Highlights - Day 7 Australian Open Tennis

Hello and welcome to Melbourne for coverage of the first weekend of the

2016 Australian Open. Today we feature two British number one, the

last two Britons standing in singles.

Later we will see the top woman, Johanna Konta, as she takes on

aller-to-a of the Czech Republic. But we begin with world number two,

Andy Murray. And his record leer is bittersweet.

Murray, looking for his first slam. He gave the Prince a bit of a lesson

here in truth. Into the next and Novak Djokovic,

champion again. The outcome remains the same for

Andy Murray. It's the Iron Man from Serbia, once

again. What more can Andy Murray do? Novak Djokovic wins the Australian

Open for a fifth time. Four finalists, four times but not

to be... Well, it has been untroubled progress so far for Andy

Murray, removing Zverev of Germany, and Australia's Sam Groth. Today it

was the talented Portuguese player, seed 32, Sousa. We join where it is

1.1. The first set. This is a long way to run to try to

hit a forehand. Not creating enough space. They are getting a little bit

jammed. It's interesting to see how much he

continues to move away from Andy Murray's backhand. He has done his

homework, he will realise that Andy Murray does manage this very well.

He tends to go across-court most of the time with the forehand.

A terrific 1-2 punch there. Sousa doing a great job getting that 205 K

serve, and back on the feet quickly. The skills shining from Andy Murray.

Great composition. Amelie Mauresmo there.

Also with the Davis Cup captain. Quite a combination of shots that

was! A nice angle here. Pushing Andy Murray out to the tram lines. Then,

Sousa with the good court position, a step or so behind the baseline.

Unable to get closer in but boy, the power cross-court made up for it.

A nice early strike. Thank you very much! We talk about

the strategy, and what do you do. I think for Sousa, the idea is to get

the first strike in. To go for power tennis. Setting the tone early in

the match and try to dictate play. Take it early, that is key against

somebody like Andy Murray. You have to take time away from him, he is

such a good mover. Three points in a row now! An early

strike forcing all kinds of damage. He really has earned this

break-point. Murray, chatting away to his box,

and that is a good sign. The players sticking to favourite

points under pressure. Flying down the air, Murray loves the

cross-court. It's what good players do. They are good at manages their

game well under pressure. They know what works.

At the end of the day you want to win or lose doing what you do best,

especially at the big moments. Oh, my goodness! That is Murray

magic! That forehand across the court doing all kinds of damage and

getting him out of trouble. 2-1 in the first set.

The match stayed on serve with Murray on a 3-2 lead and Sousa

serving. Let's see what unfolds here.

It is interesting, Rob, to see if Murray ramps up the offence a bit or

go to the default mode and use the great defensive skills and feel like

this guy's levels will drop. I was thinking the same thing.

I think he could send a message to Sousa.

It was just about, I was just about to berate Andy for being passive

that the point. Then that little 15-yard sprint. His wheels are just

unbelievable. Of course, it is what you do with it

when you get there. It is one thing getting there but to do something

meaningful with the shot thereafter, that is another skill level all

together. Points like that second one can

really rock you as the lesser-ranked player. Suddenly your respect for

the guy on the other side of the net goes up a notch or two.

Murray, worry he has not used too much tonight.

That down the backline is a barometer of confidence.

Overplaying that forehand, I would like to see him pulling the trigger

down the line early. Right now, Sousa is beating him to

the punch. Andy is the one having to play defence.

That's more like it. Oh! That's just beautiful.

I like the way he started the point. Yes, nice on the offence. It looks

like he is not going to miss. So sound. That looks like a routine

backhand. This kinetic chain working so well.

The quick upper body rotation. He has a break-point here.

And Sousa is 6ft 3. A well proportioned athlete. Strong. Couple

that with good timing. That's a solid game.

Just raised his level a little on the return game.

Sousa was found wanting. Just a couple of really nicely

defended points thrown in with a coup of really clean offensive

points. Now we will see what the less experienced Sousa does. Will he

change his strategies? Or will he still go after the Murray serve?

