Sorana Cirstea defeated Samantha Stosur at the day 2 of Australian Open 2012

After tasting her first Grand Slam champagne at the U.S. Open last fall, the packed house at Rod Laver Arena had reason to believe their best female player might duplicate in this year’s Open. Lightly regarded, but always dangerous, Sorana Cirstea had other ideas. The Romanian found her and beat Stosur in all aspects of the game.

Romania’s pesky Sorana Cirstea decisively won the tale of the tape and managed to break down Stosur’s suspect backhand in the 7-6(2), 6-3 win. Cirstea, who reached the second round here the last two years, had a plan. She consciously avoided the U.S. Open champion’s forehand and sought to make Australia’s best female player move laterally and vertically.

The strategy worked. A rattled Stosur only managed 2 aces compared to Cirstea’s 8. Stosur committed 33 errors to Cirstea’s 26 and the Aussie hit just 12 outright winners to the Romanian’s 28. Sorana was unflappable taking on a raucous packed Rod Laver Arena and a player who hoped to capture her second Grand Slam in a row. Sorana lost an early break in the first set only to comeback and break one of the game’s best servers. That first set break seemed to mark a downward spiral for Stosur who seemed to be playing not to lose rather going on the offensive. Stosur is not known for her steady play, rather she is a high stakes gambler who prefers shorter points. On Day 2 of The 2012 Australian Open, Sorana Cirstea drew focus from the fan’s support and used the motivation to unseat the crowd favorite.

In the Women’s Draw, second seeded Czech Petra Kvitova served notice that she is a strong contender for the title. In her 6-2, 6-0 win over Russia’ s Vera Dushevina, Kvitova only needed 61 minutes to notify the field that she was here to play. After her stunning victory at the 2011 Wimbledon, Kvitova was favored in the U.S. Open but fell in the first round. This loss led to questions about her physical training and commitment. 2012 shapes up to be a breakthrough year for Petra and a win might just light a fire that could spread throughout the season.

4th seeded Maria Sharapova made a big move up the ladder in 2011 and showed no signs of letting up on Tuesday. Sharapova needed just 58 minutes to oust veteran Argentinean Gisela Dulko, 6-1, 6-0. If Sharapova had any weaknesses, it would be her serve who many analysts say will prevent her from winning in Melbourne. The 6’1” Russian who lives in Bradenton, Florida, served 5 double faults and had just 3 aces. Sharapova has worked hard to lift herself above serious shoulder surgery and climb back into the WTA’s top 5. Players and fans should never question the competitive spirit of the photo shoot-waiting-to-happen.

Unseeded Jelena Dokic thrilled the home crowd with her, 6-2, 6-1 win over Russia’s Anna Chavetadze at the Margaret Court Arena. Australia’s number two female is positioned well to move on. Nobody questions Dokic’s talent but she has not performed well in Australia in her career. To advance, Dokic needs a realistic strategy that extends points.

Australian Duckworth Advances

19-year old Australian James Duckworth joined fellow countryman Bernard Tomic in Round 2 with a decisive win over Jurgen Zopp, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The win gives hope to the locals that Australian tennis is well positioned for a resurgence. The fans packed Show Court 3 and let Duckworth and Zopp know who they supported.

In more high profile matches, top seed Novak Djokovic cruised in the second round with an effortless 6-2,6-0, 6-0 drubbbing of Italy’s Paoli Lorenzo. Djokovic started fast and finished fast. The Serb looks to be in top form.

Fourth seed Andy Murray got an early scare from young American Ryan Harrison. The American is committed to a more positive approach and he can take heart after a pretty testy first round match. Harrison was fearless in the first set and surprised Murray before the Scotsman pulled himself together, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Murray was not at his best but that may be because Harrison has an excellent serve and big groundstrokes.

In the day’s most thrilling match, Australian Leyton Hewitt came back from 1-5 in the fourth set to close out Cedrik Marcel-Stebe of Germany, 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 at a packed Rod Laver Arena. Hewitt will advance to meet 15th seed Andy Roddick in Round 2.

Roddick was sharp in ousting Robin Haase 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. The matchup with Hewitt will bring a bit of nostalgia to Melbourne. Roddick and Hewitt are two of the most popular ATP players.

Seeds Tsonga, Monfils and David Ferrer made the second round without much resistance. Day 1 attendance was a record high and Day 2 should not be far behind.

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