Day five was another good day for the top seeds, with Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer all cruising in to the fourth round.
Agnieszka Radwanska also advances to the last 16, beating Britain's Heather Watson in straight sets.
Unseeded Kevin Anderson became the first South African to make the fourth round of a Grand Slam for a decade, causing a bit of an upset by beating Fernando Verdasco, who was seeded 22nd.
Read how all of Friday's action unfolded below:
Hello and welcome to day five of the Australian Open!
A quick recap of yesterday: the best was saved until the end with Laura Robson battling from a set down to beat Petra Kvitova. The last set was 11-9 to the Brit.
Roger Federer got through in straight sets against Nikolay Davydenko. There was also a three-set win for Andy Murray, who brushed aside Joao Sousa.
Now, though, comes the start of the tougher games, with seeds coming up against seeds in both sides of the draw. There won't be many more easy rides.
First up will be our Hev. Watson is up against Radwanksa in a huge test. It's tough to look beyond the Polish fourth seed, but we'll see!
There are some big clashes today. The previous four days have seen a lot of one-sided contest as you might expect. Now though the top seeds will have to be on their toes.
In the women's draw arguably the match of the day is Venus Williams vs. Maria Sharapova. That's due to begin at roughly 8am.
A couple of minutes away from the start in this one now. The players are just finishing their warm-ups.
Before that one we will see world number one Novak Djokociv up against 31st seed Radek Stepanek - that shouldn't be as much of a bye as the Serb has had so far! That's on at about 4am.
The temperature in Melbourne? Stupid hot. Over here? Ready to snow... I've got the raw deal.
Watson to serve first. Here we go!
Not an ideal start, she's down 0-30, Radwanska moving well so far.
Watson recovers well to take the opening game of the match from behind. She didn't panic early on and it's a good start.
Elsewhere, Angelique Kerber vs. Madison Keys is underway, as is Julia Goerges vs. Zheng Jie.
Comfortable hold for Radwanska. Watson did get into a couple of rallies, but once the points get like that you do fancy the Pole.
Strong start to the game from Watson. She moves to the net and dominates the point, finishing it with a simple smash on top of the net.
Excellent service game from Watson, who finishes with a swerving ace down the middle. Much more comfortable hold that time.
Watson comes to the net and leaves the court open for the pass, but Radwanska puts it wide.
Big slice of luck for Watson, who hit the top of the net before finishing the point well, and she has two break points.
Radwanska saves the first and Watson poorly misses the baseline with a backhand.
After the blip, the Pole sees out the game and we're still with serve, although there has been a close game each. That has to go down as a chance missed for Watson.
Watson works a point, sending Radwanska all over the court but skews her volley into the net. Three break points...
BREAK! The first is saved with a fine controlled smash, before Radwanska goes long on the second. There's no mistake with the third, though, with a stunning backhand winner down the line. First blood Radwanska.
What a shot Watson. Radwanska worked the point her way, with an advancement to the net following a backhand but Watson found the only bit of court she had available for the passing winner.
After that, though, it's a comfortable hold for the Pole, who confirms the break.
SET! Kerber 6-2 Keys
Radwanska winds up her forehand to flick a glorious passing shot right on to the line, with Watson coming to the net. Superb shot.
BREAK! Radwanska is firmly in control now as Watson gives up her serve to love, ending on a double fault. Promising start, but the Pole's class is shining through now, Watson has no answers at the moment.
At 0-30 Radwanska pulls of a peach of a disguised drop shot. Watson doesn't even move for it.
However, the Brit has two break points!
BREAK! This time she does break. Radwanska puts a backhand into the net, and if Watson wins her service game there will be a touch of pressure on the Pole.
Watson attacks the net again with a deep approach shot, and finishes a good point with a powerful smash right on to the baseline.
More good net play, but this time Watson's smash is into the net. She was back-pedalling a bit there.
SET! Another break of serve and this one brings up the opening set for Radwanska. There have been good spells form the Brit, but overall Radwanska was on top and deserved to take it.
Some good quotes from Andy Murray regarding Christophe Rochus's 'doping' claims. Take a look here.
Watson is 0-30 up but doesn't attack the second serve well enough on the next point. Watson gets a break point with a fine pass at the feet of her opponent that is returned into the net but goes wide returning a second serve. She had to to better there. After a series of deuces Radwanska eventually manages to hold with an unbelievable forehand winner.
Radwanska has the trainer on, let's take a quick look at other courts.
Georges is a set up (6-3) but a break and 2-0 down in the second against Jie.
Kerber and Keys are at 3-3 in the second following Kerber's first set win.
I've never seen it take so long to get a plaster put on a finger before, but it's done now and we will resume with Watson to serve. It begins with an unbelievable rally, which Radwanska ends with swift reactions to return a powerful volley back down the line.
BREAK! More good rallies in the game, but Radwanska takes the break and is really stepping it up after her medical timeout.
