Australian Open 2023: Daniil Medvedev beats Giron, Felix Auger-Aliassime has to stretch
While Daniil Medvedev put on a real show of power against Marcos Giron , Felix Auger-Aliassime had to stretch himself against compatriot Vasek Pospisil . Stan Wawrinka , on the other hand, is eliminated.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 16, 2023, 01:39 pm
Daniil Medvedev started the Australian Open with a strong performance. The Russian, last year's finalist at the first major event of the season, didn't miss a beat against the American Marcos Giron and won his ticket for the round of 64 with 6: 0, 6: 1 and 6: 2. Especially from the In the baseline, Medvedev acted almost flawlessly, coupled with a strong service performance, there was nothing to get for Giron.
The world ranking night was also able to save energy, which can undoubtedly be an advantage in the course of the tournament. The upcoming opponent, the Australian John Millman, who has a wild card, stayed for five sets with Marc-Andrea Hüsler. Medvedev's possible third-round opponent, the in-form Sebastian Korda from the USA, also lost a set at the start. Incidentally, in the quarter-finals there could be a repeat of last year's final against Rafael Nadal.
Auger aliases without shine
Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime had to work hard to move in. The number six of the tournament made a real horror start in his opening duel with compatriot Vasek Pospisil and was quickly behind 0:5 - a little later the youngster had to give up the opening set with 1:6. The Canadian acted anything but dominant afterwards, but at least in the decisive moments Auger-Aliassime showed his class: Both the second set and the third round went to the favorite in the tie-break.
Slowly but surely, the veteran Pospisil's resistance was broken. The old master had to accept an early break in the fourth section, which Felix Auger-Aliassime should not let take. Finally, the North American converted his second match point to 1: 6, 7: 6 (4), 7: 6 (3) and 6: 3 success. In the round of the last 64, the seventh in the world rankings will face Slovakian Alex Molcan.
Molcan beats Wawrinka
This caused a moderate surprise on Monday morning (CET) after a big fight. The Slovak, trained by Marian Vajda, defeated the three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in five sets after a big fight. In round four, the Swiss had already served to win the match. In the tie-break, however, Molcan showed great fighting qualities and repeatedly forced Wawrinka to make mistakes. In section five, the veteran seemed to lack some power. Molcan won 6:7 (3), 6:3, 1:6, 7:6 (2) and 6:4.
However, there were great emotions in the 1573 Arena. There, the Australian Rinky Hijikata made his main draw debut at a Grand Slam tournament. And on this occasion, the youngster put on a really big show in front of the home crowd. Against the German Yannick Hanfmann, Hijikata managed to catch up a 0:2 set deficit and finally - carried by the frenetic cheering from the ranks - to turn it into an emotional five-set success. The Australian meets Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two.
Earlier on Monday, Rafael Nadal ( Click here for the match report ) and Jannik Sinner as well as Hubert Hurkacz made it into the round of the last 64 at the Happy Slam.
Here is the men's tableau at the Australian Open!
laver arena