The Australian Open final call
My Aus Open ended at the Nieminen/Nadal and Tsonga/Youzhny matches, sometimes I go to one of the semi finals, but it was not the case this year and in a way it was disappointing to miss out seeing Federer and Nadal both losing in straight sets live to Dokovic and Tsonga respectively, well we can’t have everything in life.
Does this mean a changing of the guard in relation to tennis hegemony? Not at the moment, it’s too early to say that, but with Novak Djokovic talking it up saying he was ready to challenge and delivering by taking out the event and Federer in straight sets, maybe it sets the seeds for the other players to come through in the majors. Federer is still a massive favourite for Wimbledon and the US Open and Nadal still is clearly the favourite at Roland Garros.
The final itself was close and was glad that it wasn’t the usual turgid Federer vs. Nadal final matches which are the majority except at 2007 Wimbledon and 2006 Rome. The extra big match experience of Djokovic was just too much for Tsonga, who was the crowd favourite all the way through with his great movement, soft hands, flashing smile, Cassius Clay lookalike and relaxed manner. One thing about the final was interesting, the respective support groups the Djokovic clan were very fired up, especially the father to be point of being obnoxious and Tsonga’s dad was just very calm, though when his son won the 1st set he was doing the shadow boxing and stylish as well.
Enough of the final and the overall experience this year when inside the tennis complex was positive for the most part. There was a good perve which is important and saw Xristos the Greek stud who is funny in his own way.
It was good to see Koubek playing well, the King Hernandez winning on hardcourt, Calleri and Brzezicki playing doubles for a laugh, Seppi winning a match that didn’t go to 3.49am. Pavel might be in Australia for the last time and copped a rough draw. Adrian Voinea for putting up with Sammy and my questions and handling it well. Peter Luczak for being the humble, hard working player that he is, though a bit disappointed not to see baby Seb, but that can wait for another day. Jarkko Nieminen making the most of his game and having another successful Slam.
Good crowds, met some interesting people from all walks of life. The five French guys from Paris, but support Olympique Marseille in football were quality and followed on all the French players especially Tsonga and Mathieu and they listened to my advice about how to get into centre court for free and it worked. They did so well they were there for the final annoying Papa Djokovic.
The little sisters Kristen and Peta it was great catching up with them for different reasons. Kristen gets called Justine Henin, but she is much prettier than her and these crazy Austrians seem to appreciate her and not just talking about Marach. Peta with her obsession with Pavel and Enric Molina, if I didn’t know her, then it’d be freaky, but I do and it isn’t.
Sammy and Joe the Geelong Croat connection thanks for all your help and it’s always fun catching up with you and the marathon tennis DVD oldies sessions were worth it and next year I might have to try and qualify for the Aus Open, maybe I could play the journalists event.
Andreas the legend Austrian journalist from ORF and fellow Kent Carlsson fan always a pleasure, too bad we couldn’t play tennis this time, we’d draw more people than the average WTA match. Ariel and Leo the Argentines an honour as always and Victor thanks for everything and coming through when needed. Nick it was fun as always and just hope Malisse doesn’t piss you about anymore.
James and Saffaro, well always good to hear from you and see you, well James next year it has to be done, but you knew me from the start, so that won't be forgotten.
Grekan, I know you don’t read this, but will eventually. Thanks to yourself who showed me the way around the Aus Open complex, when I had less clue than Thomas Muster on grass and introduced me to some good people and no matter what happens to me, you won’t be forgotten.
Hopefully I will be back there next year and also at more tennis events in 2009 and try and entertain the people who read this blog sometimes.
11 comments:
So much fun to read this. So enjoyable for me :D
It was good to catch up with you too, and I sincerely do miss the blue shirt/s! What can I pay you out for now? I will find something, but you know I'm just being cheeky and not malicious. If it was Hewitt in a blue shirt, well, different story.
I am going to watch an Austrian of a different kind tomorrow...Martin Legner! Cool guy. Corny as the rest, he used this on me once "without you, is like the sky without the sun" lame as hell but I loved it! Look forward to seeing you at the 2009 AO! This one went way too fast =(
Amazing recap and hope to be joining you in '09....
Thank you so much for providing great insight and commentary, its well appreciated!!!!!!
great report, accurate and funny. It seems this year the heat wasn't a big problem and also players in general are already in form, so no much upsets in early rounds. Nice to see the acknowledgments too, it looks like you was in the right place with the right people.
thanks for this blog, it was nice reading your AO daily comments
Thanks for all the reports you provided althrough this AO. It's always great to read how ppl experience things from the event itself. It's always nice and entertaining. Glad to know you had fun. Can't wait for 2009!!
Never fails to deliver an excellent report for AO.
Thanks a lot!
I enjoyed reading all of your daily accounts from Melbourne. Thanks a lot.
I have the link for this blog bookmarked and saved as a favourite, as it's just so good.
I hope you had a great experience at the Aussie Open.
Roll on the SA claycourt swing.
Thanks for deleting my previous comment boss.
The reports were a great read and good to read about something a bit different and also not focusing on the TV stars and nice to see someone else winning besides Federer and Nadal.
Now, it is time for the clay season.
Thank you for all the laughs in the blog. You report on matches very well, it doesn't have to be long to be informative. Why don't you report on the South American clay? Starace is back for example... Oh, we was back as he has lost to Minar.
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