She just can't hold her serve, Watson. That's games on serve she's lost in a row. You just can't do that if you are to have any chance against the top players.
She's in danger of losing this set to love. Watson looks deflated out there and I give this one 15 more minutes.
Looks like rain. And I'm not even talking about England! There's moisture in Australia. Mark this day in your calendar. Fortunately they have a roof, which is slowly covering the court.
It takes just a few minutes to close, apparently. This is new, being used to the closing of the Wimbledon, which forces everyone out for half an hour.
Play is back underway. The drama of the rain is over. Meanwhile, in England, it's really, really cold.
BREAK! It's another break and again Watson is too slow to get into the game. She seems to have given up the ghost. They should have played in the rain, there'd have been home advantage for Watson. Two more games to go for Radwanska.
It was better from Watson, but then she went long with an unforced forehand.
Another poor forehand from Watson and Radwanska is now just one game away from being the first player into the fourth round.
SET! Marakova [4]6-7 Bartoli
Watson has won the first two points and is looking likely to get a game out of this second set.
She does indeed get one on the board and she forces Radwanska to serve for the match. That's all you can ask for at this stage of the contest.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Radwanska gets some resistance from Watson, including some excellent defensive play. Watson earns two break points but the Pole defends them superbly and takes the match.
Radwanska wasn't at her best, but then she didn't have to be. It was a valiant effort by Watson but she was the underdog for a reason.
For a recap of Watson's defeat by Radwanska, have a read of our match report here.
But do come back afterwards, or I'll be talking to myself.
Elsewhere, Kerber is about to wrap up victory - she's serving for the match at 6-5.
For now, I'll be tracking the Ekaterina Makarova vs Marion Bartoli game. I may switch to Janko Tipsarevic vs. Julien Benneteau when it gets underway.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Kerber 6-2 7-5 Keys
In fact I'm going to Hisense under the cover where Ana Ivanovic vs. Jelena Jankovic is just getting underway.
Ivanovic is seeded 13, Jankovic 22. Both from Serbia. Not much in this one on paper, it should be good.
Jankovic comfortably holds the opening game of the match, how can Ivanovic respond?
It's a battle and she has to save a number of break points, but Ivanovic eventually holds. She'll hope not all of her service games are that tough - a very strong start from Jankovic.
SET! Makarova [4]6-7 6-3 Bartoli
BREAK! This time Ivanovic attacks the Jankovic serve to earn a couple of break points. The first is saved with a delicious backhand down the line and the second goes when Ivanovic goes long from the baseline. She earns another with a fearsome forehand return and earns the first break of the match.
Ivanovic wins a fantastic point after a rally with a cross-court passing forehand.
Very good from Ivanovic. She's winning the majority of rallies over a few shots and it looking very quick on the floor so far.
Jankovic responds with a comprehensive hold to love. She needed that to get a foothold in the set.
Georges has come back from a break down in the final set to lead Jie 6-5.
Jankovic challenges the Ivanovic serve well, but it's looking strong so far and she holds to 30.
BREAK! A dominant game of tennis from Ivanovic, who takes the break with a powerful forehand that Jankovic couldn't return.
Jankovic has earned herself a break point here with a good net approach.
BREAK! And she takes it! Great response from Jankovic to keep herself in the set.
She holds comfortably to follow up and Ivanovic has her second chance to serve for the set. Early signs that this one might go to three sets, I reckon.
Three break points for Jankovic, almost immediately!
BREAK! She only needs one! Ivanovic has completely lost her way. At 5-2 on serve she was in control, but has hardly won a point since then and is in danger of losing the set.
Brilliant from Jankovic in an epic rally. Ivanovic came to the net with the volley but Jankovic steered it down the line on the backhand for the winner.
BREAK! Wow. Jankovic won 13 straight points before Ivanovic pulled out a ferocious backhand winner at 40-0. She pulled it back to deuce and went on to break her compatriot from the unlikeliest of positions. Third chance to serve for the set now...
Exceptional from Jankovic to move 0-30 up. She eventually wins the point after Ivanovic raced on to a drop shot but could only serve up a simple smash.
Oh what a rally! Ivanovic saves a break point with some powerful hitting to either side of the court and finishes with a forehand. There were 27 shots in that rally!
SET! Ivanovic finishes a superb game with an ace and takes the set at the same time. Marvellous tennis.
That was hands down the best set of tennis I've seen so far this tournament. It had everything, breaks, rallies, power, finesse. More, please.
Jankovic takes the opener in the second set, with a good shot at the feet of Ivanovic, who had advanced to the net.
SET! Na 6-4 Cirstea
Ivanovic holds without too much drama. For once in this match, both women seem to want to win their own serve.
BREAK! Jankovic struggled in that game after stretching for a smash. She's got protection on her stomach muscles, and that looked painful. Ivanovic gets the important break, though.
