Djokovic, Sabalenka, Gauff in action as second round kicks off in spectacular fashion

The second round of the Australian Open is set to commence on Wednesday, featuring defending champion Aryna Sabalenka (26) as she takes the court in Rod Laver Arena, followed closely by the ten-time champion Novak Djokovic (37).

Prominent seeds Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz will also compete, alongside Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

Highlighting the women's matches is the encounter between Gauff and Burrage. Jodie Burrage from Britain nearly abandoned her tennis career in November after enduring a six-month break due to wrist and ankle injuries, which caused her ranking to drop from a peak of 85 to 173.

However, she persevered, and her efforts culminated in her first victory in the Australian Open main draw, prompting her to shed "happy tears" as she progressed to the second round.

"I was aware of the hard work I had put in over the past year. All those emotions from the last nine months were, I believe, bottled up inside me," she remarked.

Burrage has faced third-seeded Coco Gauff previously, suffering a defeat to the American in Eastbourne in 2023, and she indicated that she plans to review that match for insights.

"Last year, I didn't anticipate being in these types of matches again. I intend to savor the moment and see how it unfolds," she stated.

Gauff mentioned that she does not recall their 2023 match but acknowledged the need for caution, as Burrage would approach the game with "nothing to lose."

In the men's matches, Jack Draper will face Thanasi Kokkinakis. Both players have already spent four hours on the court battling through their first-round matches at Melbourne Park.

For Draper, the time on court was essential after he missed a significant portion of the pre-season due to a hip injury. The 23-year-old demonstrated considerable determination in overcoming Mariano Navone in five sets.

Draper recognizes the challenge posed by Kokkinakis, who enjoyed strong crowd support in his victory over Roman Safiullin on home soil.

"Clearly, he will have substantial backing," noted the 15th seed. "I am fully aware that we are in Australia, and he is performing well."

Kokkinakis attributed his first-round victory to the assistance of painkillers and the enthusiastic support of the crowd, and he is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete at the 'People's Court' located at John Cain Arena. There, another British player, Jacob Fearnley, triumphed over Australian contender Nick Kyrgios.

"I believe I have showcased some of my finest tennis here in Australia. It is no surprise that this is linked to playing at home, in front of friends and family who provide such support," Kokkinakis remarked.

Zheng displays only 'basic respect'
Zheng is known for her somewhat distant handshakes at the net. Although the fifth seed from China asserts that she will always extend her hand to her opponent, regardless of the match outcome, she makes it clear that hugs are not part of her approach, even as a gold medalist from the Paris Games.

"I do not find that necessary. I am here solely to compete," she stated.

"If I lose, I will offer you only basic respect, and that is all. Therefore, you will not see me losing a match with a smile directed at my opponent."

Zheng is set to face Laura Siegemund in the second round.

Rod Laver Arena schedule
Day session - starting at 01:30 CET

Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

Novak Djokovic vs Jaime Faria

Night session - starting at 09:00 CET

Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage

Pedro Martinez vs Alexander Zverev.

SportsLigue