Australia Calling

The Australian Open is the first big challenge of a new year for any tennis player. Not only is engrossing, it also tends to set the tone for the year. Or not. Roger Federer tamed Andy Murray to be crowned Champion of the first Grand Slam of 2010. Incidentally, that was the only slam he won in 2010 which has come to be known in many tennis circles as the 'Year of  Nadal'

Nadal will be hoping to make the Australian Open his own

World Number 1 Rafael Nadal had an amazing 2010, winning the Wimbledon, French Open and U.S Open titles. The pressure is definitely on the Spaniard to prove his dominance and to capture the title that eluded him last year. Federer and his fans, on the other hand, will be hoping that he will manage to defend his title, and if possible, win it convincingly. Regardless of how it plays out, the Australian Open promises to be an exciting clash of the titans.

The usual suspects such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are also expected to rise to the occasion and provide some close matches. Australian fans will be cheering for homeboy Lleyton Hewitt, but the feisty tennis star hasn't been on top of his game. Hewitt's chances of winning the title aren't high, but here's hoping that he will play to his true potential.

As far as the women's draw is concerned, Belgian Kim Clijsters is seen as a clear favourite. Serena Williams, the defending champion who won the last two Australian Open crowns, is missing out due to foot surgery. Her absence takes out the sting in the competition, but this might be her sister Venus Williams' big chance to add the Australian Open trophy to her kitty.

Indian fans will be hoping that the 'Indian Express' can recreate its magic..

For Indian fans, the great news is that the legendary duo of  Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, fresh from winning the Chennai Open, are at Melbourne to play for glory. Somdev Dev Varman received a wildcard for the Australian Open and will hope to do much better than his disappointing performance in the recently-concluded Chennai Open. But it won't be an easy task as he faces former World No 5 Tommy Robredo.

If Somdev's was a tough draw, Sania Mirza's was even tougher. The only woman representing India in the Australian Open is pitted against former World No 1 Justine Henin. As I write, Sania has fought hard to win the first set against Henin 7 - 5 and seeks to keep up the momentum.

Predictions, analysis and expectations aside, what makes tennis special is the surprises it offers. To a country ravaged by recent floods, one hopes that the Australian Open will bring a lot of joy.

Recommended Reading:
Australian Open: The Burning Questions
Cljsters taking it one match at a time

To The Chennai Open, With Love

For most players and fans, the yearly tennis calender usually begins with the Australian Open, the first grand slam. But if you ask some of us, tennis rings in the new year with the Chennai Open.

There is no legendary strawberries and whipped cream snack here. There is no fiery red clay court waiting for the players. The Chennai Open is where the world's best tennis players are made to use cricket bats to hit tennis balls to the cheering crowd. The Chennai Open is where mothers bring their eager kids and remind them to watch the match carefully and carry home tips for that elusive drop shot. The Chennai Open is where senior citizens earnestly debate Federer vs Nadal with College students. The Chennai Open is where you hear gems like 'What a straight drive!'

This is a tournament like no other. As a fan who has watched five editions of this ATP Tournament, The Chennai Open has become a personal experience, something close to my heart. Tennis fans have had the fortune to watch the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Tomas Berdych, Ivan Ljubicic, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi here. And the players have been treated to an electrifying atmosphere and a crowd that will appreciate good tennis no matter who plays it.

2011 Aircel Chennai Open Champion, crowd favourite Stanislas Wawrinka

Feeble Mexican waves can be spotted amidst the mind-blowing cheer of 'India! India!' when 'Lee and Hesh' are playing. This is the crowd that takes upon itself to 'cheer up' and encourage a player who's just double faulted in a crucial point. Umpires might not love the din and explosion of sounds that come with the Chennai Open, but the players almost always seem to. Janko Tipsarevic remarked that the crowd made him feel like he was playing the Davis Cup in a home stadium. Compliments don't get any better than that!

Sport is not just about those who play it. Sport is also about the fan who won't move her fingers from her cheek or lean forward, fearing it might jinx the match. Sport is also about the young boy who does his homework between points, while cheering madly for his favourite player to win. Sport is also about the thousands of people who give a standing ovation to both the winner and the runner-up. The Chennai Open exemplifies this spirit of sport and the sport lover.

The tournament will stay in Chennai for the next two years and one only hopes that this can become a permanent fixture in the tennis calender. To all the players, the organisers and the audience who made this year's tournament as unforgettable as ever, a heartfelt thank you. To Xavier Malisse, this year's runner-up and 2007's champion, best wishes for a great year in tennis. To Stanislas Wawrinka, 2011's Chennai Open Champion, may this tennis year be as wonderful as your one-handed backhand. And come back to defend your title in this magnificent city!

Related Links:
Wawrinka clinches Chennai title
Stanislas Wawrinka crowned Champion