Wozniacki into second round

World number one Caroline Wozniacki moved smoothly through to the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Anastasia Rodionova on Monday.

Wozniacki, 21, withstood an early barrage from the Australian before turning the screws to win 6-2, 6-1 in a solid workout.

The top-seeded Dane was at her counter-punching best, absorbing an early blitz of winners from Rodionova and preying on any mistakes to demoralise her opponent.

“It was a good way for me to start the tournament,” Wozniacki said.

“I was a bit nervous before the match, but you always just want to get a good start in the first round.

“I’m pretty happy about the way I played. You can, of course, always improve, but it’s a good start for me.”

Wozniacki said her wrist, which she injured in Sydney last week, had given her no problems.

“It feels better,” she said. “I’m very happy about the way I felt out there today.”

Wozniacki has been criticised for not having any ‘killer’ shots, but her superb court movement and ability to get balls back into play were more than enough to defeat Rodionova, who grew ragged as the match went on.

“I got into the rhythm, started to play more comfortably, and it paid off,” the world number one said.

The only time Rodionova was able to put any pressure on Wozniacki was when she had two break points at 2-3 in the first set.

But Wozniacki saved both before a run of nine consecutive games.

The top seed meets Georgia’s Anna Tatishvili in the second round. AFP