Third seed Rafael Nadal returned to Grand Slam action with a comprehensive win over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny.
Australian Open 2015 |
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Dates: 19 January-1 February Venue: Melbourne Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, selected live text commentaries and daily reports on the BBC Sport website |
- Nadal beats Youzhny in straight sets
- Ivanovic one of eight women’s seeds to lose
- Federer through to second round
- Sharapova faces Martic in day’s final match
The Spaniard, 28, won 6-3 6-2 6-2 in his first match at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon following injury and illness.
Second seed Roger Federer outclassed Yen-Hsun Lu 6-4 6-2 7-5 while sixth seed Andy Murray beat India’s Yuki Bhambri 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
Women’s fifth seed Ana Ivanovic suffered a shock 1-6 6-3 6-2 defeat by Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka.
Nadal happy with Slam return
Nadal, who is a 14-time Grand Slam winner, had only played eight matches since a shock defeat by Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon last year.
Before the tournament, he played down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title but showed glimpses of his best against world number 49 Youzhny.
“I was a little bit under doubt before, but I think I played without making too many mistakes and the only way to get better is to win more matches so it will probably help me,” said Nadal.
“In general I was working well, returning well and I just need to build a little bit, such as being more dynamic with the movements sometimes. But for the rest I am more or less happy.”
Ivanovic one of eight seeds ousted
Serbia’s Ivanovic appeared close to tears as she dissected her shock first-round exit against Hradecka in front of the post-match media.
“I think the whole match I didn’t really feel like myself out there. I had some issues. You know, it’s probably the worst thing that could happen,” she said.
But the 2008 runner-up was not the only seeded female to suffer an opening-day exit, with a quarter of the seeds falling.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki, ninth seed Angelique Kerber, 16th seed Lucie Safarova, Swiss teenage sensation Belinda Bencic, Spain’s Carla Suarez-Navarro and Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also saw their hopes ended.
Marriage advice for Murray? Stay together – it’s cheaper
It goes without saying that legendary coach Nick Bollettieri, who has helped the careers of the Williams sisters, Andre Agassi and Monica Seles among countless others, knows more than a thing or two about tennis.
And the 83-year-old is also an expert on marriage – having tied the knot eight times. So who better to give Andy Murray some advice as he prepares to marry girlfriend Kim Sears later this year?
“Here’s my advice. One, it’s much cheaper to stay together forever. Two, when you get married make sure you sign a certificate that you get the alimony,” the American joked on BBC Radio 5 live.
Aussiewatch
You could not miss Australia’s finest on day one, with nine of the 10 Aussie men in action and several of them decked out in day-glo kit. After some lean years, hopes are high that the likes of Nick Krygios, Thanasi Kokkinakis or, yes, Bernard Tomic could one day end the now 39-year wait for an Australian men’s champion.
Tomic, 22, was among the early winners and when the vocal home supporters known as ‘Fanatics’ began chanting that he was ‘Australia’s number one’, he responded “Number two!” in deference to Kyrgios.
The sometimes troubled, often wayward, but supremely gifted Tomic is clearly enjoying being part of an Aussie crowd. “For sure it’s changed,” he said. “I think Lleyton Hewitt and I playing so well a few years ago gave a lot of confidence for younger kids wanting to succeed.”
Selfie sticks
Selfie sticks are becoming an increasingly common sight – but not at courtside in Melbourne.
Spectators have been warned about using them during matches because they might distract players and annoy other fans.
Instead, they can go to dedicated ‘selfie zones’.
“We encourage selfie sticks at Melbourne Park,” an Australian Open spokesman told the Herald Sun. “We just rely on people to not use them where they impede someone’s view.”
Rafael Nadal is confident he can pull off his pink-trimmed short shorts. “These are the shorts I was using for parties in the last couple of months. I like the bright colours, Australia is a happy country, a sports country and these people bring me very positive energy so this is the right place to wear them.”
Grigor Dimitrov believes he has found a winner with his present hairstyle. Asked about the possibility of a new cut, he replied: “I think I’ve past that stage. I’ve had a lot of haircuts, but I think visually it looks pretty good.”
Andy Murray is pleased that the “Andy Army” have broadened their repertoire. “They actually changed a few songs,” he said. “The last few years they had a lot of the same ones. I was hoping that they are going to change a few of them.”
Marinko Matosevic , known as ‘Mad Dog’, says that he is mellowing at the grand old age of 29. “I guess I’m maturing in my old age,” he said. “I’m definitely a late-bloomer. I guess mentally-wise as well I’m a late-bloomer in that department as well.”
“I think this is very sort of like philosophical question.” Seventh seed Tomas Berdych is asked where his game is after a straight-sets win over Alejandro Falla.
“I was talking to my coach and I told him I actually did feel like I won the Australian Open.” Australia’s Jarmila Gajdosova finally gets a victory at her home Slam at the 10th time of asking.
