Gauff Off to a Flyer Before Djokovic, Sinner Begin Open Quests

AFP/APP

Melbourne: World number three Coco Gauff began her Australian Open campaign in style on Monday, but former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas became the biggest casualty of the tournament so far.

Novak Djokovic starts his bid for Grand Slam history later on Day 2, and Jannik Sinner begins the defense of the title he won 12 months ago. Carlos Alcaraz also gets underway at the first Grand Slam of the year, aiming to lift the one major title that has eluded him.

In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek and two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka are both in action.

Gauff, in-form after leading the US to victory at the United Cup, laid down a marker with a dominant performance against former champion and fellow American Sofia Kenin. The third seed cruised past the 2020 Melbourne Park winner 6-3, 6-3 in just 80 minutes.

“I knew it was going to be difficult, but I’m happy with how I played,” said Gauff, who claimed the 2023 US Open title.

In a surprising upset, 11th-seeded Tsitsipas was ousted in the first 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, a finalist at Melbourne Park in 2023, was outplayed by the 20-year-old Michelsen, who had him on the defensive throughout.

“I just tried to stay super composed out there today. I knew it was going to be a battle to the end,” said Michelsen, ranked 42nd, after securing his first win over a top-20 player at a Slam.

Djokovic, aiming for an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam singles trophy, faces American Nishesh Basavareddy in the prime-time evening match on Rod Laver Arena.

“To be honest, I don’t know much about him,” said Djokovic, now coached by former rival Andy Murray. “I’m sure he is going to be really pumped to make a statement.”