Australian Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek begin campaigns with straight-sets wins

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek powered into the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday as Germany's Alexander Zverev put aside legal worries at home to progress.

World number two Alcaraz was electric under the lights on Rod Laver Arena, demolishing French veteran Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-2 in his first competitive match of the year.

The Spaniard, gunning to unseat 10-time champion Novak Djokovic from the world number one spot, was tested in a tight first set but then moved through the gears, showcasing his full range of shot-making.

Alcaraz, who will next face Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, said it was good to be back in Melbourne, where he has not been beyond the third round in his previous two visits.

He missed last year's tournament through injury.

"In the first set I struggled a little with his game," he said. "He was playing great but I played better and better and at the end I reached quite a good level."

The 20-year-old, clad in a sleeveless yellow T-shirt, admitted he sometimes tries to play "impossible shots", including volleys and dropshots, to please his fans.

Swiatek run

Earlier, Swiatek survived a tough test against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin to progress.

The Polish world number one came through 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 against the player...

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