A classic is unfolding on Margaret Court Arena. Bartoli was 5-0 down in the final set against Makarova but is not serving at 5-4. Remarkable.
Ivanovic holds to 15 and is starting to cruise here. Then again, she was at around this point in the last set and almost screwed it up.
Both players at the net for one point there. It wasn't textbook from either player and Jankovic eventually got the point. An important hold from her there.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Makarova [4]6-7 6-3 6-4 Bartoli
A love game for Ivanovic here, and she's looking more than comfortable on serve. Can Jankovic muster anything to haul herself back in this match?
This set hasn't been as good as the last one, but then that was always a tough ask.
Good power from Jankovic on a couple of occasions in that game. She displays her trademark backhand and even a forehand cross-court to take a good hold.
Have a read of the report from that close-fought match on Margaret Court Arena here, with Makarova edging out Bartoli.
Ivanovic very efficient from the baseline today. Jankovic is quick but even she is unable to reach some of these Ivanovic forehands. A good hold and Ivanovic is one away from a straight-sets win.
Whoops, Ivanovic misses with a forehand this time, by a good couple of feet.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! A gruelling game looks to be heading Jankovic's way but she goes long with a slice. Ivanovic digs out an absolutely sublime lob volley and finishes with an emphatic smash for match point. She only needs the one as Jankovic nets.
Well, Ivanovic played as well as I've seen her at times there. Some errors, too, but especially that first set that was a very high quality match. She's up against Radwanska next and this tournament is hotting up.
It's time for me to take a break and take on board some (a lot) of caffeine. No fear, Michael Penkman is on hand to talk you through until about 4am. Michael..
Morning all. I'm back! *cue round of applause*
Right, we're with Benneteau and Tipsarevic as they duke it out on Margaret Court.
It's currently 2-1 to Benneteau on serve in this first set. Tipsarevic to serve next. Let's go!
A blinding backhand from Benneteau has him 0-30 up. It's an opening.
A misread from Tispo brings up three break points for the Frenchman. He nudged at a backhand that seemed to dip slightly just before coming onto his racquet.
BREAK! And then a net cord sends the ball wide and Benneteau has the break! That was such a bad game from the Serbian's perspective.
Deuce.
Tipsarevic was unsuccessful with a challenge, which means that he has none left. At this early stage in the set, as well.
It's Benneteau doing all the pushing and probing. He's been a bit wayward in his execution, but Tipso doesn't look quite on his game yet.
Benneteau is wasting game point after game point here. He'll get punished before too long.
Break point Tipsarevic. Can he capitalise?
No he can't. Benneteau comes into the net and produces a lovely forehand volley, giving the Serbian no chance.
Benneteau comes into the net once more and the result is just as good, this time on his backhand side. Another game point.
And another volley! He's handy at the net is this lad. He holds for a 4-1 lead.
Novak Djokovic and Radek Stepanek are underway over on Laver. The Djoker has held serve in the first game. 1-0.
Tipso holds rather routinely. Benneteau can go within a game of the first set if he holds here.
Benneteau once again stutters as he looks to close his service game out. We're at deuce.
No mistakes from deuce onwards, though. Tipsarevic went too long with his return to a second serve. Benneteau's now just a game away from taking the first set.
Kevin Anderson and Fernando Verdasco are now underway over on Hisense.
Another comfortable hold from Tipso. But now Benneteau serves for the set.
SET! The Frenchman takes the first set! This is shaping up to be a really good game. Anyone for five sets?
Well my stint has come to an end now that my colleague Matt has had his caffeine fix. I bid you farewell!
Thanks Michael. I wonder how long the effects of Red Bull last. I'm hoping until 8am.
I'm switching the coverage over to Rod Laver, where Djokovic is currently in the first set with Stepanek.
Djokovic has pulled back from 40-0 down to square it at deuce in the sixth game. It's gone with serve so far and it's 3-2 to the Serbian.
Superb cushioned volley from Stepanek to earn another game point.
Six from nine points won at the net so far from Stepanek - a definite tactic here. He holds a close one and it remains with serve.
Stepanek is matching Djokovic all the way early on. A really good start from him. He earns a break point and the Serb gets an unbelievable stroke of luck as the ball hits the net cord and just edges over. Djokovic holds - just.
Good hold from the Czech again and Djokovic is struggling to get into Stepanek. It's the Czech who seemingly has more chance of a break - at the moment..
Or maybe not. There's no shame for Stepanek that he didn't come close to the Djokovic serve there, but you suspect this is the sort of time, at 5-4 up, Djokovic will up his game for the break.
Unbelievable point. Stepanek solid on defence, with Djokovic making strong baseline shots. Eventually the Czech goes into the net with a drop shot. He's looking very tired out there already!
Oh, wow. As Stepanek advanced to the net Djokovic found the angle with a baseline passing forehand. You can only marvel at shots like that.
