 |
| Djokovic celebrates his epic win over Wawrinka |
With the second week getting underway at Melbourne Park I take a quick look back over some of the best moments and stories from week one.
Djokovic vs Wawrinka
The final match of the first week was without doubt the best. Stanislas Wawrinka could not have pushed Novak Djokovic any harder before the Serb emerged victorious 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 12-10. Read my report of the thriller here
Kimiko's wondrous run
42 year-old 1994 semi-finalist Kimiko Date-Krumm made a historic run through the third round by defeating 12th seed Nadia Petrova and then seeing off Shahar Peer to become the oldest woman to reach the third round of a major since 1979.
British Women impress
Heather Watson and Laura Robson both battled impressively into the third round at Melbourne Park for the first time and will be rewarded with career high rankings post-tournament.
Watson recovered to defeat Alexandra Cadantu before surviving three match points in a thriller against Ksenia Pervak. It took in-form World No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska to stop her.
After dispatching Melanie Oudin in round one; Robson came through a gripping late night battle with eighth seed 2011 Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. Sloane Stephens ended the Robson run in round three.
Roger puts Tomic in his place
20 year-old Aussie Bernard Tomic, champion in Sydney, talked a good talk before taking on four-time champion Roger Federer in the third round.
Federer put the youngster in his place winning an entertaining contest 6-4, 7-6(7-5), 6-1. The Swiss four-time champion is yet to drop serve entering week two.
Serena survives injury, slams down bombs
Title favourite Serena Williams suffered a major scare in her first round match with a painful twist of her right ankle. She still managed to win 6-0, 6-0 against Edina Gallovits-Hall.
The five-time winner has hit her two fastest serves of her career and remains the woman to beat entering week two. A place in the final will guarantee a return to the No.1 spot, but she could climb back to the summit even with a lesser showing.
Ruthless Sharapova on fire
2008 Champion Maria Sharapova has been white hot in Melbourne Park in reaching the last eight for the loss of just five games - the fewest ever at the Australian Open.
In the third round the Russian produced an overwhelming performance to dispatch seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 6-1, 6-3
Del Potro stunned by Chardy
The major upset in the Men's draw occurred in round three as sixth seed Juan Martin Del Potro was felled by France's Jeremy Chardy. Chardy saw off a Del Potro comeback to put out the 2009 US Open winner 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3.
Azarenka pushed hard by Hampton
Reigning champion Victoria Azarenka suffered a fright in round three as an inspired Jamie Hampton led the World No.1 by an early break in the deciding set before a back injury caused the American to fade and the top seed survived.
Impressive Murray easing through
British No.1 Andy Murray cruised into week two without losing a set. The US Open and Olympic champion encountered a few problems against Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis but is looking good as he aims to reach a third final in Melbourne.
Young guns point to the future
A number of youngsters - including Stephens and Robson impressed in the women's draw during week one. Big serving 17 year-old American Madison Keys crushed 30th seed Tamira Paszek before stretching 5th seed Angelique in round three.
The youngest player in the draw 16 year-old Croatian Donna Vekic made a superb debut by beating Andrea Hlavackova 6-1, 6-2 before putting in a good performance against Wozniacki.
Follow me on Twitter @TennisCJD
No comments:
Post a Comment