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Australian Open 2019: Live coverage of Day 1 action from Melbourne Park

Andy Murray has played his last match at Melbourne Park after a heartbreaking first-round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut.

Courtney Walsh and Will Swanton
19 min read
6:23AMJanuary 14, 2019.
Updated 12:36AMJanuary 15, 2019
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Britain's Andy Murray reacts after winning the third set during his men's singles match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut. Picture: AFP
Britain's Andy Murray reacts after winning the third set during his men's singles match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut. Picture: AFP

Welcome to live coverage of Day 1 of the 2019 Australian Open tennis tournament from Melbourne Park. There are 13 Australians involved in first round action from 11am (AEDT) today.

11.18pm: Murray bids Melbourne farewell

Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray has played his last match at Melbourne Park after a heartbreaking 6-4 6-4 6-7 (7-5) 6-7 (7-4) 6-2 first-round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut.

Battling a chronic hip injury that has him on the verge of retirement, Murray put up an almighty fight against the Spanish 22nd seed and nearly pulled off an epic comeback in the four-hour-and-nine-minute contest.

The 31-year-old Scot, who said he will assess his future in the sport after the tournament, had momentum heading into the deciding set but Bautista Agut broke twice before serving out the match.

AAP

11.15pm: Fed Express keeps rolling

Roger Federer has sealed a simple passage through to the second round of the Australian Open, defeating Denis Istomin with trademark ease on.

The Swiss legend downed the world No.101 6-3 6-4 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena without losing serve, taking one hour and 57 minutes to dispatch the Uzbek.

AAP

Switzerland's Roger Federer hits a return against Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin. Picture: AFP
Switzerland's Roger Federer hits a return against Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin. Picture: AFP

The two-time defending champion’s success was his 59th consecutive first-round victory at major tournaments, a run dating back to the 2003 French Open.

11.08pm: Tomic loses first-round clash

Bernard Tomic’s return to the Australian Open has been short, losing a first-round clash with 2018 finalist, Marin Cilic.

The sixth seed defeated the rejuvenated Queenslander 6-2 6-4 7-6 (7-3) in two hours and three minutes tonight.

Tomic, who failed to qualify for last year’s event, struggled with the big- serving Croatian’s power game on his return to his home slam. The 26-year-old might have been a straight-sets loser but was dignified in his performance against one of world tennis’ powerhouses.

Cilic crushed 24 aces and 56 winners on Margaret Court Arena, keeping Tomic at arm’s length and not allowing the reformed bad boy to get his staccato game rolling.

“Definitely it’s always really tricky to play Bernard ... he jerks you around the court.,” Cilic said.

Bernard Tomic of Australia reacts while leaving the court after being defeated by Marin Cilic of Croatia. Picture: AAP
Bernard Tomic of Australia reacts while leaving the court after being defeated by Marin Cilic of Croatia. Picture: AAP

“I started to feel he was starting to play great so it’s good to get through the tiebreak.” Tomic showed fight in the first set, rallying from 0-40 down in a marathon eighth game only to fall to a superb return winner from Cilic to lose it. The Australian had chances to break at 2-2 and 4-4 in the second set, Cilic again stepping up his game to lead two sets to love.

The match looked a foregone conclusion at 5-2 in the fifth before Tomic showed pluck to break back and force a tiebreak.

By this stage, the rowdy Melbourne Park crowd was firmly behind Tomic, who was carrying none of the baggage that has seemingly dogged his career. The match’s crucial point came at 4-3 in the tiebreak, when Tomic had the chance to pass Cilic at the net, only for the Croatian to pull out a superb drop volley at full-stretch to take control.

Cilic moves on to a second-round clash with American Mackenzie McDonald on Wednesday.

10.31pm: Murray wins fourth set

9.42pm: Murray hangs on

Andy Murray is holding on in his match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut despite pain from his troublesome hip.

After dropping the first two sets, he won the third and is now contesting the fourth.

9.34pm: Wozniacki through with straight sets

Reigning Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki has marked her return to Rod Laver Arena with a win, defeating Belgian Alison van Uytvanck in straight sets.

