Australian Open Final’s Preview
I am back in the United States after many flights, layovers, missed connections, etc…but I have a clear head and am ready to discuss the upcoming final matches Down Under. First off, looking back at my predictions written a few weeks ago, I was certainly off on some things (Safin, Bagdhatis, Mauresmo), but bear in mind that the draw had not come out yet, so I had no idea Safin was going to have to face Roddick in the 3rd round, or Bagdhatis would be playing Monfils so early in the tournament. On the other hand, I did predict Federer and Sharapova to advance to the finals, not exactly going out on a limb, but at least I got something right.
Sharapova vs. Williams should be an interesting match up- the current number one against the former number 1 in Williams. Serena has battled just about as hard as anyone in recent history to gain her spot, clawing her way back against Shahar Peer and Nadia Petrova, before scraping out a win against Vaidisova in the semi’s. Sharapova meanwhile, has had some relatively routine matches since her first round scare against Camille Pin. She dismantled fan favorite Clisters in the semi’s, 6-4 6-2. While Williams is fighting as hard as ever, her tennis game is still not 100%, and I think Sharapova is playing just too well right now, and will win in a tightly contested, straight set victory.
The Men’s final promises to be just as entertaining, if not more so, than the Woman’s final. Roger Federer 
overshadowed Fernando Gonzalez, but Gonzalez should not be overlooked. While Federer destroyed Roddick, only losing 6 games in his straight set victory, Gonzalez lost only 5 in his semifinal against Tommy Haas, a match in which he hit 42 winners along with just 3 unforced errors. The match should provide a few epic points, and I think Federer will have his hands full, but will win his 10th Grand Slam in a close, four set match. Check back on Monday for a tournament wrap up.
photo: Australian Barbeque at Hayman Island Resort, part of the Wander Down Under Tour Package
January 27th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Well it has been a much more enjoyable Australian Open for me this year, mostly bc of a thing I have finally have called Tivo. It’s always easy to criticize someone while looking back on something, but nice call there Jeremy on the women’s final prediction, ha…
As for the men, this is the most I have looked forward to a mens Grand Slam final since Agassi and Sampras. Gonzales has played as well as anyone ever during a two week span, as well as, anyone but Federer ofcourse who hasnt lost a set, which is absolutely absurd. Federer wins this match in straight sets, but i think it will be some of the most entertaining exciting points you’ll ever see. This is the type of match i’d want someone to watch if they needed to see what tennis is all about.
One final thought, as big of a fan as i was of Sampras, Federer is the best player of all time and may very well get to 20, yes 20 Grand Slam Titles, he’s only 25 i believe and its not all that hard to think he could go the next 5 years winning 2 Slams a year, AT LEAST.