BBC Sporttennis

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

By Caroline Cheese

1338: That ends day one in Melbourne. No shocks to speak of and let's hope that continues tomorrow when Andy Murray kicks off proceedings on Rod Laver Arena at 0000 GMT. Another reminder: UK people can watch that match live on BBC2 or on the BBC website or listen to it on BBC 5 Live. Everybody can read about it on the website. No pressure, Andy, no pressure.

1330: Work to do for Federer I would think, but the three-times Aussie Open champion is through to face Evgeny Korolev in round two on Wednesday. Marat Safin could be after that for the second seed as he bids for a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title.

1330: Andreas Seppi gets a deserved ovation from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. But for those 10 missed break point opportunities, he might have at least won his first set against the 13-times Grand Slam champion.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 Seppi
Two forehand screamers from Federer get him to 30-30 and then Seppi's second serve hits the net and goes wide - but still Fed can't close it out. He pulls the trigger on a routine backhand pass but puts it long. Seppi saves a third match point with a forehand winner, but Fed sets up another and finally Seppi's resistance is broken when the Italian's forehand drops out. Relief for the world number two.

1321: "When it comes down to it, I don't think the belief is there that he can win."
BBC Sport's John Lloyd on Seppi

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-5 Seppi
Seppi could probably stay out there all night and not break serve. He has a 10th opportunity but slaps the easiest of forehands into the net and Federer survives.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 5-5 Seppi
Apologies Andreas Seppi fans, I meant Federer will face Korolev if he wins - and that's still in the balance after Fed squanders a match point in this game. By the way, 1997 runner-up Moya has not won a match at the Australian Open since 2003, losing five straight first-round matches.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 5-4 Seppi
Fed wastes no time wrapping up that game. The world number two - if he comes through - will face Evgeny Korolev in the second round after the Russian beat former world number one Carlos Moya in the first round.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 4-4 Seppi
Serve-volleying from Seppi takes him to 40-0 and he quickly wraps up the game. Fed not exactly laying down a marker here...

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 4-3 Seppi
Boom. Seppi threads a beautiful forehand down the line but he's already 40-0 down and Federer quickly closes the door on that game. A quick service game from Fed and Seppi is beginning to look a bit weary.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 3-3 Seppi
What did I just see? Seppi nutmegging Federer! The world number two allows the Italian's forehand to bounce between his legs. The crowd are at the same time bemused and impressed. Seppi seems untroubled though and a lovely crosscourt forehand pass takes him to 40-15, but then two poor points let Fed back in. Federer has break point opportunities but can't take them, Seppi taking the game with some cool work around the net.

1252: "Re 1230: I would argue that Nadal was the one who knocked off Federer's air of invincibility, but credit to Murray he is beginning to show good form but as they all say 'show it in the majors' and then get the real praise."
hyflyer on 606

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 3-2 Seppi
And why would Seppi give up when he is matching the world's number two player? Federer swings at a drive volley which goes well over the baseline but saves a ninth break point of the match with a big serve and big forehand combination.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 2-2 Seppi
Seppi holds from 30-30 and there is no sign of him giving up.

1245: "Re 1236 and 1117: Bet totalled winnings of �391. I've been sat here all night watching, and three of my picks went five sets (Tipsarevic, Delic and Ferrer)."
Student in Birmingham (Joe) via text on 81111
So no new life in Monaco then? Also, kids: gambling is a mug's game.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 2-1 Seppi
Very scrappy game from Federer - but still Seppi can't take advantage. He has three more break points, gets into the rally on all three, and then makes a forehand error each time. A better player would not let Fed off the hook so easily. The world number two pumps his first as he finally holds by punching away the volley.

1236: "Re 1117: Will the 'student in Birmingham' become 'retired in Monaco'?"
Lex from Manchester, via text on 81111

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 1-1 Seppi
Seppi must be gutted about those missed opportunities so he does well to hold, aided by some wayward returning from Federer.

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 1-0 Seppi
The stats show Federer's first-serve percentage dropped from above 70 to 43 in the second set. He makes a good start to putting that right by nailing four straight first serves in his opening service game of the third set.

