Australian Open: Federer was very hot

It is not because the French have almost disappeared from the Australian Open that nothing interesting is happening in Melbourne. Far from there. The day on Friday, where we were competing in the third round of the tournament, was eventful, between jostled favorites, star on the mat and several surprises. Here's what to remember.

The game

And in the end, Roger Federer wins ... with difficulty. The 38-year-old Swiss was forced by the Australian John Millman, who had beaten him at the 2018 US Open, to fight during five sets (4-6, 7-6 [2], 6-4, 4- 6, 7-6 [8]) to reach the round of 16. More than four hours of match, concluded in the super tie-break, which will not help to convince the skeptics that he can win here his 21st Grand Slam title. Now go to the round of 16 against the Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.

The Swiss Maestro survives 👊 @ rogerfederer outlasts a spirited John Millman 4-6 7-6 (2) 6-4 4-6 7-6 (8) to reach the fourth round at the #AusOpen for the 18th time. # AO2020 pic .twitter.com / wuMb4U1aBO

Succession

She is only 15 years old, but already beats one of the best players on the planet. The American Coco Gauff dominated the defending champion and third world player, the Japanese Naomi Osaka, in two sets (6-3, 6-4). The teenager will play her second knockout round in the Grand Slam, after the one at Wimbledon where she was revealed last season.

The French

The disappointment of the day. Winner of the Australian Open a year ago, double Nicolas Mahut-Pierre-Hugues Herbert comes out in the first round of the competition this year. His executioner? Another Frenchman, Benoît Paire, associated with the Italian Simone Bolelli. Last tricolor entered in singles, Gaël Monfils faces the Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the night from Friday to Saturday.

The belly

No Australian eighth crown for Serena Williams. The 38-year-old American was dominated by Chinese Qiang Wang (6-4, 6-7 [2], 7-5) in three sets. Her last Grand Slam victory dates back to 2017, the year she gave birth to a baby girl. Another unexpected setback was that of the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas against the Canadian Milos Raonic (7-5, 6-4, 7-6 [2]).