Carlos Alcaraz shipped like a train, with a little too much trouble for Novak Djokovic, who nevertheless wrote a page in the history of tennis. On a fourth day of the Australian Open bothered by rain – and which saw the fairy tale end of Francesco Passaro – the big names did theirs, passing the second round. Alcaraz, number 3 in the ranking, swept away the Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka (n.65) leaving him just five games (6-0, 6-1, 6-4) in 81 minutes. “I feel in great shape – assured the Spaniard, who will now meet the Portuguese Nuno Borges – but the less time you spend on the court in the Slams, especially at the beginning, the better.” Annihilated Nishioka, who at a certain point responded to the incitements of the technical corner by saying: “If you want, you can try it…”.
Djokovic instead needed four sets to beat Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2. And write a new chapter in her immense career: it was match number 430 in the singles of a Major, an absolute record, between men and women, in the Open era, ahead of Roger Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423). Now Djokovic awaits the Czech Tomas Machac, who eliminated the American Reilly Opelka with a double comeback.
Tomorrow the big blues return: in order of appearance (starting from around 03:00 Italian time) Lorenzo Musetti with Denis Shapovalov; Lorenzo Sonego with the rising Brazilian tennis star Joao Fonseca, Matteo Berrettini with Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner with the Australian Tristan Schoolkate (world no.173). In the women’s draw Lucia Bronzetti will face the Romanian Jaqueline Cristian, while Jasmine Paolini will face the Spanish Renata Zarazùa.
Returning to today, in the doubles victory Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori eliminated the Germans Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens (6-3, 6-4). However, Passaro’s journey is over. The 24-year-old from Perugia surrendered, with honor, to the Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4). Recovered as a lucky loser, Passaro had passed the first round due to the withdrawal of Grigor Dimitrov. However, his comment does not have the flavor of defeat: “I am extremely happy with the experience I had in Melbourne. This tournament represents a good dose of confidence.”
In the women’s field, the Chinese Zheng Qinwen (number 5 in the world), finalist for 2024, was already eliminated, surprisingly eliminated by the German Laura Siegemund (number 97). The 22-year-old was beaten 7-6(7/3), 6-3 by the oldest player in the women’s rankings at 36. However, Aryna Sabalenka, holder of the trophy, took a step forward, dominating the Spanish Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (n.54, 6-3, 7-5). However, the match was not always easy for the world number 1 Belarusian, who suffered two breaks at the beginning of the first set and was trailing 5-2 in the second. «It’s a Grand Slam – Sabalenka underlined in the press conference – It doesn’t matter the opponent’s ranking, I have to fight. There are so many girls who play without fear, with nothing to lose and they can put you in trouble.” In the next round she will face the Danish Clara Tauson (n.42), fresh winner of the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland. Also ahead are the Americans Coco Gauff (n.3) and Jessica Pegula (n.7).
All the other Italians on the field tonight
The second round of the Australian Open 2025 features three Italian tennis players: Jannik Sinner, Jasmine Paolini and Matteo Berrettini.
Jannik Sinner
The reigning champion, Jannik Sinner, will face the Japanese Taro Daniel. The match is scheduled as the third match of the day session on Rod Laver Arena, starting no earlier than 5:00 am Italian time.
Jasmine Paolini
Jasmine Paolini, fresh from a convincing victory in the first round, will challenge the Mexican Renata Zarazua. The match will be held on Margaret Court Arena, as the second match of the day session, with an estimated start time of around 2.30am Italian time.
Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini, after overcoming Cameron Norrie in the first round, is preparing to face the Danish Holger Rune. The match is scheduled on the John Cain Arena, as the third match of the day session, with a start expected no earlier than 5:00 am Italian time.