MELBOURNE, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Alexander Zverev launched ‌his bid for a maiden Australian Open title with a shaky first-round win over Canadian Gabriel Diallo as disgruntled fans ‌fumed over long queues and a surprise ticket sales halt on day one.

Third seed Zverev, the runner-up to Jannik ‌Sinner last year, dropped the first set against the feisty world number 41 at Rod Laver Arena but rallied to a 6-7(1) 6-1 6-4 6-2win on a steamy afternoon.