(February 4, 2012) Across several countries and time zones, opening round ties for this year’s Fed Cup saw several close matches with some going the distance in the third set. However one of the most anticipated matches of the whole weekend may not take place at all with the unexpected withdrawal of Victoria Azarenka from her scheduled match today against the U.S team.

(February 4, 2012) It’s hard to believe that this time two years ago Venus Williams was just about to start an impressive run that would see her win two titles, reach the finals of Miami and Madrid, and rise to No. 2 in the world just behind her younger sister Serena Williams. It seemed the Williams sisters’ domination of the sport would continue until the very end of their careers.

But even after she reached the U.S. Open semis back in 2010, it’s likely that neither Venus nor the rest of the world could have imagined the number of injuries and health issues that would beset the five-time Wimbledon champion leading up to her shocking withdrawal from the second round of last year’s U.S. Open followed by her announcement that she was battling a chronic autoimmune disease known as Sjogrens Syndrome that causes extreme fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms for those suffering from it and for which there is no cure.

After taking sixth months off, including withdrawing from last month’s Australian Open, Williams is back on a tennis court this time wearing the red, white and blue of the U.S. Fed Cup team as she helps take on Belarus in this week’s first round tie in Worcester, Massachusetts. Williams sounded upbeat in a pre-event press conference when she was asked about how she was feeling. “I'm feeling better every week. I'm feeling good, having some adrenaline gives me more energy. This is good to be here, especially since last year I couldn't play. In Germany, I was standing on the sidelines which was tough because I couldn't help the team at all. This year it's great to be in a position to help.”

Venus is helping her Fed Cup team by playing doubles this weekend with Liezel Huber. The decision to have Venus not be officially listed in singles, with those duties going to sister Serena and Christina McHale, surprised some, but it may be a wise decision on the part of coach Mary Joe Fernandez to keep Venus on reserve just in case she might need her in singles and to maybe take some of the pressure off of Venus as how she plays this weekend will be watched closely as a gauge on her future performances later this year. Fernandez selecting Venus for doubles is also a nod to ensuring the three-time Olympic gold medalist gets a shot at making the U.S.A team in doubles for London this summer as her current singles ranking of #133 almost makes it impossible for her to be included in singles this year. Still Fernandez, who has often kept a seat open for both Williams sisters to play for the U.S. during ties when other American players were more eager and more ready to participate, is excited like most tennis fans just to see Venus back on a court. “It's huge to have Venus on the team. Like Venus said, she came to Germany last year, wasn't able to play. Just to have her around is a big motivator for the rest of your team. It's a big excitement. She was itching to get out there to hit that first ball. I think that goes such a long way. The attitude, everybody seeing it, seeing the desire, the determination, the intensity, it rubs off.”

Even if Venus only gets to hit a ball in practice and is once again regulated to cheering her teammates on from the sidelines, it could be that Venus herself gets the biggest cheers from those watching this weekend’s tie at the DCU Center. At age 32, the odds on the former No. 1 reaching the elite tier of women’s tennis appear long, but many fans who have watched her go from a gangly teenage phenom to a pioneering figure in women’s sports are hoping that Venus gets one more chance to shine on a big stage whether it be at a Major or at the Olympics later this summer. Venus herself recognizes the challenge she faces in trying to manage her body but also her own expectations. “(The) Difference is just acceptance, kind of trying to accept how you feel, limitations, listening to your body, taking care of yourself. Instead of trying to run through a wall, try to take a step back and be smart. I think that's kind of what I've learned. I think every serious professional does that. They just keep going. There's some things you just can't keep going through. I still have to be reminded to slow down. But hopefully there will be a day where I won't have to be reminded.”

She may be facing the biggest challenge of not only her career but her life as she battles what could be a lifelong condition, but if anyone can meet that challenge with grace, poise and even a sense of humor, it’s Venus.

