World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka launched her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open title with a comfortable straight-sets victory over American Sloane Stephens as rain disrupted the opening day of the tournament in Melbourne on Sunday.
Persistent showers caused play on the outdoor courts to be suspended after less than an hour and delayed action for more than six hours, forcing eight of the 32 scheduled singles matches to be postponed.
Competition continued, however, on the three covered courts at Rod Laver Arena.
Taking advantage of the indoor conditions, Sabalenka powered past the 2017 US Open champion 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour.
The 26-year-old Belarusian, who is seeking a rare Australian Open three-peat, admitted she was not at her best but was satisfied with a routine opening-round win.
“It’s not like I played my best match, probably, but I was glad to close it out in straight sets,” Sabalenka said. “I love playing here; it feels like home.”
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen advanced to the second round indoors. Zheng, who was defeated by Sabalenka in last year’s final, avoided the weather delays to progress safely.
In the men’s competition, sixth seed Casper Ruud and former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori both battled through five-set victories under the roof.
Second seed Alexander Zverev capped the day’s action with a commanding performance, defeating 2019 semifinalist Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 as he began his pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title.
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