The Danish world No.3 won 6-3 6-4, her first match on Melbourne Park’s centre court since she lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup last January.

Her next assignment will be Sweden’s Johanna Larsson, with a possible blockbuster against Maria Sharapova to come in the third round.

8.50pm: Millman joins fleet of Aussie winners

John Millman has picked up his grand slam form where he left it, defeating world No.80 Federico Delbonis in the first round of the Australian Open.

Having toiled through the first three sets, the 29-year-old then made short work of the Argentinian, winning the first five games in the fourth set before settling with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 triumph in two hours and 37 minutes.

The popular Queenslander, who shocked the tennis world by punting Roger Federer from the US Open last year, joined a fleet of Australian winners on day one at Melbourne Park.

8.14pm: Barty sails into second round

Top Australian hope Ashleigh Barty has continued a green and gold day to remember at Melbourne Park, routing Luksika Kumkhum to move into the second round.

Barty, the 15th seed, defeated her Thai opponent 6-2 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena to set up a date with China’s Yafan Wang.

The 22-year-old was one of at least seven Australians to triumph at Melbourne Park on Monday, taking just 57 minutes to progress.

8.03pm: Thompson clocks a win

A rejuvenated Jordan Thompson has won just his fourth match at a major in 18 attempts, thumping veteran Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in straight sets on day one of the Australian Open.

The 24-year-old Sydneysider won 6-1 7-6 (9-7) 6-3, setting up a second-round clash with either American Steve Johnson or Italian Andreas Seppi.

The world No.72 also reached the quarter-finals at last week’s Sydney International before bowing out to countryman Alex de Minaur.

AAP

Adrian McMurray 5.49pm: Injury scare for Monfils

Out on court eight, Gael Monfils took a tumble and took a moment to recover in his first-up match against Damir Dzumhur. He’s back up and about though and took the first game.

Australian Jordan Thompson took the first 6-1 against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, while Matthew Ebden lost the first 6-1 to German Jan-Lennard Struff.

Tomas Berdych, meanwhile, is rolling through 13th seed Kyle Edmund, ahead 6-3 6-0.

Adrian McMurray 5.26pm: De Minaur cruises past Sousa

De Minaur had the chance to break Sousa for victory but he held his serve, the Aussie winning the set and the match with a forehand winner the next game, finishing 6-4 7-5 6-4.

Adrian McMurray 5.08pm: Victory in sight for de Minaur

After winning the first three games of the third, de Minaur was broken and Sousa held his serve to peg it back. The Aussie steadied the ship, moving to 4-2 with victory in sight.

Meanwhile, Isner has gone down to Opelka, the American beating his compatriot to win his first Grand Slam match 7-6 (4) 7-6 (6) 6-7 (4) 7-6 (5). Yep, four tie-breakers. Huge upset the ninth seed gone, the match finished in just under three hours. Tough slog!

Adrian McMurray 4.45pm: De Minaur takes the second

He did it a little tougher in the second but de Minaur clinched the set, leading 2-0. A break late in the set was just what the 19-year-old needed, serving his way to a strong position.

Adrian McMurray 4.37pm: All locked up in the second

End-to-end affair on Margaret Court Arena, neither de Minaur or Sousa managing to break in the second set. We’re all locked up at 5-all with Sousa on serve. Both players are starting to spray a few shots, the heat perhaps playing its part.

Meanwhile 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko is out, falling to Greece’s Maria Sakkari, while Kerber has won 6-2 6-2 to progress.

Adrian McMurray 4.23pm: Kerber cruising, tie-breaks galore

Angelique Kerber is in control in her first round match against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog, taking the first 6-2 and with a 3-1 advantage in the second.

Sloane Stephens made light work of fellow American Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-2, while in another all-American affair in the men’s draw, ninth seed John Isner is on the ropes, losing the first two sets in back-to-back tie-breaks 6-7 (4) 6-7 (6) to Riley Opelka. But Isner fought back to win the third in — you guessed it — another tie-break, 7-6 (4). Incredibly, there hasn’t been a single break point the entire match.

