Sweeny faces 'consolation prize' Shelton, fashionista Osaka back on court

MELBOURNE, Jan 21 : The Australian Open second round continues on Thursday with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys in action along with Novak Djokovic, who gets an afternoon slot on Rod Laver Arena. Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka are also playing.

TOP MEN'S MATCH: SHELTON V SWEENY

Dane Sweeny is not dwelling on the life-changing windfall his first Grand Slam match victory guarantees. Rather, he is relishing the chance to test himself against tennis royalty on a big stage.

The diminutive Australian qualifier, who stunned veteran Gael Monfils, views his second-round clash with eighth seed Ben Shelton as a "consolation prize" after missing out on the sport's biggest names.

"I don't try and think about the money too much, but it's nice," Sweeny said with a laugh after securing a guaranteed payday of A$225,000 ($151,785) even if he loses to the American.

"It's nice not to have that burden. I can just directly reinvest into my tennis.

"I was really hoping first round I would play Sinner or (Carlos) Alcaraz. So playing Shelton, it's a good consolation prize playing him second round," he added.

"Just appreciative at the opportunity to play on a big court, to play a player like him to really test myself. It is obviously going to be very tough. He has arguably the best serve in the world, so that will be a big puzzle to kind of solve."

The feeling appears mutual with Shelton remembering Sweeny from their days grinding through entry-level Futures tournaments.

"I've got a lot of respect for Dane Sweeny," Shelton told ESPN. "He's one of those guys that can light up a crowd."

TOP WOMEN'S MATCH: OSAKA V CIRSTEA

Naomi Osaka had spectators marvelling as she glided onto Rod Laver Arena in a jellyfish-inspired ensemble complete with