Trio of Americans move through with tough first win for Tiafoe, Korda and McDonald also into second round at Australian Open

ATP
Monday, 16 January 2023 at 08:05
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After early wins for Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff albeit with disappointment for Sofia Kenin against Victoria Azarenka, it was the ATP's turn for some of the top Americans to move through.
Frances Tiafoe was the top name adorning the interesting new Nike outfit for the tournament which certainly caught attention on social media.
But it was a tough first round assignment for Tiafoe who has to now get used to top billing after his US Open run last year. He saw off Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(6).
He saved a set point in the fourth which nearly saw the German take it all the way but now he has Chinese trailblazer Juncheng Shang who became the first player from his nation to win a main draw match at the Australian Open in the mens' singles at the age of only 17. An intriguing tie.
While Mackenzie McDonald could face an intriguing tie next up with Rafael Nadal or Jack Draper the scheduled opponent who are currently facing off on Rod Laver Arena.
McDonald prevailed in an all-American battle 7-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-7, 6-4 against Brandon Nakashima in a grueling five setter.
While after reaching the Adelaide final, Sebastian Korda is firmly on the up and 25 years on from his father, Petr winning in Melbourne, he sealed a first round win.
Seeing off Cristian Garin 6-4 1-6 6-3 6-2, it is firmly the morning of the Americans on the opening day.

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