Adrian McMurray 4.00pm: De Minaur takes first set

De Minaur takes the first set 6-4 and is pulling off a few very handy shots, dealing with everything Sousa is throwing his way. The crowd are lapping it up!

Adrian McMurray 3.43pm: De Minaur breaks first

We’re underway in the de Minaur-Sousa match. After an initial feeling-out period, de Minaur takes the early break in the fifth game to lead 3-2. Good signs early for the Aussie.

Tsitsipas meanwhile is through to the second round after rallying to take the next three sets after losing the first to Berrettini. The 14th seed took the set 6-7 (3) 6-4 6-3 7-6 to become the first Greek to win in the men’s singles in the Open’s history.

Adrian McMurray 3.05pm: Nadal beats fighting Duckworth

There it is! Nadal wins 6-4 6-3 7-5, despite a late push from Duckworth.

That was the Spaniard’s first tour match since last year’s US Open, seemingly over the various injuries that plagued him for much of 2018. He swept to victory in two hours and 15 minutes, and looked good throughout.

Rafael Nadal celebrates his first round victory. Picture: Michael Klein
Rafael Nadal celebrates his first round victory. Picture: Michael Klein

Meanwhile, victory for two other locals — Kimberly Birrell took down Spanish qualifier Paula Badosa Gibert 6-4 6-2 in her first Australian Open appearance, while Zoe Hives downed Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1 6-2.

Not long now before de Minaur takes to Margaret Court Arena.

Adrian McMurray 2.49pm: Duckworth clings on

Duckworth is just keeping this one alive, a huge break to save the match in the third, and don’t the crowd love it!

Adrian McMurray 2.45pm: Tsitsipas recovers

Tsitsipas has recovered well, taking the next two sets after dropping the first in a tie-break. He leads 2-1 against Berrenttini, and should go on with it from here.

Adrian McMurray 2.20pm: Anderson survives

Kevin Anderson is through after a first-round scare, taking care of Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-3 7-5 6-2 6-1. The fifth seed did it easy after a fright in the second, content with the way he bounced back.

“I was up a break in the second set and just let it get away a little bit. I was happy with the way I was able to reset.

“It was really hot out here. I thought we were going to hit the heat rule.”

Nadal has taken the second set 6-3 against Duckworth, up 2-1 in the third. Doesn’t look good for James from here.

Adrian McMurray 2.10pm: Boulter goes off early

Britain’s Katie Boulter celebrated a little too early, thinking she’d won a third set tie-break at 7-4 against Russian Ekaterina Makarova. Sure, that would normally hand her the set, but new rules dictate that at 6-all in the third or fifth set there’s a tie-break to 10 instead of playing through to a two-game advantage.

Fortunately for Boulter, she went on to take the set and the match 6-0 4-6 7-6 (6). Might’ve been a bit awkward if she dropped that one …

Katie Boulter celebrated a little too early in her first round victory. Picture: Getty Images
Katie Boulter celebrated a little too early in her first round victory. Picture: Getty Images

Adrian McMurray 1.50pm: First upset of the Open

Huge boilover on Margaret Court Arena, as American Danielle Collins beats 14th seed Julia Goerges 2-6 7-6 (5) 6-4. Goerges won the ASB Classic in Auckland just last week, making her early exit all the more surprising.

Fernando Versasco, meanwhile, is the first man through to the second round after knocking off Serbian qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (5) 6-3 6-3.

Adrian McMurray 1.40pm: Duckworth breaks … but Nadal hits right back

Huge moment in the second set on RLA, as Duckworth breaks the Nadal serve! But his advantage is immediately wiped as Nadal breaks back the very next game, a double fault at deuce — Duckworth’s fourth of the match so far — hurting him badly. Nadal wins his service game comfortably, 2-all in the second set.

Courtney Walsh 1.34pm: First Aussie through to second round

Astra Sharma became the first Australian to progress to the second round when defeating compatriot Priscilla Hon in a qualify affair at Melbourne Park.

The Western Australian, who was making her grand slam debut, carried her strong form from qualifying into the match played on Court 7 when successful 7-5 4-6 6-1.

