Petra Kvitova, 5/2 with bookmaker to win the title, has admitted that she has a new type of pressure to deal with at the Australian Open.
The Czech star is seen as the Melbourne favourite in many quarters and the reigning Wimbledon champion is wary of taking too much notice of that standing.
She said after a 6-2 6-0 first round win over Vera Dushevina: “The first match is always tough.
“It’s a new experience for me to be one of favourites for the tournament – I just want to take it match by match.”
Maria Sharapova also looked to be in fine form as she dismissed Gisela Dulko for the loss of one game, but home hope Sam Stosur crashed out in straight sets to Sorana Cirstea of Romania.