Australian Open 2023: Every major talking point from day one as Rafael Nadal’s ball criticism backed
Rafael Nadal has found an ally in his criticism of the Australian Open balls, with another star raising concerns about their deterioration on day one.
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Rafael Nadal’s defeated opponent has taken up the defending champion’s attack on this year’s Australian Open balls.
Britain’s Jack Draper, who cramped and then crumbled in Nadal’s 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-2 victory, said the Dunlop balls lost life so quickly that he handed some back to the chair umpire on Rod Laver Arena.
“They start off when they’re new flying a lot. Then all of a sudden they get quite fluffy,” Draper said on Monday night.
“A couple of them went very soft very quickly. I sort of gave them to the ref.
“This is the first time I’ve played Australian Open. I know that maybe Rafa wasn’t too happy about the balls, I read that.
“They felt like they got very fluffy very quickly. That’s all I can say.”
Nadal walked back his criticisms after advancing to the second round at Melbourne Park for the 17th time from 18 attempts.
“I am not frustrated,” he said on Monday night.
“I’m not going to come back talking about the balls anymore because I am here to play tennis.
“I answered about the balls because somebody asked me about the balls.
“I said my personal feeling because was an answer, not because I wanted to create a story about the balls.”
RECAP EVERY MAJOR TALKING POINT FROM DAY ONE OF OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW
But on Saturday Nadal vented that the 2023 balls were “worse quality, without a doubt” than the ones he used to strike glory 12 months ago.
“I think it’s a ball that don’t get the same spin as usual,” Nadal said on the eve of the tournament.
“After a couple of hits, the ball lose the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.”
Draper struggled to serve over 100km late in the fourth set after severe cramps that sapped his competitiveness.
The 21-year-old said it was the first time cramps had set in.
“The pains of playing high-level tennis on the body is tough. But when you start cramping, it becomes almost impossible,” he said.
Draper said Melbourne’s dry heat was manageable – but said if it was humid as well “all the players would be dying” in the January slam.
“In Adelaide last week I think I went on court and it was maybe 38 degrees. Here actually felt a lot cooler today,” Draper said.
“For the players, the thing that really gets the players is the humidity.
“You get that on the America swing, but here not as much.
“It’s quite dry heat, it’s usually fine when you’re playing.
“If it was humid as well, I think all the players would be dying, to be honest. Because it’s dry here in Melbourne, it’s manageable.”
While Draper lost his legs, Nadal lost his racquet in a bizarre moment when a ballkid took the wrong one to be restrung.
A confused Nadal pointed to where his racquet should’ve been on the bench, saying: “It’s this one for the stringer, not that one. And I need the dampener and everything.
“The ballboy take (sic) my racquet.”
Draper said: “I was too busy focusing on cramping, I wasn’t too worried about that. I’m sure he’s got another racquet.”
‘CRIKEY’: GREEK CHAMP GOING ALL OUT IN AUSSIE ASSAULT
Stefanos Tsitsipas is going all out in his quest to conquer his Australian Open semi-final demons, even adopting the local lingo.
The Greek star revealed he was embracing all things Australian after a straight sets opening round victory over France’s Quentin Halys 6-3 6-4 7-6 (8).
“Crikey, that was a rip snorter mate,” Tsitsipas said in his post-match interview with Todd Woodbridge on Margaret Court Arena. “I was flat out like a lizard drinking.”
The No. 3 seed, who has a souvlaki named after him at Melbourne institution Stalactites, has always loved playing at Melbourne Park because of the enormous support he gets from the local Greek community.
“I am committing to the slang. I love coming back here, seeing all my cousins, it feels like home,” he said.
He then added another attempt: “I was happy I got the biscuit in the end.”
Tsitsipas has made the semi-finals at the Australian Open three of the past four years but has been unable to make the final. His only Grand Slam final appearance came at the 2021 French Open.
The 24-year-old revealed in the lead-up he’d taken significant steps to change his fortunes at Melbourne Park including overhauling his diet.
“I think I’ve matured a bit over the past few months, so I’m aware that if I’m able to fulfil my potential in Melbourne, I’ll have a good chance of winning my first Grand Slam title in my career,” Tsitsipas said.
He also revealed he was drawing on the samurai warrior culture of Japan for inspiration which was inspired by his interest in studying cultures around the world.
It was a tricky opening round for Tsitsipas given he’d lost to Halys, the world No. 61, in their previous two encounters.
Everything was going according to plan until the third set with the Frenchman going up a break twice before eventually succumbing in a 58-minute epic.
