FASHION FIX: Australian Open Uniqlo kits for Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, and Shingo Kunieda

Here are some images of the Uniqlo duds No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori, and men's wheelchair champion, Shingo Kunieda, are said to be wearing at the 2015 Australian Open.

There's not much to say about these looks. In typical Uniqlo style, they're pretty basic. It's what we've come to expect from the Japanese retail giant for their ballers.

[Photo(s) credit: tt.tennis-warehouse.com/]

FASHION FIX: Fila's kits for the 2015 Australian Open

Fila has released the gear their ballers will be working at the 2015 Australian Open. The new Platinum collection offers a cohesive range of fashions, marked by fresh new fabrics, design details that showcase a high-end flavor, and stand-out styles. Training pieces were created to complement tennis apparel, for complete looks that can easily be worn on and off-court. As Fila’s most advanced line yet, technology is a crucial component of the Platinum story.

Jelena Jankovic, pictured above, will be wearing the Platinum dress ($90) in white and, appropriately, diva pink.

Germany's Julia Goerges will be sporting the Platinum wide racerback tank ($75) in diva pink/pirate charcoal and the Platinum skort ($75) in diva pink/pirate charcoal.

The women's collection also features a range of complementary pieces highlighted by the Platinum woven jacket, in silver/diva pink, which features embossed FILA neck taping, a bungee puller and stopper at curved bottom hem, a hood with drawcord, and front zippered pockets with lockdown pullers. The Platinum full zip jacket and pant, Platinum shorts, and Platinum capris with tennis ball pockets on the sides round out the collection.

American Sam Querrey will be wearing the Platinum zip placket polo shirt ($75) in white/navy power and the Platinum short ($60) in navy power/shocking orange.

Italy's Andreas Seppi will be sporting the Platinum laser cut top ($65) in navy power/shocking orange and the Platinum short ($60) in navy power/shocking orange.

The Platinum half-zip top and pants complete the men's collection. All styles are available at Fila.com. 

[Photo(s) credit: Fila]

2013 Australian Open: Perhaps it’s just a case of déjà vu

There’s a weird feeling nagging at me. The calendar says the Australian Open came and went, and I remember watching it (full disclosure: DVR is my capital B-estie) but nothing seems that different. No euphoria from an epic final (see last year) or a first-time major winner (see last year). Not even a sniff of a legend showing the young guns how’s it really done (see the 2012 “Serena Storm”). Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka entered the year and this tourney as world number ones and defending champions, and when the last ball was smacked they were left standing in the same spot they began. Wizards of Oz. Again.

Sure, a whole slew of drama filled out the middle. They both had to overcome tough moments that tested their champion’s mettle – an inexhaustible Nole eeking out a 12-10 fifth set win over Stanislas Wawrinka in a fourth round war and Vika fighting through a wonky rib and/or breathing problems and/or anxiety in her controversial semifinal win over a clearly over-awed Sloane Stephens and/AND a majority anti-Vika crowd in the final. But in the end, they defended their titles and remained the top ballers in the world.

Maybe that’s why I’ve been struggling a bit trying to put the finishing touches on this fortnight in Melbourne. It doesn’t seem like anything was figured out. I suppose it just means this first Grand Slam of the year is a proper beginning…a true starting point…A LAUNCHING PAD! So, might this year be different than the last?

After Nole fell onto his back, exhausted and elated, after almost six hours battling Rafael Nadal, it was all about the “Nole Slam.” Would he become first man since Rod Laver to hold all 4 majors at once and the 8th man in tennis history to complete the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros? As we all know, Rafa exacted his revenge and ended that conversation. Although there were glimpses of that remarkable form, Nole was never really “Nole” again until the fall indoor season when he regained the top spot from Roger Federer and won the ATP World Tour Finals.

Vika went on a spectacular tear after claiming her first major and the top ranking in Melbourne, winning 26-straight matches until she was defeated by Marion Bartoli at the Sony Ericsson Open. From there, the Belarussian went into something of a slumber while Serena Williams took a stranglehold on Vika (going 0-5 against ReRe) and the rest of 2012. The 15-time Grand Slammer appeared primed to continue her domination in Oz, but a feisty Stephens and a turned ankle stopped her masterful run. When a door opens in tennis you better take it, and Vika did in the end.

"I was actually really happy that I went through so many things knowing that I can still produce the tennis that I can and keep the focus that I can," she said in her post-match presser. "It just motivates me to be a better player."

They were challenged and overcame. Now Nole and Vika are back where they began. But it’s different. Where they ended up may be the same, but something undoubtedly has changed. Adversity has a way of doing that. It’s like a full-circle moment except this one isn’t completed yet. Far from it. There’s still a whole season ahead of them, hungry foes to defeat, and a lot of work still left to do. Just ask Nole.

"You know, I'm just trying to embrace this moment and enjoy it as much as I can and see where tomorrow brings me."

 [Photo(s) credit: AP, Getty]

Sloane Stephens phones it in at the Australian Open, so to speak

"DM me guuurl!"

One of the best moments from Sloane Stephens's breakthrough win over Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarterfinals was right after the pair shook hands. The 19-year old went straight for her phone to see if her mom had texted her. Probably, but she couldn't tell from the 233 messages she had waiting for her. Kids. She also said after the match, "I hope to have more Twitter followers" which she does now (43,321 and climbing). That's what it's all about, folks.

It was reminiscent of a 17-year old Maria Sharapova going for her dad's phone to call her mom after winning Wimbledon over, of course, ReRe. She famously wasn't able to grab a signal leaving everyone in giggles and securing the newly-minted star with a phone sponsor, Motorola, one of her many future sponsors (at 3:35):



I guess a teenage win over the 15-time Grand Slammer at a major is worth a phone check. And a lucrative sponsorship. Smartphone brands and carriers take note.

[Photo(s) credit: @TheJordanMiller]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Stanislas Wawrinka

We pushed each other to the limit. But in the end I lost and the disappointment is there and the disappointment is enormous. But I do think it’s also the most accomplished match I’ve ever played.

--Stan Wawrinka after losing to Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 12-10 in an epic fourth rounder at the Australian Open

Awesome effort, Stanny Boy.

[Photo(s) credit: AP]

Delpo goes down, double bagels and Kuznetsova all dressed up

"Yup. A real head scratcher."

Ahhhhh. The first week of play is over at the 2013 Australian Open. I dare say most everything has been going to plan, with the exception of sixth-seeeded Juan Martin del Potro’s 5-set loss to Frenchie Jeremy Chardy in the third round yesterday. If you follow me on Twitter (self-promo alert: @RawUncutTennis), you will have witnessed my conniption during the tennis match. You see, Delpo and I have a very special relationship. ‘Special’ as in I totally wrangled him into taking a picture with me after Taste of Tennis one year along with Karen from Tennis Panorama. Whatever. When he loses, I feel it, okay?

Sam Stosur imploded during her epic choke against Jie Zheng in the second round – certainly not “BREAKING NEWS!” for her in Oz. Disappointing? Yes. Shocking? Hell nah nah. Other than that, the faves have been making pretty quick work of their foes. Maria Sharapova not only performed a single axel, triple sow cow, double double bagel in her first two rounds, but also a pseudo-controversial post-match celebration after crushing Venus Williams. (Shrieka and/or her corporate sponsor doppelganger also officially joined Twitter.)

"Thumbs up for me in a dress?"

Like the Russian giant, Serena Williams has been barely losing games. She’s been rolling over her opponents and almost took her right ankle with her. But ReRe redeemed herself by pummeling two 128 mph serves – that’s gotta make a girl feel good. During her match against an injured Jamie Hampton (who can hit a serious ball) Victoria Azarenka seemed…cranky. Maybe she needs a RedFoo diet. Svetlana Kuznetsova is wearing a dress. That alone is news. But the 2-time Grand Slammer is having a good streak and winning matches. Shhhh! Don’t tell her.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH PETRA KVITOVA? We didn’t get any closer to answering this question in Oz. Sadly.

"Gimme that MOMA, Worm."

Novak Djokovic is looking pretty flawless in game and Uniqlo fashion. Roger Federer and Andy Murray haven’t lost a set either, but they've all had some tight sets. Still, in this form, it’s hard to see any of them getting upset before the semifinals. Jerzy Janowicz gave an Oscar-winning performance. Can you believe the fucking unbelievably bad luck Brian Baker has had with injuries? It was heartbreaking to see him being wheeled off the court after tearing his meniscus during his second round match against Sam Querrey. Another four months out for BB. On the opposite side of the tennis spectrum, Rafael Nadal announced he’s officially returning a bit earlier at the Chilean Open on February 4. Rafanatics rejoice!

So, onto the second week. Bring it.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, AP]

FASHION FIX: Tomas Berdych in H&M

No, you're not looking at Tomas Berdych's practice kit. The Czech baller, who had been sponsored by Nike for years, is now working H&M, beginning at this year's Australian Open and off court as well.

