Reviewing the first-round men's singles exits, many top players were knocked out, but there were fewer upsets compared to last year!

After three days of fierce battles, the opening round of the Australian Open has come to an end. Let's see which prominent players have been eliminated, including several who drew our attention.

The first to fall was Italy's third-ranked player, Cobolli, who made it to the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year. In last season's finale, the Davis Cup, with Sinner and Musetti absent, he led Italy to defend their title, famously tearing his shirt in celebration. Despite his great looks and skills, he suffered an early knockout this new season.

Next was Felix Auger-Aliassime, who achieved a career-high ranking last season and was expected to become the third force beyond Alcaraz and Sinner. Unfortunately, he was hampered by injury and retired in the first round.

Another highly anticipated player to become a third force was Brazil’s popular rising star Fonseca. However, after withdrawing from the two lead-up tournaments before the Australian Open, he still couldn’t regain his form and was ultimately eliminated.

Then there is Dimitrov, who has long struggled with injuries and whose form has declined since his return. He had an unlucky draw, facing last week's tour champion Mahach in the first round, and was naturally defeated in three sets.

With a tour champion advancing, there was also a runner-up leaving early. Humbert had a tough draw against the U.S. No.1 Shelton, losing in straight sets in their first-ever meeting.

Dutch No.1 Griekspoor, who performed quite well at this time last season, had a poor showing against Quinn, winning only seven games over three sets, showing a very weak form.

Pericard, Mickelson, and Kecmanovic also lost in five-set battles. Two-time US Open semifinalist Busta fought hard against last week's tour champion Menchik but ultimately the younger player prevailed.

Monfils’ final dance in Melbourne was less graceful than Wawrinka’s. Facing a qualifier, he could only sigh at the passing of time. Having played the Australian Open 20 times with just two quarterfinal appearances, Monfils didn’t leave a dazzling legacy here like at other majors, but that does not diminish his greatness.

Mickelson was also a strong contender for a seeded position but faced a tough opponent, former semifinalist Kachanov, who narrowly won in five sets.

Others eliminated in the first round include former Masters runner-up Struff, former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Garin, French left-hander Gaston, and Italian Nardi, among others.

Relatively speaking, there were fewer surprises this year than last. The second round promises to be even more exciting. It will be interesting to see how many seeded players fall when we review that stage.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Chengqi Ye)