The light is on Nick Kyrgiosbut Australian Tennis is not only represented by the former Wimbledon finalist and characterized showman. The proof: Kyrgios is one of the only “Aussies” not to have won this Monday, during the first round of theAustralian Open. And there were many, very many… James Duckworth, James McCabe, Jordan Thompson, Tristan Schoolkate, Aleksandar Vukic et Thanasi Kokkinakis all won their matches. For the ladies, special mention to Talia Gibson20 years old, for his first Grand Slam victory, and Destanee Aiava, who saved match points. Rarely effective at home, Ajla Tomljanovic also assured.
Video – Nick Kyrgios before his big return to Melbourne!
Find the men's draw for the Australian Open here
Find the women's draw for the Australian Open here
Respected logic… and some exploits
To retrace this improbable day of Monday, it all started with James Duckworth (89th), who had only won four matches in the big table at Melbourne in 11 participations. He crushed Dominic Stricker (6-2, 6-4, 6-2). At the same time, youth embodied by James McCabe (258th, 21 years old) brought the phenomenon back to earth Martin Landaluce (19 years old) after three short sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-4). Then, when Tristan Schoolkate (173e), Aleksandar Vukic (68e) et Jordan Thompson (27th) knocked down in stride Taro Daniel, Damir Dzumhur et Dominik Koepferthe day was definitely a success. And this, even before the entry into the running of Nick Kyrgios.
Often author of memorable matches in Australia, Thanasi Kokkinakis brought the crowds to their feet again, by leaving Roman Safiullin in 4 hours of play (3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(5). Christopher O’Connell was close to offering the final bouquet by beating Tommy Paul, it came close… (6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(5), 7-5). Nick Kyrgiosinjured in the abs, was swept away in three sets by Jacob Fearnley (7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2)).
The first for Gibson, Aiava miraculous, Joint overtaken by Pegula
Among the ladies, the joy of Talia Gibson (150th, 20 years old) was contagious, after her first Major success in front of the Turk Zeynep Sonmez (3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1). A great feat confirmed by Ajla Tomljanovicwinner of the American Ashlyn Krueger at the end of the suspense (6-4, 4-6, 6-4). At the end of the day, Destanee Aiava offered himself the victory of a lifetime against the Belgian Greet Minnen. Its first, too, in a Major. After four attempts at Melbourne since 2017, the 24-year-old player, coming out of qualifying, saved two match points to win the super tie-break in more than three hours (5-7, 7-5, 7-6(5)), without noting that she was trailing 7-5, 5-2… Hats off!
The only downside is not really one.Maya Joint (18 years old) was less strong than Jessica Pegulacandidate for the title (6-3, 6-0) but there is no doubt that this Australian nugget will crack the Top 100 in the coming weeks, and will achieve great performances here in the future.
