Live Coverage: Australian Open - Day Three

Hello everyone! Day three of the Australian Open is here, and the action just keeps on coming. The second round gets underway today, with Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova just a few of the stars on show. We'll be bringing you all of the news, results and reaction from Melbourne.

We'll be keeping an eye on the big names later in the day, with Andy Murray due to begin his second round match against Marinko Matosevic at around 1.30am. You can follow live updates of that match right here as soon as the Brit arrives inside the Margaret Court Arena.

Early training session for @CaroWozniacki who happily signs autographs for fans #ausopen pic.twitter.com/Ix6LfwoVxA — Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2015

Maria Sharapova is the biggest name on show in the women's draw today. The second seed faces Alexandra Panova on Rod Laver for a spot in the third round. Is the Russian the only woman who can stop Serena Williams? Or could there be a shock winner this year?

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One of the most intriguing storylines at the Australian Open is the form of Rafael Nadal, who spent long spells of 2014 on the treatment table due to injuries and illness. The Spaniard has been eager to play down his chances of triumphing in Melbourne, but he showed glimpses of being back to his best in a victory over Mikhail Youzhny in the first round. He'll take on Tim Smyczek in the second session.

It's fair to say that a few of the foreign players have been unhappy with a number of Australian supporters this week due to their attempts to give a boost to the home favourites, with Ernests Gulbis and Alexander Kudryavtsev criticising fans during games. Pat Cash has joined the argument by claiming that some fans have been "out of control" in Melbourne.

Simone Bolelli faces one of the biggest challenges of the day. The Italian will be third on Rod Laver alongside second seed Roger Federer. Can he produce a shock upset to beat the second seed? It seems unlikely, but you just never know in the Grand Slams. However, Federer appears to be more determined than ever, and he has been tipped by many to win the title for a fifth time. The Swiss star has not triumphed in Melbourne since 2010.

.@DavidFerrer87 works up a sweat on a warm #Melbourne day. #ausopen pic.twitter.com/vJ1JqhyxAf — Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

SET! It's not been an easy start to the day for Tomas Berdych, but the seventh seed has battled his way to a victory in the tie-break at the end of the opening set with Jurgen Melzer.

Murray's match against Matosevic is next on the Margaret Court Arena. His Australian rival is well known for his aggressive style on the court, and Murray admits that he must look to frustrate the local favourite in the longer rallies. Read more about Murray's strategy for the second-round clash.

RESULT! Ekaterina Makarova is into the third round. The 10th seed looked in fine form once again in a 6-2 6-4 triumph over Roberta Vinci. Keep an eye on the Russian over the next fortnight. Her improvement over last year has seen her become a real contender in Grand Slams.

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Looking ahead to Murray vs. Matosevic, let's take a look at what the Australian thinks of the two-time Grand Slam winner.

"He's one of the best players in the world," the Australian told reporters. "He's unbelievable physically. His skill level is probably second only to Roger [Federer]. He's one of the most skilful players."

SET! Berdych has taken the second set 6-2 against Melzer, and the Czech ace now looks well on his way to booking a spot in the third round.

SET! Is there a mini-upset on the cards? The experienced Marcos Baghdatis has made a stunning start to his second-round match with 20th seed David Goffin, winning the opening set 6-1.

Maria Sharapova's second-round clash with Alexandra Panova is underway, and the second seed has made the perfect start by claiming a break of serve in just the third game.

If you Brits out there are wondering why Murray is not on court yet, it's because the match between Julia Goerges and Klara Koukalova is currently in the third set. Goerges is leading 4-0 in the decider. Murray and Matosevic will take centre stage after that match is over.

RESULT! Tomas Berdych has taken care of business in round two by beating Jurgen Melzer 7-6 6-2 6-2. You can now read a full report of the Czech's victory.

SET! Sharapova looks in no mood to become the latest seed from the women's draw to be knocked out in the early stages of the tournament. The Russian has just wrapped up the opening set 6-1 against Panova on Rod Laver.

Goerges has just secured the win against Koukalova. Mr Murray is on the way...

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If you haven't seen much of Matosevic, he's a bit of a character. The Australian caused a stir once by kicking over Rafael Nadal's water bottles in an attempt to get inside the Spaniard's head. However, the 29-year-old claims that he is a changed man.

"I guess I'm maturing in my old age," he said. "I'm definitely a late bloomer. I guess mentally wise, a late bloomer in that department as well."

Murray and Matosevic have already met once this year, with the British number one coming away with the victory in the Hopman Cup earlier this month. He's won all three previous meetings and is the firm favourite once again.

The players are out on the court, with Matosevic being given a great reception by the Melbourne crowd. There's a few Brits in today, but Murray will be playing the role of pantomime criminal in this match.

Matosevic has won the toss, and the Australian has elected to receive first. The action is less than five minutes away now.

Unless there's a sudden change of approach, it's safe to assume that Matosevic will adopt an attacking approach in this match. That means long rallies could be rare, and Murray will be keen to maintain his form on serve after using that particular weapon so impressively against Yuki Bhambri in the first round.

Here we go then. Murray to serve first!

No problems for Murray in the opening game. Matosevic comes to the net early on, but he's unable to keep the pressure on the sixth seed. The rallies are short and powerful, and it's Murray who holds to love by finishing the game with a big ace.

BREAK! Matosevic gets the crowd going with an ace at the first attempt. Murray hits back with a superb drop shot after coming into the net. His ability to take the pace off the ball will be vital today. A wayward backhand from Matosevic is followed by a lazy stroke into the net. Two break points for Murray. The Scot hammers a forehand into the net, but he converts the next point when Matosevic misses with another backhand. It's a great start for Murray.

It's been a very confident start to the match from Murray, who brings Matosevic forward midway through the game before reading the volley to find the winner. Matosevic hasn't found any rhythm, and the error count is quickly rising. Murray holds to love again.

BREAK! Superb from Murray. He somehow manages to stay in the point with a perfect defensive lob, and he's rewarded with an easy winner following a miscue from Matosevic. The home favourite hits back, but he misses the simplest of volleys at the net to give the lead to Murray. Fancy another gift Mr Murray? A 12th unforced error brings up two more break points. Another long backhand gifts the point to Murray, who is cruising without having to do too much.

