Day 1 of Australian Open 2017

The 2017 Australian Open began in style at Melbourne Park, as fans flocked to the precinct on the first day of the tournament. In the natural spotlight were world number ones Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber, as well as 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer.

Andy Murray of Britain on court during a practice session at the Australian Open in Melbourne Source: AAP

World number one Andy Murray was thrown off guard by Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko, who broke the Scotsman’s serve in the first game.

But the world number 93 couldn’t keep up with Murray, who won in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6, 6-2.

Murray says he’s hopeful this year he’ll finally win the Championship. 

Meanwhile; the 17-time grand slam champion defeated Austria’s Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Federer, who would become the third man history to win five Australian Open singles titles, says he was conscious of not putting too much emphasis on winning every point. 

In today’s action:

Number 2 seed Serena Williams is up against Belinda Bencic on Centre Court, before Spaniard Rafael Nadal plays Germany’s Florian Mayer.

Australia’s Samantha Stosur faces Britain’s Heather Watson, while fellow Aussie Daria Gavriolova plays Brit Naomi Broady.

[find full schedule here http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/]