Wozniacki launches title defence

Caroline Wozniacki fought back tears after launching her Australian Open defence with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 win over Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium yesterday.

The third seed won her maiden Slam at Melbourne Park last year but has since been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating auto-immune disease that has threatened to derail her career.

The Dane, who is bidding to become the first woman to defend the title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013, showed no outward sign of the illness as she eased past world number 52 Van Uytvanck in straight sets.

Wozniacki appeared to move freely despite energy-sapping conditions, engaging in long rallies with her dogged opponent who she described before the match as "tricky". She took no chances against Van Uytvanck, increasing her aggression and attacking the net.

The turning point came when Van Uytvanck defended three break points in the sixth game but conceded a fourth with a double fault.

Wozniacki seized the opening, serving out the set after 48 minutes as Van Uytvanck undermined her own cause with 18 double faults.

The title holder raced through the second set, showing some nerves as she squandered two match points but finally sealing the victory on the third.