That’s all from me today. Thanks for following and we will be back tomorrow for day two of the Australian Open. You can find tomorrow’s full order of play here.
#AusOpen Order of Play - Tuesday 21 January - RLA #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/F2F9Oki7z6
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020
Life lessons with @DjokerNole #231: Try to enjoy every moment 🙌#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/cvgA7U7Swh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020
Here is Kevin Mitchell on another Coco Gauff win against Venus Williams at another slam.
First of all, it’s great to be back in this arena that has a very special place in my heart. This has been by far my most successful court in my career. I love coming back to Australia; the land of tennis. I want to thank everybody for staying almost until midnight and supporting both players.
I thought I started off well. I was great up in the first set, he came back, it was a close tiebreaker. Second set I played really well, high percentage of first serves in. Then he turned it around, he was not missing much and putting a lot of first serves in in the third set. Credit to him for fighting. He’s a very powerful player, brings a lot of strength in his shots on the court, so congratulations for a great match from him.
[On his 900th win] I’m just starting. I’m obviously very proud of all the achievements but at the same time, I try to remind myself how grateful I have to be. I’m still playing at a very high level at the sport that I love. I was a four year old, grabbed a tennis racquet for the first time. Saw it on the TV. Serbia doesn’t really have a tennis tradition, at least at the time. Everything seemed quite impossible at the time but here we are, 25 years later and I can’t take things for granted. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment.
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Novak Djokovic defeats Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1
Novak Djokovic moves into the second round with only minimal issues. He did so in style: an incredible angled forehand return passing shot winner brought up triple match point point, then another great return sealed the win. That is Djokovic’s 69th victory at the Australian Open as he chases his 8th title.
Fourth set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 5-1* Jan-Lennard Struff: No problems for Djokovic in his own service game. With the help of some big serving and then a crushing inside out forehand at the close, he moves to within a game of victory.
Fourth set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 *4-1 Jan-Lennard Struff: Djokovic secures the double break, this time with plenty of help from Struff. The German dumped a forehand into the net at 30-30 and then double faulted on break point to meekly hand over his service game. The energy Struff demonstrated for three sets looks all but kaputt now and the defending champion is well on his way to victory.
Shuai Zhang takes out 24th seed Sloane Stephens 2-6 7-5 6-2.
What a formidable performance from Shuai Zhang. Stephens served for the match at 6-2 5-4 after an incredible hour of tennis, then Zhang responded with a flurry of winners to break back before rolling all the way to victory. That will be tough to take for Stephens, who could have secured a victory that set her back on the right track. Instead, a bitter three set loss.
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Third set: Sloane Stephens 6-2 5-7 *2-5 Shuai Zhang: After Stephens stepped up and pegged back two consecutive games, Zhang responded with a brilliant hold to move to within a game of victory. Despite holding the lead and having all to lose, Zhang continues to take the ball on off both wings and take Stephens on. Impressive.
Fourth set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 2-0* Jan-Lennard Struff: After the three double faults in his previous service game, it seems that Djokovic is back to serving from the skies. He broke Struff to open the fourth set, then he slammed down four big serves, including an ace and an unreturned serve, to consolidate his opening break. 9 of the first 8 points of the set have fallen his way.
Third set: Sloane Stephens 6-2 5-7 *1-4 Shuai Zhang: Astonishingly, Sloane Stephens just won her first game since serving for the match at 6-2 *5-4 25 minutes ago. That was seven games in a row for the Chinese number two, who has flipped this match quite spectacularly.
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Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 Jan-Lennard Struff: Oh dear. Novak Djokovic serves three double faults in one game and two in a row to hand Struff the set on a platter. A well deserved first set against Djokovic for Struff, but quite a strange set from the Serb. He will surely improve in the fourth.
Here is the report on Ashleigh Barty’s handy comeback a couple of hours ago.
Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 *2-5 Jan-Lennard Struff: Struff steals his third consecutive game and in some style. Djokovic held a break point and looked to have the point in his pocket as the German stumbled towards the net on a poor approach shot, but Djokovic’s brilliant angled backhand passing shot was met by an even more stunning drop volley that the defending champ could only applaud. Djokovic then came up with his own magic on an important point, slipping a glorious lob over the German’s head on his first game point. However, Struff fought hard and then slammed down an ace to hold from deuce. He is now one game away from his first set over Djokovic.
Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-4* Jan-Lennard Struff: Struff breaks Djokovic for the second time in the set, this time landing a brilliant backhand return at the Serb’s feet. Djokovic’s level and intensity has dropped just a little in this third set, while Struff continues to fight hard and he is reaping the rewards. Can he steal a set and make this interesting?
Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 *2-3 Jan-Lennard Struff: Struff brushes himself off to retain the hold with some big serving, punctuated by a swinger out wide to the deuce side. The German is two sets down to one of the greatest players of all time but he is still pumping himself up and talking to himself at the change of ends. This is not always the case.
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Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 2-2* Jan-Lennard Struff: Djokovic holds to level the third set with some huge serving, sealed with a series of heavy forehand blows directed at the Struff forehand. Struff opened the third set by breaking Djokovic’s serve, but it was just a small lull from Djokovic who responded in the blink of an eye to level the set. Struff may not get another chance.
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Second set: Sloane Stephens 6-2 5-5* Shuai Zhang: Stephens just attempted to serve for the match, only for Zhang to respond with some astonishing hitting at the death, breaking back with a whistling backhand down the line return winner. Stephens desperately needs this win to kick herself into gear but Zhang is still making life extremely difficult for her.
Second set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-2 Jan-Lennard Struff: Novak Djokovic holds with ease to take a two sets lead. He is firing on all cylinders now, playing at such a high level that he is laughing after his own winners. Most notably, he pulled off an incredible curling forehand down the line winner at 30-15 after an immense long point. This is all going to be extremely difficult to beat over the next two weeks.
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Second set: Sloane Stephens 6-2 *3-4 Shuai Zhang: On Margaret Court Arena, Stephens and Zhang has evolved into a tense duel. Plenty of gripping, long rallies and plenty of winners with both players picking their moments to wrestle control of the point. Zhang is competing extremely well and she could easily nab a break to take this to three.
Second set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) *5-2 Jan-Lennard Struff: Goodness. Novak Djokovic just broke serve to love with one of the best exhibitions of defence that will be seen all week. He chased down an almost perfect huge, angled backhand from Struff, then he immediately tracked down Struff’s following overhead from the other flank, curling his response past a helpless Struff at the net. Needless to say, Novak Djokovic means business here. He will serve for the second set.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is split on his rowdy, explicit Greek fans:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 20, 2020
"Gives me a lot of [positivity]...
"They can do what they're doing but probably with more respect...
"Attitude doesn't really belong in tennis. It should stay in football, not in the tennis court."#AusOpen
Second set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 3-1* Jan-Lennard Struff: Djokovic digs out his first tough hold of the set, this time form 0-30 down courtesy of some more great defence from Struff and then an incredible backhand overhead. However, Djokovic remained calm and served exceptionally off both first and second serves to eradicate the danger. Another hold on the board.
Second set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) *2-1 Jan-Lennard Struff: Djokovic was on the prowl for a second consecutive break, but Struff holds on from 15-30 with two consecutive huge serves and then a brilliant backhand down the line. Another loud ‘c’mon’ from the German to punctuate the hold - he is certainly fighting hard.
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Second set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) 2-0* Jan-Lennard Struff: Novak Djokovic is rolling here. After breaking in the opening game to 15, he pieced together a great hold to love, sealed with a magnificent combination of volleys at the net. Djokovic’s level hasn’t drastically changed - it is just so difficult for a player like Struff to maintain such a high level.
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Q: Is there any way in which you're a typical teenager, a typical 15yo?
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) January 20, 2020
Coco Gauff: "Yes (laughs). I don't know if you guys know but there's an app called TikTok. I'm very active on that & I procrastinate a lot on that app. I have to do homework and I'm still procrastinating."
First set: Novak Djokovic 7-6(5) Jan-Lennard Struff: Novak Djokovic finally takes the first set with an unreturned first serve. It sure wasn’t easy, but Djokovic served just well enough to keep himself ahead.
The good news for Struff is that he has been outstanding today. The bad news is that he still lost the set and he has to sustain this level against one of the best returners in the world. Good luck with that.
