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Novak Djokovic WILL PLAY on Tuesday despite health issues, Frances Tiafoe gets a major scare and American star Jessica Pegula takes just 59 minutes to qualify for the second round – five things from day one of the Australian Open
The Australian Open had barely started when it lost one of its protagonists, as Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the tournament early this Monday morning.
The 27-year-old sensationally withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury, just one day before he was due to play his first round match against Roman Safiullin. With Kyrgios out of the picture, concerns continue over the fitness of Novak Djokovic, who canceled a practice session for the second day in a row.
On the court, meanwhile, top seeds Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek advanced, while Emma Raducanu will take on No.7 seed Coco Gauff in the second round after beating Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets on her return. from an injury.
Fellow Brit Cameron Norrie is also through to the second round after beating French wild card Luca van Assche without dropping a set, while Frances Tiafoe’s extravagant kit turned heads.
Here, sports mail check out five things we’ve learned from the opening day of the Australian Open.
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Australian Open with a knee injury
Kyle Edmund’s recovery continues
Kyle Edmund stated that he was happy with his progress in his tournament series in Australia, despite losing 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 to young Italian Jannik Sinner.
Former semi-finalist Edmund, who was out for almost two years with serious knee problems, said: “I think my level has been better here and this was probably my best game today, although the score doesn’t show it.
As part of his long rise, he now plans to train for a month before playing Challengers and major ATP Tour events in the United States, ahead of the European clay-court season.
Kyle Edmund lost in straight sets against Italian Jannik Sinner on Monday in Melbourne.
Jessica Pegula issues an ominous warning to her rivals
American number one Jessica Pegula, whose father owns the Buffalo Bills NFL team, became the first player of either gender to reach the second round when she defeated Romanian Jaqueline Cristian 6-0, 6-1 in a singles match. 59 minutes.
It took Jessica Pegula just 59 minutes to beat Romanian Jaqueline Cristian 6-0 6-1
Novak Djokovic injury concern persists
Novak Djokovic’s hamstring remains the subject of speculation. He was supposed to be practicing in the afternoon schedule, but he canceled it, the second day in a row a public training period was cancelled.
He has had a tight schedule on and off the court and is still expected to take his place in the first round on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic’s hamstring remains a cause for concern after the nine-time Australian Open winner withdrew from a practice session on Monday.
The Czech teenager has a bright future ahead of him despite the loss
Brenda Fruhvirtova, the younger of two sisters, is a name to remember.
The 15-year-old from the Czech Republic made it through the qualifying event but found the experienced Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus too strong. She lost 7-5 6-2 in one hour and 20 minutes in the first round proper.
Teen star Brenda Fruhvirtova made quite an impression despite being knocked out in the first round by Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Frances Tafoe advanced to the second round strongly
There was a strange interruption in the new Kia Arena, when Frances Tiafoe was in the fourth set against the German Daniel Altmaier.
An alarming pop-cum-bang drew gasps from the crowd, but it turned out to be nothing more than a giant tennis ball (often used to collect autographs) exploding in a fan’s lap.
Frances Tiafoe stole the show on Monday in her extravagantly colorful kit