1230: "Fed will come through this but there will be tougher opponents ahead who may just surprise him. He doesn't look happy out there and Murray has removed his air of invincibility over recent weeks."
Dave, St Albans, via text on 81111

Federer 6-1 7-6 (7-4) Seppi
The breaker begins with a brutal baseline rally which ends with a Seppi forehand dropping long. The mistakes creep in for the Italian, who puts a couple of backhands into the net to put Fed 3-1 up. But then the world number two blasts a forehand over the baseline - the sort of mistake the old Fed would never have made. A Seppi forehand winner means they change ends at 3-3, but the Italian gives up another mini-break with a poor forehand into the net. At 6-3, Seppi throws his racquet at a backhand return down the line to save the first set point... but there is no miracle comeback, and Federer jogs calmly to the chair knowing he was a millimetere away from losing that set.

Federer 6-1 6-6 Seppi
SEPPI HAS A SET POINT! This is unbelievable. He goes for a wide backhand winner which is called out - but it's sooo close. Seppi challenges - and replays show it is about a fingernail's width out. The Italian looks ruefully to the heavens. Two big serves get Fed to game point but then he almost ruins it by double-faulting. Two raking forehands get him out of trouble. Tie-break time. Drama in Melbourne as the clock ticks towards midnight.

Federer 6-1 5-6 Seppi
After a comfortable hold, Federer looks ready to strike when he wins the first point but Seppi's serve is proving a difficult nut to crack. He hammers down a first ace of the match and takes the game when Fed shanks a forehand. The world wants to know how much money 'Student in Birmingham' (see 1117) won on his/her accumulator. I say the world, I mean two texters and me.

Federer 6-1 4-5 Seppi
Seppi bangs a serve down the 'T' to take the game. Federer turns to HawkEye but it clipped the line. HawkEye continues to be no friend of Federer, who didn't want it introduced in the first place and rarely gets the better of it.

Federer 6-1 4-4 Seppi
Federer's dancing feet look a bit slow as he moves to a mid-court forehand, which he dumps into the net. Two decent serves from the world number two get us back on level terms. Meanwhile, terrific news for Student in Birmingham (see 1117). David Nalbandian has wrapped up a four-set win over Marc Gicquel.

Federer 6-1 3-4 Seppi
Federer plays the most ridiculous half-volley forehand off the baseline, which shocks Seppi into a mistake. That's break point but the tennis gods are on the Italian's side for the moment as his forehand clips the net and dribbles over, giving Fed no chance. Typical game from the 2008/9 version Federer, who puts a simple backhand volley into the trams, helping Seppi to hang on.

Federer 6-1 3-3 Seppi
Federer gets a warm round of applause from the sports-loving Aussie crowd as he flicks out a foot to direct a stray ball straight into the ball-boy's arms. He's not bad at tennis either, powering away a forehand to help him to the game. Incidentally, if you can't get to a television tonight, panic not, you have options. BBC 5 Live will have live commentary and you'll have live text commentary right here. Andrei Pavel has rarely known such exposure.

Federer 6-1 2-3 Seppi
Seppi again caught trying to do too much but Federer can't take advantage of the break point, mistiming a forehand and seeing it loop over the baseline. Good serving from Seppi and this is a much better effort from the Italian in this set.

Federer 6-1 2-2 Seppi
Hold for Federer, which I missed because I was studying a comment by someone on 606 claiming I don't have an in-depth knowledge of tennis. This is war.

Federer 6-1 1-2 Seppi
Another hold to love for Seppi, who is looking a bit more positive now. By the way, if you're in the UK, you'll need to know that Andy Murray's opening match against Andrei Pavel will be shown live on BBC2 tonight from 2350 GMT and streamed on this website. If you can't stay up, it will be replayed on the red button at 0830 GMT tomorrow and again on this website.

Federer 6-1 1-1 Seppi
Just like the first set, Seppi earns two break points in Federer's opening service game. Just like the first set, the Italian has a chance - but this time puts his backhand pass into the net.

1134: "I read that Federer was planning to serve-volley a bit more this year. Haven't seen that so far, but I suppose why bother when you're hitting winners from the baseline?"
BBC analyst John Lloyd

Federer 6-1 0-1 Seppi
Foot very much off the gas from Fed as Seppi holds to love in quickfire fashion.

Federer 6-1 Seppi
An ace down the middle seals a service hold to love and after 24 minutes, Federer pockets the first set.

