Australian Open Day 2: ‘Sad’ scenes as Alex de Minaur into second round
Alex de Minaur is through to the second round of the Australian Open but it was far from the way he would have wanted it to go.
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Australia’s biggest hope is through to the second round after men’s 10th seed Alex de Minaur moved through — but it wasn’t in the way he would have wanted.
The injury-prone Milos Raonic retired with a hip flexor injury early in the third set after putting in a spirited showing against Australia’s top ranked player.
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After firing an early serve at 224km/h, Raonic’s power left him as the match continued and at 6-7 6-3 2-0, de Minaur appeared to be putting his foot down.
As Raonic attempted to serve, he winced and then pulled out.
In commentary, Todd Woodbridge said it was “incredibly disappointing” and “this is sad”.
John McEnroe, who used to train Raonic was broken-hearted for the star.
“It’s tough to see any player walk out this way,” McEnroe said.
“It’s also sad because I don’t know if we will ever see him here again. I’m not sure how much longer he will be able to keep playing, honestly.”
Raonic’s wife Camille Ringoir was caught by the cameras in the crowd near tears as her husband limped off the court.
De Minaur admitted it wasn’t the way he wanted it to end.
“First of all, I hope he has a speedy recovery,” de Minaur said on court.
“Not great to see him like this. He deserves to be healthy and playing incredible tennis that he has done for so many years. Hopefully he is back in no time.
“As you saw I was chasing his serve for the better part of that match. Guessing every now and again. Ended up getting maybe a little bit unlucky to not win the first set, got a little bit tight at the end.
“I just focused on myself, second set, told myself restart and managed to jag a break out of the blue and that changed the momentum.”
The draw now opens up for de Minaur after 18th seed Nicolas Jarry lost, it means the Aussie won’t face another seeded player until at least the fourth round where he could play either American Sebastian Korda or Russian Andrey Rublev, both who went to five-sets to make it into the second round.
It’s been a mixed day for the Aussies outside of de Minaur with four of a possible nine Aussies moving into the second round.
Jordan Thompson defeated countryman Aleksandar Vukic in a five set thriller, while Alexei Popyrin ousted Marc Polmans in straight sets in all-Aussie match ups.
James Duckworth and Rinky Hijikata went down in five-sets while Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz was too much for Omar Jasika.
On the women’s side, Storm Hunter moved into the second round, while Taylah Preston fell to 19th seed Elina Svitolina and Daria Savile lost in three sets to Magdalena Frech.
In terms of seeded casualty, 18th seed Nicolas Jarry was the only seeded player on the men’s side, while 15th seed Veronika Kudermetova, 21st seed Donna Vekic, 17th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, 23rd seed Anastasia Potapova, 31st seed Marie Bouzkova and reigning Wimbledon champion and seventh seed Marketa Vondrousova were all knocked out on day two.
Day three starts at 11am.
2am - That might be it for Andy Murray in Australia
Andy Murray needn’t worry about late night matches at the 2024 Australian Open — his campaign is already over.
The Brit was no match for 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, wiped off the court in a 6-4 6-2 6-2 thrashing.
Sir Andy is a five-time Australian Open finalist and crowd favourite at Melbourne Park but was no match for the 24-year-old Argentinian.
“It’s a definite possibility that will be the last time I play here. And yeah, I think probably because of how the match went and everything, I don’t know,” Murray said post-match.
“Whilst you’re playing the match, you’re obviously trying to control your emotions, focus on the points and everything. When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this.
“Yeah, in comparison to the matches that I played here last year, it’s the complete opposite feeling walking off the court. Yeah, wish I involved the crowd more. Just disappointed with the way I played and all of that stuff. Tough, tough way to finish.”
1.42am — Five-hour thriller goes the distance
It's just before 2am as 27th seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime finally got past 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a five-set 6-3 7-5 6-7 5-7 6-3 win on Margaret Court Arena.
Thiem, who is fighting his way back up the rankings after form issues and a troublesome wrist kept him sidelined, put in a lion-hearted effort but ultimately fell short in the epic five-hour encounter.
It was the longest match of Auger-Aliassime’s career and was another night that finished in the wee hours of the morning.
12.35am – ‘Hijikata heartbreaker’
Bleary eyed Aussie fans hoping for an Aussie miracle have been devastated after Rinky Hijikata went down 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-7 7-6 to 24th seeded German Jan-Lennard Struff in an absorbing three-hour and 50 minute marathon on court 3.
Hijikata took an early break in the fifth set but gave it up to sent the decider to a super tie-break.
The World No. 71 Aussie quickly fell behind but wouldn’t let the match get away as he fought back time and time again.