SET! Just as I thought, Djokovic turned on the style at the end of the set and broke easily. It's as if he took it easy until he needed to up his game. That's probably exactly what he did.
Here we go then for the second set. Djokovic to serve.
SET! Anderson 4-6 Verdasco
Good, probing hitting from Djokovic, but Stepanek is still showing he's a danger with a variation of shots. Djokovic holds first up.
Good serving from Stepanek and more strong net play moves him 40-0 up. He hits the net, but wraps up the game comfortably. This has a similar pattern to the first set now.
The 19 unforced errors from the Czech compared to Djoko's seven is the difference between the two so far.
From 40-0 down Stepanek pulls it back to 40-30 but a fantastic one-two from the Serb gives him the game. Djokovic is not striking the ball nearly as hard as we're used to so far, it's a little strange.
Stepanek, at the net, goes low left, then right before Djokovic wins the point with the help of the net cord.
He's pulled back from 0-30 to 30-30 here has the Czech.
More excellent serve and volley play from Stepanek and that's a strong hold after the early Djokovic advantage.
Not too much trouble for Djokovic on his serve there and Stepanek hasn't had a break point for quite a while. I feel this will go with serve until Djokovic decides to change that.
Amazing point! Djokovic finds the baseline with a lob but Stepanek goes over his lead to plant it superbly in court. A few shots later Djokovic's lob is long and off dances the Czech! Great stuff. He holds well.
Heather Watson has said that she will learn lessons from today's defeat to Agnieszka Radwanska. Here is what she had to say.
Djokovic finishes off an easy service game with a delightful drop volley that almost stops dead. No pressure on his serve any more whatsoever.
SET! Benneteau 6-3 4-6 Tipsarevic
BREAK! It's time for Djokovic to step it up again. At 40-15 he pulls of two excellent shots, the second a forehand winner down the line, to level at deuce. He goes cross-court with a backhand before sealing the break at the first time of asking.
SET! With few issues, Djoko wraps up the second set. I can't see a way back for Stepanek now.
The third - and I suspect final - set is underway with Stepanek serving.
Djokovic really pressing for a break here. Stepanek has saved three or four already.
Stepanek somehow reaches a perfect Djoko drop shot, but loses the point by going just long on the cushioned smash.
It's over 10 minutes now this game.
Two more saves from Stepanek. I'm starting to think this game is the last thing I'll ever watch.
He's still enjoying himself out there is the Czech. He's also still defending well from the baseline. This time he gets the net cord break and he raises his arms to the heavens. It's good to watch this. Finally, after umpteen advantages Stepanek holds. A 14-minute game! Outrageous.
SET! Almagro 7-6[3] Janowicz
After the drama of the last game, this one passes with not much. Djokovic holds to 15.
Ditto, Stepanek. Good forward and backward movement from the Czech and he holds a somewhat comfortable service game.
A comfortable hold from Djokovic and the excitement has eked out of this over the last few games.
SET! Benneteau 6-3 4-6 6-2 Tipsarevic. Could be going all the way over on Margaret Court Arena.
Stepanek recovers well from break point down to hold. A bit of pressure being exerted now by Djokovic.
And there's not much in terms of resistance coming the other way. Djokovic wins to love and the set is continuing to go with serve.
SET! Donskoy [3]6-7 Nishikori
Really strong hold from Stepanek, who finishes off the game with his first ace of the set. Now, can he get a look at the Djokovic serve here? He has to soon or he's out.
Stepanek now has more than twice as many unforced errors - 34 to Djoko's 16.
Marvellous save at break point from Djokovic with an ace and there's another unforced error from the Czech. The Serb eventually manages the hold and that's an important one. Sweat pouring from Stepanek now, while Novak looks like he's been sitting down for the past couple of hours.
Stepanek holds to love and for the first time since early on he is cranking up the pressure on the world number one. Important service game coming up for Djokovic.
Back to dominance for Djokovic, who holds easily. Business end of the set now, does Stepanek have it in him to force a fourth?
Djoko wins the first three points before good net play from Stepanek saves one of the three break points.
BREAK! However, he can't save another as Djokovic once again gets the break late in the set. He's simmered through the set and is now starting to boil, perfect timing from the Serbian.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Djokovic has no trouble serving for the set, despite another wonderful overhead and volley finish from Stepanek. The point after that Djoko wins with a forehand pass. The players embrace at the net, knowing they've been in an entertaining battle here. Djokovic safely through to the fourth round.
It's time for another break for me. Here's Michael again to keep you updated.
Hi gang! Remember what I hinted at before I left last time? That Benneteau and Tipsarevic would go five? Yeah? Well it has. The Serbian has taken the fourth set 6-2, so that's going the distance.
Apologies, it was 6-4 to Benneteau. We'll jump in at this juncture.
