Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beats Australia’s Adam Walton in straight sets, while Belarusia’s Aryna Sabalenka eases past French wildcard Tiantsoa Rajaonah
Carlos Alcaraz en-route to victory against Adam Walton at the Australian Open on Sunday; (right) A focussed Aryna Sabalenka during her first-round clash with Tiantsoa Rajaonah at the Australian Open on Sunday. Pics/Getty Images
Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz launched his quest for a maiden Australian Open title with a straight-set win over the 81st-ranked home hope Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz, who is desperate to complete a career Grand Slam of all four majors, plays Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in the next round.
“It could not have been better. I think this kind of level and the difficulties in the first round is pretty good for me. But overall just happy. I’m pleased about the level that I displayed today,” said Alcaraz, who was pushed hard in the second set.
Meanwhile, men’s World No. 3 Alexander Zverev threatened to implode after losing the first set to Canada’s Gabriel Diallo. But the 28-year-old German recovered from the shock to win 6-7 (1-7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka warned she was only going to get better as the top seed recovered from a slow start to launch her Australian Open with a straight-set win.
The World No. 1 tamed French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 as she bids to claim a third Melbourne crown in four years.
“I was super happy I found my level. It is always a little tricky playing someone young, someone you don’t know, and a left-hander,” said Sabalenka, who was guilty of 13 unforced errors in the first set.
The Belarusian has been trying to expand her game, including going to the net more often, and said the variation made her a better player.
“I was definitely working on serve and volley. I’m happy to be able to do it in the match. You know, on the practice [court] is one thing, but to be able to be kind of fearless and go there at the match is something else. I’m really proud I’m able to show this tennis,” the 27-year-old said.
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