Australian Open

The 2023 Australian Open has finally begun, with the season-opening grand slam getting underway at Melbourne Park from Monday morning.

“I’m like, ‘No, someone’s going to beat us. But this year should be different for a number of reasons. The ATP and WTA reacted by stripping the event of rankings points. Then there is the Kyrgios singles question. Gauff was broken early in the second set to fall 2-4 down, but hit back to first level the scores then pull ahead. But Kyrgios laughed off media reports of his actions. Gadecki’s career prizemoney entering the tournament was $175,000 AUD. Gauff said: “I can’t put a percent on it, but I know the best is yet to come for me. “There’s a joke that my mom has. I think I’m just continuing to get stronger. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo.

Rafael Nadal seeks to defend his title in Melbourne, and the women's field is wide open, but world no. 1 Iga Swiatek is a definite favorite.

eastern on ESPN2. eastern on ESPN. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at [Hey Alma](https://www.heyalma.com/), a Jewish culture site. eastern, and men's finals take place January 29, time 3:30 a.m. Finals: The women's finals take place January 28 at 3:30 a.m. Semifinals: The women's semis take place January 26 at 3:30 a.m. Round of 16 airs Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. You can also watch all the matches on ESPN+, ESPN's streaming platform. I’m looking forward to coming because I always play very well and probably my best tennis throughout my career on Australian soil, so I came in early ... Qualifying began on Monday, January 9, but has already wrapped up. I don’t actually recall when I came that early to Australia. The Serbian player had his visa ban overturned in November.

From genuine title threat to ugly Aus Open truth we can't ignore — Verdict on every Aussie's chances.

While a very promising junior, Burel is yet to make the second round at the Australian Open, but is coming off a third-round appearance at last year’s US Open. Xinyu is looking to reach the second round here for the second consecutive year and is gradually building at 21 years of age. Winning through qualifying and then his first round at Adelaide International 2 may’ve done a world of good for Millman, who has struggled for form and consistency in recent times and returned to the Challenger circuit as a result. She will enter a comfortable underdog against Fruhvirtova, who despite being world No.80 is improving at rapid speed, winning her first WTA Tour title last year despite being just 17 years of age. It’s the first time they’ve met on the Tour, but both have had a relative lack of success in the main draw of majors, with Hanfmann’s second-round appearance here last year his best at any slam. It’s about as good an opening round matchup as Popyrin could’ve hoped for given his ranking, so the onus is on him to make the most of it. Still, if there’s a game to be at in the opening round for Australian fans, it’s this one. After bowing out in the first round last year to Steve Johnson, Thompson will be keen to do better this time around. Verdict: Hsu is not a player de Minaur should have any trouble defeating, given he primarily plays on the Challenger circuit and has had to come through qualifying to seal a spot in the main draw. Still, he will enter comfortable favourite in the first and second rounds before he starts facing seeds and facing some gruelling prospects in the best-of-five set format. He’d then be projected to meet Novak Djokovic, who no one in the world will enter favourite against. Safiullin is a tricky customer to draw for the Aussie first up, with the Russian playing a big game that can take matters out of his opponents’ hands when firing.

Australians Storm Hunter, John Millman and Jason Kubler are scheduled to play on day one at Australian Open 2023.

