Almost three weeks later than planned, the Australian Open will take place in Melbourne from February 8 to 21 – and even in front of spectators. You can find all current developments in our news blog.
Who will win the first Grand Slam title of the year? While last year’s winner Novak Djokovic is the top favorite for the title, the field is more open for women.
One thing is certain even before the tournament: Roger Federer, an absolute figurehead of tennis, is missing from the event “Down Under”.
From a German point of view, hopes are again on Alexander Zverev, who failed to Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals last year. Angelique Kerber, who won the title five years ago, was eliminated in the first round.
++ All information about the Australian Open in the news blog ++
++ Day 1 in the news blog ++
Djokovic without problems in the next round
Top favorite Novak Djokovic started his mission to defend his title at the Australian Open with an undisputed victory. The world number one from Serbia easily defeated Jeremy Chardy on Monday 6: 3, 6: 1, 6: 2 and remained in the 14th duel with the French without losing a set. After 1:31 hours he turned his first match point with an ace.
Djokovic meets the American Frances Tiafoe in the second round. With eight titles in Melbourne, the 33-year-old is already a record champion, and this year he is aiming for his 18th Grand Slam triumph. Djokovic would thus shorten the gap to the major record champions Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Roger Federer (Switzerland / both 20).
Alexander Zverev continues as the first German
Alexander Zverev became the first German tennis professional to win his opening match at the Australian Open and reached the second round. The 23-year-old from Hamburg won the first Grand Slam tournament of the season on Monday against the American Marcos Giron in 2:42 hours 6: 7 (8:10), 7: 6 (7: 5), 6: 3, 6 : 2. Previously, the German women Angelique Kerber, Andrea Petkovic and Laura Siegemund had left.
Kerber disgrace in the 1st round
Angelique Kerber was eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open. The German number one lost on Monday in Melbourne against the American Bernarda Pera with 0: 6, 4: 6 and showed a desperate performance, especially in the first set. The long one-sided game in the Margaret Court Arena lasted only 70 minutes. In 2016, the 33-year-old celebrated her first Grand Slam title in Australia.
Kerber had to spend 14 days in strict quarantine after arriving in Melbourne because there was a positive corona case on her flight. The former number one in the world was therefore not allowed to leave her hotel room for two weeks. The preparation for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season was of course significantly restricted.
But that cannot be an explanation for the appearance against Pera. Especially since she was able to win at least two games in the preparatory tournament last week. But Kerber only woke up when she was already 0: 6, 0: 3 behind. After that, the Kiel woman improved and fought her way back, but it was no longer enough for the turning point.
Siegemund without a chance against Williams
Tennis pro Laura Siegemund failed at the Australian Open to superstar Serena Williams. The 32-year-old from Metzingen was defeated by the 23-time Grand Slam winner in her opening game with 1: 6, 1: 6.
Siegemund managed a quick break against the initially nervous Williams, but then her favored opponent played her force to the full and the quarter-finalist of the French Open had little to counter. The 39-year-old Williams, who could catch up with major record winner Margaret Court (Australia / 24 Grand Slams) with a triumph in Melbourne, secured the first set after 27 minutes.
Siegemund fought on, but ultimately found no recipe against the concentrated Williams. With a double error, the German ended the game after just 56 minutes.
Osaka easily in round 2
Naomi Osaka (23) was the first co-favorite to confidently reach the second round of the Australian Open. The US Open winner beat the Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the start of the Grand Slam in Melbourne in just 1:08 hours of play 6: 1, 6: 2.
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