Saplings weeded, seeds sprout at sunny Melbourne

While Henin-Hardenne destroyed 15-year-old Australian wildcard Olivia Lukaszewicz 6-0, 6-0 at barely a canter, Roddick heaved aside burly Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 6-2, 7-5, 7-6.

The comprehensive manner of the American world number one’s victory against a player regarded as one of the most dangerous non-seeds in the Open’s 128-man draw serves as notice that he is peaking at the right time.

“I don’t think it was a good draw for either of us, I really had to play well out there,” U.S. Open champion Roddick said.

A more powerful Henin-Hardenne did not face such stern opposition against her overawed opponent and barely put a foot wrong during the 46-minute match.

“I’m very surprised about the way I’m feeling right now and the experience I got from the two grand slam victories last year,” said Henin-Hardenne.

“It gave me a lot of confidence. Even if I’m not playing my best tennis during practice. I just stay very calm because I know that on the court everything is different.” Andre Agassi looked as sharp as ever under the lights, dismissing Australia’s Todd Larkham 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 as he seeks a fifth Australian Open crown.

“It has been a number of great years for me here — I missed so many years at the start here and I am really regretful for that,” Agassi said. “To be here now is just great.

“You’re always happy to get through it, no question.”

Less happy on Monday was Agassi’s victim in that 2003 final, Rainer Schuettler. The German was left despondent after a loss to Sweden’s Robin Soderling.

Schuettler let slip a two-set lead before exiting 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. (Reuters)