Hijikata, a 21-year-old from Sydney, is making his Australian Open main-draw debut. The 31-year-old German recorded a major breakthrough of his own at Australian Open 2022, beating Thanasi Kokkinakis to score his first Grand Slam main-draw win. This is Huesler’s Australian Open main-draw debut. Hunter will aim to record her first Grand Slam main-draw singles win against world No.79 Wang, a 21-year-old Chinese player who won the Australian Open 2018 girls’ doubles title. Hunter (nee Sanders) won her first Grand Slam title and broke into the world’s top 10 in doubles during a memorable 2022 season. The 29-year-old wildcard, who is making his fourth Australian Open main-draw appearance, is now aiming to claim a third. The 21-year-old Frenchwoman is making her fourth main-draw appearance at Melbourne Park and aiming to progress beyond the opening round for a first time. Fan favourite Millman is making his ninth Australian Open main-draw appearance as a No.140-ranked wildcard. [> VIEW: Australian Open 2023 men’s singles draw](https://ausopen.com/draws#!mens-singles) Her older sister, Veronika, is currently ranked inside the world’s top 10 in both singles and doubles. [> VIEW: Australian Open 2023 women’s singles draw](https://ausopen.com/draws#!womens-singles) The highly touted Gadecki, a 20-year-old wildcard from the Gold Coast, is ranked No.199 and being mentored by Australian Open 2022 champion Ash Barty.

Australian wildcard Olivia Gadecki has won her opening-round singles match at Australian Open 2023. Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers.

[WC] Alexei Popyrin (AUS) v Chun-Hsin Tseng (TPE) [WC] Jason Kubler (AUS) v Sebastian Baez (ARG) [Q] Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) v [Q] Brandon Holt (USA) [WC] Olivia Gadecki (AUS) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR) With the momentum in her favour, Gadecki charged home. “I don’t even think I can put it into words,” beamed Gadecki after the match.

Join Nine Tennis Commentator Craig Gabriel and Richard Stansbury as they preview how the crowd will react when Novak Djokovic takes to Rod Laver Arena. Follow ...

Queensland wildcard Olivia Gadecki made a sensational start to her grand slam career on Monday, breezing past Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova 7-5, ...

For daily updates of all the tennis action during the Australian Open, She is one of only five Australian women in the Open’s main draw after But it sure helps having the defending Australian Open champion in your corner.

Rafael Nadal, defending Australian Open men's champion and all-time winner of most Grand Slam titles (22), headlines the day session against Jack Draper of ...

1 Iga Swiatek and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. TALIA GIBSON (AUS) v CLARA BUREL (FRA) Lighting up the night session will be women’s world No.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula and several others could challenge for the Aussie Open titles. Our experts weigh in.

She reached the final in Tokyo in September, recorded wins over [Simona Halep](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=936), [Paula Badosa](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2731) and [Jelena Ostapenko](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2195) last year, and opened the 2023 season with a statement victory over [Anett Kontaveit](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2059) in Adelaide. [Andy Murray](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=235), [Roberto Bautista Agut](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=1733) and dinged-up versions of Sinner and [Yoshihito Nishioka](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2226), then taking the first set off of Djokovic in the final. He has won each of the past three and eight of the past 11 Aussie Opens he has played in, and he is still at the top of his game. [Bianca Andreescu](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2979) in the third round, [Danielle Collins](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=3262)/ [Elena Rybakina](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=3126) in the fourth and so on. The 20-year old has been grinding at a top-50 level for a couple of years, and she made a really nice run at the first Adelaide tournament (though in second one, not so much; she laid a bit of an egg against [Shelby Rogers](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=1897)). His draw is absolutely loaded -- a run might require him to beat Medvedev in the third round, [Denis Shapovalov](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2860) or [Hubert Hurkacz](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2726) in the fourth and Nadal or Tiafoe in the quarterfinals -- but Korda is in tremendous form, and it would be disappointing if he didn't at least give Medvedev a run. [Sofia Kenin](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2746) has had a great start to the season. [Frances Tiafoe](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2708) in the U.S. She had a solid start in Australia last year, including the final eight in Melbourne, and a strong end to the year. [Daniil Medvedev](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=2383) had his worst overall win percentage in four years in 2022 (70%) and lost in straight sets to Djokovic in Adelaide. Having made the most of his limited 2022 season and starting the new year with the title in Adelaide -- and likely with a chip on his shoulder -- Djokovic should get his 22nd major title at the end of the fortnight. [Caroline Wozniacki](http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=630): I think Swiatek is the favorite to win.

