Allertova tops Shuai 6-4, 7-6 in Australian Open

World
Europe

Chinese player Zhang Shuai had a first round win at the Australian Open over US Open champ Sloane Stephens, but came up short against Denisa Allertova during the second hurdle. Allertova wrapped up the match in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6, which take her into the third round in Melbourne for the first time.

Allertova sealed the first set 6-4 when Zhang couldn't keep her return in play. Zhang Shuai forced a tiebreaker in the second by a strong return into the corner.

While the two tied at five in the extra session, Zhang completely misfired on a shot and the Czech caught the Match Point. Zhang sends her backhand wide, giving the match to her opponent 6-4, 7-6.

Halep gets past Aiava 7-6, 6-1 in Australian Open.

World number one Simona Halep had to come from 5-2 and a set point down against Australian teenager Destanee Aiava to win a dramatic first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Both the Romanian and her 17-year-old wildcard opponent needed on-court medical attention before top seed Halep ran out a battling 7-6 , 6-1 winner in an hour and 51 minutes.

Halep playing in the Australian Open. /CFP Photo

She next faces a mouth-watering clash against Canada's Eugenie Bouchard, a former semi-finalist in Melbourne and Roland Garros, and a finalist at Wimbledon in 2014.

Muguruza defeats Ponchet 6-4, 6-3 in Australian Open.

Wimbledon champion and third-seeded Garbine Muguruza started her quest for the women's No.1 ranking with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Jessika Ponchet at the Australian Open on Tuesday, a player ranked 253 spots below her.

Muguruza in the Australian Open. /CFP Photo

Muguruza, who lost in the quarter-finals to CoCo Vandeweghe at Melbourne Park last year, can overtake Simona Halep for the top ranking if she wins the women's final on January 28.

Hsieh Su-Wei ousts Zhu Lin 0-6, 6-0, 8-6 in Australian Open.

Chinese mainland player Zhu Lin lost to Hsieh Su-Wei from Chinese Taipei in three sets 0-6, 6-0, 8-6. Zhu Lin takes the opener, but things are reversed in the second, as Zhu lost it 6-0, and forces a decider.

The final set was tight, and after a break in the 13th game, Hsieh Su-Wei claims the win. The 90th ranked player is off to the next round.

Zhu Lin (L) shakes hands with Hsieh Su-Wei (R). /CPF Photo