Australian Open Day 1: Djokovic and Sabalenka March On

Djokovic and Sabalenka Start With Convincing Wins

Defending champions cruise through first round

Reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka kicked off their Australian Open campaigns with contrasting victories on Day 1. Djokovic, seeking a record-extending 10th title at Melbourne Park, eased past Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 in just over two hours. Sabalenka, on the other hand, had to dig deep to overcome Tereza Martincova 6-1, 6-4 in a match that lasted nearly two hours.

Both Djokovic and Sabalenka are just two wins away from securing repeat titles, but they will face stern tests in the second round. Djokovic will take on Alex de Minaur, while Sabalenka will face 19-year-old Coco Gauff.

Other notable results on Day 1 saw Jannik Sinner defeat Andrey Rublev in a five-set thriller, while Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek both advanced with straight-sets victories.