Harriet Dart Advances in Australian Open Thriller, Draper Battles Navone

MELBOURNE, Australia — British tennis player Harriet Dart secured her place in the second round of the Australian Open on Monday, overcoming Croatia’s Jana Fett in a grueling three-set match that lasted over three hours. Dart, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser following Marketa Vondrousova‘s withdrawal, saved two match points before clinching victory in a deciding tie-break, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (10-7).

The 27-year-old, ranked British No. 4, will now face 18th seed Donna Vekic in the next round. Dart’s victory marks her second appearance in the Australian Open’s second round, a feat she last achieved in 2022.

Meanwhile, British No. 1 Jack Draper faced a tough challenge against Argentina’s Mariano Navone in his opening match. Draper, seeded 15th, struggled early but rallied to level the match after dropping the first set. The 22-year-old showcased resilience, breaking Navone’s serve multiple times in the second set to win 6-3. The match remained tightly contested as both players fought for dominance in the third set.

In other action, defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner began his title defense with a straight-sets victory over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. However, 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a shocking first-round exit, losing to American Alex Michelsen in four sets.

On the women’s side, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Czech Republic’s Katarina Siniakova, while Coco Gauff defeated 2020 champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets. British player Jodie Burrage also progressed, defeating French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-4.

Jonathan Jurejko, reporting for BBC Sport in Melbourne, noted the electric atmosphere at Melbourne Park following a rain-affected opening day. “The AO really feels like the AO now,” Jurejko said. “Fans were eager for action, and they got it with some thrilling matches.”

Draper’s match against Navone, scheduled to resume on Tuesday, remains a focal point for British fans. The Argentine, ranked 47th in the world, has proven a formidable opponent, but Draper’s recent form suggests he could still turn the tide.