“I’m happy with the way I fought, especially in the third set,” Tsitsipas said. “It was a great fight in the end, to get that third set. I was very happy to close it in that fashion.”
One big name casualty on the opening day was 2014 Open champion Stan Wawrinka who was worn down by Slovakia’s Alex Molcan 6-7 (3) 6-3 1-6 7-6 (2) 6-4.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY ONE BLOG
Thanks for following our live coverage of the Australian Open on Monday.
We’ll be back again tomorrow to do it all again.
Be sure to check the News Corp websites throughout the tournament for the best opinion and analysis from Melbourne Park.
11.38PM MEDVEDEV THROUGH WITH EASE
Julian Linden
Standing almost two metres tall, Daniil Medvedev is a hard man to miss.
His towering height makes him almost impossible to conceal but it’s his ruthless edge in tennis matches that really set him apart.
If he had his way, the 26-year-old Russian would like to move through the Australian Open without fuss or attention.
Good luck with that!
As a two-finalist and one of the best players in the world, Mededev’s chances of staying under the radar have long gone.
As he showed in his first round demolition of American Marcos Giron at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, Medvedev means business.
His 6-0 6-1 6-2 dismissal of Giron was as clinical as it was swift, all over in just a tick over an hour and a half.
The only time he looked flustered was when he was serving for the match and a spectator broke his concentration.
Medvedev swore out loud and was given a warning for a verbal obscenity but he regained his composure and finished off the victory.
“I‘m really happy about the match,” Medvedev said. “Marcos is a really tough opponent. To beat him with this score in the first round of a slam is great”
Medvedev’s next opponent is Aussie veteran John Millman, who fought back to beat Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea Huesler in five sets.
“We‘ve never played each other but he’s a great player, especially here in Australia,” Medvedev said.
“I remember he almost beat Roger (Federer) at the US Open when Roger was kind of at the top and he‘s capable of playing some great tennis so I’m going to have to play my best.”
11.35PM MEN’S 17TH SEED GONE, KEYS THROUGH
The men’s 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti is out of the Australian Open after going down in a late-night five-setter against Lloyd Harris.
Harris won the first two sets, dropped the next two and prevailed in a match tie-break as the match finished 6-4 6-1 6-7 2-6
In the late night women’s match, Madison Keys has seen off the challenge of Anna Blinkova with a 6-4 3-6 6-2 win.
11.20PM NIGHT MATCHES NEARING END
Daniil Medvedev is closing on a straight-sets win, while the five-setter between 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti and Lloyd Harris is almost at the match tie-break stage. In the other match still going, 10th seed Madison Keys is a set apiece with Anna Blinkova.
10.45PM MEDVEDEV CRUISING
Back on the court, Daniil Medvedev absolutely cruised through the opening set of his match against Marcus Giron.
Medvedev won the set 6-0 in a flash and this one if shaping as a serious cetre court mismatch.
In the time we took to write this, he won his opening service match of the second set. He means business!
Daniil Medvedev exorcising any demons from the last time he played on RLA…. up a very impressive 50 in the first set pic.twitter.com/e6sG29stSq
— ðŸŽ—ï¸ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) January 16, 2023
10.35PM SWIATEK’S BARTY PRAISE
Julian Linden
She will never replace our Ash Barty but Australians are just starting to discover how good her successor as the world No. 1 really is.
Most casual tennis fans would hardly recognise Iga Swiatek if the young Pole walked down Flinders St but no-one who saw her opening match at the Australian Open on Monday will forget her in a hurry.
Taking on experienced German opponent Jule Niemeier in her first round match on the Rod Laver Arena, Swiatek survived a tough examination to win 6-4 7-5, with NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki.
It was anything but perfect – she made 22 unforced errors in the first set alone – but it still said a lot about how she’s able to wriggle her way out of tight situations.
That shouldn’t be a surprise because she’s been doing that all year, ever since she replaced the retired Barty as world No.1.
The 21-year-old has won two of the three grand slams held since Barty called it quits – the French open and the US Open – and is now the clear favourite to win in Australia.
Swiatek will play Colombian Camila Osorio in the second round on Wednesday.
“It‘s pretty amazing. Besides being very nervous I really enjoyed myself,” Swiatek said.
“I really wanted to be really focused on myself because Jule can serve amazing. I am pretty happy that I got through this match, the first round is always tricky.”
Swiatek was beaten by Barty last year but said she used that defeat to take her mantle as the world’s best.
“She is a huge inspiration and the way she behaves, she is really classy,” Swiatek said.
“It just seemed she really likes competing and having a challenge. She inspired me to work on myself.“
10.15PM BACK FROM THE (B) RINK
Rinky Hijikata has just pulled off a win for the ages, coming from two set down to defeat Yannick Hanfmann 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 6-3.
