AUSTRALIAN OPEN OPENING DAY LIVE..........via@sportsbywest

the Australian open has just started, but we did not have to wait too long to get the first big casualty, as former world number one, CAROLINE WOZNIACKI crashed out of the tournament in the women's singles in Melbourne.... the Danish star who has never won a grand slam tittle in 35 attempts, lost to YULIA PUTINTSEVA, 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 in a match that lasted more than 3 hours.

Caroline looked to be on course to progress to the next round as she powered through the first set winning 6-1.  the former world number one 's problem began in the second set and the humid conditions did not favour her amidst long rallies with Putinseva's baseline game.

 

a series of self incurred mistakes cost Wozniacki in the third set and she is still yet to win a grand slam tittle despite the fact that she ended 2010 and 2011 as world number one.

 

 

 

 

ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT was in the cards for a former semi finalist in the Australian open, Sloane Stephens, as she crashed out losing 6-3 6-3 to Chinese qualifier Wang Qiang.

 

Stephens claimed a warm up tournament earlier this month, but she had 36 unforced errors and lost to 102nd ranked Chinese wang.

 

17th seed Sara Errani made an early exit in Melbourne as she was beaten 1-6 7-5 6-1 by Russian gasparyan.

 

4th seed Radwanska earned her place in the second round by beating Christina McHale 6-2 6-3.

Kvitova the sixth seed cruised past Thailand's Kumkhum 6-3 6-1.

 

there were wins in straight sets for 10th seed Carla Navarro, 12th seed bencic and Roberta vinvi who is seeded 13th.

CAN THIS AUSTRALIAN OPEN BE FOR THE UNDER DOG?

OR

WILL A TOP SEED LIKE SERENA WILLIAMS STILL TRIUMPH?