Federer 5-1 Seppi
Seppi does not look like a man ready to go toe-to-toe with a 13-times Grand Slam champion. The Italian looks forlornly at the umpire as a second serve drops a touch long, then at break point, puts a ridiculously bad drop shot into the bottom of the net. Hopeless.

Federer 4-1 Seppi
Federer's already in exhibition mode. Seppi puts up a defensive lob, Fed runs back and almost lets it bounce twice before he decides he might as well play it. Seppi drop-shots then lobs again and this time the Swiss genius trots back and thwacks a brilliant forehand down the line. He nonchalantly lifts his racquet to acknowledge the appreciation of the crowd.

Federer 3-1 Seppi
Seppi goes long as he tries to keep Federer on the back foot and that gives the second seed his first break point. The Italian's attempted slice backhand clips the net and that's first blood to Fed.

1117: "I had a 17-fold accumulator on the tennis. The first 15 have won, now relying on Nalbandian and Tipsarevic! Very nervous."
Student in Birmingham, via text on 81111
Good news. Tipsy's gone through in five, Nalbo two sets to one up.

Federer 2-1 Seppi
A first double fault from Federer but otherwise a good serving game from the world number two. He's had his hair cut quite short which means we won't get that familiar shake of the head as he tries to get his shaggy locks out of his eyes.

Federer 1-1 Seppi
Seppi might still be replaying those break points in his head as he begins the game with a poor error, but a couple of missed backhands from Federer help the Italian to hold.

Federer 1-0 Seppi
Maybe Federer was napping in the locker room during that interminable women's match, because this is a very sluggish start. Seppi has a golden chance to snatch the early break when he steps up to a mid-court ball but slaps a simple backhand into the net. Fed holds from 15-40 down.

1104: Federer to serve first. The world number two is sporting an electric blue shirt with white shorts, socks and shoes.

1100: "I want to enjoy it. I don't want to suffer anymore, I don't want to get stressed, I don't want to feel bad on the court anymore." That's Marat Safin speaking earlier. How long will the new chilled-out Safin last? At least he's in the opposite half of the draw as Fabrice Santoro, who one prompted the moody Russian to say: "Being told I had to play Fabrice was like being told I would die."

1057: Not a lot of encouragement for Andreas Seppi in the head-to-head stats. He has lost three times to Federer and never won a set. He did manage two tie-breaks in their first encounter - but that was on clay in Monte Carlo. Federer has already beaten him this year, 6-3 6-3 in Doha.

1052: I'll be doing game-by-game updates on Roger Federer's opener against Andreas Seppi, while also trying to keep you up-to-date with events elsewhere. Actually only two other matches are ongoing. David Nalbandian is now 5-1 up in the third against Marc Gicquel. Oscar Hernandez and swarthy Janko Tipsarevic are into a fifth.

1046: YES! Casey Dellacqua belts one more backhand miles over the baseline and Daniela Hantuchova is through 7-6 6-4 after nearly two hours of quite atrocious tennis on Rod Laver Arena. Let's hope Roger Federer and Andreas Seppi managed to stay awake in the locker room. They're up next.

1043: "Is that snorefest on Rod Laver over yet?"
Mycroft on 606
Wake me up when it's over... Hantuchova has match point

1039: Wily old Fabrice Santoro posts an impressive - and surprising to me - 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-2 win over former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.

1036: Daniela Hantuchova lets a match point slip and she will now serve for the match at 5-4. That does give me time to tell you that Casey Dellacqua's clothing sponsor is Aussie low-cost department store Target. A bit like being sponsored by Primark I guess.

1029: Ah. I appear to have cursed David Nalbandian (see 0959). He's just dropped the second set against Marc Gicquel. Sorry Dave. The Argentine came into the tournament as a dark horse after winning the Sydney title, but this sort of performance isn't going to worry any of the big guns. Meanwhile, Daniela Hantuchova is a game away from taking the match against Casey Dellacqua, which means it's nearly Fed o'clock. Come on now Daniela (sorry Casey).

1022: "I think it's pretty harsh to slam the British girls. Last year we had none and this year there was four. The problem is that Mel and Katie had tough opponents but Anne should have played better, she came back strongly and then collapsed. At 53 in the world she cannot afford to do that and she must learn to take chances, this was a match where she had a chance and blew it."
kristiansw4 on 606
Join the debate on 606

1011: Expect to hear much more of 16-year-old wonderkid Bernard Tomic, who won his first tour-level match earlier today. Last year's Aussie Open junior champion has had a Nike contract since he was 14. He's also coached by his dad, who is a bit of a Richard Williams character. John Tomic gave up his taxi-driving job to coach Bernard and his sister Sara. Here's a sample quote: "I do not accept giving up. My favourite word in the English language is 'duty'. There are other words that begin with 'd' - discipline, determination and desire. Duty is the most important."

