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.