Djokovic overcomes early scare as Alcaraz, Sinner advance in Australian Open

Melbourne, Australia — Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start in his quest for an 11th Australian Open title and record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the second round on a blockbuster day in Melbourne.

Djokovic rallies to secure second-round spot amid early scare

Facing 19-year-old American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, Djokovic dropped the first set on Rod Laver Arena before rallying to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory. With new coach and former rival Andy Murray watching from one of the tournament's newly introduced “coaching pods,” the Serbian great admitted his sluggish start but highlighted the importance of his fightback.

“As far as my performance, I didn't start really well,” said the 37-year-old. “Then 4-3 in the second set, I played a great game, a crucial break. I started to switch the momentum to my side. I ended the match in a good fashion, and it counts mentally for me for the rest of the tournament.”

Djokovic praised Basavareddy, ranked 107, for his fearless debut. “I was very impressed by him,” Djokovic said. “Huge credit to him for stepping out in his debut on a big court and playing the way he did. If he keeps going this way, we are going to see quite a bit of him in the future.”

Djokovic’s win marked his 18th consecutive year advancing to the second round in Melbourne. Next, he faces Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, aiming to claim his 100th career title, which would make him the third man in the Open era to achieve the milestone, after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

Alcaraz, Sinner shine as Tsitsipas and Kyrgios crash out

The day wasn’t as kind to Greek former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, who crashed out in the first round against 42nd-ranked American Alex Michelsen, 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. “It just sucks in a way that I'll be hanging around for quite a while now before my next tournament comes in,” said Tsitsipas.

Home fans also faced disappointment as Nick Kyrgios, returning from an 18-month injury layoff, fell to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). Kyrgios appeared in pain throughout the match, repeatedly consulting physios and voicing his frustrations to his coaching box.

In contrast, world number one Jannik Sinner breezed past Chile's Nicolas Jarry, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. Sinner, playing under the cloud of a pending doping appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency, received a warm reception. “I was happy about the crowd,” said Sinner, who has been unbeaten since losing to Alcaraz in the Beijing final.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz also progressed, overcoming Alexander Shevchenko, 6-1, 7-5, 6-1. The Spaniard, seeking his first Australian Open title, said, “This is a tournament I really want to win one day, hopefully this year.”

In the women’s draw, world number two Iga Swiatek and world number three Coco Gauff advanced comfortably. Swiatek defeated Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova, 6-3, 6-4, while Gauff swept past 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 6-3.

“This wasn’t an easy first round, so I’m happy that I’m through,” said Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam winner. Gauff, who has yet to drop a match this year after leading the US to United Cup glory, said, “I knew it was going to be difficult, but I’m happy with how I played.”

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka also emerged victorious, defeating France’s Caroline Garcia, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Meanwhile, two-time US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe survived a grueling five-setter despite vomiting on court twice.

Among notable early exits, Victoria Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 champion, was defeated by Italy's Lucia Bronzetti, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2).

As Djokovic pushes for a historic title, his form and resolve in the opening round could set the tone for another remarkable chapter in his storied career. With Alcaraz and Sinner also in strong form, the tournament promises more drama and high-quality tennis in the days to come.