Tue Jan 14 01:13:56 UTC 2025: ## Djokovic Survives Scare, Sinner Defends Title at Australian Open
**Melbourne, Australia** – Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title, overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open. The 37-year-old Serbian, despite the early setback, ultimately dominated with 22 aces, securing his place in the second round against Jamie Faria of Portugal.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his impressive form, easily dispatching Nicolas Jarry in straight sets (7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-1), extending his winning streaks on tour and in Grand Slam hard-court matches to 15. In a major upset, 20-year-old American Alex Michelsen defeated 2023 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Carlos Alcaraz also advanced, comfortably beating Alexander Shevchenko. However, Australian favorite Nick Kyrgios suffered a first-round exit against Jacob Fearnley.
On the women’s side, top seed Iga Swiatek defeated Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-4, while Coco Gauff overcame Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3. Other notable wins included Jessica Pegula, Diana Shnaider, Elina Svitolina, and Belinda Bencic advancing, with Lucia Bronzetti upsetting Victoria Azarenka.
First Piper 