MELBOURNE, Australia — Day Two of the Australian Open unfolded Tuesday with the first round continuing to take shape, bringing a mix of routine wins by the sport’s biggest names and a handful of matches that hinted at the drama still to come over the next two weeks.

On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic began his pursuit of another Australian Open title in familiar fashion, moving into the second round with a straight-sets victory that required little explanation. The seven-time champion was composed and efficient, showing few signs of rust as he opened play at a tournament that has long been his most reliable stage.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur followed with a steady performance of his own, using his speed and defensive instincts to control points and keep the home crowd engaged from start to finish. Carlos Alcaraz also advanced, briefly tested before settling in and closing out his match without dropping a set. Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner joined them in the second round after workmanlike wins that offered more reassurance than spectacle.

Not everyone made it through unscathed. Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire from his opening-round match, undone by physical issues in the warm conditions, adding another layer of uncertainty to what has already been an uneven stretch for the Canadian.

The women’s draw delivered a similar rhythm. Iga Swiatek navigated an early wobble before pulling away to secure her first-round win, her timing and control improving as the match progressed. Coco Gauff advanced comfortably, serving well and staying patient in the longer rallies that defined much of her match.

Aryna Sabalenka powered through her opener with authority, while Elena Rybakina moved on with little resistance, continuing a stretch of calm, efficient play that has become her trademark. Belinda Bencic stood out among the day’s winners, racing through her match and showing the kind of early form that tends to matter in Melbourne.

(AP Photo)

For Australian fans, the day also brought disappointment, with one of the tournament’s top local hopes exiting in straight sets despite strong support from the stands.

As the first round nears completion, the tournament now begins to narrow. More seeded players are set to take the court in the coming days, and with them comes the gradual shift from opening-week rhythm to matches that start to carry real consequence at the season’s first Grand Slam.