1006: "Re 0520: Bernard Tomic looks an OK prospect."
roomurrhamil on 606
High praise indeed

0959: Doesn't look like text commentary favourite David Nalbandian is going to be held up long in the first round. The grumpy Argentine is 6-1 2-3 up against France's Marc Gicquel.

0953: Casey Dellacqua has five set points but to the disappointment of the home crowd, she loses the first set 13-11 on a tie-break. Daniela Hantuchova isn't exactly renowned for her deadliness in closing out matches though, so still hope for the Aussie. That set took over an hour and features more than 50 unforced errors.

0949: If you're eagerly anticipating Roger Federer's opening match, I recommend you put the kettle on and make yourself a very large cup of tea. We're currently enjoying a classic women's match on Rod Laver Arena, and by that I mean a feast of unforced errors, breaks of serve and momentum swings. Casey Dellacqua and Daniela Hantuchova are in a tie-break at the end of the first set.

0938: By the way, if you thought Anne Keothavong's demise spelled the end for British hopes in the women's draw, rejoice! Qualifier Elena Baltacha takes on Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the second match on Court 10 on Tuesday.

0932: "Andy Roddick for the AO title? I know the top four have a ridiculous record against him but as three of them haven't hit top form yet..."
barmybamford on 606
Join the debate on 606

0927: Earlier today, Jelena Dokic made it into the second round of the Aussie Open for the first time since 1999. Here's what she said afterwards about her notorious dad Damir: "I had so much to go through while my dad was on the tour. I was just so young and just had no real idea what was going on. But it was real difficult to take all that, what was going on off the court, all the outbursts. It was not easy to play with that. I played with a huge pressure on my shoulders. I kind of just cracked by the time I was 19."

0921: Time to wipe away the tears though, the tennis continues. Looks like a bit of a ding-dong battle in the first night match on Rod Laver Arena. Aussie Casey Dellacqua and Daniela Hantuchova are locked at 5-5. Roger Federer follows that match on court. Elsewhere, David Nalbandian is already a break up against Marc Gicquel.

0906: Well, at least she's avoided the dreaded bagel. Keothavong pumps her fist as she makes it 5-1.

0857: Marat Safin is a potential third-round opponent for Roger Federer incidentally. Over on Court Six, Juan Carlos Ferrero is losing 6-3 4-1 to 82-year-old Fabrice Santoro. No offence to the evergreen Fab (he's actually 36), but that's not nice to see from a former world number one.

0850: True to form, I bring you news of Marat Safin, who has walloped Ivan Navarro Pastor 6-3 6-3 6-4. He joins sister Dinara in round two, the world number three seeing off Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3 6-4. Anne Keothavong now 3-0 down...

By Piers Newbery

0838: Well, who'd have thought it? Keothavong does a sterling job to come through the tie-break 7-5 and force a decider.

0829: Somehow, Keothavong has scrapped her way into a tie-break. And more excitingly still, you're now able to watch tennis on this website and the Red Button. Happy days.

0825: "Re: 0132. I'm on to the conclusion. Rejoice! Come on ladies, if i can finish this assignment then you can turn you're matches around. Believe!"
From Jon, hatfield, via text on 81111 (sent at 0318, to be fair)

0824: "re: 0431 He also can't be killed by conventional weapons. although marzipan is his kryptonite. am i the only one desperately hanging on for anne k?"
From hw, surrey, via text on 81111

0823: And lo, the text facility has returned...

0813: At 30-30 Keothavong is just two points from defeat, but she puts in a good wide serve followed by a sharp kicker and it's 5-5. Fellow Brit Mel South says of her earlier defeat, "I'm a little bit disappointed because I had lots of chances," while a beaten Katie O'Brien says, "I'm disappointed because it was a very winnable match."

0759: After a lengthy delay, Keothavong is given the go-ahead to neck a few tablets. Now she's just got to come out and hold serve at 6-1 4-3 down. Easy.

