Clijsters meets a echidna called Matilda in Melbourne

"They were loud, but it was only for a few minutes. It's not like they were there throughout the whole match."
Kim Clijsters refuses to be put off by the military planes that flew low over the Rod Laver Arena to mark Australia Day.

"I mean, they're so different, but they're both so likable."
The Belgian is torn over whether Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal is her tip for the men's title.

"Maybe next year I'll stay in Scotland."
Andy Murray reflects on his decision to acclimatise for the Australian Open in sweltering Perth, when Melbourne has been distinctly chilly this year.

"I wouldn't have minded. I don't mind people making jokes about me. It's not a problem."
Murray on the prospect of fellow Scot Billy Connolly using him as material.

"Yeah, he went to the toilet, he told me. They were giving him a hard time getting back because they were saying, 'you don't have a box pass'. He's like, 'look, it's coach Dolgopolov...'" Alexandr Dolgopolov on his coach's momentary disappearance during his defeat by Murray.

"Top five is only five girls, so it's tough."
World number 28 Petra Kvitova does the maths as she considers a move up the rankings.

"You're calling back home and making sure everyone is okay, the people that you know. You know, I just tried to put it away. It happened. It is terrible. But, you know, you try to move on."
Vera Zvonareva, who wore a black ribbon in memory of those who died in the attacks, reflects on the bombing of Moscow's Domodedovo airport.

"The tennis career, you have higher moments and lower moments. I had almost all the time very, very happy moments and very nice moments in my career. That's part of the sport."
Rafael Nadal in wistful mood after his defeat by David Ferrer

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