Australian Open

Between a post-Serena, post-Federer reality and a new Netflix series, the sport is set to explode out of the gates in Melbourne.

“The game will pave its own path of champions, and we are here to exercise the marketing arm as fate allows. All the same, the new crop of young players will be looking to dethrone Djokovic and Nadal in Melbourne. “We were kind of waiting for it because she was on the tour for so many years, but at the same time, you don’t want these people to leave and wish they could stay forever.” “That’s not the case for women.” Swiatek, the No. “Paul [Martin] and James [Gay-Rees] at Box to Box described Rafa as the shark in ‘Jaws,’” says ATP Media’s Chief Strategy Officer Nick Bourne. After missing the 2022 Australian and U.S. And for us, it’s just a pure opportunity for a sport which we all truly believe has so much to offer for millions of fans around the world.” … But when we look beyond that, the task that we have at hand is how do we build more affinity and personal connections.” [announced](https://frontofficesports.com/serena-williams-announces-retirement-from-tennis/) she would retire following the 2022 U.S. Interviews in the show include: “Tennis is a process of mental torture in some ways.”

Rafael Nadal seeks to defend his title in Melbourne, and the women's field is wide open, but world no. 1 Iga Swiatek is a definite favorite.

eastern on ESPN2. eastern on ESPN. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at [Hey Alma](https://www.heyalma.com/), a Jewish culture site. eastern, and men's finals take place January 29, time 3:30 a.m. Finals: The women's finals take place January 28 at 3:30 a.m. Semifinals: The women's semis take place January 26 at 3:30 a.m. Round of 16 airs Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. You can also watch all the matches on ESPN+, ESPN's streaming platform. I’m looking forward to coming because I always play very well and probably my best tennis throughout my career on Australian soil, so I came in early ... Qualifying began on Monday, January 9, but has already wrapped up. I don’t actually recall when I came that early to Australia. The Serbian player had his visa ban overturned in November.

Emma Raducanu opens her Australian Open campaign in fine style with straight-sets win over Tamara Korpatsch - setting up big clash with Coco Gauff in her next ...

A rather messy first set began with the first of four breaks that Raducanu won against her awkward delivery, but was immediately given back. A superb forehand pass clinched the set. The British number one put injury fears aside as she overcame Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 6-2 in 85 minutes.

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff breezed through their Australian Open first-round matches, beginning what each hopes is a run to end a U.S. drought.

This is the first major since the retirements of Serena Williams and Roger Federer last September. Gauff, who at 18 is the youngest player in the WTA top 50, won her Australian Open lead-in tournament last week without dropping a set. “If you look at, like, the top 10 right now, most of them are in their 20s, like 22 to 26,” Gauff said before the tournament. 28 Amanda Anisimova, one of five American women seeds, was the first seed to fall. She began the Australian Open as one of the top challengers to top-ranked Iga Świątek, having beaten the dominant Pole 6-2, 6-2 earlier this month. She withdrew from her first tournament this year with an ankle injury 10 days ago but rebounded to sweep 76th-ranked German Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 6-2 in the first round in Melbourne.

Game-by-game report: Rafa Nadal faces a potential banana skin in the first round against rising British star Jack Draper. Join Angus Fontaine for updates.

The US duo Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are also through to the second round. Weather update: According to our woman on the ground, Emma Kemp, it’s “hot af” in Melbourne today. Despite the furnace-like heat the combatants will have a quick warm up and then we’ll get to the action. The players are spotted in the bowels of Rod Laver Arena. There’s a 12 shot rally for the third point, the ball bouncing high but Rafa takes the point and then the game to love. Tumaini Carayol had this to say about the clash: Nadal’s training top and shoes match the colour of the blue court, but once he peels his top off, he’s in a bright orange playing shirt. The in-form Jack Draper is his opponent. The serve is his weapon and his first rips down the line, too fast for Nadal. Elevated to top seed following the withdrawal of injured world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz. He wins both opening rallies and then draws Draper into the net for the third point. Nadal* 2-1 Draper (* denotes server) Nadal has been highly critical of the balls being used in this tournament and they do appear to be bouncing big on the players, requiring each to take them on the rise and roll high shoulders at them.

The 35-year-old Serb says he felt like 'the villain of the world' when he was deported from Australia because of his anti-vaccination stance.

