There were big surprises in the men’s singles draw for the 2023 Australian Open on Thursday, with the other two top favorites (Taylor Fritz and Oleksandr Zverev) eliminated.

Oleksandr ZverevPhoto: Ng Han Guan/AP/Profimedia

Taylor Fritz, Oleksandr Zverev and Kasper Ruud were unexpectedly eliminated from AO

In Melbourne, No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz (the reigning Indian Wells champion) was defeated by Oleksii Popyrin after a grueling match that lasted four hours and two minutes.

The home favorite is ranked No. 113 in the world and the victory came in five sets, 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-2.

In another match of the day, Oleksandr Zverev (12th seed) lost in four sets to Michael Mmow (USA – 107 ATP). It was 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in favor of the American player. The game lasted three hours and 26 minutes.

It will be recalled that Kasper Ruud, the second favorite of the Grand Slam from Melbourne, was also eliminated on Thursday.

Three of Melbourne’s top ten favorites have already left the competition in Australia: Rafael Nadal (1), Kasper Ruud (2) and Taylor Fritz (8).

Australian Open 2023 will be held from January 16 to 29. The reigning champions are Ashley Barty (retired) and Rafael Nadal (retired).