On a day affected by rain and thunderstorms, our photographer Jimmie48 captured exciting first-round action at the Sydney International, highlighted by Angelique Kerber‘s thrilling 6-7(3) 7-6(8) 6-2 victory over Lucie Safarova, in which the German saved two match points.
Sloane Stephens‘ first match in NikeCourt attire, in particular the Nike Winter Premier Slam Tank and Nike Winter Power Spin Skirt/Nike Spring Pure Flouncy Skirt, wasn’t a success, as the 2017 US Open champion lost to qualifier Camila Giorgi 6-3 6-0 in singles and partnered with fellow reigning Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko the American lost her first-round doubles match as well.