Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova have both progressed into the third round of the Australian Open after defeating their opponents, Simone Bolelli and Alexandra Panova respectively.
But, it was not an easy outing for either of the players, as they lost a set en route to their victory, with Federer prevailing over Bolelli 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. It was even more scarier for the Russian, who at one time looked to be on the receiving end of the first major upset, but eventually won 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.
When asked whether it was a relief after her victory, she said, ''Well, certainly, after being a point away from going out. At the end of the day it's always nice to come through a challenge like that. That's the biggest positive out of the match."
Her opponent, Panova might not have won the match, but for sure won hearts in the Australian Open with her courageous display. She wants to take positives from her match.
"Well, yeah, I hope to take some positive," said Panova. "You're right, it's very hard losing such a match. But to improve and move forward, I hope I'll take some positives out of it.''
Another major contender in the men's section, Scot Andy Murray also progressed into the third round after defeating Marinko Matosevic in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3 and 6-2. It was an emphatic display from the Olympic gold medallist.
''Yeah, it was nice (to win in three sets). I felt like, you know, I played well today. The conditions change the way the court plays significantly. It bounces a lot higher. Using variety, using higher balls, you get a lot of success with that; whereas when it's very cold you don't get so much success with it. So when the temperature's like this, I quite like it,'' said Andy Murray.
He also felt that he struck the ball better. This should keep him in better shape for the future matches in the competition.
The seventh seeded Tomas Berdych also put up a clinical performance to brush aside Jurgen Melzer in straight sets, 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-2. But the Czech Republic player stated that the game was not an easy one.
''Yeah (the first set was tough). I mean, the whole match was not easy one. The tough condition again today. He was playing very smart. His game plan was actually good to go. But after the first set I find the way how to deal with that, how to handle it, and, you know, even though I was each set break down, I managed to come back and to play some good tennis,'' said Berdych.
While in other second round encounters, the 24th seed, Richard Gasquet won his match in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 against the Australian James Duckworth and unseeded Marcos Baghdatis also defeated 20th seed David Gofin 6-1, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
