Indian stint at Australian Open 2013 has generated mixed results. Firstly, it was Somdev Devvarman who caught the imagination of many eager tennis fans with his spirited display of professional tennis through which he sent shivers down the spine of many better ranked players. After giving a big scare to World No 26 Jerzy Janowicz, the Indian star went down fighting in a match he could have won. Meanwhile, it was a shocking defeat experienced by the Indo-American pair of Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands as they crashed out during the first round itself on Wednesday.
With the mercury levels rising at the Melbourne Park, the Indians began their title hunt but with no major success on an overall. However, there was something to cheer for the Indian fans as the best Indian doubles pair at the moment Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advancing to the next round. However, it was Somdev all the way until he lost the third set from where there was no recovery for him, which would have otherwise registered another winner for him on course to the title win. Somdev proved too costly for Janowicz as the Pole has to sweat it out with 7-6(10) 6-3 1-6 0-6 5-7 lasting around four hours.
The Indian had to miss the 2012 season owing to a shoulder surgery that denied him a place in the grand slam event. However, there was enough confidence displayed by Somdev and began on an equally promising note, but somehow could not manage to take it till the end and had to lose to his opponent but not without giving a huge scare.
As far as the Women’s doubles event is considered, it was shocking for one and all as the winning duo of the Brisbane International, Sania and Bethanie, had to lose. Their rivals from Spain, Silvia Soler-Espinosa and Carla Suarez Navarro, made them feel the heat that is giving jitters to every player on field.
The Hyderabad girl is now left with the lone option of teaming up with Bob Bryan in the mixed doubles event. After considering all these results, it can be opined for sure that the Australian Open too is no different from other tournaments resulting in some huge surprises and shocking first round exits.
After the surprising loss of Russian star Nadia Petrova to the Japanese veteran, it was Samantha Stosur in front of her home crowd causing a big disappointment on an overall. However, it now needs to be seen that how far these star players will be able to carry on with new crop of players throwing challenges. Meanwhile, it was a cakewalk for Serena Williams who moved to the third round with ample ease.
The winning streak was continued by Russian beauty Maria Sharapova. Another Indian pair in the form of Leander Paes and his Czech partner Radek Stepanek in the doubles event will begin for their title hunt soon. Winning a medal or two in the doubles event is needed very much as there has been a huge drought since Indians last won a grand slam event.
