- My predictions thus far are looking solid, as both Djokavic (not surprising) and Sharapova (a bit more surprising, given her dismantling of Henin) are both in the Semifinals.  I guess my whole “Nadal will get off to a slow start” idea is not too accurate – although, in my defense, he has cruised to the semifinals without playing anyone ranked inside the top 20.

- The Serena Williams/Jelena Jankovic last night on ESPN 2 was pretty fun to watch.  Certainly not the best tennis, but a gritty performance from Jankovic was really worth it for me to tune into that, as opposed to the new “American Gladiators.”  One thing that did get me a bit was the commentating.  They (I’ll refrain from using names) kept referring to the match as the biggest upset and biggest story of the tournament thus far.  Really?  The # 3 seed beating the # 7 seed is the biggest upset and story?  I know Serena is the defending champion, but if I weren’t so lazy, I’d come up with 10 bigger stories than this supposed magnificent upset.

- As it stands, I am lazy, so I’ll just touch on one.  At last year’s US Open, while watching Nadal dismantle Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, I told my friend that if he stays healthy, Tsonga will be top 15 by end of 2008.  He may not remember me saying it, but it was said, I promise.  He has ripped his way through to the Semifinals again by beating both the 8th and 9th seed, Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet, and then absolutely abusing Youzhny last night.  Speaking of his match with compatriot and friend, Gasquet, my favorite moment that I’ve seen of the tournament thus far is after match point, Gasquet crossed over to the other side to give Tsonga his congratulations, and a man-hug to boot.  Anyway, here’s to hoping Tsonga gives Nadal a run for his money tomorrow.

- Another note on the Tsonga/Gasquet match – I wish I had seen more of it.  Unfortunately, unless there is only a Men’s match being played, ESPN 2 seems to be focusing on Women’s tennis.  If I remember correctly (it was around midnight on Saturday, I was kind of, um, tired), the Women’s match they were showing was Ivanovic/Wozniacki.  I think what ESPN is trying to do is lure viewers in with sex appeal.  On the surface it makes sense – some guy at home without much on TV might come across Ivanovic and watch for a few minutes.  But the problem is, the tennis is not good enough to keep him tuned in or to get him back another night.  I would argue that the intensity and quality displayed by Gasquet and Tsonga would draw the same viewer in for longer periods of time, and more frequently.  And I promise, this was not the only case of ESPN showing poorer quality tennis in favor of sex appeal.

Ok, enough rambling for today…only one link, from Bonnie Ford with a preview of Blake/Federer.  I encourage all to read it, if only to read some of Blake’s own words at the end.

I was far closer on the Men’s side, as Federer defeated Gonzalez 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4.  I predicted a closer, four set victory for Federer, and I was a point away from that coming to fruition as Gonzalez did have a set point in the first.  The level of tennis was extremely high throughout the match, especially on the Federer side, as he produced 26 more winners than unforced errors.  Gonzalez, after 42 winners and 3 unforced errors in the Semi’s, came back down to earth in the Final, with 31 and 28, respectively.   Gonzo summed up the state of Men’s tennis quite effectively after the match, “”I mean, Roger took every opportunity. I had my opportunity in the first set. I couldn’t make it. I feel that he’s a great player. He can make everything.”  In capturing his 3rd Australian Open,  Federer became the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to capture a Grand Slam title without dropping a set, and will look to carry this momentum into the rest of the hardcourt season, before preparing for Nadal and the red clay of Roland Garros.

Today’s Links:

Some amusing quotes from Australian Open press conferences.

Interesting comparison of Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.

Pistol Pete will be competing again in May.

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

On to the Men’s side.  Would it be obvious to predict a Roger Federer victory?  Yes, it would be, but it isn’t going to stop me from doing it.  As for the best candidates to take him out, look out for a rejuvinated Marat Safin, who may have the biggest game on tour when he is healthy, and David Nalbandian, who has always given Roger trouble.  American’s Andy Roddick and James Blake will be amongst the top seeds looking to get 2007 started off right as well.  There are quite a few young guns who could make a run a well, including Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, and Andy Murray.  Lastly, let’s not forget fan-favorite Marcos Bagdhatis, who was outside the top 50 last year and made it to the final’s, before falling to Federer.  No matter what happens, the 2007 Australian Open will be a great one, so don’t let the time difference stop you from tuning in.