First set: Novak Djokovic 6-6 (5-4*) Jan-Lennard Struff: This seemed to be Djokovic’s tiebreak at 4-1, but Struff’s movement has been exceptional and, to an extent, he has given Djokvoic a taste of his own medicine by defending well and flipping points with random bursts of aggression. It’s anyone’s set...
First set: Novak Djokovic 6-6 Jan-Lennard Struff: On Rod Laver Arena, both Djokovic and Struff did their jobs on serve and we’re heading to a tiebreak.
First set: Sloane Stephens 6-2 Shuai Zhang: What a clean set of tennis from Sloane Stephens, who takes it 6-2 after countless booming forehands. She finished with two consecutive forehand winners, bringing her total to 9 winners, 4 unforced errors and not a break point conceded. A win here would be huge for the 2017 US Open champion’s confidence.
Q. Do you think you'll be at the Australian Open next year?
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 20, 2020
SAMANTHA STOSUR: I'm planning on it (smiling).#AusOpen
First set: Novak Djokovic *5-5 Jan-Lennard Struff: Struff responds immediately with a love hold filled with booming serves to pile the pressure back on Djokovic’s shoulders.
First set: Novak Djokovic 5-4* Jan-Lennard Struff: Just as Djokovic seemed to have full control of the set, he loses his serve at the last moment. All credit to Struff who hasn’t stopped cheering and pumping his fist. He opened the game with an incredible backhand passing shot at full stretch, demonstrating his immense athleticism. He finished by putting pressure on Djokovic with heavy, deep groundstrokes, eventually drawing out a backhand error. Great work.
First set: Novak Djokovic *5-3 Jan-Lennard Struff: It is always entertaining to watch Djokovic against a big hitter. He is mixing up the pace, constantly moving the ball around and being so disciplined with his depth. He may not be able to match Struff’s power, but he can make life so uncomfortable for the German.
This time, Struff survives to land a after facing set point. Struff’s sequence from set point down: ace, serve and volley concluding in an overhead winner, ace. That is how good it has to be.
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First set: Novak Djokovic 5-2* Jan-Lennard Struff: Djokovic is being relentless in his own service games. He holds to 15 with more great serving. When Struff does land a return, Djokovic is smothering him by moving the ball around and keeping him on the run. With a brilliant forehand down the line, he holds to consolidate the break.
First set: Novak Djokovic *4-2 Jan-Lennard Struff: After a series of opening holds, Novak Djokovic is starting to get stuck in as he takes the first break with ease. First there was an incredible crosscourt forehand return at 15-15, then Djokovic soaked up all the biggest blows the German could land, grinding out two successive errors to break first. He looks incredibly sharp.
First set: Sloane Stephens *2-1 Shuai Zhang: Meanwhile, on Margaret Court Arena Sloane Stephens is just opening her Australian Open against Zhang Shuai. These are tough times for Stephens, who is currently seeded 24th and is really struggling with form. She is 0-2 this year, with both losses to sub top 100 players.
This draw is no help whatsoever. Zhang is an excellent player and, with her ranking of 35, she is the second highest ranked player a seed could face. A lot of people expect Zhang to take this one, but Stephens has started well. She takes the first break with a searing backhand down the line winner.
First set: Novak Djokovic 2-1* Jan-Lennard Struff: The most underrated part of Djokovic’s game in recent years has been his serve - he can now go serve to serve with many of the biggest servers in the game. He strolls through an easy hold with plenty of accurate, smart serving.
First set: Novak Djokovic *1-1 Jan-Lennard Struff: After a solid hold with ample good serving from Djokovic, Struff pulls out an impressive opening hold. Djokovic is already putting immense pressure on the Stuff second serve, taking it early and crushing the ball at his feet whenever he can. Struff responded with a great backhand crosscourt winner from a big serve, then he held with a big ace down the T. Plenty of loud barks of ‘c’mon!’ from the German. He is here to play and he wants the defending champion to know.
It is now time for the defending champion. The last time Novak Djokovic competed on this court, he played one of the great matches of his career as he eviscerated Rafael Nadal in last year’s final. Jan-Lennard Struff is not quite Nadal, but he is about as tough a first round opponent as a top seed can get. 32 players are seeded at the Australian Open and Struff is ranked 37th.
