Now that we’re into the “business” end of the Australian Open, it’s time to take a look back at week one and look ahead with some wishes that might just come true.
Watching ESPN with the AO Radio Commentators.
Now I can’t complain about ESPN360.com since it’s allowing me to watch multiple matches and with some great Aussie announcers. And AO Radio brings it with style and wit. It’s just that when things switch over to the ESPN2 crew, that the commentary borders on overkill.
Even Darren Cahill, who I really like, said before the Federer/Hewitt match today “we could break this down forever.” Why would you need to? I don’t mind when two of them cover a match, but when all six of them chime in, like they did when Sharapova lost, it borders on silliness. Take a cue from the Aussies and go with “less is more.”
Why I Don’t Want a Federer/Nadal Rematch.
Don’t get me wrong. Last year’s AO Final with Fed and Rafa was a stunner. But I feel like a lot of casual fans are hoping for a rematch as they think that only those two can provide great tennis. Case in point, last night’s fifth set between Tsonga and Almagro was the best ball striking I’ve seen all event. The game can’t rely on one “legendary” pairing to keep interest or ratings high. So let’s hope that Fed and Rafa can mix it up at the French or even the U.S. Open. But variety keeps it fresh and, in the end, will bring in even more fans to the final act.
Push the Asia Events After AO.
I wrote about this during the fall, but doesn’t it make sense to have the Asia swing either right before or just after the “The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific”? For one thing it would allow players more real match play instead of having to rely on cushy exhibition matches, (I’m talking to you Sharapova) and it would open up the schedule at the end of the year for a real off season. Sure some of those unknown European clay court events in the spring would have to literally bite the dust, but if the WTA and ATP really believe Asia is the future of the sport, wouldn’t it make sense to focus your efforts in one burst?
And now some quick wishes for those who left the event too soon.
Dinara Safina and Marcos Baghdatis - Healthy Bodies.
Melanie Oudin – A Serve.
Robin Soderling – Call Andy Roddick’s Trainer. You’ll need it for the French.
Bernard Tomic – Two Words, Grow Up.
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