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With the Australian Open in full-swing and the third day of matches set to start in a mere few hours, Croatian Ivan Ljubicic became the first big-name casualty to fall in the first round of the tournament. Fourth seed Ljubicic fell to American Mardy Fish in four sets 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4.

While Ljubicic was, thus far, the only upset on the men’s side, the performance of other big name players left something to be desired as some visibly faltered, staggered and stuttered their way through a first round slugfest!

The most noticeable of all was Marat Safin, who managed to uphold his reputation for slugfests remarkably well in a marathon 3-hour and five-set match against Benjamin Becker! Becker had Safin muttering to himself and throwing his racket in frustration early in the match. But, despite the scare, Saffin finally managed to grind out a 5-7, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win and earn a second round court date with Dudi Sela.

Next match: Marat Safin (-1400) vs. Dudi Sela (+650)
Prediction: Clearly favored in this match-up, Safin should be in the mood to pull off a win in three sets.

If Safin manages to mutter his way through this match and advance to the third round, he will possibly face Andy Roddick. But ‘one-slam wonder’ Andy Roddick was another big name to wobble in his first-round match against wildcard opponent Jo-Wilfred Tsonga from France. Staggering through an opening set that had clear intimations of the tournament’s first shock, Roddick lost the opener to Tsonga in a mammoth 20-18 tie-break.

As tensions became tangible, Roddick moaned and complained throughout the rest of the match, venting his frustrations in unsportsmanlike conduct against the umpire. While Roddick finally managed to pull-off a 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3, win, his first round performance left something to be desired. Andy Roddick faces Marc Gicquel next.

Next match: Andy Roddick (-1400) Marc Gicquel ( +650)
Prediction: Clearly the favorite in this match-up, Roddick should win this match in four sets.

If the opening matches for Andy Roddick and Marat Safin are any indication, then their possible match-up in the third round could go either way. Moreover, with Roger Federer in their half of the draw, both players will have to turn up their level of play if either one of them hopes to dispose of Roger Federer and become a legitimate contender for the Australian Open title.

Meanwhile, defending champion Roger Federer breezed through his first round in a 7-5, 6-0, 6-4 victory over Bjorn Phau. Despite sweating a little bit in his first set, Roger Federer is on course to defend his Australian Open title. Roger Federer faces Jonas Bjorkman next.

Next match: Roger Federer (-10000) Jonas Bjorkman (+1800)
Prediction: This is a no-brainer! Three set win!

Last years surprise finalist Marco Baghdatis faced a grueling four-set opening match against Rainer Schuettler. Winning 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 over the 2003 Australian Open runner-up, Baghdatis was glad to pass his first hurdle amidst an oversized entourage of supportive fans. Baghdatis faces Gael Monfils in his second round match-up.

Monfils is a great player and could prove to be a tough opponent for Baghdatis, especially if allows himself to be distracted by his adoring followers.

Next match: Prediction: An even more grueling match awaits Baghdatis in the second round. Look for this one to go five sets, with Baghdatis barely squeaking by with a win.

Other Notable Highlights:

World No.2 Rafael Nadal defeated Robert Kendrick in his first round match 7-6, (8-6), 6-3, 6-2. Looking confident, the clay-court king is gunning for his 10th Grand Slam title and a possibly a final court date with Roger Federer. But, before he can achieve this feat, he must win his next five matches.

If all goes according to predictions and Rafa advances to the fourth round, then he could be appearing at court to face his first potentilly big challenger in Andy Murray. Britains No.1 player, Murray sizzled through his first-round match in a convincing 6-0, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Spain’s Alberto Martin.

James Blake didn’t break a sweat as he waltzed through his first round match-up against Carlos Moya in a 7-6 (8), 6-2, 6-4 victory.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room