Australian Open 2018 Starts With a Bang

The Australian Open 2018 started on Monday in Melbourne with a bang on the first day and the latest news centers around Rafael Nadal’s big win, Novak Djokovic triggering an internal war over prize money and Venus Williams suffering a shock defeat.

According to Express.co.uk, Rafael Nadal sent his Australian Open rivals a message in his first round match as he thrashed Victor Estrella Burgos for the loss of just three games.

The Spaniard had arrived in Australia under an injury cloud after pulling out of the Brisbane International with a knee problem.

However, the 31-year-old played a number of exhibition matches last week to assuage any doubts and confirmed his fitness with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 win over the Dominican world No 79.

Novak Djokovic has stunned Association of Tennis Professionals officials by demanding players are given more prize money at tournaments across the tour.

Djokovic arrived at a players’ meeting on Friday and asked all ATP affiliated attendees to leave the room.

According to the Daily Mail, the Serb then produced a lengthy speech, calling on his fellow players to form a union in an effort to fight for their right to a greater share of the profits from tennis tournaments.

Djokovic himself has earned more than $110 million in his career and players were told last week that the Australian Open purse will be doubling over the next six years to $79m.

Venus Williams will not be repeating her 2017 run to the Australian Open final after she was dumped out of the women’s singles by Belinda Bencic.

The Swiss had never beaten Williams on tour or even claimed a set in their four previous meetings, but played some of her best tennis in a 6-3, 7-5 victory.

And the American, who lost to her absent sister Serena in the final last year, seemed at a loss to explain the result afterwards.

 “I think she played well. I don't think I played a bad match,” Williams said. “She just played above and beyond. I just have to give her credit for that.”