Melbourne, Jan 19: Day five at the Australian Open 2024 saw top seeds getting knocked out in the early rounds. For the Indian fans, it was sad news as Sumit Nagal’s fairytale run at the Grand Slam came to end as he was defeated by Shang Juncheng 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6 in the second round.
Eight seed Holger Rune became the highest-ranked casualty as he was beaten by French wildcard Arthur Cazaux 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 4-6 6-3. Cameron Norrie came from two sets down against Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 6-4 to reach the third round.
In other matches, world number two and Australian Open favourite Carlos Alcaraz took four sets to dispatch Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-3). World number one in women’s tennis, Iga Swiatek fought back from a double break down to beat Danielle Collins 6-4 3-6 6-4.
Brit Emma Raducanu also perished at the hands of Wang Yafan in high quality match 6-4 4-6 6-4.
Danielle Collins left it all on the court in her three-set loss to World No.1 Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open. After the match, the 30-year-old American announced the 2024 Hologic WTA Tour season would be her final year on tour.
“Yeah, this is going to be my last season, actually, competing,” Collins told reporters. “I don’t really know exactly when, but this will be my last season and I’m really looking forward to that.
“I feel like I’ve had a pretty good career. There has certainly been ups and downs to it, and I think the travel and some of the things away from the court with scheduling and all of that, this is a really tough sport.
“I have other things that I’d kind of like to accomplish in my life outside of tennis, and would like to be able to have the time to be able to do that. Obviously having kids is a big priority for me.”