Australian Open 2021 day 2 live: Barty and Stosur win in straight sets; Alexei Popyrin scores huge upset win over David Goffin
Australians Ash Barty and Sam Stosur both won their first-round matches in straight sets
- Popyrin triumphs in thriller
- Azarenka falls, Spaniard’s parting shot
- Ballgirl collapses on court
- Kyrgios staggered by Djokovic’s critique
- Frenchman trashes Aus Open
- Aussies in action on day two
Welcome to our rolling coverage of day two of the 2021 Australian Open from Melbourne Park. Follow the latest below.
Agencies 10.25pm: ‘Spectacular’ Tsitsipas unstoppable against Simon
Impressive fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas stormed past Frenchman Gilles Simon for the loss of just four games to kick off his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title in emphatic fashion on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Greek overwhelmed the veteran 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena to set up a second round clash with Australian wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis, who cruised past South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo.
“I obviously wasn’t expecting it to come so easy, it was a great match from my side,” he said, to good-natured jeers from the crowd.
“I think I played a spectacular match from the beginning to the end.
“My level is good so far, I feel good with my service game, I’m returning really well, so I think I get the upper hand from the very beginning, which gives me a lot of confidence.” Tsitsipas got off to a flyer, dominating the baseline rallies to take the first set in just 25 minutes as Simon, 36, floundered.
He didn’t let up in the second, pushing the Frenchman around the court with his groundstrokes and capitalising on Simon’s weak second serve.
Simon, in his 15th Australian Open and quarter-finalist in 2009, did his best to delay the inevitable but he could not stop the fired-up Greek wrapping up the match in just 92 minutes.
Some of Tsitsipas’ most exciting moments in his short career have come at Melbourne Park, stunning Roger Federer en route to the semi-finals in 2019 before being beaten by Rafael Nadal.
He only managed the third round last season, falling to Milos Raonic in straight sets, with a deeper run on his mind this year.
Kokkinakis is next up, a player he has often practised with.
“He seems like he’s in good shape and I’ll be taking him seriously,” he said of the Australian, who also has Greek heritage.
Tsitsipas, the first Greek to break into the top five, warmed up for opening Grand Slam of the year at the ATP Cup, winning both his singles matches as he beat Alex de Minaur and Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets.
He is bidding to become the youngest Australian Open men’s singles champion since Novak Djokovic in 2008.
Agencies 9.30pm: Berrettini hangs tough against Anderson
Ninth-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini ousted two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson at the Australian Open on Tuesday, but he was made to work hard for the win.
Berrettini, a 2019 US Open semi-finalist, came through 7-6 (11/9), 7-5, 6-3 to send the 81st-ranked South African veteran packing in round one.
Big-serving Anderson has never beaten a top-10 player at the Australian Open but he troubled Berrettini, who needed to save eight set points in the opening set to keep his tournament on track.
The second and third sets were equally tough with Berrettini finally getting the decisive break in game nine of the third before serving out for the match.
“It was really tough, but I knew he is a great player and server, so I was ready,” said the Italian. “Luckily I was able to serve well as well.”
Now 34, Anderson has slid down the rankings since his heyday, when was runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2017 US Open and was the Wimbledon runner-up in 2018, losing to Novak Djokovic.
Berrettini came into the tournament on the back of wins against world number three Dominic Thiem, 11th-ranked Gael Monfils and Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut at the ATP Cup, before losing to the in-form Daniil Medvedev.
He next faces qualifier Tomas Machac.
Asked what he knew about the Czech, Berrettini replied: “Nothing.”
Agencies 8.45pm: Bagel-serving Barty shows hunger
A red-hot Ashleigh Barty said hard work during her extended off-season had primed her for an Australian Open assault after the number one seed delivered a masterclass to crush Danka Kovinic.
It was a near-flawless performance from the 24-year-old Australian, who won the first 16 points en route to a 6-0, 6-0 first-round romp in 44 minutes.
Barty entered her home Slam having won the warm-up Yarra Valley Classic in her first tournament in 11 months, after she opted to remain home during the pandemic — even deciding against defending her French Open crown.
Barty enjoyed the rarity of extra family time during her breather, but also worked tirelessly on the practice courts.
“I know deep down my team and I have done the work,” she said. “We’ve earned the right to play at this level.
“I think knowing that we’ve done the work during pre-season... I feel comfortable in my own skin to go out there and find a way.
