| PHOTO: REUTERS |
World number three Coco Gauff kicked off her Australian Open campaign in impressive fashion on Monday, while former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered the tournament's biggest upset so far.
Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for Grand Slam history later on a blockbuster second day, with Jannik Sinner starting his title defense from last year's triumph.
Carlos Alcaraz also takes to the court, aiming to claim the one major title that has eluded him.
In the women's draw, Iga Swiatek and two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka are set to make their appearances.
Gauff set the tone early, decisively defeating former champion and fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena. The third seed, unbeaten this year after leading the US to a United Cup victory, cruised past the 2020 Melbourne Park winner 6-3, 6-3 in just 80 minutes.
"I knew it would be tough, but I'm happy with how I played," said Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion.
Meanwhile, 11th-seed Tsitsipas was ousted in the opening round by young American Alex Michelsen, who triumphed 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on John Cain Arena. The 26-year-old Greek, who faced Djokovic in the 2023 Melbourne final, struggled against the 20-year-old Michelsen's relentless play.
"I just tried to stay composed," said Michelsen, ranked 42nd, after securing his first win over a top-20 player at a Grand Slam.
Serbian great Djokovic is targeting an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown. He faces American Nishesh Basavareddy in the prime-time evening match on Rod Laver Arena.
"I don't know much about him," admitted Djokovic, now coached by former rival Andy Murray. "But I'm sure he'll be eager to make a statement."
World number one Sinner will precede Djokovic, opening his title defense against Chile's Nicolas Jarry, as he aims to move past the doping controversy that clouded his recent performances.
Spain's Alcaraz, seeking to complete a career Grand Slam at just 21, will face Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko in the night session on Margaret Court Arena. The four-time major winner has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in Melbourne.
Women's second seed Swiatek plays her opener against Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova on John Cain Arena, while Osaka will wrap up the night session on center court against France's Caroline Garcia. This rematch of last year's first-round clash saw Garcia emerge victorious.
Currently ranked 50th, Osaka, who claimed two of her four Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park, aims for a strong start after reaching her first final since 2022 in Auckland.
Australian fans will also get to see Nick Kyrgios in action. Returning from 18 months out due to knee surgery and wrist reconstruction, Kyrgios will take on Britain's Jacob Fearnley on his favorite "party court," John Cain Arena, promising an electrifying performance.
"It's good to be back," said the 29-year-old. "I think the sport was getting a bit stale."
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