But Struff, who hadn’t won at Melbourne Park in six years, finally broke through as a Hijikata backhand floated long.
Commentator Brenton Speed called it a “Hijikata heartbreaker”.
11.35pm – Hijikata takes it to a fifth set
We’re going to be burning the midnight oil once again as Rinky Hijikata takes his match against 24th seed Jan-Lennard Struff to a deciding set.
The young Aussie bullied his way into the decider with a commanding fourth set tie-break, before immediately breaking to love in the fifth, before serving to love to go up 2-0.
11.25pm – Naomi Osaka bundled out of AO
It was always going to be a tough ask for four-time grand slam winner to come straight back from maternity leave and dominate, especially when coming up against 16th seed Caroline Garcia in the first round.
But despite the straight sets 6-4 7-6 loss, Osaka showed enough to safely assume it won’t take long for her to rise back up the rankings.
While it was the first time Osaka has bowed out of the opening round of the Australian Open, she showed plenty of fight.
Garcia praised Osaka after the match.
“I have a lot of respect for Naomi as a person and player,” Garcia said on court after the win.
“She’s had an amazing career. She was away for 15 months. She’s been through a lot.
“She’s a great girl and she’s done so much for our tennis in the last few years.
“Six months after giving birth she’s playing amazing already. We have to watch out.”
9.17pm – Demon through in ‘sad’ Aus Open scenes
Aussie Alex de Minaur’s draw has opened right up but his first round clash against Canadian great Milos Raonic was anything but what he would have wanted.
The injury-prone 33-year-old pulled the plug after having battled through a hip flexor injury for more than a set.
After winning the first set in a tie-breaker, the big serving Canadian’s serve speed came right back to earth, dropping to an average of 202km/h, almost 10km/h slower than the first set.
But the end was nigh for Raonic who was broken straight away in the third set before de Minaur held serve.
At 6-7 6-3 2-0, de Minaur appeared to be putting his foot down.
A Raonic attempted to serve, he winced and then pulled out.
In commentary, Todd Woodbridge said it was “incredibly disappointing” and “this is sad”.
John McEnroe, who used to train Raonic was broken-hearted for the star.
“It’s tough to see any player walk out this way,” McEnroe said.
“It’s also sad because I don’t know if we will ever see him here again. I’m not sure how much longer he will be able to keep playing, honestly.”
Raonic’s wife Camille Ringoir was caught by the cameras in the crowd near tears as her husband limped off the court.
De Minaur admitted it wasn’t the way he wanted it to end.
“First of all, I hope he has a speedy recovery,” de Minaur said on court.
“Not great to see him like this. He deserves to be healthy and playing incredible tennis that he has done for so many years. Hopefully he is back in no time.
“As you saw I was chasing his serve for the better part of that match. Guessing every now and again. Ended up getting maybe a little bit unlucky to not win the first set, got a little bit tight at the end.
“I just focused on myself, second set, told myself restart and managed to jag a break out of the blue and that changed the momentum.”
A fully fit Raonic would have really pushed De Minaur tonight.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 15, 2024
Probably the wake-up call Alex needed but no one wants to win that way. Hope Milos can get back to his best! #AusOpen
Sad stuff.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 15, 2024
Milos Raonic retires down 0-2 in the 3rd set to Alex De Minaur.
Played *so well* for 90 minutes.
Right well, Milos Raonic just pulled out injured. He was playing bloody well too.
— Claire Connelly (@_ClaireConnelly) January 15, 2024
Great for de Minaur, I guess
Still, not quite the same as being able to see the thing through. #AusOpen
Happy for de Minaur of course but that’s shattering for Raonic. A career just crippled by injuries unfortunately. Definitely one of those “what could have been?†players.
— V (@TicsVitsJacThic) January 15, 2024
The retirement was hardly a surprise as Raonic took a medical time-out in the first set.
Former World No. 1 Jim Courier had quipped at the back end of the first set tie-breaker that Raonic was moving “like an aircraft carrier” and it’s just got tougher for the Canadian, who is far from 100 per cent.
At the end of the first set, Raonic’s former coach John McEnroe said he didn’t think the Canadian would be able to go the distance.
“To me, if he doesn’t win this set it would be like 50-50 that he finishes the match. I hope I am wrong,” McEnroe said.
“I want to see a good competitive match … I feel bad just watching him.”
The result is even better for de Minaur who’s draw has opened up somewhat.
After 18th seed Nicolas Jarry lost, it means de Minaur won’t face another seeded player until at least the fourth round where he’ll play American Sebastian Korda or Russian Andrey Rublev, both who went to five-sets to make it into the second round.
