MELBOURNE, Australia — The opening day of the Australian Open should provide quick answers to injury questions which developed over the past few weeks with two of the biggest stars in the women's game.
Will six-time winner and defending champion Serena Williams be affected by inflammation in her left knee that forced her out of the Hopman Cup in Perth? And will Maria Sharapova, who lost to Williams in last year's final, get through her first-round match without the recurrence of left forearm soreness that made her withdraw from the Brisbane International, where she was defending champion?
Both players said they've recovered from their respective ailments and are ready to go, Williams as the second match on the main Rod Laver Arena, Sharapova to open the night program at Margaret Court Arena.