The Australian Open began three weeks late and under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, but the energy of the opening day of a Grand Slam was intact with fierce tennis, five-set battles and fashion statements.
There was the usual: defending champion Novak Djokovic cruising, Serena Williams starting strong with a Flo-Jo inspired outfit that turned heads, Naomi Osaka winning smooth and paying tribute to the Williams sisters, Nick Kyrgios being his loud self… you get the gist.
Then there was the slightly more unexpected: The 40-year-old Venus Williams winning at a Major again after first-round exits in 2020, the 2016 champion Angelique Kerber being stunned in her opener, and electronic line-calling being used on all courts.
Aus Open, day 1 women’s roundup: Serena, Osaka cruise; Andreescu returns with win; Kerber stunned
Aus Open, day 1 men’s roundup: Djokovic cruises, Thiem, Zverev made to work; Nishikori, Cilic out
Perhaps the best way to recap the day was in the…