Last updated: 15/01/2015

Judy Murray: Australian Open Blog!

Continuing on from her popular Hopman Cup blogs, Fed Cup captain Judy Murray is writing a blog containing some of her adventures and courtside knowledge from the duration of her time at the Australian Open.

The men’s and women’s qualifying events are well underway at Melbourne Park with Kyle Edmund and Liam Broady enjoying three-set wins to put them one win away from joining Andy Murray and James Ward in the main draw. 

Andy Murray training at Australian OpenAndy on Hisense Arena toay with coach Amelie Mauresmo

Brit watch:

Well, that's day two of qualifying over and it was a mixed day for the Brits. Naomi Broady and Jo Konta lost their openers in the women's singles but the young guns Liam Broady and Kyle Edmund battled past American opponents to make the final round. Good signs!

Elsewhere, Heather Watson made the Hobart WTA semis with a 7-6, 6-2 win over former top ten player Roberta Vinci and James 'the giant killer' Ward upset John Isner in three sets at the Kooyong Classic.  

James Ward at Kooyong ClassicLook who I found on TV in the cafe! James Ward in Ted Baker gear. 

Melbourne Park:

Melbourne Park looks a little different this year. As ever, Tennis Australia are looking to improve the player and fan experience and the newest addition is the covered Margaret Court Arena, giving the site three courts with retractable roofs. This court will be ticketed but Hisense Arena which is the second biggest show court (behind Rod Laver Arena) will be open to ground passes.

Margaret Court ArenaThe Margaret Court Arena now has a retractable roof. 

Healthy new addition:

I spotted this addition to the food court. No excuses for fans not to get their five a day! It also makes a change from all the fast food outlets!

Aus Open food stallNew addition to the food court.

Welcome, ball kids! 

It was also great to see all the ball kids gearing up for the main draw. There are 380 kids aged from 12-15 and here they are on Rod Laver Arena with Maria Sharapova and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Ball kids at the Australian Open with Maria SharapovaA selfie stick being called into action on the Rod Laver Arena. 

Coaches Conference:

The Tennis Australia Coaches Conference started today with the one and only Nick Bollettieri kicking things off at 9am! The conference lasts for four days and attendees get a three day pass for the main draw. What a bonus.

Tomorrow I'm going in to take part in a panel discussing women and girls in tennis. Should be fun. Alicia Molik and Sven Groeneveld are part of the panel too so some heavyweight tennis knowledge in there. Alicia is former top ten player and Aussie Fed Cup captain. Sven coached Mary Pierce and, Caroline Wozniacki as well as Sharapova.

More tomorrow....

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