Zheng Jie of China hits a return in the 1st round women's singles match against American Madison Keys at 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Zheng won the match and advanced into the second round. [Photo: sina.com.cn]
Zhang Shuai of China hits a return in the 1st round women's singles match against Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada at 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 17, 2012. Zhang Shuai lost 0-2. [Photo: Xinhua]
Chinese Zheng Jie advanced into the second round of the 2012 Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday with an easy 6-2, 6-1 win over American Madison Keys, while Zhang Shuai was downed by Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak, failing to advance in her seventh effort in the Grand Slam event.
Zheng Jie has been troubled over the past year by a wrist injury. The 28-year-old is competing in Melbourne for the first time since 2010, when she reached the semifinals.
"Last year I missed the Australian Open because of the injury, " said Zheng. "So I am happy to be here this year."
Keys made a strong start, holding her first two serves to make it 2-2, but once the Chinese clicked into gear it turned into a one-sided contest as Zheng rattled through the 10 out of next 11 games to move in to round two.
Zheng captured the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand early this month. It was Zheng's fourth WTA title, but her first since 2006.
"I had a good training this winter and I stepped on court with confidence," said Zheng. "However, the title in Auckland is still a surprise to me and I think the title gave me much more confidence when I came here in Melbourne."
It is a good day for Zheng, but not for her young compatriot Zhang Shuai. Aleksandra Wozniak defeated the Chinese 6-3, 6-3 early on Tuesday to earn her first career Australian Open victory.
Wozniak came out firing against wild card Zhang. The Canadian got out to a 4-0 lead. After missed on two set points, she finished the set on her fourth chance with a winner after 39 minutes.
The second set was more competitive, but Wozniak broke for 5-3 and served out the victory a game later as Zhang returned long.
"I didn't get used to the windy day," said Zhang, "and I think I was not confident on court. I am stronger than I think, but I couldn't show it on court."
Zhang had never reached the second round of the Grand Slam in her previous six appearances.