A critical juncture in the match came when Sharma was able to hold serve from 0-40 down at 5-all in the first set, with her ability to land a weighty first serve critical.

She was then able to break the Queenslander in the following game.

Astra Sharma. Picture: AAP
Astra Sharma. Picture: AAP

Hon, who earned a wildcard by virtue of her impressive form through the Australian professional circuit in September and October, was able to level when holding her nerve on serve deep in the second set.

But Sharma, who spent five years in the US Collegiate system on a tennis scholarship, finished brilliantly in the third set as Hon appeared to suffer from hand cramps.

Meanwhile, wildcard entrant Zoe Hives is in a strong position to post a victory on her grand slam debut.

The right-hander, who hails from just outside Ballarat, is leading American veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands by a set and two service breaks.

Adrian McMurray 1.30pm: Nadal takes first set, Tsitsipas in trouble

Nadal takes the first set 6-4, but Duckworth isn’t going down without a fight, firing a 213km/h serve the way of the second seed.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, meanwhile, is in strife, losing the first set to World No 52 Matteo Berrettini. The Italian won it in a tie-break 7-6, and took the first game of the second. Trouble for the 14th seed.

Will Swanton 1.25pm: Heat hits Hon hard

Sharma and the heat have done Hon in. Hon’s right hand started cramping at 0-1 in the final set, the beginning of the end.

She’s out on her feet as Sharma wins 7-5 4-6 6-1.

Will Swanton 12.51pm: All quiet after Sharapova finishes

Sharna has won the first set 7-5. Serving at 3-3 in the second, she’s dropped a crucial service game while Sharapova’s post-match interview has been heard loud and clear in the background.

Hon has taken the second set 6-4 to level things up at a set apiece after 90 minutes.

Neither player has complained about the noise … and it’s stopped for the time being. Rafael Nadal is playing James Duckworth on RLA … but from courtside at Court 7, not a peep can be heard from the big screen.

Adrian McMurray 12.47pm: Not a great start for Duckworth

Next up on Rod Laver Arena: local wildcard James Duckworth will be up against it in hist first round meeting with Rafael Nadal. Not an ideal start for the Aussie, Nadal breaking his serve in the very first game.

Meanwhile, things are getting very interesting on Melbourne Arena, with Anderson dropping the second set to World No 41 Adrian Mannarino. The match is poised evenly at 6-3 7-5.

Hon has taken the second set 6-4 in her match with fellow Aussie Sharma, the two young guns into the third after Sharma took the first 7-5.

Courtney Walsh 12.25pm: Ruthless Sharapova strolls through first round

Eleven years after claiming her sole Australian Open title, Maria Sharapova opened her campaign in ruthless fashion when a dominant victor over English qualifier Harriet Dart today.

The five-time grand slam champion was the first major star to take to Rod Laver Arena in this year’s Open and made short work of her inexperienced opponent, progressing without the loss of a single game in an impressive performance.

Sharapova did not play between the US Open, where she was beaten in the fourth round by Carla Suarez Navarro, and a tournament in Shenzhen to start the year. There she was trailing Aryna Sabalenka in a quarter-final before retiring in the second set.

But she started in brilliant fashion against Dart, who fought through qualifying and is a talent despite yesterday’s score line. And once on top, the 30th seed was ruthless when progressing in just over an hour.

Maria Sharapova during her first round match against Harriet Dart. Picture: AFP
Maria Sharapova during her first round match against Harriet Dart. Picture: AFP

“First match on Rod Laver, it was a pretty amazing opportunity,” she said.

“It has been many years since I played and held that trophy … and despite my opponent not having the best time, I still had to get the job done.

“I love what I do. I love competing, but I always love challenging myself to get better. I love the work. I only played a certain amount last year, so to get this match play is a bonus.”

Sabalenka, who is considered a title threat here, was another to begin in outstanding fashion. Pitted against Russian qualifier Anna Kalinskaya, the Belarusian zipped through the opening set before claiming an opening round win 6-1 6-4.

It was a bad opening for English women, with Heather Watson well beaten by 31st seed Petra Martic, falling 6-1 6-2 in 1hr 4m.