The COVID pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine combined to make 2022 one of the most controversial years in tennis, writes Daryl Adair.

And what of the Russian and Belarusian players? We don't want them on site. This incensed the Ukrainian ambassador in Canberra, who labelled Tennis Australia's position as " There's an opportunity in Melbourne for that trend to change. For example, in January 2022 the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) [peace](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/russians-belarusians-to-play-at-australian-open-despite-calls-for-ban-20230104-p5cacx.html)". This was especially bad news for Russian tennis players, who were expecting to defend victories in both events from back in 2021. As the [from nowhere](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/what-did-it-change-belarusian-star-slams-wimbledon-ban-20221231-p5c9me.html)". [unprincipled](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/russians-belarusians-to-play-at-australian-open-despite-calls-for-ban-20230104-p5cacx.html)". Doubtless, though, some tennis players had been vaccine hesitant, most notably Novak Djokovic, who famously declared he'd rather [no such requirement](https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/players-can-take-part-in-the-australian-open-if-they-are-covid-positive/news-story/4faa3beb692427279f81d7aaba970e06).

Consecutive losses at the United Cup see Rafael Nadal kick off his Australian Open title defence without a match win in 2023, and he is facing dangerous ...

By Paul Johnson There are also plenty of Australians in action, with Olivia Gadecki an early winner.

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open a day before he was scheduled to play his first-round match because of an injured knee.

It's part of the sport," he said. To Nick's credit, he did everything to get back on court." "Obviously a mixture of emotions [but] that's life. His physiotherapist, Will Maher, said Kyrgios "didn't pull up great" from the exhibition and was in no state to take part in a Grand Slam. It was worth persevering to see if he can get back on court. It's brutal," Kyrgios said.

Australia's top-ranked male player has been battling knee soreness in the lead-up to the grand slam. “I'm devastated,” he told reporters on Monday. More to come ...

A knee injury will prevent Nick Kyrgios from competing at this year's Australian Open. Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers.

“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event. I guess I can draw some inspiration from someone like Thanasi (Kokkinakis) who has had a bunch of injuries and has bounced back,” Kyrgios said. “The situation now is, we want to prevent him from having further injury or making that injury worse. Injury is a part of the sport. “We used the match, the charity event against Novak, as a gauge to see if he could compete at that highest level. Hasn’t been easy at all,” Kyrgios said of the decision to withdraw.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Open on the eve of his opening match with the knee injury that has significantly hampered his preparations.

“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event. “We used the match, the charity event against Novak, as a gauge to see if he could compete at that highest level,” Maher said. I was extremely hard on myself after that loss in the quarter-finals, thinking that I could win it from there on. Getting on the court simply wasn’t enough for him. I always wanted to just do everything right and train right and tick every box, and just be ready for the Aus Open.” Then going into this event as one of the favourites, it’s brutal.

The Aussie No.1 detailed the situation at a snap press conference at Melbourne Park.

Going into this event as one of the favourites, it’s brutal.” “I guess I can draw some inspiration from someone like Thanasi (Kokkinakis), who’s had a bunch of injuries and bounced back. “I always wanted to do everything right and train right, tick every box, and be ready for the Aus Open. “I’m devastated obviously, it’s my home tournament. That’s life, injuries are part of the sport. “It’s no secret that this is my favorite place to play so it hurts to miss out on a great opportunity to play in front of my home crowd and to be surrounded by the incredible love and atmosphere.” “It was the US Open, I was extremely hard on myself after that loss in the quarter-finals thinking I could win it from there on and obviously just had Aus Open on the back of my mind from that day forth as soon as I got off the court against (Karen) Khachanov. But with pain lingering, he was left with no choice but to book himself in to go under the knife and withdraw from the Australian Open. “Even last week he was having (the knee drained) where they use a syringe to try to drain the cyst. [Nick Kyrgios](https://7news.com.au/sport/nick-kyrgios) has withdrawn from the [Australian Open](https://7news.com.au/sport/australian-open) due to a knee injury that requires surgery. “It’s not a significant injury in the sense that it’s going to be career-threatening or anything like that,” Maher said. His manager had hinted at the growing concerns when he rejected criticism of the Wimbledon finalist’s call to withdraw from the United Cup and a lead-up tournament in Adelaide.

