Roger Federer made a welcome return to the highest level of professional tennis on Monday night at the Australian Open, in his first tour-level match since 8 July 2016. Federer, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury, opened his campaign over former junior rival and fellow 35-year-old Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and five minutes. “I thought my serve was on and off in the beginning, which surprised me a little bit, because in practise it's been going pretty well,” said Federer. “I was feeling nervous once the match actually started. I was actually fine all day, warming up, in the warm-up five minutes with Jurgen. I felt fine. Then I hit four frames...
Stan Wawrinka lived to fight another day on Monday night at the Australian Open. The fourth seed and 2014 titlist drew upon his big-match experience to come back from a break deficit in the deciding set to edge Martin Klizan 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours and 24 minutes on Margaret Court Arena. ”It was tough one, for sure,” said Wawrinka. “But I’m really happy to get through in five sets. It wasn't my best tennis today, but I was fighting, trying to stay in the game. I think he was playing well. He didn't give me too much rhythm. He made me play not my best tennis. I'm happy to get through, that's the most important thing.”...
After hitting rock bottom at Wimbledon last year, Ryan Harrison has re-discovered his confidence and happiness on a tennis court. The American was a first-round winner on Monday at the Australian Open. Photo: Getty Images
Australian 17-year-old Alex De Minaur reacts after saving match point in a five-set win over Gerald Melzer in his Melbourne Park main draw debut. Photo Getty Images
American #NextGenATP star Michael Mmoh will have strong local support from his Aussie family when he takes on Gilles Simon in the Australian Open first round on Tuesday.