In addition to Jannik Sinner’s match, several other Italian players took to the courts in Melbourne during the opening days of the tournament. On the men’s side (ATP), Matteo Gigante was eliminated by France’s Humbert (7-6, 7-5, 6-4), while Luciano Darderi withdrew against Pedro Martinez after losing the first set. Fabio Fognini pulled out before his scheduled match against Grigor Dimitrov due to a lingering foot injury from Adelaide. However, Dimitrov's run was short-lived as he retired after just 63 minutes of play, losing the first set to Francesco Passaro, who had entered the main draw as a lucky loser following his qualifying defeat to Basilashvili.
Alexander Zverev had a comfortable start, defeating Lucas Pouille with a straight-set victory (6-4, 6-4, 6-4), while Carlos Alcaraz brushed aside Kazakhstan’s Shevchenko 6-1, 7-5, 6-1. Novak Djokovic faced an early challenge from American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy but recovered strongly to take three consecutive sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-2).
Nick Kyrgios, after his controversial remarks about Jannik Sinner, was stunned in the first round by Britain’s Fearnley (7-6, 6-3, 7-6). Another upset came as Stefanos Tsitsipas was defeated in four sets by American Michael Michelsen (5-7, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6).
Australian Open, Sinner winner again: Zverev falls in straight sets
26 Jan - 20:48 •
1' min
In the women’s draw, Italian players experienced mixed fortunes. Elisabetta Cocciaretto was knocked out by Russia’s Schnaider (7-6, 6-4), while Lucia Bronzetti pulled off a major upset by eliminating Victoria Azarenka (6-2, 7-6). The world number 4, Jasmine Paolini, is set to make her debut in the early hours of Tuesday morning (4:00 a.m. CET).
There were no surprises among the WTA favorites. Aryna Sabalenka cruised past Sloane Stephens (6-3, 6-4), while Iga Swiatek, her primary challenger, secured a routine win over Katerina Siniakova with the same scoreline. Coco Gauff also advanced, triumphing in the all-American clash against Sofia Kenin with a double 6-3.
