What to Watch on Day 2 of the Australian Open

Day 2 of the Australian Open will see Iga Swiatek begin her quest for the Calendar Slam in the night session, while play continues across 14 courts at the Happy Slam. 

Here’s what we’ll be keeping tabs on…

See the full Day 2 schedule here

American Women Take Center Stage

Three Top-10 American women will contest their first round matches on Day 2, with Coco Gauff kicking off festivities on Rod Laver against Kamilla Rakhimova, while two-time major finalist Amanda Anisimova faces Simona Waltert of Switzerland on Margaret Court Arena, and Jessica Pegula takes on Anastasia Zakharova on the No.3 show court, John Cain Arena. 

Former champion Sofia Kenin will also be in action, against compatriot Peyton Stearns. 

Thirty-eight Americans — 20 men and 18 women — are set to compete in the Australian Open singles main draw, the most since 39 in 1997 (23 women, 16 men).

Stan the Man’s Last Dance 

Stan Wawrinka takes to Kia Arena in the third match on Day 2, facing off with Serbia’s Laslo Djere. It has been 12 years since Wawrinka broke through and won his maiden major title in 2014, defeating Rafael Nadal in the final.

Since then, the legend has only grown, as Wawrinka has won three major titles and become a fan favorite of iconic status, thanks to his legendary one-handed backhand and his larger-than-life play style, combined with his salt-of-the-earth personality.

The 40-year-old holds the record for most five-setters played at the Slams in the Open Era – does he have another in him? Wawrinka, making his 20th Australian Open appearance and 75th overall, is the 11th man to compete at the Australian Open after turning 40. 

He owns a 2-1 lifetime record against 30-year-old Djere. 

Iga’s Quest Commences 

It’s not front and center in her mind, but you better believe that the rest of the world will be talking about the fact that Iga Swiatek has a chance to complete the calendar Slam in Melbourne this year. The six-time major champion faces China’s Yuan Yue on Rod Laver Arena in the night session, as she bids to become the seventh woman in the Open Era (11th overall)  to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Swiatek owns the 1-0 edge against Yuan, and is 26-1 in first-round matches at the majors in her career. Her only loss coming at Wimbledon in 2019 to Viktorija Golubic.