Alexander Zverev shook off a slow start to advance at the Australian Open, rallying from a set down to defeat Gabriel Diallo 6-7(1) 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the opening round. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz began his career Grand Slam quest with a straight-sets victory over Australian Adam Walton. The day also featured a stunning upset as British qualifier Arthur Fery dismantled 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in dominant fashion.
Zverev finds his rhythm after early struggles
The German third seed looked vulnerable early as Diallo claimed a tight opening set in the tiebreak, but Zverev's class eventually showed through. After losing just one point in the first-set tiebreak, the world No. 3 completely shifted gears, overwhelming the Canadian with powerful groundstrokes and precise serving. Zverev fired 15 aces and won an impressive 84% of his first serve points, demonstrating why he entered as such a heavy favorite. The match played out exactly as expected once Zverev settled - Diallo fighting hard initially before the German's superior experience and hard-court pedigree took over. Zverev's pressure point statistics told the story of his dominance: he won 14 of 23 return pressure points while staying solid on serve with 5 of 8. The victory marks an important step for Zverev, who has struggled with early-round exits at major tournaments in recent seasons.
Alcaraz begins Grand Slam mission under new coaching setup
Playing his first match since ending his seven-year relationship with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz looked composed and focused in defeating Walton 6-3 7-6(2) 6-2. The Spaniard is chasing tennis immortality - aiming to become just the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the career Grand Slam. While not at his free-flowing best, Alcaraz struck 38 winners and showed his trademark fighting spirit, particularly when rallying from 1-3 down in the second set. Walton, trying to reach his home slam's second round for the first time, troubled the world No. 1 at times with deep groundstrokes but couldn't sustain the level needed. Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with playing on Rod Laver Arena again, noting that Walton produced some great shots throughout their two-hour, 13-minute encounter. The win sets up another test as Alcaraz continues his quest for the only major title missing from his collection.
Bublik breaks Melbourne drought with clinical display
Alexander Bublik secured his first Australian Open victory since 2022, dispatching Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-4 6-4 in impressive fashion. The Kazakhstani 10th seed was almost flawless throughout, aside from an early break giveaway in the third set, producing the kind of performance expected from a top seed. Bublik's serve was particularly effective - he fired 13 aces and saved seven of eight break points faced, showcasing the clinical edge that has been missing from his Grand Slam performances. The victory was especially significant given Bublik's tendency to struggle in first rounds at major tournaments outside of ATP 250 events. His pressure point statistics reflected his control: winning 16 of 23 serve pressure points while converting 11 of 30 return opportunities. The straight-sets scoreline provided a satisfying conclusion to what proved an entertaining match, setting up a second-round clash with Marton Fucsovics.
Zheng produces dream debut to stun Korda
Michael Zheng announced himself on the Grand Slam stage with a remarkable five-set victory over Sebastian Korda 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-7(0) 6-3. The world No. 174 showed tremendous composure throughout the four-hour battle, particularly in the deciding set where he maintained his aggressive baseline game. Korda's struggles with consistency were evident - the American has battled injury problems and mental fragility in pressure moments throughout his career. The dramatic conclusion saw Korda double fault on match point, a fitting end to a performance that highlighted his ongoing issues with closing out important matches. Zheng's all-around game impressed throughout, showing the solid foundation that made him a standout college player. His pressure point numbers were exceptional: winning 35 of 43 serve pressure points while capitalizing on 10 of 19 return opportunities. The victory represents a breakthrough moment for the young American, who displayed the humility and professionalism that has marked his rise through the ranks.
Fery dismantles struggling Cobolli in breakthrough performance
British qualifier Arthur Fery earned the tournament's opening victory with a commanding 7-6(1) 6-4 6-1 defeat of 20th seed Flavio Cobolli. The former Stanford standout produced superb shotmaking throughout the two-hour encounter, converting six of 10 break point opportunities while Cobolli struggled with what appeared to be stomach issues. The Italian took a medical timeout after just three games and received multiple visits from the tournament doctor, unable to find rhythm against Fery's fearless baseline play. Fery, now ranked at a career-high No. 185, has made a habit of Grand Slam upsets - he stunned 20th seed Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon last year when ranked No. 461. Playing on John Cain Arena, the 23-year-old expressed his excitement at competing in his first main-draw slam outside Wimbledon. Cobolli, who helped guide Italy to their third consecutive Davis Cup title in November, was clearly hampered by his physical condition and never found his usual aggressive rhythm.
Moutet battles through injury to eliminate Schoolkate
Corentin Moutet showed remarkable determination to defeat home hope Tristan Schoolkate 6-4 7-6(1) 6-3 despite suffering an injury during the match. The French 32nd seed was clearly hampered physically, resorting to underarm serves that drew boos from the crowd, yet displayed incredible touch and shot selection when it mattered most. Schoolkate's tactics proved frustrating for the local supporters - the Australian repeatedly hit directly at the injured Frenchman, requiring minimal movement from an opponent who was effectively immobilized. Moutet's crafty play and refusal to make errors once injured proved decisive, as he won the crucial second-set tiebreak convincingly before pulling away in the third. His pressure point statistics reflected his clever play: 14 of 22 serve pressure points won and 11 of 24 on return. The victory showcased Moutet's competitive spirit and tactical intelligence, earning him a lighthearted moment when he gave a shoutout to Kenya during his post-match interview.
Etcheverry prevails in four-hour epic
Tomas Martin Etcheverry survived a grueling encounter with Miomir Kecmanovic, winning 6-2 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 in what proved to be the day's most compelling match. The Argentine showed incredible mental fortitude after falling behind two sets to one, producing flawless serving in the deciding set where he won every point on serve. The three-hour, 54-minute marathon featured high-quality tennis from both players, with a passionate crowd adding to the electric atmosphere. Etcheverry's serving statistics were remarkable - he struck 20 aces while winning an exceptional 86% of first serve points overall. His ability to raise his level in the crucial moments proved decisive, as he won 11 of 17 serve pressure points while staying aggressive on return with 18 of 57 opportunities converted. The victory advances the South American to face Arthur Fery in what promises to be an intriguing second-round clash between two players riding waves of momentum.
Fucsovics dominates after tight opener
Hungarian Marton Fucsovics overcame a competitive first set to cruise past Camilo Ugo Carabelli 7-6(5) 6-1 6-2. After edging a tight opening set in the tiebreak, Fucsovics found his range and dominated the remainder of the encounter with aggressive baseline play. The world No. 55 converted seven of 11 break point opportunities while keeping the pressure on throughout, despite committing five double faults. His return game was particularly impressive in the latter stages - winning 18 of 33 return pressure points as Carabelli's serve began to falter. The victory sets up an intriguing second-round meeting with Alexander Bublik, promising an entertaining clash of contrasting styles. Fucsovics showed the kind of consistency that has made him a dangerous floater in Grand Slam draws, raising his level significantly after the competitive opener to advance in convincing fashion.
The opening round action sets the stage for an intriguing second round, with several seeded players safely through alongside breakthrough performers like Fery and Zheng. The Australian summer continues to provide compelling storylines as the season's first major unfolds.