Day 5 at the Australian Open!

January 18th, 2008

Melbourne, Australia

The Australian Open is almost at its midway point and the women's stars are shining brightly as everyone is playing well at the moment. Big names Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are probably playing the best out of the field for the moment. The two may face in the Semi-Finals if they both get there.

Justine Henin opened up action at Rod Laver Arena facing off against the always tricky Francesca Schaivone of Italy. The match was back and forth and Henin wasn't playing her best tennis. However with her skill, the world number 1 did win and moved into the Round of 16 with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Jelena Jankovic who hasn't looked too impressive down under once again had a tough match in her quest to win her first grand slam title. The Serbian was facing off against Virginie Razzano, and was taken to a 3 set battle, but eventually won, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

The only upset of the day came during the night session when young Australian Casey Dellacqua defeated the 2006 champion, Amelie Mauresmo in a three set battle, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Mauresmo hasn't reached the Quarter-Finals of a Grand Slam since the US Open in 2006.

Serena Williams looked very sharp in her 3rd Round match against tough young opponent, Victoria Azarenka. Serena dictated play with 15 aces in her match and comfortably moved into the next round with a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Maria Sharapova also looked equally as sharp in her match, dispatching Elena Vesnina, 6-3, 6-0.

Tomorrow is Day 6 of the Australian Open and favorites, Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic are in action along with others such as Daniela Hantuchova and Anna Chakvetadze. The 3rd Round matches will be complete tomorrow and the full Round of 16 will be known.

Rod Laver Arena Results:

Justine Henin d. Francesca Schiavone - 7-5, 6-4

Jelena Jankovic d. Virginie Razzano - 6-2, 4-6, 6-1

Casey Dellacqua d. Amelie Mauresemo - 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

Vodafone Arena Results:

Serena Williams d. Victoria Azarenka - 6-3, 6-4

Maria Sharapova d. Elena Vesnina - 6-3, 6-0

Margaret Court Arena Results:

Nicole Vaidasova d. Ai Sugiyama - 6-3, 6-4

Elena Dementieva d. Shahar Peer - 6-2, 6-0

Show Court 3 Results:

Su-Wei Hsieh d. Aravane Rezai - 6-2, 6-7, 6-4

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Justine Henin - Round of 16

2. Svetlana Kuznetsova - 3rd Round

3. Jelena Jankovic - Round of 16

4. Ana Ivanovic - 3rd Round

5. Maria Sharapova - Round of 16

6. Anna Chakvetadze - 3rd Round

7. Serena Williams - Round of 16

8. Venus Williams - 3rd Round

9. Daniela Hantuchova - 3rd Round

10. Marion Bartoli - Lost 1st Round (Arvidsson)