The Australian Open has begun, with eight Australians claiming first round wins. The beginning of the tournament also marks the first time new rules surrounding tie-breaks, time limits for serving and extreme heat are being used.
Some of the world's best tennis players braved the sweltering heat at Melbourne Park yesterday (Monday) for the first day of this year's Australian Open.
Former world number one Maria Sharapova was the first player to break one of the rules brought in this year.
She was given a time violation for exceeding the new 25-second limit for serving.
Penalty aside, she cruised into the second round of the tournament, following her straight sets win (6-0 6-0) over British qualifier Harriet Dart.
Sharapova told Channel 9 she is pleased with her performance.
"I love the work, you know, have to have a really positive vision in this work, because you can have a lot of letdowns and a lot of tough moments and I've certainly gone through many in my career. Only played a certain amount of tournaments last year so to get this type of match play is just a bonus for me."
Second seeded Angelique Kerber also advanced to the second round, defeating Slovakia's Polona Hercog (6-2, 6-2).
Meanwhile, Australian James Duckworth went down in straight sets to Rafael Nadal.
The Spaniard won the match 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 15 minutes.
Speaking to the Nine Network, Nadal praised his opponent.
"He went on court with the determination to not hit two balls from the baseline so it was difficult to be on rhythm. But anyway, I am very, very happy to be through. It always is very difficult to start after an injury. I know it very well. I wish him all the very best for the season but for me so special to be back and especially in this Rod Laver Arena."
Fellow Australian Bernard Tomic was also defeated in straight sets.
Although, Australia had luck elsewhere on the court, with Ash Barty succeeding over Luksika Kumkhum.
15th seed Barty beat Kumkhum 6-2, 6-2 to move into the second round.
She told Channel 9 she was feeling nervous before the match.
"We split* both times the last two times that we've played, so I knew I had to be ready. Took me a little bit to get used to conditions out here, but I feel like I am hitting the ball well and certainly happy to come through that in pretty straightforward fashion."
Alex De Minaur also moved into the second round, following up his title win at the Sydney International.
The 19-year-old defeated Portuguese Pedro Sousa in straights sets (6-4 7-5 6-4).
De Minaur told the Nine network that he credits his winning performance to his off-season training regime.
"We did a lot of running, bike, boxing - which I am not very good at. Swimming, which obviously I need my floaties. But, yeah, I'm glad it is paying off and I am really happy with my team and the work we put in."
After announcing on Saturday (Jan 12) that he would retire this year, former world number one Andy Murray was knocked out in the first round.
Roberto Bautista Agut defeated the Brit 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2 in a nail biting match.
