LAST year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev began his quest to become the first Russian man to win the Australian Open title since Marat Safin in 2005 with a 6-,1 6-4, 7-6(3) win over Henri Laaksonen.
Former Australian Open finalist Simona Halep moved into the second round with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Magdalena Frech. Up next for the 14th seed is American qualifier Katie Volynets or Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Leylah Fernandez, who was runner-up to Emma Raducanu at the US Open last year, crashed to a stunning 6-4, 6-2 defeat at the hands of Australian wildcard Maddison Inglis on 1573 Arena.
World No. 8 Casper Ruud, who was scheduled to play Alex Molcan, pulled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained during practice.
“I tried everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately I’ve decided that I’m not 100% ready and I will not be able to play 100% like I have to. . . That’s the final decision,” said Ruud, who was replaced in the draw by Roman Safiullin.
Fifth seed Andrey Rublev, who reached the quarterfinals last year, sealed a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Gianluca Mager.
Joining the Russian in the next round is Diego Schwartzman following his 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory over Filip Krajinovic. Roberto Bautista Agut, the 15th seed, also advanced with a 7-6 (2), 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 win over Stefano Travaglia.
Former French Open champion Iga Swiatek overcame a slow start to cruise into the second round with a 6-3, 6-0 win over British qualifier Harriet Dart. The seventh seed takes on Rebecca Peterson in the second round.
