Day 3 of the Australian Open!

January 16th, 2008

Melbourne, Australia

Today, Day 3 of the first Grand Slam of the year kicked off with soaring temperatures and 2nd Round action. Big names were in action today including Serena Williams, Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova. The action wasn't as hot as Day 1, but still was plenty.

Serena Williams played on Vodafone Arena for the first time this tournament as she faced off a fiesty and tough Chinese opponent in Meng Yuan. The young qualifier was hitting tremendous shots, making Williams run back and forth for every point, working her hardest. Serena though to her credit was returning all the shots and was clearly winded. However, the defending champion prevailed and moved onto the 3rd Round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.

Justine Henin opened up action on Rod Laver Arena, facing off against Olga Poutchkova, in a slight battle. Henin seemed to be having an easy time before being struck with a loss of concentration. Henin though continued her form and went on to win the match, 6-1, 7-5.

Others in action during the day session were Nicole Vaidasova who dismantled local favorite, Alicia Molik, 6-2, 6-3. Jelena Jankovic had a much easier time today and had no problems in defeating Edina Gallovits, 6-2, 7-5. Amelie Mauresmo who was the champion here two years ago had a bit of trouble in her 2nd Round match and had to fight for a 6-4, 7-6 victory over Yaroslava Shvedova.

The night session match was billed to be something extraordinary. Two former number 1 players facing off against each other in the 2nd Round of a Grand Slam. It was the earliest that it ever happened. Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport would do battle to see who would move on to the 3rd Round. Unfortunately for Davenport, who wasn't playing anywhere near her best, Sharapova completely dismantled her and defeated the new mom, 6-1, 6-3.

Day 4 commences tomorrow with the likes of Venus Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova all trying to make it to the 3rd Round.

Rod Laver Arena Results:

Justine Henin d. Olga Poutchkova - 6-1, 7-5

Nicole Vaidasova d. Alicia Molik - 6-2, 6-3

Maria Sharapova d. Lindsay Davenport - 6-1, 6-3

Vodafone Arena Results:

Casey Dellacqua d. Patty Schynder - 4-6, 7-5, 8-6

Serena Williams d. Meng Yuan - 6-3, 6-1

Margaret Court Arena Results:

Amelie Mauresmo d. Yaroslava Shvedova - 6-4, 7-6

Jelena Jankovic d. Edina Gallovits - 6-2, 7-5

Shahar Peer d. Jessica Moore - 6-0, 7-5

Show Court 2 Results:

Francesca Schiavone d. Angelique Kerber - 6-2, 6-3

Elena Dementieva d. Anabel Medina Garrigues - 5-7, 6-2, 6-3

Show Court 3 Results:

Victoria Azarenka d. Sandra Kloesel - 6-1, 6-1

Aravane Rezai d. Tatiana Golovin - 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Justine Henin - 3rd Round

2. Svetlana Kuznetsova - 2nd Round

3. Jelena Jankovic - 3rd Round

4. Ana Ivanovic - 2nd Round

5. Maria Sharapova - 3rd Round

6. Anna Chakvetadze - 2nd Round

7. Serena Williams- 3rd Round

8. Venus Williams - 2nd Round

9. Daniela Hantuchova - 2nd Round

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