“Actually, I skipped to my episode,” she said. I want to win more titles and get that Grand Slam title, for sure.” “I’m going to put more pressure on myself because I feel like sometimes you just need that to be one of the top players. I always like my chances.” I like my chances. The 35-year-old Serb says he felt like ‘the villain of the world’ when he was deported from Australia because of his anti-vaccination stance.

Rafael Nadal opens his Australian Open title defence Monday feeling vulnerable and against a dangerous young opponent, with women's top seed Iga Swiatek ...

So can Norway's Casper Ruud and Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, according to the governing body ATP. So that will be the plan," he said. I'll be ready for it." "Young, powerful, growing very, very fast on the ranking, playing well." "I want to go and compete hard and really play well and I want to go and win the match, of course. The first Grand Slam of the year kicks off at Melbourne Park with the men's world number one ranking at stake and a new women's champion set to be crowned after Ashleigh Barty's shock retirement following her win last year.

Rafa Nadal will kick off his Australian Open title defence on Monday with a first round test against rising Briton Jack Draper as a new era begins on the ...

The women's tournament has been described as one of the most open in years, with only two former champions in the draw. The reigning French and US Open champion opens her campaign against Jule Niemeier in the first evening match at Rod Laver Arena, the German who gave Swiatek a huge scare in the US Open fourth round. The 36-year-old is third up at Rod Laver Arena, returning to the centre court where a year ago he conjured the “miracle of Melbourne”, coming back from two sets down to topple Daniil Medvedev in a five-set classic.

Tennis expert Jose Onorato has released Australian Open 2023 picks, predictions, and best bets.

1 seed in the 2023 Australian Open field, which is appropriate after he won the 2022 title in the event. Before you pick the 2023 Australian Open men's champ, you need to Nadal doesn't project to have any cakewalks along the way given his draw, and even a potential final match against the heavily favored Djokovic could decrease Nadal's perceived value in the market. Djokovic is the -125 betting favorite in the latest 2023 Australian Open men's singles odds at Caesars Sportsbook. Djokovic is also a 21-time Grand Slam winner, and he can tie Rafael Nadal for the all-time record of 22 with a victory. Nadal is also in the 2023 Australian Open field, and the men's draw is packed with intriguing talent.

Emma Raducanu beats Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 6-2 to set up a second-round match against American Coco Gauff I Raducanu was not moving freely initially, ...

"I like the conditions. I'm just looking forward to the matchup. "I'm just really happy to have come through that.

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open a day before he was scheduled to play his first-round match because of an injured knee.

It's part of the sport," he said. To Nick's credit, he did everything to get back on court." "Obviously a mixture of emotions [but] that's life. His physiotherapist, Will Maher, said Kyrgios "didn't pull up great" from the exhibition and was in no state to take part in a Grand Slam. It was worth persevering to see if he can get back on court. It's brutal," Kyrgios said.

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of the Australian Open due to a knee injury. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist says he "did not pull up great" after an exhibition ...

Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Monday due to a knee injury. The Australian was scheduled to face Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old maintained his form throughout the year, advancing to the [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview) final in singles and triumphing at the [Citi Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/washington/418/overview) among other results. "I think we've made the sensible decision to withdraw him because at this stage he wants to feel mentally comfortable that he can go seven matches, he can go the distance, and needs to be able to do potentially seven three-hour matches. "To Nick's credit, he did try everything, to the point even last week he was having a procedure called a fenestration and drainage where they use a syringe to try and drain the cyst, which Nick has some pretty gruesome photos of. The Australian was scheduled to face [Roman Safiullin](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roman-safiullin/sx50/overview) on Tuesday, but will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser [Denis Kudla](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/denis-kudla/kb09/overview). "It's not a significant injury in the sense that it's going to be career threatening or anything like that. "Look, I'm not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event.

China's Juncheng Shang defeats Oscar Otte in the Melbourne first round, becoming the first Chinese man in the Open Era to win a match at the Australian ...

The youngest player in the men's singles draw, Shang showed poise beyond his years as he stayed the course after letting slip two match points on return at 5-4 in the fourth set. [Frances Tiafoe](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/frances-tiafoe/td51/overview) or [Daniel Altmaier](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/daniel-altmaier/ae14/overview) will be next for Shang, who has rocketed up 50 places to No. After saving two break points in the opening set, he did not face another as he sealed the win on his third match point.

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff fired early warning shots Monday at the Australian Open with blistering straight-sets wins as Rafael Nadal prepares to return ...