0753: I'm tempted to get out the 'Brit Down' arrow as Keothavong calls for the trainer, but we'll stay positive. She doesn't look too well as she chats to the trainer though. Elsewhere, Safina has hit back to win the first set, big brother Marat is a set and a break up, and Nadia Petrova is leading Yaroslava Shvedova by a set.

0748: Keothavong cannot consolidate the break as she fails to get her first serve working and we're back to 3-3. And as predicted here, Marin Cilic has made round two with a 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-3 win over Kevin Anderson.

0740: And at last I can dig out the 'Brit Up' arrow as Keothavong gets her first break of the day when Chakvetadze throws in a couple of errors. Meanwhile, the Safin family is out in force as Marat takes the first set against Navarro on Hisense Arena, and Dinara goes a break down against... oh lordy.... Alla Kudryavtseva on Margaret Court Arena.

0719: Hmmm. Talk of a British tennis revival may have been a little premature. Chakvetadze steamrollers her way to the first set 6-1 in well under half an hour and Keothavong is way off the pace at the moment.

0707: And that's 12 points in a row and 3-1 for Chakvetadze against Keothavong.

0703: Oh dear. Chakvetadze reels off eight points in a row to get an early break against Keothavong, although two double-faults don't help the Briton. Out on Court 10, Americans Taylor Dent and Amir Delic are the latest to get involved in a five-setter, while Caroline Wozniacki completes a 6-3 6-2 win over Shahar Peer.

0701: Caroline Wozniacki is on the verge of an impressively easy win over Shahar Peer, and Marat Safin has taken to the court against Ivan Navarro. It's all go.

0658: Keothavong comes through a tough first game, saving a break point and getting lucky at deuce with a poor drop shot that isn't punished before wrapping it up with an ace.

0648: OK, it's time for British number one and world number 53 Anne Keothavong to take on 17th seed Anna Chakvetadze. The rankings suggest the Russian will win this easily but the Briton has been in the better form so far this year. The pair are knocking up on a fairly empty Court Three, with Keothavong resplendent in luminous yellow.

0640: Comeback queen Jelena Dokic returns from five years in the wilderness to reach the second round with a 6-2 3-6 6-4 victory over Tamira Paszek of Austria, despite a few nervous moments towards the end. A pretty incredible win bearing in mind the torrid circumstances of her personal life in recent years.

0630: The first seed to fall in the men's side of the draw is... Spain's Feliciano Lopez. The number 27 seed goes down 6-3 7-6 4-6 4-6 16-14 to Gilles Muller of Luxemburg. He'll need a glass of water after that.

0605: "The sun, the sun, it's just very strong - just even being out there, you cannot breathe," says Marcos Baghdatis after his win over Julien Benneteau.

0558: Paszek quietens the Margaret Court Arena crowd by levelling at one set all with Dokic. Meanwhile, Djokovic admits he "lost focus a lttle bit" at times against Stoppini. Which is fair.

0548: He took a bit of a roundabout route but Novak Djokovic wraps up a 6-2 6-3 7-5 win over Andrea Stoppini, and immediately swaps shirts with his opponent. Not sure I'd want that souvenir. And there's another Australian victory as Brydan Klein beats Bjorn Phau on four sets.

0544: Djokovic duly recovers to 5-5 and, as another beautiful Monday dawn breaks over Shepherds Bush, Denmark's 11th seed Caroline Wozniacki opens with a break of serve against Shahar Peer on Margaret Court Arena.

0533: Djokovic is keeping us all on our toes, hitting back to win the second set before slipping 4-0 down in the third and then launching another comeback. And a warning for Keothavong fans - it might be time for a cup of tea/powernap/bracing walk as Fish has levelled at one set all against Groth and they could be out there a while.

0520: There is much excitement on Margaret Court Arena as 16-year-old Aussie Bernard Tomic gets his first-ever tour level win, beating Italian Potito Starace 7-6 1-6 7-6 7-6. The crowd go bananas as their man/boy remains ice cool behind his shades to seal the victory. Impressive stuff. And there's more good news for the hosts as Dokic takes the first set 6-2 against Paszek.

0509: Another opening-day epic is nearing its conclusion on Court Seven, with housewives' favourite Feliciano Lopez and, er, Luxembourg's favourite Gilles Simon deep into the fifth. And, oh lordy, if it isn't Barbora Zahlavova Strycova out on Court 18. She won't be getting too many more mentions.