“I know I’ve got other weapons that I can go to. I want to challenge myself to be the complete player.”
Barty, hoping to break her coutnry’s 43-year singles title curse at the Australian Open, never gave 82-ranked Kovinic a chance, rolling through a lopsided first set in just 19 minutes.
She continued to hit the lines and overwhelm the errant Montenegrin, who had 28 unforced errors and won just 10 points in total.
“I wanted to go out there and almost take the sting, take the pepper out of the match a little bit and get it on my terms as much as possible,” she said.
“Right from the start I set the tone and was able to run away with it.
“To be able to roll with the momentum throughout the whole match was really good.” Expectations are high for Barty to end her country’s jinx after falling short in the semi-finals to eventual champion Sofia Kenin at last year’s Australian Open, her best performance at Melbourne Park.
She plays Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo or compatriot Daria Gavrilova in the second round.
Agencies 8pm: Barty and Stosur win in straight sets
Ash Barty has breezed through the first round of the Australian Open without dropping a game.
The world number one was untroubled by Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic, winning 6-0, 6-0 in 44 minutes.
Fellow Australian Sam Stosur also won in straights sets against Destanee Aiava 6-4, 6-4, in one hour and 37 minutes.
Agencies 7.55pm: Medvedev relishes hitting big time
Red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev won his 15th straight match on Tuesday and says he is relishing being among the favourites at the Australian Open after working “all my life to be one of them”.
The world number four has been in blistering form as he looks to lift a maiden Grand Slam title, with 10 of his victories during the win streak against top-10 players.
He blasted past the 63rd-ranked Vasek Pospisil 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena in his bid to become only the third Russian man to win a major title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.
“Me, I just try to win matches,” said the 24-year-old. “I get asked this question a lot, so if people consider me as a favourite, it’s actually a good job because I worked all my life to be one of them, let’s say top players in the world. So I’m happy that I’m part of them right now.
“But you know, you need to win seven matches. I just won one, so I need to win six more against very strong opponents, all of them.”
Medvedev broke the Canadian in the first game and there was no looking back as he overpowered the 30-year-old, dominating from the baseline and forcing the Canadian into 43 unforced errors.
Medvedev, 24, has been knocking on the door of Grand Slam success for some time, reaching the 2019 US Open final — where he lost in five sets to Rafael Nadal — and the last four in New York in last year.
But he has yet to go beyond the round of 16 in four previous appearances at Melbourne Park.
“I’m feeling confident,” he said.
“Winning almost everything in straight sets is important, so I’m feeling confident about myself. I know that I can do well, but a Grand Slam is not an easy thing.”
Medvedev will next play either Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baenza or Hungary’s Attila Balazs, with a potential last-eight meeting with fellow in-form Russian Andrey Rublev beckoning.
Agencies 7.35pm: Barty wins first set
Ash Barty has breezed through her first set against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic.
The Australian powered through the opening exchanges, winning the set 6-0, before racing to a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Meanwhile, fellow Australian Sam Stosur won the first ste against Destanee Aiava 6-4.
Agencies 6.50pm: Teenager Gauff eyes Svitolina scalp
Coco Gauff says a carefree attitude had unlocked her precocious talent after the teenage sensation booked a second round Australian Open showdown with world number five Elina Svitolina.
The 16-year-old showed the form that fuelled her dazzling run last year at Melbourne Park during a crushing 6-3, 6-2 victory over Swiss Jil Teichmann in 56 minutes on Tuesday.
It was a commanding performance from the strong-serving American, who needed almost three hours to beat 58th-ranked Teichmann last week at the warm-up Gippsland Trophy.
“I put way less pressure on myself than I did last week and you can kind of see how the match played that I kind of played a little bit more free than last week,” she said.
“I learned a lot from the summer series here, and I’m happy to take what I learned into this week.”
The world number 48 was one of the best stories in Melbourne last year, where she upset reigning champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets in the third round.
Gauff quickly emerged as a fan favourite and became a vocal leader in the movement for racial justice in US, where a speech she delivered in Florida went viral on social media.
Touted as the heir apparent to 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, her heady rise was tempered with early exits at the US Open and French Open last year.
Gauff said she had learned to cope with the high expectations. “I don’t feel any pressure,” she said. “You want to do as well or even better than the year before, but I try not to think about it and just take it one match at a time.”
She faces a difficult task to match last year’s run, having to play consistent top-10 performer Svitolina on Thursday.
