KEY POINTS:
Security In Question
Just days after being dubbed the "Happy Slam" by champion Roger Federer, the Australian Open's image has been tarnished after security at the event was called into question.
Brawling fans and a report of a police investigation into a allegations that a boy was
indecently assaulted have taken the focus away from the tennis.
The last five days have added a new dimension to Grand Slam tennis and one that may have a knock-on effect on how other events, including the French and US Opens and Wimbledon, make security arrangements.
When Federer welcomed the world to the "Happy Slam" on the eve of the championships, little did he know what was in store.
About 150 fans were evicted from the Melbourne Park grounds on Monday after fighting flared between rival Croat and Serb supporters.
It was the first time such violence had flared in more than 100 years of Grand Slams.
Police said they were surprised by the scale of the incident, admitting they were under-prepared to deal with the brawling.
Just when it seemed as if the negative publicity would become a thing of the past and Federer and company would be allowed to grab back the attention with their on-court prowess, another controversy marred the Open.
News broke yesterday that police were investigating reports that a 5-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted in the men's toilets inside the showpiece Rod Laver Arena.
To make matters worse, the incident had happened on Monday and tournament organisers were accused of trying to bury more bad news.
No excuses
Russian fifth seed Nadia Petrova wasn't offering any excuses after her defeat by Serena Williams.
Petrova's preparation for the tournament had not been ideal, pulling out last week's Sydney International due to stomach cramps.
"She raised her game," a deflated Petrova said.
"She started putting more pressure on me and I did not serve great today. I was serving for the match, but she came up with some unbelievable returns."
Ex-Auckland
ASB Classic winner in Auckland, Serb Jelena Jankovic, beat Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus 6-3, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Serena Williams.
Williams said of the in-form Jankovic: "She's playing really well. I think she's a very solid player so I'm going to have to be playing even better."
American Mardy Fish continued his fine run after his good showing at the Heineken Open. Fish beat Wayne Arthurs (Australia) 3-0, retired.