0503: It's 10 years since Dokic beat world number one Martina Hingis in the first round of Wimbledon. It's also 10 years since her father, Damir, lay down in the middle of the road after being thrown out of the WTA tournament in Birmingham, among other things. Amazing stories at the time but Jelena's hugely promising career never recovered from her father's antics.

0458: Djokovic is over his momentary lapse and back in charge at a set and a break up against Stoppini on Rod Laver Arena. Representing Australia, Jelena Dokic - remember her? - is under way against the very talented Tamira Paszek of Austria on the evocatively-named Hisense Arena.

0446: Great scenes on Court Two as the victorious Baghdatis orchestrates the crowd in some mass-participation arm waving.

0444: Stoppini briefly goes a break up on Djokovic at the start of their second set but is immediately broken back to love, meanwhile Marcos Baghdatis - looking unfamiliar with his newly-cropped hair - beats Julien Benneteau 6-3 7-6 6-2, and Aussie Samuel Groth takes the opening tie-break against Mardy Fish.

0431: Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (according to hw, 0209) - a sweat-soaked Juan Martin del Potro sees off Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-4 6-2 .

0425: Djokovic bustles through his opening set 6-2 against Stoppini, who is taking on water like there's no tomorrow. Last year's boys' champion and big Aussie hope Bernard Tomic is two sets to one up against Potito Starace on Margarat Court Arena, and Baghdatis is two sets up on Benneteau on Court Two.

0412: "Vamos!" indeed. David Ferrer punches the air when Denis Gremelmayr goes long on match point to give the Spaniard a 6-1 6-7 6-1 6-7 6-4 win in four hours. We all need a lie down after that one.

0359: It's hot work out there - Jelena Jankovic says her "feet were burning" - and just watching Ferrer and Gremelmayr is exhausting. Djokovic is under way on Rod Laver Arena against Stoppini, as are Mardy Fish and Samuel Groth on Court Three - with Keothavong to follow that one.

0347: Chin up, everyone, we still have Anne Keothavong to come against Anna Chakvetadze, and Katie O'Brien is not out of it at 6-4 3-2 down against Niculescu. And Rod Laver Arena is about to host reigning champion Novak Djokovic against Andrea Stoppini. By the way, Ferrer and Gremelmayr are still going on serve in the fifth set. I think Ferrer's shoes might melt in a minute.

0328: Oh dear. Mel South sees her double-break disappear and is now 4-4 with Bartoli in the second set. Meanwhile, Ferrer and Gremelmayr are into a fifth set, Del Potro is steaming along at a set and a break up on Zverev, and Jelena Jankovic has beaten Yvonne... Meusberger.... 6-1 6-3.

0324:Apologies but it appears that the text service has ground to a halt so hold fire with your thoughts and I'll let you know as and when it's been fixed. You really should be in bed anyway, you know.

0317: It's a double break for South, who suddenly looks in charge as Bartoli appears to be struggling with a calf injury. O'Brien drops the first set 6-4 against Niculescu.

0313: The dream is over for Kimiko Date Krumm, who loses in three sets to 25th seed Kaia Kanepi in the 38-year-old Japanese player's first appearance in a Grand Slam tournament in 13 years. The former world number four is apparently now married to German open-wheel racer Michael Krumm, hence the name change.

0306: "This is a real shame. South is far better than this, she hasn't settled at all, it error after error. If she could start holding serve then she looks in the bartoli service games."
From Andy from cardiff again via text on 81111

0303: "I believe murray will do it this time. It just depends on how he copes with 5 sets instead of 3, and how quickly he recovers. Wouldn't it be fantastic if he wins!"
From Jacqueline Hathaway, oxford via text on 81111

0300: Bartoli wraps up a 6-2 set against South but O'Brien is battling hard at 4-3 down against Niculescu. Meanwhile, David Ferrer is deep into the fourth set against Denis Gremelmayr and Marcos Baghdatis moves a set up on Julien Benneteau. "Owwttt!" shouts a line judge with a magnificent Aussie accent. Sounds like Paul Hogan is on the Court Three baseline.

0232: South has two break points against Bartoli but nets a running forehand on the second, while O'Brien holds her opening service game. Jelena Jankovic is under way against Yvonne Meusberger and Juan Martin del Potro - who apparently is taller than a polar bear or something (see 0209) - is off against Mischa Zverev.

