Top stars delivered dominant performances right from the start. Novak Djokovic crushed Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Similarly, Alex de Minaur overpowered Mackie McDonald 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
However, the day was also marked by shocking mid-match retirements. Fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti advanced after Belgian rival Raphael Collignon retired. Consequently, the final score was 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5, 3-2 (Ret.).
Furthermore, another major upset followed on John Cain Arena. Seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime retired against Nuno Borges. Borges therefore won 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 0-0 (Ret.).
Meanwhile, other seeds like Casper Ruud made strong statements. He easily dispatched Italian Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. Next, Andrey Rublev dominated Matteo Arnaldi 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Australian fans, however, enjoyed spectacular home triumphs. Alexei Popyrin won a marathon 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(4). Additionally, Rinky Hijikata rolled past Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Conversely, some seeded players suffered surprising early exits. Tomas Martin Etcheverry fell to Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Also, Jiri Lehecka lost to Antoine Escoffier 7-5, 7-6(1), 7-5.
American prospects also shone brightly across Melbourne Park. Learner Tien triumphed in a thriller 7-6(2), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2. Similarly, Reilly Opelka blasted past Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Finally, other notable winners included Daniil Medvedev and Tommy Paul. Medvedev beat Jesper de Jong 7-5, 6-2, 7-6(2). Paul, meanwhile, defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
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