My, how time flies. Second round singles action will be in the books after Day 5 down under. Here’s what we’ll be watching on a big day in Melbourne.
See the FULL DAY 5 ORDER OF PLAY HERE
Djokovic in the Day Session
10-time Australian Open champion looked excellent in his first-round victory over Pedro Martinez, dropping just seven games to earn his 100th career Australian Open win. On Day 5 he’ll set his sights on Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli, the world No. 141 who is playing his first Grand Slam main draw after failing to qualify on his first eight tries.
The Italian has never faced a Top-50 opponent, let alone a 24-time major champion that holds the record for weeks at No.1.
So, yes, Djokovic will have the edge in experience, and he’ll look to use it for a fast start and another stress-free victory.
American Woman Under the Radar
While all eyes are on Aryna Sabalenka’s hard court domination and Iga Swiatek’s quest for the Career Slam, three top-flight American women will be bidding to grab third-round spots.
Sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula will take on compatriot McCartney Kessler in the first match on Rod Laver, while Amanda Anisimova, the No.4 seed, will face Katerina Siniakova, second match on Margaret Court Arena. Madison Keys, the defending champion and the No.9 seed, is also up early, first on against compatriot Ashlyn Krueger.
Stan’s the Man
Stan Wawrinka, the second oldest man to ever win a match at the Australian Open, is back for more on Day 5, after defeating Laslo Djere in four sets in his first-round match. “The Stanimal” will face Frenchman Arthur Gea, a 21-year-old qualifier who defeated 17th-seeded Jiri Lehecka in the first round.
You know what we are going to write next: Gea wasn’t even born yet when Wawrinka played his first Australian Open qualifying draw. He was one when Wawrinka played the main draw for the first time in 2006.
Iga at Night
Six-time major champion Iga Swaitek takes to John Cain Arena for the night session against Czechia’s Marie Bouzkova. The Pole is 2-0 against Bouzkova, having dropped just eight games against her in two matches.
Popcorn Match
Stefanos Tsitsipas, in good health and good spirits in Melbourne, will need to be in good form as well when he squares off with Tomas Machac, the recent winner of the Adelaide title. The Greek won their previous meeting in Vienna in 2023, in three sets.
Another popcorn match pits 12th-seeded Casper Ruud, who’ll be on upset alert against Spain’s Jaime Munar. Why? Because Munar has become a seriously tough out on hard courts over the last year, and he never takes a point off. The Norwegian, who has one eye on his phone as he is expecting the birth of his first child, will need to be focused and vigilant to get past Munar.
