South Africa’s Hopes at the Australian Open Dashed, Lloyd Harris and Kevin Anderson Eliminated in First Round

• Lloyd Harris and Kevin Anderson were both eliminated from the Australian Open in the opening round
• Lloyd Harris was knocked out by Aleksander Vukic while Kevin Anderson was beaten by Reilly Opelka in round 1
• South Africa has no chance of Grand Slam glory after both Harris and Anderson were eliminated today

It was a disappointing day on the tennis courts at the Australian Open for South Africa's tennis players, as both Kevin Anderson and Lloyd Harris were eliminated.

Harris ranked number 30 in the world and Anderson ranked number 97 were both dumped out in the first round at the tournament in Melbourne Park.

Sport24 reported that Lloyd Harris was beaten by Australia's Aleksander Vukic 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-6(3). Vukic is ranked 144th in the world and was given a wildcard spot in the tournament.

Kevin Anderson had a tougher draw as he was pitted against number 23 seed, Reilly Opelka from America. Opelka won the match in straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6 IOL reported. Anderson was once ranked number 5 in the world and many hoped that he would find that form again.

Efe Ajagba's net worth, is he the richest boxer in Africa?

Boxing

Tennis lovers took to social media to voice their anger that both of South Africa's hopes were knocked out.

@HendsumGuy:

"Kevin thinks he's American that's why he won't win anything until he respects South Africa"

@tobiogunsakin:

"Make Anderson retire. He don try."

S'bu Brenkworth Zulu:

"With Kevin Anderson crashing out of the #AusOpen we once again cheer for athletes from other nations. Meh.."

Ayanda Frances Felem:

"Nothing new. Our daily bread."

Russell Narunsky:

"well he did a lot better than novax so"

Mussa Natureboy:

"This is our best results as South african.that's what we always hope for.we never expected him to go further.even kevin anderson loose winnable games.and win when we don't expect him to"

Crowds at Australian Open to be capped, Covid19 restrictions limit crowds to 50% for Grand Slam

In a bid to stem a rise in Covid19 cases at the first grand slam of the year, organisers at the Australian Open have capped the number of spectators allowed in attendance at matches, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Naomi Osaka withdraws from Melbourne tennis tournament, Australian Open participation remains in doubt

Tennis

Crowds at the first grand slam of the year will be capped at 50% capacity in a bit to stem a potential rise in Covid19 cases. Fans will also have to wear their face masks at all times except when they're eating or drinking and they will have to socially distance themselves while indoors, ENCA confirmed.

The Guardian reported that the Victorian government released a statement in which they also added that ventilation would also be improved at Melbourne Park, just one of the measures put in place.