The Australian Open started today and for some it was a case of calming the nerves on Day 1.

In the Men’s draw, Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka, Richard Gasquet, Mikhail Youzhny and Tommy Robredo all advanced.

A pain from a shoulder injury forced Tommy Haas (12) to retire in the second set of his match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

South Africa’s Kevin Anderson was two sets down against Jiri Vesely, but staged a great fight back to come up trumps 26 67 64 64 64.

Jersy Janowicz faced a rather uphill battle against the 20 year old Australian, Jordan Thompson.  Thompson claimed the first two sets, but then the 23 year old Janowicz changed gears and eventually won the match 16 46 64 62 61.

In the Ladies draw, Angelique Kerber, Ana Ivanovic, Li Na, Samantha Stosur, Kirsten Flipkens and Sabine Lisicki all advanced.

It was however not a good day for Petra Kvitova (6), Sara Errani (7) and Roberta Vinci (12), who all bowed out in the first round.

The 17 year old Australian, Ashleigh Barty was up against Serena Williams on the Rod Laver Arena and the question was “Could she come to the party?”  It is tough enough playing on center court but add to that Serena Williams as your first opponent and the mountain seems that much higher.  Despite a valiant effort, she succumbed to the American 62 61.

Image courtesy of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.