Australian Open 2024 LIVE updates: De Minaur plots future victories; Azarenka faces qualifier; Alcaraz takes on Kecmanovic

Victoria azarenka, a two-time Open champion, is back in the lead against qualifier Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine after an early scare.

It’s 4-3 for Azarenka in the first set.

Earlier, the crowd let out a collective gasp after Yastremska fell onto the blue court of Rod Laver Arena.

After a quick towel down, the Ukrainian returned to court to continue the contest against Azarenka.

The sun is darting between clouds here and the fans, many armed with Aperol spritzes and beers, are still filling up the 14,500-capacity court.

It can be an issue for players, as the brightness from the sun obstructs the players’ sight from the ball, forcing them to adjust their ball toss.

Yastremska fell over on court.Credit: AP