned her at the French Open last year. Nineteen-year-old Madison Keys joined her compatriots in the last eight with a win over another American, Madison Brengle, 6-4, 6-2, to advance as well. She and Venus will face off for a spot in the semifinals, which likely could mean an all-American semi, as the winner will play Serena should she overcome a resurgent Dominika Cibulkova, who was a finalist here a year ago.
Bryan brothers downed: It wasn't all good news for the American contingent in Melbourne, however, as top seeds and world No. 1s Bob and Mike Bryan were ousted in the third round of the men's doubles event. The Bryans lost to the No. 14 seeds Dominic Inglot and Florin Mergea 7-6, 6-3. The brothers, who have won here six times, have lost in the third round here two straight years now. They were US Open champions in September, their 16th major and 100th career title. They won three more titles to close 2014, bringing their record total to 103.
Kei'd in: No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori was in demoralizing form on Monday, knocking out grinder David Ferrer 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 to book his spot in the quarterfinals. He'll face defending champion Stan Wawrinka, who won in four sets over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain, while big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic needed five to advance to the last eight over another Lopez, Feliciano. Three-time Australian Open winner and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic won in straight sets against journeyman Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.
Mind, meet microphone: Players haven't held back in speaking their minds at the Australian Open this year, most recently marked by Aussie Bernard Tomic's open criticism of the tournament's scheduling practices on Sunday night. Monday was no different, with Serena Williams thanking a fan in the crowd for his or her free advice during her match: "My fan coach was like, 'Use some spin, Serena!' I was like, 'Okay, okay… you're right.'" Meanwhile, Keys revealed she'll be buying herself a Louis Vuitton handbag to celebrate her breakout event. The 19-year-old also told journalists which emoji she currently relates to the best: "You know the one that she's in a salsa dress dancing? That would be me right now."
