Novak Djokovic stands alone at the Australian Open now that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired
And then there was one: The Big Three is down to just Novak Djokovic, who stands alone from a golden generation of men’s tennis now that Rafael Nadal has joined Roger Federer in retirement. The Australian Open, which started Sunday (Saturday night EST), is the first Grand Slam tournament of 2025 — and the first major championship to be held since Nadal, 38, played his final match at the Davis Cup in November. Federer's last match came in 2021, although he didn't announce he was done until 2022.
Read more: Novak Djokovic stands alone at the Australian Open now that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired
Zheng, Andreeva win as rain lashes Australian Open on day one
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen overcame a sluggish start to blast into the Australian Open second round Sunday as storms caused havoc ahead of Aryna Sabalenka beginning her quest for a historic third consecutive crown.Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive Australian Opens.
Read more: Zheng, Andreeva win as rain lashes Australian Open on day one
Australian Open LIVE: Updates from first round matches in Melbourne as Zverev, Ruud and Sabalenka in action
Australian Open: Olympic champ Zheng Qinwen starts her bid for another final on a rainy Day 1
Zheng Qinwen's tennis resume is quite different from what it was when she showed up at the Australian Open a full year ago. No matter everything she accomplished in 2024 — a runner-up finish at Melbourne Park; an Olympic gold medal for China — she felt jitters before entering Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. After overcoming some hiccups late in the opening set of her first-round match on a stormy Day 1 at the season's first major tennis tournament, Zheng came through with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory against Anca Todoni, a 20-year-old qualifier from Romania who has won one Grand Slam match in her career.
Read more: Australian Open: Olympic champ Zheng Qinwen starts her bid for another final on a rainy Day 1
Zheng wins indoors as Day 1 of the Australian Open is disrupted by rain
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen made the most of the indoor conditions under a roof at Rod Laver Arena to advance to the second round of the Australian Open in straight sets Sunday while it poured with rain outside. In her first match on Melbourne Park’s main court since her loss in last year’s final to Aryna Sabalekna, Zheng advanced 7-6 (3), 6-1 over 20-year-old qualifier Anca Todoni. It was cool in the climate-controlled environs of the marquee stadium but it wasn't without some discomfort for Zheng.
Read more: Zheng wins indoors as Day 1 of the Australian Open is disrupted by rain
Tennis looks ‘cooked’ as Australian Open starts under giant doping cloud
