In a land famed for its fearsome creepy-crawlies, five-time champion Williams was forced to battle crickets swirling around Rod Laver Arena in her late-night first round clash earlier this week. On Thursday, former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic said it's not insects that make her squirm but snakes and sharks instead, recounting a terrifying incident her father had in the Australian city of Perth.

And the Serbian admitted she was also afraid to venture too far into the water for fear of sharks. Fourth seed Maria Sharapova, who admitted to a dislike for creepy-crawlies, said she felt pretty safe while on court after her second round win. "I mean, I don't like spiders and all that stuff. But I think they're staying away from center court, so I think I'll be OK."