“She’s a great player and I know it’s going to be a tough match, but I’m just going to embrace the opportunity and try to play well under the pressure,” Gauff said.
Adrian McMurray 6.05pm: De Minaur through to round two
De Minaur moves on to round two, beating Sandgren 7-5 6-1 6-1 in 1hr 48min. It was all one-way traffic after the first set (which lasted 55min).
Dominant de Minaur 💪😤@alexdeminaur is through to the second round, defeating Sandgren 7-5 6-1 6-1 🇦🇺#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/m530YGPl2G
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 9, 2021
“I’m extremely happy to be back here. I genuinely missed you guys,” he says to the crowd post-match.
“I was able to come out and play some great tennis, and save the legs.
“It’s a great first round match for me, now onto the next one.
“I’m happy to be back.”
Up next for Alex? Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas.
Meanwhile fourth seed Daniil Medvedev made light work of Vasek Pospisil, beating him 6-2 6-2 6-4.
Adrian McMurray 5.34pm: De Minaur cruising over Sandgren
‘The Demon’ is looking good. It took 55 minutes but the Australian took the first set 7-5. Sandgren’s woes were compounded when he was handed a code violation after he smashed the ball into the court.
"DELICIOUS from de Minaur!" 😈
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 9, 2021
WATCH: @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/TYsz5RZN3Z #9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/PomXSY9RP3
The second set was a much more straightforward affair, de Minaur taking it 5-1in 26min.
Nadal, meanwhile, did the business in straight sets over Djere 6-3 6-4 6-1.
Adrian McMurray 5.08pm: Aussie boilover: Popyrin triumphs in thriller
Popyrin has done it! The Australian has progressed to the second round, beating the 13th seed Goffin in a huge boilover 3-6 6-4 6-7(4-7) 7-6(8-6) 6-3 in 3hr 43min. The wildcard saved multiple match points in the fourth and powered through the last. The crowd at Court 3 was on its feet for Popyrin’s first five-set victory in his career.
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD! @AlexeiPopyrin99 | #GoAussies pic.twitter.com/jqbCSEP25A
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) February 9, 2021
He’ll face South Africa’s Lloyd Harris in the second round. A great day for the Australian men so far after Chris O’Connell beat Lennard Struff earlier.
Adrian McMurray 4.36pm: Popyrin forces a fifth
We’re going the distance! Popyrin wins the fourth set via tie-break 7-6(8-6) to send it to a fifth. Goffin wouldn’t have been counting on this. The crowd on Court 3 are going nuts. Can the Australian wildcard ride this wave in the fifth?
No break yet in the de Minaur-Sandgren match, 3-all with the Aussie on serve.
Nadal, meanwhile, is up 5-3 in the second against Djere.
Adrian McMurray 4.19pm: Popyrin saves match point
Popyrin has saved two match points – breaking Goffin and holding his serve to go ahead 6-5 in the fourth.
Out on centre court, Nadal is in action and took the first set against Laslo Djere.
Alex de Minaur is also on court with Tennys Sandgren, currently 1-all in the first.
Adrian McMurray 3.50pm: Popyrin hanging in there
Popyrin has hit the front in the fourth set against 13th seed Goffin, holding his serve for a 3-2 advantage. After Goffin took the first 6-3, the Australian wildcard hit right back in the second, winning it 6-4. Goffin needed a tie-break to win the third. Popyrin receives some medical attention to the leg, but he’s good to continue. The match has ticked over the 2hr 30min mark.
Meanwhile an upset on Court 13, as Greece’s Maria Sakkari went down 2-6 6-0 3-6 to Kristina Mladenovic of France. No luck for the 20th seed.
Coco Gauff is through in straight sets, beating Jil Teichmann 6-3 6-2 in just under an hour.
All smiles for @CocoGauff, who moves on to the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Teichmann.
— wta (@WTA) February 9, 2021
Will face No.5 seed Elina Svitolina next!#AO2021 pic.twitter.com/B5zZstsI3d
Courtney Walsh 3.00pm: Quarantine blues: Azarenka falls, Spaniard’s parting shot
Victoria Azarenka has become the second former Australian Open champion in two days to be defeated in Melbourne following a stint in strict quarantine.
The Belarusian, a US Open finalist last September, was beaten by American Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena in an opening round upset.
Azarenka, who performed well in an event restricted to those who had served strict quarantine, struggled physically in the second set and required medical intervention.
She had been in a dominant position in the opening set when leading 5-2 but was on the ropes from then on.
