Emma Raducanu has revealed she was “badly bitten by ants” ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne but refused to use an antiseptic spray over concerns surrounding recent anti-doping cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.

Raducanu said she was left with a swollen ankle and hand after the insect bites triggered an allergic reaction but the former US Open champion opted to “tough it out” because she didn’t want to risk failing a drugs test.

The tennis world was rocked last season after it emerged that World No 1s Sinner and Swiatek tested positive for banned substances. Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after proving she was contaminated by a supplement to combat jet lag, while Sinner was cleared after it was ruled he was contaminated by his physio during a massage.

Emma Raducanu has found hard-working physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura the perfect fit for her travelling team but admits she is a “black cat” who still loves her own space.

The former US Open champion has deliberately kept a small entourage around her but late last year added Nakamura to a central unit that also includes coach Nick Cavaday.

Nakamura is highly regarded within tennis and previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, who described him this week as a “really kind person” with a love of selfies and sushi.

He and Raducanu have already spent many hours together, with the 22-year-old keen to avoid the injury lay-offs that have affected her career so far and achieve her athletic potential.

Jack Draper was proud of the heart he showed in winning ugly after coming through a five-set battle in the first round of the Australian Open for the second year in a row.

Twelve months ago, the British number one vomited into a courtside bin at the end of a gruelling win over Marcos Giron in intense Melbourne heat.

It was cooler and breezier this time, with Draper’s biggest problem against Argentinian Mariano Navone being his own inconsistency after a disrupted build-up caused by a hip injury.

Draper committed a whopping 88 unforced errors and looked to be heading for defeat at two sets to one down but dug himself out of a big hole to win 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2 after four hours and one minute.

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Young American Alex Michelsen caused the first big upset of the Australian Open by knocking out former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round.

Tsitsipas was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final two years ago and is also a three-time semi-finalist, but he has struggled since reaching the quarter-finals of the French Open last spring.

He has now lost three grand slam matches in a row after a second-round exit at Wimbledon and first-round defeat at the US Open.

The Greek 11th seed threatened a comeback by winning the third set against Michelsen, but the talented 20-year-old, who reached the third round on his debut last year, held his nerve to claim a 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4 victory.

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Coco Gauff is hoping that coming through a tough first round clash with former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin will hold her in good stead for the rest of the tournament.

The third seed was given a solid workout by 2020 champion Kenin in blazing sunshine on Rod Laver Arena but extended her lengthy winning streak to reach the second round with a 6-3 6-3 victory.

“Honestly, when I saw the draw, I was like, it’s not a great first round. She’s one of those people that she can play great tennis,” Gauff said.

“But, I just think of the positives of, if you get through that, then you kind of have a set the tone for having a high level throughout the tournament.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Carlos Alcaraz was impressed with his level early in his bid to complete a career grand slam after an imperfect but entertaining 6-1 7-5 6-1 win over Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko.

“I think I played a great level,” said Alcaraz, who was playing his first match of the new season and opting to skip the wam-up events.

“Honestly, the first match of the season you never know how it’s going to be. I had the confidence to think that I was going to be good, but you never know.

“I’m just really happy with the level that I played, with everything I’ve done today. But I really want to be better in the next round.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Jannik Sinner became just the fourth men’s player to win 15 matches in a row at the hard court grand slams, joining Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

The defending Australian Open and US Open opened his tournament with a straight-sets win over Nicolas Jarry.

"It’s amazing to be next to these names. I cannot compare myself with these players, no? They have done so many things, I’m just trying to make my little story. Happy about that.

“I like hard courts, I like these conditions, especially when it’s not too hot like today. It’s very nice to play. So I’m very happy with how I’m trying to keep going as much as I can.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Novak Djokovic admitted his first on-court experience of being coached by Andy Murray was “strange” but said his former rival offered some “great advice” after opening his Australian Open campaign with a comeback win over teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.

Djokovic gave more details in his post-match press conference. “A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion. It’s important. I enjoy talking to Andy

“He knows my tennis as well as anybody out there. He’s a legend of the sport. He understands the highs and lows that you go through on the court, not just game-wise but mentally and physically. I don’t need to do much explaining. He gets everything that I’m going through.

“In those moments on the court, it’s a big battle. Of course, he wants me to show the energy, to show the fist pump and everything to get myself going. I think he was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage me and support me. I enjoyed it. I really did enjoy it. I think he’s a great guy. It’s a pleasure to have him in my corner.”

Novak Djokovic praised “brilliant” Andy Murray for his mid-match advice after their coaching partnership got off to a winning start at the Australian Open.

After attracting plenty of attention during practice sessions at Melbourne Park, eyes were as much on Murray in the new courtside coaching pod on Rod Laver Arena as the 10-time champion on court against American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.

If Djokovic is to have a chance of making it 11, he will certainly have to play better than he managed here, but he eventually wore down 19-year-old debutant Basavareddy in a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory.

Speaking in his on-court interview, Djokovic said of Murray: “I’m obviously thrilled to have him in my corner. I must say it was a little bit of a strange experience to have him courtside in my box.

“He gave me some great advice mid-match. He’s been doing really well. It’s been an enjoyable experience and hopefully we don’t stop here.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+

Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley claimed the biggest win of his career at the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Nick Kyrgios.

Home favourite Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, was handicapped by an abdominal strain as Fearnley prevailed 7-6 (3) 6-3 7-6 (2) in two hours and 19 minutes in Melbourne.

The controversial Kyrgios was playing his first grand-slam event since the 2022 US Open after recovering from chronic wrist and hip injuries.

“I was extremely nervous before the match and I didn’t get too much sleep,” Fearnley said in his on-court interview. “I knew it was going to be a rowdy match. I thought I played good.

“I’m sorry for Nick, I knew he was dealing with some stuff but he played some unbelievable tennis and I thought it was a great match.

“I just tried to focus on myself as best as I could. All things considered it’s probably the best match I’ve ever played.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+