The Australian Open’s push to be more fan-friendly has again drawn criticism, with a courtside bar now in focus.
Meanwhile, Spanish start Carlos Alcaraz powered to an impressive win that sets the tone for his push for the title.
Here are five quick hits from day one at Melbourne Park.
1. Party court not popular with Greek star Tsitsipas
The presence of DJs on the grounds of Melbourne Park has become a talking point, with some players for it and others firmly against the move.
It is part of the push from tournament organisers to improve the spectator experience, as is the introduction of a courtside bar.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is among the critics, saying the noise created by the DJs can affect the concentration of players during their matches as the sound carries through the venue.
“I’m not a huge fan of it,” last year’s finalist said on Tuesday.
“That’s why Wimbledon is one of my favourite tournaments, because there is silence and you can just concentrate and focus on your game.
“I have had a similar experience at the US Open. So not a fan.”
The courtside bar is part of a wider push for the tournament to be more fan friendly.
Fans being allowed to return to their seats after each service game is another new rule, which has not been popular with all players.
2. Carlos Alcaraz dominates in straight sets win
Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz fired a warning shot to his Australian Open rivals with a straight-sets win in the opening round.
Alcaraz, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, defeated French veteran Richard Gasquet 7-6(7/5), 6-1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
After being tested in the opening set, with Gasquet threatening to win the tie-break, Alcaraz put the pedal to the floor and cruised into the second round.
At just 20 years of age, Alcaraz has a Wimbledon and US Open title to his name.
“Today I felt really well,” he said after the win.
“Every set I played better and better, and at the end I think I played [at] quite a good level.”
3. Purcell struggles through
Max Purcell is a two-time Australian Open finalist and Wimbledon champion in doubles, but he’d never won a singles match at his home slam before this year, and boy did it show in his first-round clash.
The world number 45 was a heavy favourite against Hungary’s 214th-ranked qualifier Mate Valkusz, but dropped the first set 6-3.
The Australian eventually got into his work, winning the second-set tie-break, taking out the third and moving to 5-2 in the fourth, where he could use his trusty serve to close out the match.
But he was broken. Then Valkusz held and gave Purcell another chance to serve for the match.
The game lasted 13 minutes and featured eight deuces. Purcell saved three break points, but missed out on SIX match points before Valkusz eventually got the break.
Purcell quickly broke back and served it out at his third opportunity, but he will need to be much more ruthless in the second round against three-time major finalist Casper Ruud if he is to make it any further.
4. Historic win for Indian tennis as Bublik smashes his racquet
Indian Sumit Nagal has secured the biggest win of his grand slam career, knocking off 31st seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
Nagal, who made the second round of a grand slam for just the second time, was near flawless against the Kazakhstan world number 31.
It is a massive win for Indian tennis.
Nagal became the first Indian in 35 years to defeat a seeded player at a grand slam.
Bublik showed his frustration throughout the contest, smashing his racquet at one point, which became a unique souvenir for one fan.
The Kazak has a recent history of showing his frustration, smashing three racquets following a loss last February in a tournament in France.
5. Which Australians are playing today?
The second round starts today, with five local hopes in action …
- Alex de Minaur (10) vs Matteo Arnaldi second on Rod Laver Arena
- Laura Siegemund vs Storm Hunter (Q) second on John Cain Arena
- Ben Shelton (16) vs Chris O’Connell not before 3pm AEDT on John Cain Arena
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (7) vs Jordan Thompson from 7pm AEDT on Margaret Court Arena
- Novak Djokovic (1) vs Alexei Popyrin second in the night session on Rod Laver Arena
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