8.17pm – Demon drops first set
Alex de Minaur is facing a tough day at the office against the big serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
The first set went to Raonic, who smashed down nine aces to three, despite going off for a medical time out.
It leaves de Minaur plenty of work to do.
The freshly minted World No. 10 has been hyped as one of the best players in the world after coming into the tournament with four wins over top 10 players but the former World No. 3 has proven to be a tough task for Australia’s great hope.
7.55pm – Fans hope Raonic is okay
Fans are hoping all is okay for Milos Raonic, who is firing down bombs but has left the court at 5-4 for a medical time out.
It’s believed to be a hip flexor injury or the former World No. 3.
He’s returned but after four surgeries and a torn Achilles, it’s not a great sign as Raonic doesn’t seem to be moving too well.
7.30pm – ‘Are you kidding?’: De Minaur takes on 250km/h weapon
Alex de Minaur has walked onto Rod Laver Arena for his highly anticipated clash with former World No. 3 Milos Raonic.
The big-serving Canadian will look to dominate the Aussie early on, but commentators have described de Minaur as one of the best returners on tour.
But in the early exchanges, Raonic is standing behind his weapon, already firing down a 224km/h serve as he held his first service games easily.
“He’s got so much variety in that serve. Look at this. I mean, are you kidding!” McEnroe said in commentary after he fired yet another ace in his second service game.
Raonic the sixth fastest serve in history, a 249.9km/h bullet but is known as one of the biggest servers in history.
After his seventh ace in just his fourth service game, McEnroe said it was “guns blazing for Raonic”.
Australian Open Day 2 schedule and results
Rod Laver Arena from 12pm (AEDT)
Coco Gauff (USA) [4] defeated Anna Schmiedlova (SLO) 6-3 6-0
Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [7] defeated Zizou Bergs (BEL) 5-7 6-1 6-1 6-3
From 7pm
Alex de Minaur (AUS) [10] defeated Milos Raonic 6-7 6-3 2-0 walkover
Caroline Garcia (FRA) [16] defeated Naomi Osaka 6-4 7-6
Margaret Court Arena from 12pm
Daniil Medvedev (RUS) [3] defeated Terence Atmane (FRA) 5-7 6-2 6-4 1-0 walkover
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) defeated Donna Vekic (CRO) [21] 6-4 6-4
From 7pm
Ons Jabeur (TUN) [6] defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR) 6-3 6-1
Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) [27] vs Dominic Thiem (AUT)
John Cain Arena from 11am
Dayana Yastremska (UKR) defeated Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) [7] 6-1 6-2
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) defeated Marc Polmans (AUS) 6-3 7-6 6-2
Magdalena Frech (POL) defeated Daria Saville (AUS) 6-7 6-3 7-5
From 5pm
Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [9] defeated Omar Jasika (AUS) 7-6 6-4 6-2
Other Australians in action
Storm Hunter defeated Sara Errani (ITA) 6-4 6-3
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [19] defeated Taylah Preston 6-2 6-2
Jordan Thompson defeated Aleksandar Vukic 3-6 7-6 6-2 3-6 6-4
Luca Van Assche (FRA) defeated James Duckworth 6-7 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-3
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) [24] defeated Rinky Hijikata 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-7 7-6
7pm – Another Aussie crashes out
Daria Saville has become the latest Aussie casualty that will see at least five Aussies exit — even though two were to fellow Australians.
It wasn’t so for Saville however, who fell in three sets to Poland’s Magdelena Frech, who claimed her first win in the main draw of an Australian Open in the process.
Saville is still on the comeback trail after spending nine months away from the game, returning in June last year, where she’s risen from the mid-200s to around 150 in the world.
6pm – Shapovalov out, Aussie falls in five-setter
Former world No. 10 Denis Shapovalov has been sent tumbling by underdog Jakub Menšík in a straight sets pounding (6-3 7-5 7-5).
Meanwhile, Aussie James Duckworth has fallen in a thrilling five set battle against 19-year-old Luca Van Assche 7-6 3-6 6-3 3-6 3-6.
2014 champion Stan Wawrinka was also sent home in the first round. He dropped his first set to French 20th seed Adrian Mannarino 6-4 and fought back to take the next two sets 6-3 7-5. But Mannarino found a second wind and brought the match to five sets, taking the fourth 6-3 and then shutting out the Swiss star 6-0 in a brutal final set.
5.30pm – Stars slam ‘wokest tournament ever’
Aussie Jordan Thompson has slammed the Aus Open as the “wokest tournament ever” over a new rule that allows crowd members to enter the arena between games.
Under a new rule introduced this year fans are given more freedom to come and go as they please.