I'm all for simple and classic, but these duds are severely under the top. Maybe it was a rush job or something. Hopefully, the fashion brand will give him something more like fashion in the near future. 

As for the shorts, I'm not sure what everyone is bitching about on Twitter. They're not that short. Gimme 70's McEnroe/Borg crotch huggers any day on ballers with legs like Big Berd. Besides, someone needed to carry Vika's torch this year.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty]

After a break, a return to form for the 2013 Australian Open

"We're on top of the world! And, so HAWT."

Rafael Nadal totally ruined our plan. We were supposed to make our return to tennis together, and then he had to ruin it by picking up that stupid stomach thingy and withdrawing from the Australian Open. I’m never making plans with you again, Rafa. NEVAH.

Soooooo. Anything exciting happen while I was away getting hitched and soaking in my new married life? Duh, of course. Andy Murray finally breaking through and getting that Grand Slam monkey of his ghostly white back (see photo below) tops my list. I definitely was hoping for more tears, sobs or blubbering after he clinched match point at the Flushing Meadows, but he’s British. It's like trying to get Victoria Azarenka to take it down 1000 notches. Ain't. Gonna. Happen. His win over Roger Federer at the Olympics only a few weeks after losing the Wimbledon final was so impressive. Will 2013 be the long-awaited moment when a Brit is once again named "The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World?"

"Look at me. You're useless, sun."

Serena Williams is tennis’s golden girl at the moment – or is she one of the Golden Girls of tennis? Hell, she even lives in South Florida, so I guess both. I'll be damned if she isn't seemingly getting better with age after having one of her best seasons on the WTA tour at the age of 31, winning Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the singles and doubles gold with sister Venus at the Olympics. If ReRe’s winning run in Brisbane is any indicator, she hasn’t stepped off the gas having now won 52 of her last 54 matches. But what’s with her swapping the actress-dates-rapper story for a rumored tennis coach-dates-tennis baller one aka Patrick Mouratoglou? Whatever’s going on with them, it’s working.

"Keep your eyes on the prize, Patty."

What else? Well, Maria Sharapova completed a Career Slam by winning the French Open. That was pretty cool. But, the Russian revealed at the U.S. Open that she and fellow giant Sasha Vujacic called off their engagement, and now she’s rumored to be dating Grigor Dimitrov. There's even a video encounter to "prove" it. Novak Djokovic ended 2012 as the year-end No.1 for the second consecutive year; he held it for most of last year with Fed holding the top spot in middle. Speaking of the Swiss, he won his 17th major title at the All-England Club, while Vika won her first in Oz.

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH PETRA KVITOVA?! Sorry. Had to get that out.

I love this time of year. Like any beginning, it can set the tone for the entire season. There’s so much potential and possibility. But it’s not how you start – it’s how you end. Will any lady baller be able to stand tall against ReRe? The top women can’t even take sets from her right now, nevermind win matches. Maybe it’ll be some precocious up-and-comer with a big game and no fear a la Shrieka circa 2004; but they don’t come around that often anymore.

Rafa won’t be anywhere near his best level when he returns, so that leaves Nole, Muzz and Fed to scoop up the Grand Slam goodies. Or maybe someone else will break through their stranglehold on the majors. But who – Juan Martin del Potro, Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga? Maybe one of the young, massive-serving ballers like Milos Raonic or Jerzy Janowicz will shock and awe or Grisha will fulfill his tremendous potential. That being said, it’s hard to see anyone breaking through the Top 3 especially at Slams. But as Rafa takes time to sharpen up his game, that will leave a hole in tourney draws for opportunist ballers ready to make their move.

Game on.

P.S. Getting married was and is awesome. Don’t believe the “it’s just a piece of paper” bullshit. Even though Kalil and I have been together almost 13 years, it does feel different in a great way. Plus, the reception was phenomenal. I danced my ass off. Seriously, I had to scrape it off the floor. This dance party was uber-special. So, if you’re thinking there’s no point in getting married because you already “feel” married, I say take the plunge and do it for reals.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, Victoria Azarenka Facebook page]

GUEST POST: Will Andy Murray ever win a Grand Slam?

If you want to guest blog on Down the Line!, submit your post to me at downthelinetennis@gmail.com. C'mon, you know you want to flash your stuff.

by Mark Hodgson 

Andy Murray lost again in a Grand Slam at last month's Australian Open and you couldn’t be blamed for thinking that he is destined never to win a major title – as most of the people I have spoken to think. But is this necessarily true? From what I gather people don’t seem to think Murray will ever win a Grand Slam. However, it’s probably not that clear cut.

