Zheng, Ruud score grindout victories

MELBOURNE – Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and sixth seed Casper Ruud rallied to make the Australian Open second round Sunday as storms caused havoc ahead of Aryna Sabalenka beginning her quest for a historic third consecutive crown.

Fifth seed Zheng, last year’s losing finalist, had the honor of playing the first point on center court at the opening Grand Slam of the season against Romania’s 110th-ranked Anca Todoni.

She came through 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena but was rusty after opting not to play a warm-up event.

Norway’s Ruud said ahead of the event that playing better at Grand Slams was on his agenda this year after an underwhelming 2024 at the majors.

But he will need to lift his game to go deep in Melbourne after a rollercoaster 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over Spain’s Jaume Munar, ranked 106.