Struff, 29, is a tall, huge server with a big forehand and he is coming off the best year of his career. He sits just four spots from his career high ranking of 34th. The German will have to serve out of his mind and overwhelm Djokovic with his power. At the very least, he is more than capable of taking a set or giving Djokovic something to think about.
Stefanos Tsitsipas on last year’s incredible semi-final run:
Tsitsipas: “What I really remember is winning every single match in four sets. I don’t know, I feel like number four was my favourite number at the time. I’m glad I didn’t have to go four sets today. The whole experience last year was outstanding. I get goosebumps when I just think about what I went through last year in Melbourne. I really hope for something similar this year.”
A Fan: “Even better!”
Tsitsipas: “Even better, even better.”
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Ash Barty speaks:
It’s all good. It’s amazing to be back out here. It’s a tight turnaround from Adelaide but really nice to sort it out a little bit more in the second set there, sharpen up and do what I needed to do.
Absolutely incredible. This is probably the moment I’ve been looking forward to the most through the off-season. I couldn’t wait to walk out here on this beautiful court to play in front of so many people that give me so much love and support. It’s incredible.
In the first set, it was still in my control, it was just a little bit of execution and I was just rushing a little bit, trying to finish off points too early. Once I got my physicality into it, I felt a lot more comfortable and I was able to look after my service games a little better and not get behind in the set, which was important.
Stefanos Tsitsipas eases past Salvatore Caruso 6-0 6-2 6-3
Stefanos Tsitsipas completes an excellent performance with a 6-0 6-2 6-3 win to move on. That was quite a statement performance from the Greek, who reached the semis last year and may well have the loudest contingent of fans in Melbourne. This will be a very interesting and instructive event for the 21 year old.
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Ashleigh Barty survives Lesia Tsurenko 5-7 6-1 6-1
After an extremely nervy start, Ashleigh Barty comes through, fittingly sealed with a double fault by Tsurenko. The most important thing about the first round is the win and the world number one has done the job.
Third set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 6-1 5-1* Lesia Tsurenko: A lovely hold from Ashleigh Barty, who produced a gorgeous drop shot to bring up game point before flicking an angled forehand crosscourt passing shot to hold. One game away.
Third set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 6-1 *4-1 Lesia Tsurenko: Tsurenko finally stops the run of seven successive games against her with a hold. Some good tennis at last from the 30 year-old on game point, dragging Barty from side to side with a nice combination of forehands. Barty will be looking to continue her solid serving in this final set.
Third set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 6-1 4-0* Lesia Tsurenko: Barty is speeding towards the finishing line as she pieces together another decent hold. At 30-30, Tsurenko helped again with a messy forehand error but Barty found a really nice serve on game point, slotting away the short ball it elicited. Two games away.
Third set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 6-1 *3-0 Lesia Tsurenko: Sadly for Tsurenko, she doesn’t seem to have much left to give here. At 0-15, she double faulted. At 0-30, she tentatively strolled into the net on a dreadful approach shot and was easily passed. Down break point, she sprayed a forehand well wide to hand over the double break. Barty is having plenty of help to the finish line here but to her credit, she is giving nothing away so far in the third set.
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Third set: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0 6-2 *3-1 Salvatore Caruso: Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to ease through his opening match. The Greeks are chanting at every opportunity, Tsitsipas is crushing forehands and life is good. Tsitsipas now has 21 winners and 13 unforced errors, having lost only one point on his serve so far today.
Caruso seems to be having a problem with his blisters and he has the trainer on to deal with the plasters wrapped across almost every finger.
Third set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 6-1 *1-0 Lesia Tsurenko: Barty gets the perfect start with an easy break to open the third set. Barty missed her first two opportunities from 0-40, but then Tsurenko very helpfully provided a double fault on the third. Finally, Barty is back in the lead.
Ashleigh Barty levels Lesia Tsurenko: 5-7 6-1
That was a very good recovery from Barty, who slowly shook off the nerves and, by the end, was playing her tennis with something approaching freedom. She held in spectacular fashion with a wicked second serve that forced the Ukrainian to duck out of the way. Just 5 unforced errors in this set from Barty after 19 in the first.
