World number nine Samantha Stosur's terrible build up to the Australian Open continued on Monday when she was knocked out of the Sydney International by China's Zheng Jie in the first round The former US Open champion also crashed out of the first round in Brisbane last week and local hopes the 28-year-old could be Australia's first women's champion at Melbourne Park since Christine O'Neil in 1978 now appear increasingly slim.
Stosur underwent ankle surgery less than six weeks ago and has appeared rusty, though she has also endured a woeful run in her native country over the last two seasons, winning just once in six matches. The Australian Open, the year's first grand slam, starts on next Monday.
Zheng's 6-3 6-7 6-4 victory in two hours, 43 minutes ensured that she could still set up a possible quarter-final clash against compatriot Li Na, who was forced into a dogfight in the heat before overcoming American Christina McHale 7-6 7-5 to also reach the second round.
The former French Open champion, runner-up in Sydney last year and winner in 2011, took almost two hours to dispatch her opponent in 30-degree temperatures. Fourth seed Li only arrived in Australia a day earlier, having beaten Klara Zakopalova to win the Shenzhen title, where the temperature outside hovered just above freezing.
"I was playing in China, so I have to (get) used to the heat," Li said of her decision to play Shenzhen and Sydney as she prepared for the Australian Open. I couldn't come straightaway to Melbourne. I needed some matches in the heat conditions, otherwise I don't know what I can do in Melbourne."
While Li struggled acclimatising, tournament organisers will be keeping an close eye on weather conditions on Tuesday. Sydney is expected to hit a maximum of 43 Celsius as Australia swelters in a heatwave that has sparked raging bush fires.
Warm northwest winds are also expected to increase on-court temperatures closer to 50. Officials will provide shading, ice towels and additional water and sports drinks for the players, while staff will work shorter shifts to try to mitigate the effects of the heat.
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