The Australians usually don't need much encouragement to get behind one of their own, but this start from Matosevic is keeping them quiet. A couple of big serves from Murray make the difference as he displays impressive composure while Matosevic struggles at the other end. The British number one has not yet lost a point on serve. 5-0 in 14 minutes.

Matosevic starts a new game with a double fault, but he gains some much-needed confidence by executing the overhead smash in the next point. A big step forward allows him to make it 30-15 with a backhand winner. It's much better from the 29-year-old as he hits another winner, but Murray finds another gear with a stunning forehand down the line. However, a backhand from Murray goes long and Matosevic is on the scoreboard.

SET! After picking up his first game, Matosevic is slightly too eager to finish points early as three unforced errors hand set points to Murray, who uses the second to wrap up the opening set in 21 minutes. Can Matosevic produce any kind of response?

BREAK! Murray is doing just enough to frustrate Matosevic, who starts a new set with an unforced error before seeing his rival power home a backhand winner. He's on the ropes. A double fault follows and Murray has three break points. Matosevic comes to the net to stretch Murray and save one with a forehand into the corner. Incredible from Murray. The defence on show is superb as he reaches what looks to be two lost causes, but a third attempt ends with the ball landing out. Matosevic then brings it back to deuce by sending Murray wide before executing the perfect sliced volley. Oh dear. A second double fault of the game offers up another break point. Murray accepts the gift when Matosevic goes long with a backhand.

Murray looks in no mood to show mercy. He catches a shorter ball from Matosevic to start the game with a powerful forehand winner. However, his first double fault of the tournament makes it 15-15. The pressure builds on the sixth seed when they exchange errors in the middle of the game. Matosevic finds the net before hitting a forehand long, and Murray takes another game.

Matosevic looks relieved when he smashes home the overhead after a couple of excellent defensive shots from Murray. The crowd start to get involved when the Melbourne-based man hits a forehand winner. This is the aggressive tennis we expected from him. Matosevic holds to love.

UPDATE! Alexandra Panova has taken the second set 6-4 to force Maria Sharapova into a decider. Can the second seed respond to avoid an early upset?

Murray has struggled with his first serve so far in the match, but it just hasn't mattered in truth. Matosevic briefly excites the crowd with a superb return winner. After going 40-15 up, a double fault opens the door to the Australian, but Murray responds with an ace to get another game on the board.

BREAK! The effects of winning a five-set match in round one are clear as Matosevic gifts the first two points to Murray with a couple of big errors. He hits back by coming to the net and sending home the volley after stretching Murray. It's the Brit who is disgusted with himself when he gets a sliced backhand wrong. 30-30. Another powerful groundstroke and backhand volley combination hands the next point to Matosevic. Murray steps on the gas to dictate the tempo of the next rally, and he ventures into the net to use the volley well. The sixth seed then steps into the second serve to find a break point with a superb backhand winner. A wayward lob from Matosevic follows and it's a double break to Murray.

Sharapova is in big trouble on the Rod Laver Arena. Panova has claimed an early break in the deciding set to leave the second seed with a lot of work to do.

BREAK! Much better from Matosevic, who is beginning to take risks at the right times. An error from Murray is followed by a perfectly played point from the Australian to create an opening. Murray gets a point back, but a backhand into the net hands two break points to Matosevic. He then meets a Murray serve with a powerful forehand. Murray challenges the non-call, but hawkeye shows the ball clipped the line!

Poor from Matosevic. Moments after a breakthrough, he starts a new game with a double fault - his fourth of the match. It's a real mixed bag from Matosevic. One lazy stroke into the net is followed by a perfect example of how to use serve and volley. It's successive games to the Australian for the first time in the match.

The momentum is building for Matosevic, who dominates the first rally of the game with some big ground strokes before Murray hits the net. A big first serve gets Murray back level, and an ace puts him 30-15 up. A quick "come on" to Amelie Mauresmo follows as he finds the perfect angle with a forehand. The Matosevic charge is halted. Murray holds to 15.

SET! Matosevic has been the creator of his own downfall. Murray applies the pressure and the Australian crumbles to gift the Brit two break points with a double fault. An excellent attempt at a pass is enough to prevent Murray from connecting with the volley, but the set belongs to the sixth seed when Matosevic finds the net with a forehand.

There's no stopping Murray today. He's starting to find his rhythm on serve as he holds to love with an ace to finish off the game. The Scots in the crowd respond with a song.

BREAK! Matosevic has displayed in glimpses what could make him a tricky opponent as he follows a powerful forehand winner with an excellent venture to the net. A good return off the second serve brings an error from him though as he strikes the net halfway up. It's 40-30 when a forehand sails wide of the target. 0-40 turns to deuce when Murray produces a magnificent backhand return winner. Once again the defence is good, but Murray's lob off the back foot drifts long. A second deuce quickly follows, though, and a third when Matosevic miscues what looks to be an easy forehand. Murray is then gifted a break point. Matosevic adds a second present in the form of a double fault. Murray is on his way to a comfortable win.

RESULT! Marcos Baghdatis has booked a spot in round three by knocking out 20th seed David Goffin. Read the full report now.

A couple of errors bring groans from Murray and encourage cheers from the crowd as Matosevic battles his way to a rare break point. Within the blink of an eye, the chance is gone as Murray fires down a big first serve. A long forehand gives advantage to Murray, who watches Matosevic commit another error.

The glares to the coach are becoming more regular for Matosevic. Murray senses victory, and he's becoming more aggressive when returning the serve. A forehand winner should give Matosevic confidence, but Murray reads the first serve perfectly to unleash a backhand down the line. The Australian responds with a winner of his own when Murray produces some good defence in the shade at the back of the court. An ace hands the game to Matosevic.

Murray is refusing to offer Matosevic any hope. The two-time Grand Slam champion holds to love to move a step closer to what looks to be an inevitable win.

An unforced error from Matosevic starts the game, but he responds with an ace down the middle. Most of Murray's magic has come on the backhand side, but he dominates the next rally with the forehand to create an opening at 15-30. After being left frustrated by Murray's defence, Matosevic watches on in relief when the Scot sends a backhand just wide. It's a good response. He keeps in touch with a brave hold.

