Australian Open: Sriram Balaji and Reyes Varela advance to the next round

N. Balaji and his partner M. Reyes-Varela kept Indian hopes alive in the men’s doubles at the 2025 Australian Open with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over R. Haase and A. Nedovyesov.

The Indian-Mexican duo demonstrated strong synergy, securing a spot in the second round after dominating key moments of the match.

However, it was a day of early exits for other Indian doubles players. Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan struggled against Orlando Luz and Gregoire Jacq, losing 6-2, 6-1 in a one-sided encounter.

Despite their best efforts, they failed to convert any of their five break-point opportunities.

On Court 15, Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli and Ryan Seggerman put up a brave fight but were edged out by Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten in a closely contested match 7(7)-6(5), 6-1.

Their consistency on serve kept them in the game, but crucial points went against them.

Meanwhile, Anirudh Chandrasekar and Karol Drzewiecki exited the tournament after a 7(7)-6(1), 2-6, 7(10)-6(6) defeat to Damir Dzumhur and Petros Tsitsipas on Court 12.

The duo struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, converting only two of their eleven break points.

With Balaji the sole Indian advancing, hopes rest on his partnership with Reyes-Varela as they aim for a deep run in the doubles competition.