The widespread impact of Serena Williams' aura; mailbag

Serena Williams' aura can intimidate opposing players before they even leave the locker room.

Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

• The nine first-round retirements at this year's Australian Open ties the record for most retirements/walkovers in a single round at any Grand Slam in the Open Era. Yes, even more than at Wimbledon last year.