Oh Rinky you're so fine #AusOpen
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 16, 2023
10PM WIMBLEDON CHAMP BRUSHES OFF COURT CONTROVERSY
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina says she was unfazed by being scheduled on Court 13 for her opening match of the Australian Open.
Rybakina, the 22nd seed defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 7-5 6-3 to progress to the second round.
She was controversially snubbed for a centre court or show court appearance despite her Wimbledon success, which did not accumulate ranking points.
But Rybakina was quick to move on from the court controversy in her post-match interview.
“It doesn’t matter and hopefully I am going to keep on winning and every match is going to bring me some confidence, even more. It doesn’t matter,” she told reporters.
WAWRINKA OUT! SWIATEK THROUGH
Alex Molcan has come from two sets to one down to send Stan Wawrinka packing in the first round. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek showed her class to stave off a serious challenge from Jule Niemeier in the second set. The world No. 1 goes through with a 6-4 7-5 win. She was really made to work for that. Swiatek says post-match she hopes to fill a stadium in her Round 2 match but understands why the crowd was full for Rafael Nadal. And she says Ash Barty helped push her to new heights after they faced off in Adelaide last year.
9.30PM MORE ON THE DJOKER INJURY SAGA
First he cancelled his second session in two days.
Then he trained an hour later than originally planned on Monday night.
But these pictures do little to dispel the concerns Novak Djokovic will be carrying an injury into the Australian Open — not that we’d write him off anyway.
The Serbian champion is due to play on night two.
Expectedly, #Djokovic’s left leg is taped. #AustralianOpenpic.twitter.com/Hva0dIzhEY
— SaÅ¡a Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 16, 2023
AUSSIE WATCH: ANOTHER AUSSIE FIFTH SETTER
Australia’s Rinky Hijikata has fought back from two sets down to push his match against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann into a fifth set.
The match has gone 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6.
AROUND THE COURTS: 9.10PM UPDATE
Stefanos Tsitsipas has saved four set points to overcome France’s Quentin Halys in straight sets on Margaret Court Arena. Iga Swiatek claimed the second set but is in a battle in the second against Jule Niemeier. Felix Auger-Aliassme has surrendered a break in the third set of the all-Canadian clash. And Stan Wawrinka has been dragged into a fifth set by Alex Molcan who has an early break against the 2014 champion.
AUSSIE WATCH: MILLMAN THROUGH IN FIVE
Millmania lives on at Melbourne Park.
John Millman has rallied from two sets to one down against Marc-Andrea Huesler 6-7 7-5 6-7 6-2 6-3 on court three.
John Millman winning an epic in Melbourne.
— Laurence Rosen (@LaurenceRosen) January 16, 2023
Tell me it’s January without telling me it’s January. #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/4juDGRcSXG
8.20PM BRIT’S NOBLE ACT FOR NADAL
Hampered by severe cramps in the third and fourth set against Rafael Nadal, many expected Jack Draper to retire.
But not him.
The rising British star revealed why he played on despite being in obvious pain, which allowed Nadal to take control and launch into the second round.
“I’ve learnt over time just don’t retire in that situation, like, let them win the match as they probably are going to.
“Even if I’m in a lot of pain, just get through the match and let him have the win like he should do. Otherwise retirement, you retired, whatever … Just finish the match.”
We’ve got to respect that attitude.
AUSSIE WATCH: MILLMAN HEADS TO FIFTH SET
John Millman has claimed the fourth set in his match against Marc-Andrea Huesler to send it to a decider.
So far the clash has gone 6-7 7-5 6-7 6-2 as 140th-ranked Aussie tries to join Jason Kubler in the next round.
7.30PM CONTENDER HITS BACK AT TENNIS’ ‘CHOKER’ CRITICS
Australian Open contender Jessica Pegula has called out critics who label sportspeople as chokers.
Quizzed about her opinion on the term “choking” in sport, the American star said it was “very harsh” and often used in the wrong context.
“I think it’s just because you get nervous. Some days there’s no rhyme or reason. Some days you can feel like you’re a little tense and for some reason you can feel like maybethe momentum is shifting in a match and you’re just putting a lot of pressure on yourself to do the right thing,” she said.
“I think maybe instead of thinking clearly you’re more panicking a little bit instead of trying to think of the big picture.
“But, I mean, to be honest, to me it’s nerves, I think. It’s just nerves. It’s just maybe “choking” leans more to you’re letting your nerves kind of get the best of you more than you’re playing.”
