The action in Melbourne continues as the top tennis players in the world continue on their path to the Grand Slam title. The Australian Open never failed to produce shocking and memorable moments in the tournament’s opening rounds, and this year’s iteration is no exception.

Today we take a look at the most noteworthy results from round 1 of the 2022 Australian Open, who delivered, who fell flat, and what does all that mean for Australian Open bettors. Let’s jump right into action so you can keep betting against the Australian Open odds.

2022 Australian Open Betting News and Updates | January 18th Edition

Andy Murray Through To Round Two

Andy Murray impressed many of his fans in the opening round of the 2022 Australian Open with a hard-fought five-set win against Nikoloz Basilashvili to book a spot in R2. Showing he has plenty of life left in him, the 34-year-old delivered on the court where he was virtually returned three years back.

A hip injury that nearly retired the former no.1 in 2019 seems to be the thing of the past now, and while it was a tough process, Murray is now finally able to train and compete at the highest level. However, his return to form is hardly surprising, seeing how Murray made the finals at the Sydney Invitational last week, and it seems like he has managed to carry over the momentum to the big stage.

Admittedly, Murray had to work hard to make it past Basilashvili, but after a nearly four-hour battle, Murray came through with 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. 6-7, 6-4, and secured his first victory in Melbourne in five years.

The three-time Grand Slam champion is now set to world no.120 Taro Daniel in the second round of the 2022 Australian Open on Thursday, January 20. It will mark their first head-to-head meeting since the 2016 Davis Cup, where Murray won in straight sets.

This marks the first time since 2017 that Murray has made it past the first round of the Australian Open, where he has five final appearances (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016), but not a single title. 

Ruud Is Out Of 2022 Australian Open

World no.8, Casper Ruud, will not compete at the 2022 Australian Open, as he was forced to withdraw from his opening match against Alex Molcan due to an ankle injury. The 23-year-old stated that while he worked hard to be able to compete at the Grand Slam, he hasn’t had enough time to recover from his injury.

“I tried my best to recover, but two days is not usually enough to recover for a rolled ankle. I did everything I could, but to be able to play 100% was impossible today,” said Ruud.

“It’s an unfortunate thing that happened in practice on Sunday, I rolled my ankle, I twisted my ankle – it’s something that happened in a split second.”

Despite his injury, Ruud feels optimistic that he can do well in South America next month and aims to fully recover ahead of the Roland Garros in May.

Molcan is now through to the second round of the 2022 Australian Open in his debut in Melbourne. On Thursday, the 24-year-old will face off against world no.83 Pablo Andujar-Alba, who defeated world no.161 Damir Dzumhur in R1 in straight sets (6-1, 7-5, 6-1).

Tennis Betting Center

Get your Updated Tennis Betting Odds here!