The pressure builds as Osaka attacks the first point of the rally, dragging Anisimova across the baseline to take a 0-15 lead. Osaka then brings up her first match point at 30-40 but Anisimova produces a series of brilliant and brave groundstrokes to alleviate the danger. It’s only temporary, though. Another match point is brought up but Osaka’s backhand then catches the net cord. She shakes her arms. There’s so much tension in this game. Anisimova is able to rise to it and delivers two big serves to see out the hold!

Osaka holds serve just as quickly. It’s been such a high-quality contest. Anisimova has shown few signs of nerves so far, but she will have to serve to stay in the match now.

Osaka refinds her first serve and fist pumps after another hold. The momentum seems to be shifting ever so slightly in her favour as she holds, but Anisimova pays no heed to that. The American holds to love emphatically.

There’s been no such difficulty for Barty, though. She’s wrapped up a 6-2 6-3 victory over the No 30 seed Camila Giorgi in 61 minutes. The Australian will face the winner of Osaka vs Anisimova in the fourth round.

A simpler hold for each player. There’s nothing to split them as they near almost two hours on court.

Anisimova is still frustrated during her service game and a simple forehand error and double fault take the game 30-30. The American digs out a terrific cross-court backhand winner under huge pressure though and holds.

Osaka is slightly out of rhythm but that’s a credit to Anisimova, whose pressure is forcing uncharacteristic errors. Two poor backhands find the net and the American has a break point. Osaka responds brilliantly though, driving a forehand into the corner that Anisimova can’t return. They go to deuce and Anisimova has another break point, leaps onto Osaka’s second serve, but thrashes a forehand into the net. That was a huge chance wasted. Anisimova is frustrated and follows it up with another error. Osaka seals the hold after almost five minutes.

Anisimova follows up a fine serve out wide with a pinpoint backhand down the line. But a double-fault at 30-15 invites pressure before Osaka’s slightly mishit backhand catches the line to bring up break point. Anisimova alleviates the danger with a fantastic volley and seals a momentous hold. There’s a real danger of an upset here.

A big shout from Osaka as she holds. Her serve has been under real pressure and, at 30-30, Anisimova had another good look at breaking. The crowd are really getting behind both players. It’s been a great match.

Anisimova’s nerves show a little as she double faults to take the game to 30-30. But Osaka snatches a little at two backhands to hand over the set. We’re heading to a decider on Margaret Court Arena.