Rain Disrupts Australian Open Kickoff, Top Players Advance

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Persistent rain disrupted the start of the Australian Open on Sunday, forcing the cancellation of five singles matches and leaving fans at Melbourne Park disappointed. Despite the weather chaos, a handful of matches proceeded on the three showcourts with roofs, allowing Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva, Donna Vekic, and Arthur Fils to advance to the second round.

Weather Dampens Opening Excitement

The day began brightly, with fans eagerly queuing at the gates to witness the start of Australia’s premier summer sporting event. However, the mood quickly turned as a violent storm swept through the venue, bringing thunder, lightning, and torrents of rain. Most matches on outer courts were suspended after less than an hour of play, forcing spectators to seek shelter.

"Lovely time here, beautiful sitting in the arena, nice watching the water collect, but we didn't get any tennis," remarked a frustrated local academic named Alex, who paid $60 for a ground pass.

Zheng Battles Through Tough Opener

On Rod Laver Arena, China’s Zheng Qinwen faced a tough challenge against Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni. In a match that evoked memories of Zheng’s runner-up finish last year, the fifth seed overcame early struggles to secure a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory.

Zheng acknowledged the mounting expectations, saying, "The first match is never easy, and I made some stupid mistakes. But as Billie Jean King said, pressure is a privilege."

Promising Performances on Showcourts

Teenage Russian Mirra Andreeva was the first player through to the second round, defeating Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 on John Cain Arena. Meanwhile, Frenchman Arthur Fils overcame a first-set deficit to beat Finland’s Otto Virtanen 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena. Croatian Donna Vekic also advanced, defeating France’s Diane Parry 6-4, 6-4.

Looking Ahead

The evening session will see women’s favorite Aryna Sabalenka begin her quest for a third consecutive title, facing 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens under the closed roof of Rod Laver Arena. Despite the rain, the tournament’s extra day, introduced last year, offers hope for rescheduling matches and maintaining the excitement of the Australian Open.