SET! Almagro 7-6[3] 7-6[4] Janowicz
Tipsarevic wins a monster point to level the first game of the deciding set at 30-30... although it was a gift from Benneteau, who should've put the point to bed long before Tipso did.
The Serbian is digging deep here, but he's being aided by a few mistakes from Benneteau. How many more of these marathons will Tipso have before now and the end of the tournament?
Tipso is beginning to turn the screw. He's 0-30 up on the Frenchman's serve.
Two break points for Tipsarevic...
BREAK! Benneteau fires into the net and Tipsarevic has the break! He's looking tired now, the Frenchman.
As comfortable a service hold as you're likely to see in the fifth set of a Slam. He consolidates the break and is on course for the next round. Still work to be done.
Benneteau strikes right back.
Superb return from Benneteau. He was stretching for that forehand but worked the angle brilliantly. He's up 0-15.
Benneteau has gone right after Tipsarevic's serve in this game. Hell for leather. It's 30-30.
Tipsarevic is coming into the net with more frequency now. He has the chance to make it 4-1 now...
Big ace!
Right folks, I'm off again. And I shan't be back tonight. I leave you in the good grace of Matt Domm, who will guide you through until 8am.
Hello again all. Just an hour and 22 minutes left of me today, so let's hope for some great tennis.
Benneteau is quickly up to 40-15 on serve.
Sure enough, he holds comfortably. Now would be the time for a break if he's to win this excellent duel.
Sloppy approach to the net from the Frenchman and Tipso slashes a passing forehand into the empty space, presumably saying "thank you" for making a vital service game quite so easy.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Almagro 7-6[3] 7-6[4] 6-1 Janowicz
Tipsarevic moves into a 0-40 lead. Three match points for the eighth seed.
Benneteau saves one with a forehand down the line...
And a second with a backhand after a booming serve.
Great response from the Frenchman as all three match points for Tipso disappear into the Melbourne wind.
Great hold from Benneteau. He served fantastically from 0-40 and has at least asked the question of the Serbian - can he hold to win the match?
Big ace from Tipsarevic when down 0-15.
Dreadful backhand from the Serb brings the Frenchman back in it at 30-30. He won't blow this now, surely?
GAME, SET AND MATCH! The Serb comes back from 1-0 and 2-1 down to see off the threat of the 32 seed. Fantastic effort from the Frenchman but it is Tipsarevic who marches on and into round four.
It was good from Tipso there to remain fit and strong through that fifth set. Fitness was where Benneteau lost that - he was gasping for breath at the end.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Donskoy [3]6-7 2-6 3-6 Nishikori
Fernando Verdasco is in a battle with the South African Kevin Anderson. He's 2-1 up but it's a fourth-set breaker.
In a very close breaker, Anderson edges ahead 6-4 for two set points!
SET! He's done it! We're going to five here!
Tipsarevic, by the way, will be up against Almagro next. Two evenly matched players, for me.
It's a comfortable(ish) hold for the giant South African to start the fifth and final set.
Verdasco has a problem with his shoes, so the game is slightly delayed. He resumes and holds to 15.
Anderson is agile for a big guy. He wins a neat point at the net with a volley after getting down low and quickly to his left. A superb forehand winner brings up the next game in style.
A good hold that time from Verdasco and neither player is getting much of a look-in at his opponent's serve.
Verdasco just looking to attack the Anderson serve here. He comes to the net and wins a good point with a smash.
The big South African responds with a driving forehand and a rush to the net, finishing with a delicate volley. But it's deuce now.
Superb save from Verdasco who drives a backhand almost through his opponent but a fine forehand down the line from Anderson wins him the vital hold.
Verdasco sends Anderson all around the court in the point, but the South African wins it with a stunning cross-court backhand.
He's now 15-30 up with an even better backhand return. That whizzed back past the Spaniard.
Great defence from Anderson, who then explodes into a forehand right on the line. Unbelievable play the last three points! Two break points!
BREAK! What a game from Anderson. Verdasco did little wrong on that final point but a gentle turning of the screw forced the Spaniard on to the back foot and Anderson gets the break with a calm smash. Huge service game for him now.
What pressure? He holds to love and now has just one more game required to take a famous win. He would be the first South African for a decade to get into the fourth round of a Slam.
First point Anderson..
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Incredible from the South African! He didn't want to wait to serve it out and he breaks Verdasco for the win! His performance this set was thoroughly deserving of a place in the fourth round. Really good effort! It was a booming forehand winner as well, superb shot.
So the 22nd seed goes out. Some players in that situation might have crumbled, but Anderson stepped up his game to almost unplayable levels. He was hitting winners from all angles.
Only two matches now in progress as we await 8am for the next round of big games.
One is 20th seed American Sam Querrey against 15th seed Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. It's currently just gone into a tie break in the first set. Nothing between them.
