World number one Caroline Wozniacki had to overcome a hostile Melbourne crowd on her way to a first-round victory against local favourite Anastasia Rodionova. The Dane, who is seeking to claim her maiden Grand Slam title, took no notice of the partisan crowd packed into the Rod Laver Arena, comprehensively easing herself into the second round with 6-2 6-1 victory.
The occasion clearly got to Rodionova, who went into the Australian Open with a world-ranking of just 103rd, and Wozniacki was more than able to take full control of the first set. The 29-year old could only chase shadows as her opponent produced a series of stunning baseline winners; seemingly dashing any belief Rodionova had of producing a shock result. People who have bet on Australian Open 2012 will not have been too surprised.
The second set was a similar story for the Russian-born Rodionova, with Wozniacki racing ahead to a 5-0 lead before the deflated Aussie managed to hold onto her serve to win her first game of the set – which at least earned her a cheer from her many fans inside the main arena.
The Dane powered her way over the finish line soon after, however, showing no signs of any ill-effects from the wrist injury she had been struggling with going into this year’s opening Grand Slam. Those looking at the tennis betting should remember this.
“I was a little bit nervous about my wrist, I was so happy I could play full out today,” she said.
Despite climbing to the top of the world rankings, Wozniacki has so far failed to add that all important major title to her C.V. The talented youngster will be well aware that without a Grand Slam title to her name, she won’t be truly viewed as being the world’s top players. This could well be her tournament, however, and on this sort of form, Wozniacki will certainly be in with a great chance of stepping onto the next level in her career.
