Australian Open Day 5 photos

Author:
Courtney Nguyen
Publish date:
Jan 17, 2014

Li Na in the shadows. (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Temperatures soared to 108 degrees on Day 5 of the Australian Open. But the oppressive heat finally broke in the afternoon, bringing ... rain.

Yes, after all the controversy surrounding the Australian Open's Extreme Heat Policy, Friday saw the first rain delay of the tournament, leading to roof closures on Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena.

As for the action on the court: Serena Williams won her record 61st match at the Australian Open, Li Na saved a match point, Ana Ivanovic impressed with a big forehand, three-time defending men's champion Novak Djokovic continued to look sharp and the team of Gael Monfils and Dustin Brown entertained a sparse crowd (again, blame the heat) before losing in doubles.

Here are some of our favorite photos from Day 5.

Lucie Safarova: She came within inches of knocking out Li. Last year, she blew a 5-0 lead against Li in the third set at the Rogers Cup. Coffee is for closers. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Serena Williams: Temperatures hit 102 degrees during Serena's 6-3, 6-3 win over Daniela Hantuchova. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Serena Williams: Power on the stretch. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic: The reigning champion has yet to lose a set in three matches. (Matt King/Getty Images)

Daniela Hantuchova: Remember when Hantuchova was a semifinalist in 2008? Seems like ages ago. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Jerzy Janowicz: He tearfully bid goodbye with a straight-set loss to Florian Mayer. (William West/AFP/Getty Images)

Gael Monfils: Good to see Gael plays doubles the same way he plays singles. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Ana Ivanovic: Has Ivanovic finally rediscovered the forehand that took her to No. 1 and the 2008 French Open title? If her 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2 win over Sam Stosur is any indication, yes. (Matt King/Getty Images)

Richard Gasquet: Another fourth-round appearance at a major went just out of reach for Gasquet, who lost to Tommy Robredo 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 (6). (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)