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Top seed Iga Swiatek became the first player to advance to the third round at the Australian Open as Jessica Pegula congratulated Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills after her win.
Swiatek suffered a first-round match against Camila Osorio at the Australian Open.
The world number 1 had to fight back from 5-3 down in the second set against Jule Niemeier on Monday, but was more than satisfied with his 6-2 6-3 success against Colombia’s Osorio to reach the third round.
The negative for the Pole was that his serve was broken three times, including when he served for the match at 5-1 in the second set, but he took the next opportunity.
Swiatek was congratulated by Camila Osorio with the Pole admitting she can’t escape the pressure of being ranked No 1
Swiatek said there was no pressure to be ranked No.1 after the 21-year-old took the top ranking when Ashleigh Barty retired shortly after winning last year’s Australian Open.
“It’s not easy because with that amount, the expectations are higher from outside, but also for ourselves,” he said.
“I try to manage it correctly. Also try to kind of stay in my bubble during the tournament so I won’t get distracted by all that.
“I don’t want people to take it for granted that you are world number 1 that you will win everything because we still have to fight for every match.”
The match was played under the roof of Rod Laver Arena due to wet conditions at Melbourne Park which threatened to cause scheduling problems for organizers after Tuesday’s blistering heat and storm.
Jessica Pegula played third in the skirt to support Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin
American third seed Pegula defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to join Swiatek in the next round.
Pegula played third in the skirt in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who was released from the hospital nine days after suffering a heart attack during an NFL game.
“He’s recovered, it’s been amazing and amazing,” said Pegula, whose parents own the Bills franchise.
He later said: “I always wanted to do something with my outfit. I was in Sydney when it happened so I didn’t have time to do it there.
“I thought it would be a fun way to connect with the team and then also just show my support. I feel like it’s a global event. A lot of people are asking about it even here.”
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Brian Baldinger said Nyheim Hines scoring two kickoff returns in front of an emotional Buffalo crowd was a ‘Hollywood story’ after the heart attack Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered.
Ukraine Anhelina Kalinina 2019 finalist Petra Kvitova 7-5 6-4 at John Cain Arena to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Czech 15th seed Kvitova hit 37 winners but made 41 unforced errors as she became the first top 20 woman to exit the tournament.
Greek six seed Maria Sakkari fought back from a set down to beat 18-year-old qualifier Diana Shnaider 3-6 7-5 6-3.
Sakkari said: “It was very difficult. There was a moment in the match where I thought I would lose, but then my confidence somehow woke me up. He played without losing, he played very well. I’m glad I found a way to win.”
“He played an amazing match, he is very young and promising. Maybe he can consider not going to college and turn pro,” Sakkari added with a smile.
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