I love the reaction. Plenty of belief.

He expects to be level with Murray. He is agitated he is down a break.

Keeping an eye on the first-serve percentage of Murray it is decent.

It will work. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

Just a nice little check swing. This is good reflex. Sousa guessing the

right way. Then that takes the right hand and using a little check swing.

Cheeky. Old faithful, working a treat! Just

like that, he wrestles control of the opening set from Sousa. 5-2,

Murray leads. Murray took the first set safely,

6-2, and served at the start of the second set.

It is interesting that Andy is a little agitated there, like he would

throw his racket down. He missed the first serve, looked over to his box

and flung his hand. He is serving at 70%. He has won the first one 6-2.

Things a going OK as far as from what I see.

There it is again. Here is a question for you: Does

Murray have the best single handed slice of all of the players with a

double handed backhand? If not, who is your number one pick? Well, he

uses that variation well in the right frame of mind. I get concerned

when he hits three and four in a row. When he hits one or two and

steps in to drive the two hander, that is when it is really effective.

And you? He is my top seed. Bernie tomorrow itch has a very fit

back slice. He is in action later this evening against John Millman.

Be -- Bernie Tomic. Murray just has a little more flair.

Oh, my goodness. What was that? That was a gutsy

second serve, painting the middle line down 15-30.

You are not going to see a lot of second serve aces.

Having a good chuckle. He knows it doesn't happen to often.

-- due often. -- too often.

He's made it! He's had to use the full width of the court.

Andy guessing again the right side. Anticipating was almost there.

We laugh about it but it is amazing how often he gets it right when it

comes to smashes. He is the best in the business there.

This guy is not going away. He's enjoying this battle. A break-point.

Now how about that? Andy Murray hitting the big ground stroke and

seeing if Sousa is going to go with the one hand. He slides into that

right there. He recognises. Look at the big powerful steps. A great feel

on the first drop volley. I would love to see him come in a

bit more. He has such good hands. Something we were discussing, on the

opening set, the serve of Murray. I like it when he has the 5 or 10%

slice on the first serve. When he loses rhythm hes is going with the

flat bomb all the time. And the little spin creates safety.

Like that one too, he missed it. He can hit the 200, 205 and have just

enough safety on it. One thing, Sampras, there was always

a little bit, wasn't there? Shaped to the serve.

Yes, he generated an unbelievable amount of racket hits on the

serving. He carved a little extra on the spin when he needed to. Some

people have spin but lose the heaviness. Sampras' serve was so

heavy it came on you, your arm shook when you tried to hit the run.

Bekker's serve was like that -- Becker's serve was like that.

Is there an anxiety level there for Andy? This is where he will get

better. He needs a little emotional control.

Even if he loses his serve here. He broke the earlier sets twice. He is

such a good returner. Second break points.

Using that back hand. Still trying to find his range.

Plaudits for Sousa. That's a very good opening game from him.

Well, Murray was unable to break back in the second allowing Sousa to

take his first ever set on hard courts against the world number two.

So Murray with work to do at the start of the third set.

Three forehands in a row from Andy Murray.

Spot on. It is just feeding the flames.

I think Sousa spent most of his playing tennis on a clay-court.

This is important for Andy to use the backhand down the line and take

him out of his comfort zone. It's incredible defence.

You don't want to have to rely on it all the time.

Break point here for Murray early on.

Oh! Just a neutral ball in the net there.

That ball's got to have margin. Got to have more top spin, got to be

more heavy and deep. I think it is worth a second look,

given the score line. Murray is convinced it is long.

So it is. That is jaw-dropping stuff? ! How is

he able to produce shots like that at the end of his range? Murray had

weathered the storm and we join it 2-2 in the fourth.

Heavy artillery. Really controlled aggression there.

