Australian Open 2022, day one: Millman advances, Ash Barty destroys first-round opponent, Ajla Tomljanovic crashes out
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DAY TWO GETS UNDERWAY AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN
This is the WWOS blog for day one of the Australian Open.
CLICK HERE for our live coverage of day two, jam packed with Australian players.
Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic OUT
Australian Ajla Tomljanovic's tournament is over after going down to Spanish star Paula Badosa in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0.
Both players tonight struggled on serve in the opening set.
Tomljanovic notched three breakpoints in the first set but couldn't hold serve on four of her five service games in the opener as Badosa clinched the tightly contested set.
While the Australian showed plenty of fight in the first set, Badosa, who required a lengthy medical timeout on her upper right leg mid-match, barely broke a sweat during the second.
Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia reacts in her first round singles match against Paula Badosa of Spain Getty
Ex-champion Sofia Kenin out in first round of Australian Open
Sofia Kenin was the Australian Open champion in 2020, and made it to the final of the French Open, too, that year, when she climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 4.
She's going to drop a lot closer to No.100 after a first-round exit at Melbourne Park today.
The 11th-seeded Kenin was beaten by 2017 US Open runner-up Madison Keys 7-6 (2), 7-5 in an all-American matchup.
"It's not easy, but it's just a number. It doesn't change who I am. I'm still that person who everyone respects very much," Kenin said of her WTA ranking status. "Obviously, it's not the best news. ... But I don't have a doubt I can get back there."
Sofia Kenin of United States plays a forehand in her first round singles match against Madison Keys Getty
Tomljanovic drops first set
Australian Ajla Tomljanovic has dropped her first against Spanish star Paula Badosa.
Both players struggled on serve in the opening set, with Tomljanovic notching three break points before Badosa claimed a fourth when it mattered most.
Badosa clinched the first set 6-4.
However, there is some concern for Badosa who midway through the opening set required a medical timeout.
Badosa's right upper leg was heavily strapped during the timeout.
Zverev advances to second round
German superstar Alexander Zverev has outlasted gutsy countryman Daniel Altmaier in the first round of the Australian Open, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 7-6 (7-1).
The world No.3 was made to work hard for the win as world No.87 Altmaier rallied to force the third set into a tie-break.
Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a forehand in his first round singles match against Daniel Altmaier Getty
Tomljanovic fights back against Paula Badosa
Australian Ajla Tomljanovic is currently in the middle of a tight first set against Spanish star Paula Badosa.
After conceding the opening breakpoint early in the set, Tomljanovic looked to be in trouble before breaking back just now.
Tomljanovic is now on serve and will look to level the set, trailing 4-3.
Zverev claims second set
Alexander Zverev has won the second set 6-1.
Daniel Altmaier fired with his first ace of the match to hold Zverev up on set point, but it was not enough to stop the inevitable.
"He's completely on top now, isn't he? He's imposing himself," commentator Mark Petchey said of Zverev.
There is now a slight delay as Daniel Altmaier takes a toilet break.
Millman through to second round
Australian John Millman is through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in four sets, 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
After taking the opening two sets comfortably, Millman, who last year crashed out during the first round, tonight was forced into a grinding match with his 40-year-old and 109-ranked opponent.
Millman looked to be in trouble following a worrying third set when Lopez finally broke through and was in control of his serve.
But late in the fourth set, Millman excelled when it mattered most, on Lopez's final service game to secure the match.
John Millman of Australia reacts after winning a point in his first round singles match against Feliciano Lopez of Spain Getty
Millman closing in on victory
John Millman is closing in on the match.
Already up two sets to one against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, Millman leads 5-4 in the fourth set.
Pressure on Lopez now to hold serve and send the match to a tiebreaker.
"The momentum is definitely with him (Millman)," said Dylan Alcott in commentary for Nine.
Zverev takes control in second set
Alexander Zverev has gone up two breaks in the second set against Daniel Altmaier.
After claiming the opening set he now leads 3-0 with his service game to come.
Zverev has shown his class this set winning 21 points, compared to Altmaier's nine.
Sealing it with a 227km/h ace, Zverev now leads 4-0 in the second.
"The body language changing here a bit with Daniel now, he just looks a little unsure of himself after a stunning first set," commentator John Fitzgerald said.
