DIVIJ IN RD2, BOPANNA BOWS OUT

MELBOURNE: Divij Sharan and his Kiwi partner Artem Sitak progressed to the second round of the men’s doubles beating the Portuguese-spanish duo of Pablo Carreno Busta and Joao Sousa 6-4 7-5.

Partnering Yasutaka Uchiyama of Japan, Rohan Bopanna lost to USA’S Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, 1-6, 6-3, 3-6.

Meanwhile, Sania Mirza pulled out of the mixed doubles event to protect her calf from a strain but will compete in the women’s doubles with Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok. Sania was scheduled to play in the mixed doubles with compatriot Rohan Bopanna.

Krajinovic then broke straightaway when the Serb fired a backhand long. The Swiss was in immaculate touch early and moving well, exhibiting his full repertoire with some deft drop shots and quality groundstrokes.

It was a lightning start and he broke again then held for 5-0 before the Serb finally got on the scoreboard, only to see Federer serve out the first set in just 20 minutes.

With a steely look in his eyes, he broke again to take a 1-0 lead in the second set. But Krajinovic regrouped and managed to work a break point at 2-3, but couldn’t convert. He got another opportunity at 3-4 and this time didn’t waste it. Clearly irked, Federer broke straight back with the Serb taking his frustrations out on his racquet, smashing it into the ground.

A double fault from the demoralised Krajinovic handed Federer a break to go 1-0 ahead in the third set and there was no way back against a man operating in a different sphere.