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Zheng, Andreeva win as rain lashes Australian Open on day one

motorsport12 January 2025 03:20
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Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen overcame a sluggish start to blast into the Australian Open second round on Sunday as storms caused havoc ahead of Aryna Sabalenka beginning her quest for a historic third consecutive crown.

Fifth seed Zheng, last year's losing finalist, had the honour of playing the first point on centre court at the opening Grand Slam of the season against Romania's 110th-ranked Anca Todoni

She came through unscathed 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena but was clearly rusty after opting not to play a warm-up event.

Zheng had three set points on-serve at 5-3 in the first set, but allowed Todoni to come roaring back before closing her down in the tiebreak then racing through the second set.

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"The first match is always not easy," she said.

"Just happy to get through the match, the tiebreak and find my rhythm."

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 with her Australian Open exploits helping spur her to Olympic gold --- beating Iga Swiatek on the way -- and three WTA titles.

While Zheng was able to play, the action on outside courts at Melbourne Park was halted barely an hour after it started when storms rolled in that turned the sky black.

Thunder and lightning saw players and fans rushing for cover, with heavy rain lashing Melbourne Park in a headache for organisers with a match backlog looming.

No play was scheduled before 3:00pm (0400 GMT) at the earliest.

Only the three main stadiums -- Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena -- have roofs.

Mirra Andreeva was the first player through to the second round, with the 14th seeded Russian easing past the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 on John Cain Arena.

The 17-year-old made a run in Melbourne last year to the fourth round with her next opponent either Poland's Magda Linette or Japan's Moyika Uchijima.

"Honestly it was a bit hard for me when they started closing the roof (mid-match)," said Andreeva, who is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.

"I'm very happy today that I played in a stadium with a roof."

 

 

 

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