You might think Roger Federer is like the school kid who breezes by on ability alone, but he does need to do his homework.
Heading into the tournament, the world No.2 was fully expecting to meet former Australian Open finalist Carlos Moya in the second round.
But then along came Russian qualifier 20-year-old Evgeny Korolev, who shocked Moya in straight-sets. Suddenly, Federer was forced on to Korolev watch.
The Swiss superstar now knows the heavy-metal fan, who lists Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne as his favourite bands, has a heavy-metal game to match.
“I’ve seen him play a little bit,” says Federer.
“He’s aggressive off the baseline.”
Korolev has never made it past the second round at a Grand Slam, but Federer is wary.
“(He’s) definitely brought up on a fast court. Yeah, it tells by the way he plays,” he says.
“I have to be careful. He takes big shots at the ball.”
Federer drifted in and out of his first round match against Italian Andreas Seppi, but is likely to be sharper next up. It’s fair to say the Russian needs a miracle.
The match between Andy Roddick (seven kilograms lighter than last year, but still hitting a heavy ball) and former Wimbledon semi-finalist Xavier Malisse is likely to be closer.
The Belgian Malisse can be a dangerous proposition, and cruised through a first-round win against Michael Llodra after booking a berth through qualifying.
But the local attention will be on Bernard Tomic, who on Monday became the youngest-ever winner of an Australian Open match.
The great Aussie hope also has some study to do. He probably expected to play Feliciano Lopez, but instead confronts giant-killer Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, who is just inside the world top 100.
Do we dare to dream? Tomic is not without a chance. Expect him to at least snag a set.
Another Aussie, Brydan Klein, faces a tougher task against Federer’s Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka.
The focus swings back to the top half of the women’s draw again today, where the top seeds should not encounter too much trouble.
Jelena Jankovic meets Belgian Kirsten Flipkens who doesn’t have too many weapons. Likewise, Ana Ivanovic against qualifier Alberta Brianti.
But as good as that superstar Serbian duo is, the focus will be on Jelena Dokic after her headline grabbing return to the winner’s list on Monday.
Dokic, who spoke openly about her personal upheavals after winning her first Australian Open match in 10 years, plays Russian 17th seed Anna Chakvetadze.
No comments posted