Undoubtedly, the defeat to Novak Djokovic had a feeling of "the same old story." But if you look past the disappointment, there were some positives. One which stands out is the fact that he actually led the match 2 sets to 1, which has never happened in any other of his defeats to the top three in Grand Slams. He was by no means outplayed in the match, and at the end of the third set looked like he might have the momentum to go on to win the match. In the past – when losing in majors to the top three – the most sets Murray has ever been able to win is one.

There are also long term signs of improvement from the Scot. If you look back at his Grand Slam record, it is clear that he is progressing still. In 2008, he reached the final of a Grand Slam for the first time at the US Open and, the following year, got to the semifinals of Wimbledon. He made the final of the Australian Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2010. Then, in 2011, he reached at least the last four of every Grand Slam, making it to the final of the Australian Open (which is no mean feat whoever you are). So, although it may appear like Murray isn’t getting any closer to winning a Grand Slam, he has actually been improving year on year. There’s nothing to say he can’t keep on improving and eventually win a major.

The edition of Ivan Lendl, who won eight Grand Slams in his career, seems to have produced a slight change in mentality from the Scot. Murray has admitted himself that Lendl doesn’t hold back his opinions of the 24-year old's performances. It seems to have had an effect, with Murray only dropping one set before losing to Djokovic in Melbourne. This has been something plaguing him in the past as well - taking too long to beat opponents in the earlier rounds and leading to tiredness in the latter stages of tournaments. Maybe this is something set to change under the guidance of Lendl.

There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a tough task for Murray to win a Grand Slam; he will need some luck along the way to do it. But it is by no means unthinkable. The problem has always been psychological for Murray. He has shown throughout his career that he has the ability to beat the top three in various different tournaments – having won 17 matches total against the top three. So if he can overcome the mental barrier, surely he can become the first British male to win a major title in more than 70 years.

Mark Hodgson is a Sports Journalism student at the University of Sunderland and reads news on Spark fm. He's a big Middlesbrough FC fan and enjoys writing, especially about sport, on his blog, mrmarkhodgson. You can follow him on Twitter @mrmarkhodgson. 

[Photo(s) credit: William West/AFP/Getty Images]

Five winning ways from Djokovic and Azarenka

I don’t know about you but this Australian Open is still on my mind. That monstrous men’s final left scars. And, so did the women’s mini-final (relatively "mini"…I mean, hello?) but for entirely different reasons. On the surface, they don’t seem to have much in common. But if you look at how reigning top ballers Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka went about winning, you might change your mind:

1. The double-fisted backhand is, er, back. The forehand is still sexier but it’s the workman-like, double-fisted backhand that stole the spotlight in Oz. Nole and Vika’s backhands are their superior shots; they can go cross court and, ahem, down the line with ease. It pushed their opponents off the baseline (which is exactly where they want them to be) or forced shorts balls they were able to pummel.

2. Court positioning is key. Nole and Vika stalked the baseline, suffocating their opponents and making them feel like they had no where to put the ball…until they put it out of bounds or into the net. The Aussie Open champs are able to see the ball so early and take it on the rise, which gives them an advantage over, well, most of the ballers in the world.

3. Strike the right balance. It’s not enough to be awesomely aggressive or doggedly defensive. Ballers on both tours now need to do both consistently well. Vika was relentless in her pursuit of Maria Sharapova’s power groundies until she either took over the point or forced an error. “She created you know, she created offense from defense today, which is, you know, which is important and something that I think she's improved, definitely,” said Shrieka. Nole’s defense is other-worldly but it’s his offense that keeps Rafael Nadal frustrated.

4. Be fanatical about fitness. Aren’t these the two ballers that had built unfortunate reputations as being physically (and, perhaps, mentally) fragile? Their withdrawals from matches due to injury and illness are well-documented. There isn’t much more you can say about the Serb’s Herculean effort on Sunday but it was a treat to see Vika plow through 7 straight matches intact.

5. Return to server. Their returns are simply devastating. Rafa said it best in his post-match presser: “Is something unbelievable how [Djokovic] returns, no? His return probably is one of the best of the history. That's my opinion, no? I never played against a player who's able to return like this. Almost every time.” Shrieka kept her sometimes nervy serve under control (she actually had one less DF than Vika) but couldn’t get the ball out of the Belarussian’s wheelhouse. As well all know, it was a recipe for DISASTER...or SUCCESS depending on who you ask.