"Probably one of the toughest first rounds possible... MELBOURNE - Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff fired early warning shots Monday at the Australian Open with blistering straight-sets wins as Rafael Nadal prepares to return to the scene of one of his greatest Grand Slam triumphs. Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff fired early warning shots Monday at the Australian Open with blistering straight-sets wins as Rafael Nadal prepares to return to the scene of one of his greatest Grand Slam triumphs.

In-form Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff wasted little time in racing into the second round of the Australian Open on the opening day, ...

Top seeds Swiatek and Rafa Nadal open their campaigns in the evening session at Melbourne Park. [Retiring Stosur 'too passionate' to walk away from the sport](/sport/tennis/australian-open/retiring-sam-stosur-too-passionate-to-walk-away-from-the-sport-b77cd2d9-a58a-59a5-a1dd-e7f1daa2d5d6) [Djokovic says deportation drama paved the way to his success](/sport/tennis/australian-open/novak-djokovic-says-deportation-drama-paved-the-way-to-his-success-1d276085-3423-5370-ac15-33b1e581accb) [Will it be another miracle in Melbourne? "Katerina's a fighter and we saw that today. "I'm really pleased with myself," the 18-year-old said. Seventh seed Gauff had to come back from a break down in the second set and faced three break points as she served for the match but was happy with her performance. Nadal says he feels ‘quite ready’ for Australian Open defence](/sport/tennis/australian-open/will-it-be-another-miracle-in-melbourne-rafael-nadal-says-he-feels-quite-ready-for-australian-open-defence-10ed7bf9-1570-5327-91b8-d554608fd08f) [Swiatek the favourite as Melbourne Park set for new champion](/sport/tennis/australian-open/iga-swiatek-the-favourite-as-melbourne-park-set-for-new-champion-dc3f668f-33c9-5e57-ac75-76adf16118d5) [Djokovic the man to beat at Australian Open but can rival Nadal win NO 23?](/sport/tennis/australian-open/novak-djokovic-the-man-to-beat-at-australian-open-but-can-rival-rafael-nadal-win-no-23-30906f15-f25e-40be-87f4-80f8e57dbf6f)

Australia's top-ranked male player has been battling knee soreness in the lead-up to the grand slam. “I'm devastated,” he told reporters on Monday. More to come ...

The fifth seed, who struggled with a hamstring issue at the tune-up Adelaide International tournament earlier in January, has now scrapped practice for the ...

[Djokovic](/sport/novak_djokovic/index.html) said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's [Australian Open](/sport/australian_open/index.html) proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. [Nick Kyrgios pulled out of his home tournament](/sport/tennis/article-11639285/Nick-Kyrgios-sensationally-withdraws-Australian-Open-knee-injury.html) earlier on Monday because of a knee injury. The World No 5 had cancelled his practice session for the second day in a row on Monday [The fifth seed](/sport/tennis/article-11635057/Novak-Djokovic-reveals-deported-Australia-year-INSPIRED-win-Wimbledon.html), who struggled with a hamstring issue at the tune-up [Adelaide](/news/adelaide/index.html) International tournament earlier in January, had scrapped a session on Monday, Australian Open organisers. Novak Djokovic has been spotted on the practice courts at the Australian Open shortly after cancelling a session for the second day in a row. [Novak Djokovic](/sport/tennis/article-11635057/Novak-Djokovic-reveals-deported-Australia-year-INSPIRED-win-Wimbledon.html)has scrapped his Australian Open practice session on Monday

The talented but temperamental Australian, considered an outside chance of winning the title, had struggled with an ankle issue leading into the event.

"He still tried to give himself every chance in the following days to have subsequent training," said Maher. "I think we've made the sensible decision to withdraw him... injuries are part of the sport." "There's a mixture of emotions... It hasn't been easy at all," he added. "I'm just exhausted from everything, and (it's) obviously pretty brutal.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal battled past a man 15 years his junior to kick-start his bid for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian ...

Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up. I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. "Super happy to be back here in Australia one more time.

Nick Kyrgios's hopes of ending his country's 47-year wait for a homegrown men's champion at the Australian Open were shattered on the opening day on Monday ...

Kyrgios said he thought he had had a real shot at becoming the first Australian since Mark Edmondson in 1976 to win the men's singles title. “The situation now is we wanted to prevent him from having further injury or making that injury worse. I guess I can draw some inspiration from someone like Thanasi who has had a bunch of injuries and has bounced back.

Rafael Nadal comes through a challenging opening test against Jack Draper in Rod Laver Arena at the 2023 Australian Open.

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) title (2009, 2022). With defeat to Nadal, the Briton fell to 0-2 against top seeds at the Slams, having lost to [Novak Djokovic](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/novak-djokovic/d643/overview) at 2021 [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview) in his major debut. His best major result is a third-round run at the 2022 The Spaniard delivered in the crucial moments of a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory against 21-year-old debutante [Jack Draper](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/jack-draper/d0co/overview) to reach the Melbourne second round for the 17th time. The pair's first ATP Head2Head matchup was briefly interrupted by rain at several moments early on, and the action on the court seemed to match that stop-start pattern as both men took turns dictating from the baseline. He is young, he has the power and I think he has a great future in front [of him]. In an all-lefty matchup, Nadal clinched sets one and three with decisive, late breaks to make up for what was nearly a 6-0 second set for Draper. "I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round, being seeded. But Nadal rattled off the final six games as Draper's physical issues hampered him more and more. The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me, but hopefully this victory is going to help me." I’m very excited about this new beginning, just super happy to be back here in I’m super happy to be back here in Australia one more time," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

Nick Kyrgios pulled out injured from the Australian Open on Monday without hitting a ball, saying he was "devastated" to miss his home Grand Slam.

"He still tried to give himself every chance in the following days to have subsequent training," said Maher. "I think we've made the sensible decision to withdraw him... injuries are part of the sport." "There's a mixture of emotions... It hasn't been easy at all," he added. "I'm just exhausted from everything, and (it's) obviously pretty brutal.

The Spanish top seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands, but also made 46 unforced errors, before defeating Briton Jack Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, ...

"But I think he is in the right position to have a very productive season. Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up. So satisfied with the victory because that gives me the chance to play again." The most important thing today is a victory against a tough opponent. "Super-happy to be back here in Australia one more time. The Spanish top seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands, but also made 46 unforced errors, before defeating Briton Jack Draper 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 at the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios' withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open is not only a big blow for the tournament, but also fans and pundits.

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) “His mind is that of a complete computer and genius on a tennis court. We’re talking about someone who has only come close one time. “Yes, he went through at Wimbledon but he didn’t have to play the semis. Nevertheless, it is of course very bitter to have to pull out of your home Grand Slam before the first round due to an injury. It’s a pity for all of us.” [discovery+](https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/sport/tennis/australian-open?utm_campaign=UK-EU-D1-WBD-C11-PR-CAM-AW-W-Tennis-AustralianOpen-221221-NA&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pr.com&utm_content=text-paid-prcom-id1) and Eurosport At some point, maybe. “Will he ever be a favourite?

Felix Auger-Aliassime didn't have things all his own way Monday, but he stepped up when needed to reach the second round at the Australian Open for the ...

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) quarter-finalist Auger-Aliassime is chasing his maiden Grand Slam title this fortnight in Melbourne. “It was a rough start,” Auger-Aliassime said. The 32-year-old hit through Auger-Aliassime with his weight of shot and moved forward effectively, winning 82 per cent (9/11) of net points in the first set to soar ahead. It is a first round, it happens. On my part it was a bit of a struggle but it is ok. It is always tough to play a good friend.

Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie were winners on the first day of the Australian Open but Jack Draper struggled with cramp during a four-set loss to Rafael ...

[News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) [Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x6) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Brandon Nakashima (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 6-7 (10/12), 6-4 Raducanu has arrived at both her press conferences at Melbourne Park so far drinking from a coconut. It has been impossible to escape the launch of Netflix’s behind-the-scenes documentary series Break Point at Melbourne Park.

South African tennis ace Lloyd Harris scored an upset win in the Australian Open first round when he eliminated Italian 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x6) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Mackenzie McDonald (USA) bt Brandon Nakashima (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 6-7 (10/12), 6-4 But he dropped serve at 4-2 in the fifth set before the match went to a deciding tie-break.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev hammered Marcos Giron in straight sets to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.

But he has since seen his ranking slip to eight after only making the Round of 16 at both Roland Garros and the US Open last year. Nadal says he feels ‘quite ready’ for Australian Open defence](/sport/tennis/australian-open/will-it-be-another-miracle-in-melbourne-rafael-nadal-says-he-feels-quite-ready-for-australian-open-defence-10ed7bf9-1570-5327-91b8-d554608fd08f) "I'm really happy about my level."

