Zheng Qinwen and Casper Ruud Win as Rain Disrupts Australian Open Day One

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and sixth seed Casper Ruud both advanced to the second round of the Australian Open on Sunday despite severe storms causing major disruptions. Zheng, who was the fifth seed and a finalist last year played the opening match on Rod Laver Arena against Romania’s 110th-ranked Anca Todoni. She secured a 7-6 (7/3) 6-1 victory, although she struggled with rust after skipping a warm-up event. After losing a 5-3 lead in the first set, Zheng regrouped to win the tiebreaker and dominated the second set.

"The first match is always not easy," Zheng admitted. "I’m just happy to get through the match the tiebreak and find my rhythm."

Zheng’s 2024 has been a breakthrough year highlighted by her strong Australian Open run that helped propel her to Olympic gold including a notable win over Iga Swiatek and three WTA titles.

However play on the outside courts at Melbourne Park was interrupted when thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain caused significant delays. Organizers faced a backlog of matches with no play scheduled before 6:30 p.m. (0730 GMT). Only the three main stadiums—Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena—have roofs to protect from the weather.

In the men’s draw, Norway’s Ruud triumphed over Spain’s Jaume Munar in a rollercoaster encounter, winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Ruud had aimed to improve his Grand Slam performances after a tough 2024 season.

Veteran Japanese player Kei Nishikori also battled through a five-set thriller, saving two match points to defeat Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 in 4 hours and 6 minutes. Nishikori, who has been recovering from major hip surgery and an ankle injury, said, “I almost gave up at match point, but I somehow fought through.”

Mirra Andreeva, the 14th seed, became the first player to advance to the second round, defeating Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3. The 17-year-old, who reached the fourth round in Melbourne last year, expressed relief at playing under the stadium roof after the weather disruptions.

Croatian 18th seed Donna Vekic also moved through to the next round.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, was set to headline the evening session on Rod Laver Arena, facing former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens. If she succeeds, Sabalenka will join a select group of women, including Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Hingis who have completed a Melbourne three-peat.

“Hopefully by the end of this tournament, I’ll be able to put my name into history,” Sabalenka said. She enters the tournament as the top contender after a stellar 2024 season, which included her first US Open title and a victory at the Brisbane International. Sabalenka embraces the pressure, saying, “I have a target on my back and I really like to have it.”