By Ben Higlett and Dan Reuben
Following the resumption of the winter break – and confirmation of the Bundesliga as Europe’s most exciting league – it was Dortmund who made another big statement on Matchday 18, a dogged 1-0 victory condemning RB Leipzig to their first home defeat of the season. Die Schwarzgelben came into the game having seen their lead at the top cut to just 3 points by a resurgent Bayern following their convincing win at Hoffenheim on Friday evening. But without a host of first-team players, including captain Marco Reus, a spectacular strike from Axel Witsel midway through the first half was enough to take the spoils, and all signs point to a title-winning debut season for Lucien Favre on the Ruhr. Germany’s Australian Open hopes rest solely on the shoulders of Alexander Zverev after Angelique Kerber was stunned by Danielle Collins in the fourth round of the women’s draw. The American, who before the tournament had yet to win a Grand Slam match, needed only 56 minutes to see off the German second seed, the 6-0 6-2 result arguably the most eye-catching result of the tournament so far.
Zverev – seeded fourth in the men’s draw – faces a tough match himself on Monday, as he comes up against big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic. The 21-year old survived a big scare against Jeremy Chardy in the second round but eased past wildcard Alex Bolt in straight sets on Saturday to set up the tie.
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