Serena Rolls… Her Ankle; Federer, Murray, Tomic Cruise At The Australian Open

by Staff | January 15th, 2013, 8:02 am
  • 65 Comments

Of late the only way to beat Serena Williams is seemingly to injure her, but even that didn’t work Tuesday at the Australian Open. In the fifth game of her first round match against Edina Gallovits-Hall, the 5-time Australian Open winner severely rolled her right ankle.

After a considerable medical timeout and some anxious moments, a limping Serena returned to finish off her Romanian opponent in stunning fashion, 6-0, 6-0. But the real damage may come when she wakes up later today and tests the injury.

“I think I was really, really close to panicking because a very similar thing happened to me last year, almost on the same side, the same shot,” Williams said of her left ankle injury at Brisbane. “So I almost panicked, and I thought, I can’t do that. I just have to really remain calm and think things through.”


“I know one year I won this tournament and had two bone bruises in both knees,” she said. “I had no idea. I just knew I was in pain. I think sometimes what you don’t know cannot hurt you.

“Oh, I’ll be out there,” she said. “I mean, unless something fatal happens to me, there’s no way I’m not going to be competing. I’m alive. My heart’s beating. I’ll be fine.”

Serena has won 17 straight matches and 36 of her last 37, and was the overwhelming tournament favorite, but you can’t heal an ankle playing tennis.

Simultaneously, top contender Victoria Azarenka came from a break down in the second to beat the slicer Monica Nicolescu, but didn’t seem concerned about her friend and rival’s tumble.

“I actually haven’t heard that because I was just off my match and doing my own stuff. I heard she won love and love, so what kind of injury are we talking about?” she joked.

American prodigy Sloane Stephens was also a winner as was 42-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm who upset No. 12 seed Nadia Petrova.

French Open finalist and No. 7 seed Sara Errani was the highest seed thus far to be eliminated.

On the men’s side, tournament favorites Roger Federer and Andy Murray both breezed in their openers. Federer, who hadn’t played a tour-level match in two months, had little trouble with Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.

“I’m obviously very happy with this first round match, so total control,” the 4-time champ Federer said. “He can be a tricky opponent, you know, but I guess his playing style doesn’t disturb me that much overall. I’m happy I was able to play a clean match out there today.”

Federer now meets Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko on Thursday in what is forecasted to be scorching conditions.

Meanwhile, Murray began the day destroying Robin Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.

“It was a good start,” said Murray after his 8th straight Slam match win. “I mean, it was very different conditions to what it’s been the last four, five days. So the court was playing much different. Bouncing a lot higher. It’s much livelier. I thought I did a pretty good job from the start of dictating the points and not giving him too many freebies.”

Big men Juan Martin Del Potro, Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic also advanced as did 2008 finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who won his sixth meeting with countryman Michael Llodra. Roanic, who is in Federer’s path, needed 30 aces and four sets to get through Jan Hajek.

In the evening, Aussie favorite Bernard Tomic took out a hapless Leonardo Mayer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 for his sixth ATP level win of the year, 9-0 if Hopman Cup is included. Tomic could clash with Federer come Saturday in the third round.

“Everyone expects and everyone draws it out before the tournament that probably we’re going to meet,” the 20-year-old Tomic said. “But you don’t know. Tennis is very strange. I have learned that last year. I played a lot of strange matches and lost a lot of matches I should have won.

“And obviously Roger is playing Davydenko now. It’s not easy. That’s a guy that’s also beaten him a few times before, so we have tough rounds. I’ve got to win next round.”

Gael Monfils was also an impressive winner at night edging Alexandr Dolgopolov in an entertaining match.

Tomorrow, Novak Djokovic returns as does David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Venus Williams, Sam Stosur, Agnieszka Radwanska and Maria Sharapova.

Rod Laver Arena 11:00 AM Start Time
Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) v. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[4]
Guillaume Rufin (FRA) v. Tomas Berdych (CZE)[5]
Jie Zheng (CHN) v. Samantha Stosur (AUS)[9]
Rod Laver Arena 7:00 PM Start Time
Venus Williams (USA)[25] v. Alize Cornet (FRA)
Novak Djokovic (SRB)[1] v. Ryan Harrison (USA)

Hisense Arena 11:00 AM Start Time
Nicolas Almagro (ESP)[10] v. Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP)
Na Li (CHN)[6] v. Olga Govortsova (BLR)
Tatsuma Ito (JPN) v. Marcos Baghdatis (CYP)[28]
Misaki Doi (JPN) v. Maria Sharapova (RUS)[2]