Rapid heads and speed and top spin for safety. Then the nice finishing

high forehand. Sousa winning 82% of his first

serves for the match. He's only 68 first-serve winner for

his career. So he's upped that 14% against one of the best returners in

the world. That is very impressive. You have got to love his depth. It

is his level of persistence through it. You have to point out my bad

maths skills, my bad reading skills, 83% for this set, not the match. My

maths was not created school, so please let's bury the hatchet there

quickly! He is posting some good numbers on serve here, and he needs

to keep it up in the fourth set. He wants to avoid those second serves

whenever possible. I just love that play by Andy Murray, inside the

baseline, controlled and early, not overly aggressive. He is that far

inside the baseline, hitting at that clean, it gives Joao Sousa no time

to react. That is just super tennis. Great

aggression by Andy Murray. This is what you want to see, both players

playing well at the same time, point being won by winners not mistakes.

Into double figures knife or backhand winners by Andy Murray.

Well, it is taken Andy Murray's very best to get the break. He leads 3-2

in the fourth set. With the fourth round in his sights, Andy Murray

served for the match. So, Andy Murray serving for a place

in the fourth round. It has been two hours and 37 minutes

of high octane tennis. Finally, Andy Murray has arrived at match point.

He is through to the round of 16 for the eighth straight year. It has

been a hard evening for Andy Murray. He has had to dig deep and produce

some of his best tennis to beat Joao Sousa.

Everybody here is on their feet at the Margaret Court Arena, applauding

the efforts of that young man. Andy Murray left the court without being

asked to do an interview. While the match was in progress his

father-in-law, Nigel Sears, had collapsed in the Rod Laver Arena.

The match was suspended while Nigel, who is 58, was taken to hospital

where he was reported to be conscious and talking. We all wish

Nigel a speedy recovery. Results from elsewhere in the bottom half of

the main straw had no great shocks with all the top seeds safely

through. Andy Murray will face a home favourites in round four, Hyder

Bernard Tomic or John Millman. Britain's women's number one

Johannesburg on the one the fourth round of the US Open last year and

she was hoping to do the same for the second Grand Slam event in a

row. She sort of Venus Williams in the first round and Shuai Zhang

without dropping a set. Her opponent today is Denisa Allertova of the

Czech Republic. We join about 3-2 in the first set. -- rejoined it at 3-2

in the first set. Just snatching at the backhand a

little bit, Allertova. Has not quite find the rhythm. The rallies have

not been too long. It would be nice to see her get a few long rallies

and see her loosen up just a little. Good swinging serve out wide by

Konta. Allertova is not picking up on that at the moment that that is

pretty much a favourite serve. She has been serving so well in this

match so far, 65%. Good play by Allertova, set up

nicely by the deep return to the middle. I like the way how she

continues to move forward and apply the pressure to Konta.

So, a good hold. She just wants to keep her nose in front here.

Denisa Allertova just not quite comfortable yet, has not find the

rhythm. She has made too many unforced mistakes.

Good play, just did not quite controlled the volley. I liked her

mindset there. She has been much more impressive when she has the to

come forwards. Just saw the convergence of winners

over mistakes, Allertova is more passive than her opponent. Konta is

looking to take the initiative more. Johanna Konta has been able to

control the longer rallies, she looks more comfortable, is more

patient in the rallies, waiting for the right ball to really attack.

Just not doing enough on the drop shot, Allertova. Konta read it

quickly, got up to the ball. She let her opponent no too quickly. She

knew the drop shot was possibly comment. To me, that drop shot was

just a little bit too passive, negative.

The best rally of the match so far. Allertova will be happy with that.

So will her coach. Much more positive, stepping into the courts.

A beautiful shot down the line. Allertova will have to keep her

second serve away from the forehand of Konta. It is just setting up

nicely for her to put it away. So, I break from Konta. 5-2 to the

British player. Just a little bit tougher mentally here, Johanna

Konta. Just all around being more the aggressor. She has had five

forehand winners, which is the bigger weapon that she has. Very

limited positive plays from Allertova at the moment.