But it got in the way of Thompson’s rhythm as he prepared to serve while sitting 3-1 up in the second set, as fans continued to walk into Court 3.
“You’re kidding me, really? Oh my god,” he said. “This is the wokest tournament ever.”
World No.1 Novak Djokovic also gave a serve to Open organisers about the new rule.
“I did not know about that new policy or new rule,” he said
“Look, I mean, I understand the motive behind it is to enhance and improve the experience for fans, right? We do play for fans. We want fans to have a great, thrilling experience of being out on the court.
“It’s hard, I must say. I understand that and I support it to some extent, but at the same time all my career, all my life I’ve been used to some kind of atmosphere. When that changes, it kind of messes up, distracts you a bit.”
Thompson has stolen the second set off fellow Aussie Aleksandar Vukic via a tie-break after conceding the first set 3-6.
4.48pm – Tsitsipas through, Aussie in five set thriller
Stefanos Tsitsipas has closed out his match against Zizou Bergs 5-7 6-1 6-1 6-3 to advance to the second round.
Aussie James Duckworth is currently battling through the fifth set against 19-year-old Luca Van Assche. The 29-year-old took the first set via a tie-break but dropped the second 3-6.
He fought back to take the third 6-3 but dipped in the fourth to give life to the Frenchman’s campaign.
Jordan Thompson is currently duking it out with fellow Aussie Aleksandar Vukic on Court 3.
3.25pm – Tsitsipas finds his rhythm
Greek crowd favourite Stefanos Tsitsipas has rallied to make his way back into his first round match against Zizou Bergs. Tsitsipas dropped the first set to the underdog 7-5 but made multiple breaks in the second to lead 5-1.
A particularly exhilarating shot in the second game saw the World No. 7 reach over the net to hit a winner, leaving Bergs with his hand over his mouth as the crowd roared.
He took the second set 6-1 and then blasted his way through the third 6-1 to take control of the match after an early jitter.
Stefanos Tsitsipas on that crazy shot he hit against Zizou Bergs:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2024
“That shot was extraordinary. I don’t know how I even made that shot… I guess not wanting to give up & just giving it a try gave me that point. I think it turned around the match.†pic.twitter.com/oM1YeOKnqe
Oh my god what a point from Tsitsipas to break early in the 2nd. Able to make that shot without touching the net is unreal.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 15, 2024
3.10pm – Kyrgios tweet comes back to bite
Nick Kyrgios has been called out for a tweet he posted last year about Dino Prizmic.
The 18-year-old firebrand put Novak Djokovic through the ringer last night in a four set thriller. While he was eventually defeated by the Australian Open king, Prizmic won over thousands of new fans with his attacking brand of tennis.
“That was four hours of pure entertainment,” Kyrgios said.
“As soon as I saw him strutting his thing, he reminded me of that Holger Rune style energy. That’s the longest match in the first round of a slam in Novak’s career, that’s pretty crazy for an 18-year-old. I like him, he’s one of my favourite players after that performance. I’d give him some serious energy!”
But barely six months ago, Kyrgios was tweeting about the unknown star.
“Who are some of these players haha,” he said at the time.
It's almost as if watching tennis makes you learn about those playing the sport https://t.co/RJpMAogvOypic.twitter.com/4yjBdM9YU6
— Erik Jonsson 🇺🇦 (@erktennis) January 14, 2024
2.50pm – Medvedev’s opponent retires
After stealing the first set off grand slam winner Daniil Medvedev, Terence Atmane began cramping badly. The Frenchman was looking good but his body started collapsing under the harsh Melbourne heat.
The qualifier was struggling to move and was forced to serve underhand by the third set.
He broke down in tears at the net as he was forced to retire, allowing the Russian to progress to the second round.
Terence Atmane is cramping badly against Daniil Medvedev.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2024
The qualifier is struggling to move & is forced to serve underhand.
The crowd gave him a lot of support.
1st main draw in a Slam.
Tough to see him going through this in the biggest match of his life. 💔 pic.twitter.com/aOQcoa5KHc
2.20pm – McEnroe slammed over ‘insane’ comment
Tennis legend and commentator John McEnroe has been slammed for comments about Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas’ opponent.
McEnroe told viewers that he didn’t know who Zizou Bergs was. The 24-year-old from Belgium is the lucky loser who gained entry to the Australian Open main draw after 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini withdrew on Sunday.
On X, formerly Twitter, the controversial and outspoken commentator was called out for not caring enough.
“Insane to me that time and time again J. McEnroe goes on air and just admits he has zero clue who a player is. (Today, bergs, 120 atp) just says to the world, hey guys, I’ve done zero research for my job and I’m just going to disrespect someone who’s top 150 in the world at a job,” wrote user Thai-Son Kwiatkowski.
