A rain delay at Melbourne Park has stalled local hope Jason Kubler’s push for a first victory at a major.
The wildcard’s first-round clash with Spanish No.10 seed Pablo Carreno Busta was tied at one-set all when rain stopped play for half an hour on day one of the Australian Open.
Kubler’s only previous outing at his home major came as a 16-year-old wildcard way back in 2010, when he was ousted in the opening round by Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, now coaching of Roger Federer.
In the intervening years, the Australian – a former junior world No.1 ranked junior – suffered a string of serious knee injuries. But the 24-year-old world No.243 was showing no sign of discomfort on Monday as he threatened one of the first boilovers of the tournament.
Kubler from the US Open semi-finalist almost immediately upon the resumption of play to be leading 5-7 6-4 4-1.
Kubler is one of nine Australians in action on Monday, including Daria Gavrilova, who will play the late match on Rod Laver Arena.
After storming to the last 16 in 2016 and 2017, Gavrilova is relishing the chance of playing under the bright lights once more against American qualifier Irina Falconi on Monday night.
“I was a bit surprised but I’m really excited. I really can’t wait,” said the 23-year-old ball of energy.
Gavrilova is seeded 23rd, in form after reaching the semi-finals in Sydney last week and in the mood to embark on another run to the second week in her home town of Melbourne.
Nick Kyrgios is also in prime-time play, the 17th seed up against Brazil’s world No.100 Rogerio Dutra Silva at Hisense Arena, the people’s court he so loves.
“I’ve played a lot of matches and won a lot of matches on that court,” said the 2015 quarter-finalist and newly crowned Brisbane International champion.
“Obviously that match in the fourth round against (Andreas) Seppi when I made it to the quarter-finals, ever since then I’ve kind of tried to make that memory happen again.
“I definitely feel comfortable on Hisense Arena.”
AUSTRALIANS IN ACTION ON DAY ONE OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Men’s singles, first round
17-Nick Kyrgios v Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA)
Matthew Ebden v 16-John Isner (USA)
John Millman v Borna Coric (CRO)
Alex Bolt v Viktor Troicki (SRB)
Jason Kubler v 10-Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
Women’s singles, first round
23-Daria Gavrilova v Irina Falconi (USA)
Samantha Stosur v Monica Puig (PUR)
Jaimee Fourlis v Olivia Rogowska