Also see:
Day 1 Quotes
Day 3 Quotes
Day 4 Quotes
Day 5 Quotes
Day 6 Quotes
Day 7 Quotes
Day 8 Quotes
Day 9 Quotes
Day 10 Quotes
Day 11 Quotes
Day 12 Quotes
Day 13 Quotes

“Is something unbelievable how he returns, no?  His return probably is one of the best of the history.  That's my opinion, no?  I never played against a player who's able to return like this.  Almost every time.” – Rafael Nadal, on Novak Djokovic’s world-class return game.  

“I had in 2011 all these mental problems.  Today I didn't have.” – Nadal, on his mind state during the final.  

“Too long. Highlights only.” Nadal, on whether he’d watch the final on videotape in the future.

“So when you are fit, when you are, you know, with passion for the game, when you are ready to compete, you are able to suffer and enjoy suffering, no?” Nadal, on the grueling nature of the final, which lasted 5:53. 

“So I just lost the final of a Grand Slam.  I am not happy to lose the final, yes, but that's one of the losses that I am more happy in my career.” – Nadal, on taking the positives from the loss.

“So that's another positive thing.  Probably never say that many positive things after I lose.” – Nadal, on how he was encouraged by how close the match was.

“For me it was a little bit more special the 2008 (smiling).  But I really understand that was a really special match, and probably a match that gonna be in my mind not because I lost, no, because the way that we played.” – Nadal, when asked to compare this final with his other epic, the 2008 Wimbledon final.  

From Djokovic:

“I think it's probably the longest finals in the history of all Grand Slams, and just to hear that fact is making me cry, really.” – Novak Djokovic, on the longest Grand Slam final in the history of tennis.  

“We live for these matches.  We work every day.  We're trying to dedicate all our life to this sport to come to the situation where we play six hour match for a Grand Slam title.” – Djokovic, on how he could get through such a grueling match.

“Well, if that's the way, you know, then I guess I will have to go through it.  I will have to accept it the way it is.” – Djokovic, when asked if he really wanted to repeat his 2011 dominance, now that he knows how tough it’s going to be.  

“So I want to do well and I want to get the first final at least in Paris, you know.  I have never been in finals there, and I have a feeling that I'm ready this year to achieve that.” – Djokovic, on his next priority.

“Oh, yes, very pleased.  I think we both were.” – Djokovic, on being thankful that tournament staff were kind enough to bring chairs out for the players during the award ceremony.  

“I don't know.  Food is not on my mind right now.” – Djokovic, when asked if breakfast would factor into his victory celebration.

(January 29, 2012)

(January 29, 2012) A Grand Slam final would not be complete without some history associated with it. Not only were Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing in their third consecutive Grand Slam final, an Open Era record, but they set another record for the longest men’s final in history.

In a match that was defined not by the shotmaking of each player, but by determination and unwillingness to lose, there is nothing that can take away from the record 5 hour 53 minute contest between Djokovic and Nadal. In the end, it was the exhausted Serb that would find those few extra points that would carry him to a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 victory.

Entering the match with a full day of rest less than Nadal, the question was whether or not Djokovic would be in any way recovered to take on the physical brutality associated with squaring off against the Spaniard. It was up and down throughout the match, but at the crucial times, Djokovic was just a fraction sharper than his opponent.

A short rain delay late in the fourth set led to Nadal leveling the match after willing himself to capture the tiebreak. Entering the fifth set after 4 hours 39 minutes, it was obvious that Djokovic was struggling with his legs, frequently stretching between points and lacking the explosiveness in his movement.

Nadal looked to have the momentum and the match in hand when he broke to go up 4-2 in the decisive set, but a key error opened the door for Djokovic to break back. With no fifth-set tiebreak allowed at the Australian Open, Djokovic began trying to find a way to close the match out as quickly as possible, and got his wish when he broke serve against Nadal again to give himself the chance to serve it out at 6-5.

It was this final game that would see Djokovic pleading to the heavens to let the match end, asking for, “Just one more point.” With a final serve down the middle and an easy midcourt forehand winner, Djokovic fell to the ground as the repeat Australian Open champion.

This was not a surprising result when looking back at the match, but the course of events definitely featured more twists than the numbers indicate. In the end, it was the return of Djokovic that was the deciding factor, and despite only converting 35 percent of his break opportunities, Nadal was unable to recover from facing 20 break points on his serve.

