Australian Open: Roger Federer to play Marin Cilic in Sunday’s final
The men’s and women’s final line-ups are confirmed - we look at the betting odds, start times and TV schedule
Defending champion Roger Federer is through to the Australian Open final after his opponent Hyeon Chung retired during the second set of their semi-final clash.
Federer was leading 6-1, 5-2 when 21-year-old Korean star Chung withdrew because of blisters on his left foot. The victory means Federer has progressed to his 30th grand slam final and he can now match Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open titles.
The Swiss second seed will face Croatian sixth seed Marin Cilic in Sunday’s final at Melbourne Park.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Speaking after his match against Chung, Federer told the BBC: “I thought the first set was normal. I couldn’t tell what was going on with my opponent.
“In the second set I felt he was getting slower. He’s had a problem with the blister. It hurts - a lot. At some point it’s too much and you make things worse.
“Clearly I’m happy to be in the final - but not like this. He’s had such a wonderful tournament.”
The Federer vs. Cilic final takes place on Sunday at 8.30am (UK time).
Top seeds Halep and Wozniacki progress
The women’s No.1 seed Simona Halep secured a thrilling victory against Angelique Kerber to set up a final clash against Caroline Wozniacki.
Halep beat Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 to reach her first final in Melbourne. “It was very tough,” said the world No.1. “I’m shaking, I’m emotional. I knew it was going to be tough. She’s a tough opponent who is moving well and hitting from everywhere. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and helping me.”
Wozniacki is through to tomorrow’s final after a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) win against Belgian Elise Mertens. Denmark’s Wozniacki has also reached her first Australian Open final.
We look at the betting odds and how to watch the Australian Open on TV.
2018 Australian Open guide
The 106th edition of the Australian Open consists of singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
- Where: Melbourne Park, Victoria, Australia
- When: 15-28 January
- 2017 champions: Roger Federer (men’s singles); Serena Williams (women’s singles)
- 2018 prize money: AU$55m (£32m)
- Surface: hard court
- Website: ausopen.com
Australian Open finals
Women’s singles final
- Tomorrow: Simona Halep vs. Caroline Wozniacki (8.30am)
Men’s singles final
- Sunday: Roger Federer vs. Marin Cilic (8.30am)
Where does the Australian Open take place?
On Melbourne Park’s 25 courts, including the main Rod Laver Arena, which will host the Australian Open finals.
How to watch the 2018 Australian Open in the UK
All the action from Melbourne will be shown live on Eurosport. A day pass costs £4.99, while an annual pass is £29.99. The BBC will also show highlights.
When are the 2018 Australian Open finals?
The women’s final is scheduled for tomorrow with the men’s final on Sunday.
2018 Australian Open betting odds
Best prices for the Australian Open men’s singles and women’s singles, according to Oddschecker, as of 26 January:
Men’s singles betting odds
- Roger Federer: 11/8
- Marin Cilic: 28/1
Women’s singles betting odds
- Simona Halep: 5/7
- Caroline Wozniacki: 6/5
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Damian Barr shares his favourite books
The Week Recommends The writer and broadcaster picks works by Alice Walker, Elif Shafak and others
By The Week UK Published
-
The Great Mughals: a 'treasure trove' of an exhibition
The Week Recommends The V&A's new show is 'spell-binding'
By The Week UK Published
-
Big Tech critic Brendan Carr is Trump's FCC pick
In the Spotlight The next FCC commissioner wants to end content moderation practices on social media sites
By David Faris Published
-
Novak Djokovic’s next big battle: fighting deportation from Australia
feature Serb’s visa is cancelled and his appeal has been adjourned until Monday
By Mike Starling Published
-
Australian Open 2020: emotional Novak Djokovic urges everyone to ‘stick together’
In Depth Serbian returns to world No.1 after securing his 17th grand slam title
By The Week Staff Published
-
Australian Open women’s final: Sofia Kenin’s dream comes true in Melbourne
In Depth American wins her first grand slam after beating Spain’s Garbine Muguruza
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport shorts: Thiem to face Djokovic in the Australian Open final and forget Brexit Day, it’s transfer deadline day
Daily Briefing Ten things from the world of sport on Friday 31 January
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Australian Open 2020 women’s final: Sofia Kenin vs. Garbine Muguruza preview, profiles and predictions
The Week Recommends There will be a first-time winner of the Melbourne grand slam
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Sport shorts: Roger Federer’s ski trip is delayed and LeBron James promises to continue Kobe Bryant’s legacy
Daily Briefing Ten things from the world of sport on Tuesday 28 January
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport shorts: Gauff, 15, stuns defending champion Osaka and NBA star Curry wanted to be drafted by the Knicks
Daily Briefing Ten things from the world of sport on Friday 24 January
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘It’s unprofessional - it’s not cool’: Serena Williams shocked at Australian Open
In Depth China’s Wang Qiang takes advantage of American’s mistakes in Melbourne
By The Week Staff Published