Oz Open: Federer's leap, Thiem's class

Roger Federer was excited before his third-round match even started, while Dominic Thiem showed his class and Lauren Davis needed peanut butter. We look at the talking points from Melbourne.

Published : Jan 22, 2016 15:59 IST , Melbourne

Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem
Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem
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Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem

ENTERTAINED FEDERER

Rarely does Roger Federer allow his emotions get the better of him, but he did while waiting to take to Rod Laver Arena.

The Swiss great was alongside opponent Grigor Dimitrov watching Maria Sharapova's clash against Lauren Davis.

After one point, Federer leapt out of his chair – as captured by Channel Seven cameras – in disbelief.

Yes, he still did it with poise and class.

 

THIEM'S SPORTSMANSHIP

Dominic Thiem produced one of the better pieces of sportsmanship at this year's tournament during his four-set loss to David Goffin.

The Austrian was serving at 3-1, 15-15 in the second set when a Goffin return hit the baseline and was called out.

Thiem's return had gone well long before the call, which Goffin challenged, but the chair umpire wanted the point replayed. The 22-year-old, though, had other ideas, saying he had played his shot to see the point awarded to Goffin.

 

"I THINK IT'S IN"

Davis was on the back foot early in her three-set loss to Sharapova, and the chair umpire threatened to put her even more so.

The 22-year-old American trailed 2-1 on serve when a forehand from Sharapova appeared to float long.

A replay of the point had been called when Davis asked to challenge. "You can but I think it's in. Up to you," the chair umpire responded.

Davis decided to proceed anyway and was proven right. She laughed and received an apologetic wave from the chair.

 

MID-MATCH SNACK

A day after fellow American Rajeev Ram had a can of Coke during his match, Davis also took an unusual nutritional route.

Davis had a spoon or two of peanut butter during her loss to Sharapova.

 

MAIN EVENT ON HISENSE

Hisense Arena has dropped down the court pecking order at Melbourne Park, slipping to number three behind Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.

But it looked like the place to be on Friday as Melbourne's rain again led to delays on the outside courts.

There were long lines to enter to see seeds Goffin and Thiem do battle, with Hisense the only court with play accessible to ground pass holders.

And with two rising stars of the men's game doing battle, it was the court to be at.

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