Roger Federer and Serena Williams showed there was plenty of life left in their relatively old legs by easing into the third round of the Australian Open on a day when sweltering heat tested the stamina of thirtysomething and teenager alike.
Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova scorched into the third round of the Australian Open with displays of ruthless dominance to bring some much-needed pizzazz to the main showcourts.
Serena Williams was in no mood to allow a painful tumble to divert her from her path to a sixth Australian Open title today and duly delivered a resounding 6-0 6-0 win to open her campaign at the year's first grand slam.
Novak Djokovic served up only flashes of his best tennis on the opening day of the Australian Open but took a comfortable first step on the path he hopes will lead to an unprecedented hat-trick of titles at Melbourne Park in two weeks' time.
It's been a heart-breaking defeat for Kiwi tennis No 1 Marina Erakovic in the first round of the Australian Open in what proved to be an epic contest against her French opponent Alize Cornet in three hours and 38 minutes this afternoon.
Victoria Azarenka sank to her knees in disbelieving triumph after winning her first grand slam singles title with a one-sided victory over Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final on Saturday night.
Novak Djokovic has survived a brutal battle of wills with grand slam nearly man Andy Murray to reach the final of the Australian Open against fellow fighter Rafa Nadal.
Victoria Azarenka reached her first grand slam final with a 6-4 1-6 6-3 victory over defending champion Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open today.
Champion Novak Djokovic overcame a leg strain and breathing difficulties to grind down David Ferrer 6-4 7-6 6-1 at the Australian Open on Wednesday and set up an intriguing re-match of last year's final with Andy Murray.
A fired-up Rafa Nadal survived a huge scare from big-hitting Czech Tomas Berdych at the Australian Open on Tuesday to prevail 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-3 and set up a mouthwatering semifinal with great rival Roger Federer.
Roger Federer toppled Argentine giant Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4 6-3 6-2 with some exquisite shot-making to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open today.
Novak Djokovic has weathered a gallant challenge from a tenacious Lleyton Hewitt to send the last Australian in the draw packing and make the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
Andy Murray breezed into quarterfinals of the Australian Open today after Mikhail Kukushkin retired due to injury in their third set.
"Built Belgian tough" might become a badge of honour for future tennis generations after courageous Kim Clijsters' win over Li Na on Sunday, while Roger Federer dashed the dreams of home fans by crushing young gun Bernard Tomic.
Unlike some of his previous experiences at the Australian Open, Andy Murray said he was having some fun on Saturday night. Time and time again.
Andy Roddick's 11th Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment when he was forced to retire against Australian Lleyton Hewitt when trailing two sets to one.
Maria Sharapova's delayed preparation is working perfectly so far at the Australian Open, where she has reached the third round after just two hours on court.
The women's competition at the Australian Open has started rather stormily. New Zealand hopeful Marina Erakovic managed a first-round win (just) but lost in the second round, while Australian hopeful Sam Stosur crumbled under the weight of local expectation.
US Open champion Sam Stosur crumbled once again under the huge weight of local expectation to crash out of the Australian Open 7-6 6-3 at the hands of Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the first round today.
Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open as she struggles to return from the immune system disease Sjogren's syndrome.
