Switzerland’s Roger Federer, the men’s defending champ for the Australian Open title, is looking to win his tenth Grand Slam. He won his first match today against Bjorn Phau of Germany (7-5, 6-0, 6-4). Marat Safin (Russia) overcame Benjamin Becker (German) in first round play (5-7, 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4).
Andy Roddick had an uphill battle with French wild card Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who led by a set and 5-2 at one point. Roddick lost an epic 38-point tiebreaker before fighting his way to victory (6-7 (18), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-3). Officials confirmed that this is the record for longest tiebreaker at the Australian Open.
Five other American men advanced. Mardy Fish proved to be the biggest upset over Ivan Ljubicic (4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4). Other Americans include Amer Delic, Zack Fleishman, Vince Spadea, and Sam Querry.
Tuesday’s matches include Rafael Nadal vs. Robert Kendrick, Lleyton Hewitt vs. Michael Russell, James Blake vs. Carlos Moya.
[...] First Round: Bjorn Phau (Germany) 7-5, 6-0, 6-4 Second Round: Jonas Bjorkman (Sweden) 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 Third Round: Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 Fourth Round: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 Quarterfinals: Tommy Robredo (Spain) 6-3, 7-6, 7-5 Semifinals: Andy Roddick (USA) 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 [...]