Australian Open 2025: Sinner Into Round Two as Gauff, Swiatek Make Flying Starts
The Australian Open kicked off with high drama and fierce competition on Monday, showcasing a blend of defending champions and emerging talents.
Jannik Sinner, the Italian world No. 1, launched his title defense in style, overcoming Chilean Nicolas Jarry with a gritty straight-sets victory, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. Despite the weight of controversy surrounding him—following two positive tests for traces of a steroid last March—Sinner received a warm welcome on Rod Laver Arena, reaffirming his determination to focus on the court.
Although cleared by tennis authorities, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) continues to pursue a two-year ban, casting a shadow over his campaign.
In the women’s draw, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek showed her class with a solid performance against Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova, winning 6-3, 6-4 on John Cain Arena.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to make a significant impact at Melbourne Park, with her best result being a semifinal appearance in 2022.
Meanwhile, fellow American Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3 in the world, demonstrated her prowess by dismantling former champion Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 6-3, in just 80 minutes, continuing her unbeaten streak this year after leading the U.S. to victory in the United Cup.
However, the day wasn’t without its surprises. Former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first major upset of the tournament, falling to American Alex Michelsen, ranked 42nd, by a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Tsitsipas, who faced Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, appeared out of sorts and struggled to find his rhythm.
As the evening approaches, all eyes turn to Serbian great Novak Djokovic, who begins his quest for an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam singles championship. He faces American Nishesh Basavareddy in a highly-anticipated match, showcasing the veteran’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the young sensation yet to claim the Australian Open title, prepared for his first-round match against Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko in the night session at Margaret Court Arena. Alcaraz, looking to add this elusive trophy to his collection, is eager to make his mark in Melbourne.
In a surprising twist, former champion Victoria Azarenka fell in her opening match, succumbing to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (7/2). This early exit highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where seasoned players can be caught off guard by rising stars.
Adding to the intrigue, Japan’s Naomi Osaka is set to face 67th-ranked Caroline Garcia, a rematch of last year’s first round, where Garcia emerged victorious.
Now ranked 51, Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, aims to reignite her career after recently reaching her first final since 2022, only to retire due to injury.