Matosevic has chances on the first two points, but it's Murray's slice which seems to be creating the problems as the sixth seed continues to dominate. Matosevic then puts away a smash at the second time of asking to get a reaction from the Australian supporters. A miscued forehand into the net from Murray makes it 30-30. Murray then gets the drop shot wrong, but Matosevic loses his shape as he slams the ball into the net. That was a missed chance. Murray takes a while to pile on the misery, but he finally does secure the hold to move within a game of the third round.

GAME, SET, AND MATCH! Murray makes the most of a couple of Matosevic errors early in the game, before using the lob well to bring up two match points later in the game. A forehand into the net from Murray allows Matosevic to save one, and the Australian then brings out the serve and volley to force deuce. Matosevic then sends a forehand winner down the line, but a second deuce follows. Another huge error on the forehand hands Murray a third match point, and Matosevic goes long a few moments later. Murray progresses!

Murray will be very happy to come through that game without losing a set. It wasn't his best performance, but Matosevic was just never in the match. Murray will hope to continue improving as the tournament progresses. As far as today is concerned, it's job done for the sixth seed.

RESULT! Maria Sharapova has produced some magic on Rod Laver! Alexandra Panova had two match points in the deciding set, but Sharapova showed great fight to clinch a spot in round three with a 6-1 4-6 7-5 victory.

Joao Sousa will be Murray's opponent in the third round on Friday after the unseeded 25-year-old from Portugal was handed the win due to the retirement of Martin Klizan in the fourth set of their meeting.

In a hurry: #Murray sails past #Matosevic 6-1 6-3 6-2 in a stunning display which saw him hit just 11 unforced errors pic.twitter.com/Ln8M77xVve

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

Read match reports following wins from Murray and Sharapova by clicking the links below.

Murray def. Matosevic

Sharapova def. Panova

On the live blog we're now turning our attention to Roger Federer, who is set to continue his bid for a fifth Australian Open title against second-round opponent Simone Bolelli.

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The action keeps on coming. We're ready for the next game on Rod Laver. It will probably come as no surprise to hear that Bolelli has never beaten Federer. Will it be another routine win for the second seed? Bolelli will serve first.

Solid start from Bolelli as he puts away a couple of points after two big serves. Federer gets on the board with a stunning cross-court forehand winner. A sliced backhand goes long from Bolelli. 30-30. The Italian responds well by kissing the line with a forehand of his own, but a wayward stroke forces deuce. Federer chips and charges at the second serve, and only a powerful forehand keeps out the Swiss star. Bolelli then clinches the game with a backhand winner.

Classic Federer. The second seed puts the pressure right back on his opponent by breezing through his opening service game with a hold to love.

Federer spots an opening down the line, but his backhand drifts inches wide of its intended target. A similar error on the forehand side follows. Bolelli gits him a point back with a wild backhand. However, the Italian's confident start continues with another routine hold of serve.

BREAK! Federer, much like he did in the first round, continues to come to the net regularly, and he allows a strong forehand from Bolelli to drift long. Nothing wrong with the next forehand though as a powerful stroke gets Bolelli back level. The ace down the middle follows, but a mistimed volley from Federer makes it 30-30. Bolelli stays in the game to force deuce. A great serve out wide hands the advantage to Federer. Bolelli's forehand is clearly his weapon. Another big swing of the racket brings up deuce again, and a long backhand from Federer gifts his rival a break point. He takes the chance! A superb forehand winner hands Bolelli the break.

Wow. The crowd seem a little shocked by the Bolelli forehand, and maybe Federer is, too. He's dominating the rallies at the moment with his power. One unforced error off the backhand slice is the only blip in another impressive game for Bolelli, who secures the hold with an ace, despite a challenge from Federer.

Much better from Federer. An ace down the middle gets his fans in the stands making some noise, another big serve pushes him to 40-0. How do you finish the game? Another ace of course. Excellent hold from the second seed.

Federer surely has to target the backhand, because the Bolelli forehand has been a big weapon so far. However, a couple of wild swings gift Federer an opening at 15-30. The power is impressive. Federer is unable to prevent Bolelli from taking the next two points, but he dictates the tempo in the next rally to force Bolelli onto the backhand side, which results in an error. An ace arrives at a good time, and another forehand winner moves Bolelli to within a game of the opening set.

Federer starts a crucial game with two big first serves, but Bolelli responds with a lovely passing winner with the backhand. The reaction is emphatic, though, as Federer sends down two huge serves to take the game.

SET! Excellent start. Federer can't return a first serve from his in-form challenger. Bolelli gets around the ball to set up the forehand, but he's a few inches wide of his target. A miscue from Federer hands the lead back to the Italian. Another big first serve brings up two set points. A forehand sails wide as Federer stays alive for a moment, and it's deuce when Bolelli goes long with another powerful ground stroke. Are the nerves creeping in? Maybe not. Two huge first serves allow Bolelli to take the lead. There's a long way to go, but could there be an upset? What a brilliant set of tennis from Bolelli!

Problems for Federer. Not only is he a set down, the second seed appears to be struggling with blisters, and he needs some treatment for a couple of minutes. Is the door open for Bolelli?

A big first serve encourages a reaction from the crowd, but a wayward forehand from Federer brings groans from all four corners of the Rod Laver Arena. No concerns in this game, though. Federer unleashes a winner and an ace to secure the hold.

Great combination from Bolelli as he follows the wide serve with another thunderous forehand. All of the signs are looking good for the Italian, but he knows how difficult it is to get over the line in best-of-five tennis. Another comfortable hold of serve will keep his confidence high.

If you like a forehand, the Rod Laver Arena is the place to be today. Federer's classic stroke is an intriguing match up with the powerful swing of Bolelli's. No chances for Bolelli in the third game as Federer breezes through to hold again.

It's becoming a common theme as Bolelli starts a new game with a forehand winner. Federer decides enough is enough as he comes into the net, but Bolelli gets the angle spot on as he executes the perfect pass. What next? A third forehand winner, of course. Federer steps into the second serve, but he misses the line with the backhand. Bolelli is showing no signs of letting up.