Nick Kyrgios's Australian Open campaign ends before it begins after he pulls out of the Melbourne Park major with a knee injury.

"Getting on the court simply wasn't enough for him. Injury is a part of the sport," Kyrgios said. "I've worked so hard. I had some hope. "This coming around is just bad timing. His physiotherapist Will Maher said it was "impossible" to determine when the 27-year-old sustained the injury, but he "started to describe discomfort" in his knee in the past fortnight.

Kyrgios' Aus Open exit left him 'devastated'. It's proof this should've been his year.

Obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life probably. It’s just devastating.” “I feel like I’ve let so many people down. It’s a brutal blow for a player who is in the best form of his career and genuinely appears to have turned a corner on in his relationship with tennis. “It’s like my home tournament. Yeah, I‘m devastated obviously,” he said.

The Australian was due to play his first match of the tennis tournament on Tuesday night.

getting on the court simply wasn't enough." "And to Nick's credit, he did try everything to the point even last week, he was having a procedure to drain the cyst and any amount of injections that he could try and get in his knee without causing long-term damage." - Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Open a day before his first match of the tournament.

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open just a day out from his first round match in a huge blow to the tournament.

Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. [Ajla Tomljanovic pulled out](https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open/im-sorry-ajla-tomljanovic-pulls-out-of-australian-open/news-story/baba2cbdc333f7994780a9de66a94bbf) of the Australian Open on Saturday, explaining she hadn’t recovered from a left knee injury in time. Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open just a day out from his first round match in a huge blow to the tournament. [ pulled out of the United Cup](https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/nick-kyrgios-withdraws-from-united-cup-on-the-eve-of-event/news-story/7543349bffc10097f6304afbd78f8dac) team event in late December because of an ankle injury, but it was hoped he had recovered enough to compete in the Australian Open. Nick Kyrgios has sensationally pulled out of the Australian Open just a day before he was set to take the court in Melbourne.

Rafael Nadal comes through a challenging opening test against Jack Draper in Rod Laver Arena at the 2023 Australian Open.

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) title (2009, 2022). With defeat to Nadal, the Briton fell to 0-2 against top seeds at the Slams, having lost to [Novak Djokovic](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/novak-djokovic/d643/overview) at 2021 [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview) in his major debut. His best major result is a third-round run at the 2022 The Spaniard delivered in the crucial moments of a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory against 21-year-old debutante [Jack Draper](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/jack-draper/d0co/overview) to reach the Melbourne second round for the 17th time. The pair's first ATP Head2Head matchup was briefly interrupted by rain at several moments early on, and the action on the court seemed to match that stop-start pattern as both men took turns dictating from the baseline. He is young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front [of him]. In an all-lefty matchup, Nadal clinched sets one and three with decisive, late breaks to make up for what was nearly a 6-0 second set for Draper. "I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round, being seeded. But Nadal rattled off the final six games as Draper's physical issues hampered him more and more. The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me, but hopefully this victory is going to help me." I’m very excited about this new beginning, just super happy to be back here in I’m super happy to be back here in Australia one more time," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

Nick Kyrgios's Australian Open title dream is over before it even began after the big home hope was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Kyrgios's long-time physio Will Maher says the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up has a cyst growing on his meniscus.

"I was ranked outside 100 a year ago. Obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life probably. "And to Nick's credit, he did try everything to the point even last week he was having a procedure to drain the cyst and any amount of injections that he could try and get in his knee without causing long-term damage." "He still tried to give himself every chance in the following days to have subsequent training but it was clear that with each passing session that he was getting sorer and sorer." "It's not a significant injury in the sense that it's going to be career threatening or anything like that. It's like my home tournament.

Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Monday due to a knee injury. The Australian was scheduled to face Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old maintained his form throughout the year, advancing to the [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview) final in singles and triumphing at the [Citi Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/washington/418/overview) among other results. "I think we've made the sensible decision to withdraw him because at this stage he wants to feel mentally comfortable that he can go seven matches, he can go the distance, and needs to be able to do potentially seven three-hour matches. "To Nick's credit, he did try everything, to the point even last week he was having a procedure called a fenestration and drainage where they use a syringe to try and drain the cyst, which Nick has some pretty gruesome photos of. The Australian was scheduled to face [Roman Safiullin](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roman-safiullin/sx50/overview) on Tuesday, but will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser [Denis Kudla](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/denis-kudla/kb09/overview). "It's not a significant injury in the sense that it's going to be career threatening or anything like that. "Look, I'm not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event.

Aussie wildcard Rinky Hijikata has recovered from a two-set deficit to score a memorable victory in his Australian Open main-draw debut.

[WC] Olivia Gadecki (AUS) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR) That is the most fun match I’ve ever played in my life.” “I couldn’t have done it without the support today. “Going into the fifth I was feeling pretty good. He used this momentum to shine, striking 58 winners to secure his first Grand Slam main-draw singles victory in memorable fashion. “I was just a little bit anxious I think and really uptight,” Hijikata explained of his slow start.

Aussie brilliance! Open debutant wins from 2-0 down after five-set Millman epic; ex-champ out: Wrap.

I was - I don’t know, I don’t really know what to say at the moment,” Hijikata said on Nine post-match. A raucous crowd cheered him home, and the pressure built with Hijikata double-faulting on the second of two initial match points. That is the most fun match I’ve ever played in my life.” The Aussie stormed back into the match in front of a loud Court 8 crowd. “I couldn’t have done it without the support today. He then butchered a return which dribbled over the net and could not be returned, earning a 4-2 lead. It was an imposing start with a first set bagel before Giron finally got on the board in the second - but it was a brief respite from the Russian’s dominance. Tsitsipas was comfortable against France’s Quentin Halys early but the third set was a battle, seeing him save four set points to force a tiebreak, then coming back from 3-0 down to claim it and the match, 6-3 6-4 7-6(6). The Aussie led 5-0 in the opening set tiebreak before dropping it 10-8, and led 5-2 in the third set before losing it in another tiebreak. That was mental. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match.

Felix Auger-Aliassime didn't have things all his own way Monday, but he stepped up when needed to reach the second round at the Australian Open for the ...

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) quarter-finalist Auger-Aliassime is chasing his maiden Grand Slam title this fortnight in Melbourne. “It was a rough start,” Auger-Aliassime said. The 32-year-old hit through Auger-Aliassime with his weight of shot and moved forward effectively, winning 82 per cent (9/11) of net points in the first set to soar ahead. It is a first round, it happens. On my part it was a bit of a struggle but it is ok. It is always tough to play a good friend.

Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie were winners on the first day of the Australian Open but Jack Draper struggled with cramp during a four-set loss to Rafael ...

[News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) [Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x6) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Brandon Nakashima (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 6-7 (10/12), 6-4 Raducanu has arrived at both her press conferences at Melbourne Park so far drinking from a coconut. It has been impossible to escape the launch of Netflix’s behind-the-scenes documentary series Break Point at Melbourne Park.

You never know what you will get with Kyrgios, but 11th-hour withdrawals have become a theme of his non-existent 2023 season. It started with the United Cup, ...