The exit of Azarenka follows the loss on Monday by three-time major champion Angelique Kerber. Kerber failed to win a game until midway through the second set when beaten by Bernarda Pera 6-0 6-4.
There was always going to be a question mark surrounding the impact the stark differences in preparation between players had on the Australian Open.
As their rivals trained during a five hour window each day, those in strict quarantine were forced to improvise in their hotel rooms.
The early defeats of two former champions is not compelling evidence, but it certainly suggests succeeding at grand slam level after an interrupted preparation will be difficult.
Azarenka’s early defeat follows the stinging critique of Frenchman Benoit Paire, who described the Australian Open as a “shitty tournament” after he was beaten.
Spaniard Paula Badosa, who tested positive to COVID-19 while serving hotel quarantine in Melbourne, said she would not agree to the same conditions again before a major.
After falling to Russian qualifier Liudmila Samsonova 7-6 (4) 6-7 (4) 7-5 in 2hr 38m, Badosa said she struggled with the criticism directed towards her while unwell with COVID-19.
The right-hander was among the players who initially complained when locked into strict quarantine when passengers on their flights tested positive.
“Emotionally it was tough reading all those things. I think people didn’t understand it, what I was trying to explain,” she said.
“I know the rules are the rules. But the conditions were not (ideal) for a grand slam for an athlete. So it was tough to get through all that. In Australia, they were being very tough on me.”
She said coronavirus had an impact on how she felt physically, restricting her to about 40 minutes training on the court in recent days.
Badosa was transferred to a health hotel after testing positive at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on January 22.
She said her symptoms were bad for about four days, but then she was able to exercise for a period in her hotel room. She was released last Wednesday.
“I was totally against the clock. I didn’t feel that bad in terms of tennis. But my body was very slow and it was tough for me to recover,” she said.
“I had anxiety because the situation wasn’t easy, as I said. But my symptoms were a little bit bad for maybe three, four days, but then I was feeling quite OK.
“I tried to do exercise in the room to not lose a lot of my form. I knew I could play, but I knew as well that I could play but not at my high level.”
Adrian McMurray 2.47pm: Another upset: Azarenka out in first round
Big upset on Margaret Court Arena, with two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka falling to America’s Jessica Pegula.
The World No 64 did it in two: 7-5 6-4, after Azarenka required medical assistance when she appeared to struggle to breathe in the second set.
Fearless 💪@JLPegula breaks through to the second round after overcoming a Victoria Azarenka sized challenge ðŸ‘
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 9, 2021
7-5 6-4 #AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/JRLDMI4uoC
Azarenka and former World No 1 Angelique Kerber – who was knocked out in a shock result yesterday – were both part of the group that was required to enter the strict hotel quarantine. Something to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile seventh seed Rublev did it easy, 6-3 6-3 6-4 over Hanfmann. Aussie wildcard Alexei Popyrin is locked in a tense battle with 13th seed David Goffin. Goffin currently leads 3-2 in the third after he and Popyrin took a set each.
Courtney Walsh 2.07pm: How to spot a future star
There are a couple of near certain ways to spot a star of the future in tennis.
One clear way is to look at who the best in the business select as their practice partners in off seasons or in the lead-in to playing a major.
Roger Federer does this regularly. Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis were invited to train with the Swiss superstar as teenagers.
Others have headed to either Dubai or Switzerland for the honour.
In the lead-in to the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal anointed a couple of huge talents by selecting them to train with him.
Jannik Sinner, who became the first teenager to claim two ATP Tour titles since Novak Djokovic when successful in Melbourne last week, had the honour through quarantine.
The Italian was beaten on Monday night by another young star in Canadian Denis Shapovalov, but the quality of the match demonstrated just how talented Sinner is.
Carlos Alcaraz is another. The Spaniard, 17, trained with Nadal last week on Rod Laver Arena. He is ranked 149 but rising rapidly.
After serving strict quarantine, he managed to come out and win his first grand slam match on Tuesday when too strong for Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-1 6-4 6-4.
Then came the other serious tell. Alcaraz was summoned straight to the main press room at Melbourne Park to discuss his triumph, an honour generally reserved only for top players.
Asked about the comparisons he had received to his legendary compatriot Nadal, Alcaraz said he did his best to avoid them.
“So I try to be focused on me, not on the social media, to play my game, play in front of my team, (for) my team, (for) me, my family,” he said.