She said an opponent lifting their own level was often misunderstood as their rival choking.
“Sometimes it’s people I think that don’t play sports kind of just assume everyone is always choking with a lead. As a tennis player, I can call out matches, somebody would be, Oh, yeah, they totally choked. I’m like, Not really. That girl played really well.
“Completely raised her level and the other person wasn’t really doing anything wrong. I think there is a little bit of a misconception, where I think people usually that haven’t playing the sport and sitting and watching it’s very easy to say, Oh, they’re choking, they’re choking.
“When really I think it’s more of a momentum shift and maybe more nerves and just how you’re kind of handling those nerves.”
7.10PM AUGER-ALIASSIME BLOWN AWAY IN FIRST SET
The Netflix curse really isn’t a thing — right?
The No. 6 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, one of the stars who appears on the new Netflix series Break Point, has been blasted off the court by compatriot Vasek Pospisil in the opening set, 6-1.
For what it’s worth I watched the Kyrgios episode on the train in today and thought it was good viewing.
Hopefully I’m not cursed now as well.
Not Break Point curse affecting Felix too 😨
— #TeamThiem (@Metronomical19) January 16, 2023
The #NetflixCurse has now ruled Ajla Tomljanovic, Paula Badosa and Nick Kyrgios out of the #AusOpen.
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 16, 2023
Pray for Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe...
Badosa. Tomljanovic. Kyrgios#netflixcurse
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 16, 2023
7PM DOC PREDICTS LENGTHY LAYOFF FOR KYRGIOS
After his shock withdrawal on day one of the Australian Open, Nick Kyrgios is expected to spend up to three months on the sidelines …
Nick Kyrgios lateral meniscal tear/ cyst likely to need arthroscopic cyst decompression & meniscal resection - recovery varies from minimum 4 weeks to 3 months based on surgery findings & knee inflammatory response - he will be back !
— Dr Peter Larkins OLY (@doclarkins) January 16, 2023
6.45PM DJOKER MYSTERY DEEPERS
Mystery surrounded the fitness of Australian Open favourite Novak Djokovic after he cancelled a practice session scheduled for Monday evening.
Djokovic was due to practice at 7pm on the opening day of the tournament, but reports surfaced about 90 minutes prior that the session had been canned.
It cast serious doubt over another of the tournament’s drawcards after Nick Kyrgios withdrew earlier on Monday.
But in welcome news for a tournament already without a host of headline acts, Djokovic was snapped practising about 8pm on Monday night.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: #Djokovic in practice! #AustralianOpenhttps://t.co/qPHfotBkkapic.twitter.com/VjTZX5kJEg
— SaÅ¡a Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 16, 2023
Djokovic battled through a hamstring issue during the Adelaide International.
There are suggestions the earlier session was the second practice he has cancelled in as many days.
One fan said they would “want a refund” if the Serbian was to withdraw and not face Roberto Carballes Baena on day two.
What in the fresh hell is going on with the @AustralianOpen this year? Alcaraz, withdrawn. Badosa, withdrawn. Tomljanovic, withdrawn. V. Williams, withdrawn. Cilic, withdrawn. Kyrgios, withdrawn. Nadal, playing like shit. Djokovic, probably next to withdraw. #AusOpen#AO2023https://t.co/4veEJzPJjL
— Brianne (@Briadoublene) January 16, 2023
6.32PM RAFA PROGRESSES
Defending champion Rafael Nadal is through to the second round after overcoming a cramping Jack Draper in four sets.
The young Brit struggled through the third and fourth sets, allowing the No. 1 seed to take control after he had levelled the Round 1 match by claiming the second set.
Nadal prevailed 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 but you sense his rivals will be grinning after a less-than-convincing performance against Draper.
Gotta feel for Jack Draper. Poor kid can’t move anymore
— tinkerbell isabel (@hippiedanslame) January 16, 2023
This sucks to watch for Jack Draper. He was more than good enough to win today & his body just isn't up to it. Rafael Nadal was very vulnerable & looked it too, but Draper's body has given up. Tough viewing.#AusOpen
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) January 16, 2023
AUSSIE WATCH: KUBLER THROUGH TO SECOND ROUND
Jason Kubler has reached round two of the Australian Open for the first time after a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory over Sebastian Baez.
“I’m just so happy that I’m able to perform in front of my home country,” Kubler said.
“I had a little run last year in the mixed doubles but hopefully this year I can do something in the singles.”
6PM RISING CHINESE STAR’S HISTORIC WIN
A 17-year-old has made Chinese tennis history with the country’s first Australian Open singles triumph of the Open era.
