Australian Open: Maestrelli wins and challenges Djokovic in the second round. Arnaldi and Bellucci out

Australian Open: Francesco Maestrelli’s Fairytale Run Continues

Francesco Maestrelli, a 23-year-old tennis player from Pisa, is living his personal fairy tale at the Australian Open. In his first career Slam, he beat Frenchman Terence Atmane in a thrilling five-set match, lasting 3 hours and 23 minutes, with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 6-1. This victory marks a significant milestone in Maestrelli’s career, as he reached his best ranking just two weeks ago (137) and qualified for the main draw of the Australian Slam from the qualifiers.

Maestrelli’s next challenge will be against none other than Novak Djokovic, the ten-time winner of the Australian Open. Djokovic, in his 21st appearance at the tournament, started strong with a clear victory over Spaniard Peter Martinez (n.71 ATP) in three sets, with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, in exactly two hours of play. The Serbian’s experience and skill will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Maestrelli’s fairytale run.

Other Notable Matches

Unfortunately, the experience ended in the first round for Matteo Arnaldi, who was clearly beaten 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 by Andrey Rublev (No. 15 and seeded No. 13). Mattia Bellucci (n.76 ATP) also saw his path come to an end at the first turn, defeated in three sets by Norwegian Casper Ruud (n.13), with a score of 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, in one hour and 42 minutes of play. Ruud will face Spaniard Jaume Munar in the second round.

Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime retired in the first round due to cramps, with the match at 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in favor of Portuguese Nuno Borges. “It’s never happened to me that I had them so early in a tournament,” the No. 7 seed explained, citing the 30-degree temperature during the match as a possible factor.

Medvedev and Gauff Advance

Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the second round in a difficult match against Frenchman Quentin Halys, with a final score of 7-5, 6-2, 7-6. Medvedev acknowledged the challenges he faced, stating, “I made a great effort to try to be more positive on the pitch. So far I’m succeeding.” This comment comes after a tumultuous year, which included an outburst that resulted in a hefty fine.

Coco Gauff, meanwhile, easily passed the first round of the Australian Open, joking about her new look with Sinner-style red hair and already thinking about what to improve to achieve her goal: winning the first Slam of the season. For further information ANSA Agency Australian Open: Gauff wins with red hair, ‘there’s one like that who’s strong here…’ – Tennis – Ansa.it Coco Gauff easily passes the first round of the Australian Open, jokes about her new look with Sinner-style red hair and is already thinking about what to improve to achieve her goal: winning the first Slam of the season. (HANDLE)

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