The struggle is real for Sebastian Korda. The American fell in five sets to fellow American qualifier, Miachael Zheng. Zheng got off to a red-hot start securing the first two sets. Then he started thinking and opened the door for Korda to get back in. It came down to who was the fittest in the end and that it was Zheng. He won 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(0), 6-3.

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Who Is Michael Zheng?

Sadly, I had no clue who this American player was. When I first turned on the television, I thought why is Korda losing to the Chinese player. As the match wore on and I listened to the commentators, I realized Zheng is a highly accomplished college player. He is a two-time NCAA singles champion, so do not be deceived by the qualifier label following his name. As Korda found out, this guy has guts and can play. Now, how far will he get in the draw is another story? Needless to say, I am rooting for the underdog!

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Victorious Americans Joining Michael Zheng

[29] Frances Tiafoe defeated Jason Kubler, 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2. Emilio Nava was pushed to five sets by the wildcard, Kyrian Jacquet. Kudos to the American, who hung in there after squandering his 2-0 sets lead. Nava won 6-2, 7-5, 6-7(5), 4-6, 7-6(10-6). Caty McNally got an easy 6-3, 6-1 victory against qualifier, Himeno Sakatsume. It always sucks when you have to play your compatriot. Taylor Townsend was not a lucky loser. She lost to Hailey Baptiste in three set match. Baptiste won 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3. The momentum seems to have swung in Townsend’s favor, but she just could not ride the wave.

Seeded Players Who Were Upset

[11] Ekaterina Alexandrova lost in three sets to the qualifier, Zeynep Sonmez. Sonmez won 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. [20] Flavio Cobolli lost in straight sets to the qualifier, Arthur Fery. Fery won 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1. I am not surprised that [20] Marta Kostyuk lost her match. When you expend so much energy in a tournament just prior to a major, your tank is often empty.  Elsa Jacquemot won in a tough battle that showcased three tiebreakers. Kostyuk to her credit fought but just could not get by the Frenchwoman. Jacquemot won 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(10-7).  [26] Dayana Yastremska lost 4-6, 5-7 to Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

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There were only four unlucky seeds on day one. While some of the victorious seeds were tested, they elevated their games enough to get the round one victory. It is so important in the conditions in Australia for players to win their matches as easily as possible. Barring a straight sets victory, a player wants to win as quickly as possible and avoid taxing rallies.

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