Will Swanton 12.08pm: Sharapova distracts young Aussies

There’s a problem on Court 7. Australia’s Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon are having a mighty battle.

They’re two young players with big games. It’s a small house on Court 7, but it’s also a full house, all 300-odd seats taken.

The problem: Maria Sharapova is also making her presence felt. Right behind Court 7 is a giant screen showing Sharapova match from Rod Laver Arena. The volume is loud. Which means Sharapova’s notorious grunting is being constantly heard.

Priscilla Hon in action against Astra Sharma. Picture: AAP
Priscilla Hon in action against Astra Sharma. Picture: AAP

It’s distracting for players and spectators. Hon throws the ball to serve, for instance, and. Sharapova can be heard loud and clear.

All the commentary can be heard too. It’s like playing when neighbour has his TV on too loud.

Adrian McMurray 12.00pm: Sharapova cruising on centre court

Sharapova has made light work of the first set, taking it 6-0. She’s taken the early break in the second and it looks like she won’t spend too much more time under the Melbourne sun. Anderson is in a comfortable position after taking the first 6-3, while it’s a tight affair between the two Aussies in the women’s singles, Sharma taking the first 7-5 as Hon looks claw her way back into it in the second.

Courtney Walsh 11.30am: Beneath the surface, a sport at war with itself

The world’s best players today begin their quest for an Australian Open crown with record prizemoney on offer, but beneath the glamorous facade of the tournament is a sport that remains at war with itself.

The Australian Open is offering $60.5 million in prizemoney this year, an increase of $5.5m on 2018. The champions will pocket $4.1m. Even a qualifier vanquished in the first round last week earned $15,000.

Novak Djokovic. Picture: AAP
Novak Djokovic. Picture: AAP

Melbourne Park has enjoyed a facelift. There is still work to come, with Rod Laver Arena in line for an upgrade, but the tournament’s site now effectively extends along the north of the Yarra River from Flinders Street station to Richmond station.

Changes in world tennis are on the horizon. At the end of this year and the start of the next, the world’s best male players will compete for their nations in two similar events — the reworked Davis Cup, and the revived ATP Cup — with both carrying bank cheques sizeable enough to fill the Banana Alley vaults situated along the Yarra bank.

But there remains significant agitation in the playing ranks and also between the array of self-interested bodies that run the sport. And it spilt over at a meeting of the men’s tour in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Read more here

Adrian McMurray 11.08am: Play begins on day one

The 2019 Australian Open is underway! The 2008 champion Maria Sharapova opens proceedings on centre-court against qualifier Harriet Dart. Julia Goerges, the 14th seed, is about to take on American Danielle Collins on Margaret Court Arena, while local qualifier Astra Sharma and fellow Aussie Priscilla Hon are vying for a spot in the second round out on court seven. In the men’s singles, fifth seed Kevin Anderson is out on Melbourne Arena, facing France’s Adrian Mannarino.

10.50am: Tennis royalty hits Melbourne Park

Courtney Walsh 7am: Day 1 — Aussies in action today

The opening day of the 2019 Australian Open is tipped to be a scorcher, with the temperature predicted to rise to 36C.

When Maria Sharapova walks on to Rod Laver Arena to kick off proceedings at 11am, it will already be near 30C.

But the action on the court is also predicted to be as hot as the weather conditions.

Defending champions Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer headline action tonight on a day Andy Murray may well play his last match.

Elsewhere, there are 13 Australians involved in first round action, among them leading fancies Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur.

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ALEX DE MINAUR (27) v PEDRO SOUSA (Portugal)
• When: 3rd on Margaret Court Arena
• Head-to-head: First meeting

• Preview: After claiming a maiden ATP Tour title in Sydney, the Australian teenager will be heavily favoured against Sousa, who is making his grand slam debut at the age of 30.