Juncheng Shang is the youngest player in the men’s draw but showed little sign of nerves as he dispatched Germany’s Oscar Otte in four sets on Monday, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5.
Shang has jumped more than 50 places in the world rankings while in Melbourne after successfully navigating qualifying.
“I think it’s huge for Chinese men’s tennis. You know, we have had really good players from the women’s side but not really big names in the men’s,” he said.
“So I think we are very lucky that I’m part of it, and I’m very lucky that I’m part of this team. Hopefully we can do something big in the future.”
His next opponent will be
Remember the name. Plenty of stars have withdrawn from the Australian Open but maybe one of tennis’ next superstars could emerge this week?
5.50PM WHAT KYRGIOS WITHDRAWAL MEANS FOR DAY TWO
Alex de Minaur to John Cain Arena …
See the full changes below.
Revised Australian Open order of play for Tuesday 17 January.#AusOpen#AO2023pic.twitter.com/kdfOaHmZya
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2023
5.40PM FANS FREAK OUT AS BALL 'EXPLODES’
An autograph tennis ball has exploded in the crowd on day one at Melbourne Park.
Pictures show a member of the crowd holding a large tennis ball which “exploded” during Francis Tiafoe’s match against Daniel Altmaier at Kia Arena.
One fan tweeted: “This kid in the stands at the tiafoe-altmaier Australian open match just had a large basketball-sized tennis ball explode and it sounded like, well, an explosion on the court. Glad everyone was ok.”
Another said he hoped the ball — which retails at $40 — would be replaced.
this kid in the stands at the tiafoe-altmaier australian open match just had a large basketball-sized tennis ball explode and it sounded like , well , an explosion on the court 🤯 glad everyone was ok 😂 #AusOpen#AO2023pic.twitter.com/73uWTrDKrR
— daniel (@Mr412_to_ca) January 16, 2023
Unusual occurrence at Altmaier-Tiafoe, where the sound of an explosion interrupts play…but it turns out to be a souvenir tennis ball that burst in the heat. 😦 #AusOpen
— Andrew Bolte (@albolte) January 16, 2023
Revised Australian Open order of play for Tuesday 17 January.#AusOpen#AO2023pic.twitter.com/kdfOaHmZya
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2023
5.25PM KYRGIOS’ REPLACEMENT ANNOUNCED
American Denis Kudla will enter the Australian Open main draw as a ‘lucky loser’ after Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal was announced earlier today.
The 108th-ranked Kudla lost to Oleksii Krutykh in qualifying but has been given a reprieve after Kyrgios pulled out of the tournament due to injury.
5PM BALLBOY PINCHES NADAL’S RACQUET
Rafael Nadal has done many things in his career.
Winning a tennis match without a racquet would be a new one though.
In a bizarre moment during the defending champion’s first-round match against Jack Draper, a ballkid took the wrong racquet to be restrung.
Vision shows a confused Nadal pointing to his bench where the racquet should have been and saying: “It’s this one for the stringer, not that one. And I need the dampener and everything.”
"The ballboy took my racquet" 😂
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2023
A definite first for Rafa!#AusOpen • #AO2023pic.twitter.com/T4xqN4ZLBd
“Goodness me, that’s a big mistake,” commentators noted.
“And he knows. He knows the tension, he sequence he wants to use his racquets in.”
Nadal followed up with: “The ballboy take (sic) my racquet.”
4.40PM RISING BRIT HAS NADAL ON ROPES
Defending champion Rafael Nadal isn’t going to have it all his own way against 21-year-old Brit Jack Draper.
Nadal claimed the first set 7-5 but Draper battled back into their first-round encounter with a 6-2 second set.
Is Nadal in danger or can be bounce back? The tournament can ill afford to lose another drawcard another Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal due to injury.
4:00PM KYRGIOS OUT OF 2023 AUSTRALIAN OPEN WITH INJURY
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from this year’s event, citing a knee injury that kept him out of the United Cup.
Kyrgios, who played on Friday in an exhibition against Novak Djokovic, did not recover well enough in time to compete at this year’s tournament.
Kyrgios’ physio telling reporters at a press conference that he had a small tear in his lateral meniscus.
2:30PM TIAFOE WINS THE FASHION STAKES
Call off the competition, Frances Tiafoe has won it.
The 16th seed has just come on court in the most elite kit we have seen at the Australian Open in recent years.
It is glorious.
“It’s a lot going on, but I feel like that’s Frances Tiafoe,” compatriot Coco Gauff told ESPN
“He has a lot going on. He’s never quiet, he’s always loud. I think the outfit represents that. Loud and proud, and I think that’s Big Foe.”
