SNAPSHOT FROM DAY TWO AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

PLAYER OF THE DAY: Angelique Kerber – the German juggernaut recorded her 10th straight win of an unbeaten summer to showcase her credentials for a second Open crown in three years.

STAT OF THE DAY: Former champion and four-time finalist Maria Sharapova returned from a doping ban that ruled her out in 2017 to beat Tatjana Maria 6-1 6-4 for a long-awaited first win at Melbourne Park in two years.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “That’s five dollars I won’t get back. I’m not over the blueberry debacle.” – Sydney-born Brit Johanna Konta cursing herself for leaving her fruit at the checkout before charging into the second round with a 6-3 6-1 win over Madison Brengle.

TURNING POINT: Destanee Aiava’s medical time-out for shortness of breath while leading at 5-2 in the first set proved the beginning of the end for the Australian teenage wildcard as she squandered a golden opportunity in a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 loss to world No.1 Simona Halep.

TOURNAMENT SUMMARY: Kerber and Sharapova are one win away each from setting up the first blockbuster women’s match of the tournament, while six-times champion Novak Djokovic and 2014 winner Stan Wawrinka both made successful comebacks from six months out to safely join fourth seed Alexander Zverev and seventh seed David Goffin in the men’s second round.