That in itself was a bit arrogant, but it is partly why the John Cain Arena would have been full to the brim on Tuesday had he opened his campaign against Roman Safiullin as scheduled. Until he suddenly stops still, cracks a grin and gives us the finger. Twelve months later, he is the world No 21 and nothing has changed. “That was more of a realistic hit of the intensity that was coming. Perhaps because it is Kyrgios, the authenticity of the injury was treated with suspicion, to the point that his manager, Daniel Horsfall, hoped the doubters “now realise the injury is genuine”. Kyrgios was the box-office entry, especially given his [2022 doubles exploits alongside Kokkinakis](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/29/kyrgios-and-kokkinakis-secure-doubles-title-to-end-remarkable-australian-open-journey) and his singles form. It was easier to make the call today.” [ Djokovic deportation saga](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/16/novak-djokovic-to-be-deported-from-australia-after-losing-appeal-against-visa-cancellation). They had used the exhibition match against Novak Djokovic on Friday night as a fitness gauge; he “didn’t pull up great” and became more sore with each training session thereafter. [Nick Kyrgios](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nick-kyrgios) was due to play his opening match and three minutes before he confirmed he would not. Maher did a good chunk of the talking, too. But this time there was no room for doubt because Kyrgios had brought with him a press conference chaperone – his physiotherapist.

Tuesday's action in Melbourne features Matteo Berrettini, Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic.

[US Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/us-open/560/overview) and 2013 [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview). [US Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/us-open/560/overview). The 25-year-old opens against [Nikoloz Basilashvili](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/nikoloz-basilashvili/bg23/overview). [Andrey Rublev](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/andrey-rublev/re44/overview) vs. The 26-year-old faces [Fabio Fognini](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/fabio-fognini/f510/overview) in what is set to be an entertaining clash on Kia Arena. [Holger Rune](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/holger-rune/r0dg/overview) break the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time, but the 19-year-old Dane will want to bounce back from first-round defeat in Adelaide two weeks ago in his first-round clash against [Filip Krajinovic](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/filip-krajinovic/kb05/overview). [Matteo Berrettini](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/matteo-berrettini/bk40/overview) (ITA) vs. Can he spring a historic surprise Monday on [Rod Laver](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rod-laver/l058/overview) Arena? [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) champion Djokovic’s bid for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title begins on [Rod Laver](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rod-laver/l058/overview) Arena against the World No. [Casper Ruud](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/casper-ruud/rh16/overview) can become World No. [View Singles Draw](https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/australian-open/580/draws) [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview), with a full slate of marquee matchups and star names on Melbourne's Day 2 schedule.

Iga Świątek takes time to get going but finds her way past Jule Niemeier in the Australian Open first round, while Rafael Nadal needs four sets to defeat an ...

"I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. A year on from his five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the men's final, Nadal was just happy to get through to his next match against American Mackenzie McDonald. - Stefanos Tsitsipas also progressed to the second round in the men's draw

Djokovic's deportation was major news in January 2022, but a year later, the Grand Slam tournament, country and sport seem eager to move on.

“Personally, it was a very difficult period, but I was more concerned about our team and staff who were impacted indirectly and in some cases directly impacted by some of the extreme negativity and blame game that went on. What has changed is the Park Hotel, long used as a detention facility for asylum seekers, some of whom had been confined there for nine years in often spartan conditions, sparking protests from human rights groups in Australia. Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director and chief executive of Tennis Australia, has remained in his post along with his core support team. In an interview last week with Australia’s Channel Nine network, Djokovic said he understood the anger of Australians after he was initially cleared to enter the country. There clearly was miscommunication, or perhaps rivalry, between the regional government of Victoria, which initially supported the visa, and the federal government, which canceled it. When Djokovic arrived in January 2022, the population was still reeling from the series of strict lockdowns and travel restrictions that had kept some family members separated. “So I understand that when media writes in a certain way about a guy who tried to go in without a vaccine that people would say: ‘Wait, wait a second. Djokovic won the first of his 21 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2008 — beating then-No. “If I do hold the grudge, probably if I’m not able to move on, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I was very emotional, honestly, coming into the court with the reception that I received,” Djokovic said Saturday. Only 30 percent clearly supported his participation, and another 29 percent said they did not have a strong opinion on the matter. “I didn’t know how that’s going to go after the events of last year.