With the repeat win in Australia, Djokovic will head to Roland Garros as the holder of three majors with his eyes on the one that has so far eluded him. The nearly automatic champion, Nadal, will look forward to exacting revenge on the Serbian, but seven straight losses still seems to be in his head.

By Chris Oddo                            Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

Also see:

Day 1 Quotes

Day 3 Quotes

Day 4 Quotes

Day 5 Quotes

Day 6 Quotes

Day 7 Quotes

Day 8 Quotes

Day 9 Quotes

Day 10 Quotes

Day 11 Quotes

Day 12 Quotes

“The birds can be almost as loud as these two players,” Chris Fowler, commentating on the sound of birds in Rod Laver Arena during the Victoria Azarenka-Maria Sharapova final.

“Bagel is toasting.” – Doug Robson, USA Today tennis writer, as Victoria Azarenka went up 5-0 in the second set of her 6-3, 6-0 drubbing of Maria Sharapova in the women’s final, via Twitter.

“To win a tournament like this and to play against player like Djokovic, you cannot start the fourth set like this. It's the moment to play with more intensity than ever, not start with 3‑Love down and two breaks in five minutes.  ” – Rafael Nadal, commenting on Andy Murray’s match against Novak Djokovic, which he watched on TV.

“I think it’s going to be devastating to Maria, I really feel for her.” – Chris Evert, after Victoria Azarenka demolished Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 in the women’s final.

“Cherish it for as long as you can.” – Maria Sharapova, giving Victoria advice on what to do with her winner’s trophy.

“For all her competitive fury, Sharapova is one of the classier losers in sport. She clearly knows how to put a game in perspective.” – Christopher Clarey, NY Times tennis writer, via Twitter.

“I don't think so.  Just the perfect ending and the perfect position to be in.” – Victoria Azarenka, when asked if she thought she played the perfect match in the final.

“I’ve been telling myself I can lose any day now, it’s gonna happen.” – Esther Vergeer, after winning her 444^th consecutive match and her 5^th consecutive wheelchair ladies’ singles title.

“I believe it is.  Absolutely.” – Maria Sharapova, on whether or not she believes if her best tennis is still ahead of her.  

“ I'm so happy I got a towel.  That's really what I wanted.” Australian Open Junior Girls’ singles champion Taylor Townsend, expressing her joy after winning the final.

“I think you can say it's unfair, yes, but not crazy unfair.” – Rafael Nadal, on the fact that he will play the final with two days rest and Novak Djokovic will only have one.

(January 28, 2012) She may have earned a few nicknames over her career, but “Queen Victoria” seems the most appropriate now after Victoria Azarenka put in a command performance to win her first Australian Open title and with it claim the No. 1 ranking.

Despite being a slight favorite over former champion Maria Sharapova, the question going in would be if Azarenka would be able to handle the moment of being in her first Major final. The early answer seemed no as Azarenka looked and played nervous in the opening two games. But after she settled in on her next service game, Azarenka reeled off eight of the next nine points to break Sharapova back and then held again for 3-2.

Azarenka began controlling many of the rallies not only with her favorite two-handed backhand but also with her forehand which yielded a surprising amount of winners for the Belarussian. Azarenka broke Sharapova again and then served out the set 6-3.

Sharapova was not about to give Azarenka the title, but the Russian’s game was well off its mark as Sharapova began hitting error after error for a total of 30 for the match. Sharapova’s “Plan A” style of attack never worked against Azarenka, a fact shown on the frustration and concern on the Russian’s face as her attempts to outhit or overpower Azarenka had no effect.

Azarenka broke early in the first game of the second set after a foray by Sharapova to the net saw her hit right back to Azarenka who passed her with ease. Sharapova had a chance to break back right away but Azarenka fought it off to hold serve and from there nothing Sharapova did could stop Azarenka’s momentum as she raced ahead to a 5-0 lead. If Sharapova was wishing Azarenka would get tight serving for the title, it was a false hope as Azarenka took advantage of her first match point that she converted after Sharapova netted a backhand giving Azarenka a 6-3, 6-0 win.

Sharapova, clearly disappointed by the loss, summed up the match by saying, “Yeah, she did everything better than I did today. You know, I had a good first couple of games, and that was about it. Then she was the one that was taking the first ball and hitting it deep and aggressive. I was always the one running around like a rabbit, you know, trying to play catch up all the time. Yeah, I mean, she was, you know, a step quicker. Her shot was, you know, bigger. First shot was bigger. Just not a good combination, I guess.”

When asked later how she was feeling about not only winning her first Major but also achieving the No. 1 ranking, Azarenka said, “Well, emotions is -- I don't know. I kind of have different emotions right now. Right after the win I couldn't understand what's happening, you know, and I could not believe the tournament is over because it's been so long, this road since Sydney. I didn't have one day off, so it kind of kept going kept going and right now it still hasn't hit me that it's over and I won this. I keep enjoying it.”

(January 27, 2012) “Yeah, it was tough at the end 'cause, you know, obviously you come back, then you get close to breaking. To lose, yeah, it's tough. But a different player, a different attitude to this time last year. Yeah, I'm proud of the way I fought.” – Andy Murray.

So Andy Murray lost to Novak Djokovic. It was expected after all. Djokovic was the defending champion down in Melbourne and leads the overall head to head with Murray 6 to 4. And even with the addition to Ivan Lendl as Murray’s coach and some would even say Svengali, the manifestation of any real change in the Scot’s game or, probably more important, in his on court demeanor wasn’t expected to take any real effect until likely six months down the road. That theory was almost proved at the start of the Men’s Semi last night when Murray went down a set and a break to Djokovic that reminded some of his dismal performance in last year’s final.

But Murray kept at it, winning the second set and then with all his will clawed his way past Djokovic in that third set breaker to go up two sets to one. With momentum on his side, it felt like maybe Murray was about to return to the AO finals once again.

And then he hit the wall.

After dropping his opening service game in the fourth set, it appeared his mind and his body were running on fumes. When Djokovic raced through the fourth set and then jumped ahead early in the fifth, Murray seemed doomed to another soul-crushing defeat that would once again earn him heaping amounts of criticism especially from the British press who like to remind everyone now and then that they don’t put any pressure on Murray at all. It felt like déjà vu for everyone. We’d seen it before. And we knew it would be unpleasant to watch.

But then something amazing happened.

Murray fought back. He’s done it before in other matches but this felt different. Serving down 2-5, he started being more aggressive, especially with his forehand, something that plenty of his fans and even his biggest critics keep saying he must do in order to win his first Major. And then he started urging himself on, and then most surprising, the 15,000 plus crowd on hand as he exhorted them with his arms, yelling at them to stand up and get loud. Murray took it to Djokovic for three games to even things at 5-5.

This wasn’t just a game changing moment. This was a career changing moment. This was Murray showing everyone he wasn’t about to collapse as he’s done in the final rounds of the Majors. This was Murray fighting with everything he had and it was something to see.

Murray looked poised to break Djokovic at 30-40 in the next game until a 30 shot rally ended with Djokovic hitting a down the line forehand winner that will earn some comparison to “that shot” he hit against Roger Federer in the U.S. Open semis. This forehand like that one in New York got him out of trouble on his service game as he later held for 6-5 and then eventually broke Murray one last time to close out the match. 

Djokovic goes on to face Rafael Nadal in the finals, but Murray though coming up short, felt like a winner with his bravura performance proving that he does deserve to be mentioned among “the big four”. He may have lost the war on the court, but the outpouring of respect and admiration for Murray’s performance, even from those who weren’t always convinced he could go seven rounds, may be the victory Murray needs to fuel him for the rest of the season.

In her press conference Murray was asked if he felt closer than ever to winning his first Major. “Yeah, I think so. You know, tonight's match was important for many reasons. Obviously I wanted to win first and foremost. But, you know, also sort of after last year, the year that Novak's had, I think there's a very fine line between being No. 1 in the world and being 3 or 4. I think that gap, I feel tonight I closed it.”

The gap is closing for Murray. And based on his performance in Melbourne, it’s likely the only step he’ll need to cross over the chasm between him and his elusive goal will be a very tiny one.

By Chris Oddo                         Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

“If I go up to the net, I hit to his backhand,” writes

It may seem strange that Rafa’s strategy against Federer could be so simple, but it is. As much as we’ve all seen Federer’s majestic backhand wreak havoc on other opponents, the cold, hard truth is that it is grossly mismatched against Nadal’s lefty serve and forehand, and Nadal takes the court knowing that he can grind Federer down this way. It’s not that Federer has a weak backhand, either. He’s got one of the best one-handed backhands in the history of the sport.

The problem is, the one-hander is becoming a dinosaur in the modern game. And Nadal is the prototypical modern player, primed to feed on this dinosaur. With high-bouncing topspin and relentless pace and depth on his shots, Nadal creates chaos for Federer’s backhand. In moments of inspiration Federer can hit clean, aggressive shots from that side, but almost always, over the course of a long match, it is the primary reason that Nadal is able to dominate him with such regularity.

It’s probably also the reason that other wildly gifted one-handed players such as Stan Wawrinka (ranked No. 22, 0-7 lifetime vs. Nadal), Nicolas Almagro (ranked No. 10, 0-7 lifetime vs. Nadal) and Richard Gasquet (ranked No. 18, 0-10 lifetime vs. Nadal) have all been blown off the court by Rafa each time they have faced him. Yes, there have been exceptions to the rule (Mikhail Youzhny has four wins vs. Rafa, but three were before ’06), but by and large it holds fast. A one-handed backhand is a death sentence against Nadal, and Federer has done remarkably well just to win 9 of the pair’s 27 career matches.

I asked Federer last year if he thought that players who hit the one-hander would be able to make it to the top of tennis anymore. It seems like the double-handed backhand has maybe a slight advantage,” he said. “I think slower conditions might favor a double-handed backhand, but then I’m not sure if that’s the right thing I’m saying. Honestly, time will tell. I guess we’ll see.”

Time is telling observers that the one-hander may be fine against everybody else in tennis, but for a right-hander, even one with a versatile, technically perfect backhand like Federer,  Nadal is a complete nightmare to face. We saw it yesterday and we’ve seen it throughout the history of the rivalry.

Strangely, Nadal claimed after the match that he didn’t rely on the matchup as much in their semifinal match yesterday. “I didn't play all the time against his backhand like I did a lot of times,” said Nadal. “Today I think I played more normal match, playing in his backhand, playing in his forehand, too.” It didn’t seem that way to me. Nearly every serve hit by Nadal went to Federer’s backhand or body, and he still relied heavily on the pattern from the baseline throughout the match as well.

It’s a very interesting tactical struggle that Federer and Nadal finds themselves engaged in when they play. Even though the rivalry has been bogged down by Federer’s lack of success at the Slams against Rafa, it’s been enhanced by the complex tactical approach that each takes against the other. It seems like Federer has gotten a lot closer to finding a workable gameplan against Nadal, but he’s still unable to hit enough good backhands (or avoid having to hit them) to win.

What’s amazing to me is that Federer was still able to do enough to have many opportunities to win their semifinal. There was a third set tiebreaker, and Federer also missed an inside-out forehand by inches that would have given him a chance to serve for the fourth set.

(January 27, 2012) The men’s final in Melbourne has been decided following the 4 hour 46 minute clash of the 2011 final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. In a much more spirited performance, Murray threw everything he could at the World No. 1, but in the end, it was Djokovic who will move on to defend his title with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5 victory.

By Erik Gudris                                         Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

(January 26, 2012) “I’ll be back on a second Saturday. You’ll see.” - -

By Chris Oddo            Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve


Join us each day throughout the Australian Open as we reflect on the moments that made the day special in Melbourne…

Also see:

Favorite Things: Day 1

Favorite Things: Day 3

Favorite Things: Day 4

Favorite Things: Day 5

Favorite Things: Day 6

Favorite Things: Day 7

Favorite Things: Day 8

1. The 3^rd set, Azarenka-Clijsters

Tennis is an emotional game, and today’s gripping 3^rd set between defending champion Kim Clijsters and 22-year-old Victoria Azarenka was convincing proof of that fact. There were two similar yet different storylines running parallel to one another when it came to this tension filled semifinal. For Clijsters, there was the sentimental value of a former champion and No. 1 playing what very well could be her last Australian Open; for Azarenka, their was an air of possibility – that this could be the moment that she finally breaks through with a bang.

After splitting the first two sets, the pair of battlers stepped up their intensity. Tension was palpable in Rod Laver Arena, even in the early moments. As Clijsters failed to convert a break point on the first game of the set, there was a feeling of loss that went with it. The 7^th game was the kicker though. After four-deuce game with several scintillating baseline rallies, Clijsters found herself back on serve just moments after being on the brink of a 5-2 deficit.

It was a rollercoaster ride, but ultimately Azarenka, more mentally tough than we’ve ever seen her, would control it. With a look of steely determination showing in her eyes, she seized control of the latter stages, breaking Clijsters back then serving it out. As she fell to her knees and relished the moment, Clijsters sauntered over to her side of the net to praise her for a job well done. Just like that, Clijsters was gone, marching through the tunnel and waving to the crowd, perhaps never to return. Azarenka, meanwhile, looks like she’s here to stay.

2. The Guts of Sharapova

Don’t be fooled by the glamorous façade, or the boutique ensembles that she totes. Maria Sharapova is an epic battler, and more than anything else, this is what will define her career when it’s all said and done. She left no doubt about that fact today. Face to face with one of the hottest young players on tour, Maria’s resolve was tested time and time again during her 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 semifinal victory over Petra Kvitova. Even though she was under fire for much of the deciding set, the gritty Russian displayed uncommon valor in the face of danger, managing finally to wiggle her way out of Kvitova’s clutches to steal a late break and a trip to her second Grand Slam final in three tries.

This was a high octane battle between two mind-blowing ball bashers, and even though Kvitova might have had the edge when it came to pure power, the stirring display of courage and conviction and the will to keep fighting is what powered Sharapova through in the end.

By Erik Gudris                                                  Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

(January 26^th. 2012) Despite doubles getting second billing at any Grand Slam event with teams playing matches on faraway outside courts at odd hours and in front of sparse crowds, sometimes the best action, and drama, takes place between teams battling each other for a much needed paycheck and the chance to see their names listed on the honor roll of champions for the event. This year’s Australian Open is no exception, but with it being an Olympic year, doubles fans have been treated to seeing a few more familiar faces from the singles tour team up together as they hope their preparation now leads to a medal in London later this summer.

The most high profile pairing to come about because of the Olympics was that of Serena Williams and Andy Roddick who were scheduled to play in the mixed doubles event in Melbourne before Roddick had to withdraw due to an hamstring injury he suffered in his singles match against Lleyton Hewitt. It’s unclear if Williams and Roddick will still play mixed doubles in London as Williams has indicated she would also like to play doubles with her sister Venus Williams at the Olympics if and when the older sister returns to the tour.

 In the women’s doubles event, the biggest story has been the unexpected success of unseeded duo Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva who have found themselves in the final after defeating the defending champions Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta and along the way. The Russians are no strangers to doubles as they have played as a team for Fed Cup and at several other tour events, but their potent combination of being tough to outhit from the baseline and their savvy at net have made them a slight favorite against the all Italian team of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci.

(January 26, 2012) While the argument will rage on regarding whether or not Roger Federer is the greatest player of all time, he never seems to play his best against World No. 2 Rafael Nadal. Meeting in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since Nadal’s first major title at Roland Garros in 2005, the Spaniard showed exactly why he holds such an advantage over Federer in a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win.

Often praised as having one of the most fluid and effortless styles on the tour, Federer has seen major opportunities come and go by the wayside thanks to the efforts of Nadal, a punishing bruiser of both the tennis ball and his own body. Their contrasting styles and attitudes have always made for a great rivalry, whether it be on the issue of the length of the season or on court, but over their 27 matches, Nadal has won the majority with 18 wins.