Tennis writer Jose Morgado shared the tweet, writing simply: “Yikes. It really isn’t that tough.”
Bergs, for what it’s worth, turned pro in 2018 and has a win-loss record of 6-18. His career prize money totals $685,838 USD. It is a drop in the ocean compared to what Tsitsipas has earned: $28,834,065 USD.
The Greek star, who made the final of the Australian Open last year, is looking to break through for his maiden Grand Slam title.
Bergs is holding his own on Rod Laver Arena, trailing 5-4 in the first set.
He eventually took the set 7-5 but allowed Tsitsipas to break early in the second.
– Rohan Smith at Melbourne Park
1.50pm – Wawrinka struggling early
2014 Australian Open champion and three time grand slam winner Stan Wawrinka has his work cut out for him already on the Show Court Arena, dropping his first set to French 20th seed Adrian Mannarino 6-4.
The 38-year-old Swiss star has won the hearts of Australian fans in years past but might be headed for a first round exit if he doesn’t pick up the pieces.
Meanwhile at the John Cain Arena, Aussies Alexei Popyrin and Marc Polmans are going head to head. The 24-year-old Popyrin won the first set 6-3
1.15pm – Medvedev drops a set
We might have another upset brewing here.
Russian World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev has dropped his first set against Frenchman Terence Atmane in their first round clash. Medvedev, 27, is a two-time finalist at the Australian Open (2021, 2022) but looked out of rhythm in the first hour with a number of unforced errors at the net.
Atmane has a 1-3 record and has won just $211,575 in prize money throughout his career, compared to the Russian’s $38,148,405 (USD).
12.45pm – Major upset at Melbourne Park
World No. 7 and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been sent tumbling out of the Australian Open in straight sets (1-6, 2-6) against Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska.
Yastremska broke Vondrousova after four break points for 2-0 to kick off the game on the front foot.
Four games went to deuce in the second set, and after failing to capitalise on a match point in the seventh game, the Ukrainian saved a break point in the following game before eventually sealing the deal.
9.30am – Kyrgios feud reignites at Aussie Open
Nick Kyrgios isn’t on the court, but the Australian star is making his presence felt at the Australian Open from behind the microphone.
All eyes and ears will be locked into the day two action when Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas takes to the court with Kyrgios calling his first round match.
The two men have a long and frosty history that reached new heights during a fiery third round contest that unfolded at Wimbledon in 2022.
During the contest Kyrgios called for Tsitsipas to be defaulted after he hit a ball into the crowd and appeared to hit someone.
The feud was then reignited with the release of the second season of Break Point on Netflix.
Now the latest chapter in the rivalry will be added at Melbourne Park with Kyrgios set to call Tsitsipas’ match against Zizou Bergs as a part of ESPN’s commentary crew.
The move to have the Aussie calling his long-time rivals contest left social media users rushing to prepare the popcorn.
“On this should be interesting,” one wrote.
Another wrote: “give us the Wimby chaos behind the scenes.”
A third replied with a gif of The Joker saying “and here we go”.
9am – Kyrgios’ bold Novak Djokovic claim
Kyrgios was in the commentary booth on the opening night and while watching Novak Djokovic’s opening round encounter unfold he made a bold call about his standing in the sporting world.
“He’s in the conversation for greatest athlete ever with what he’s achieving,” Kyrgios said on Eurosport’s coverage.
“Seems like he’s got every shot in the book out and showing us why he’s the greatest player on the planet.”
Djokovic, 36, ultimately got the better of 18-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in a thrilling battle that went over four hours.
With 24-grand slam titles to his name, the Aussie believes the curtain is far from falling on Djokovic’s historic career.
“He’s getting older, his game’s getting better, he’s moving better… incredible. What do you have to do to beat him?” Kyrgios said.
“With no major injury, he definitely could play into his 40s.
“When you’ve achieved so much and become an icon in the sport, everyone wants you, they wanna take you down and they play their best tennis. So every single time Novak Djokovic goes out on to the court, it’s not easy for him. That’s even more credit to him.
“He has to keep studying these young players like Prizmic and keep adapting. Look how his game has adapted over the last five years. He just seems to rise to the occasion every single time.
“Never has a bad day; I suppose today would be one of his bad days — and he’s still winning.
“He was telling me he’s missing his family and if he wins this event, it’s potentially another two weeks away from his beautiful family, but yet he’s still got the same motivation to win. It’s insane what he’s doing.”
Originally published as Australian Open Day 2: ‘Sad’ scenes as Alex de Minaur into second round
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