The 2025 Australian Open kicked off with drama, determination, and a sprinkle of Melbourne rain, which pushed some matches to Day 2. Fortunately, the tournament’s three-day first-round schedule ensured a smoother flow despite the interruptions. Here’s a detailed look at the most notable performances from Day 1.
Kei Nishikori and Casper Ruud: Battles of Grit
Day 1 belonged to Kei Nishikori and Casper Ruud, who showcased their fighting spirit in grueling five-set matches. Nishikori, a seasoned player making a strong comeback, faced qualifier Thiago Monteiro. After dropping the first two sets, Nishikori rallied with resilience, taking the match 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. His ability to adjust tactics and capitalize on Monteiro’s fatigue proved pivotal.
Casper Ruud, the sixth seed, also endured a rollercoaster match against Jaume Munar. Despite Munar’s early dominance and a challenging fourth set, Ruud’s stamina and precision helped him clinch the final set decisively, winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1.
Zverev’s Comfortable Victory
Second seed Alexander Zverev faced wildcard Lucas Pouille and showed no signs of the bicep strain that had previously caused concern. With a consistent serve and commanding baseline play, Zverev cruised to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory, reaffirming his status as a strong contender for the title.
Other Highlights from Day 1
- Reilly Opelka recovered from a slow start to defeat qualifier Gauthier Onclin, showcasing his powerful serve in a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 victory.
- Tomas Machac (26) dominated India’s Sumit Nagal with a straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5.
- Quentin Halys staged a remarkable comeback against Adam Walton, overcoming a two-set deficit to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-5.
- Pedro Martinez advanced after Luciano Darderi retired in the second set, leading 6-3, 4-1.
Day 1 Results (Men’s Singles Round of 128)
| Winner | Loser | Scoreline |
|---|---|---|
| Reilly Opelka | Gauthier Onclin (Q) | 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 |
| Tomas Machac (26) | Sumit Nagal | 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 |
| Jiri Lehecka (24) | Li Tu (WC) | 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(1) |
| Hugo Gaston | Omar Jasika (WC) | 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 |
| Casper Ruud (6) | Jaume Munar | 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 |
| Kei Nishikori | Thiago Monteiro (Q) | 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 |
| Ugo Humbert (14) | Matteo Gigante | 7-6(5), 7-5, 6-4 |
| Hady Habib (Q) | Yunchaokete Bu | 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-6(6) |
| Quentin Halys | Adam Walton | 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4), 7-5 |
| Arthur Fils (2) | Otto Virtanen | 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-4 |
| Pedro Martinez | Luciano Darderi | 6-3, 4-1 (RET) |
| Alexander Zverev (2) | Lucas Pouille (WC) | 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 |
FAQs
Q: Who were the standout players on Day 1 of the 2025 Australian Open? A: Kei Nishikori and Casper Ruud stood out with their thrilling five-set victories. Alexander Zverev also impressed with a straight-sets win.
Q: Why were some matches delayed on Day 1? A: Rain disrupted the schedule, pushing several matches to the following day. However, the three-day first-round format helped manage the delays.
Q: How did Alexander Zverev perform after his recent injury concerns? A: Zverev showed no signs of his previous bicep strain, delivering a confident 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against Lucas Pouille.
Q: What were the most dramatic matches of Day 1? A: The five-set battles featuring Kei Nishikori vs. Thiago Monteiro and Casper Ruud vs. Jaume Munar were the most dramatic.
Q: Which players faced early exits despite promising starts? A: Adam Walton and Jaume Munar were among those who faltered after initially challenging their opponents.
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