The Australian Open 2025 is off to a captivating start, with early rounds filled with suspense and unforgettable moments on the court. As players from around the world battled for their place in the second round, the spotlight was on several thrilling performances, with both seasoned champions and rising stars making their mark.
A standout story of the opening day was the incredible triumph of 17-year-old Russian talent, Mirra Andreeva, who made history by becoming the first player to advance to the second round. Andreeva took down Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 in a decisive win on John Cain Arena, showcasing her potential and signaling her future promise in the tennis world. The young Russian’s victory was a bright moment amid the many battles on the court.
Meanwhile, the first male player to secure a spot in the second round was France’s Arthur Fils. Although he had a slow start against Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen, Fils came back strong and won 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-4, displaying remarkable resilience and mental strength. The match was a true test of his stamina and determination as he fought back after losing the first set.
Japan’s Kei Nishikori also made headlines with an extraordinary comeback against Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro. Nishikori had to dig deep after losing the first two sets, but his remarkable fight back saw him win 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. The comeback, which was filled with thrilling rallies and impressive shot-making, delighted the fans and showed Nishikori’s never-say-die attitude.
In an inspiring moment for the sport, Lebanon’s Hady Habib made history by becoming the first Lebanese player to win a singles main-draw match at a Grand Slam in the professional era. Habib triumphed over China’s Bu Yunchaokete with a 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-6(6) scoreline, marking an emotional milestone not only for Habib but for Lebanese tennis. The win garnered significant attention and brought pride to Lebanon, showcasing that players from smaller tennis nations can make their mark on the world stage.
As expected, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her campaign for a third consecutive Australian Open title with a solid win over 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. The Belarusian started the match with some difficulty but found her rhythm to win 6-3, 6-2. Despite the early challenges, Sabalenka’s power and precision soon overwhelmed Stephens, and she secured the victory in straight sets.
In contrast, 6th seed Casper Ruud’s first-round match against Spain’s Jaume Munar was filled with drama. Ruud, who had struggled with his form in the first four sets, found himself in a major scare. After losing the second and fourth sets, Ruud looked to be in danger of going out early. However, the Norwegian star found his groove in the final set, securing a 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory in a grueling five-set match. The win was a testament to Ruud’s ability to fight through adversity and his mental toughness under pressure.
On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev had a dominant start to his Australian Open campaign, cruising past French wild card Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Zverev’s performance was impressive, especially given his recent injury struggles that forced him to withdraw from the United Cup quarterfinals. The German player, who is hoping to make a deep run in Melbourne, looked strong from the first serve, hitting 37 winners and saving both break points he faced. His smooth victory took just two hours and 20 minutes, as he effortlessly advanced to the next round.
On the other hand, India’s Sumit Nagal faced disappointment on the opening day of the Australian Open 2025, crashing out in the first round. Nagal lost to Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-1, 5-7. It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Indian player, who had hoped to make a strong start in Melbourne, but it was clear that Machac’s consistency and composure under pressure proved to be the difference.
Other notable results in the first round included Reilly Opelka’s comeback win over Belgium’s Gauthier Onclin, where the American secured a 3-6, 7-6(7/4), 6-3, 6-2 victory. Jiri Lehecka also made it through to the second round with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7/1) win over Australia’s Li Tu. France’s Ugo Humbert defeated Matteo Gigante 7-6(7/5), 7-5, 6-4, and Hugo Gaston overcame Australian Omar Jasika with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 scoreline.
The women’s singles saw several exciting contests as well, including Mirra Andreeva’s 6-3, 6-3 win over Marie Bouzkova, and Donna Vekic’s 6-4, 6-4 victory against France’s Diane Parry. Leylah Fernandez, seeded 30th, defeated Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-5, 6-4, while Clara Tauson battled back from a set down to defeat Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
The action-packed start to the Australian Open 2025 has set the stage for an exciting tournament. As top seeds like Sabalenka and Zverev advance, upsets and surprises are sure to follow. Fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments as the players continue their quest for glory in Melbourne.
