The Australian Open began in earnest on Day 2, with many big names and numerous Americans taking to the court for their Round 1 matches. After a rain-soaked Day 1, the weather was much drier and the crowds, some of the loudest and most supportive you’ll find at a Major, they were as dense as you’d expect.
Coco GauffThe top-seeded American at No. 3, played an early match against fellow American Sofia Kenin and emerged victorious, winning 6-3, 6-3. She will play Jodie Anna Burrage of Great Britain in Round 2.
Novak Djokovic he played a 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in Round 1, and was surprised when Basavareddy, a wild-card selection who was not yet 3 years old when Djokovic won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2008, won the first set.
Djokovic recovered the ball and won the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, but was impressed with the way Basavareddy, who turned professional only last month, played against him.
Naomi Osakawho has been working hard to get back into the mix since returning from maternity leave last year, made her way against France’s Caroline Garcia. She won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and will face No. 20 Karolina Muchova in the second round.
Seed number 1 Sinner Jannik defeated Nicolas Jarry in straight sets, although both the first and second required tiebreakers. Sinner won 7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-1, and finally put Jarry to bed in the third set. Carlos AlcarazThe third seed, had it a little easier against Alexander Shevchenko, winning 6-1, 7-5, 6-1. Alcaraz will face Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round, while Sinner will face Australian Tristan Schoolkate.
Iga Swiatekseeded No. 2, earned a straight-sets victory over Katerina Siniakova and is scheduled to face Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia in Round 2.
Former Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipasseeded 11, continues to have problems in the majors. He lost to a 20-year-old American. Alex Michelsenwho is currently the youngest player ranked in the ATP top 50.
In addition to Michelsen, the Americans also had success on the second day. No. 7 Jessica Pegula easily defeated Australian wild card Maya Joint 6-3, 6-0. Danielle Collins10th seed, defeated Daria Snigur in straight sets. No. 12 tommy paul and no. 17 Frances Tiafoe Both won their five-set matches, which took four hours to complete. Carolina Dolehide and Sebastian Korda They also won their matches and advanced to Round 2.