Day 2 of the Australian Open 2025 was nothing short of electrifying, with high-quality tennis, stunning performances, and a few unexpected results that left the crowd in awe. The day featured a mixture of dominant victories from some of the sport’s biggest stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka, alongside the shocking exit of Nick Kyrgios, which has raised many questions about his singles future in the tournament.
Nick Kyrgios, a fan favorite and a key figure in Australian tennis, suffered an unexpected straight-sets defeat to Jacob Fearnley, 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2). The match was a bitter disappointment for Kyrgios, who had been dealing with an abdominal strain that clearly hindered his movement and serving power. Throughout the match, Kyrgios, known for his powerful serve and explosive play, was unable to find his usual rhythm. He managed just five aces and seemed frustrated with his lack of mobility. Despite his best efforts, Fearnley capitalized on Kyrgios’ limited movement, dictating the pace of the game. Kyrgios later hinted that this could be his final singles appearance at Melbourne Park, although he confirmed that he would continue to play in the doubles event with Thanasi Kokkinakis. While this offers some hope to his fans, his exit has raised concerns about his long-term future in singles competition at the Grand Slam level.
Despite Kyrgios’ early exit, Novak Djokovic’s match against wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy was another gripping encounter. Djokovic, despite being one of the greatest players in tennis history, found himself in a battle after losing the first set 4-6 to the talented 19-year-old American. Basavareddy played with great composure and poise, managing to trouble the Serbian star with his power and accuracy. However, Djokovic’s experience eventually shone through, as he steadied his game and relied on his mental toughness to win the next three sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The match lasted nearly three hours, and Basavareddy, despite the loss, earned widespread praise for his spirited debut, showcasing a glimpse of the potential he holds in the future of tennis. Djokovic, on the other hand, will need to sharpen his game if he is to maintain his Grand Slam aspirations.
Coco Gauff continued her strong form, further cementing her status as one of the top young players in the game. The 19-year-old American, who has made significant strides in her career over the past few years, showed her growing dominance by overpowering former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in just 80 minutes. Gauff displayed excellent baseline play, strategic shot-making, and impressive court coverage, all while maintaining her composure. This victory extended her winning streak to six consecutive singles matches without dropping a set, signaling that she is ready for a deep tournament run. With her maturity on the court and rapidly improving skills, Gauff is poised to make a serious challenge for the Australian Open title this year.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner was also put to the test but proved his mental fortitude in his match against Chilean Nicolas Jarry. The encounter was marked by two closely contested tie-breaks, with Sinner holding his nerve in critical moments. The first two sets were decided by tie-breaks (7-6[2], 7-6[5]), and Sinner’s composed play in the deciding moments showed why he is a reigning Grand Slam champion. In the third set, Sinner finally found his groove, finishing off Jarry with a 6-1 scoreline. The Italian's aggressive play, combined with his ability to focus during pressure moments, helped him overcome Jarry’s spirited challenge. Sinner’s victory also sets up a second-round clash with Aussie wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, where he will look to continue his title defense.
Carlos Alcaraz, one of the favorites to win the tournament, made light work of Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko in his opening match. The Spanish sensation cruised to a 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 victory, displaying his trademark speed, precision, and agility on court. Despite a brief challenge from Shevchenko in the second set, Alcaraz never looked under pressure and wrapped up the match in a dominant fashion. Alcaraz has his eyes set on completing a career Grand Slam, and this strong start to the Australian Open will only fuel his ambitions further. His combination of power, movement, and mental toughness make him one of the most exciting players to watch on the ATP Tour right now.
Naomi Osaka made a highly anticipated return to Melbourne Park, marking her comeback to the Grand Slam stage after maternity leave. Osaka faced Caroline Garcia in a competitive encounter, which ended in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory for the Japanese former World No. 1. Despite a shaky second set, where she lost her rhythm and allowed Garcia to take control, Osaka regained her focus in the final set and sealed the win. This victory is a significant step for Osaka, who has dealt with a series of challenges in the past year, including personal and physical hurdles. With her return to form, she will be hoping to add another Grand Slam title to her collection and continue her comeback to the top echelons of women’s tennis.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek also faced a tough test in her second-round match against Czech Katerina Siniakova. Although Swiatek managed to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory, her performance was far from flawless. The Polish star struggled with her consistency throughout the match, committing a number of unforced errors that disrupted her flow. However, Swiatek’s determination and mental toughness allowed her to prevail in the end. After the match, she acknowledged the need to fine-tune her game, especially in terms of consistency, if she is to challenge for the title in Melbourne. With her vast experience and skill, she remains one of the key favorites as the tournament progresses.
Day 2 of the Australian Open 2025 proved to be a fascinating day of tennis, filled with drama, surprises, and incredible performances. As the tournament unfolds, it is clear that the stage is set for even more thrilling matchups. While Kyrgios’ exit might raise questions about his singles future, the performances of Djokovic, Gauff, Alcaraz, Osaka, and others give fans plenty of reasons to be excited about what is to come. With the tournament just getting started, the Australian Open promises to offer many more breathtaking moments as the battle for the first Grand Slam title of the year intensifies.
