Monfils out on Day One of Australian Open, breaks down in press conference

The 2021 Australian Open started on the 8th of February and as always, it didn’t fail to deliver action and drama in its first day. Players had to quarantine for a 14 day period on arrival in the country in their hotel rooms due to the COVID situation. This year, Roger Federer misses out due to injury and Andy Murray misses out with COVID-19 after being awarded a wildcard slot.

World number 10 ,Gael Monfils lost in the first round to unseeded Finn, Emil Ruusuvuori in five sets 6-3 4-6 5-7 6-3 3-6. The Frenchman broke down in tears in his post game press duties, citing coronavirus as the reason for his struggles. Before the lockdown, he won two titles but since the resumption of sports, he has failed to win a single match. Australia’s John Millman also lost to Corentin Moutet in 5 sets 4-6 7-6 6-3 2-6 3-6 in front of his home crowd. Angelique Kerber was knocked out by unseeded Bernada Pera 6-0 6-4 in the women’s event and Kei Nishikori was defeated by Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5 7-6 6-2. Women’s World number 12, Victoria Azarenka was also defeated by Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-4.

The other big names scaled the first round, with Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Iga Swiatek, Daniil Medvedev and Coco Gauff all winning in straight sets to set up their second round ties.