Tennis: Dream start for Capriati

Jennifer Capriati began her defence of the Australian Open in impressive fashion in Melbourne.

The 25-year-old New Yorker, back as world number one this week because of Lindsay Davenport's injury, beat Croatian Silvija Talaja 6-4 6-1.

Beaten in the first round in Sydney last week by her fellow American Alexandra Stevenson and troubled there by a hip injury, Capriati emerged with heavy strapping on her right thigh.

But although a trainer was called during the match, afterwards she said: "It was just precautionary. I felt comfortable and I'm excited to be back here.

"I even dreamt about the tournament last night - that's never happened before - and I felt the crowd pulling for me. I felt like one of their own.

"I've not been in this position before, defending a Grand Slam title, but I couldn't wait to get out there and see how the first match went.

"I like the feeling of being the number one and I want to keep it for a while and take myself to a new level in my career."