分类： sports

MELBOURNE PARK — Two decades after his main-draw debut and twelve years removed from his iconic Australian Open triumph over Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, 40, authored a new chapter in his storied career with a hard-fought first-round victory. The Swiss wildcard, who has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2026 season, overcame Serbia’s Laslo Djere in a grueling four-set encounter lasting three hours and twenty minutes. After dropping the opening set 5-7, Wawrinka mounted a characteristic comeback, securing the match 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to the roaring approval of the Show Court Arena crowd.

The emotional victory marks Wawrinka’s first Grand Slam win since Wimbledon 2024 and his first in Melbourne in five years. At 40 years and 296 days, he becomes the second-oldest man to win a singles match at the Australian Open, trailing only Ivo Karlovic’s 2020 record. In a post-match reflection, Wawrinka acknowledged the weight of the moment, stating, ‘The passion is still intact but I’m not young any more… It’s so special for me to enter the court and enter a Grand Slam. I’m a competitor so I’m always going to fight.’

The latter half of Day Two emerged as a showcase for veteran resilience, contrasting an earlier session marred by injury retirements. Joining Wawrinka in the second round was 37-year-old Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion and 2018 Australian Open finalist. Cilic delivered a breathtaking performance against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, storming through the first two sets 6-0, 6-0 in a mere 50 minutes and winning 13 consecutive games. He narrowly missed achieving a rare ‘triple bagel’—a 6-0, 6-0, 6-0 scoreline last accomplished by Sergi Bruguera at the 1993 French Open—as Altmaier rallied to force a third-set tiebreak, which Cilic ultimately claimed 7-6(3).

The victories set compelling second-round matchups: Wawrinka will face French qualifier Arthur Gea, who ousted 17th seed Jiri Lehecka, while Cilic is slated to challenge Canadian 21st seed Denis Shapovalov.

Australian Under-19 cricket coach Tim Nielsen has reaffirmed his aggressive batting strategy ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup match against Japan, despite opener Will Malajczuk’s recent low score. The decision comes after Australia’s commanding eight-wicket victory over Ireland on Friday, where they chased down 236 runs with 10 overs to spare.

While Malajczuk managed only 22 runs in the Ireland match, his teammates Steve Hogan (115) and Nitesh Samuel (77 not out) demonstrated the team’s batting depth. Nielsen emphasized that Malajczuk’s attacking approach remains central to Australia’s game plan, particularly noting his impressive performance in pre-tournament practice against South Africa where he scored 80 runs off approximately 50 deliveries.

The coaching strategy specifically accounts for anticipated spin-heavy opposition attacks. Nielsen explained that an aggressive start could force opponents to alter their bowling strategies prematurely. “If he does come off, it just gives the rest of the batting order that pillow, or buffer, that we’re going quickly at the start,” Nielsen stated.

Geographical conditions may play to Australia’s advantage, with Namibia’s higher altitude potentially allowing the ball to travel further—a factor that could benefit aggressive openers like Malajczuk.

Despite Japan’s familiarity with Australian playing styles through previous club and school cricket exchanges, Nielsen emphasized the critical importance of securing a second victory. A win against Japan would likely guarantee Australia’s qualification for the Super Six stage, setting up a decisive match against Sri Lanka on Friday to determine group ranking.

Nielsen, who previously coached Australia’s senior ODI team during the 2011 World Cup, stressed the need for professional focus: “We need to make sure we’re on our game and not take Japan lightly.”

In a surprising selection move, Australian cricket chiefs have unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Pakistan, conspicuously excluding two of the nation’s most prominent cricketing figures. Despite delivering exceptional performances in the Big Bash League, veteran batsman Steve Smith and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell have both been omitted from the touring party that will prepare for next month’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Chief selector George Bailey provided insight into the controversial decisions, acknowledging Smith’s dominant BBL form while explaining the competitive landscape at the top of the batting order. “When he goes back to the Big Bash he’s a level above,” Bailey stated, emphasizing that Smith faces stiff competition from Mitch Marsh and Travis Head for opening positions. The selector noted that while Smith has demonstrated adaptability throughout the order, his recent international opportunities have primarily come at the top.

Bailey also addressed the unique challenges of evaluating BBL performances, pointing to rule variations like the Power Surge and four-over powerplay that differentiate the domestic competition from international standards. Despite these contextual factors, Bailey affirmed that Smith undoubtedly possesses the capability to excel at the highest level.

The squad features several emerging talents, including young pace bowler Mahli Beardman, whom Bailey praised for his “air speed” and versatile skill set. Jack Edwards, who previously joined the white-ball squad during the India series, also receives another opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage.

Mitchell Marsh will captain a blend of established players and promising newcomers, with the selection panel clearly balancing immediate World Cup preparation with long-term development objectives. The team composition suggests strategic planning for both the upcoming Pakistan tour and future international commitments, with Bailey emphasizing Beardman’s inclusion as “an eye to the future.”

The absence of both Smith and Maxwell, despite their recent domestic successes, indicates a deliberate approach to squad rotation and specialization ahead of the global tournament, raising questions about Australia’s final World Cup lineup and strategic direction.

The Australian Open’s second day delivered a mix of predictable victories and stunning early exits as Novak Djokovic commenced his unprecedented pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.

Serbian legend Djokovic, aged 38, prepared to face Spain’s 71st-ranked Pedro Martinez in the evening session on Rod Laver Arena. The current world number four, who holds a record 10 Australian Open championships, stands tied with Australia’s Margaret Court at 24 major titles. Despite recent dominance from younger rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic remained confident, stating: “I know that when I’m healthy and able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody.”

Earlier matches saw mixed fortunes for top contenders. American sensation Coco Gauff advanced to the second round with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, though her performance included seven double faults and 31 unforced errors. “I tried not to put too much pressure on myself,” Gauff commented. “I am only satisfied if I win, but I am proud of myself regardless of how I get on.” She now faces Olga Danilovic, who defeated Venus Williams.

The tournament concluded abruptly for seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who retired from his opening match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges while trailing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, requiring treatment to his left leg. Similarly, 2020 champion Sofia Kenin suffered a straight-sets defeat (6-3, 6-2) to fellow American Peyton Stearns amid soaring temperatures nearing 30°C.

Other notable contenders prepared for their opening matches, including six-time major winner Iga Swiatek, who has never progressed beyond the semi-finals in Melbourne. The Polish second seed faces Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue as she pursues a career Grand Slam. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open finalist, enters the tournament fresh from his Brisbane victory and meets Jesper de Jong of the Netherlands.

Home favorite Alex de Minaur, seeded sixth, attracted significant local support against American Mackenzie McDonald, while American fourth seed Amanda Anisimova faced Switzerland’s Simona Waltert. The day’s schedule also featured emerging Russian talent Mirra Andreeva, aged 18 and fresh from winning her fourth title, against Croatia’s Donna Vekic, plus 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka playing his final Australian Open before retirement at age 40.

In an extraordinary display of academic commitment, American tennis sensation Michael Zheng faces the unprecedented dilemma of relinquishing a substantial six-figure prize from the Australian Open to preserve his collegiate athletic status. The 21-year-old Columbia University psychology major delivered one of the tournament’s most stunning upsets by defeating compatriot Sebastian Korda in a gripping five-set match during the opening round.

Zheng’s remarkable journey through three qualifying matches culminated in his main draw victory against the 23rd-seeded Korda, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. However, his status as a student-athlete bound by NCAA regulations imposes strict limitations on monetary awards from professional competitions. The governing body caps such earnings at a maximum of $10,000 annually for amateur athletes maintaining their eligibility.

This restriction means Zheng must forfeit approximately $150,000 in guaranteed prize money from his first-round triumph, with potential earnings escalating significantly should he advance further in the tournament. The rising star has just one semester remaining to complete his degree and has consciously prioritized academic completion before transitioning fully to professional tennis.

When questioned about potential loopholes or alternative arrangements, Zheng expressed cautious adherence to the rules, stating he would not risk compromising his standing or ‘getting in any trouble’ for the financial windfall. His situation highlights the complex intersection of collegiate athletics and professional sports, where aspiring athletes must navigate difficult financial and career decisions.