Australian Open Review: Day 1

Yes! The first grand slam of the year is finally upon. Maria Sharapova inaugurated the tournament to the delight of men around the world. World number one two Roger Federer also graced the Aussi crowd and two Americans were also in action. Australian Open Review: Day 1

Here’s a round-up of the first day’s big events:

Men’s

No doubt the biggest news of the day was king of the court, king of Gillette and king of our hearts Roger Federer making it into the second round of the open – Shit, you don’t say? Playing with that perfect blend of grace and pompousness, the number-two seed defeated Slovak Lukas Lacko in straight sets, 6-1 6-1 6-2, and made it back to the hotel just in time to catch the late-night repeat of the Golden Globes.

Funny-man Novak Djokovic also progressed after beating the tennis playing Spaniard who isn’t Rafael Nadal, Marcel Granollers. 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 it finished. Here’s to Novak keeping up the good tennis so he can entertain us with his wacko press conferences and TV interviews.

American Mardy Fish had his work cut out for him, as he needed to recover from two sets down to beat Victor Hanescu of Romania, 2-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3. Fish, has shot up the rankings board from 108^th to 16^th this past year and looks like he might just keep to the good form and to impress the drunken Aussie crowd.

Speaking of Americans, anyone remember Andy Roddick? Well, A-Rod II also made it to the second round after defeating Czech Jan Hajek, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, meaning we are all going to have to wait a little longer before we see him rage into one his signature hissy fits.

The Czechs did have reason to celebrate, however, as number-six seed Tomas Berdych beat Marco Crugnola of Italy (Italy? Oh come on, name me one good Italian tennis player. Exactly). 6-4, 6-0, 6-2.

And Spain’s second most popular tennis figure Fernando Verdasco defeated Germany’s Rainer Schuettler 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. All German tennis fans have to watch now is Boris Becker taking part in PokerStars functions.

Women’s

Whoever’s responsible for organizing the scheduling is probably one of Maria Sharapova’s many publicists. The 23-year-old Russian bombshell was the face tof the he tournament’s opening day, playing the first match on the Rod Laver Arena against the distinctly older looking Tamarine Tanasugam of Thailand. Sports Illustrated prevailed over sports desecrated, 6-1, 6-3.

Women’s number-one Caroline Wozniaki also impressed, defeating Gisela Dulko of Argentina 6-3, 6-4. With previous two-time winner Serena Williams out injured, this could just be Wozniaki’s tournament. If you’re a betting person, I know a bookie that’ll let you gamble your mortgage. Tell ‘em Dave sent you.

She’ll have to make it passed Serena’s sister Venus, though, who screamed her way into round two after traumatising Italian Sara Errani off the court, 6-2, 6-3.

And finally, number-eleven seed, 2004 winner and soon-to-be-ex-Belgian Justine Henin-Hardin beat Sania Mirza of India, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Tune in for the next two weeks for my daily round-up of events at this year’s Australian Open. Get yourself in the mood with a can of Fosters and a quick game of knify-spoony with your neighbour.