Even though its probably the least watched major, im really enjoying this years Australian Open. Partly because i enjoy seeing the summer heat in Australia while i freeze in wintery New Jersey, but also because its shaping up to be a great tournament.
On the Men's side: Looks like we are on course for another Federer vs. Nadal final. Will Roger secure the first step in his quest for the grand slam? or will Nadal finally show the world he can beat Roger off of the red clay in France?
Don't get ahead of yourself though because both men have to get through the semi-finals first. Nadal plays Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, an unseeded Frenchman and Federer plays Novak Djokovic, the number 3 ranked player in the world and runner up to Federer in last year's US Open. Definitely a match to watch.
On the Women's Side: The women's semi-finals looks just as good. Maria Sharapova (5th seed) is fresh off her upset of Justine Henin and faces Jelena Jankovic (3rd seed). In the other side of the draw Ana Ivanovic (4th seed) plays Daniela Hantuchova (9th seed). If you just follow tennis casually maybe you've only heard of Sharapova, but believe me these are some
quality matches.
Keep an eye on Ana Ivanovic. She's primed for a breakout year after making the French Open Final and Wimbledon Semifinals last year. I'm hoping she pulls through and wins her first major.
well if that wasn't enough to get you to watch, maybe this will help:
Ivanovic:
Hantuchova:
And of Course Maria: