Melbourne – The day after the departure of unvaccinated top star Novak Djokovic, the Australian Open began with early defeats for German tennis pros.
Tatjana Maria and Peter Gojowczyk said goodbye after the first round on the first day of the tournament in Melbourne. Gojowczyk from Munich lost clearly 3:6, 3:6, 3:6 to Benjamin Bonzi from France on Monday. Maria had to admit defeat to the clearly favoured Greek Maria Sakkari 4:6, 6:7 (2:7) despite a good performance.
“I think I played a good match. I had some chances that I didn’t take,” said the 34-year-old Swabian after her performance on Centre Court at the Rod Laver Arena. Maria is the only mother of two competing in Melbourne, according to organisers. Eight-year-old Charlotte sat clapping with dad and coach Charles Edouard Maria in the stands, while little Cecilia slept in the spectator stands.
“By having our second baby, I’m on a good path,” said the former top-50 player: “I feel better than I have in a long time, and I think that little bit that was missing today will hopefully come soon.” The American-by-choice had returned to the tour at the end of July just four months after giving birth to her second daughter.
Only three German women made it into the main draw of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season. Angelique Kerber, who triumphed in Melbourne in 2016, will not enter the action until Tuesday. There were nine German first-round entrants in the men’s draw – of which Gojowczyk was the first to lose.
Zverev meets Altmaier
German number one Alexander Zverev will face Daniel Altmaier in a German duel this Monday (2nd match after 9.00/Eurosport). The Olympic champion is aiming for the first Grand Slam title of his career. Due to the absence of the Serbian world number one Djokovic, his chances have increased.
Djokovic had to leave the country on Sunday after a long back and forth due to his visa finally being declared invalid. The unvaccinated world number one wanted to take part in the Australian Open with a medical exemption after a Corona infection. However, the authorities had refused him entry to Australia. On Monday morning, the 34-year-old Serb landed in Dubai, as the AP news agency reported. It was initially unclear where last year’s winner would travel on to.
In the women’s singles, defending champion and co-favourite Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round. The Japanese, former world number one, beat Camila Osorio from Colombia 6:3, 6:3.
