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2007 Australian Open – Women's Singles

Women's Singles
2007 Australian Open
Champion United States Serena Williams
Runner-up Russia Maria Sharapova
Final score 6–1, 6–2
Events
Singles men women boys girls
Doubles men women mixed boys girls
Legends men women mixed
WC Singles men women quad
WC Doubles men women quad

Amélie Mauresmo was the defending champion, but lost in the fourth round to unseeded Lucie Šafářová.

Serena Williams won her third Australian Open title in the final defeating Maria Sharapova. Williams became the first unseeded player to win the tournament since Christine O'Neil in 1978.

The First day of play at Melbourne Park saw defending champion Amélie Mauresmo advance in straight sets to the second round, along with a string of Russian top-10 players (Kuznetsova, Petrova, Dementieva, among others). US Open semifinalist and Auckland champion Jelena Janković also sailed through in straight sets, but rising teen Nicole Vaidišová had to survive a tough three set challenge from Jill Craybas to advance. 2005 and 2003 champion Serena Williams showed glimpses of the form that saw her rise to World No.1 when she swept past 27th seed Mara Santangelo 6–2 6–1 despite a relatively poor service percentage of 45%.

The second day was ravaged by heat in excess of 40 deg Celsius (104 deg Fahrenheit) causing the Extreme Heat Policy to be implemented. Many matches were delayed due and play continued merely on the two roofed courts. Maria Sharapova was playing in Rod Laver Arena, but before the Extreme Heat Policy came in use. As a result, the roof could not yet be closed and the match had to be played in full heat. She was particularly distressed during the match squandering a 1–0 lead in sets and a 5–0 lead in the decisive set, but eventually defeated Camille Pin 6–3, 4–6, 9–7, who was two points away from victory serving for the match at 7–6. Fourth seed Kim Clijsters, on the other hand, advanced soundly in twelve straight games 6–0 6–0, defeating Hobart finalist Vasilisa Bardina. Three time winner and six time finalist Martina Hingis also swept through with little difficulty, losing only two games to 2005 semifinalist Nathalie Dechy. Ana Ivanovic lost as many games to Vania King to advance to the second Round. The only seeds to fall were Eleni Daniilidou of Greece who fell 4–6 0–6 to Aiko Nakamura, and Flavia Pennetta, who lost to 2006 Hasselt finalist Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in straight sets. Former World No. 8, Australian wildcard Alicia Molik also advanced. 12 first round matches, including those of Patty Schnyder and Dinara Safina were postponed until Wednesday.


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