On day three of the Australian Open, several key players began their quests for glory, including three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev and home favourite Alex de Minaur. Medvedev, a former finalist, took on Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej and is aiming to disrupt the dominance of Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Meanwhile, de Minaur, Australia's hope for a first men's singles winner since 1976, faced Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, eager to make his mark in front of home crowds.
In the men’s singles, fourth seed Taylor Fritz dominated his opening match with a commanding 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 victory over fellow American Jenson Brooksby. Fritz acknowledged the nerves that come with the first match of a Grand Slam but quickly settled in, completing the match in just 1 hour and 46 minutes. Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu also started strong, defeating 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets, setting up a match against American Amanda Anisimova.
The women’s action featured world number four Jasmine Paolini and former finalist Elena Rybakina, who were among the top players in the draw. Rybakina was set to face 16-year-old Australian Emerson Jones, who was making her Grand Slam debut. Paolini, who reached the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals last year, faced China’s Wei Sijia, expressing confidence in her growth as both a player and a person. Both women are determined to make their mark at Melbourne Park.
The men’s 13th seed Holger Rune encountered a scare but eventually overcame China’s Zhang Zhizhen in a five-set battle. Meanwhile, there was a notable withdrawal in women’s singles as 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya pulled out just before her match against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell, with German lucky loser Eva Lys stepping in. These early rounds showcased both the excitement and unpredictability that the Australian Open often brings.
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