MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Highlights of the first day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Sunday, all times local (GMT +11):
1255 FERNANDEZ LOOKS TO SWAP RACQUET FOR YARN
Canadian Leylah Fernandez expressed her desire to relax with some crocheting after defeating Czech Sara Bejlek 7-6(5) 6-2 to advance to the next round of the Australian Open. “First I’m going to recover. Then afterwards, I’m probably going to watch a show called ‘Reachers’, it’s a pretty good one. Maybe I’m going to crochet a little bit. I love crocheting,” the 2021 U.S. Open finalist said.
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1218 – RAKHIMOVA FIRST PLAYER INTO SECOND ROUND
World number 93 Kamilla Rakhimova secured the first spot in the second round at Melbourne Park by defeating American Emina Bektas 6-4 6-4 in windy conditions on court six.
The 22-year-old Russian baseliner claimed victory when the American went long with a service return. Bektas will receive a prize of A$120,000 ($80,220) for making the trip to Australia.
1107 – PLAY UNDERWAY AT THE 112TH AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Play commenced as scheduled on the outer courts at Melbourne Park. The Grand Slam began on a Sunday for the first time in the modern era after the addition of an extra day to make it a 15-day tournament.
A clement day is expected for the first round matches with the temperature set to rise from the current 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to a forecast high of 24.
($1 = 1.4959 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Editing by Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford)