In our Australian Open column, The Daily Deuce, we reflect on the drama you might have missed on and off the court, as well as the sartorial triumphs and missteps of the sporting elite.

• The Australian Open Daily Deuce: day five
• The Australian Open Daily Deuce: day six
• The Australian Open Daily Deuce: day seven
• The Australian Open Daily Deuce: day eight

Here’s what captured our attention on day nine…

Serena knows best

It might be against the rules for coaches to instruct their charges from the sidelines, but there’s no rule against your sister helping you out.

During Venus Williams’ surprise win over Agnieszka Radwanska on Monday night, Serena Williams felt moved to urge her sister to challenge a call.

When Venus’ ball was called long, Serena emphatically exclaimed “challenge!” from the stands.

After Venus chose to ignore her sister’s advice, Serena became visibly annoyed – a reaction which is now immortalised in gif form (thanks, internet).

Finally, the perfect meme to sum up all of your sporting frustrations ever. Watch it on repeat to maximise therapeutic benefit.

ICYMI: @serenawilliams desperately wanted her sister @Venuseswilliams to use hawkeye (GIF): pic.twitter.com/oMT3w5VXj4

— LetsTalkTennis (@letstalktennis1) January 26, 2015

Tennis tourists

The Australian Open sees hundreds of elite players travelling for hours to come Down Under and show us what they’re made of.

It would really be quite a shame if they came all this way to sit in a hotel room, so some more adventurous players have ventured out into the wilds of Melbourne to see what the fine city has on offer.

Of course, their main focus should be on their matches but it’s hard to focus on your forehand when Pelligrinis exists – as Andreas Seppi learnt the hard way:

Have you ever seen one man enjoy a tiny coffee so much?

He’s having nearly as much fun as Ekaterina Makarova is having on the National Gallery of Victoria’s merry-go-round:

Slightly less enthused – but having fun nonetheless – is Switzerland’s Gilles Muller riding a classic Melbourne tram:

Elina Svitolina had a great romp on South Melbourne Beach:

Finally, there’s this shot of Tomas Berdych announcing his engagement to long-time girlfriend Ester Satorova in the Botanical Gardens next to – a gondola?

Pretty sure most Melburnians will confirm gondolas are not a typical sighting in the botanical gardens.

Only the best for the seventh seed and his lady love.

Crazy eyes

Speaking of Berdych and his fiancée, the pair look set to dethrone Roger and Mirka Federer as tennis’ power couple.

Since their engagement, Berdych has had a burst of energy, even ending his 17-match losing streak to Rafael Nadal on Tuesday.

In fact, Ester’s style prowess may be to thank for Berdych’s newfound zest.

The sunglasses she wore at Tuesday’s match could singlehandedly be held accountable for Nadal’s shock loss.

After all, how can you focus on the court when those things are reflecting light all over the place?

Well played, Ester. Well played.

Competitive dressing

It was a tense showdown when Canadian rising star Eugenie Bouchard met Russian powerhouse Maria Sharapova on Tuesday.

According to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg, Bouchard decided to make some last-minute adjustments to her outfit prior to the match.

Genie Bouchard, in corridor waiting for Maria, seems to have rolled up her skirt to make it shorter. Sharapova, in dress, cannot. #AusOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 27, 2015

We even have photographic evidence of this occurring:

What we’re not quite sure about is how this gives Bouchard any kind of competitive advantage.

Perhaps it’s a fashion decision? Maybe an attempt at increasing comfort? Or maybe she just wants to show off her tan?

Regardless, the sartorial step did little to slow Bouchard’s dramatic defeat in three sets.