Well then, well then what's ben happening in Australia, I hear you ask?
Firstly, Mr Federer was pushed to 5 sets by Giles Simon (who, when beaten by Nadal last year said he was happy to be going home to his new baby, awww), in fact Simon had a good chance to win the match as Feds was no where near his best for the second half of the match. Even at 2-5, 0-40 down Simon kept fighting, saving three match points and holding his serve. But Federer was able to serve, and win the fifth set 6-3.
Top seed Nadal, however, brushed aside American qualifer Ryan Sweeting 6-2 6-1 6-1. And Andy Murray came through comfortably against Illya Marchenko in straight sets. He's a curious fellow, 'our' Andy, determined to do his darnedist to win his first grand slam but came to Australia without his current coach, did no research on his first round opponent who he had never played before, and said he wanted a slow start to the tournament so he could peak at the end. Not sure this the approach I would take, but it's worked for him so far I guess.
The most interesting match of today was Juan Martin Del Potro (who won 2009 US Open beating Federer before serious wrist injury took him out for a year, his ranking dropped from 4 to around 260, but he has a protected ranking allowing him into this tournament without needing to qualify) against Bagdhatis (who stunned everyone in 2008 by getting to the Aussie Open final, where he was beaten by Djokovic). Good signs for Del Potro who was whacking the ball without his hand falling off, but he did need the doctor 3 times in the second set. He lacked consistency and made too many unforced errors. He lost the first two sets, came back hard in the third winning it 6-3 and suggested a tidal turn in the match, but failed to capitalise and lost the fourth set 1-6. I hope he does well, he has a nice attractive face, with tufty facial hair.
On the women's side, 7th seed Jankovic lost in straight sets to Shuai Peng, the world number 54. And Venus wWilliams tore a muscle in her match but came through it in three sets. Also through are Stosur, Clijsters, and Zvonereva. Alas, as predicted, both British ladies lost their matches- Baltacha in straight sets to Henin, but Keothothong had a real chance against Petkovic after winning the first set 6-2 and having a break in the second. But she lost the second set 5-7 and collapse in the third 1-6. Shame too, as she won have played Venus Williams in the third round who may have given her an injury walkover into the fourth round for the first time.
And the doubles has kicked off with a win for Jamie Murray :) and his partner Xavier Malisse, who knocked out the 9th seeds. Doesn't seem that Jamie's playing in the mixed doubles though, shame because he does well in that. But its only men's doubles which give him ranking points so hopefully he'll get a few good points here. Although he did kill a bird :( See Below.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9367989.stm
Firstly, Mr Federer was pushed to 5 sets by Giles Simon (who, when beaten by Nadal last year said he was happy to be going home to his new baby, awww), in fact Simon had a good chance to win the match as Feds was no where near his best for the second half of the match. Even at 2-5, 0-40 down Simon kept fighting, saving three match points and holding his serve. But Federer was able to serve, and win the fifth set 6-3.
Top seed Nadal, however, brushed aside American qualifer Ryan Sweeting 6-2 6-1 6-1. And Andy Murray came through comfortably against Illya Marchenko in straight sets. He's a curious fellow, 'our' Andy, determined to do his darnedist to win his first grand slam but came to Australia without his current coach, did no research on his first round opponent who he had never played before, and said he wanted a slow start to the tournament so he could peak at the end. Not sure this the approach I would take, but it's worked for him so far I guess.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9367989.stm
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