This is very good from both players. Neither man is offering the other a chance on serve in this set, and Federer puts the pressure back on Bolelli with a hold to 15. This set could be vital.

Brave from Bolelli. Federer is gifted two break points, but he digs himself out of trouble. The chance to secure the game is wasted when he fires a forehand into the net. However, an ace gets him back to advantage before Federer fails to return the lob. Great work from the Italian.

Federer hits back impressively. There's no hint of a chance for Bolelli as the second seed relies on some big serves to breeze through the seventh game. In truth, Federer isn't playing poorly, but this has been a great effort so far from Bolelli.

BREAK! The umpire steps in to call a Bolelli serve out at 0-15, but the man in the big chair was right, proves hawkeye. Federer steps into the second serve, and Bolelli's unforced error opens the door. A sliced backhand is an inch or two long from Federer in the next point, but Bolelli gifts him two break points with a wild forehand. Superb from Federer. He somehow manages to keep the ball in play despite being on the back foot, and he's rewarded with the break. Is that the turning point?

SET! Federer is starting to get very animated. A big shout and a fist pump follow the winning of the first point. Bolelli's response? A stunning backhand passing winner. You don't see that often against Federer. Wait, maybe you do. Bolelli repeats the trick. 15-30. Federer gets back level with a big first serve. Set point arrives when Bolelli sends a forehand long on the stretch. Ace! That's how you level the scores. It's going to be a big test for Bolelli from here.

BREAK! Bolelli has played some excellent tennis, and he must continue to be aggressive if he is to have a chance of upsetting the second seed. It's nervy when Federer pulls it back to 30-30, and he finds the break point with a venture to the net after Bolelli had miscued a volley. Bolelli then finds the net with the forehand! Big moment.

As Federer confidence remains on the up, Bolelli's must be dropping by the game. The Swiss converts a love hold in little more than a minute to consolidate the break of serve.

Bolelli powers to three game points as it looks like he will register a morale-boosting game. However, after Federer executes a quite ridiculous backhand drop-shot, his Italian opponent twice goes long to see the game go to deuce. Federer then has a break point after Bolelli nets but the 29-year-old does superbly to come through with the hold. A vital hold at that.

Federer looks on the way to a routine hold of serve after taking the first two points but a pair of glaring errors gift 30-30 to Bolelli. The Italian should have a break point but he frames a forehand to allow Federer to fire a winner down the line. Bolelli then slices a return wide and Federer regains his two-game margin.

BREAK! That's neat from Bolelli, who draws Federer into the net before passing him at the net, but he can't repeat on the next point and Federer volleys into the open court. A second volley takes the Swiss to 15-30 before he benefits from a net cord to earn two break points. Bolelli continues to attack but he blazes a forehand marginally wide of the line to effectively concede this third set.

He might be on the verge of losing this set but Bolelli is still coming up with some magical tennis. He middles a cross-court winner for 15-15 but Federer comes roaring back with successive aces before Bolelli flicks a forehand long of the baseline.

Fair play to Bolelli, who remains in the set with a love hold. After reaching 30-0, the 29-year-old fired down his fifth ace before executing another passing shot against the advancing Swiss.

SET! Some of Bolelli's shots off the ground have been out of this world. He flicks an outrageous forehand winner past Federer but the Swiss responds with two points in a row to bring up a set point. Seconds later, another ace is recorded and the world number two edges in front. Remarkably, this was the third set to last 33 minutes.

BREAK! It's imperative that Bolelli gets off to a good start in this fourth set but he immediately throws in a double fault. That's not what you want, Simone! However, a backhand winner helps him get back to 30-30, but after going for a little too much on a backhand down the line, it's break point to Federer. The opening is converted when Bolelli swats a forehand into the net and Federer is well on his way now.

Federer is just getting better as this match progresses. Bolelli needs to find a breakthrough from somewhere, but Federer breezes through his service game to pile the pressure back on the Italian.

It's an uphill battle from here, but Bolelli is continuing to battle impressively. After struggling with the serve in the last game, Bolelli gets back to form to push Federer onto the back foot. It's a hold, but time will quickly run out for Bolelli.

Federer pushes the serve out wide, and Bolelli does well just to make contact with the ball. You can sense the pressure to play aggressively is not helping Bolelli, who fails to return the first three serves. Federer comes into the net on the second serve. A superb half-volley is followed by a fine volley as the second seed holds to love. Great tennis.

Federer is playing exhibition tennis now. After being gifted the first point, the Swiss ace turns a difficult position into a brilliant backhand winner. Bolelli is starting to miss with his forehand now, and Federer finds three break points. He senses the end is near. Bolelli strikes the net and Federer is two games away from victory.

Bolelli simply can't handle the Federer serve now, and if the second seed continues to deliver like this, it'll take a big effort to stop him. At 30-0, Bolelli has to attack, and he evokes memories of the first set by unleashing a forehand return winner. The Italian then comes to the net to finish with a volley after Federer blocked the pass. Bolelli manages to force deuce, but he misses the baseline with a backhand passing shot. He refuses to sit back, though. Federer has to restore advantage with his 14th ace of the match and another unreturned serve secures the hold.

If you're playing tennis bingo, mark the foot-fault square. Bolelli isn't happy, but the mistake makes it a double fault, too. Federer piles on the misery with a stunning reflex volley for 15-30. It's two match points when Bolelli fails to reach a backhand down the line from the second seed. Bolelli saves one with an ace, but he goes too long with the backhand. Or does he? The match isn't over yet. Bolelli challenges and hawkeye shows that the ball clipped the line. Take two. Bolelli saves another match point by latching onto a short ball to unleash a forehand winner. They've been too rare recently. There's more drama. It looks like Bolelli has won, but Federer challenges a line call and he's proved right by the technology when it shows the ball kissed the line. Bolelli manages to survive, just. Federer will have to serve it out.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Federer completes the win. It's not been an easy day at the office, but another impressive service game allows him to book a place in round three. Hats off to Bolelli, who pushed the second seed early in the match. The focus remains on Federer, though. He's looking in excellent touch.

