MELBOURNE, Australia — Roger Federer started his Australian Open title defense with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Lukas Lacko today, showing some of the shot-making skills that make him the most obvious hurdle to Rafael Nadal’s pursuit of a “Rafa Slam.”
Trying to become only the second man to win five Australian titles, Federer was in such a rush to get to the second round that he barely waited for the ballboys to get back into place between points.
Since Federer won at Melbourne Park last year for his record 16th major title, Nadal has won the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and is aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles. If the rankings hold true, Federer and Nadal will meet in the final.
The second-ranked Federer is clearly intent on regaining the top spot.
“One and two are both very good. One is better than two, but they still put me on Rod Laver Arena, so I’m not complaining at all,” Federer said. “And, look, I’m really enjoying myself playing really well.”
Caroline Wozniacki started her first major as the No. 1-ranked woman with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Gisela Dulko. Wozniacki won six tournaments in 2010, including four of her last six, and can retain the top spot by reaching the semifinals.
“Definitely. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling like I’m in a good shape,” Wozniacki said. “Gisela is a tough opponent, especially in the first round.”
Maria Sharapova won for the first time at Melbourne Park since taking the 2008 title, beating Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 6-3 in the opening match on Rod Laver Arena.
No. 18 Sam Querrey was the first of the men’s seeded players eliminated, losing 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 8-6 to Poland’s Lukasz Kubot, and No. 12 Gael Monfils and No. 16 Mardy Fish rallied from two sets down.
