Australian Open 2018 - Day 1 & 2

So, here we go, 1st slam of the year moments away. Nadal, Dimitrov and Kyrgios all in action, an intriguing match-up between couple of up and coming players (and nightmare hand for scrabble player) - Tsitsipas vs Shavopalov and Kyle Edmund has a tough 1st round, up against US Open finalist Anderson. In the womens the Venus vs Bencic match looks the most interesting contest.

A great win for Kyle Edmund winning in five sets against Kevin Anderson..Quite a fair few seeds tumbling out as well such as Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and more.

Edmund was two sets to one down and also trailed 2-0 in the 5th. So excellent result. Coco among the women's seeds knocked out, so two of the 2017 semi finalists already out. Inser also out. 
   Edmund takes on Istomin next. Istomin beat Djoko last year of course.

Istomin is a very winnable match for Edmund. Think that section of the draw isn't too bad now...Sock is also out.

Pouille is 2 sets down as I type too.

Rafael Nadal batters Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1 6-1 6-1. The world #1 looks primed for that elusive second Australian open

It was little more than a training session for Rafa (against a 37 year old opponent who battled valiantly in what could very likely be his last year on the Tour) - but he did look very good indeed, and no hint of any injuries.  His round 2 match should be fairly routine too. He must definitely fancy his chances of making the Final again, and this time very possibly with a better outcome.

Tremendous win by Edmund ! Let’s hope he can maintain that level v Istomin.

Really good chance for Edmund to make big progress - all the seeds have lost in his 1/8 of the draw, so the highest ranked player between him and the quarter final is Nishioka who is a potential 3rd round opponent.

Good for the tournament that Rafa at least looks to be back healthy and in good form. Let's see how Djokovic and Stan look tomorrow (today?)

So, Day 2's about to get going - Djokovic will be in action against Donald Young, which should be a good match to see where he's at - the American should give Djokovic a good workout but ultimately probably lacks the firepower to upset him. Meanwhile, Federer, Thiem, both Zverev brothers and Goffin are in action, whilst Berdych could be vulnerable against the young Aussie De Minaur. I'm not convinced about Wawrinka's physical state, and wouldn't be surprised if he loses to Berankis. In the women's Halep, Muguruza, Konta and Pliskova are in action, whilst Sharapova plays against a player called Maria.

2014 champion Stan Wawrinka is up and running with a four set victory over Ricardas Berankis. The Swiss won 6-3 6-4 2-6 7-6.

Six time champion Novak Djokovic cruised passed Donald Young 6-1 6-2 6-4.

Sascha Zverev beat Fabbiano 6-1 7-6 7-5 in an indifferent performance

A solid win for Novak that. He'll take a lot of heart from that. Federer about to win in straigh...err about to start as is Heather Watson.

struggling to understand why Djokovic wants more money. these top players should be helping the lower ranked players get more.

coolpixel wrote:struggling to understand why Djokovic wants more money. these top players should be helping the lower ranked players get more.

Don't believe everything you read in agenda-driven newspapers. This is probably the far more accurate account:-

http://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open/novak-djokovic-responds-to-prize-money-bombshell/news-story/c1cf93fc4636ae250450f9736cd1672c

Not too many shocks today - Raonic (probably not fully fit) lost to Lacko, Mischa Zverev who made such an impact last year when he beat Murray is sadly out, having retired injured. In the womens Petkovic beat Kvitova and a number of routine wins for likes of Sharapova, Pliskova and Muguruza. As I type this, Heather Watson is in a real battle down a set and 5-6.

For those who saw Djokovic, what do you make of the new service action?

Federer cruises through, as does Djoko, although I suspect the modified serve will come under pressure as he comes up against better opponents. Stan wins but still with questions over form and fitness.

Raonic loses on his return - says the injury has recovered but he just wasn't back to match sharpness in time.