Djokovic powered past Italian Paolo Lorenzi 6-2, 6-0, 6-0, in a victory so comprehensive he even won a point with an audacious trick shot between his legs. Leading 3-0 in the third set, Djokovic turned his back to the court and clipped a shot between his legs to the flummoxed Lorenzi, who embarrassingly netted.
“I’m playing well because of the confidence that I have,” said the Serb. “I just believe that I can win, especially against the biggest rivals in the major events. I feel much more complete as a player. Mentally I’ve gained a lot of experience playing at the top level and I understand the game better.”
Murray struggles in sweltering conditions
By contrast, Andy Murray, runner-up to the Serb last year, was nearly embarrassed by Ryan Harrison before subduing him 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
The world number four, with new coach Ivan Lendl in his corner, bounced back well after losing the opening set. The Scot believed that practising at his Florida training base ahead of every new season had helped him adapt to the sweltering conditions.
“Training in hot temperatures helps because you’re used to it,” he said. “But today was a bit of a shock to the system. It was good to get used to playing in that heat again because I might have to again further down the line.”
Stosur crashes out
Meanwhile, US Open champion Stosur became a major casualty as she froze in front of her home fans, allowing Romania’s Sorana Cirstea to record a famous 7-6, 6-3 win, which left the Australian completely downcast.
“There’s not any other word for it but a total disappointment,” she said. “It’s not through lack of trying or not wanting it. You can’t pick the times that you want to play well. That’s sport.”
Maria Sharapova, though, raced past Argentina’s Gisela Dulko 6-0, 6-1 and said she was ready to compete again at the highest level. “I couldn’t wait to start,” she said. “It feels like forever since I’ve been playing a match where I feel good physically.”
Djokovic urges talks ‘behind closed doors’
Meanwhile, Djokovic called for talks to improve conditions in tennis to be kept ‘behind closed doors’ after a public disagreement between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“Just looking at the injuries that we have, it’s obvious that we need change,” he said. “But I prefer talking about these things behind closed doors.”
Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi will begin his campaign at the doubles event today with his new partner Jean-Julien Rojer.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2012.
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