John Millman claims epic victory on opening day of drama at Australian Open as Nick Kyrgios exits with injury

Day one of the Australian Open saw few shocks on the court but off it, Nick Kyrgios’s withdrawal with a knee injury stole the headlines.

The Australian was “devastated” to deliver the news, which also means he and Thanasi Kokkinakis cannot defend their men’s doubles title.

Still, while Kyrgios was forced to endure a tough day, plenty of other Australians made it their own.

Veteran John Millman delivered a typical fighting performance to get through to the second round after coming back from two sets to one down, while Jason Kubler swept into the second round and young women’s player Olivia Gadecki got herself a career pay day.

Defending men’s singles champion Rafael Nadal also advanced to the second round but not before he endured a tough test early from young Brit Jack Draper.

“I need a victory, so that’s the main thing, doesn’t matter the way,” Nadal said.

“We know it’s not going to be perfect, it was not perfect, but to win against Jack, I think I did things well so I’m satisfied with the victory.”

See how the day unfolded below via our blog.