0224: "I'm 26 so I'm not quite over the hill," says Andy Roddick after his win. "I battled some injuries last year so it was kind of tough getting back and being able to train. Winning Slams is the ultimate goal and I'm excited to start here."

0209: "Bring on del Potro! taller than a mountain, stronger than a polar bear, this year's suprise AO finalist (in my mind)."
From hw, surrey, via text on 81111

0206: Andy Roddick looks well pleased with a thumping 6-0 6-2 6-2 win over Bjorn Rehnquist, and he will play Xavier Malisse or Michael Llodra next. Jelena Jankovic is up next on Rod Laver Arena.

0204: "I know its the first round in the first major tournament of the season, but what is going on with Ivanovic? The girl she's up against is far from special and she's only just eeked through, if this is the world number 5 then its bad times for womens tennis. I still love you tho Anna."
Andy from Cardiff via text on 81111

0202: Over on Court Eight and David Ferrer has been pegged back to one set all by Denis Gremelmayr. The Spaniard makes the most extraordinary noise when he serves; the last time I heard something like that was a on a school trip to a farm. Meanwhile, Ivanovic says she made "too many unforced errors but I'm through so at least I can work on it for the next round". Quite so.

0156: Well, it may not have been much fun for her but last year's runner-up, Ana Ivanovic, is through to the second round with a 7-6 6-3 win over Germany's Julia Goerges. The Serb takes the applause of the crowd after one hour 50 minutes and looks suitably chuffed after quite a battle.

0152: World number one Rafael Nadal is apparently writing a blog for Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. He begins, "Hi everyone, or should I say G'day mate? I have been told that this is the way Australians say 'hello', so I wanted to also say it like this." Bonzer.

0147: Some results are starting to come through now andseventh seed Vera Zvonareva beats Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova 7-6 6-0, while 15th seed Alize Cornet of France sees off Ukraine's Mariya Koryttseva 6-3 6-4. Wily old Kimiko Date Krumm (she's 38 you know) levels against Kaia Kanepi at one set all but it's bad news for Algerian tennis as Lamine Ouahab is bundled out in straight sets by Florian Mayer.

0143: "Shame I have to go to Manchester about 8 am or I would have been following the tennis! Not to worry. All should be ok for tomorrow's games. Well, I mainl y hope Murray wins this one. Not Federer!"
From Ruby, Birmingham, via text on 81111

0137: The Ivanovic ball toss is making me wince - she's got the yips, dartitis, Dementieva syndrome, call it what you want. However, she's battling on and leads by a set and 3-2. And finally some news from Court 21, where mercurial Belgian Xavier Malisse is a set and 3-0 up on French doubles star Michael Llodra.

0132: "Piers I have a paper on Quantum Computing due in at 10 and im still working on it. Your updates are acting as a source of energy to keep me awake!"
From Jon, Hatfield, via text on 81111

- Glad to be of service, and just remember that without some specifically quantum mechanical resources such as entanglement, it is conjectured that an exponential advantage over classical computers is not possible. At least, that what I always say.

0130: "As much as im a scotsman and a hibs fan to boot I just dont think murray has it in him. But i hope to be proved wrong."
From Bob, Edinburgh, via text on 81111

0124: So, where are we, why, and what on earth is going on? I can't answer all of that but I can tell you that Roddick is closing in on a two-set lead over Gremelmayr, as is Berdych against Ginepri - meaning Britain's very own Mel South could be in action soon on Court Three.

0117: "What is going on on court 21? Llodra is supposed to be playing malisse at 00:00 but i cant find the live score anywhere!"
From anon via text on 81111

- BBC 5 Live's Jonathan Overend in Melbourne informs me that the match is actually in progress but for some reason the computer isn't picking it up.

0113: "Apologies for not stating my name before (0058). Coffee needed. I fear caffeine products may become a theme this week rather than tuna baguettes!"
From Mike, Surrey, via text on 81111

- Funny you should say that because I have a pathetic petrol station tuna sandwich in front of me that is about to be demolished. What I wouldn't do now for a Wimbledon tuna baguette, even at �4.50.

0110: Ivanovic takes the first set 7-5 against Goerges but it has been hard, hard going for the French Open champion.