Even at 1-0 down, you never really doubted Federer, but it can help the contenders to be pushed hard in the early stages of Grand Slams. It's job done, and that's all that matters.

You can now read Darren Plant's full report of Federer's brilliant display against a determined Bolelli on Rod Laver.

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RESULT! Another seed is through to the third round. Grigor Dimitrov dropped the second set, but the Bulgarian recovered well to beat Lukas Lacko 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-3. The 10th seed is on course to meet Andy Murray in the fourth round if both men avoid an upset in their next test.

At around 8am, we will turn our attention to Rafael Nadal, who takes on American Tim Smyczek in the second round. The Spaniard looked in great form as he beat Mikhail Youzhny earlier in the week. Is he back to his best?

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If you missed it earlier, second seed Maria Sharapova was forced to save two match points before defeating fellow Russian Alexandra Panova, and she admits the win was all about her determination on the court.

"Fight was the only thing that I had today. I made so many unforced errors and my first-serve percentage was really low, and she was serving really well and moving me around the court," Sharapova said after the victory.

Federer has been reacting to his win over Simone Bolelli, and he was quick to praise the Italian, who produced some excellent tennis to win the opener before losing in four sets.

"It was a great match. I thought Simone played really, really well in the first set. I wasn't playing badly, but I really had to fight until the middle of the third set," the second seed claimed shortly after booking his place in round three.

Right, it's the turn of Rafa. Can he win the Australian Open this year? We'd be fools to write off such a magnificent competitor, but he still has a lot to prove even after his impressive start against Youzhny. There's no doubt he has the ability. It's about producing the goods in the latter stages. Before he gets there, he'll have to beat Tim Smyczek.

What do we know about Tim Smyczek? Well, the 27-year-old started his Australian Open campaign impressively by beating Australian Luke Saville in straight sets. He's matched his previous best in Melbourne by reaching the second round, and he is looking to qualify for the third round of a Grand Slam for just the second time.

This is the first meeting between the two players, and when asked about his opponent, Nadal admitted: "I don't know him very well."

They're about to be very close. We're just over five minutes away from the action getting underway.

If you're just getting up, or missed any of the action on day three of the Australian Open, visit our page for the tournament to find out how the action has unfolded in Melbourne. It's been another exciting day in the first Grand Slam of the year.

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So Nadal is now on court going through his warmup. It's still pretty quiet around the Rod Laver Arena ahead of the start of the night session, but the crowd is slowly starting to fill in as they get prepare to watch the third seed.

.@RafaelNadal rolls in a few last practice serves. #ausopen pic.twitter.com/FApnkkLa4N — Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

Right then, the players are ready to go, with the Spaniard serving first.

Well it's not the most straight-forward start, but Nadal takes the opening game of the match. He finds the net a couple of times to give Smyczek the lead, but the American does the same as he tries to return the Spaniard's serve.

Smyczek makes a bright start, firing an ace past the third seed, before two wide returns from Nadal help the American to a 40-0 lead. After Smyczek misses his first serve while trying to close out the match, Nadal comes inside the baseline to try and put pressure on his opponent, but the American wraps up the game with a punchy cross-court forehand. It's a promising start for the American.

An error on the Nadal backhand gives Smyczek the lead, but the third seed quickly turns things around, coming into the net the hit a volley before the American struggles with his returns, blasting three in a row long. It doesn't look like Nadal has quite hit his stride yet, but he's been solid enough in the opening few games.

BREAK! Smyczek draws Nadal into a rally, but it plays right into the third seed's hands as he stretches the American the length of the baseline. A couple of unforced errors from the world number 112, give Nadal the first break points of the match. The first one is wasted when Nadal slices his backhand wide, but another long rally gives the Spaniard the game, despite a hit on the net chord leaving him to sprint in from the baseline before picking out the back corner of the court with a forehand.

Nadal consolidates a break with a fairly mixed game, making amends for a wildly mis-hit forehand with a superb winner with the some shot on the next point.

Over on the Margaret Court Arena, Canada's Eugenie Bouchard is in action against Kiki Bertens, and the seventh seed in the women's draw has wasted no time, wrapping up the first set 6-0.

Smyczek recovers from being broken during his last service game with a decent performance this time around. A big serve gives him the lead when Nadal's return is long, while an ace extends his advantage, allowing him to come into the net on the next point and fire a volley past the Spaniard.

RESULT! 29th seed Jeremy Chardy is out! He's been beaten 7-5 3-6 6-2 6-1 by Andreas Seppi on court two this morning.

Nadal is just a game short of the first set now as Smyczek continues to struggle to return the third seed's returns, and when the American does get the ball back in play, he loses out to an overhead smash winner. Nadal is clearly having to work hard though - after just seven games the ball girls are having to wipe up his sweat behind the baseline during the change of ends.

SET! Nadal is clearly pushing to get this opening set wrapped up on his opponent's serve, and he sets it up well, peppering the American's forehand side to force him into a couple of mistakes, before Smyczek tries a volley, but hit it int the net to give Nadal three set points. The third seed comes into the net to try and drop volley, but Smyczek spots it and gets the better of him with a forehand down the line. Nadal won't be denied though as he comes inside the baseline again to rush his opponent, eventually beating him with a well-struck forehand to the corner of the court.

So, despite what looked like a shaky start, Nadal has the first set on the board after a little over 30 minutes on court. It's worrying for his opponent that the Spaniard is clearly so far from his best, but still managed to drop just two games.
© Getty Images

BREAK! Smyczek comes out fighting at the start of the second set as he immediately brings up his first break points of the match as Nadal struggles with his backhand. Rarely, Nadal gifts him the break with a double fault. That's a shocking start from the third seed.

BREAK BACK! Nadal edges ahead in the game as he tries to get the break back, but Smyczek gets the better of the Spaniard in a stunning rally, which saw both players using the full width and length of the court. Nadal tries to respond with a forehand down the line, but the shot drifts a fraction wide, but a mistake from the American takes the game the deuce on the next point. Smyczek serves well, but a couple of long forehands give the game to Nadal, getting the set back on serve.