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Bernard Tomic Says Roger Federer’s Level Is No Where Close To Where Novak Djokovic Is At
A Ripped Serena Williams Practiced Yesterday In Melbourne [Video]
Serena Rolls Ankle In US Open Win; Barty, Pliskova, Keys Out
Serena Williams Says She Doesn’t Love Tennis, Then Sprains Ankle [Karma]

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65 Comments for Serena Rolls… Her Ankle; Federer, Murray, Tomic Cruise At The Australian Open

alison Says:

Serena looks in ominous form,i think the only thing that that could stop her is herself and any injury,im sure its nothing serious and she will be up to her usual ruthless best demolishing any opponent stood in front of her come the next round,i do believe its quite possible she could go on to win a calendar GS this year,she really is that good,what a girl what a player amazing.


Humble Rafa Says:

The Big Lady is so big, she doesn’t fit on my 52″ screen. When she stands next to another player, the other players looks like she is an under-14 player.

More power to the Big Lady.

This morning, I am having a serious conversation with my dining table to find out if he has been having an affair with Serena.


Scineram Says:

Easy for her to play tough. Her knees don’t hurt and she didn’t have a stomach bug.


jane Says:

Rafa’s announced he’s coming back Feb 11th in Brazil.


Humble Rafa Says:

Some guy named Rosol advanced to the second round.
His name sounds like some kind of medication.


Giles Says:

^ maybe RAONIC will turn him into a Rissole!


The Great Davy Says:

You know what Rosol sounds like backward? LOSOR!

I am going to turn Federer into LOSOR! By being ROSOL!

While he going for broke in hot sun, I playing safe nice rally. Slow, no unforced error, a few winner, like jog. He be tired, I be Great for Thursday!


jane Says:

“You know what Rosol sounds like backward? LOSOR!”

LOL, couldn’t help but chuckle.

Good for Rosol though, to go another round this time. Can’t remember but did he even qualify for the USO after the big Wimbledon upset? Who does he play next?


RZ Says:

Jane, if I remember correctly, Rosol lost in USO qualifying.


jane Says:

^ Yeah, that’s what I thought RZ; hence this win is a step forward for him. He plays Raonic next, so that would be a big win, should he do it. And judging by Milos’ form of late, I wouldn’t be utterly shocked.


steve-o Says:

Good first round for Federer to shake the rust off after such a long layoff, but Davydenko will surely be tougher.

Go Roger!


Jonathan @ peRFect Tennis Says:

@steve-o yeah it was a bright start from Roger. I thought he’d be pretty sluggish out of the blocks but he started well and struck the ball cleanly. Practice has paid off.

Davydenko will be tougher but I still think straights.


the DA Says:

Anybody else watching the Jankowicz/Devvarman match? Jerzy threw quite the tantrum over a line call, braying at the umpire and getting on all fours to plead for his cause. Quite a character. He’s now down 2 sets.


Kimmi Says:

cibulkova played so well in sydney and then she loses to world no. 159.

the DA – ha ha , that is funny.


steve-o Says:

Pity Haas lost, I watched most of the first set and it was great stuff. He wasn’t quite consistent enough to overcome Niemenen, who plays a steadier baseline game. But he can still produce amazing tennis at age 34!


Wog boy Says:

Feel sorry for Baker, one set up and injury, bad one:( couldn’t walk out of court, they needed wheelchair.


the DA Says:

Yes, I caught the Baker retirement. He was playing great. After everything he has been through this will hit him hard. Jerzy takes the 3rd set. He’s definitely a more erratic player outdoors.


Wog boy Says:

Kimmi,

Cibulkova didn’t get over that double bagel in Sydney. Russian girl produces double scream with high pitch:)


Wog boy Says:

I am watching skezeer’s friend, Berdych. He is clinical, looks very sharp.


Humble Rafa Says:

Ms. No. 1 Screeche is dating Redfoo. What has the world come to?

I am going to date Dorah The Explorer!


Wog boy Says:

So she dumped Bubka, poor him … that is what happens when you fall from the building. No loyalty any more … girlfriend dumps you for a healthy one:(


the DA Says:

In his presser Sam Querrey said the AO courts are the fastest he’s ever played on. Mats Wilander said he has heard other players saying the same but that it is largely on the outside courts. Interesting.


Alok Says:

Haas played a very tough match, but so sad for him that he lost. His BH is still strong at his age.

The lines people are terribe. Hewitt had a ton of bad calls and the umpire even though sitting right in front of that line would not over-rule, but left it to Hewitt to challenge.

