The 2023 Australian Open commenced today, with first-round action taking place. In the days leading up to the tournament, controversial Australian star Nick Kyrgios pulled out through injury, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka in missing the tournament.
In the men’s singles, defending champion Rafael Nadal overcame a rocky start to defeat Brit Jack Draper 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 and book his place in the second round.
Stefanos Tsitsipas made light work of Quentin Halys, defeating the Frenchman in straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(6). The third seed progresses to the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev showed his class with a straight sets win over Marcos Giron, booking his second round spot in the process. The seventh seed won 6-0 6-1 6-2.
South Africa’s Lloyd Harris stunned Lorenzo Mussetti, defeating the Italian in five sets to qualify for the second round of the tournament. Harris won 6-4 6-1 6-7(0) 2-6 7-6(4) against the 17th seed.
Felix Auger-Aliassime came back from a set down to defeat compatriot Vasek Pospisil and progress to the second round of the competition. Auger-Aliassime won the match 1-6 7-6(4) 7-6(3) 6-3.
16th-seed Frances Tiafoe defeated Daniel Altmaier in four sets to qualify for the second round. Tiafoe won 6-3 6-3 6-7(5) 7-6(6).
In the women’s singles, World number one Iga Swiatek beat Jule Niemeier in straight sets 6-4 7-5 to qualify for the second round.
Coco Gauff continued her meteoric rise in tennis with a 6-1 6-4 straight sets win over Katerina Siniakova to proceed to the second round.
One-time Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu defeated Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 6-2 to progress to the second round of the competition.
Maria Sakkari defeated Yue Yuan 6-1 6-4 to progress to the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
Third seed Jessica Pegula beat unseeded Romanian Jaqueline Christian 6-0 6-1 to qualify for the second round of the tournament.
Danielle Collins needed three sets to overcome Anna Kalinskaya and reach the second round of the tournament. Collins won 7-5 5-7 6-4 in the game.
