Australian Open 2025: Jacob Fearnley spoils Nick Kyrgios party as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz progress

Jacob Fearnley earned what he described as the “best” win of his career as he beat Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open.

The 23-year-old from Edinburgh had to contend with both Kyrgios and a raucous crowd roaring on the home favourite, but he dealt with both in hugely impressive fashion.

Kyrgios, making his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2022 due to injury problems, appeared hampered again here, regularly holding his abdominal area and needing medical treatment.

He briefly threatened to mount a comeback, bringing up a set point in the third, but Fearnley saved that on his way to a 7-6 (3) 6-3 7-6 (2) win in two hours and 20 minutes. The Briton will take on Frenchman Arthur Cazaux in the second round, after he knocked out 28th seed Sebastian Baez in five sets.

Asked if this was the best match he has ever played, Fearnley said: "It is definitely up there. I think, all things considered, it is probably my best match - yes."

He added: "I was extremely nervous before the match, I didn't get too much sleep.

“I knew it was going to be a rowdy match but I thought I played good. Sorry to Nick, I could tell that he was dealing with some stuff, but I thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed playing in front of you guys."

Novak Djokovic got his bid for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title off to a successful start, even if he did have to come from behind.

American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy, who has Djokovic as his WhatsApp profile profile, only made his ATP Tour main-draw debut at the start of the season in Brisbane, but came out of the blocks in impressive fashion.

Djokovic, with coach Andy Murray in his corner, eventually got himself going, though, and wrapped up a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory in just under three hours.

Carlos Alcaraz breezed into the second round with a straight-sets win of his own, beating Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-5 6-1.

The Spaniard was 5-3 down in the second set as Shevchenko looked to level the match up, but Alcaraz went through the gears to win four games on the bounce and swiftly consolidate his control.

He wasted little time in competing the job, setting up a clash with Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka next.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner was made to work on his way to an opening win over Nicolas Jarry, who took the Italian to two tie-breaks.

There was not a break of serve in either of the first two sets as Sinner was pushed all the way, before cruising to the finish line and a 7-6 (2) 7-6 (5) 6-1 victory.

The first major shock of the tournament came as Stefanos Tsitsipas, runner-up in Melbourne two years ago, fell at the first hurdle.

The Greek lost 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4 to American Alex Michelsen, having pulled out of playing doubles with his brother Petros to maximise his chances of a deep run.

"It's quite ironic,” Tsitsipas said. “My whole [idea] was to try to go deep. I knew the first thing I had to consider was not playing doubles.

"The whole purpose was just to save up on some energy and be fresher hopefully in the deeper draw of the tournament.

"I guess karma hit me. I was not able to deliver or play the way I was hoping to at this year's event."