The other is Belgian Kirsten Flipkens against Valeria Savinykh. That one has Flipkens a set up (6-2) with the two level at 1-1 in the second set.
Some really interesting comments from world number one Djokovic on the Lance Armstrong interview with Oprah Winfrey. He believes that the disgraced cyclist should "suffer" for what he did. Take a look at the story here. Strong words.
A reminder of what's happened today. The most recent result was the biggest shock of the day: unseeded South African Kevin Anderson beat 22nd seed Fernando Verdasco in a five-set thriller.
Wawrinka has just pulled off as good a passing shot as you will see to work a set point. Querrey was really well placed but it flashed past him.
SET! Querrey [6]6-7 Wawrinka
That'll be all you're getting from me today. Sian Cowper has arrived to describe the rest of the day's play. Enjoy!
Thanks Matt! Good morning all, I hope you've been enjoying the action so far from day five. Still to come this morning is Venus Williams' third round tie with Maria Sharapova, and David Ferrer will look for a fourth round spot when he takes on Marcos Baghdatis. Both should be good matches
Back to the Maragaret Court Arena, it's on serve in the second set. The three games so far have been fairly straight forward so far for Wawrinka and Querrey.
We're not going to be sticking with that match though, as Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams are both out on court on the Rod Laver Arena, warming up ahead of their match, which is where we'll be heading next.
With everything that Venus Williams has achieved during her career, it may surprised you to learn that she has never won the Australian Open, while her Russian opponent took the crown in 2008
Tomorrow's schedule of play has been released, and you'll have to be up early if you want to see the Brits in action. Andy Murray and Laura Robson will both play third on their respective courts tomorrow. Depending on how long the two matches before them take, it could be a 5am/6am start for both matches.
Warm-ups done on the Rod Laver Arena, so Sharapova and Williams should be getting underway shortly. I think this match will be closer than their current rankings suggest. Venus had a difficult year with illness in 2012, but has looked good so far this tournament.
BREAK! Sharapova is yet to lose a game so far in this tournament, and she's not ready to let Williams have one yet. A few difficulties on serve for the American, as she opens with a double fault. A shaky start for the 25th seed.
We've got a few comedians in the crowd today. A shout of "come on Serena" is followed by an impression of Sharapova's trademark grunt. Neither player seems too bothered by it.
Sharapova saves a break point to hold her serve. Williams made some aggressive returns, but the Russian found her stride towards the end of the game, finishing the a great forehand shot.
SET! Savinykh 2-6 6-4 Flipkens
BREAK! Sharapova races to a 3-0 lead as Williams is struggling with the rhythm of her serve. Surely Sharapova has to drop a game at some point, she's now won 27 in a row at the Australian Open!
Over at the Hisense Arena, the match between Jurgen Melzer and Tomas Berdych has just got underway, we'll bring you regular updates from that match too, but for now we're sticking with the one on the Rod Laver Arena.
A solid service game from Sharapova, she's running away with this set at the moment
Some big serves from the American in that game, as Sharapova drops a game for the first time all tournament. The Russian is still well in control through.
Sharapova's serve is too powerful for Williams. After securing the first ace of the match, the second seed smashes her way past the American, to leave herself just one game short of the set.
Over at the Hisense Arena, Berdych is not hanging around either. He's already 3-0 up and serving in his game against Melzer in the first set.
SET! Williams 1-6 Sharapova
Sharapova is just unstoppable at the minute. Her serve was too strong for the American, and her return against the most powerful serve in women's tennis was superb. There's little Williams can do to improve her game, she's just going to have to hope Sharapova drops her standards a bit.
SET! Querrey [6]6-7 5-7 Wawrinka
Sharapova races to a 40-0 lead, but Williams forces a couple of errors from the Russian to take it to 40-30, before the number two seed finds a stunning ace to take the game.
BREAK! Williams fails to score a point during her own service game, Sharapova is in sensational form. She was never going to secure another 6-0 6-0 today, but it doesn't look like she's going to let too many more games get away from her. This performance will worry a few of the other top seeds.
In the Margaret Court Arena, Wawrinka is cruising in the third set against Querrey. He's taken a 3-0 lead, and is already two sets up.
A straight-forward game for Sharapova. Williams has no answer for her serve. Usually her forehand is excellent, but Sharapova is forcing her into mistakes while using it.
Sharapova has won 17 of the last 20 points! It's so unusual to see someone dominating a one of the Williams sisters like this.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Savinykh 2-6 6-4 3-6 Flipkens The Belgian will face the winner of the current match on the Rod Laver Arena
Williams shows some fight as she takes her first game in the second set, having found herself 40-0 down and facing three more break points. Sharapova made a couple of mistakes during that game, but has Williams left it too late to get back in to this match?
Sharapova looks to have taken her foot off the accelerator slightly, allowing Williams to a 30-15 lead before fighting back to take the game, winning a sensational rally.
