Laura Siegemund caused a little surprise in the first round of the Australian Open. The doubles specialist from Metzingen defeated the 17th-seeded Russian Jekaterina Alexandrowa after a three-set thriller 6:2, 3:6, 7:6 (11:9).
The Swabian converted her second match point after 3:01 hours. Siegemund now has to deal with the Australian qualifier Storm Hunter. Siegemund got off to a strong start in 30 degree temperatures in summery Melbourne and took the first set without any major problems.
Laura Siegemund also has big plans in doubles
After that she had difficulties with her serve and couldn’t even get her service through in the entire second set. The decision was made in the third set, where Siegemund initially trailed. But the world number 78 never gave up and was rewarded in the end for a great effort of will.
Last year Siegemund reached the third round in Melbourne and thinks he has good chances, especially in doubles. The 35-year-old, who won the United Cup with the German team at the start of the year, will be playing in Australia alongside the successful Czech Barbora Krejcikova.
The day before, Tamara Korpatsch (Hamburg) had already reached the second round, the young Ella Seidel (Hamburg) had no chance against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. Six German tennis professionals are in action on the second day of the Australian Open. Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber, however, will not play their first round games until Tuesday.
Coco Gauff is already in a good mood
US Open winner Coco Gauff easily reached the second round on Monday (January 15, 2024). The 19-year-old American beat Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6:3, 6:0 in Melbourne on Monday. Gauff needed exactly one hour for her success.
In the second round, the American will face her compatriot Caroline Dolehide. “I feel good, I just want to have fun. This is definitely the ‘Happy Slam’ here in Australia and that’s what I’m trying to be”said Gauff.
Early exit for Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova
However, Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova suffered an early exit. The Czech, number seven in the world, had no chance against the outstanding Ukrainian qualifier Dajana Jastremska and lost 1:6, 2:6. Jastremska’s compatriot Elina Switolina, seeded 24th, moved into the next round with an easy 6:2, 6:2 against Australian Taylah Preston.
Daniil Medvedev complains about the heat
Among the men, co-favorite Daniil Medvedev has mastered his opening hurdle after teething problems. With a score of 5:7, 6:2, 6:4, 1:0, the Russian benefited from the injury-related retirement of his opponent Terence Atmane from France and reached the second round in Melbourne for the seventh time in a row.
“It was a difficult match, there were brutal conditions. It’s very hot,” said the 2021 and 2022 finalist after his match in the Australian midday sun. The world number three now meets the Finnish Emil Ruusuvuori.