Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame early trouble against dangerous Canadian Gabriel Diallo to start his 11th Australian Open campaign in winning fashion with a 6-7(1) 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory, beating his opponent six times.
“When I saw the draw, to be honest, I wasn’t very happy,” said Zverev, last year’s finalist. “He’s very young and talented and incredibly aggressive. It was hard to find a rhythm and the first set wasn’t my best tennis, but once I got into the match I felt good on the court.”
The German No. 1 and world No. 3 overcame a slow opening set, which was reflected in his poor performance in the opening tiebreak. However, Zverev responded by claiming the opening game of the second set for the Canadian.
From then on he loosened up, taking command from the baseline and dictating the rallies, while improving the accuracy and power of his serve. We end the match with 15 aces and only one double fault and now wait for the winner of the Popyrin Muller clash.
(Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
In other action, world number 10 Alexander Bublik, who won Hong Kong earlier this month, recorded his first win in Melbourne since 2022 by beating American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-4 6-4 to set up a second round clash with Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
American qualifier Michael Zheng secured a dream win on his tour-level debut, upsetting compatriot Sebastian Korda 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-7(0) 6-3
The 21-year-old Zheng, who next plays France’s Corentin Moutet, a 6-4 7-6(1) 6-3 winner over Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate.
There were also wins for seeds Francisco Cerundolo and Frances Tiafoe on Day 1.
Argentina’s 18th seed Cerundolo defeated China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-3 7-6(0) 6-3, while Tiafoe defeated Australian Jason Kubler 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2.
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