Australian Open 2008 - Djokovic vs. Tsonga

I expected this match to be so good, I invited GF to watch the game with me at Martin Place on the big screen. We even got there an hour early and managed to secure a nice bench seat (instead of sitting on the cold stone steps). The match didn't disappoint. It was so intense, I had to be shushed and physically restrained. Tsonga's clearly the crowd favourite. When the match first started, most of the people in Martin Place were cheering for him. A few French guys were even holding placards. When he lost the second and third sets, I noticed now there were more people cheering for Djokovic. Bah!

Both players were quite good, but Djokovic's got the big-game experience. In the end, the 20-year old Serb won his first ever Grand Slam title 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.

Australian Open 2008 - Djokovic vs. Federer

One of the most widely-anticipated matches in the Open. Everyone was expecting a Federer-Nadal final. With Nadal out, it makes Federer seem vulnerable. Djokovic has been saying that Federer is not the player that he was before, and that the new rising stars are ready to take him on. Is it time for the changing of the guard? Will the court jester unseat the king?

First set went to Djokovic. Both guys are just playing normal tennis; it's just that Federer is having less winners. I'm hoping this is just his strategy to make Djokovic overconfident, and finish him off later; although normally Federer rarely gives away any set. Later, Djokovic wins the second set. People start to feel the winds of change. I can't take the suspense much longer, so I took a break from the game and had a short chat with GF. When it came to a tie-break, I knew it was time. Went back to the TV to witness the dawn of a new era.

Djokovic wins in straight sets 7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-5).

Australian Open 2008 - Tsonga vs. Nadal

Whatever happened to Nadal? Ali-lookalike Tsonga absolutely killed him out there in the court. While second-seed Nadal is drenched in sweat, complete with dripping hair, 38th-seed Tsonga only needs to dab his face with a towel here and there. The newer players are so good nowadays. I've never heard of players like Tsonga and Tipseravic before, and now they're giving the top seeds a run for their money.

Of course, you need good fundamentals, too. I also think self-confidence also counts a lot in winning a match. You can see that Tsonga is very assured. He's just like a rock, composed and unshakable. Whatever Nadal dishes out, he has no problems countering. In comparison, Nadal seems dazed and shocked. Unable to return the blistering aces and not able find his rhythm. Down 5-2 on the 3rd set, Nadal starts to smile 'coz he knows he's going down. Another ace from Tsonga and he's through to the finals. 6-2 6-3 6-2.

Australian Open 2008 - Djokovic vs. Hewitt

For a guy who just played five hours from midnight till morning the day before, Hewitt looks refreshed and alert. Having seen his other matches, I would say he's playing very good tennis tonight. Still, Djokovic is the better player. Head-to-head in a straight rally, Hewitt would've won, but Djokovic has more tricks and is more versatile.

Djokovic takes down Australian's last hope in straight sets 7-5 6-3 6-3.

Australian Open 2008 - Federer vs. Tipsarevic

Never heard of Tipsarevic (ranked 49th) before, but at start of the game, you already know this guy's a contender. He moves with great ease on the court, and he pushes Federer to the limit. Federer started the match a bit cautious. Normally, Federer has lots of surprises in his bag of tricks, but he's not using them much tonight. Tied at two sets each, the last set is the most exciting one. This is definitely crunch time, and there's a real chance of a major upset happening.

Tipsarevic opens the 5th set and holds. Federer banged down some aces and winners to hold. This tit-for-tat goes back and forth until we get to 8-all. Tipsarvic serves to 40-0. Federer claws back and gets the first crucial break in the set. From here, there's no turning back now. Federer serves out the match in four and a half hours: 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-1 10-8.

Australian Open 2008 - Bagdatis vs. Safin

This highly-anticipated match could go either way. Baghdatis has the flair; Safin has the height and power advantage. Too bad he didn't make the most of them. Baghdatis is in top form tonight; a master of ball control. He is pushing the balls here and there, making Safin run. Safin is clearly getting frustrated. Good thing he didn't break any racquets tonight.

After the smoke has cleared, the Cypriot defeated the Russian 6-4 6-4 2-6 3-6 6-2.

Australian Open 2008 - Roddick vs. Berrer

Unseeded Michael Berrer played well tonight. Although against Roddick, he needs to play better. Berrer's a hard-hitter, and he has his own share of aces, but Roddick is still the better player. First two sets went easily to Roddick. Come third set, Roddick started getting frustrated because Berrer was returning his 200kph serves and making him run hard. At 3-3, Berrer made some critical mistakes, and he never recovered from there on. Score now 5-3. Roddick got 4 matchpoints, but it kept going back to deuce. Berrer managed to hold serve 5-4. Roddick eventually served out the match 6-2 6-2 6-4.

Funny part of the match was when Jim Courier interrogated Roger Rasheed about his comment about Venus Williams' "posterior" yesterday. It's obvious Rasheed doesn't want to talk about it, but Courier pushed on. They then showed a segment of sister Serena Williams' post-game conference, where she was asked what she thinks about the whole thing. This is what she said: "Posterior? Oh yeah, we say booty. I'll try to keep that in the back of my mind. What are you doing? I'm shaking my posterior. Venus definitely has a great posterior. I'm sure it looked nice."