Tiafoe's kit.
— Emily Benammar (@EmilyBenammar) January 16, 2023
It's glorious. https://t.co/OLFPcvEDQZpic.twitter.com/PSqmNqvLbQ
2:00PM – SHE’S SCREAMING’: TEARS AND TANTRUMS ROCK AUS OPEN
The Australian Open has been hit by multiple instances of early drama, with emotions running high in the hot conditions at Melbourne Park.
Marie Bouzková was far from impressed with her first round opponent Bianca Andreescu, calling on the umpire to step in over the level of noise the Canadian slam winner was making.
Bouzková approached the umpire late in the second set and was picked up by the on-court microphones saying, “I’m hitting the ball and she’s screaming.”
Andreescu, who won the 2019 US Open, quickly apologised to her opponent.
Meanwhile, it was a day to forget for number 28 seed Amanda Anisimova who was easily defeated by Marta Kostyuk.
An emotional Anisimova was seen crying on court before the match had even finished.
1:05PM – ‘$1800 PER MINUTE’: SMASHED STAR’S $100K PAYDAY
SAM LANDSBERGER
Jaqueline Cristian’s dollars-to-time ratio will take some topping for the first-round losers after banking $1800 per minute in her 6-0 6-1 loss to Jessica Pegula.
Broken down further, the Romanian pocketed almost $3500 per point she won … and $106,250 per game, given she held serve just once in the trouncing on Margaret Court Arena.
Round 1 losers at the Australian Open bank $106,250, which jumps to $158,850 in round 2 and $227,925 in round 3. The singles champions bank an eye-watering $2.975 million.
But tennis can be a tough sport to make ends meet for the lowly-ranked players with Kiwi Kiranpal Pannu revealing he made just $6771 in prize money last year … dwarfed by his $34,500 in expenses.
Cristian, 24, however should have little trouble paying the travel bills.
She reached the second-round of last year’s Australian Open on her way to $287,783 in 2022 and has already pocketed $709,067 in her short career. The No. 161 player in the world is yet to win a title.
12:39PM – GADECKI BECOMES FIRST AUSSIE INTO SECOND ROUND
Australian Olivia Gadecki has become the first local hope through to the second round of her home tournament.
Gadecki defeated Polina Kudermetova in straight sets 7-5 6-1.
Ranked 200 in the world, Gadecki needed a wildcard to qualify for the Open but has now secured at least a $158,850 payday.
She will play world number 58 Marta Kostyuk in the second round.
12:30PM: TOP SEED RACES THROUGH OPENER
Ready, set, go!
The first results of the Australian Open are in, with one of the biggest names in the women’s draw blitzing through her opening round match.
Number three seed Jess Pegula was the first to secure victory, smashing Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets 6-0 6-1. She needed just 59 minutes to complete the smack down.
Meanwhile, number seven seed Coco Gauff doesn’t look to be far behind. She won through her opening set against Kateřina Siniaková 6-1 and is well on top in the second.
11:45AM – ‘IT’S WORSE’: NADAL’S MAJOR AUS OPEN GRIPE
Defending Australian Open champion Rafa Nadal has complained that the balls being used at this year’s tournament are “worse quality” than before making his style of tennis particularly difficult.
The Spaniard coming into the first slam of the year with a less than ideal record having lost six out of his last seven competitive singles matches.
And the draw has been less than kind to the 36-year-old who opens against British No. 3 Jack Draper this afternoon.
Knowing that any chance of defending his title will be a tough battle, Nadal says he will have to change his tactics because of the balls.
“No, the speed of the court, I think, (is) not (a) big difference. The ball, yes,” he said.
“I don’t know. They say (it) is the same, but the ball is worse quality, without a doubt.
“We can’t talk about that anymore. It’s what we have. We need to play with it.
“I think it’s a ball that doesn’t get the same spin as usual. After a couple of hits, the ball loses the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin. But I think it’s easier to play when you play flatter on the shots.
“I need to live with it.
“I think I (have) practised enough with the ball to be ready for it.”
He’s not the only big name unimpressed with the quality of the balls, Stan Wawrinka agreeing with his peer.
“The balls are a bit different this year, it is true,” he said, “I have already tested them and it is true there is a big difference after you have used them for a few games than when they are new.
“They lose a lot of pop and it is completely different.”
11:30AM THE AUS OPEN 2023 IS UNDERWAY
Statements early on from two big names in the women’s draw.
Coco Gauff 6-1 v Katerina Siniakova and Jessica Pegula 6-0 v Jacqueline Cristian. Neither wasting any time in their opening clashes.
