Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 14, 2024 General view during the first round match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Netherlands' Botic Van De Zandschulp REUTERS/Issei Kato
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Highlights of the first day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Sunday, all times local (GMT +11):
1255 FERNANDEZ LOOKS TO SWAP RACQUET FOR YARN
Canada's Leylah Fernandez said she was hoping to relax and unwind with some crocheting after seeing off Czech Sara Bejlek 7-6(5) 6-2 to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
"First I'm going to recover. Then afterwards, I'm probably going to watch a show called 'Reachers', it's a pretty good one. Maybe I'm going to crochet a little bit. I love crocheting," the 2021 U.S. Open finalist said.
READ MORE:
Australian Open order of play on Sunday
Djokovic primed for more success in new era at Australian Open
Osaka just wants to have fun on Grand Slam return
Swiatek ready for Kenin at Australian Open after 'weird' journeys
Djokovic plays down concerns about wrist ahead of Australian Open
Confident Alcaraz wants Djokovic final at Australian Open
Early days yet but 'light and happy' Raducanu sees path back to the top
Sabalenka raring to go at Australian Open despite Brisbane blip
Mothers Wozniacki, Kerber look to get the balance right in Melbourne
Gauff not resting on her laurels after US Open win
Medvedev admits the risk of going into Australian Open undercooked
Sinner short on match practice but full of belief before Australian Open
1218 - RAKHIMOVA FIRST PLAYER INTO SECOND ROUND
World number 93 Kamilla Rakhimova took the honour of being the first player into the second round at Melbourne Park after beating American Emina Bektas 6-4 6-4 in windy conditions on court six.
The 22-year-old Russian baseliner secured the win when the American went long with a service return. Bektas will bank a cheque for A$120,000 ($80,220) for making the long trip down to Australia.
1107 - PLAY UNDERWAY AT THE 112TH AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Play got underway as scheduled on the outer courts at Melbourne Park. The Grand Slam started on a Sunday for the first time in the modern era after the addition of an extra day to make it a 15-day tournament.
A clement day is expected for the first round matches with the temperature set to rise from the current 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to a forecast high of 24.
($1 = 1.4959 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Editing by Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford)
