In the Australian Open Women’s Singles, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina defeated Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan by 6‑4, 6‑3 in the first round at Margaret Court Arena this morning. Rybakina’s straight‑sets win advances her to the second round, where she will face France’s Varvara Gracheva. In Men’s Singles action, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti moved into the second round after Belgian Raphael Collignon retired injured while trailing 4‑6, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑5, 3‑2 in their opening match.
Musetti will now face fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in round two. Also in the men’s draw, world number 8th Ben Shelton of USA advanced with a 6‑3, 7‑6(7‑2), 7‑6(7‑5) win over France’s Ugo Humbert at Rod Laver Arena. Shelton’s strong serving and clutch play in tie-breaks earned him straight‑sets victory, and he will next play either Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny or veteran Gaël Monfils.
