The 2024 Australian Open is under way and Argentines have seen plenty of action. 

The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly Tomás Etcheverry (32nd ATP men’s singles ranked), who beat British former world number one, Andy Murray (40th). The Argentine player won by  6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes of play.

“It was difficult playing a legend like Andy,” said Etcheverry, “but that long first set helped me, cause he’s getting older so I had a physical advantage despite his great shape.” He added that his serve was key to his win, comparing it with the thunderous serve of Argentine Grand Slam winner Juan Martín del Potro.

Murray, age 36, who played five Australian Open finals between 2010 and 2016, claimed he was disappointed with his performance and admitted it could have been his last outing at the historic tournament. “It’s definitely a possibility that’s the last time I play here […] When you’re one point away from the end, you’re like, I can’t believe this is over so quickly, and like this.”

Etcheverry will face Frenchman Gael Monfils (76) in the second round this Wednesday.

Top ranked Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo (21) also won in his debut on Monday, beating Australian Dane Sweeny (257) in a marathon five-set match, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6 y 6-2 over three hours and 23 minutes of play. He will now face Hungarian Fábián Marozsán (67) in the second round this Tuesday.

Sebastián Báez (29) beat American Jeffrey John Wolf (57) after he retired when the game was 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 y 3-0, and will face Colombia’s Daniel Galán (89).

In the women’s draw, Rosario-born Nadia Podoroska beat Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek, 6-0, 6-1 in just over one hour’s play. She will face American Amanda Anisimova (442) this Tuesday for a spot in the third round.

Pedro Cachín (74), Facundo Díaz Acosta (90) and Federico Coria (84) were all eliminated in the first round.