South African tennis ace Lloyd Harris scored an upset win in the Australian Open first round on Monday when the eliminated Italian 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

He will require minor surgery. 3h ago [READ more here](https://www.news24.com/sport/tennis/sas-lloyd-harris-upsets-italian-17th-seed-in-5-set-epic-at-australian-open-20230116)

Defending champion Rafael Nadal battled past a man 15 years his junior and kickstart his bid for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian ...

Draper needed repeated treatment on his upper right leg, but against the odds broke back before Nadal again stepped up. I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. "Super happy to be back here in Australia one more time.

Tuesday's action in Melbourne features Matteo Berrettini, Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic.

[US Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/us-open/560/overview) and 2013 [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview). [US Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/us-open/560/overview). The 25-year-old opens against [Nikoloz Basilashvili](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/nikoloz-basilashvili/bg23/overview). [Andrey Rublev](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/andrey-rublev/re44/overview) vs. The 26-year-old faces [Fabio Fognini](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/fabio-fognini/f510/overview) in what is set to be an entertaining clash on Kia Arena. [Holger Rune](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/holger-rune/r0dg/overview) break the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time, but the 19-year-old Dane will want to bounce back from first-round defeat in Adelaide two weeks ago in his first-round clash against [Filip Krajinovic](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/filip-krajinovic/kb05/overview). [Matteo Berrettini](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/matteo-berrettini/bk40/overview) (ITA) vs. Can he spring a historic surprise Monday on [Rod Laver](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rod-laver/l058/overview) Arena? [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) champion Djokovic’s bid for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title begins on [Rod Laver](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rod-laver/l058/overview) Arena against the World No. [Casper Ruud](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/casper-ruud/rh16/overview) can become World No. [View Singles Draw](https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/australian-open/580/draws) [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview), with a full slate of marquee matchups and star names on Melbourne's Day 2 schedule.

Nick Kyrgios' withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open is not only a big blow for the tournament, but also fans and pundits.

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) “His mind is that of a complete computer and genius on a tennis court. [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) We’re talking about someone who has only come close one time. [Live Tennis](https://www.tennis365.com/category/live-tennis/) “Yes, he went through at Wimbledon but he didn’t have to play the semis. Nevertheless, it is of course very bitter to have to pull out of your home Grand Slam before the first round due to an injury. It’s a pity for all of us.” [discovery+](https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/sport/tennis/australian-open?utm_campaign=UK-EU-D1-WBD-C11-PR-CAM-AW-W-Tennis-AustralianOpen-221221-NA&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pr.com&utm_content=text-paid-prcom-id1) and Eurosport At some point, maybe. “Will he ever be a favourite?

Djokovic's deportation was major news in January 2022, but a year later, the Grand Slam tournament, country and sport seem eager to move on.

“Personally, it was a very difficult period, but I was more concerned about our team and staff who were impacted indirectly and in some cases directly impacted by some of the extreme negativity and blame game that went on. What has changed is the Park Hotel, long used as a detention facility for asylum seekers, some of whom had been confined there for nine years in often spartan conditions, sparking protests from human rights groups in Australia. Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director and chief executive of Tennis Australia, has remained in his post along with his core support team. In an interview last week with Australia’s Channel Nine network, Djokovic said he understood the anger of Australians after he was initially cleared to enter the country. There clearly was miscommunication, or perhaps rivalry, between the regional government of Victoria, which initially supported the visa, and the federal government, which canceled it. When Djokovic arrived in January 2022, the population was still reeling from the series of strict lockdowns and travel restrictions that had kept some family members separated. “So I understand that when media writes in a certain way about a guy who tried to go in without a vaccine that people would say: ‘Wait, wait a second. Djokovic won the first of his 21 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2008 — beating then-No. “If I do hold the grudge, probably if I’m not able to move on, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I was very emotional, honestly, coming into the court with the reception that I received,” Djokovic said Saturday. Only 30 percent clearly supported his participation, and another 29 percent said they did not have a strong opinion on the matter. “I didn’t know how that’s going to go after the events of last year.

Rafael Nadal's victory march in the first round of the Australian Open was briefly held up on Monday when a ball boy took his racquet.

a smiling Nadal shouted to Draper, explaining what the hold-up was. "The ballboy took my racquet" ??— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) "The ball boy took my racquet!"

