Local drawcard bows out with a knee injury
“If we put it in the perspective of what I’ve been through in the last six months, it was a positive start,” the 36-year-old said on court. “I played against one of the toughest opponents possible in the first round. He's young, he has the power and I think he has a great future.”
The Serbian great, who missed 2022's tournament after being deported from Australia over his lack of Covid-19 vaccination, has been nursing a hamstring strain. With Kyrgios gone and 2022's women’s champion Ash Barty retired, the chances of another home winner for local fans are greatly diminished. Amanda Anisimova was unable to continue the good start for American women at the first grand slam since Serena Williams hung up her racket, the 28th seed tumbling out 6-3 6-4 at the hands of Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
Briton Raducanu will next face teenager Gauff, who won in Auckland and confirmed her good form with a 6-1 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Devastated' Kyrgios pulls out of Australian Open with knee injuryNick Kyrgios's hopes of ending his country's 47-year wait for a homegrown men's champion at the Australian Open were shattered on the opening day on Monday when he pulled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Read more »
'Devastated' Kyrgios out of Australian Open with injuryThe talented but temperamental Australian, considered an outside chance of winning the title, had struggled with an ankle issue leading into the event.
Read more »
'Devastated' Kyrgios out of Australian Open with injury | SportNick Kyrgios pulled out of the Australian Open on Monday without hitting a ball because of a knee injury, saying he was 'devastated'. | Sport24news
Read more »
'Vulnerable' Nadal says Djokovic clear favourite at Australian Open | SportDefending champion Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he felt vulnerable heading into the Australian Open after two straight defeats in the build-up and said that Novak Djokovic was clear favourite. | Sport24news
Read more »
Nadal facing tough test in Australian Open defence | SportRafael Nadal opens his Australian Open title defence Monday feeling vulnerable and against a dangerous young opponent, with women's top seed Iga Swiatek also facing a tricky encounter as she targets a maiden crown. | Sport24news
Read more »