Not good for Danielle Collins it seems as she receives treatment on her knee early on.
Don't love this for last year's finalist Danielle Collins...#AO23#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/Miun5S8VBe
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 16, 2023
10:40AM ‘DISREGARDED’: WIMBLEDON CHAMP’S UGLY AUS OPEN SNUB
Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has been shunted to the outdoor courts, in a brutal snub for one of the tournament’s drawcards.
Rybakina, who picked up zero points for her Wimbledon triumph where she defeated Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, will face Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto far away from centre court – or even one of the other show courts.
No, instead she’ll be holed up on Court 13 in the baking midafternoon Melbourne heat, with her match scheduled for 4.15pm.
The decision incensed fans, with respected tennis writer Ben Rothenberg wonder why the 23-year-old had been ‘so quickly disregarded’.
“Reigning Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina got relegated all the way out to the hinterland of Court 13 for her first #AusOpen match,” Rothenberg wrote on Twitter.
“I understand there is a saturation of recent women’s Slam champs, to an extent, but has a reigning Wimbledon champ ever been so quickly disregarded?”
The scheduling of one-time US Open champion Dominic Thiem’s mouth-watering first-round match-up with fifth seed Andrey Rublev has also raised eyebrows.
The pair will open John Cain Arena on Tuesday, with the 11am start not expected for a showdown of two of the highest-profile stars on the men’s tour.
10:15AM DJOKER ‘LIKES HIS CHANCES’
Novak Djokovic “likes his chances” of winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, despite lingering injury worries.
After missing last year’s tournament when he was deported over his Covid vaccination stance, the Serbian star is back at Melbourne Park and in sizzling form.
He tweaked a hamstring in Adelaide and is still getting treatment, but insisted he was ready for another two-week campaign to potentially win a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam.
“I’ve been struggling with that a bit, to be honest, the last seven days,” he said of the injury.
“But it’s hopefully not a major concern. So far I’ve been able to train, compete and play points, practice sets. So that’s a positive sign.
“Obviously I’m being a bit more cautious. I’m not going full out on the training sessions, conserving the energy for next week. Hopefully it won’t cause an issue for me then.” Seeded four, the 35-year-old faces Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in round one and said that despite the injury niggle “I like my chances”.
“I always like my chances. I train as hard as really anybody out there,” he added.
“There’s a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. I know that.
“But experience of being in these kind of particular circumstances helps I think to have the right approach and do things in a proper way.
“Because I know when I’m healthy and playing my best, on this court (Rod Laver Arena) I have chances really against anybody.”
9:25AM – NADAL SHUTS DOWN RIVAL’S RETIREMENT THEORY
Rafael Nadal has shut down a rival’s retirement theory regarding the Spanish superstar.
German Alexander Zverev speculated that the French Open could be Nadal’s final tournament before deciding to hang up his racquet.
“Rafael Nadal will announce his retirement at Roland Garros,” Zverev told reporters at Melbourne Park on the eve of the Australian Open.
“I don’t wish him this, but I think he will play a big tournament, maybe wins it and then says goodbye.”
However, Nadal was having none of it when the theory was put to him.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in six months,” he said.
“I have a very good relationship with Zverev, but not enough to confess something like that to him. The reality is that I’m here to play tennis, try to have a great 2023, fight for everything that I have struggled throughout my career and I don’t think about my retirement.”
8AM: RIVAL’S SHOCK NADAL FRENCH OPEN CALL
Alexander Zverev believes the 2023 French Open could be the last time we see Rafael Nadal on a tennis court.
The German world No. 12 has returned to the sport this year after a horrific injury which saw him tear three ligaments in his right ankle during his semi-final match against Nadal at Roland Garros in 2022.
But as Zverev looks forward to a year in which he hopes brings a first ever Grand Slam title, he believes that it could be the last for the tennis legend.
Not only this, the former No2 believes the Spaniard will take his last bow by claiming his 15th title on the famous clay court at the French Open.
Speaking to Eurosport, Zverev said: “Rafael Nadal will announce his retirement at Roland Garros.
“I don’t wish him this, but I think he will play a big tournament, maybe wins it and then says goodbye.”
Speculation of retirement has surrounded Nadal for the last few years, yet rumours have always been shut down by the 22-time Slam winner.
But at 36, Nadal has shown no signs of slowing down, claiming the Australian and French Open titles last year whilst sitting second in the world rankings behind countryman Carlos Alcaraz.
If Nadal was too retire, he would join long-time friend Roger Federer who decided to call it a day on his career last year, four years after his final Grand Slam win in Australia 2018.
Before any talk of retirement continues however, both Zeverev and Nadal have the Australian Open to focus on.
