2015 Australian Open Day 1: Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep Survive First Day Upsets, Ana Ivanovic, Angelique Kerber Do Not; Li Na Announces Pregnancy

Simona Halep (click to enlarge)

It was a bloody Monday on the women’s singles side of the 2015 Australian Open on day 1. Seeds were falling all over the place. But through it all, two possible contenders made their way through as Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova both advanced in straight sets. The Romanian Halep is looking to build on terrific years in 2013 and 2014 by winning her first Major championship while Masha is seeking her 6th Major and 2nd Australian Open title.

Ana Ivanovic (click to enlarge)

Exiting far earlier than expected were two top 10 seeds, #5 Ana Ivanovic and #9 Angelique Kerber. Ana was in top form in the first set, winning 6-1 against Lucie Hradecka. But after that, it all went south. 10 double faults and 30 unforced errors conspired to sink the former world #1. She had a terrifice 2014 outside of the Majors, winning 4 titles. She was runner-up at Brisbane a few weeks ago to Sharapova. None of that mattered on day 1. All congratulations to Lucie, but it’s a big blow to lose a fan favorite like Ana so quickly.

Li Na (click to enlarge)

Last year’s women’s singles champion, Li Na, retired and thus is not defending her title. But she is present at her favorite Major. They honored her on day 1 as the reigning champion. She also had a little bit of news for the rest of us. She and her husband are now expecting their first child this summer. So big congratulations are in order as she enters the next phase of her life and becomes a mother. Her husband Jiang Shan also adopts the English name of Dennis. When announcing her pregnancy Li Na joked, “I think Dennis is doing a good job. He just made one ace.”