Hev couldn't have had better preparation.

Hopman cup with Andy gave her (exposure to him and I feel he is a very positive influence on woman's tennis) three challenging singles games against highly ranked opponents; the round Robbin format means she got all three games.

Winning in Tazzie has allowed her a run at players close to her ranking that we know and she knows she is likely to beat; this she has achieved with optimal efficiency. She looks happy relaxed, phenomenally fit and ready to go. I don't think she could have done more to set herself up to make progress next week. Both Hev and her coach should be congratulated on that, but now is time to focus on winning. Getting into the top 32 is essential to facilitate the next step through consistent GS draws which allows an assault on the rankings and a position in the worlds top 16.

I look on the worlds top 16 as the premiership of World Tennis (and who wouldn't want to be the Villa!). It will be great fun watching her try over the next couple of years.

Most importantly CD, I see a very very good win for your girl, Mme Dodin, over Riske

Other than that, there is something screwy in the water for sure.
Though shocking, the Ivanovic result I can understand, because once every two years or so, Hradecka gets inspiration from the Gods, serves like a dream and can be unplayable for a few sets.

Kerber losing to Begu in a see-saw 4-6 6-0 1-6

Bencic losing so easily to Goerges 2-6 1-6 now Julia's a good player who under-perform's her talent, and if she serves well, she stands a chance.
But, Bencic this year by all reckoning should be one of the form horses on tour. So far she's played two matches and won 6 total games, losing to WR187 & 73.

Lisicki, will lose on any given day to any given player because that's just part of being Sabine - sometimes the mind doesn't turn up.

Safarova was a shocker, form player last year, looked great at Hopman Cup - Shvedova has talent above her ranking, but injuries stop her playing enough to exploit it.

CSN loses to Witthoeft 3-6 1-6

Even the other results, in unseeded matches, have often been 'eyebrow raising'.

What a weird start. Sadly none of it to Heather's potential benefit.

Sharapova now on court to try and end Day One with some sense and rescue an 8-8 draw for the seeds.

A bit surprised the organisers didn't give Heather a later start, but anyway, let's go!

Good luck Heather

I quite like the small court setting for Heather's match, as it reminds me of her match against Pervak a couple of years ago where the intimate crowd was really on her side.

I'm less keen on the tiny Bet 365 picture but it's better than nothing!