Iga Swiatek is through to the second round.Credit:Chris Hopkins
“We are in discussions with various groups surrounding the 2024 WTA Finals and beyond and have not made any decisions at this time. As with all WTA decisions,we are working closely with players and focused on continuing to build a strong future for women’s tennis,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Meantime Swiatek,who became world No.1 when Ash Barty retired in early 2022,explained how the now-retired Australian star had played a role in her rise.
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Swiatek said Barty’s distinctive playing style,especially her classic slice backhand,had motivated her to change her game.
“It was really annoying losing against her and playing against her because you knew what she’s going to play in terms of the tactics and the placement,” said Swiatek.
“[But] she did it so well,there was nothing you could do. It really annoyed me. I wanted to get better,be able to be solid when she’s playing her slices.
“Even though she wasn’t the tallest one,she served really well and the placement was amazing.
“She really motivated me. I never got to win against Ash.”
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In other women’s results,former championAngelique Kerber was eliminated by 2022 finalist Danielle Collins. Victoria Azarenka defeated Italian Camila Giorgi in three,and American Sloane Stephens accounted for Australian wildcard Olivia Gadecki.
In the men’s draw,Australia’s Max Purcell progressed with a 3-6,7-6 (7-2),6-4,7-5 triumph over Hungarian Mate Valkusz.
Purcell rallied from a set and a break down,and overcame two late stumbles,to record his maiden Australian Open victory.
The world No.45 took almost three hours and seven match points,following two previous first-round exits at his home grand slam.
Purcell,who broke into the top 100 for the first time last year,will next try to beat Norwegian star Casper Ruud for a second straight time after defeating the triple slam finalist in Cincinnati in 2023.
Max Purcell is through to the second round.Credit:Getty Images
“Hopefully,it[the court] is lively and bouncy like Cincinnati and I can just do some damage,like I did against him there,” Purcell said.
“I thought the conditions really suited me in Cincinnati,more so than him,with my serve,and I was coming into the net a lot.
“It can be hot and fast here[and] the balls are a little bit heavier,so I don’t see why it can’t work again.”
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Sydneysider James McCabe,20,was eliminated in four sets on his grand slam debut after stealing the second set from American Alex Michelsen.
McCabe joined fellow Australian wildcards Jason Kubler,James Duckworth,Adam Walton and Marc Polmans out in the first round,as well as qualifier Dane Sweeny and also Alexsandar Vukic,who lost to countryman Jordan Thompson in five sets on Monday.
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