Latest News - Updated 18 January 2005

Daniela edges into second round

Daniela Hantuchova has reached the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, despite a spirited fightback from her opponent, Japan's Akiko Morigami.

Hantuchova completed a straight sets victory 6-4, 7-5, having seen off six set points from Morigami in the second set.

Hantuchova showed an aggression which has been lacking from her game since her slide down the women's world rankings. She told reporters "For sure I wasn't going to get through a match like that a year ago. Thats what Im so happy about, that I really fought out there and I didn't give up."

Having scraped through the first round against a lesser opponent, Hantuchova may not have convinced anyone that she is back to her best. But her refusal to be drawn into a three set match, and her obvious relief at the end of the contest, seemed to signify a turning point in her faltering career.

Despite the close encounter, Daniela fans will be hoping that the young Slovak will take confidence from this victory and go on to make a mark on this season's first Grand Slam.

Daniela now plays Austria's Barbara Schett in Round 2 .

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