Australian Open Review, Round 1-2
Two rounds into the 2023 Australian Open, we could write an anthology on the storylines that have already unfolded. Melbourne Park has brought it all this year, from heat policies to unrelenting rainfall.
If losing both top-ranked Aussies, Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanović, on the eve of the tournament wasn’t heartbreaking enough, the defending men’s champion was knocked out in the 2nd round. Yep, no more Rafa.
Add in the shock exits of Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev and Ons Jabeur overnight, and this is quickly becoming a game of ‘Ok, who actually wants it?’
However, we’ve scoured through the results and selected some of our favourite storylines from the opening two rounds of action.
Andy Murray wins our hearts
January 16-29
The lovable Scot has captured our hearts over the first four days of action, culminating in one of the tremendous five-set triumphs you’re likely to ever see.
Coming from two sets down against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis, Murray delivered an unforgettable comeback, winning 4-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5. Honestly, amazing!
He’s had a lean run of it over the past five years, so to see the five-time Australian Open finalist progress to the third round, well, we’re not even really upset that he had to beat an Aussie to do it.
Popyrin flies the Aussie flag
January 16-29
Who’s cutting onions?
There was hardly a dry eye in the house on Thursday when Australian wildcard, Alexei Popyrin, delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets over World No. 9 Taylor Fritz.
Over the course of four hours, five sets and three tie-breakers, Popyrin reminded the country of his elite skillset by downing the American 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6.
But it was the post-match when things took a turn, with Popyrin breaking down as he took in the Aussie supporters and explained the road he’s taken to get back into form.
Omg! I’m not crying, you are.
Medvedev on a mission
January 16-29
Merciless. It’s the only way we can describe Medvedev’s first two rounds.
The two-time runner-up is a man on a mission. Unsatisfied with being the second banana over the last two years, Medvedev has demolished his first two opponents, Marcos Giron and our very own John Millman.
While Aussie John at least won nine games across three sets, Giron had hardly stepped off the plane when he was sent packing 6-0, 6-1, 6-2.
It’s not just Daniil’s on-court performances, though. It’s his eyes—a real I’m-winning-it-this-year glint. Already a US Open champion, there’s little doubt he can add an Aussie Open to his trophy cabinet.
Iga then who?
January 16-29
That’s the question on the women’s side of the draw as the World No. 1 currently sits as the $2 favourite to take out the whole thing.
And with one of her biggest rivals falling overnight (see Ons Jabeur), the path became even clearer for the three-time Grand Slam winner.
She’s $1.02 to beat Cristina Bucsa later today after cruising past Camila Osorio (6-2, 6-3) in the 2nd round.
The women’s fixture has always felt more open than the men’s, and that’s never been more accurate than after the first two rounds of play.
