Grigor Dmitrov is causing ripples. He has won three rounds of qualifying matches and the first round of the main draw. His straight sets victory over Andrey Golubev (6-1, 6-4, 6-2) should be a matter of concern for his opponents. They would be reminded that this 20 year old has junior Grand Slam titles. When he defeated Tomas Berdych and took a set off Rafael Nadal at Rotterdam in 2009, people started talking of a great player in making. This talk will now be revived if he sinks a big name in Stanislas Wawrinka.
After Roger Federer, it was the turn of Novak Djokovic to show his weapons. His victory in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-1, over Marcel Granollers was impressive. He hit the ground strokes with more power and he ran with more speed than he usually does at this stage. It appeared that he was in a hurry to seal the victory in minimum possible games. If he continues like this, it might be good in one way but also it could mean that he might peak during the mid tournament than towards the end.
Of the former champions, Justine Henin looked least impressive in her hard fought three set victory over Sania Mirza, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. She was repeatedly outplayed by the hard hit strokes of Sania Mirza. Instead of using her wide repertoire of strokes, she went on hitting fire with fire. She committed a number of unforced errors, but it was her experience and resolve that came into reckoning as the saving grace. She is looking every bit vulnerable if her showing in the first round is indicative of her form.
Maria Sharapova adopted the hit out mode in her first outing. This succeeded on the day, but it has been her bane many a time in the past. She comes only with one game plan in mind and tries to execute it, win or lose. She won comfortably this time, 6-1, 6-3.
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