Zverev Powers Through Diallo Scare in Melbourne Opener

On Rod Laver Arena, where Melbourne’s summer heat pressed down on the plexicushion courts, third-seeded Alexander Zverev faced a probing challenge from rising star Gabriel Diallo in the Australian Open’s first round. The 24-year-old Canadian, ranked No. 41, struck first with aggressive flat groundstrokes and deep returns that pinned Zverev back, forcing errors in a tight 6-7 (7) tiebreak loss. Zverev, last year’s runner-up here, absorbed the setback and shifted gears, his towering serve—mixing wide aces and body jammers—propelling him to a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory and his 10th consecutive second-round appearance.

Diallo’s early pressure exposed Zverev’s initial sluggishness on the fast hard courts, where the ball skids low and demands quick footwork. Zverev countered by adding heavier topspin to his forehands, opening the court for inside-out winners that neutralized Diallo’s crosscourt lasers. The German’s one–two pattern—serve followed by a down-the-line backhand—broke Diallo’s rhythm, turning the match into a baseline grind the seed controlled.

Diallo pushes but Zverev resets

Zverev’s serve, clocking over 130 mph, faltered early with a few double faults under Diallo’s return fire, but he adjusted by varying placements to disrupt the Canadian’s aggressive setup. Slices stayed low on the hard surface, forcing Diallo to lunge and opening angles for Zverev’s punishing forehands. This tactical pivot not only erased the first-set deficit but highlighted Zverev’s mental edge, channeling last year’s final experience into focused dominance as the crowd’s energy shifted with each hold.

The Australian Open‘s grippy courts favored Zverev’s power once he found his range, his kick serves kicking high to jam Diallo’s backhand. Diallo, talented yet untested in majors, couldn’t maintain his blistering pace, his error rate climbing in longer rallies. Zverev’s composure under the mounting expectations of a title push carried him through, setting a resilient tone for the two-week slog ahead.

Seeds stumble in upset shadows

No. 20 Flavio Cobolli became the first seeded man to fall, losing 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-1 to British qualifier Arthur Fery, whose steady baseline play capitalized on the Italian’s erratic serves in tight exchanges. Fery’s fresh legs and fearless returns thrived on the even bounce, underscoring the draw’s early volatility. Meanwhile, No. 18 seed Francisco Cerundolo steadied his campaign, outlasting Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-3 with deep, topspin forehands that controlled the rallies and sealed a dominant tiebreak.

Cerundolo’s adaptation from clay to hard-court defense mirrored Zverev’s rally, pinning opponents deep and forcing uncomfortable stretches. The upsets and straight-set wins alike revealed the tournament’s demand for immediate sharpness, where qualifiers like Fery exploit any seeded hesitation. As day one unfolded, these results amplified the psychological stakes for top players navigating Melbourne’s unforgiving pace.

Moutet’s cheeky finish steals show

No. 32 seed Corentin Moutet wrapped the key men’s action with a 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-3 win over Tristan Schoolkate, clinching match point with an underarm serve that slipped past the Australian’s reach. Moutet’s mix of underspin slices and drop shots kept Schoolkate off-balance, turning defense into opportunistic attacks on the lively surface. The crowd erupted at the flair, a reminder of the Australian Open’s blend of grind and creativity.

For Zverev, observing such unorthodox play reinforces the need for versatility as tougher opponents loom. His opener against Diallo eases the pressure of repeating last year’s deep run, bolstering confidence in high-stakes moments. With the draw opening up, Melbourne’s hard courts promise more tactical battles where mental resets and serve precision will carve the path to the second week.