Good to see Janowicz get over the first and second set problems he had with the bad calls and settle down. I doubt very few would be able to handle so many bad calls.

Feel badly for Baker. he’s had so many surgeries and it seemed as though his injuries were behind him, so this new injury must be very devastating for him. Hopefully, he’ll make a quick recovery.


Alok Says:

Fed looked very good in his first round match, but Paire did not play well, so it’s not a very good indicator of how very solid Fed’s form is at presently. Hopefully, the 2nd round would give us a better idea of what to expect from him.


Wog boy Says:

the DA,

I already posted before, all talk about AO courts being slowed down since 2008 are without base … “After twenty years of playing on Rebound Ace, the courts were changed to Plexicushion, a marginaly FASTER surface.” … “This decision was made in a bid to reduce the “stick” of the court and the frequency of the extreme heat policy being invoked.” There is more but this is enough everyone can find it either on Wiki or elswhere. Problem was BOUNCE and not SPEED that didn’t favour Federer style and he was the first one to cry foul when he arrived in Melbourne in 2008 and tested the court. They said that AO courts are closest thing to USO courts. Are we going to change the court now because the bounce doesn’t favour Federer, it is to much talking about speed, just get overthere and play, right;)?


the DA Says:

@wog boy – I’m not going to touch that one :)

Finally Jerzy gets the win. A little too erratic, he completely choked when first serving for the match but pulled himself together just in time. Think he meets Almagro next – should be a good one.


Wog boy Says:

the DA,

That is OK, I know why;) I know now why, I have to hide now myself until storm passes:)
Just because Roger and Serena didn’t defend their titles in 2008, they were the ones to complain first, most of the people accepted that the courts were slowed down and they didn’t think that maybe, just maybe, the others were better than them in 2008.
I have to go now, I will not be around for another 1-2 hours … until the storm is gone;)


the DA Says:

BTW, here’s the Jerzy meltdown on set point:

http://youtu.be/7hfTDuISM4U


Alok Says:

Strangely the commentators who have more info on the courts say differently about the AO court speed, and they feel that Laver plays very differently to the other outside courts. In fact, it was stated the court favors Djokovic whose game is more suited to the slower HCs. One comm said the court is slow to medium and sticky also. Serena and Baker have both hurt themselves.


Wog boy Says:

Before I go, I am happy for Madison Keys, that girl is great … go Madison.


Alok Says:

Hit the submit too soon.

Poor JJ, he is now common enemy No. 1, and under a microscope for beating that special someone at Toronto.


volley Says:

who is treating him like common enemy no. 1? and who did he beat in Toronto?


Humble Rafa Says:

Madison Keys

I am sure she is a nice girl. But she needs a new name.


the DA Says:

“and who did he beat in Toronto?”

Yes, I’d also like to know seeing as he didn’t play there last year.


Alok Says:

@volley, it’s Paris, I meant to say.

I was thinking of Toronto’s court speed in comparison to AO, and wrote Toronto instead.

@HR, what’s wrong with Madison’s name? I think it’s unusal.


Kimmi Says:

stosur in trouble in this match. too tight in that last game of the first set


jane Says:

Some exciting women’s matches on the go: Watson just fought off 3 match points, for 6 all in the tiebreaker. Zheng just broke back Stosur who was serving for the match. Jankovic is barely hanging on versus Koehler and Ivanovic is struggling versus Chan.

Meanwhile, Sharpie looks like she’s baking again.


jane Says:

Zheng with match point … and she gets it. Wow, kind of a choke from Stosur; she was up at least one break in that final set. That said, Jie is a good player and a fighter; she never gave up and deserved the win.

Hope Watson can prevail now that she took the second set tiebreak.


andrea Says:

oh stosur! that was painful.


jane Says:

Sharpie is going for a second double bagel in a row?!


BT Says:

Another Stosur choke fest. Terrible.


alison Says:

WOW nice fight back from Lacko against Tipsy,coming back from two sets down to take the 3rd set,and been a break up in the 4th,really taking the game to Tipsy,this match is interesting,one to get your teeth into,unlike the dismally one sided game that Djokovic is involved in.


steve-o Says:

The Eurosport commies said something like “Harrison’s one of those players that has that charisma–the crowd sighs when he misses a point.”

