MELBOURNE: Star attractions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka progressed into the second round of the Australian Open on Sunday as disgruntled fans voiced anger over long queues and a surprise halt to ticket sales on a chaotic opening day in Melbourne.
A record 100,763 spectators who did gain entry to Melbourne Park were treated to first-round victories for men’s third seed Alexander Zverev, 10th seed Alexander Bublik and women’s seventh seed Jasmine Paolini.
Alcaraz, chasing his first Melbourne crown to complete a career Grand Slam, shook off early rust to beat Australian wildcard Adam Walton 6-3 7-6(2) 6-2 in the final match on Rod Laver Arena. Playing his first tour-level match in nine weeks after skipping warm-up events, the world number one admitted he felt the effects of a long break, particularly during a patchy second set.
“I just stayed at home,” the 22-year-old said. “It’s a better way to recharge the batteries.”
Earlier, Sabalenka opened her campaign with a 6-4 6-1 win over French debutante Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. The two-time defending champion recovered from an early service break to find her rhythm, having warmed up for Melbourne with a second Brisbane International title.
Veteran Venus Williams received a standing ovation on her return to Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, but the 45-year-old was unable to convert a strong start, surrendering a 4-0 lead in the deciding set to fall 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 to Olga Danilovic.
