Sofia Kenin made a nervous start to her Australian Open defence Tuesday, but ailing former champion Victoria Azarenka crashed out after needing treatment for breathing difficulties during a straight-sets defeat.
Later, a red-hot Ashleigh Barty crushed Danka Kovinic without losing a game. It was a masterclass from the 24-year-old Australian, who barely raised a sweat in the 6-0, 6-0 first-round romp in 44 minutes.
Kenin, the fourth seed prevailed 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes against Australian Maddison Inglis, who is ranked outside the top 100, with the volatile American vocal throughout and frustrated with her patchy performance.
“I’m obviously not happy with the way I played,” said Kenin, who made 27 unforced errors on her return to Rod Laver Arena.
Playing with the roof open, she appeared to move freely but struggled against the gritty Australian during a tight first set marked by long baseline rallies. She eventually shrugged off the 23-year-old Inglis, who…