Australian Open 2010 is Underway
“The 2010 edition of the Australian Open has started today. Day 1 at the Melbourne Park started surprisingly, with a rain shower. The hot Australian summer has been replaced by repeated showers, which constantly interrupted the events at the Melbourne Park.
Only the Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena where not bothered by the changing weather, as the retractable roofs where used to offer a continuous play.
In terms of tennis, Day 1 started with a huge upset. Maria Sharapova lost the opening match at the Rod Laver Arena. Maria Kirilenko, another Russian, defeated her in 3 sets. This was the only upset of the day, both in the Women’s and Men’s Singles matches.
Favorites like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro and Andy Roddick won their matches to advance to the next round. Del Potro was the only one to drop a set from the favorites pack in his 4 set win over Michael Russel, while Nadal had surprising problems in his first set with Australian, Luckzak.
The Women’s tournament saw its favorites advance too. Kim Clijsters lead the pack, followed by fellow Belgian, Justine Henin. Elena Dementieva, last week’s, Sydney Open Champion and last year’s finalist, Dinara Safina, won all in straight sets and booked their tickets for the second round.
Several matches had to be postponed because of the rain delays. However, AO 2010 seems to be more exciting as ever.
Watch Australian Open live online and enjoy all important matches of this first Grand Slam event of the season.”