Zheng, Andreeva win as rain lashes Open on day one

Chinese star awarded the honor of playing the first point on center court

MELBOURNE — Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen overcame a sluggish start to blast into the Australian Open second round on Sunday as storms caused havoc ahead of Aryna Sabalenka beginning her quest for a historic third consecutive crown.

Fifth seed Zheng, last year's losing finalist, had the honor of playing the first point on center court at the opening Grand Slam of the season against Romania's 110th-ranked Anca Todoni

She came through unscathed 7-6(7/3), 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena but was clearly rusty after opting not to play a warm-up event.