Tennis stars ready for Australian Open

World No 2 Kim Clijsters on Australian TV programme 'Talking Tennis' yesterday. Kristian Dowling / Getty Images

The world's leading tennis players have given their final media interviews before play starts in the Australian Open, due to start at 1pm today NZ time.

World No 2 Kim Clijsters, of Belgium, was one of several players to appear on the "Talking Tennis" programme. She is one of the favourites for the women's event.

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, is tipped to win the men's singles title.

American Lindsay Davenport was first on court, beating local player Casey Dellacqua 6-2, 6-1.

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