Australian Open, Day 1: Rain delay causes schedule chaos at Melbourne Park

No.2 seed Alexander Zverev has flexed his muscle on the opening day of the Australian Open as he looks to forget his nightmare end to his 2024 campaign.

Looking every inch a contender for the men’s singles title, it was a much more pleasant outcome for the German than his last heartbreaking appearance on the Melbourne Park centre court in 2024.

On the verge of making his first Australian Open final after opening up a two-set lead over Daniil Medvedev, Zverev collapsed in sight of the finish line, losing two successive tiebreakers then the deciding fifth set.

READ MORE: AUSTRALIAN HOPES CRUSHED ON DAY 1

Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates victory over France’s Lucas Pouille during their men’s singles match on day one of the Australian Open. Picture: Martin Keep/AFP.

It was gut-wrenching to watch but he showed he’s made of the right stuff by dusting himself off and making the French Open final a few months later.

Despite his accomplishments, which include winning 23 ATP titles and the Olympic gold medal at Tokyo, Zverev continues to fly under the radar, mainly because he has no grand slam trophies yet.

He’s been close, making the US Open final in 2020 as well as Roland-Garros in 2024, but like everyone looking to fill the void of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, Zverev hasn’t got the same street cred as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner because he hasn’t landed a big one yet but this year could be his best shot.

Recap all the action from the opening day of the Australian Open in the live blog.

Originally published as Australian Open, Day 1: Rain delay causes schedule chaos at Melbourne Park