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Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 *5-1 Lesia Tsurenko: Ashleigh Barty breaks again! After a brilliant backhand passing shot forced a hopeless backhand volley from Tsurenko at 30-30, Barty made her move on break point with the most brilliant rally of the match: a long lung-busting exchange, in which Barty calmly worked the Ukrainian off the court before forcing a forehand error. She stands one game away from levelling the match.
Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 4-1* Lesia Tsurenko: Much better work from Barty to retain the break by holding with style and guile. At 30-15, she froze time with a floating sliced backhand, forcing an error from Tsurenko. At 40-15, she hooked a beautiful angled forehand crosscourt, dragging Tsurenko well out of the court before slicing an easy backhand into the open court. Lovely.
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It appears that Serena Williams had an amusing press conference today after her breezy 6-0 6-3 win over Anastasia Potapova.
Amusing that these were back-to-back answers. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qRTglhDaOH
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 20, 2020
Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 *3-1 Lesia Tsurenko: Tsurenko drags herself into the second set with an important hold. Barty is certainly playing better in the second set but the nerves are still clear: at 30-30, with the possibility of a break point looming, Barty sprayed a poor backhand well wide and then she handed over the game another forehand error.
.@CatyMcNally says playing Serena at last year's US Open "showed me where my game's at and what I'm capable of doing".
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020
She's definitely brought that game Down Under, posting three wins in qualifying before a maiden main draw #AusOpen win over Stosur.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/dfiNaFdFX8
Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 3-0* Lesia Tsurenko: Barty does indeed serve well, sealing a second consecutive hold with an unreturned first serve. For the first time today she has consolidated a break and is firmly in the lead in set two. Now let’s see if she can keep it.
Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 *2-0 Lesia Tsurenko: Tsurenko has officially gone off the boil again. With a double fault at 15-15, then two bad forehand errors, she hands over the opening break. Based on the first set, Tsurenko will surely find her range again. Barty needs to take advantage while she can by serving well here.
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Second set: Ashleigh Barty 5-7 1-0* Lesia Tsurenko: A much better start from Barty in set two. She finds her first serve and then slots a forehand down the line winner in to open with a calm, solid hold. She needs to build on this.
Lesia Tsurenko takes the first set 7-5 on Ashleigh Barty
The nerves! Tsurenko opened with a double fault, and then at 15-30 she hit a second horrific double fault that flew well wide of the tram lines. But Barty just couldn’t keep her forehand in the court, closing off the set with her 19th unforced error so far today. The quality may not be high, but this is certainly gripping. A huge upset is officially on the cards.
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Caty McNally defeats Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-4
It’s not to be for the former Australian number one, who falls in another first round yet again. Keep an eye out for 18 year old qualifier McNally, who plays such a great all-court game and loves the net. A great future prospect.
Stosur will shift to the doubles, where she is defending champion.
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First set: Ashleigh Barty 5-6* Lesia Tsurenko: Oh dear. The momentum swings away from Barty once more as Tsurenko wins two successive games. Tsurenko put genuine pressure on Barty’s serve with deep, consistent returning, and in the return game she continued to step into and take risks when she can, but across the net there are just too many errors from the world number one. The Ukrainian will serve for the set.
First set: Ashleigh Barty 5-4* Lesia Tsurenko: This is turning into a bit of a breakathon as Barty breaks back to love. As expected, Tsurenko can play well for periods but she’s struggling to maintain a consistent level. After a series of errors to give up her own service game, Tsurenko struggled to get her racquet on any Barty serve. 8 points in a row and Barty is back in the lead.
Second set: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0 1-0* Salvatore Caruso: Meanwhile, Tsitsipas has begun his Australian Open perfectly, snatching the opening set with a bagel. He is serving extremely well, sweeping forward to the net when he can and playing such flowing attacking tennis.
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First set: Ashleigh Barty 3-4* Lesia Tsurenko: A great response from Tsurenko after Barty looked to be elevating to another level. She took more risks in her return game, crushing a backhand return winner and then finishing a really nice point at the net. After a netted forehand from Barty, she breaks again. This is tough!