The two met in Melbourne back in 2017, with Nadal edging out the win over five sets in the round of 32.
If they were to meet again in 2023 it would be at the Rod Laver Stadium in the final, with the players being in opposite sides of the draw.
First, Zverev will have to take on a qualifier in the first round whilst Nadal will meet Great Britain’s Jack Draper as he looks to add a 23rd Grand Slam title to his collection, the most of any player in history.
7:45AM: MOTIVATIONAL VIDEOS BEHIND POPYRIN’S RETURN
Owen Leonard
A refreshed coaching line-up and motivational videos on social media have Alexei Popyrin ready to exorcise the mental demons that haunted him during a “tough” 2022 campaign.
The New South Welshman reached a career-best world ranking of 59 in late 2021 but dropped out of the top 100 last season after a series of early-round exits in tournaments around the world.
Popyrin has twice reached the third round of the Australian Open, building a reputation over 2019-21 as a player of the future.
Still just 23, Popyrin says last year’s failures served as a steep learning curve, adding a beefed up coaching team has set him on the right path for 2023.
“Last October, I said, ‘Enough’s enough’. I started to plan out my team, hired a coach, kept my second coach, got a new fitness coach and a new physio,” Popyrin said on Sunday.
“I got Xavier Malisse (former Belgian world no. 19) in my team. He’s in my corner right now. “He’s really helped me a lot in terms of my game, but in terms of the mental side, in terms of trying to stay positive … He’s always sending me those inspirational videos, quotes, trying to keep my head space in a good space.”
Popyrin has since adopted something of a nothing-to-lose mindset, saying his ranking “can’t really drop any further than it has already”.
“Right now I feel no pressure at all coming into this AO, coming into the start of the year.
“I feel like I’ve got a clean slate. I feel like I can play my tennis, I can play freely, and hopefully get my ranking up.”
The lanky competitor, a wildcard selection for the tournament, comes up against Tseng Chun-hsin in his first round, a 21-year-old from Taiwan who he defeated at the first round of last year’s US Open.
“It’s going to be a tough battle, it’s going to be 36 degrees out there on Tuesday.
“He’s really fit. I’ve known him since he’s been 16, 17 years old. We’ve practice together so many times.”
7:00AM: TSITSIPAS REVEALS UNIQUE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR AUS OPEN
OWEN LEONARD
Greek gun Stefanos Tsitsipas is drawing on samurai warrior culture as he prepares for Australian Open battle in a bid for his maiden grand slam title.
The 24-year-old ace out of Athens will sport a playing kit based on the “ancient warrior spirit of Japan” for the tournament, inspired by his interest in studying cultures around the world.
Tsitsipas acknowledges the impact of Ancient Greek culture – a deep and broad discipline in its own right – but says looking beyond the history of his home soil is helping him reach an extra level.
“I am interested in cultures, I am interested in languages. I know life goes beyond my culture, Ancient Greek culture, which has left a lot of marks behind in history and time,” Tsitsipas said.
“There are other cultures out there that are also very exciting to learn about, to get to know better. Japanese culture is a very modest, very fair culture in their society, as well.
“It has intrigued me in a way to follow it more closely, to learn from it. I think there's so many lessons you can take – even tennis players – by learning about history, learning about how things evolved.”
Tsitsipas says he was drawn to the samurai “fighting spirit”, a value he hopes to embody through his campaign.
“All these fighters that led Japan to its modern society today, traditions are hidden, they are there, but they are hidden.
“Not many people know about the Japanese culture. I have been very interested in learning more about it. The Japanese jersey represents me at its fullest.”
Tsitsipas commences his quest on Monday night against Frenchman Quentin Halys, an opponent he hasn’t bothered to acknowledge.
“I don’t know,” he says when asked what he makes of his first-round task. “I don't know him at all.”
The jersey represents the connection between sport and the ancient warrior spirit of Japan. A deep cultural heritage of honor, perseverance, and excellence.
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) January 10, 2023
It also symbolises the connection between the modern and ancient, the beauty of tradition, and the power of the present. pic.twitter.com/o7YLXsdST8
Researching ancient cultures clearly leaves no time for studying the world no. 64.
Still, Tsitsipas says the “right execution” will come from the “right preparation”, with “staying in the game” to be his chief focus for the tournament.
“I need to constantly be in the mindset of bouncing back stronger,” he said. “We have younger guys coming from behind (and) we still have Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing good tennis.
“We're dealing with a lot of different things being thrown at us. In my case, I know that this year a lot of things can be done. I have the capacity to withstand the pressures and the challenges.”
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