Sydney Morning Herald Digest
Daily News • Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Australian Open 2026 LIVE updates: Awesome Alcaraz has Demon on the back foot early; Gauff’s stunning reaction to quarter-final loss
Alex De Minaur plays world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz as the quarter-finals begin. Follow live.
Victoria heatwave LIVE: State swelters under worst conditions since Black Saturday; fire threatens Great Ocean Road
Stay up to date with Victoria’s unfolding heatwave and bushfire threats with our live blog.
Australian Open Highlights: Coco Gauff v Elina Svitolina
Watch the match highlights between Coco Gauff & Elina Svitolina in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
‘Going to be a good night’: Demon wins brilliant 16-shot rally
Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz engage in an outstanding 16-shot rally.
Accused bomb-maker appears in Perth court after Invasion Day rally scare
A Perth man has faced court charged with making an explosive after an improvised bomb was thrown into a crowd of protesters at an Invasion Day rally on Monday.
Svitolina shares big smile at top 10 feat
Elina Svitolina smiles from ear to ear as Jelena Dokic informs her she’s in the top 10.
Gauff releases anger in players area
Coco Gauff is spotted smashing her racquet in the players area after losing in straight sets in the quarter finals.
Svitolina completes quarter-final masterclass
Elina Svitolina goes through to her first Australian Open semi-final.
Overnight downpour sparks flood emergency in rural Queensland town
North Queensland residents have been forced to flee their homes and a tight-knit rural town is inundated after an overnight downpour sparked a sudden flood emergency.
Two men killed in light plane crash south of Brisbane
Police have confirmed two people have died in a light plane crash in Queensland.
No end in sight to scorching heat as Victorians fight to stay cool
Amid Victoria’s all-time highest temperature, wildlife services worked to protect the state’s animals before more sweltering days.
‘Forever my hero’: Former A-League title-winning coach Rado Vidosic dies aged 64
Vidosic, a former assistant to Ange Postecoglou, had been working as the head of women’s and girls coaching at Brighton & Hove Albion alongside his son, Dario.
What it feels like in the hottest place on the planet
The Mallee has broken Victoria’s heat record. But for the locals who have to live with extremely hot weather, it’s all part of life in the region.
Confused Gauff seeks team’s help
Coco Gauff frustratingly addresses her team as she struggles in the quarter final.
Police search for two people after alleged assault
Police are hunting for two people after an alleged assault at Elizabeth Downs in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
Ball kid assists Gauff in racquet ‘shenanigans’
A ball kid relays messages back and forth between Coco Gauff and her team.
South Australia endures record-breaking heat
South Australia’s severe heatwave is continuing to break records.
‘That fire will run’: Dozens of towns evacuated as Otways fire grows
As the state nears Black Saturday levels of burnt land, Victorians brace for the worst.
Aussies find ‘extra gear’ to move into semis
Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler advance to the men’s doubles semi finals.
Keeping women alive is everybody’s business. Here’s what we must do next
Five women killed this month alone. All knew their accused attackers. Systemic failures are costing women’s lives.