First set: Stefanos Tsitsipas 5-0* Salvatore Caruso: The Greek fans are chanting loud and Tsitsipas is giving them plenty to sing about as he chases a first set bagel. Tsitsipas is 10/10 on first serve points won with 7 winners and 4 errors. Mostly flawless.
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First set: Ashleigh Barty 3-2* Lesia Tsurenko: Not surprisingly, the world number one has settled down after collecting her first game. She has found her range on her forehand, she is moving better and she is serving incredibly well today. After breaking back to love, she then held to love with her 5th(!) ace of the day. 10 points in a row for Barty.
It’s official: all matches on outside courts have been cancelled due to rain. That includes Kyle Edmund, who lead Dusan Lajovic 5-2 before the rain came. Johanna Konta’s match was rescheduled earlier.
No more outside matches today in Melbourne: everything cancelled.
— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) January 20, 2020
First set: Ashleigh Barty 1-2* Lesia Tsurenko: Barty finally gets on the board, but this is far from easy at the moment. The world number one looks extremely nervous and she is missing plenty of routine shots early on. Thankfully, her serve is already firing and she produced a timely ace at 30-30 before showcasing her delicate hands with some deft touch to hold. That should calm some nerves.
First set: Stefanos Tsitsipas *2-0 Salvatore Caruso: Last year’s breakout Australian Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas is also on the court against Salvatore Caruso of Italy and he opens with a solid hold and immediate break.
It seems like the general consensus is that the younger generation will have some big opportunities to challenge for slams this year. After his brilliant win at the ATP finals in London at the end of last season, the question is whether it will be him. The Greek-Australian crowd has once again shown out in force for Tsitsipas.
First set: Ashleigh Barty 0-1* Lesia Tsurenko: Quite the cagey start by Barty as the Aussie sprayed a series of errors to immediately fall down 15-40. She saved the first break point with a service winner and the second with an ace, but then a wayward slice error followed by a forehand error hand the Ukrainian the opening break. The rallies are already pretty long, just how Tsurenko likes it.
Here is the report on another win for Coco Gauff against Venus Williams.
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This could be an interesting test for Barty, but it is difficult to tell. Lesia Tsurenko is an extremely capable player who rose to a career high of 23rd last year. She is a counterpuncher with a wicked two-handed backhand (the less said about her forehand, the better) and she should be able force Barty into lengthier rallies while pressing when she can. Her problem is that she has only competed one match since July after a serious right elbow injury ruined much of her 2019 season and it will be difficult to consistently match the world number one.
First round matches are always a challenge, and this will be a completely new experience for Barty as she competes at her home slam for the first time as number one, but she arrives in Melbourne filled with confidence after she won her first title on home soil in Adelaide last week.
The head to head stands at 2-2, with Tsurenko actually winning the most recent match 6-3 6-2 when they played in Brisbane two years ago. The world number one’s life has dramatically transformed since 2018 when she was still tentatively making her return to the top of the sport. We’ll soon see just how much she has changed.
Not a great evening for Australian slam champions so far. Sam Stosur just lost the first set 6-1 to American youngster Caty McNally who is eviscerating the 2011 Wimbledon champion’s serve and playing some vicious attacking tennis. Stosur has famously struggled on home soil and she hasn’t actually won a match in Melbourne since 2015. We’ll see what she can do in the second set.
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Here is Kevin Mitchell’s report from Melbourne after Dan Evans recovered from two sets down to defeat Mackenzie McDonald and seal his very first slam win as a seeded player. Evans will hope that there is more to come.
Preamble
Hello! Welcome to our coverage of the first night session of the 2020 Australian Open. It has already been a busy day with wins for Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki and more, another victory for Coco Gauff over Venus Williams, one significant upset in 13th seed Denis Shapovalov’s four set loss to Marton Fucsovics and rain washing out most of the day session.
But now it is time for the main event as Australia’s Ashleigh Barty finally returns to her home slam as French Open champion and world number one. She will face a difficult first round against Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko, whose current ranking of 120, largely thanks to a long injury layoff, belies the fact that she was ranked in the top 25 this time last year. Novak Djokovic will follow her on Rod Laver Arena against Jan-Lennard Struff, another capable opponent. Elsewhere, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Sloane Stephens and Samantha Stosur are also in action. We are all very thankful for those three roofs.
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