No, guys, they’re just rooting for him out of pity, because he’s getting massacred. They’d do the same for any other journeyman player in such a one-sided match.


alison Says:

Steve O the Tipsaravic/Lacko match is far more entertaining Lacko came back from two sets and a break down to take the match to a 5th set decider,its anybodys game,i would not like to put my money on the outcome,the match of the tournament so far IMO.


steve-o Says:

@alison: well, it’s a bit of a baseline grindfest. There are only so many hours of that I can take.

Lacko is the more interesting and aggressive player but I think he’ll run out of gas and in the end be unable to get through Tipsarevic’s defense.

As for Djokovic, he’s doing the exact same thing your man does on clay: pulverize the opponent. I cannot for the life of me see how anyone could find the one boring while finding the other entertaining.


alison Says:

Steve O yeah i suppose your right strictly for die hard fans,when it comes to these players when on their best surfaces,its the domination whats boring especially if your not really a fan of that particular player,if your a fan its delightful as your fav got through with no bother,i would say one thing at least Tipsys game has been competitive.


steve-o Says:

The line judges need an eye exam. So many shitty line calls.

Anyhow, Tipsarevic is through, just as I said he’d be. Lacko ran out of gas and rushed the net blindly in desperation and got passed. Brick-wall tennis wins yet again.

At least Harrison won six games. That was encouraging, given the way the first set went.


Wog boy Says:

Not a bad day of tennis, not at all;)


alison Says:

Must admit i havent seen any of Djokovics matches so far,my interest lies solely in the other half of the draw,not his fault as he is that good on this surface,but its all too easy so far,hopefully the later rounds will at least see him involved in some competitive matches hopefully.


alison Says:

Wogboy your man seems to be in ominous form.


Margot Says:

Wow, Nole looking good :)
Harrison had no Plan B though, no good just whacking the ball very hard and then harder against Nole. Will merely come sweetly back.


Margot Says:

alison, PS, Go Heather. Yay!


Wog boy Says:

alison,

It was not about Harrison playing badly, Djokovic just played superbly, we had commentators Jim Courirer, John Fitzgerald, Darren Cahill and they just agreed that this was best of tennis that you can see. Harrison tried everything, serving very good percentage bombs but got back everythyng with interest. I just hope Nole didn’t peak too early.


alison Says:

Margot yay Heather,Radwanska next(gulp),at least our girl has nothing to lose in that one hope she can keep it close,Kvitova next for our other girl Laura (likewise),hopefully both girls will put in a good showing,and lastly lets go Andy lets go;).


Wog boy Says:

Margot, you are right. Slicing and not giving him a pace to play with can trouble Nole.


alison Says:

Wogboy yeah exactly ill take your word for it,Nole is pound for pound the best there is on this surface ,nothing to do with the opponents been bad,Greg Rusedski said he was sensational,there was nothing Harrison could do,im looking forward to the later round matches when things get tougher to get a better indication,Berdych and Ferrer are playing great too so hopefully we will get some more competitive matches then.


Wog boy Says:

alison,

The matches I have seen from top players they are all playing high quality tennis, Andy, Roger, David, DelPo, Nole and Berdych today was really clinical, so clean heating. People might not like him but his tennis is nice to watch, I am not his fan as a person but I like his tennis.


Wog boy Says:

“hitting” and not “heating” though they were hot shots.


jane Says:

Wog Boy, I missed it – was middle of night for me. :/ But woot! The stats are terrific (great serves, didn’t face a bp, 37 winners, and 27 trips to net too – how lovely). Harrison has done better against Nole in other matches, for e.g. at Wimbledon last summer, and has played tiebreaks vs Fed on hardcourts, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect this early into the slam. Hope his form continues this way.


jane Says:

^ Agree with you about the top players; their matches have all been rather one-sided so far. Delpo was very dominant, for e.g. And feel the same as you about Berdych; his tennis can be pretty silky-smooth sometimes.


alison Says:

Wogboy yeah,yeah and yeah again i dont know what else to say really,i suppose its what to expect really from the top players in the ist week of a GS,all going to plan so far,even Verdasco is playing great thus far,alright not a top player but when hes on,hes great to watch.


Thomas Says:

I know this is kind of off topic, but does anyone know Sam Stosur’s email address? I want to personally thank her for continuing to enter the Australian Open every year. Her choke job was simply hilarious :) Oh, and Nole was absoulutely clinical. That was THE best quality of tennis I have seen thus far from an individual at this major.


Alok Says:

@alison, 9:06am, you’re right about the first week. a lot of the matches against the top 4 players are boring. The better played matches are between the lower ranked players. It’s a pity that the early rounds/draws are so easy for the top guys in general, as it allows them to beat up on the low ranked players, which makes them look terrific.

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