Australian Open: Day Two
Originally published on 16/01/18 00:00
Konta races to victory
Jo Konta made light work of her American opponent Madison Brengle despatching her 63 61 in 66 minutes. The British player was back in the locker room by 12.20pm local time.
Petra Kvitova gets a gong
Although Andrea Petkovic defeated her, Petra Kvitova was presented with an Award by the International Tennis Writers' Association (ITWA), for being such a great ambassador for the sport and helpful to the media. Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal received a joint award from ITWA on Sunday.
Djokovic Serve
Novak Djokovic was speedy in his despatch of Donald Young 61 62 64. With a change of service action his assessment was:
“The second serve was very, very good. I'm very happy with the second serve. First serve was kind of up and down ”
“It's fine, you know.” he said, “I won straight-set match. After six months, there's not much to say in a negative note about it.”
Teenage victories
Yesterday 15 year-old Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk won her first round match beating Shuai Peng. Today 18-year-old Marketa Vondrousova won her first Australian Open match defeating Kurumi Nara 75 64. The Czech player who won her first WTA title as a 17 year old plays Caroline Garcia next.
Sharapova returns to Melbourne
Maria Sharapova who last week shared the stage with Roger Federer to oversee the Australian Open draw was asked today after her first round match (she defeated Tatjana Maria) if she felt that inappropriate for a player returning after a 15- month dopIng ban:
“I was invited to be part of the draw by Craig Tiley and the tournament organization,” she said "and I kindly accepted."
Milos Raonic
The Canadian was bounced out of the Australian Open by World No. 86 Lukas Lacko.This was Raonic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2011 French Open and the first time he has not advanced beyond the first round at the Australian Open in eight appearances.
Drama for Simona Halep and Destanee Aiava
Although the World No 1 eventually came through the match against Australian Destanee Aiava, both players took medical time outs. The 17-year-old Australian had her blood pressure taken
“I just got really anxious at 5-2 and started hyperventilating” said Aiava
Simona Halep who twisted her ankle in the second set said, “I just want to wait for tomorrow to see how I wake up. From my experience, I feel that is nothing broken, but still the pain was big. I have to see with the doctors.”
No wombat for Federer
It was a reasonable day at the office for Roger Federer, who defeated Aljaz Bedene in straight sets. His reward was an on court interview with comedian Will Ferrell who asked the World No.2 among other things if he had tasted wombat. (For the record, the 19 time Grand Slam Champion has not).
The mercury is rising
Melbourne Park was bathed in Aussie sunshine today as the thermometer reached 27 degrees. The temperature is forecast to rise in the next few days.
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