Remarks on the first round of play in Australia.

Matches to look for Wednesday in Melbourne include (8) Andy Roddick vs. Russian Igor Kunitsyn, Fed nemesis Gilles Simon vs. (2) Roger Federer, Janko Tipsarevic vs. (9) Fernando Verdasco, (6) Tomas Berdych vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber, (16) Mardy Fish vs. Tommy Robredo, Davydenko-killer Florian Mayer vs. Kei Nishikori, (25) Al Montanes vs. the resurgent Xavier “X-Man” Malisse, and (29) Viktor Troicki vs. French dress-wearing Wimbledon iron man Nicolas Mahut.

I’m feeling confident that Roger Federer will win the Australian Open, but who will he beat in the final?

Two players on the sidelines are trying to figure out how to tweak their games in time for the Australian Open — both dealing with equipment issues. Maria Sharapova switched from her long-time Prince racquet to a multi-million sponsorship with HEAD, but last week lost early in her only WTA warm-up event. This week world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki debuted her cash-grab switch to Yonex, losing her opening-round match. Wozniacki vaulted to No. 1 behind her long-time association with her Babolat racquet. Before the event, Wozniacki and her Yonex won one game off Vera Zvonareva in an exhibition match.

Sean Randall previews the 2011 ATP season.

Andy Murray appeared to injure his wrist, but still won his match in Paris.

Some good matches are on tap Friday in Basel and Valencia.

Thomas Muster lost in his ATP comeback match today in Vienna.

Former No. 1 Tommy Muster returns at 43 years old!; interesting opening-round matches include (1) Melzer after a bye potentially facing (WC) Blake, and (5) Gulbis vs. Muster…

Upsets hit the US Open Sunday, all eyes on Wozniacki v. Sharapova today.