Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz both eased into the second round with straight-set wins on Day 1 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
Two time women's champion Sabalenka recovered from a slow start before beating 20-year-old French prospect Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena
The world No 1 found herself a break down after the opening game and looked troubled throughout the first set by the guile of left-hander Rakotomanga Rajaonah despite getting back on serve.
“I didn't start my best but she showed up and fired on and she was playing great, said the four-time Grand Slam champio
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