The problem with this rivalry is that it has been largely one-sided, especially in the Grand Slams, where Nadal now holds an 8-2 record, at least partially due to his style being tougher to fight against over the course of a best-of-five match. So why is it exactly that Federer is unable to break the barrier of Nadal’s defense?

The answer lies in how the opportunity to play Federer brings out the best in Nadal, while conversely the style of Nadal has detrimental effects on the Swiss. In a way, Nadal’s greatest strength is his ability to take his opponent out of their comfort zone.

For the first set, this was not having a great effect on Federer, who won the first set in a tiebreak. After falling behind two breaks in the second set, the match was suspended for about 10 minutes due to a fireworks show for Australia Day with Nadal about to serve for the set. When the players came back on court after the delay, Federer seemed out of sorts and agitated, quickly losing the second set and struggling in the third.

Fighting his way into a tiebreak in the third set, Nadal stepped up his game again and took a two-sets-to-one lead. Try as he might in the fourth, Federer missed chances late in the set to take the advantage, eventually surrendering a break at 4-4.

With the finish line in site, Nadal looked poised to take the match easily, but Federer earned chances to break back. A scrambling lob from Nadal while facing break point led to Federer’s worst error of the match, a mistake he would not recover from in the loss.

The win will advance Nadal to the Australian Open final for only the second time in his career. His only other trip to the final was in 2009 where he defeated none other than Federer to capture his first hard court Grand Slam title.

(January 25, 2012) Even a squadron of jets doing flyovers across the sky above Rod Laver Arena to celebrate Australia Day couldn’t quite drown out the loud screams coming from the court below as the four women semifinalists battled it out for a spot in the finals. Both matches featured three players with a chance to become the new No. 1 in the world while another was hoping to postpone her final bow down under for another day.

The first semifinal between Victoria Azarenka and defending champion Kim Clijsters featured heavy hitting from both players though Azarenka played with more aggression especially attacking Clijsters’s second serve forcing the Belgian to rely on her defense more often than she liked. Azarenka jumped out to an early break and though Clijsters had a chance to break back, she failed to do so allowing the Berlarusian to serve out the first set 6-4.

But in an abrupt turnaround, Azarenka lost touch with her usually steady backhand, hitting three errors in a row on her favorite shot to give Clijsters an early break in the second. Spurred on by the partisan crown, Clijsters amped up her own aggression while Azarenka’s game completely fell apart allowing Clijsters to romp through the second set 6-1. But Azarenka didn’t panic and instead returned to attacking Clijsters’s serve which forced an early break. Clijsters struck back though when Azarenka, up 40-0 at 4-2, had six chances to hold serve but instead succumbed and gave the break back. But that game took so much out of Clijsters that she dropped serve on the next game. Despite showing some nerves of her own. Azarenka served out the match 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 and fell to her knees in relief at reaching her first ever Major final.

With the crowd exhausted from the first semi, the rematch of the Wimbledon final between Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova took almost two sets to build to any sort of drama. Sharapova came out firing while Kvitova looked sluggish and created more errors than winners. Sharapova rolled through the first set 6-2, but when Kvitova cracked a forehand return winner early in the second set, it appeared she was finally awake and ready to contend for the final.

Kvitova found her serve at last while Sharapova’s level dropped just enough to allow the Czech to break her early and march through the second set 6-3. The third set had both players holding their ground but not their serves as they exchanged breaks early. But after a marathon 3-all game that Sharapova finally held serve on to go up 4-3, the momentum seemed to be on Kvitova’s side as she held for 4-all and then opened up a 0-30 lead on Sharapova’s next service game. On the next point, a Sharapova forehand was called long but a Hawk-Eye review showed it clipped the line. That reprieve allowed Sharapova a chance to hold serve which she did for 5-4. When it was Kvitova’s turn to serve, the Czech seemed to let the pressure get to her as she played a loose game to give Sharapova two match points that the Russian capitalized on when a Kvitova forehand sailed long giving Sharapova a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 win.

Azarenka and Sharapova will now meet in the Women’s Final on Saturday to not only determine a new Australian Open champion but the new No. 1 player in the world.