While Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas qualified for the second round of the Australian Open, Nick Kyrgios had to withdraw.
The Australian Open 2023 started on the night of Sunday to Monday and the first big sensation with the withdrawal of Australian Nick Kyrgios even before the start of the tournament. “It’s bad timing but that’s life, injuries are a part of sport. I have no doubt I’ll be back to my best but right now I’m devastated because I’m probably playing the best tennis of my career. It’s just brutal,” he explained at a press conference.
Two French have qualified for the second round of the first Grand Slam of the year. Clara Burel eliminated local Talia Gibson, 344th in the world and beneficiary of a wild card (6-3, 6-4) in just under an hour. After a spectacular match, Corentin Moutet eliminated the Chinese Yibing Wu (114th, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5). For his part, Arthur Rinderknech was swept away by the Japanese Yosuke Watanuki, from qualifying, in less than two hours (6-3, 6-2, 6-2) and accepted his defeat in a press conference. “There was no release at all. He made his match, he had a game plan and got me off but not much happened on my end. didn’t make any sense or fight. So it wasn’t complicated to fight. I was 100% mentally and physically, but it’s a failed copy. Everything hasn’t been perfect in the last two months but it is my responsibility and that of my team, we will discuss it in the afternoon…”.
Grégoire Barrere also took the door in 4 sets this time against the Argentinian Tomas Etcheverry (79th) just like
Among the top seeds, note the qualifications of the American Tiafoe, the Polish Hurkacz or the Italian Musetti, while Rafael Nadal won in four sets against the young Briton Jack Draper. A bit messy, the Spaniard conceded a set (7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1). “I had an incredible tournament last year here in Melbourne. I’m happy to come back to the Rod Laver Arena and win again. I haven’t won much lately so it’s good for my confidence. I’m happy with my match, considering my last 6 months. I was facing one of the best players (not seeded) in this first round. He has a lot of power and should have a very good future .” Facing the French Quentin Halys, Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded number 4, had fun in three sets despite a more hung third set and three set points saved.