Australian Open Week 1 Review: Serena, Sharapova and del Potro among the big guns to fall early

This year’s Australian Open has been a roller coaster ride for players and spectators alike with plenty of action happening all around. The first few days were all about the Melbourne heat as the ever soaring heat created havoc for the players with many withdrawing due to dehydration and exhaustion. But the good thing is the weather has become relatively pleasant these past couple of days and the sport has taken center stage.

There have been quite a few major shocks in the early stages of the tournament, particularly in the Women’s section, with World No. 1 and hot favorite Serena Williams and World No. 3 Maria Sharapova among the highest profile players to crash out of the tournament. Serena Williams had been taken out by a rejuvenated Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round while Sharapova also bowing out in the fourth round against Dominika Cibulkova. Sixth seed Petra Kvitova had also crashed out in the first round itself. With Serena and Sharapova out, the odds to win the tourney will be heavily in favour of defending champion Victoria Azarenka and World No. 4 Li Na.

In the Men’s section all the top seeds, albeit Juan Martin del Potro, are safely through to the Quarter Finals. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic look very much the top contenders while Roger Federer has been playing at his best in the pursuit for his 18th Grand Slam. Andy Murray has been rusty following his long injury lay-off but he can never be written off and he will face Roger Federer in what promises to be a blockbuster Quarter Final match. Joining the big guns is the rising star from Bulgaria Grigor Dimitrov.