No worries, says Federer, as Nadal backtracks over his Tour remarks

Nadal and Federer have always offered each other the utmost respect but the Spaniard yesterday opened a lingering wound by accusing the 16-time grand slam winner of not doing enough given his lofty status to push for change on issues such as prize money and the strains of life on tour.

Nadal, who beat qualifier Alex Kuznetsov 6-4 6-1 6-1, said in his press conference on Sunday: “His position is easy: do not say anything, all positive, I am a ‘gentleman’, others get burned.”

The world No 2 admitted last night he had been wrong speaking publicly rather than seeking out Federer personally.

“Yesterday what I said, I said but I was probably wrong telling you because these things must stay in the locker room,” said Nadal. “I’ve always had a fantastic relationship with Roger and still do. I feel sorry for saying it because I should have said it to him personally.”

Federer was diplomacy personified after easing past Alexander Kudryavtsev 7-5 6-2 6-2.

“Things are fine between us, I have no hard feelings towards him,” he insisted.

“It’s been a difficult last few months in terms of politics within the ATP, trying to find a new chairman and CEO, that can get a bit frustrating sometimes.”

Aside from Federer and Nadal, the day belonged to home favourite Bernard Tomic after the Australian came from two sets down to beat Fernando Verdasco 4-6 6-7 (3/7) 6-4 6-2 7-5 in an epic struggle. There were also wins on day one for Tomas Berdych, Nicolas Almagro, Mardy Fish and Juan Martin Del Potro.

Wrist injury overcome in opening triumph by favourite Wozniacki

World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki dispelled any lingering doubt about her wrist injury by brushing aside the challenge of Anastasia Rodionova on day one of the Australian Open.

The Dane injured the joint during her defeat by Agnieszka Radwanska at the Sydney International last week and there were reports she had been wincing in practice at the weekend. But there were few signs of discomfort as she crushed Australian Rodionova 6-2 6-1.

Afterwards she said: “It feels much better. I was a bit nervous before the match as I didn’t really know what to expect but I am very happy with the way I felt out there. When I got into my rhythm and started to play more comfortably it paid off.”

Wozniacki’s late-night victory capped a good opening day for the seeded women after Victoria Azarenka earlier led a quintet of top-ranked players in cruising into the second round.

Azarenka, the third seed, thrashed Britain’s Heather Watson to join defending champion Kim Clijsters, last year’s beaten finalist Li Na, eighth seed Agnieszka Radwanska and 10th seed Francesca Schiavone in posting victories.

Clijsters looked rusty in her win over Maria Joao Koehler, a qualifier from Portugal and although all her usual fluency was lacking, she managed to advance courtesy of a 7-5 6-1 triumph.

Li, who became the first Asian player to win a grand slam when she claimed the French Open crown last June, beat Ksenia Pervak 6-3 6-1.

Schiavone saw off Laura Pous-Tio 6-1 6-3 and Radwanska overcame the challenge of American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-7 (10/12) 6-4 6-2.