Aussie Open Finals Kick Off 2010!

If you’re a Tennis fiend, like myself, you’re ecstatic about this weekend’s Australian Open finals. If you’ve never watched Tennis before, this would be a great weekend to start. I’ll tell you why the NFL Pro Bowl doesn’t have to bore you into next week!

Men’s Draw

What’s at stake:

Roger Federer, current world’s #1, is seeking to add to his all-time record 15 major singles championships. Roger will be making his all-time record 22^nd appearance in a Grand Slam final – his 18^th finals appearance in his last 19 Slams.

There’s nothing left to prove for Roger, arguably the best to ever pick up a racket. He’s had a renowned career, which has seemed to lack consistent competition. However, he’s only 28, and still looks hungry for more – and why shouldn’t he be? As long as there are still top-10 players looking for a fight, he’ll be glad to put one up.

That’s where Andy Murray comes in – the fiery, precocious 22-year-old Brit. Andy’s been playing the best tennis of his career this Aussie Open, only dropping a set in the semi’s against Marin Cilic. However, it’s no secret that Andy has had his share of battles rising to the cream of the crop of the men’s game.

First, it was the British Media hounding on Andy’s every little mistake, only to blow him up and knock him back down again. That’s pretty ridiculous considering Andy’s little success is the best a Brit has accomplished since Fred Perry in the ‘30’s, literally. (Check below)

Then, it was Andy’s trouble on the court, often seeming unmotivated and tired. He lost his only Grand Slam finals appearance in 2008 at the U.S. Open to, guess who, Roger Federer – shocker.

He complained after, about his route to the final, it being much more physical than Roger’s. However, that was then – this is now.

Roger Federer will be facing the toughest Andy Murray he’s ever seen. This Andy Murray is hungry for a championship and, most of all, respect. He’s also not trying to take down Roger for a David beats Goliath win – he’s out there to overthrow the king on his way to the throne of the men’s game. There won’t be any lack of motivation from Andy Murray any time soon, trust me.

Interesting Stats:

FEDERER
- 4-6 against Andy Murray all-time (1-0 in majors, 2-0 in last 6 months)
- Beat Andy Murray in 2008 U.S. Open final (6–2, 7–5, 6–2)
- 22^nd Grand Slam finals appearance.
- Seeking 16^th major title/4^th Australian Open championship
- Seeking 40^th hard-court title. He trails only Andre Agassi (46).
- Was 22-years-old when he won his first Grand Slam in his 17^th Grand Slam appearance (2003-Wimbledon).

MURRAY
- 22-years-old in his 17^th Grand Slam appearance.
- 6-4 all-time record against Roger Federer, (0-1 in majors).
- Lost to Roger Federer in 2008 U.S. Open final (2-6, 5-7, 2-6).
- Became first British man to reach more than one Grand Slam final.
- Beat 3 seeded players en route to 2010 Australian Open final.

Women’s Draw
The best part of the weekend is that we’re blessed with two all-star matchups. The women’s draw doesn’t lack any great stories either!

Current #1 Serena Williams is seeking her fifth Australian Open title. To do so, she will have to beat the world’s former #1 – 2004 winner of the Aussie open – Justine Henin.

Serena Williams, arguably the toughest woman to play the game, is on a mission to destroy. So far, she's lost 1 set the entire tournament. She’s already won this year’s Australian Open doubles championship; her 11^th career doubles Grand Slam. She’s as dominant as she’s ever played, but there’s one last roadblock standing between her and a 12^th major title.

That roadblock would be the petite, but mighty former #1 Justine Henin.

Key’s to the bout:
1. Never.
2. Ever.
3. Ever underestimate Justine Henin!

Justine, holder of 7 Grand Slam titles herself, is in her first final appearance since retiring nearly two years ago.

Justine left the sport suddenly in May of 2008 while at the top of her's and the women’s game. Questions arose about whether she would ever come back or why it was she quit. However, one question is now answered: can she still compete at the highest level? In only her 2nd tournament back, I’d say the answer is: Hell yeah! It’s like she never left!

Justine has pretty much cruised through this 2010 Aussie Open, including a 6-1, 6-0 win in the semi’s over China’s Zheng Jie. It’s hard to call her the Cinderella, as she’s done this so many times before, but she’s as focused as she’s ever been, and will give Serena a good fight.

Interesting Stats:
WILLIAMS
- Win would give her 12 major titles, tied for most all-time among female Americans (Billie Jean King - 12)
- Seeking her 5^th Australian Open title (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009)
- Has never lost an Australian Open final.
- 7-6 all-time against Justine Henin.

HENIN
- Seeking 8^th major title.
- Seeking her 2^nd Australian Open title (2004)
- Would become only the 2^nd female wildcard entry to win a Grand Slam (Clijsters – 2009 – U.S. Open)
- 6-7 all-time against Serena Williams