Sabalenka storms on as rain mars Australian Open

Sabalenka's Strong Performance
Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka experienced a brief wobble in the first set but otherwise dominated the match against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Sabalenka won decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in just 71 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Pursuing a Historic Achievement
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park. If she successfully lifts the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup again, she will join an elite group of women, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Hingis, who have completed a three-peat.

Reflections on the Match
“Always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka noted, having recently won the Brisbane International. “I didn’t play my best, probably, but I’m glad I was able to close the match in two sets.”

Zverev's Challenge
Men's second seed Alexander Zverev was set to complete the day’s action against the dangerous Lucas Pouille of France, who reached the semi-finals in 2019 before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

Zheng's Opening Match
Zheng Qinwen, the fifth seed and last year's losing finalist, had the honor of playing the first point on center court against Romania's 110th-ranked Anca Todoni. She won 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 but admitted to being rusty after opting not to play in a warm-up event.

Overcoming Early Struggles
Zheng faced three set points on her serve at 5-3 in the first set but allowed Todoni to fight back. She ultimately secured the first set in a tiebreak and dominated the second. “The first match is always not easy,” she said. “Just happy to get through the match, the tiebreak, and find my rhythm.”

Breakthrough Year for Zheng
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024, with her Australian Open performance contributing to her Olympic gold medal—she beat Iga Swiatek on her way—and three WTA titles.

Weather Disruptions
While Zheng managed to play, action on the outside courts at Melbourne Park was halted shortly after it began due to incoming storms that darkened the sky. Thunder and lightning prompted players and fans to seek cover, causing significant delays for organizers.

Resumption of Play
Play finally resumed after a six-and-a-half-hour delay. Only the three main stadiums—Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena—feature roofs to shelter players and fans from the elements.

Ruud's Performance
Norway's Casper Ruud expressed his desire to perform better at Grand Slams this year after a disappointing 2024. However, the sixth seed had to elevate his game to secure a rollercoaster victory over Spain's Jaume Munar, winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. “It was just a really tough match,” he admitted.

Nishikori's Comeback
Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori also battled through a five-set marathon, saving two match points to defeat Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro with a score of 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 in 4 hours and 6 minutes. “I almost gave up at match point,” said the 35-year-old, who is making a comeback after years sidelined by major hip surgery and an ankle injury. “But I somehow fought through.”

Andreeva Advances
Mirra Andreeva became the first player to reach the second round, easily defeating the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3. The 17-year-old, who made it to the fourth round in Melbourne last year, aims to improve on that performance. “Honestly, it was a bit hard for me when they started closing the roof mid-match,” she commented. “I’m very happy today that I played in a stadium with a roof.”

Other Women's Matches
Women’s 11th seed Paula Badosa, 18th seed Donna Vekic, and 2021 US Open champion Leylah Fernandez also progressed in their matches.

Fils' Four-Set Victory
Among the men, French 20th seed Arthur Fils needed four sets to secure his win against Finland's Otto Virtanen.