MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – As locals like to say, there are "four seasons in one day" when it comes to Melbourne weather, and this year’s tournament has lived up to that famous reputation.
Sunny skies gave way to heavy rain on Day 1 of the 2025 Australian Open, causing many matches to be postponed to the following day. It was then that the sun settled over Melbourne Park, with the first round being played over three days. Here's a look at how Yonex stars performed - no matter the conditions.
Joao wows Brazilian backers - and all of us
A new star was born in the packed Margaret Court Arena as the first round wrapped up on Tuesday.
Eighteen-year-old Joao Fonseca from Brazil showcased a mix of youthful bravery and the composure of a seasoned veteran, stunning ninth seed and former quarterfinalist Andrey Rublev 7-6, 6-3, 7-6.
The 2023 US Open boys’ champion and former junior world No. 1 had, until February of last year, planned to attend college. However, after reaching the quarterfinals in his ATP Tour debut at the Rio Open, he decided to turn pro. His reasoning? “Professional tennis called me in a way that I simply couldn’t say no,” the youngster said.
That decision has already proven a wise one. After capturing the NextGen ATP Finals a few weeks ago, he made an impressive statement in his Grand Slam main draw debut - as a qualifier. Standing firm against Rublev’s powerful strokes, Fonseca delivered counter-attacks without retreating, even charging the net at times. The final points of the match were emblematic of his style: a stunning a backhand winner down the line to set up match point, then an inside-out forehand to seal his first Top 10 upset win.
"I just enjoyed the game. I just played my game, and now I’m in the second round," he said after the match.
Radiating a youthful energy, the 18-year-old is ready to create even more sensations on the Grand Slam stage.
Ruud, Tiafoe & Paul survive five-set thrillers
Intense five-set matches always captivate audiences, and Yonex warriors brought their indomitable spirit to the court in several of them during round one.
Casper Ruud (NOR) turned Rod Laver Arena into a stage for high-stakes drama on the tournament's opening day, with the roof closed. Despite being challenged by Jaume Munar (ESP)’s bold, aggressive play, Ruud's experience and resilience shone through. He secured a 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 victory, leading Team Yonex's charge.
Frances Tiafoe (USA) also delivered a standout performance. After taking the first two sets and leading 5-2 in the fourth, Tiafoe began to struggle physically. Despite facing visible challenges, including a moment of illness on court, Tiafoe refused to back down. Breaking serve in the final set, he celebrated with a fist pump toward his family box and ultimately defeated Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3.
Tiafoe’s friend and fellow American, Tommy Paul, emerged victorious in another marathon match, too. Facing local favorite Christopher O’Connell, Paul remained composed as the Australian launched a comeback, while Paul himself dealt with shoulder discomfort. In the end, the 2022 semifinalist won a four-hour battle 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 7-5.
By the time Tommy finished, the clock had passed midnight, marking the start of a new day.
Comeback moms shine in Melbourne
Tennis moms continue to wow with their determination on court, and Naomi Osaka (JPN) is among them.
Last year in Melbourne, the two-time Australian Open champion here competed in her first Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter in mid-2023, but was defeated by fellow Yonex athlete Caroline Garcia (FRA).
Twelve months later, déjà vu struck as the two stars faced off each other again in the opening round. Reflecting on their 2024 match-up, Osaka admitted feeling being overwhelmed by Garcia’s serve. But this time, Naomi found answers with her returns. Her sunflower-adorned shoes bore the words, "The sun shines where you are," symbolizing her return to her "shining place," as she later explained.
“The Australian Open is 'the Happy Slam,' so I thought it was really fitting for it to have a sunny theme," Naomi said with a soft smile. It seems the former world No. 1 has returned to her happy place on the court, too.
Another mother making a powerful return is Belinda Bencic (SUI). Having given birth last spring, the former world No. 4 is playing her first Grand Slam since returning to the tour just a couple of months ago. Facing No. 16 seed Jelena Ostapenko (LAT), whom she has known since their junior days, Bencic showcased the same skill and determination that have always defined her game.
Despite a year-long break from the tour, Bencic's performance evoked a strong sense of familiarity. In the second set, she fended off two set points with her signature pinpoint accuracy. The match ended when Ostapenko’s return hit the net, giving Bencic a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 victory. The 27-year-old mother raised both hands to the sky in celebration. She's back!
Yonex not only celebrates the dazzling achievements of its players but also supports their performances as the tournament's official stringing team. With 27 stringers doing an average of 400 racquets each day, they really are the heartbeat of the AO.
Joao Fonseca(BRA): VCORE 98 / POLYTOUR STRIKE 130
Casper Ruud(NOR): EZONE100 / POLYTOUR SPIN 125 / POLYTOUR PRO 130 /
ECLIPSION5 / MELBOURNE COLLECTION
Frances Tiafoe(USA): PERCEPT 97 / POLYTOUR PRO 125
Tommy Paul(USA): VCORE 98
Naomi Osaka(JPN): EZONE 98, POLYTOUR STRIKE125 / POLYTOUR PRO 125
Caroline Garcia(FRA): VCORE 100 / POLYTOUR STRIKE 125 /
MELBOURNE COLLECTION