MELBOURNEAustralia — Day two of the Australian Open unfolded on Tuesday with the first round continuing to take shape, bringing a mix of routine wins from the sport’s biggest names and a handful of matches that hinted at the drama still to come over the next two weeks.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic began his pursuit of another Australian Open title in familiar fashion, advancing to the second round with a straight-sets victory that required little explanation. The seven-time champion was composed and efficient, showing few signs of rust as he opened play on a tournament that has long been his most reliable stage.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur followed with a consistent performance of his own, using his speed and defensive instincts to control the points and keep the home crowd engaged from start to finish. Carlos Alcaraz also advanced, tested briefly before settling and closing out his match without dropping a set. Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner joined them in the second round after hard-fought victories that provided more certainty than spectacle.
Not everyone made it out unscathed. Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to withdraw from his opening match, undone by physical problems in the warm conditions, adding another layer of uncertainty to what has already been an uneven stretch for the Canadian.
The women’s draw provided a similar pace. Iga Swiatek took an early swing before pulling away to secure her first round win, her timing and control improving as the match progressed. Coco Gauff progressed comfortably, serving well and staying patient in the longer rallies that defined much of her match.
Aryna Sabalenka swept through her opener with authority, while Elena Rybakina continued with little resistance, continuing a smooth and efficient game that has become her trademark. Belinda Bencic stood out among the day’s winners, stepping up to her game and showing the kind of early form that tends to matter in Melbourne.
(AP photo)
For Australian fans, the day also brought disappointment, with one of the main local hopes of the tournament going out in the straight sets despite strong support from the stands.
As the first round draws to a close, the tournament now begins to narrow. More players will take to the court in the coming days, and with them comes the gradual transition from the rhythm of the opening week to the matches that begin to have real consequences in the first Grand Slam of the season.
