The first day of the Australian Open has been disrupted by heavy rain and thunderstorms in Melbourne.

Matches at the season-opening Grand Slam tournament started as scheduled at 11:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Sunday.

But players on the outer courts were forced off about an hour later.

Play will not resume at Melbourne Park until at least 17:00 (06:00 GMT).

The wet weather meant only the matches scheduled on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena – all of which have a roof – could be played.

Three matches had been completed by 15:00 (04:00 GMT).

Chinese fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, last year’s beaten finalist, and teenage Russian 14th seed Mirra Andreeva won in the women’s singles.

French 20th seed Arthur Fils secured victory in the men’s first round.

Sonay Kartal, who is the only Briton in action on Sunday, was among the players whose matches were delayed.

The British number three was due to start her match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at 14:00 (03:00).