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Amidst defending champion Novak Djokovic controversy, it was an easy passage for the big guns on Day 1 of the Australian Open (AO) as former champions Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty, Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka all sailed through to the second round. Wimbledon runners-up Matteo Berrettini booked his place in the next round, after struggling in the first set. The day's other big winners included Maria Sakkari, Elina Svitolina, Barbora Krejcikova, Gael Monfils. The only real upset of the day came in the form of Coco Gauff of the USA, as the 18th seed lost in straight sets.
The 2009 champion, Nadal was in full swing as he captured the imagination with some lovely forehand displays. He dropped only seven games in the match to book his place in the second round after beating USA's Marcos Giron 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Wimbledon runners-up Berrettini had a tough start against Brandon Nakishima as he lost the opening set 4-6, but came back storming to win 6-2, 7-6, 6-3.
Frenchman Monfils also punched his ticket for round two in straight sets by beating Argentine Federico Coria 6-1, 6-1, 6-3.
On the other hand, No. 1 seed and home favourite Ashleigh Barty made light work of Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine by beating her 6-0, 6-1, drooping only one game as she joined defending champion and 13th seed, Naomi Osaka. The Japanese didn't have too many troubles as she swapped Camila Osorio of Colombia 6-3, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena. Fifth seed Maria Sakkari also laid a marker after progressing 6-4, 7-6 by beating Tatjana Maria of Germany.
Two-time champion and former world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka had an easy passage as she bettered Panna Udvardy of Hungary by 6-3, 6-1. Ukraine's Elena Svitolina also sailed through with a convincing 6-1, 7-6 win against French star Fiona Ferro. Fourth seed Barbora Krejcikova of Czech defeated Andrea Petkovic of Germany 6-2, 6-0 to march to the next round.
China's Qiang Wang produced the biggest upset of the day when she outclassed 18th seed Coco Gauff by 6-4, 6-2, the US star was the quarterfinalist at the French Open in 2021.
The Day 2 of the AO will witness the big guns like Daniil Medvedev, Gabriene Muguruza, wildcard entrant and 2010 runners-up Andy Murray taking the hardcourt. Simona Halep, Andriy Rublev, former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will also have their shots on Day 2 in round one of the Australian Open.