“I try (not) to … be a part of the social media and don’t hear the comparison with Rafa.”
Alcaraz said he had learned a lot from Nadal on the practice court.
“He trains with a lot of intensity all the time. He hits the ball very hard. Each ball, he (tries) to hit harder every ball,” he said.
“I think he’s focused from the first ball, from the first ball to the last ball. I think it is a good thing to keep it, yeah.”
Adrian McMurray 1.29pm: Huge upset for Aussie wildcard
Australian wildcard Chris O’Connell is through to round two after upsetting world No 37 Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(7-2) 7-6(7-5) 6-1.
This is O’Connell’s first win over a player ranked in the top 50. What a result!
First AO win feels 📢 pic.twitter.com/k3f3OHQTdr
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) February 9, 2021
Herald Sun 1.13pm: Ballgirl collapses on court
Distressing scenes halted play on Court 16 after an Australian Open ballkid collapsed during a match.
The incident happened during Lloyd Harris’ opening round match against Mikael Torpegaard.
“Terrible situation on court 16, as a young ball boy collapses,” Portuguese journalist Jose Morgado tweeted, initially mistaking the child for a boy.
“He looks better now and play is underway.
“Players looked very concerned but all the staff was quick to help. Hoping it’s all good.”
Terrible situation on court 16, as a young bal boy colapsed.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 9, 2021
He looks better now and play is underway. pic.twitter.com/wRLT2sJsvU
The young ball girl had to be escorted from the court after being tended to by staff.
The temperature is expected to hit 27 in Melbourne today, the start of a run of hot days at Melbourne Park.
Wally Mason 1.10pm: Let’s show ‘Firebrand’ Benoit the door
COMMENT
Nick Kyrgios has become the conscience of the tennis world, Bernard Tomic has actually learnt how to win again and there are no line judges for Novak Djokovic to fell with a ball to the throat. But just when you thought the Australian Open might be free of tennis brats this year, along came Benoit Paire.
Paire, whose excuse is that he is a “French firebrand”, got bundled out in the first round by Belarusian world No 79 Egor Gerasimov, and was looking for someone to blame. Anyone or anything really, as long as it wasn’t the fact he didn’t play that well.
Firebrand Benoit — at 32 he is almost too old to call a brat — had to serve a hard quarantine because a passenger on the flight that brought him to Melbourne tested positive to COVID-19.
So he decided to blame that. It was all Tennis Australia’s fault for stopping him from practicising for two weeks, despite the fact that TA flew him to Australia gratis and handed him a cheque for $100,000 for losing in the first round.
Adrian McMurray 1.05pm: Aussie wildcards out despite strong starts
Kenin’s class wins out, the defending champion beating Aussie wildcard Inglis 7-5 6-4. It was a fair old performance from the 23-year-old Australian though, who fought right until the end. Post-match Kenin wasn’t overly pleased with her efforts today, but seemed relieved to progress.
.@SofiaKenin is through to the Second Round, though Maddision Inglis made her work for it ✌ï¸
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 9, 2021
Kenin defeats Inglis 7-5 6-4 🇺🇸#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/g5yciJMo2Y
Meanwhile fellow local wildcard Sharma is out, falling in three 6-2 3-6 5-7 in 1hr 57min. Again Sharma showed plenty of heart and was well on top after the first set, but it wasn’t to be.
Adrian McMurray 12.13pm: Aussies falter
Things were looking good for two Australians in the women’s singles, but their opponents are starting to get the better of them.
Sharma served out the set 6-2, but it’s not going her way in the second, down 5-3 and Hibino serving for the set.
Inglis couldn’t capitalise on a 5-4 lead, with Kenin going on to take the set 7-5. And last year’s champion took the early break in the second, up 2-1.
Adrian McMurray 11.38am: Young Australians up early on day two
Play is underway on day two, and there are plenty of Aussies involved and great matches to look forward to. You can see a full rundown of the Australians playing today and a preview from Courtney Walsh in our very slick interactive here.
Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur are in action from 7pm and around 4pm respectively, with Sam Stosur following Australia’s top male player. We’ll get our first glimpse of Nadal in the last match before the night session on Rod Laver Arena. Seventh seed Andrey Rublev is in action this morning, likewise fourth seed Daniil Medvedev a little later on. And Coco Gauff will also begin her campaign on John Cain Arena this afternoon.
