Defending champion Jannik Sinner recovered from a first-set slump to defeat Australian Open wildcard Tristan Skulket, while Nick Kyrgios and Tanasi Kokkinakis were forced to withdraw from their doubles match due to injury.
Sinner was subjected to an early attack from local hope Schoolkit before regaining his composure to reach the third round with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 win.
The world number one won 30 of the last 31 matches he played before the competition and did not lose a set in 15 matches since his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Beijing last October.
“It’s always difficult to play against someone I’ve never played with before,” top seed Sinner said. “He was playing really well in the beginning, serving really well.”
“I have to be very happy with my performance, I don’t take anything for granted, and I’m really happy to get to the next round. I can improve, yes, but I’ll accept that.”
Next up for Sinner, as he looks to build on his Grand Slam titles on hard courts in Melbourne and New York last year, is the American world No. 46. Marcus Giron.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis withdraw from the doubles match
Nick Kyrgios (right) and Tanasi Kokkinakis were forced to withdraw from their doubles match at the Australian Open
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis’ attempt to repeat their doubles victory at the Australian Open in 2022 ended in retirement when the latter was unable to continue their confrontation in the first round.
Kokkinakis was advised not to play the match against compatriots James Duckworth and Alex Vukic after aggravating an arm injury during his five-set singles loss. To British No. 1 Jack Draper on Wednesday.
“I will probably need to have a serious operation now. I have to talk to as many experts as possible,” Kokkinakis told reporters after withdrawing, trailing 7-5 and 3-2.
“I can’t serve, I can’t hit a high forehand. I’m in so much pain. I wanted to see if I could be somewhat competitive, even without serving.”
“I just wanted to be back on the court again with this big guy. What great memories. We knew a big crowd was waiting for us.”
An injury to Kokkinakis ended the “Special K” doubles meet.
Kyrgios suggested this after his opening round loss to Scot Jacob Fearnley on Monday He may never play singles again at his home Grand SlamBut he is open to continuing the duet with his friend.
“I think we, at full capacity and fully healthy, can always cause some damage in doubles,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously I felt like the crowd tonight was ready to go wild from the start.”
“For me personally, I can’t see myself playing more this year probably in high-level singles anymore. Doubles are a little easier on the body. I think we can still play amazing doubles.”
Fritz donates prize money to Los Angeles wildfires
Taylor Fritz will donate £67,000 to Los Angeles bushfire relief efforts
American Taylor Fritz He is donating his first round prize money to help people affected by the California wildfires.
The fourth seed qualified for the third round after defeating Chilean Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0, and then revealed that he would donate 132,000 Australian dollars (about 67,000 pounds sterling) to relief efforts.
“I just want everyone to stay safe,” said Fritz, who was living in Los Angeles and whose family and friends were affected. “It’s crazy what happened.”
“I wanted to say something after my first round match, but I’m going to donate my first round prize money to Los Angeles wildfire relief funds. It’s really the least I can do.
“Southern California is my home and Los Angeles has been my home for a very long time, so I’m doing what I can to help. I would encourage anyone else who can to donate to help as well because a lot of people really need the help.”
“I have friends who were affected. I had to evacuate some family members. The house where my brothers grew up burned down.”
Fritz reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open last summer, and has been brutal so far in Melbourne, losing just eight games in six sets.
He faces 38 years next Gael MonfilsWho continued his excellent start to the season with a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Daniel Altmaier.
Monfils became the oldest winner of an ATP Tour title in Auckland last weekend and feels he has nothing left to prove.
“I can finish now,” he said. “I think I did what I wanted in a way. If I did more, that would be a bonus. I’m happy. As I always say from day one, the most important thing for me is health. Tennis has given me everything I want. I can even imagine, so I’m already blessed.” “
Fonseca’s career ends
Promising 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca was eliminated by the Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-7 (8-6) 6-3 6-1 3-6 6-3, after making his Grand Slam main draw debut with a straight sets win over ninth seed Andrey Rublev.
Favorite home Alex de Minaur He has not faced any troubles so far and achieved an easy victory 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 over American Tristan Boyer, whose hometown was severely affected by forest fires, while the Serbian defeated Miomir Kekmanović He knocked out 18th seed Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
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