2019 Australian Open — Practice sessions. Alex de Minaur poses for the Herald Sun. Picture: Mark Stewart
2019 Australian Open — Practice sessions. Alex de Minaur poses for the Herald Sun. Picture: Mark Stewart

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ASH BARTY (15) v LUKSIKA KUMKHUM (Thailand)
• When: 1st on Margaret Court Arena, night session

• Head-to-head: 1-1
• Preview: The Australian defeated three top ten players in Sydney, including world No. 1 Simona Halep, before a tight loss to Petra Kvitova in the final. Kumkhum has talent, but provided Barty is feeling fit, it is difficult to see her falling.

Australia’s Ash Barty (left) lost a tight Sydney International final to Petra Kvitova. Picture: AAP
Australia’s Ash Barty (left) lost a tight Sydney International final to Petra Kvitova. Picture: AAP

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BERNARD TOMIC v MARIN CILIC (Croatia)
• When: 2nd on Margaret Court Arena, night session
• Head-to-head: 1-2
• Preview: This is a difficult task for Tomic on his return to the Australian Open. He has done well to resurrect his career and has performed well against Cilic, last year’s finalist in Melbourne, but he will need to play at his best to upset the Croatian.

Australia’s Bernard Tomic. Picture: Ian Currie
Australia’s Bernard Tomic. Picture: Ian Currie

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MATT EBDEN v JAN-LENNARD STRUFF (Germany)
• When: Fourth match on 1573 Arena
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: The Western Australian is coming off a career best year when he tackles the German on a show court, but Struff performed well in Auckland last week and is a danger. Ebden will need to use his all-court game to upset the rhythm of the powerful right-hander.

Australia’s Matt Ebden plays Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of the Australian Open today. Picture: Getty Images
Australia’s Matt Ebden plays Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of the Australian Open today. Picture: Getty Images

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ELLEN PEREZ v YAFAN WANG (China)
• When: Third match on Court 3
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: It is nice to see Perez debut in Melbourne after winning a wildcard into the US Open a couple of years back. If she can perform well at home, she is some chance of pushing her Chinese rival.

Ellen Perez plays in her first home grand slam today. Picture: Getty Images
Ellen Perez plays in her first home grand slam today. Picture: Getty Images

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JORDAN THOMSPON v FELICIANO LOPEZ (Spain)
• When: Fourth match on Court 3
• Head-to-head: 1-0 (Victory at Kooyong in exhibition final)
• Preview: It is great to see Thompson back competing well on the ATP Tour after a difficult 2018, with his form in Brisbane and Sydney encouraging. Lopez is a Spanish veteran with an entertaining, aggressive game, so Thompson will need to return well while protecting his own serve.

Australia's Jordan Thompson. Picture: AFP
Australia's Jordan Thompson. Picture: AFP

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ASTRA SHARMA v PRISCILLA HON
• When: First match on Court 7
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: The two emerging talents are the first Australians to grace this year’s Open, with a terrific opportunity ahead for the victor. Sharma, who hails from Western Australia, performed extremely well through qualifying. Hon, who is from Queensland, earned a spot through solid form on the Australian professional swing in September and October.

Astra Sharma takes on fellow Aussie Priscilla Hon today. Picture: Getty Images
Astra Sharma takes on fellow Aussie Priscilla Hon today. Picture: Getty Images
Priscilla Hon. Picture: AFP
Priscilla Hon. Picture: AFP

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KIMBERLEY BIRRELL v PAULA BADOSA GIBERT (Spain)
• When: Second match on Court 7
• Head-to- head: First meeting
• Preview: Birrell, who hails from Queensland, is another terrific story. After winning the wildcard playoff last month, she has enjoyed a great start to the year, toppling world No. 10 Daria Kasatkina in Brisbane and then Kiki Mlandenovic in Sydney. Gibert is a New York-based Spaniard who qualified, so she will be match tough.

Gold Coast youngster Kimberley Birrell. Picture: Richard Gosling
Gold Coast youngster Kimberley Birrell. Picture: Richard Gosling

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JOHN MILLMAN v FEDERICO DELBONIS (Argentina)
• When: Fourth match on Court 7
• Head-to-head: 0-1
• Preview: The story of last year’s US Open from an Australian perspective, Millman has started the season in solid form and will fancy his chances of a good run in Melbourne. Delbonis is a hardened professional who won their only clash on clay back in 2016, so the Queenslander will need to perform well, but he should be full of confidence.