"WHAT A POINT!"🎾
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 9, 2021
Aussie world No. 1ï¸âƒ£3ï¸âƒ£0ï¸âƒ£ Maddison Inglis has just BROKEN the defending champion Sokia Kenin!🇦🇺💪
WATCH: @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/ykPpc0k2wf#9WWOS #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/GFhpqiIact
On court now, Aussie wildcard Astra Sharma is serving for the first set, up 5-2 against Japan’s Nao Hibino. Fellow Australian wildcard Maddison Inglis is also up 4-3 against fourth seed and defending champion Sofia Kenin. Good signs early for the pair.
Courtney Walsh 11.00am: ‘Strange cat’: Kyrgios staggered by Djokovic’s critique
Nick Kyrgios is staggered by world No 1 Novak Djokovic’s stinging critique of him on Sunday.
The Australian, who defeated Frederico Ferreira-Silva 6-4 6-4 6-4 on Monday night at Melbourne Park, said the Serbian was completely mixed up.
Djokovic said he respected Kyrgios’ talent on the court but definitely not off it. And that, according to the Canberran, is an unforced error, because it should be the other way around.
“It’s a strange one for me, because, you know, I read his comments, he said he doesn’t respect me off the court,” he said.
“I’m like, it actually would make complete sense to me if he was like, ‘Look, I don’t respect the guy on the court’, because I understand if he doesn’t agree with some of my antics on the court that I have done in the past. And when we’ve played matches, I think I’ve actually been pretty good towards him.
“But I’m not quite sure how he can’t respect me off the court. I feel like I’ve gone about things extremely well, especially during the pandemic I was – I mean, (I was) driving around delivering food to people during the pandemic that didn’t or couldn’t get the supplies.
“I was extremely careful about what I was doing. I didn’t want to spread the virus to anyone.
“Now I’m actually trying to donate meal kits to people that need food. I have my foundation. So it’s very strange to me as why he would say he doesn’t respect me off the court. I actually do a lot off the court.
“But he’s a very strange cat, Novak is. Heck of a tennis player, but unfortunately someone that’s partying with his shirt off during a global pandemic, I don’t know if I can take any slack from that man. That’s as bad as it gets for me.”
Kyrgios will play Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the second round on Wednesday.
Djokovic was a convincing 6-2 6-1 6-3 winner over Jeremy Chardy.
Courtney Walsh 10.43am: ‘It’s a scandal’: Frenchman trashes Australian Open
French firebrand Benoit Paire has lashed the Australian Open quarantine protocols after making a quick exit from Melbourne Park on Monday.
Paire, who is renowned for a fickle temperament, served strict quarantine leading into the first major of 2021.
After a 6-2 2-6 7-6 (5) 7-5 loss to Egor Gerasimov, Paire was on the lookout for someone to blame.
Tennis Australia was the target of his ire, despite the fact he will pocket $100,000 as a result of the organisation’s ability to play the major.
“Their tournament in my opinion is sh..ty,” he said,
“My game and attitude today were OK, but overall I’m very disappointed by this event. I didn’t sign up for this. I signed for a protocol where I would be able to practice for 14 days.
“We had half-empty planes so (you did not come in contact with) anyone. And then you have a positive case and everyone is in quarantine. I did not (come into contact with) any person in the plane and after I went to the hotel on my own.
“There was also a positive case on the flight to Adelaide, but there (they didn’t have to quarantine). There should be the same rules for everyone. I do not understand why there is not. It’s not fair for everyone. It’s a scandal.
“Most of the players think, ‘Oh, there’s a little money to make here,’ so they come. I’m the first among them. But at the end of the day, if you have to make so many sacrifices and it still turns out so badly, with such mayhem, at some point you just have to say ‘stop’.”
The Adelaide situation Paire mentioned was a rumour that circulated on the weekend flights carrying more than 1200 players and other Australian Open personnel from overseas midway through January.
South Australia’s health department cleared the flight arriving in Adelaide, which was carrying some of the biggest names in tennis, of any active COVID-19 cases.
Courtney Walsh 10.30am: Aussies in action on day two
Kyrgios backtracks on explosive Hewitt social media comments
Nick Kyrgios has quickly backtracked on Instagram comments he made knocking Cruz Hewitt, the son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton, for practising with Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
From World No.825 to Aus Open: How Tomic made his way back
Bernard Tomic is back for the Aussie summer. But how he made it, after quitting 16 of 62 tournaments in two years, adds more intrigue to one of the great wasted talents of Aussie tennis.