The women’s Australian Open is under way in Melbourne Australia attracting the best from around the world vying for the prestige and $1.42 million to be won by the men’s and women’s singles champions.
World number one ranked Jelena Jankovic defeated first round opponent Yvonne Meusburger of Austria, whom she beat 6-1, 6-3. Seventh seeded Vera Zvonareva beat Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia. 21 year old Ana Ivanovic of Serbia defeated Germany’s Julia Goerges 7-5, 6-3 in one hour 42 minutes minutes to eliminate Goerges, after a nervous start. Maria Shaparova withdrew from the Australian Open, as a long-term shoulder injury has left her short of match conditioning.
In off the court news, as “too skimpy attire” as been an issue in the past, Australian Open officials say they will be cracking down on players attire and fines of up to $2,000 will be levied on those who break the rules.
Image of Ana Ivanovic by Getty Images via telegraph.co.uk