Australian Open 2009

In the Land Down Under, the legends prevail

The last year has shown to be a changing of the guard in the men's game, as Nadal ends Federer's Wimbledon streak at 5 and takes the world number one ranking and the Olympic gold from under his nose. At the same time, the women's game gets shaken up as the number one position gets jostled around between the top seeds - the Serbs (Ivanovic, Jankovic), the Russians (Dementieva, Safina), and the Americans (the Williams sisters). At the same time, the young guns are starting to make their mark - and the odds-makers favor the UK's Andy Murray as the champion, even though he's never won a grand slam. On the women's side, people expect Russian domination, but don't count out the ever dominant Serena and Venus Williams. In the end, the legends prevailed, as Federer took down Nadal in a classic five set showdown, and Serena trounced Marat Safin's little sis Safina in a straight set blowout.

New playing surface, more exciting rallies

The Australian Open 2009 opened this year sporting the second annual installment of its new court surface - the Plexipave Plexicushion. It replaced the controversial Rebound Ace surface last year, which was known to get very hot, was prone to causing ankle injuries, and created inconsistent bounces and pace. Plexicushion, on the other hand, provides a solid, true bounce, rewarding the player for their abilities and keeping play more consistent, and therefore providing longer and less frustrating rallies.

Federer vs. Nadal - the classic showdown Finale

In a classic final, the first five setter at the Australian Open since 1988, Federer and Nadal clash once again in a battle of the titans. Rafael Nadal, the only player with a winning record against Federer, took him down once again in a five set extravaganza - 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. Suprisingly, Rafa was dominant in the fifth set, a feat that has not occured in their previous encounters (in their past five set matches, either Roger blew him out in the fifth or Nadal fought to win by a narrow margin).

Nadal vs. Verdasco Semifinal - one of the best matches of the year

The Australian Open semifinal that pitted Davis cup teammates Fernando Verdasco and Rafael Nadal against each other proved to be our favorite match of the whole tournament. The combination of a playing surface that rewards skilled and creative shot making, and a familiarity of each other's playing styles, made for a five set show down that showcased some of the most powerful and intense rallies we've ever witnessed. The 5 hour and 14 minute semifinal was the longest in the tournament's history, and went the distance as Nadal edged out his compatriot, 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (1-7) 6-4.

Federer vs. Roddick Semifinal - a blowout

Unfortunately we can't say the same for the highly anticipated showdown of Andy Roddick and Roger Federer in the first semifinal. Federer, on a roll after a double bagel against the up and coming Argentine Del Potro, took it to Roddick in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5, in a quick 2 hours and 7 minutes. This gave Roger a whole extra day to prepare for the final, in addition to less time spent on the court.