He faced off against fellow countryman James Duckworth, firing off 10 aces while hitting 5 break points and saving 6. Boasting clever and strategic play, Lleyton moved forward in straight sets, claiming the final point with a sublime lob over the net, 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-4. The legend fell to the ground in joy upon securing his winning shot.
2014 champ Stan Wawrinka (VCORE Duel G 97, POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION) made a strong start, advancing into the second round with a win over Russia’s Dmitry Tursunov. The World No. 4 Swiss exhibited great resolve and strength in the tight opening set, keeping pace with his opponent by way of potent, accurate shots. The pivotal moment came in set 1 when Stan saved a break point at 6-5, and proceeded to dominate in the tiebreaker. Stanimal would prove strong on return in set 2, winning it by a healthy margin. Russian opponent Tursunov would retire in the final set, Stan moving forward with a 7-6(2), 6-3 scoreline, collecting 14 aces en route.
Women’s singles saw rising star Naomi Osaka (EZONE DR 98, POLYTOUR PRO 125) clutch a solid straight victory over Donna Vekic (VCORE Si 100) in just over an hour. The 18-year-old’s shots were explosive and precise, securing 5 break points and 23 winners, moving forward with a final score of 6-3, 6-2.
Women’s singles also featured wins from the Team YONEX German contingent, with Sabine Lisicki (VCORE Tour 97, POLYTOUR SPIN) and Angelique Kerber (VCORE Si 100, POLYTOUR FIRE 120) advancing. Sabine advanced with a straight 6-4, 6-4 win over Petra Cetkovska, while Angie turned the tables on Japanese opponent Misaki Doi, clutching a decisive second set from a set down to move forward at 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 6-3.
Meanwhile, Ana Ivanovic (EZONE DR 98) advanced to the second round with a straight-set win over local Tammi Patterson. The Serb boasted a strong service game and dominated with her overwhelming trademark forehand, advancing with a final score of 6-2, 6-3.
2016 Australian Open Tournament Results
Men’s Singles (Round 1)
[4] Stan Wawrinka (VCORE Duel G 97, POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION)(SUI) def. Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) 7-6(2), 6-3, Ret.
Lleyton Hewitt (VCORE Tour 97, Yonex Shoes)(AUS) def. James Duckworth (AUS) 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-4
Women’s Singles (Round 1)
[7] Angelique Kerber (VCORE Si 100, POLYTOUR FIRE 120)(GER) def. Misaki Doi (JPN) 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 6-3
[20] Ana Ivanovic (EZONE DR 98)(SRB) def. [WC] Tammi Patterson (AUS) 6-2, 6-3
[30] Sabine Lisicki (VCORE Tour 97, POLYTOUR SPIN)(GER) def. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 6-4, 6-4
Naomi Osaka (EZONE DR 98, POLYTOUR PRO 125)(JPN) def. Donna Vekic (VCORE Si 100)(CRO) 6-3, 6-2
Tatjana Maria (VCORE Si 100)(GER) def. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 6-4, 6-3
Madison Brengle (USA) def. CoCo Vandeweghe (EZONE DR 98)(USA) 6-3, 6-4