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Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, faced an early exit from the Grand Slam on Monday, marking her comeback with a loss. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, the US Open winner, and men’s third seed Daniil Medvedev advanced successfully in Melbourne.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the men’s seventh seed, and women’s sixth seed Ons Jabeur also secured first-round victories on a scorching day at the Australian Open. However, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and veteran Andy Murray experienced early departures, with Murray hinting at a possible non-return.
Osaka, at 26, returned to competitive tennis after a hiatus in September 2022 due to mental health concerns. Despite her comeback, she couldn’t replicate her past championship-winning form and lost to 16th-seeded Caroline Garcia. Osaka expressed gratitude for the experience and the lessons learned both on and off the court during this trip.
Medvedev faced challenging conditions against French qualifier Terence Atmane but emerged victorious after Atmane’s retirement due to severe cramping. Medvedev will meet Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori in the next round.
Tsitsipas, last year’s finalist, overcame an early setback to defeat Belgian lucky loser Zizou Bergs. However, it marked the end for five-time finalist Murray, who was defeated by Argentine 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Women’s fourth seed Gauff, aiming for multiple major titles, started her campaign with a convincing 6-3, 6-0 win against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Gauff will face unseeded American Caroline Dolehide in the second round.
Vondrousova suffered a 6-1, 6-2 defeat against Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska, citing a hip injury and a sore shoulder. Yastremska expressed pride in Ukraine, displaying the slogan “Be brave like Ukraine” on her bag.
Meanwhile, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine progressed by dominating Australian Taylah Preston. Tunisia’s Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, cruised to victory against qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva, dropping only four games.