Good news for the home fans - Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios puts out 23rd seed Ivan Karlovic 7-6 6-4 5-7 6-4 over on show court three. Another Aussie will join him in round three later this morning as compatriots Thanasi Kokkinakis and Sam Groth are going head to head on the Hisense Arena.
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Neither player are making it easy for themselves on serve in this set as a couple of forehand errors from Nadal keep the American in the game, but Smyczek hasn't really found his returning rhythm yet this morning, allowing Nadal to get the better of him by mixing his serves up.

Smyczek appears to be on track for a comfortable hold as he fires an ace past Nadal on his way to a 40-0 lead. The third seed hits back though, forcing a couple of mistakes from his opponent, but he makes a mistake on the backhand volley to hand the American the game.

RESULT! Eugenie Bouchard didn't hand around, as she's taken less than an hour to dispatch Kiki Bertens 6-0 6-3 over on the Margaret Court Arena. She'll play promising young French woman Caroline Garcia next.

Nadal is looking really comfortable on his own serve again now after his slip up at the start of this set. He's been mixing up the direction and pace of his serves quite a bit, and Smyczek just can't read the ball, sending four consecutive long returns back at the Spaniard.

You can read more about seventh seed Eugenie Bouchard's straight sets win here.

Smyczek fires his fourth ace of the match past Nadal as he races to another easy hold, sealing the game when a forehand out wide forces a wayward backhand from the world number three.

BREAK! For the second time in this set, Nadal finds himself facing a string of break points as he makes some sloppy errors. Like in the opening game of this set, Nadal makes a double fault while trying to save the game, giving Smyczek the lead in this second set. When Nadal has looked good this morning, he's looked really good, but when he's made errors they really have been shockingly poor.

There's a look of concern on Nadal's face as he makes his way out after the change of ends, and it looks like he's right to be as Smyczek appears to be easing to another hold of serve. The third seed gives himself a chance with a well-timed forehand before Smyczek slices his backhand into the net to bring up deuce. Nadal can't get the break back though as his forehand drifts wide to give Smyczek advantage before his backhand finds the net.

SET! Nadal has gone to pieces in the last 10 minutes or so, and he appears to have lost all rhythm as some lacklustre shots and a couple of wayward shots give Smyczek three set points. Nadal tries to get a rally going to save the game, but Smyczek hits a superb forehand winner to the back of the court to get the match back on level terms.

While Nadal was clearly not at his best in the second half of that set, credit has to go to Smyczek, who served brilliantly and kept his cool against the Nadal serve, which has been catching him out at times this morning.

Nadal has a couple of minutes off court at the end of the set and has emerged in a fresh outfit and the sweat has really been pouring off him this morning. He's ready to get on with the third set now as he tries to end the Smyczek resurgence.

Meanwhile, Lleyton Hewitt will be back in action tomorrow, and he insists that he has no plans to retire if he loses his second-round match against Benjamin Becker.

There's some worrying news for Roger Federer fans as the second seed has revealed that he injured his finger during his four-set win over Simone Bolelli earlier.

The break between sets appears to have helped Nadal as he forces a break point in the opening game of the set, but his opponent comes in off the baseline to pressure the Spaniard into an error, and he sees out the game with a powerful forehand.

BREAK! Back-to-back double faults from Nadal give Smyczek a 30-15 lead and leave the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena stunned as the former champion is clearly struggling. He manages to clear the net with his next serve, and gets the point with a volley. At deuce, Nadal's serve is returned wide to give the Spaniard advantage, but he can't get any momentum going, slicing his forehand wide on the next point. Smyczek punishes his opponent, bringing up break point with a backhand before just finding the sideline with a forehand over the head of the Spaniard. Everything seems to be going right for the American at the minute.

BREAK BACK! After a pretty poor run, Nadal has somehow managed to get the set back on serve. The third seed hits a couple of decent winners, but it's mistakes from the American that really help him out as Smyczek mis-cues a forehand smash and sends another long to give the third set the game.

Nadal has called the trainer onto the court at the change of ends. There's been no obvious injury, he hasn't been limping or tripped at any point, but he has been pouring with sweat and breathing quite heavily. The Melbourne heat may just be a little too much for the Spaniard, who is just coming back from appendix surgery.

While Nadal consults with the medics, Pete Sampras has been speaking about the man who has broken many of his records - Roger Federer. The 14-time Grand Slam champion admits that he finds it "amazing" to see the Swiss still playing at the top of the game at the age of 33.

After a quick chat with the trainer and a doctor, Nadal is ready to carry on.

Elsewhere, there's been a first for a Grand Slam tournament as Tunisia's Malek Jaziri has set up a third-round meeting with Australia's Nick Kygrios:

History maker: Malek Jaziri becomes the 1st Tunisian in the Open Era to reach the 3R of a Grand Slam, beating Roger-Vasselin in 5 sets

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

There didn't appear to be too much wrong with Nadal is that game! The third seed comes in to the net for a volley, before his serve forces some more sloppy returns from the American. Once again, the ball girls have to mop up Nadal's sweat at the change of ends though, he really is having to push himself in this match!

Nadal is looking much better than he did a few minutes ago, and he tries to make the most of his recover by forcing a break point. He fires his forehand long while trying to clinch the game though, allowing the American to hit back with a couple of big serves, the second of which resulted in an ace to seal the game.

This is turning into a really tight third set, with both players fighting hard for every point at the minute. Nadal edges ahead to 40-30 as Smyczek's backhand return goes long, before he makes the same error on the next point to hand the Spaniard the game.

BREAK! Nadal tries to pile on the pressure again, taking the game to deuce as Smyczek hits a backhand wide. The third seed gets two break points, but both are saved by superb serves from the world number 112. Nadal gets a third chance though when Smyczek's forehand fails to clear the net, and this time he converts he as he hurries the American on the volley, and he hits the net again to give Nadal the lead in the third set.

RESULT! In the battle of the Aussies on the Hisense Arena, it's big serving Sam Groth who has come out on top, beating compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis 3-6 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-1.
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Smyczek uses the change of ends to regroup, and he comes out fighting to get the set back on serve, hitting some superb winners to take a 40-15 lead and give himself two break point. He tries too hard with a backhand return though, while another brings up deuce. After another wide return from the American, Nadal escapes with his serve intact, making his first ace of the match.

