AUSTRALIAN OPEN: SERENA, SHARAPOVA THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND...via@sportsbywest

what injury? American and world number has quenched doubts about her fitness and her ability to defend her Australian open crown by getting a 6-4 7-5 win over Camila Giorgi. Four months out from the game, due to injury, but this did not affect Serena as she powered past the highest ranked unseeded player.

 

RECALL THAT Serena Williams pulled out of her match at the hopman cup in perth earlier this year due to injury, knee inflammation, but the American moved freely in the match and said it gave her no problems.

Williams next opponent is 90th ranked Hsieh wei, and she has insisted that the knee is great, it was an hour and 43 minutes and I didn't feel it at all.


Another favourite to win the Australian open, Maria Sharapova who is trying to win her first tittle at melnourne since 2008 smashed past hibino 6-1 6-3 in just 73 minutes.
sharapova struggling for match fitness as she pulled out of the Brisbane international with a forearm injury, raced to a 3-0 lead in 10 minutes.

I haven't played many matches in many weeks so its great to come out here and start my season at the Australian open said Sharapova.

Maria Sharapova's next match is against Alianksandra Sasnovich.


with early exit to former world number one, Wozniacki,
will the Australian open 2016 be won by an underdog?
or will a top shot like Maria Sharapova or Serena Williams win the first grand slam of the year?