AO Gallery: Favorites Too Tough On Day 1

The favorites flourished on Day 1 with 15 of the 16 seeds in action winning their first round matches, including Zheng Jie, who won an all-Chinese battle with youngster Zhang Yuxuan.

Published January 14, 2013 12:00

Maria Sharapova was one of the first winners of the day, double bageling Olga Puchkova.

Serena Williams and coach Patrick Mouratoglou cheered Venus Williams on for her match.

And they weren't the only Venus Williams fans there - one had the best seat in the house.

Venus Williams overpowered Galina Voskoboeva, 61 60, to advance into the second round.

Sam Stosur came into her home Grand Slam on a five-match losing streak but snapped out of it.

Chinese veteran Zheng Jie edged Chinese phenom Zhang Yuxuan in a tight three-setter.

Meanwhile there was no trouble for Jelena Jankovic, who rolled through in straight sets.

Doubles legend Lisa Raymond hit the practice courts with the doubles starting later this week.

World No.5 Angelique Kerber won through quietly against WTA rising star Elina Svitolina.

Dominika Cibulkova shook the Sydney final off and won her opening match in three sets.

Casey Dellacqua wasn't so lucky, losing the last 11 points of her match with Madison Keys.

And British hope Heather Watson was also among the winners on Day 1 of the Australian Open.

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