A Russian flag was hanging behind fans during a match between Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl and Russian Kamilla Rakhimova on court 14 on day one of the ...

Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand saw the flag and called on Tennis Australia to take action. The red, white and blue stripes of the Russian flag were visible in the crowd during the first-round match between Kateryna Baindl and Kamilla Rakhimova on day one of the tennis major. - Ukraine's ambassador to Australia strongly condemned the display and called on Tennis Australia to take action

A Russian flag hanging behind fans during a match between Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl and Russian Kamilla Rakhimova on court 14 on day one of the Australian ...

Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. On the same day the ban was announced, a Russian flag was held up by fans in the stands at John Cain Arena during the match between Russian Andrey Rublev and Austria's Dominic Thiem. The red, white and blue stripes of the Russian flag were visible in the crowd during the first-round match between Kateryna Baindl and Kamilla Rakhimova on day one of the tennis major.

Russian and Belarusian flags have been banned at the Australian Open, effective immediately. While tournament initially allowed flags on the grounds at ...

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. On Monday night Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko took to Twitter to “strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. [shown on the TV broadcast with a white flag in the place of the Russian one](https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/australian-open/what-country-are-tennis-players-under-white-flag-at-australian-open-2023-from/news-story/03d1300ffdfa664d02e4e40f93308342) during his first-round match with Marcus Giron. It comes as Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia condemned a Russian flag being flown during a match between players from the warring nations at the Australian Open on Monday.

Move comes after fan displays Russian flag during Kamilla Rakhimova's first-round match against Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl on Monday.

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from taking part in last year’s Wimbledon tournament as global sporting sanctions were brought against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis.” Fans had initially been allowed to show their support for players from both countries, but not in a way that “could cause disruption”, according to Tennis Australia (TA).

On Monday, spectators displayed a Russian flag during a match between Russian and Ukrainian players, prompting criticism from the Ukrainian community and ...

Ukrainian tennis players can’t visit their country to live, train or visit family. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside," Tennis Australia said in a statement. "I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today," he wrote on Twitter. "In April 2022, the Ukrainian Tennis Federation’s tennis centre outside of Irpin was razed to the ground by the Russian military. Earlier, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) said the prominent display of the flag made a "mockery" of the conditions set by Tennis Australia. Tennis Australia has banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open in response to outrage from the Ukrainian community after a flag was displayed on Monday.

Tennis Australia's radical ban after ugly incident; rival's savage Kyrgios swipe — Aus Open LIVE.

and superstar awaits](https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/australian-open/australian-open-2023-rinky-hijikata-vs-stefanos-tsitsipas-news-next-round-scores-results/news-story/39133706a9a11088960e8f2ac9c223de) There were no major shocks on the first day, with Nadal grinding down promising Briton Jack Draper in four sets to launch the defence of his crown. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. “There’s a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. Trevisan appeared to be struggling in the heat as she was routed 6-3 6-2. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. As Kanepi wilted in the heat, Birrell conceded just one point on her next service game as she held comfortably. The request was denied based on tournament protocols. The Aussie staved off two break points in her opening service game of the second set, which quickly became a rollercoaster as the pair repeatedly traded breaks. Birrell staved off one break point at 2-3 but was broken at the second attempt, losing the first set 6-3 as she made a whopping 21 unforced errors. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match.

Netflix filmmakers have been granted all-access passes to the Australian grand slam in the hope they can do for tennis what they've done for Formula 1.

The company does not disclose the value of its current deals and declined to release precise viewer numbers for Break Point. to grow our fan base, basically trying to put tennis on the map again.” But the series comes at a pivotal moment for tennis. “We may finally be witnessing a major shift in the game. “I’d say [Netflix] is going to look at second-tier sports. But the company has also looked at getting more involved in sports, perhaps buying the marquee broadcast rights, or an entire sport.