Mon Jan 13 05:38:01 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka and Zverev Cruise into Australian Open Second Round; Nagal Exits
**Melbourne, Australia –** Defending champion Aryana Sabalenka and second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed strong starts to their Australian Open campaigns on Sunday. Sabalenka easily dispatched Sloane Stephens in the women’s singles first round, winning 6-3, 6-2. Several other top seeds also advanced, including Qinwen Zheng, Paula Badosa, and Petra Kvitova.
On the men’s side, Zverev defeated Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Sixth seed Casper Ruud also progressed, albeit after a tougher five-set battle against Munar.
However, there was disappointment for India’s Sumit Nagal, who lost his first-round match against 26th seed Tomas Machac in straight sets, 3-6, 1-6, 5-7. Nagal’s early exit marks a setback for Indian hopes at this year’s tournament.
First Piper 