The 2008 season kicks off in 2007

2008 season has kicked off

Well the short and not long enough break from tennis is over, sure some tennis addicts might disagree with that comment, but the off season is too short, though this won't change in a hurry, especially "Fearless Leader" Etienne DeVilliers in charge, the guy who doesn't a give a fuck about tennis and seems hell bent of making unilateral decisions and everything to please Tiriac. He still hasn't admitted he got it wrong with Round Robin, this clown needs to taken away from his duties and someone who doesn't need the headlines to do the job and get things done.

Onto the good side things the tennis. This time of year, well we don't know what to expect, who has been enjoying their break and taking this trip to Australia as a holiday or who is interested in setting a good platform for the season and training hard. We have 3 circuses going on at the moment, the cash and oil backed Qatar Open, just like Dubai without the fun, and more sand. Then there is Adelaide which has been around for years and is moving to Brisvegas in 2009 and it's going to be a mixed event. Sorry ladies, I love them as company and among other things, but watching them play tennis isn't on my priorities, well I can always go and do other things when they are playing. Last of all is Chennai, which is one of the big Mickey Mouse events on tour and has been for a while, but it's good that the people from India can see some tennis.

Adelaide

One of the blog favourites Michael Russell started the season very well by upsetting del Potro 6-3 6-3, according to the wonderful Kristen it was 42 degrees there today and that is not court temperature and Mike is based in the southern parts of the USA and so he is used to the heat and good that his recent marriage hasn't impacted on him negatively. Now, he has to play the erratic Benji Becker and if it's this warm it will help him as long as he can keep the ball deep, then Becker can self destruct.

There were wins for Llodra over Simple Simon and big Sam Querrey took out Steve Darcis who is not a heat lover at all. Radek "Thunder Lips" Stepanek had to retire from his match with local warhorse Joe Sirianni, who has been in great form and deservedly got a wildcard into the AO and will build even more on his ranking. An Acasuso vs. Russell final would be ideal, but not very likely and Chucho has a tough one against Falla first up and he is never good after a break.

Doha

Home of the bizarre trophies, oil and buying athletes from other countries to win gold medals and pay them a lot of cash, not much honour, but that has concept in pro sports is as dead as wooden racquets. This event has the best overall field and some tight 1st rounders, well he have big Ljubo playing against Austria's most fashionable dude Stefan Koubek, both have won this event before, both have points to defend from last season, it would be good if Koubek can get the W.

Calleri plays Boredo and if Calleri plays to his potential then he has the weapons to hit through Boredo, but he needs to wait to pull the trigger and then nail him with backhands down the line as Boredo loves the off forehand, I want Gordo to win, but think Boredo will get it sadly. Seppi and Santoro this one should be quite a tricky match for Seppi, hope he can make it. Big Oscar is saving it up for the Aus Open and Andreev has a tough one in Johansson.

Chennai

Not much to say, except the Sunrise Challenger was stronger, hope Malisse and Baghdatis can do well here, but Moya will win off the court as he usually does.


Sidenote: Good effort from Peter Luczak against the Berdman, why wasn't Berdych sick when he played him instead of retiring the match against the clown Fish, lucky it's just the Hopman Cup.