Sam Querrey has fought back in the Margaret Court Arena. The American found himself two sets and 3-0 down in the third, but has pulled it back to 4-4 against Wawrinka
SET! Melzer 3-6 Berdych. After a blistering start from Berdych, Melzer fought back but couldn't save the set.
BREAK! Sharapova goes two breaks up and will serve for the match, after the closest game of the match so far. Williams has brought up just one break point against the Russian's serve so far.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Querrey [6]6-7 5-7 4-6 Wawrinka The American's fightback was short-lived, as the 15th seed knocks out the 20th seed in straight sets.
BREAK! Williams gets a break back to stay in the match. Sharapova fought back from 40-0 down to take the game to deuce, but a couple of errors cost the second seed, giving Williams a foothold in the second set.
While Williams' serve and forehand have been below par this evening, her backhand has been sensational, causing all sorts of problems for her opponent during the last few games.
Williams comes out on top of a Badminton-style exchange of volleys, before Sharapova catches her out with a delicate drop shot. Williams finds another gear to take the game, and Sharapova will serve for the match again.
Williams has shown remarkable resilience in the last couple of games. It would be a big ask for her to win this match now, but she's not going to let knock her out that easily.
Sharapova has a match point, up 40-30
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Williams 1-6 3-6 Sharapova
Sharapova keeps her cool to finish the game with a sublime ace, to set up a fourth round match against unseeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens
Speaking on court after the match, Sharapova said: "When the draw first came out that was the match-up that we were both looking forward too. She's always a very tough opponent to play, I was just really determined out there.
"I was up 5-1 then made a few more errors than I would have liked to, so I was really happy to just serve it out."
The Russian almost let Williams off in that last game, making a bad challenge when 30-0 up, before letting the American to take it to 30-30. Despite the slightly shaky end to the match, that will have given the rest of the women's draw something to think about it.
Up next on the Rod Laver Arena, fourth seed David Ferrer takes on Marcos Baghdatis, who has previously made the final of this tournament, losing in five sets to Lleyton Hewitt.
In the Hisense Arena, Tomas Berdych is currently serving for a two-set lead over Jurgen Melzer. The pair are seeded 21 places apart, and so far it's showing.
Ferrer and Baghdatis are out on court warming up. The winner of this match will face 16th seed Kei Nishikori, who beat Evgeny Donskoy in straight sets earlier today.
The pair last played in the Australian Open three years ago, when Baghdatis came out on top, having battled back from two sets down.
However, Ferrer is coming off the back of his most successful year on the ATP tour, winning seven titles, including his first ever Maters 1000 title.
SET! Melzer 3-6 2-6 Berdych
Tomas Berdych is closing in on a place in the fourth round. If he can convert his two-set lead into a match win, he'll face South Africa player Kevin Anderson.
It's a fairly straight-forward start for the Spaniard. The game ends with Baghdatis sending the ball in to the net, where it hits and breaks the sign of one of the tournament's sponsors. Oops!
Ferrer gets a lucky hit off the net chord, but the Cypriot gets the return in, before Ferrer catches the net again. Baghdatis edges a close game, but already looks like he's struggling with his opponent's speed around the court.
Baghdatis makes Ferrer work to hold his serve. The Spaniard looks to be taking a few games to get his accuracy working, he's hit the net a few times already and sent a couple of balls wide.
Meanwhile, Berdych is two breaks up in the third set in the only other singles game still taking place on day five.
BREAK! Ferrer has the break following another close game. There's little between these two at the moment. Ferrer has the better range of movement, but Baghdatis loves playing to the crowd, and has been pulling out some stunning winners early in this match. He'll need more if he's to stay in this first set though.
Ferrer is starting to get the better of Baghdatis now, and a three-game lead puts him comfortably in control of this set. His pace behind the baseline is too much for the Cypriot.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Melzer 3-6 2-6 2-6 Berdych
Berdych is comfortably through to the fourth round with a straight sets win over Jurgen Melzer, to set up a tie with Kevin Anderson.
Baghdatis comfortably holds serve, racing to a 40-0 lead before sending a ball long to give Ferrer a point, and then finding a big serve to secure the game.
BREAK! Some stunning shots from Baghdatis give the crowd something to cheer as he fights back from 40-0 down to take the game to deuce. A lucky net-chord strike is followed by a superb overhead lob, before the 28th seed brings up his first break point with a stunning volley. Ferrer catches the net again, and Baghdatis is back in the set.
Getting the break back has given Baghdatis a confidence boost as he levels the set. If both players continue playing as they are at the minute, this could be a very close, long match.
There's a nice moment as Ferrer considers a challenge, but asks Baghdatis' opinion first, and the Cypriot informs his opponent that he's not sure whether the ball was in or not. In the end, it transpires that Ferrer's serve for just in.
