As reaction to Novak Djokovic's deportation continues to dominate headlines, the Australian Open gets underway at Melbourne Park, with several seeds beginning their campaigns.
But two service breaks helped her secure the set and despite being forced to a tiebreak in the second, Sakkari earned safe passage through to the second round.
In other results in the women's draw, Ukrainian 15th seed Elina Svitolina defeated France's Fiona Ferro 6-1, 7-6 , while the 22nd-seeded Belinda Bencic of Switzerland — the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist — triumphed 6-4, 6-3 over Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic. In the men's draw, Spanish 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz comfortably progressed to the second round with a straight-sets win over qualifier Alejandro Tabilo.
The 31st-seeded Alcaraz — a US Open quarter-finalist last year — defeated his Chilean opponent 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. Players are contesting matches in front of fewer spectators than the numbers that attended the Australian Open prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Djokovic the favourite, if he starts: Zverev backs his chances at Australian OpenAlexander Zverev says the potential absence of nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is shaking up the men’s draw and this year’s major will be “a fun one to watch”.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic visa saga LIVE: Djokovic to miss 2022 Australian Open after losing court caseThe world No.1 is back in the Federal Court this morning as part of his fight to remain in Australia and compete in another grand slam.
Read more »
Global opinion divided after Novak Djokovic deportation ahead of Australian OpenWith the world's number one tennis player unable to defend his Australian Open crown after losing a legal challenge, social media is split over the federal government's treatment of the unvaccinated Serbian.
Read more »
‘Australian Open more important than any player’: Stars split on Djokovic visa sagaLeading players are disappointed that the ongoing visa saga of Novak Djokovic has completely overshadowed the start of the Australian Open, which they are focused on. Djokovic AusOpen
Read more »
Australian Open 2022: Naomi Osaka on court as grand slam begins without Novak Djokovic – live!Rolling report: The year’s first tennis grand slam gets under way with Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal among those in action during the day session. Join Mike Hytner for updates
Read more »
Novak Djokovic visa saga LIVE: tennis star back before court ahead of 2022 Australian OpenBreaking: A decision in Novak Djokovic's visa cancellation case is expected to be made later today after the court adjourned to consider submissions. Follow our live coverage:
Read more »