0107: If I had an 'Algeria down arrow' graphic, I'm afraid it would be in use now Max (see 0020 entry). After an encouraging start, Lamine Ouahab is now 6-2 5-0 down to Florian Mayer on Court 14. Good to see Kimiko Date Krumm in action out on Court Six - she's older than me! The 38-year-old retired in 1996 and then came back last year. She's a set down to Estonia's Kaia Kanepi at the moment though.

0100: Well, Ivanovic edges 5-4 ahead after another fairly tortuous game and her clenched fist and scream of delight show what a struggle this is for her.

0059: "Ana ivanovic...please get a coach! I know she doesn't want one, but her game still needs improving and guidance. I'm backing rafa for the men's title!"
From sophie via text on 81111

0058: "Piers, this Ivanovic match is just an error fest! If the competition is like this, Keothavong might stand a chance!"
From anon via text

0053: We have pictures - they may not be moving but they're very much pictures - up and running for those of you with the appropriate technology.
Aussie Open day one photos

0050: Roddick might fancy an afternoon on the beach - he takes the first set against Rehnquist 6-0, while Ferrer hammers Gremelmayr 6-1 and Tomas Berdych moves a set clear of Robby Ginepri.

0048: "If Anne can keep her focus and let Chakvetadze, who has been poor recently, get erratic then an upset is on the cards."
Michael fom bristol via text on 81111

- With you there Michael, Chakvetadze is a good player but a touch emotional and prone to the odd collapse. She is the world number 18 though.

0042: Ivanovic is hanging on a bit as she saves break points that would have seen her a double-break down, but the Serb gets back to 4-3 up after Goerges makes a couple of howlers with dodgy overheads.

0034: "I just have a gr8 feeling andy murray is goin 2 win his 1st grand slam here.Also i think federer may go out 2day."
Andy from n.ireland via text on 81111

0029: Look out - Ivanovic has been struggling a bit pretty much since winning the French Open last June and she hasn't got off to the best start here, Goerges getting an early break to lead 3-1. Roddick, meanwhile, is a break up against Rehnquist, and 11th seed David Ferrer is 3-0 up against Denis Gremelmayr.

0027: Hey piers. Can I just ask why the bbc is not providing live tv coverage throughout the night?
Regards, James from Burscough, via text on 81111

- You're saying nocturnal text-based coverage isn't sufficient, aren't you? I will endeavour to get you a full response to that one when the UK wakes up but for now there is some info on the blog linked below.
Editors' blog on BBC coverage

0021: Andy Roddick thunders through his opening service game against Sweden's Bjorn Rehnquist on Rod Laver Arena - and Algeria's Lamine Ouahab has made himself an early favourite at Television Centre by breaking Florian Mayer straight away on Court 14.

0020: "Hey piers, can you keep me updated on the lamine ouahab match, hoping the algerian wins!"
From Max via text on 81111

0015: We're off - and Ivanovic opens with a double fault. Meanwhile, Slovakia celebrates as Magdalena Rybarikova is the first player to win a game to go ahead against seventh seed Vera Zvonareva.

0007: "Thank goodness were into a new season and new expectations. Go andy but lets have 3 wins from the girls first!"
From Drew_btnet, Crieff, via text on 81111

0006: It is, not surprisingly, ferociously hot in Melbourne. The BBC weather website says it's 32C but judging by the glare from my TV it's hotter than that on court. Ana Ivanovic and world number 107 Julia Goerges are knocking up on the Hisense Arena and we're almost good to go.

0001: Clearly, you should all be in bed. In fact, you might actually all be in bed. This will not stop us providing match commentary, reaction, breaking news and hopefully lots of trivia throughout the night. Text us on 81111 if you're in the UK and have something tennis-based that you simply have to get off your chest.

For the first two days (at least) we will be doing our best to keep you up to date with everything that's happening across the 15 courts throughout the UK night. Come Monday morning (0830 GMT), those with a normal sleep pattern will be able to wake up and enjoy live coverage on the Red Button and this website from the Rod Laver Arena - with pictures and everything - as well as Jonathan Overend and co on 5 Live Sports Extra.

Still, that's the end of that. Andy Murray will not be in action tonight so his assault on a first Grand Slam title will get under way on day two against Andrei Pavel. For day one, we've got Brits Mel South, Katie O'Brien and Anne Keothavong, as well as Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and many more.

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