Baghdatis attempts an overhead smash with Ferrer off the court, but hits it down too much and in to the net. It's an easy hold for the Spaniard in the end.
While the players take a quick break between games, the sign that Baghdatis hit and broke earlier in the match is repaired.
SET! Ferrer 6-4 Baghdatis
Baghdatis gives it his all, jumping high to make a return before landing in a heap on the court surface. He then loses it in a lengthy rally after sending the ball long to give Ferrer two set points. The Cypriot saves one before getting the ball caught on the net on the next point, having the set to the fourth seed.
When Ferrer took a 4-1 lead, I thought we'd be looking at a fairly straight-forward match for the Spaniard, but Baghdatis showed great character to get back in to the set, only narrowly missing out. If he can maintain his energy levels, he'll be able to get back in to this match.
Ferrer begins the second set with an easy hold. Baghdatis could do with an early break, but will need to hold his serve first.
Some good serves from the Cypriot help him to a 40-15 lead, before Ferrer gets the better of him in a long rally. Several deuces follow until Ferrer sends the ball wide during a Baghdatis advantage to give his opponent the hold.
Ferrer takes an easy hold. Baghdatis has rarely looked threatening against the Spaniard's serve, while Ferrer has continually pushed for a break during his service games.
BREAK! A poor start to the game from Baghdatis, including a double fault, gave Ferrer a 30-0 lead, before a fantastic backhand gave Ferrer two break points. He converts at the first time of asking to take the game and the break.
Baghdatis dips deep to earn himself a pair of break points, some great cross-court stroke forcing Ferrer into a mistake. A strong serve saves the first break point, before winning a 27-stroke rally, the longest of the match so far. Ferrer takes advantage before Baghdatis puts a return long, throwing away his chance to get the set back on serve.
Baghdatis came back from 4-1 down in the first set to 4-4, what has he got in the tank this time around?
A couple of brilliant plays from at the net help Baghdatis to a comfortable hold, that will help his confidence as he looks to break back.
Baghdatis fights back from 40-15 down to take the game to deuce, but Ferrer sees the game out with a brilliant cross-court backhand, and is just one game away from a two-set lead.
Earlier today, Kevin Anderson became the first South African player to make the last 16 of a Grand Slam tournament in 10 years. Here is what he had to say after the victory.
SET! Ferrer 6-4 6-2 Baghdatis
It was easy for Ferrer in the end. He raced to 40-0 before a mistake from Baghdatis handed him the set. It doesn't feel like the Cypriot deserves to be two sets down, but he just hasn't looked that threatening against the Spaniard's serve.
Ferrer survives a tough opening game in the third set, after Baghdatis forced the game to deuce. It doesn't look like the 28th seed has given up on this match yet.
BREAK! Ferrer senses that his opponent may be tiring and takes it up a gear, finding some fantastic shots to earn three break points. Baghdatis looks to change direction quickly but slips and drops to his knees, allowing Ferrer to secure the game and the break.
BREAK! Baghdatis just doesn't know when he's beaten! He gets the break back straight away, finally getting the better of Ferrer in a long rally. That might just give him enough of a boost to attack this set.
BREAK! Ferrer gets a break again, edging a close game against Baghdatis. Both men are playing well at the minute.
Ferrer holds serve and is now well in control of the set. If Baghdatis is going to get back in to this match he needs to do it soon.
Baghdatis cruises to an easy game, including a couple of stunning serves. Ferrer didn't look to be pressing to much, he may be looking to just serve out the set.
Ferrer may not have been chasing against the Baghdatis serve, but he's still mighty during his own service game. He quickly takes a 40-0 lead before turning to his backhand to beat the Cypriot. Ferrer now needs just one game to move in to the fourth round.
Baghdatis hangs on against some aggressive play from Ferrer, forcing the Spaniard to have to try to serve out the match.
Baghdatis hits the ball in to the net to give Ferrer two match points.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Ferrer 6-4 6-2 6-3 Baghdatis
Ferrer seals his place in the fourth round with an ace, although he needed a challenge after the ball was initially called wide. It's the sixth time the Spaniard has made it in to the last 16 of the Australian Open.
Ferrer will face Kei Nishikori, who is seeded 16th, in the fourth round.
Speaking on court after the match, Ferrer said: "To beat Marcos, I need to play my best tennis. I am tired but I enjoy a lot of playing. Last year was the best of my career. I am trying to be focused for every match and every game."
And with that, Ferrer heads off the court, bringing and end to the action from day five.
That's all from day five. Join Sports Mole again from midnight for the sixth day of the Australian Open, where we'll have coverage from Andy Murray and Laura Robson's third round encounters. Victoria Azarenka, Roger Federer and Serena Williams will also be in action. Tomorrow also sees the start of the junior competitions, which includes British teenager Harriet Dart in the girls competition. Thanks for joining us.
Written by
Matt Domm
Matt Domm
