JOY BLOG

14 Jan 2014

Australian Open 2014 – Day 1

Nobody expected much from the Aussies this year with a tough draw. But Casey Delaqua gave us our first piece of good news, scoring a surprise win over Vera Zvonerea 6-2 6-2. There were also a number of epic 5 set matches.

Sam Stosur got out of the blocks early in her match against Zakopolova. But in the second set it looked like she was starting to lose focus being 4-1 down, and on the brink of another choke. Just days ago Sam lost to Zakopolova in the semis in Hobart, but she was confident she could turn things around.

Mathew Ebden has had a reputation for 5 setters here at his home grand slam, and this time he was pleased to get through another epic match and finally get the win 6-3 7-5 4-6 0-6 6-3. especially fighting through an ankle injury. He also got a big boost from the home crowd, playing the Frenchman Mahut.

Everyone could forgive 17 year old ash Barty for losing to world no 1 Serena Williams in straight sets, but she was just excited to learn from the best on centre court. Young Aussie Jordan Thompson nearly cause the biggest upset of the day, against 20th see Jerzy Janowics, leading 2 sets to love in a 5 setter. But the polish star was just too strong in the end for the 19 year old.

It wasn’t just the Aussies doing well at the grand slam of the Asia pacific, unknown Thai player Luksika Kumkhum couldn’t believe she knocked out the 6th seed Petra Kvitiva and really felt the support from the crowd.

Wayne Mckewen from the international tennis federating spoke to us about the upcoming hot days and the effect on the players. Everyone is fearing the worst with temps in the 40’s. Mckewen says play could be called off if the weather gets unbearable.