Smyczek isn't making it easy for Nadal, as he gets a comfortable hold of serve, ensuring that Nadal has to try and hold his nerve to serve out the set. Smyczek fires another ace past the Spaniard, while Nadal misses a couple of backhands.

BREAK! For the third time in this match, Nadal serves up a double fault while facing break point. Smyczek moved superbly around the court to take a 40-15 lead, sending a forehand winner down the line before picking out the opposite sideline with a well-timed back to bring up the break points. Nadal's error means that the set is once again back on serve. Could it be heading to a tiebreak?

Smyczek ensures that the minimum he is going to get from this set is a tiebreak as he survives some powerful backhands from Nadal to take a third game in a row. After serving for the set a few minutes ago, he's now serving to stay in it.

Nadal has to sprint into the net to take a 40-15 lead, hitting a superb backhand volley, and he seals the game with another shot at the net, smashing a forehand past his opponent, so the set will head into a tiebreak.

Smyczek 1-0* Nadal

Smyczek 2-0* Nadal. The American gets the minibreak with a quick run into the net.

Smyczek *2-1 Nadal

Smyczek *3-1 Nadal. Smyczek pounces on a short forehand from Nadal to hit a backhand down the sideline.

Smyczek 4-1* Nadal

Smyczek 4-2* Nadal

Smyczek *5-2 Nadal. It's another stunning shot down the line, this time with the forehand, from Smyczek.

Smyczek *6-2 Nadal. Smyczek has set point on his own serve.

SET! Smyczek wraps the third set up in style, blasting an ace through the middle of the court to go a set ahead for the first time. Nadal looked extremely weary in that tiebreak. It had looked like he'd put his problems from the start of the set behind him, but he really struggled there.

Just to remind you, Tim Smyczek had to qualify to secure a place in the main draw at this event. If he can secure the win here, it will give him just his second appearance in the third round at a Grand Slam event, having also reached round three at his home US Open in 2013.

Nadal has nipped off court again between sets, presumably for another change of clothes. He heads back out, but his walk back out is a heavy one. He won't throw the towel in, but he looks resigned.

If Smyczek does go on to win this, it will be his first victory again a player ranked in the top 10.

World No.112 Tim #Smyczek, who's never beaten a top 10 opponent, goes 2-6 6-3 7-6(2) up on #Nadal. See this coming? pic.twitter.com/7lvLp1d6uA — Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

Nadal appears to have thrown caution to the wind as he goes for some big serves to try and clinch the opening game of the fourth set. Smyczek manages to get a point when the Spaniard misses his first serve, but he can't return his more potent deliveries, giving the third seed a comfortable hold.

While Nadal is doing everything he can just to hang on in there, Smyczek seems to be going from strength to strength. After a well-struck forehand winner, the American closes out the game with a couple of aces.

Nadal is still hanging on as Smyczek's returns go astray on the opening couple of points, before a backhand slice and an ace wrap up the game for the third seed.

Nadal is doubled over at the end of the game as Smyczek keeps the set on serve. The third seed tries to reach the forehand, but he just hasn't got the energy to extend his racquet arm, while an ace clinches it for the American.

Nadal is battling hard and he manages to take another game. He can't really move around very well, but he hits some potent forehands from the back of the court to prevent Smyczek from surging ahead.

Nick Kyrgios, who knocked Nadal out at Wimbledon last year, secured his place in the third round earlier. Here's what he had to say on Twitter afterwards:

Much better performance and mindset today, hopefully it made up for Monday 🙈 Looking forward to dubs tomorrow and then 3rd round Friday! — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 21, 2015

Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis knocked out Belgium's David Goffin, who was seeded 20th, earlier. The Cyrpiot says that working on the basics helped him.

BREAK! There's some kind of miracle going on as Nadal appears to be coming back into this. He could barely muster the strength to raise his racquet a few games ago, but now he's a break up! Smyczek plays some clumsy shots to give his opponent a chance, firing a forehand well long as well as carelessly slicing the ball into the net to give Nadal hope of a comeback.

Nadal shows yet more resilience as he consolidates the break. Smyczek pushes hard to try and get the set back on lever terms, but he fires a backhand wide while trying to take the game to deuce to hand Nadal the game. Somehow, Nadal is just a game away from getting the match back on level terms.

Eugenie Bouchard has been speaking following her easy victory over Kiki Bertens earlier. The seventh seed admits that she lost her concentration a little, despite taking just 53 minutes to win the match.
© AFP

Nadal struggled to serve out the third set, so Smyczek goes all out to make sure he has to deal with that pressure again, blasting some powerful serves towards the Spaniard to quickly secure a hold to love, but Nadal can level the match next.

SET! Smyczek presses hard from the baseline to try and keep himself in the set, but a slip while moving into the court gives Nadal set point, and a poor return to the net from the American hands Nadal the set.

Given Nadal's demeanour and performance at the start of the set, that really has come as a surprise, he looked down and out 20 minutes ago. It will be interesting to see how he copes with a fifth set after more than three hours on court already.

Serena and Venus Williams had been due to compete in the women's doubles together tomorrow. However, they both play in the singles as well on Thursday, and have announced that they won't be taking part in the doubles this year. They have won 13 Grand Slam titles together.

10th seed Grigor Dimitrov booked his place in the third round earlier today with a win in four sets over Lukas Lacko. The Bulgarian is confident that he will win a Grand Slam this year.

Here's the moment earlier that Nadal spoke to the trainer and the doctor after complaining of dizziness during the second set. If he manages to survive this fifth set, he surely owes it to their intervention:
© Getty Images

As Nadal had done at the end of the previous two sets, Smyczek heads off court for a change of shirt before the start of this set. He looks to have made a strong start as he races to a 40-15 lead. Nadal battles back though, using his backhand to take the game to deuce before a forehand down the line gives him the break point. The two engage in a superb lengthy rally as they both desperate fight for the next point, and it's the American who comes out on top as Nadal's forehand clips the net. Smyczek digs deep again, finding a couple of excellent first serves to force poor returns from Nadal and escape with his serve intact, despite facing the break point.