Millmania returns … John Millman is one of Australia’s leading hopes in Melbourne. Picture: AAP
Millmania returns … John Millman is one of Australia’s leading hopes in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

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ZOE HIVES v BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS (USA)
• When: Second match on Court 8
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: The Ballarat district raised player notched her first WTA Tour win in Hobart last week and has been rewarded for her sound form on the Australian circuit. She is some chance of upsetting the American veteran, who is on the comeback trail from a serious knee injury.

Australia’s Zoe Hives has a tough first round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty Images
Australia’s Zoe Hives has a tough first round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty Images

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JASON KUBLER v THOMAS FABBIANO (Italy)
• When: Second match on Court 13
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: The Queenslander was one of the stories of last season, with his comeback from serious knee applauded on tour. He missed Brisbane due to knee soreness and was beaten in qualifying in Sydney, which is a concerning lead-in, but he definitely has the talent to beat the Italian veteran if close to his best.

Jason Kubler has a date with Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano in the first round of the Australian Open. Picture: AAP
Jason Kubler has a date with Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano in the first round of the Australian Open. Picture: AAP

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MARC POLMANS v DENIS KUDLA (USA)
• When: Third match on Court 14
• Head-to-head: First meeting
• Preview: Polmans makes his grand slam debut and has been rewarded for his hard-work and tenacity. The warm conditions will suit him if he can engage the American in a lengthy stoush, for the Melburnian is an extremely fit player who hates giving up a point.

Marc Polmans makes his grand slam debut today. Picture: Michael Klein
Marc Polmans makes his grand slam debut today. Picture: Michael Klein

6.45am: Heat won’t worry de Minaur

A predicted high of 35 degrees is precisely not what organisers Tennis Australia would have wished for given the weight of first-round fixtures to get through today.

However, top local hopes Alex de Minaur is unfazed.

“I’ve always loved playing in the heat. I’ve grown up playing in the heat. If (the roof) was to stay open, great,” de Minaur, who’ll play Portugal’s Pedro Sousa at 3pm today, said.

Alex de Minaur. Picture: Mark Cranitch
Alex de Minaur. Picture: Mark Cranitch

“I’m a strong believer that you’ve just got to adapt to the conditions on that day. That’s one of the things I’ve really focused on, to be versatile and to be able to adapt to sort of all these different conditions.

“It’s not going to change what I’m going to do. I’m going to go out there, compete, try my hardest. We’ll see what happens.”

A new “heat stress scale” based on four factors — air temperature, radiant heat, humidity and wind speed — will allow for extended breaks more often than the previous policy.

However, the roof on Melbourne Park’s three indoor courts will only be closed if conditions are so bad as to suspend play on outside courts.

AAP

6.30am: Is this Murray’s last stand?

There’s a prospect, mightily painful for both player and his adoring fans, that today could be the last time Andy Murray competes on a tennis court.

On Friday in Melbourne, the five-time Australian Open runner-up fought back the tears as he announced his looming retirement at some stage in 2019 owing to a debilitating hip condition.

So expect an almighty response from the Melbourne Park crowd when Murray takes on 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the Open’s first round. Just don’t expect a performance worthy of Murray’s stature.

Andy Murray on the practice court ahead of his Australian Open first round clash. Picture: Getty Images
Andy Murray on the practice court ahead of his Australian Open first round clash. Picture: Getty Images

“I know I’ve got no chance of winning this tournament and most likely I’m going to lose in the first round,” Murray told journalists.

“I’m not happy about that. It’s going to be uncomfortable.

“If it is my last match, I want to try and enjoy it, enjoy the whole experience which is maybe something during my career that I’ve not done. I’ve always been focused on tactics and winning and finding a way.”

The 30-year-old Scot says he will assess his future in the sport after the tournament, with a goal of reaching Wimbledon in July for a worthy swan song.

AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-2019-scorcher-on-the-court-and-off/news-story/d4e258ec245281f80099e27d8309473b