Australian Open: Alcaraz, Bublik and Zverev move to second round
Melbourne, January 18
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated Adam Walton in a three-game set to move to the second round of the ongoing Australian Open 2026 event on Sunday.
Alcaraz won the opening set comfortably 6-3. However, the Spaniard needed to grind in the second, but he held his nerve to clinch 7-6. The third set was completely dominated by the tennis star, who won 6-2 to clinch the game in straight sets.
World No. 10 Alexander Bublik also moved to the second round after he defeated Jenson Brooksby in straight sets - 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
On the other hand, Benjamin Bonzi suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Cameron Norrie in the five-set game.
Norrie won the opening set comfortably 0-6 and lost the second and third 7-6 and 6-4. However, he bounced back in the next two sets and thrashed his opponent 3-6 and 4-6 to win a high-voltage game.
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev started his campaign on a winning note after he defeated Gabriel Diallo in the opening round at the Rod Laver Arena. The World No. 3 won the match 6-7, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 against his opponent.
Zverev lost the opening set closely 6-7 but bounced back and registered wins in the remaining sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, which helped him to seal his place in the second round.
On January 19, Serbian legend and World No. 4 Novak Djokovic will play his first-round match against Pedro Martinez. World No. 6 Alex de Minaur will face Mackenzie McDonald.
— ANI
Reader Comments
That Norrie vs Bonzi match sounds like it was a proper rollercoaster! Losing the first set 0-6 and then coming back to win... that's some mental strength. Pity for Bonzi though, must be gutted.
Good to see Zverev start strong. But honestly, the scheduling is a bit odd, no? Djokovic playing his *first* round on the 19th when others are already in round 2. Hope it doesn't affect his rhythm.
Bublik winning in straight sets with identical scores is so satisfying to read! 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. That's some consistent, dominant tennis right there. 👏
As a tennis fan in India, I love watching the Australian Open. The timings are perfect for us. Can't wait for the Djokovic match tomorrow night!
It's great to see the next generation like Alcaraz taking charge, but part of me still misses the epic Federer-Nadal-Djokovic rivalries. The game is in good hands though!
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