Day 1: Casper’s close call, Aussie anguish, Aryna rolls on

Aryna Sabalenka has returned to the scene of her two previous AO titles with a statement win over Sloane Stephens, while Alex Zverev has blasted Lucas Pouille off the court on an electric first night of Australian Open 2025. No such luck for the Aussies, with Daria Saville, Adam Walton, Li Tu and Omar Jasika failing to progress beyond the first round. Casper Ruud has dodged a bullet from Jaume Munar who pushed the No.6 seed to five sets, while Kei Nishikori survived two match points against Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro to advance – experts Mark Hlawaty and Simon Rea join the show to analyse how both players managed to turn around their fortunes. Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva was the first player through to the second round among other Day 1 winners including Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa, Donna Vekic, Ugo Umbert, Arthur Fils and Tomas Machac. Plus, we preview Jannik Sinner’s clash with Nicolas Jarry on Day 2 as well as Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia’s 2024 rematch. And producer Ursin Caderas takes a ride in the KIA player car with Aryna Sabalenka. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.