- Teenage sensation Joao Fonseca eliminated Andrey Rublev in the first round.
- The young tennis defender is announcing herself on the biggest stage.
- Stefanos Tsetipitias was Melbourne’s last high-profile director.
Last year I was lucky enough to attend Australian Open For the first time. As someone who grew up a stone’s throw away from the Grand Slam tournament hosted by England in SW19, I’m well aware of the thrill inherent in the ATP circuit – but under the spotlight of the ATP World Championship. Rod Laver StadiumI felt as if I was watching a tennis spectacle unlike any other.
Of course, being there for Alex De Minaur’s match in the fourth round definitely helped me a lot Andrey Rublevwith the entire arena cheering in unison for its budding local hero as he attempts to reach his first AO quarterfinals after three early exits in consecutive years.
Rublev was relishing the role of the villain in the pantomime, digging deep despite his obvious fatigue of progressing through the rounds at the expense of the Australian favorite. However, this year, de Minaur was denied the chance for revenge by the Russian’s stunning early exit in the opening round… revealing an emerging trend during this year’s tournament in Melbourne.
Teenagers announce themselves on the biggest stage
Andrey Rublev’s Australian Open campaign was over before it even began. Kneeling in straight sets defeat For teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in Margaret Court Square.
You wouldn’t have thought the 18-year-old Brazilian star was making his Australian Open debut with the way he took the game to his more experienced opponent, forcing Rublev to defend on the back foot for most of the match. Rublev, A Top 10 player Accustomed to controlling the play with his attacking style, he was forced to race across the baseline to equalize Fonseca’s response.
Despite his advanced age, Fonseca displayed a poise and tactical understanding that belied his inexperience on the professional stage, appearing to dictate the field with fearless aggression and composure beyond his years. It was an obvious juxtaposition when Rublev slammed his racket onto the ground in frustration.
“I enjoyed the moment,” Fonseca said. “This is an amazing court. It’s my first time playing in a huge stadium. I really want to thank this amazing crowd. There were a lot of Brazilians here cheering me on.”
It reflects the trend at this year’s Australian Open, which is teenage talent sticking with older, more experienced people in the competition. Something Novak Djokovic, AO’s most decorated player, knows all too well.
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Novak Djokovic survives first round scare
The 24-time Grand Slam winner has had mixed returns during the 2024 season. For one, he has been unable to capture a Grand Slam title during the calendar year – the first time he has failed to do so since 2017.
But on the other hand, the Serbian star was able to win every title available to a professional tennis player, winning the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the French capital. It is the first time in history that any player has completed this feat.
So, when Djokovic steps onto Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night, facing 19-year-old Nishesh Basavardi in the opening round, it would be safe to assume it’s business as usual for the sport’s most successful player. Until it wasn’t.
Passavardi impressed AO with a lively and committed first set, completely unfazed by the sheer scale of facing one of the sport’s all-time greats. Making his debut at Melbourne’s iconic arena, the American teenager announced himself on the biggest stage and nearly pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, on just the third day.
“I think he was the better player for a set and a half,” Djokovic admitted. He added: “He deserves all the applause he received when he left the field.”
“He’s a very complete player. He very pleasantly surprised me with his shooting and his fighting spirit towards the end. So I wish him all the best for the rest of his career.”
Another player left to ponder the missed opportunity is Stefanos Tsitsipas, the world No. 11, who appeared dejected after failing to make it through the opening round of this year’s Australian Open, failing to meet young American giant-killer Alex Michelsen.
The young Californian, who celebrated his 20th birthday in August 2023, was making his second Australian Grand Slam appearance, capitalizing on a cannon of first serves to take the match back to Tsitsipas and seal a historic five-set victory.
It is the first time Michelsen has beaten a top 20 player in his blossoming career. While it may not fall into the teenage category, it is a seismic victory for the American prodigy, as he proved at this year’s Australian Open that the proverbial era of beauty controversy continues for another year.