Australian Open 2008 - Federer vs. Hartfield

As GF said, there's no fun watching Federer play because you already know what's going to be the outcome. Hartfield might win a point here and there, but there's no way there's going to be an upset. First set went down 6-0. First game that Hartfield won in the second set, you can actually see the relief and satisfaction in his face.

Federer wins 6-0 6-3 6-0.

Australian Open 2008 - Venus Williams vs. Zi Yan

There's no doubt Venus Williams is a top-notch player, but does she really have to draw attention to herself every time she plays? I'm talking about the big earrings and the big ring and the badly-designed dress. Her shorts are so short and skimpy, she had to tug at them after every point to cover her, um, "posterior". Chinese Zi Yan put up a good fight. Venus lost her concentration a bit on the second set, allowing herself to be broken twice. Fortunately for her, it didn't last long. Venus won easily 6-2 7-5.

Australian Open 2008 - Molik vs. Kanepi

Molik is losing her touch. Before the start of the match, I was thinking this will be like a walk in a park for Molik. Not true. First set went as far as 3-0 in Estonian Kaia Kanepi's favour. She fought back and won the first match 7-6 (7-4). It's not easy though, she had to fight hard for every point. It's the same for the second set. Molik eventually won 7-6 7-5.

Australian Open 2008 - Jankovic vs. Paszek

It's just the first day of the Australian Open, and we're having quite a drama already. World number four Jelena Jankovic plays world number 39 Tamira Paszek. Paszek came out hard and dominated the first set 6-2. Jankovic knew she's in deep trouble, but she held out and relying on Paszek's many errors, won the second set 6-2. For the third set, both players are really struggling, fighting for every point. In my opinion, Paszek is the better, more consistent player, but Jankovic is not giving up without a fight. At 7-7, Jankovic had to call for the trainer because of some back problems. At 9-8, Paszek had to do the same. It's turning out to be a match of wills and physical endurance.

After three hours and minutes, Jankovic finally won over Paszek 2-6 6-2 12-10.

Australian Open 2006 Men's Finals - Federer vs. Baghdatis

So now it has come to this - the unseeded upstart versus the world's number one. Personally, I think Federer will win the championship. Not because Baghdatis is ranked only 54, but because Federer can NOT lose. His game is not as perfect as it was in the earlier matches, but it's just unthinkable for him to lose. Well, 20-year old Baghdatis is a promising player, and he's got unstoppable momentum and the whole Cypriot-Greek community behind him, so he might have a chance. It'd be so romantic for the guy to win the championship.

Baghdatis clearly set the pace in the first set with his huge serves. Down a set and a break, Federer held his nerve and started fighting back. The second set could've gone to a tiebreaker, but the umpire called Baghdatis' forehand long when it was clearly in. The bad call must've affected Baghdatis somewhat. From there on, Federer had a 10-game winning steak, which took the match away from Baghdatis. Cramps in the fourth set didn't help the Cypriot either. Federer won 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2. Tears of joy and relief from the champ.

Australian Open 2006 Women's Finals - Mauresmo vs. Henin-Hardene

I was expecting fireworks in the women's finals match, but it ended with a whimper. It's just not Justine's day - her serves are not going in, and she's making too many unforced errors. Mauresmo must've sensed something was wrong because the normally aggressive French was happy to simply keep the ball in play until Justine makes a mistake. After losing the first set in just 33 minutes, Justine called for the trainer, and had some medication. Two games in the second set, she went up to the umpire to announce she's giving up the match after only 52 minutes of matchplay. So after seven long years, Mauresmo finally wins her first Grand Slam title in a most anti-climactic way. Score 6-1, 2-0.

It's a good thing I watched the match at home. I would've demanded a refund if I had been in the Rod Laver Arena.

Australian Open 2006 Men's Semi-Finals - Baghdatis vs. Nalbandian

Now this is a good match. Baghdatis got the overwhelming support of the crowd which really powered him on, and Nalbandian is out to tame the wild man. Baghdatis put up a brave fight in the 2nd set, but Nalbandian's just too good. Baghdatis ought to make more adventurous shots. I mean, being the 52nd seed, what has he got to lose anyway? The tide started turning for Baghdatis on the 3rd set, leading 4-2, then 5-2. Baghdatis made some pretty confident service returns, which turned out to be winners - overhead smashes, blistering serves.

Baghdatis is getting quite comfortable with his game in the crucial 4th set. No sign of fatigue or apprehension. Very, very confident serves and aces. Leading 4-2. Nalbandian started making lots of unforced errors and bad first serves, showing a hint of uneasiness. Baghdatis goes to 5-3 after winning a deuce. Nalbandian takes it to 5-4. Baghdatis wins the fourth set 6-4 with two sets all. Baghdatis is really on a roll.