You never know what you will get with Kyrgios, but 11th-hour withdrawals have become a theme of his non-existent 2023 season. It started with the United Cup, ...

That in itself was a bit arrogant, but it is partly why the John Cain Arena would have been full to the brim on Tuesday had he opened his campaign against Roman Safiullin as scheduled. Until he suddenly stops still, cracks a grin and gives us the finger. Twelve months later, he is the world No 21 and nothing has changed. “That was more of a realistic hit of the intensity that was coming. Perhaps because it is Kyrgios, the authenticity of the injury was treated with suspicion, to the point that his manager, Daniel Horsfall, hoped the doubters “now realise the injury is genuine”. Kyrgios was the box-office entry, especially given his [2022 doubles exploits alongside Kokkinakis](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/29/kyrgios-and-kokkinakis-secure-doubles-title-to-end-remarkable-australian-open-journey) and his singles form. It was easier to make the call today.” [ Djokovic deportation saga](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/16/novak-djokovic-to-be-deported-from-australia-after-losing-appeal-against-visa-cancellation). They had used the exhibition match against Novak Djokovic on Friday night as a fitness gauge; he “didn’t pull up great” and became more sore with each training session thereafter. [Nick Kyrgios](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/nick-kyrgios) was due to play his opening match and three minutes before he confirmed he would not. Maher did a good chunk of the talking, too. But this time there was no room for doubt because Kyrgios had brought with him a press conference chaperone – his physiotherapist.

Tennis Australia banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open after a Russian flag was hung behind Court 14 during the first-round match ...

"I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its "neutral flag" policy." I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its "neutral flag" policy.— Vasyl Myroshnychenko (@AmbVasyl) "I barely say 'hi' to them. The red, white and blue-striped Russian flag was hung on a fence behind Court 14 on Monday afternoon at Melbourne Park. "Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open," Tennis Australia said in a statement Tuesday. "The ban is effective immediately.

Move comes after fan displays Russian flag during Kamilla Rakhimova's first-round match against Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl on Monday.

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from taking part in last year’s Wimbledon tournament as global sporting sanctions were brought against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis.” Fans had initially been allowed to show their support for players from both countries, but not in a way that “could cause disruption”, according to Tennis Australia (TA).

Organisers announced the flags would be banned, effective immediately, after a courtside incident.

It's been enabled and supported by Belarus." The WTA said equal opportunities for players to compete as individuals had to be protected. Russian and Belarusian flags have been banned from the Australian Open tennis tournament after a courtside incident.

Play has been suspended on the outside courts at the Australian Open Tuesday afternoon when the AO Heat Stress Scale reached 5.

Once that decision is made, players will be given at least 30 minutes’ notice before play resumes. Outdoor matches will be called at 4:50 p.m. Play continued until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie-break.

MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Russian and Belarusian flags have been banned from the Melbourne Park precinct during the Australian Open after a complaint ...

“The ban is effective immediately. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. “Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.

With the temperature into the mid-30s, the tournament's heat stress scale, which also takes into account humidity and wind speed, hit five just after 2pm, ...

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break. [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended. “This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break. [Live Tennis](https://www.tennis365.com/category/live-tennis/) “At 1:12pm the AO Heat Stress Scale reached 4 and the heat policy came into play,” the initial statement read. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.”

Oppressive heat brought much of the Australian Open to a standstill midway through the second day with played halted on all outside courts.

He had lost the first set 6-3 and was leading 3-1 in the second, before securing the second set after play resumed at about 5pm. “This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.”

Scorching heat halted outdoor matches and sent fans scurrying for shade at the Australian Open on Tuesday as players were given an early test of their ...

This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) [I had a blast out there today ...

Nick Kyrgios' withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open "took the air out of the building", but John McEnroe hopes the Australian "takes something positive ...

[Australian Open](https://www.tennis365.com/category/australian-open/) [News](https://www.tennis365.com/category/news/) [Live Tennis](https://www.tennis365.com/category/live-tennis/) [Eurosport](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/australian-open/2023/nick-kyrgios-injury-a-total-bummer-that-took-air-out-of-the-building-at-australian-open-john-mcenroe_sto9325138/story.shtml).

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral white flag as independents, as is the case at the ...

"It's a small court, the guys were extremely close to the players, so there was an element of what I felt was intimidation." "The ban is effective immediately. What can I say? Yesterday, we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. "I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open," he tweeted. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral white flag as independents, as is the case at the Australian Open.