As a first-time dad with a baby at home, Novak Djokovic could see merits in the tale of Serena Williams' mid-match espresso that has been brewing in the lead-up to the Australian Open. The No. 1 seeds in the men's and women's draws both had straight-set wins in their first-round matches on Tuesday. Djokovic shrugged off the effects of a cold to beat No. 116-ranked Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in his first Grand Slam match as a father, and Williams beat No. 106-ranked Alison Van Uytvanck 6-0, 6-4.
Williams, with five Australian titles in her collection of 18 majors, didn't need anything to perk her up as she raced through the first set in 21 minutes. It was a vastly different story when she arrived in Australia, jet-lagged, this month to start her preparations for the season's first major, and asked for a coffee during a Hopman Cup match in Perth. The coffee was served, and Williams rallied for a win.
“Judging by what she did, it opens up a new chapter of rules I guess on the tennis court,” Djokovic said. “Maybe we need to explore more. Some people can't live without coffee in the morning, it keeps them going. I guess that helped her in that match.” Djokovic has left his wife and baby son — Stefan, who was born in October — at home as he bids for a fifth title at Melbourne Park. He was sick on the weekend, and missed some practices.
Djokovic won the first of his Australian Open titles in 2008, then three in a row from 2011. But his 25-match winning streak at Melbourne Park ended in a quarterfinal loss last year to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka. Seeded fourth, he began the defense of a major for the first time with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over No. 100-ranked Marsel Ilhan.
“It's great, bringing me a lot of memories from last year,” Wawrinka said of his return. “It was great to come back here feeling happy, happy with my game.” US Open finalist Kei Nishikori and Wimbledon semifinalist Milos Raonic are part of the next generation of serious major contenders, and both opened their campaigns well.
No. 5 Kei Nishikori beat Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-2, and No. 8 Raonic fired 30 aces in a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-3 win over Illya Marchenko. No. 9 David Ferrer, a quarterfinalist or better at the last four Australian Opens, also advanced. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and No. 6 Agnieszka Radwanska advanced, along with 2014 Australian finalist Dominika Cibulkova, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, and No. 18 Venus Williams. No. 12 Flavia Pennetta, No. 13 Andrea Petkovic and No. 15 Jelena Jankovic were all eliminated.
Azarenka, coming back from a foot injury, beat Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 — her third win in three years over the American at the Australian Open — and will next have to play US Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki. Serena played in a bright dress that revealed her lower back — there was the question on fashion.
It's part of her plans to have fans and rivals looking at her back all year, although she thinks there might have to be some modifications if more order-in deliveries are allowed in Melbourne. “I don't know what's allowed. A hamburger, French fries,” she said, “Yeah, I love eating pizza. I can't have it this (tournament). I don't want to break my dress.”