If you thought the action was restricted only to cricket in Australia, your definitely thinking likewise. The on-going Australian open action at Melbourne is causing some romantic stories worldover. This year the level of sportsmanship has been remarkable and every player involved has given more than his or her 100%. The Australian Open 2008, the first biggest grand slam of a year almost sets a trend of wins for the rest of the year. But this time around we have witnessed some exceptional tennis from both the men and women players.
As far as i remember, it started with Philips Kohlschrieber vs Andy Roddick. The match where Roddick served his career best of 42 aces lost to the german who played some exceptional tennis. The master Roger Federer was not spared either. After a very long gruelling battle with Tipsarevic , the world number 1 player emerged victorious. But it could have easily been anyones game.
Whats more! how can one forget the extravagent match between Cyprus's very own Bagdhatis vs home favourite Hewitt. The match which went into a 5 setter right uptill almost 5am australian time, saw the home hero win. The only sight of the match which will never leave my mind is Bagdhatis exit off the court with tears in his eyes.
The dream run of frenchman Tsonga seems to continue as he makes his way to his first ever semi-finals. The surprise wild card player helped himself through the rounds with some great power and mental toughness. The unseeded player took away the 9th seed Andy Murray, 8th seed Gasquet, and 14th seed Mikhail Youzny.
With Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Tsonga and Federer in the top 4, one can expect a thrilling semi and final. With the way things have gone in the tournament, anything is possible. I would not be surprised even if Tsonga won the Australian Open 2008.
This season surely has taught me to Be Prepared for a Shocker on court. Amongst the women champtions, the defending champion Serena Williams lost to Jankovic in what could be a biggest upset for Serena. But the Williams family need not lose heart yet as Venus Williams holds her way in the grand slam with great style.
Another major setback during the championship was the early exit of Kuznetsova and Vaidisova. A lot more would have been expected out of the two top players in womens tennis. If you think you have had enough of heart attacks, brace yourself for this shocker. Justin Henin is out of Australian Open 2008. The world number 1 womes player has exited the championship after being defeated by Russian queen Maria Sharapova in 2 straight sets.
With the tournament nearing its end, the stakes are high and a lot is expected by the champions. Since any sporting game is unpredictable, the world can be in for a shocker in this major grand slam. As for Indian's performances, though the single titles yet seem far fetched, Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati are putting up a tough fight in the mixed doubles. They are through to the 3rd round and seem to have clicked well as a pair. Hope they bring in some glory and pride to India. Many of us would want the luck of Perth to travel to Melbourne along with Sania and Mahesh.
Australian Open 2008 has been rivetting so far with major upsets and some staggering surprises. A lot is yet to be offered by the tournament. Only time can tell who will be the deserving winner. Though it still looks clear for Roger and Maria, anything can be possible at this time around. The tougher of the opponents will survie this test of honour, skill and temperament.
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