TENNIS: It was a mixed bag for the Spanish players on day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Pedro Martinéz of Valencia did make it to the second round.
In the men’s draw of the Australian Open, Valencian Pedro Martínez advanced into the second round beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in four sets: 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-1 and 6-1. Martinéz will face 21-year-old Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland next.
Albert Ramos-Vinolas fell against the American 27th seed Taylor Fritz in four sets. After losing a tight first set on the tie-break, Ramos pulled the second set back, before losing the third set. The fourth set was tight with Ramos again losing on a tie-break, with the same score as the first set, 8-6.
Asturian Pablo Carreño, is on court against Kei Nishikori.
The remaining Spanish men’s players will start their campaigns tomorrow, including no.2 seed, Rafael Nadal.
Difficult lead up to tournament
It has not been ideal preparation for the tournament. Players and their coaches have had to isolate before being allowed onto the practice courts.
It is not surprising, therefore, that some players found it hard to adapt to the circumstances and produce their best performance.
The hard courts are not the best surface for most Spanish players who are more at home on clay.
