Ons Jabeur and Mirra Andreeva advance, Taylor Townsend loses at Australian Open

Ons Jabeur and Mirra Andreeva booked their ticket to the second round of the 2024 Australian Open while Taylor Townsend lost to Paula Badosa. Jabeur defeated Yulia Starodubtsewa in straight sets. The Tunisian who recently admitted that last year's Wimbledon loss broke her because she had plans to start a family if she won appears to be on her way in Melbourne.

Mirra Andreeva, the 16 year old Russian defeated American Bernarda Pera in straight sets. Andreeva dazzled at the Grand Slams in 2023, broke into the top 50, and seems to be on her way to the Top 10. She faces Jabeur in the second round.

American Taylor Townsend lost in straight sets to a healthy Paula Badosa who looked fantastic. Badosa spent the better part of 2023 dealing with a back injury so it is good to see her happy and healthy. Badosa and boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas are both through to the second round which is fun for the couple's "Tsitsidosa" tennis fanbase. As for Townsend, this is a disappointing first-round loss in singles, but she is still alive in doubles action with partner Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Australian Open first round has been fairly routine so far

The women's draw has not produced any blockbuster upsets yet; however, not all of the players have taken the court. In addition to the Naomi Osaka vs. Caroline Garcia match in progress, we will be treated to Elena Rybakina vs. Karolina Pliskova and Angelique Kerber vs. Danielle Collins later on in the first round.

It is worth mentioning that defending champion Aryna Sabalenka took the court and looked as dominant and imposing in the first round as she did in 2023 when she won her maiden Grand Slam. It is anyone's title at this point which is why the WTA side of the draw is so captivating and entertaining.

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