Heavy rain disrupts day one at Australian Open

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have impacted Melbourne’s opening day of the Australian Open.

Matches at the season-opening Grand Slam tournament started as scheduled at 11: 00 local time (00: 00 GMT) on Sunday.

About an hour later, however, players on the other courts were forced to leave.

Play will not resume at Melbourne Park until at least 17: 00 (06: 00 GMT).

Due to the wet weather, only the games that were scheduled for Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena, all of which have roofs, could be played.

Three matches had been completed by 15: 00 (04: 00 GMT).

Chinese fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, last year’s beaten finalist, and teenage Russian 14th seed Mirra Andreeva won in the women’s singles.

Frenchman Arthur Fils, the 20th seed, won the first round of the men’s tournament.

Sonay Kartal, who is the only Briton in action on Sunday, was among the players whose matches were delayed.