Wouldn't you love to be serving for the match right now?! Having been on

record for only 27 minutes! -- on court.

Good kick-serve. Allertova struggles a bit, she is a very linear player.

When other players put shots out of her head soon, she struggles a

little bit. -- hit zone. Positive from Konta! She is getting so many

three points off that first serve. It is a real weapon at the moment,

isn't it? She will need more of that,

Allertova. She is taking some chances here, taking the ball early,

taking time away from Konta. 6-2, in 29 minutes, from Johanna

Konta. We are just 50% of the way really in the Australian Open

women's draw. Looking back over the first week, if we have a quick look

at the summary... It was really all on Konta. She got three cases when

she needed them the most. She has the ability to create more

opportunities. It is the break point opportunities, when she got the

early break in the first game, she managed to carry that momentum

forwards. Terrific depth. When she gets on the

forehand she looks dangerous, Konta. Allertova would like to create a few

more points like those, good first serve them putting it away. It is

tough to do that when you have Konta returning so well.

That is just too good. Talking about the return percentage for Konta, 81%

in. She has been so good at her death on placement on her returns,

automatically getting Allertova on the run.

Just lifting up after backhand. -- up off the backhand. Allertova

really needs to hold here, the set the tone early on in the second set,

create some pressure. That was a terrific serve. Just 155,

changing the length of the serve there.

Just a few loose unforced mistakes, not aligned Allertova to find any

rhythm. -- not allowing. So, Konta in total control. As we

rejoined the match, she is serving for the match. Serving for the

match, Konta. It has been fabulous today, the

serving from Johanna Konta. She has looked so positive every she stepped

up the line. -- to the line. The mistake coming from the backhand

from Allertova. That brings up a set of match points for Johanna Konta.

Not taking her time, straight onto the business.

Not willing to give up the match yet, Allertova.

So, Johanna Konta, the number one British player, for the first time

in her career, three to the fourth round of the Australian Open. It

matches the fourth round at the US Open last year. Some incredible

tennis from this young lady. Big smile on her face. She will love

every minute of the opportunity to play against Ekaterina Makarova, I

think it will be Ekaterina Makarova. Great match their four Johanna

Konta. She served well today, she made her opponents work off the

baseline. Remember, she was put under pressure and she was able to

produce some big shots. She has back up a couple of really big wins with

the third one. Credit to her opponent, Allertova, a big future

ahead of her. For Johanna Konta, an opportunity to further progress.

Johanna Konta, the first British woman through to the last 16 cents

1987. Madison Keys came back from a set down to beat Ana Ivanovic after

that match was delayed. Garbine Muguruza going out was the big news

of the day. Very well played. It looked most

like the perfect performance. How did it feel to you? I don't think

perfect performances exist! The match added challenges. I had to

knuckle down, stay calm, and keep trying hard. She is a very good

competitor and the match could have run away from me at any point. I

stayed true and clear to how I wanted to be out there and how I

wanted to play. I feel happy that they got the reward in the end.

Ekaterina Makarova in the next round. Your match against her last

year started pretty much this great run of form. I love playing in the

Eastbourne in front of my home crowd. I remember that match being

incredibly tough. She is a great player and whatever surface to play

her romp it will be an incredibly tough match. I will knuckle down,

fight hard and see how it goes. He will be able to watch highlights of

Johanna Konta and Andy Murray's fourth-round matches on Monday on

BBC Two. Tomorrow, Novak Djokovic will be playing Gilles Simon. You

can see that tomorrow from one o'clock. Don't forget, you can

follow all the action on the BB sport website. Coming up, the world

holds Championships. The night, Match of the Day at 10:25pm on BBC

One. So, a couple of British players progress too weak to in Melbourne.

We finish with sad news for British tennis with the death of Gerald

Williams. Gerald worked for radio and television but will perhaps be

best remembered for his Wimbledon highlights double act with Des

Lynam. One of the most recognisable voices in tennis. British fans will

mourn his passing.