There's a delay to the start of the game as the big screen behind Nadal is flickering, distracting Smyczek, but the umpire quickly orders it to be switched off, so the action can resume.

Smyczek senses a chance to go on the attack, and at 30-30 has Nadal pinned back behind the baseline during another lively rally, but he tries too hard and forces the ball long. After forcing advantage, Nadal managed to take the game, coming inside the baseline to fire the forehand past his opponent.

Smyczek has responded to Nadal raising his game at the start of the fifth set, playing a superb service game to keep himself ahead in the fifth set. Nadal snatches the first point, but the American then shows his versatility, coming it for a volley before firing a forehand down the line and a cross-court backhand winner, and sealing the game with another ace.
© Getty Images

The only other match underway at the minute is on the Margaret Court Arena, where Australia's Bernard Tomic is taking on 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber, and it's the local man who is ahead after three sets:

What drama: #Tomic goes two sets to one up after recovering from 3-6 down in the tie-break, sealing it with an ace pic.twitter.com/oib7Cn1Zea — Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015

Neither player is giving anything away in this deciding set as Nadal edges ahead with an ace before Smyczek misses a couple of returns to give the third seed another straight-forward hold of serve.

Once again, it's some superb serving from Smyczek in this fifth and final set. He clinches the opening point with a sliced backhand, before Nadal has some trouble with his returns, allowing the American to secure the game with an ace.

Nadal doesn't hang around as he quickly gets the set back level with some powerful serves. He races to a 40-0 lead before punching a potent forehand past the world number 112. This is probably a good time to issue a reminder that the Australia Open doesn't have a fifth-set tiebreak, so this will go until someone is two games clear.

At 30-30 Nadal mis-hits his forehand, but still gets it back in court. It catches his opponent out though to give the third seed a chance to break. He fails to convert though, completely mis-hitting a forehand, before a couple of missed returns hand Smyczek the game. That could be costly for Nadal as saving the break point will surely boost Smyczek as he prepares to face the Spaniards serve.

Smyczek edges ahead in the game with a superb backhand down the sideline, but he struggles on the return on Nadal's next two serves. The Spaniard misses his first serve though, leaving Smyczek with an easy return, which he admittedly strikes perfectly, to take the game to deuce. Smyczek wildly mis-cues on his backhand on the next point though, allowing Nadal to seal the game with a big serve on the next point.

At 30-30, Smyczek comes into the net, but Nadal spots a chance to fire a forehand down the line. It's one of his best shots usually, but he misses it, leaving the American to see off the game with a serve to the back corner, which Nadal can't return. Nadal is not at the point where he is going to be serving to stay in the match every game unless he can get a break.

Nadal puts the pressure right back on Smyczek with a hold of serve to love, as the American gets just one return in.

Spare a thought for women's third seed Simona Halep and Australian Jarmila Gajdosova. They're due on this court next, and it's gone 11pm in Melbourne. Looks like it's going to be a late night for them!

BREAK! Nadal immediately puts Smyczek under pressure with a superb backhand return. The American tries to get back into it with a well-timed forehand, but he misses a volley to give Nadal two break points, and the third seed takes it when the world number 112 slices a forehand into the net. He'll serve for the match next.

Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is obviously enjoying the tennis during his winter break:

Love watching Nadal — Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) January 21, 2015

GAME, SET & MATCH! Smyczek fires a forehand return into the net to bring up three match points. Nadal fails to take the first, misjudging a cross-court forehand and failing to clear the net himself, while a long backhand wastes the second. He quickly creates another chance though, expertly picking out the sideline with a backhand, and this time he converts, pouncing for a volley at the net to secure a place in round three.

Nadal will probably be relieved to see that Lukas Rosol, who famously knocked him out in Wimbledon a couple of years ago, won't be joining him in the third round. The 28th seed lost, so Dudi Sela is up next for the third seed.

If you're just joining us, you can catch up on Nadal's four-hour marathon with our match report.

Nadal has been speaking following his epic match against Smyczek, and admits that he felt "very tired" after just one set, and struggled with cramps.

RESULT! Bernard Tomic sets up a third-round meeting with fellow Australian Sam Groth after knocking out 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6

Groth's ex-wife, Jamila Gajdosova, has just begun her match on the Rod Laver Arena. The Australian won at her home Grand Slam for the first time earlier this week, but faces a tough task against third seed Simona Halep. Halep is already a break up in the first set.

Sticking with the home contingent, Nick Kyrgios has been speaking following his win over Ivo Karlovic earlier. The teenager admits that he has "massive confidence" after reaching the third round.

Like Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic needed four sets to seal his place in round three, and he reveals that he had to "dig deep" to make sure of the win.

This is the moment an exhausted Rafael Nadal booked his place in the third round of the Australian Open a short time ago, having survived a five-set encounter with Tim Smyczek.
© Getty Images

Well it's now gone midnight in Melbourne, and Simona Halep appears to have no desire to stick around, she wraps up the opening set of her match against Jarmila Gajdosova 6-2 after a little over 30 minutes on court.

One Australia who didn't make it through to the third round was James Duckworth, who was beaten in straight sets by France's Richard Gasquet. He admits that he's disappointed with the defeat.

Following his five-set defeat to Rafael Nadal, American's Tim Smyczek, who is ranked at 112 in the world, has been praising his opponent, insisting that he is "one of the best".

Sam Groth came into this tournament with just one Grand Slam match win under his belt. The Australian is through to the third round though, having beaten fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis earlier. He says that he is feeling "pretty amazing" following the win.

RESULT! Just before 1am in Melbourne, Simona Halep has sealed her place in the third round of the Australian Open, knocking out Jarmila Gajdosova in straight sets after a little over an hour on court. Read all about it here.

Well that concludes the live action from day three at the Australian Open. Former champions Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer and Maria Sharapova all dropped sets, but survived to make it through to round three, while Andy Murray and Simona Halep were among those easing through. Don't forget to join us again at midnight when the fourth day gets underway, with top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams back in action. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon, goodbye.
© Getty Images