![]() The Spaniard had given everything in the first two frames but fell agonizingly short on both occasions. ![]() MELBOURNE, Australia - Rafael Nadal has achieved many astonishing feats on a tennis court, but none more so than what took place on Rod Laver Arena in Sunday's breathtaking Australian Open final.ĭown two sets to love and facing three break points early in the third set, Nadal's quest for a second title at Melbourne Park, and a men's record 21st major, had all but gone up in smoke. Spanish 14th seed Pablo Carreno Busta won 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 7-6 (7-3) against Argentine Pedro Cachin, and Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov overcame former semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev of Russia 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-2.īritons Andy Murray and Dan Evans were also among the winners on Tuesday.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĢ022 Australian Open: Rafael Nadal creates history, what's next for Novak Djokovic and more big moments ![]() The Norwegian, 24, won 6-3 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (7-5) 6-3 to set up a second round meeting with American Jenson Brooksby, who came from behind to beat Australian Christopher O'Connell 3-6 6-2 6-3 6-2.įifth seed Andrey Rublev beat 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-4 6-2 as Austria's wildcard Thiem continues his return from injury.Īmerican eighth seed Taylor Fritz required four sets to beat Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili, winning 6-4 6-2 4-6 7-5, while Danish ninth seed Holger Rune defeated Serbia's Filip Krajinovic 6-2 6-3 6-4. Second seed Casper Ruud came through in four sets against Czech player Tomas Machac. He was on court for four hours against Varillas and will face American lucky loser Michael Mmoh or French qualifier Laurent Lokoli next. Zverev, 25, missed Wimbledon and the US Open after sustaining the injury in his match against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, only returning to the court for an exhibition in December. "Whatever happens now, this tournament is a success for me," Zverev said. The German, who had surgery after injuring his right ankle in the French Open semi-finals in June, came through 4-6 6-1 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 against Peru's Varillas. Zverev claims first victory of injury comeback Alexander Zverev reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2020Īlexander Zverev claimed his first singles win since tearing several knee ligaments with a five-set victory over lucky loser Juan Pablo Varillas. He will play Bolivian Hugo Dellien or French qualifier Enzo Couacaud next in the second round. It extended his remarkable winning streak at the Australian Open to 35 matches - a run stretching back to 2018 - and the manner of the victory suggests he will be difficult to stop once again. Once again receiving warm support from the crowd, Djokovic proceeded to expertly dismantle world number 75 Carballes Baena's game in a little over two hours.ĭjokovic has been managing a hamstring injury and took to the court with heavy strapping on his upper left leg.īut he did not appear limited by the problem and, sparking into action to save three break points in the fifth game of the match, went on to demonstrate his class on his favourite court in a near-perfect third set which saw him lose just four points in the final six games. The Wimbledon champion is looking to make up for lost time as he pursues Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles, having also missed last year's US Open because of the United States' travel restrictions. Djokovic received a warm reception on Rod Laver Arena Djokovic shakes off hamstring concerns in clinical win He also praised the reaction he received from a sold-out Rod Laver Arena in an exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios earlier this week. ![]() He had already received plenty of support from fans on his return to Australia earlier in January. "Definitely this court is the most special court in my life."ĭjokovic was unable to compete at last year's event after the Australian government cancelled his visa because of his Covid-19 vaccination status. "I feel really happy that I'm back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career. "Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of," he told the packed crowd. "I couldn't ask for a better start to the tournament," he said.Ĭhants of "Nole! Nole! Nole!" also rang around the 15,000 capacity arena after the fourth seed won crucial points in a one-sided first-round match against Spain's Carballes Baena. Djokovic, 35, walked out to loud cheers, with flags and banners displayed around Rod Laver Arena.
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