From the Baseline: Australian Open day one

French world number 12 Gael Monfils staged a remarkable comeback on day one of the Australian Open. Photo / Getty Images

The Herald on Sunday's Michael Burgess reviews all the action from the Australian Open's first day in Melbourne.

Hero of the day: Gael Monfils. The French world number 12 with legs of elastic find himself two sets and 4-5 down against big serving Dutchman Thiemo De Bakker before finding something from somewhere to come back. It was his first-ever five set win

Villain of the day: Yanina Wickmayer. The 2011 ASB Classic runner up, who has a big forehand but much smaller personality, beat hometown favourite and world number 32 Jarmila Groth in three tough sets.

Match of the day: Mofils vs De Bakker was a goodie, while Justine Henin had to produce some quality tennis to beat a determined Sania Mirza. But the best clash was between 16th seed Mardy Fish and 29-year-old Romanian Victor Hanescu, the American prevailing in five tough sets on show court three.

Shot of the day: Roger Federer - who else - comes up with a shot that belonged more on a squash court or table tennis table. With a deft flick of the wrist he caressed the ball from the back of the court to the axis of the service and sideline, leaving his opponent stunned.

Quote of the day: "Yeah, I've listened to a few of his songs. But 'Sweet Caroline' is definitely the one. I actually have it on my phone as well" - World number one Caroline Wozniacki admits to being a Neil Diamond fan.

Quote of the day (2): "I always like to watch cricket when I'm down here. You should be happy that you have it (the Ashes). It's not always going to be like that. It changes you know" - Roger Federer warns the British media not to get too used to success.

Stat of the day: The Russian female tennis factory is chugging along nicely, with 18 at this tournament alone. The USA are next best with 12 and the Czech Republic 10. How about a cheer for Akgul Amanmuradova - the sole representative from Uzbekistan in the main draw.

Awkward moment of the day: When the word spread - rather quickly around the media room - that Maria Sharapova had called a New Zealand reporter "a stalker". Not such a good time to be a Kiwi, especially as there are only three of us here - and one is female.

Foodwatch: Stuck with the old favourites on the first day - a perfectly respectable pita bread sandwich with avo, chicken and eggplant ($7.80). Blew rest of my media allocation on a super dog ($5.80), which was a naïve mistake. Blame it on the jetlag.

- Herald on Sunday