The biggest surprise of the day was caused by American Tennys Sandgren, who defeated No. 8 seed Matteo Berrettini 7-6(7), 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 7-5 in three hours and 23 minutes to reach the third round.
While the Italian won more points on the day (152 to 148), his opponent prevailed in the rallies that mattered most to advance in three hours and 23 minutes.
Meanwhile, Ligurian star Fabio Fognini continued to work overtime on Wednesday.
Two days on from a deciding set tie-break win over American Reilly Opelka on 1573 Arena, the 32-year-old was at it again on Margaret Court Arena, this time against Australian Jordan Thompson in a 7-6(4), 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory over four hours and six minutes.
“It was a good fight,” Fognini said of the marathon.
“I think the end was sweeter, because I was winning two sets to zero, but I won 7-6 in the fifth set.
“I feel good, but tired.
“I was up two sets to zero, but played a horrible service game at the start of the third set.
“He was serving unbelievable.”
Fognini stands one victory away from reaching the fourth round for the third time (2014, 2018).
He will play Argentine No. 22 seed Guido Pella on Friday.
The third Italian to take to the courts on Wednesday was young gun Jannik Sinner, who’s been lauded as the next big thing in the tennis world.
The 18-year-old’s Australian Open journey was thwarted by gusty winds and a rampaging Hungarian, Marton Fucsovics, during their second-round clash.
“He was playing better today,” Sinner said after the match.
“He deserved to win ... he served better.
“I have to learn to beat these players – the solid ones, the 40, 50, 60 of the world – the important thing now for me is to start beating those right in front of me.”
Playing under the tutelage of renowned coach Riccardo Piatti, Sinner has been praised by tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafaele Nadal.
Despite his loss on Wednesday, Sinner is confident he can live up to the hype.
“Nothing’s changed,” he said.
“It’s just one match.
“Obviously disappointing losing in the second round, but, you know, we have to keep going.
“I don’t like these days, but you have to accept them and then try to be ready for the next tournament.”
