Australian Open: Nadal marches on, Federer gifted walkover

Nalbandian rant against umpire stirs up tournament.

MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal cranked up his bid for a second Australian Open title with victory over veteran Tommy Haas, while great rival Roger Federer was handed a walkover into the third round.

The world number two overcame four-time grand slam semi-finalist Haas 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, while Federer put his feet up after Andreas Beck pulled out injured. Nadal was given some fight by the former world number two but was unconvinced that he was put through a tough match.

“I started the match in a fantastic manner, especially the first seven games,” said the Spaniard. “A tough match is when you play five sets. You can’t expect to win easily against someone like Haas. He’s a fantastic player but it wasn’t a demanding match.”

Nalbandian furious over ‘stupid’ umpire

The third day had its share of drama with Argentine David Nalbandian furious at being refused the use of Hawk-Eye adjudication by the chair umpire at a crucial moment in his 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, 10-8 defeat to American John Isner.

“It’s ridiculous playing a huge tournament with these kinds of umpires,” fumed Nalbandian. “I didn’t understand his decision in that situation. Can you be that stupid to do that in such a crucial moment?”

In a major upset, eighth-seed Mardy Fish was knocked out of by Colombia’s Alejandro Falla, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6.

Wozniacki, Li, Clijsters through

The women’s draw saw world number one Caroline Wozniacki survive a fightback from  Anna Tatishvili to win 6-1, 7-6.

China’s Li Na and Belgian Kim Clijsters moved closer to a 2011 final rematch as the former cantered to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Olivia Rogowska, while the defending champion demolished Stephanie Foretz Gacon 6-0, 6-1.

Long nights ‘bug’ players

Meanwhile, Serena Williams got a taste of the Australian Open’s notorious long nights when she finished her match against Tamira Paszek well after midnight, beating her 6-3, 6-2.

“Bugs fell on my back twice,” she said. “I’m going to request not to play at night anymore.”

It is a new take on a long-standing problem, where two consecutive matches are scheduled each evening. In the most infamous incident in 2008, Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis wrapped up their match at 4:34 am, the latest finish in grand slam history.

“I don’t really want to have too many of those matches again,” said Baghdatis. “The girls can do the late start for a change.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2012.