Nalbandian gets aggressive at the start of the 5th set. Baghdatis started losing his powerful first serves and lots of unforced errors. Nalbandian broke Baghdatis' serve for 2-0. Now in control. The crowd is getting too rowdy, and the umpire had to remind them (again and again) to be silent during the service. Terrific atmosphere - the kind of game you'd want to watch live. This time Nalbandian keeps returning wide. Baghdatis broke his serve 0-40 to make it 3-4, for a chance to tie. Both players can't seem to hold serve. And he ties. Baghdatis plays defensive, and Nalbandian breaks his own serve with unforced errors. Score 5-4, suddenly in favor of Baghdatis. He now has a change to win the match. The score goes to 15-15 when it started raining. Most players would have been frustrated with the loss of momentum, but Baghdatis took it as a sign from heaven and was so happy for the break. The roof was closed, the court mopped up, and play continues.

The game goes to 40-30, matchpoint for Baghdatis. Baghdatis makes a great shot, but was declared wide by the umpire. Hawk-eye says it's in by 22cm. Games goes to deuce. Advantage Baghdatis thanks to a forehand into the net from Nalbandian. And a sizzling ace down the middle from crazy Baghdatis seals the deal. Score 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Australian Open 2006 - Roddick vs. PONG

Just love those Amex commercials featuring Roddick. Remember last year's commercial where Roddick booked two seats on his return flight: one for him and one for his (expected) Australian Open trophy? This year, the ad has him playing a match against PONG. "Watch out for this guy. He returns everything," warns his coach. True enough, the white rectangular block at the other end of the court deflects back every shot Roddick makes.

Not about to lose the match to an Atari game, Roddick puts on his thinking cap and goes, "My life is about finding a way to win." He then serves the ball short. Since PONG can only move in one dimension (horizontally), Roddick wins.

Fancy a game with PONG?

Safin-Hewitt Championship Match at Australian Open

Tonight, the Australian Open closes with Marat Safin winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 against Lleyton Hewitt in the men's single championship.

The first set went pretty bad for Safin. He was sluggish; his balls kept hitting the net, or going out of bounds. The second set is pretty much the same, but Safin managed to win that one. Don't know what happened to Hewitt because he was playing well and consistently. He was so confident we didn't get to hear his customary "C'mon" until the second set. Too bad Safin found his rhythm and dominated the rest of the match with aces and accurate groundstrokes. Hewitt missed his date with destiny and Safin was third time lucky.

Hewitt-Roddick Match at Australian Open

I had such high hopes for Andy Roddick. He is undeniably the master of serves, but it always helps to have other tricks up your sleeves. When Hewitt started catching on to his superfast serves, Roddick's in deep trouble. Hewitt just wears him down until he makes an unforced error. Roddick did make 31 aces, but he also had way too many double faults.

Hewitt won the match 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, becoming the first Australian men's singles finalist in 17 years. Now ranked number two after this win, Hewitt faces Marat Safin on Sunday night.

Safin-Federer Match at Australian Open

Knowing that it's Marat Safin's 25th birthday, I should've figured that he's gonna want this match to be a birthday gift. Instead, I've decided early on that Federer is going to win, given his ice-cool rock-solid performance, compared to Safin's unpredictable temperament. Wrong analysis.

Federer played things safe at the start of the match. Safin is keeping his temper in check pretty well, too. By the third set, cracks started appear in the Swiss armour. Federer's unforced errors are starting to pile up. Safin's returns are becoming more consistent and accurate. At one point, Federer threw down his racket in frustration. He started grimacing with every error, and cheering himself up with every point. He managed to save six matchpoints, but at the end of 4 hours and 28 minutes, Safin won 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 9-7, ending Federer's 26-match winning streak.

The match is so intense and evenly matched, I got a headache just watching. Happy birthday, Safin!

Hewitt-Nalbandian Match at Australian Open

I only got to see the last set of this match because I was at Darling Harbour watching the Australia Day fireworks. Apparently, another kind of fireworks is happening at Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena.

Judging from the scores (6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 3-6) and the playing times (41min, 35min, 30min, 38min) of the first four sets, it would seem the last set would be an easy win. It turned out to be anything but. Watching the epic battle that is the fifth set is to know what suspense means. With multiple deuces and matchpoints, there's not way of telling who will win. Today being Australia Day, Hewitt is dead set in giving the record audience something to celebrate, but David Nalbandian is a fine fighter, and won't go down that easily. The match dragged on for four hours and 5 minutes with a final score of 10-8.

Federer-Agassi Match at Australian Open

For this match, I even went all the way to Sydney Opera House to see it on the outdoor big screen. The match didn't disappoint. Agassi was playing his best, but Federer was even better. The man's a machine. He doesn't get flustered when he misses a ball, he doesn't get angry when he makes mistakes, he doesn't react when he wins a point (except for the final matchpoint).

He made 22 aces, and managed to return almost every ball that Agassi delivers. Final score is 6-3 6-4 6-4, making this Federer's 26th consecutive win.