Australian Open: Women's First Round Matches To Watch

2nd verse, same as the first.  Here are the women's matches to watch in the 1st round.

Caroline Wozniacki vs Gisela Dulko -  She's the World Number 1 without a Slam, and she might say that she doesn't "need to prove anything to anybody," but when she takes center stage tomorrow on Rod Laver Arena her critics will be watching.  2011 hasn't been kind to the Dane, losing exhibition matches to Vera Zvonareva and Kim Clijsters, and then losing in the 1st round in Sydney to Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets.  Dulko, the top ranked doubles player is ranked only 48 in singles and shouldn't prove to be an obstacle.  The last time they met was in 2008 and Wozniacki won easily, but, pressure is a bitch, no matter what you say.

Yanina Wickmayer vs Jarmila Groth -  Wickmayer is the seeded player, but Groth is coming off her 2nd WTA title at Hobart.  They've only met once before in 2009 which Wickmayer won in 3 sets, but I just have the feeling that Groth is going to have a great 2011.  I'm betting on Jarmila.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs Qualifier -  I'm not sure who she is playing (qualifying is complete, but I'm too lazy too look), but this is the first time the she has ever been to the main event.  So far this year, she defeated Francesa Schiavone during the Hopman Cup, and she was a finalist at Hobart.  I hope she can keep up her momentum and make it to the 2nd round.

Kimiko Date-Krumm vs Agnieszka Radwanska -  Date-Krumm was representing for women in their 40s in 2010, upsetting the younger WTA players left and right.  Radwanska ended 2010 with a stress fracture and wasn't even supposed to play in the AO.   Her practices are apparently going well, but I'm still putting my money on Kimiko.   This is partly because I am closer to her age than Radwanska and I need to believe that she can still do it, and partly because I really think she can.

and last but certainly not least

Kim Clijsters vs Dinara Safina - Need I say more?