[Photo(s) credit: Reuters]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Novak Djokovic

 Ah, yes.  Right now, yes.  

- Novak Djokovic on whether his almost 6-hour win over Rafael Nadal in the men's final at the Australian Open was the greatest win of his life

Astounding. There really are no words to describe this match and even less for how Nole was able to pull it out. And, now he's one away from a "Nole Slam."

I guess the talk of whether he could continue the form from last year have been unequivocally squashed. He went to a level I don't think anyone has ever achieved is a single match, nevermind in the finals of a major. As for Rafa, he was, as always, gracious in defeat and said he enjoyed the "suffering." This one was special.

I told you it was gonna be good...really REALLY good.

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / TORSTEN BLACKWOOD]

VIDEO VAULT: Three call outs from Victoria Azarenka's post-match interview

1. "Kinder"
2. "dance, dance, dance..."
3. "[the trophy] feels magical..." No, what's magical are those BOOM BOOMS. While I may not like them for you, I'm convinced they have super powers. Prepare the BOOM BOOMS's trophy case. Or get them bronzed.

[Via: AustralianOpenTV]

PHOTO OP: We found love in a hopeless place

"One day it'll be yours. No, not me silly."

 If that's the consolation prize, sign me up.

[Photo(s) credit: Pool/aaron Favila/AFP/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: It's short but not so sweet

I know, I know. Everyone's talking about the shriekfest of a final we're all going to endure between former champ Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka tomorrow at the Australian Open. It's been fodder for the tennis media and bloggeratti so there's no need for me to add to the noise. But, people, there's something more sinister going on besides the idea of the shriek as gamesmanship (c'mon girls, you're losing the PR battle here). What I find most disturbing does involve Vika, but it's not what's coming out of her mouth, at least not this time. It's what's on her ass: The BOOM BOOMS. There, I said it.

Those white unassuming Nike BOOM BOOMS, on their own, are fine. They work really well in a practice session or match on a smaller court with a small, gathering crowd of drooling young boys and probably a few girls (it's tennis remember). But in a Grand Slam final??? Not. Appropriate. I don't blame the her, though. If I recall correctly, it was Venus Williams who broke the barrier back in 2007 and set the dangerous precedent when she wore white BOOM BOOMS from then-sponsor Reebok during her Wimbledon win against Marion Bartoli:

That's one barrier she should've left alone.

Of course, not everyone feels this way. In fact, some have been complimenting the fact that the BOOM BOOMS give off good leg for Vika. Her agent and former WTA lady baller, Meilen Tu, has been going on about "da legs" on Twitter while reader Wayne said "She looks way hot in those shorts!" over on the Down the Line! Facebook page. Her legs do look good, though "hot" and BOOM BOOMS are reserved, at least here, for shirtless boys in uncompromising positions on the tennis court (or in my head). If this sentiment sounds a little sexist, I'll say in my defense that at the very least I try to remain an equal opportunity offender.

I guess it's too much to imagine she might actually put on something else besides the BOOM BOOMS--maybe a a top with a skirt that actually gives her some curves--for her first major final. Oh, that's the other thing: They're not flattering on her. She's too straight up-and-down. Now, put them on Rafa. Seriously, I think we've got a winner.

[Photo(s) credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Tomas Berdych is all wet

"So, how long can you hold your breath under water? Just curious..."

I know you're just dying to see the rest of Tomas Berdych taking a swim during a break from the Australian Open. More pics after the jump - click the headline.

P.S. If I had my way around the marketing of tennis, you know this would be my strategy. All. The. Time.

Melbourne from the middle

Ahhh, what a great off-season. And, no, it didn't involve giddily dipping a dance girl on a tennis court. That's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and not one of my vacay pics. In case you were confused. Because it happens. Sometimes.

Anyway, I’ve been away for a bit and missed the season-opening tourneys and the first week of the Australian Open. But there was a silver lining. You got to see Rafael Nadal’s ass grab for about two months. No harm there.

Life has been busy. My full-time gig is going well but there’s bigger news: I’m getting married! Married? Yes, married. Married?? Yes, MARRIED! 2012 is the year I finally do the deed. Well, more like "we." Kalil and I always said if we could get legally married in NYC we would do it. So when Governor Cuomo announced the bill had passed making gay marriage legal in New York state last year, we looked at each other and excitedly said, “I guess we’re getting married!” It’s truly a special time right now. There’s so much to plan (no wedding planner…blame my control issues) and organize. But it’s all good. Really REALLY good.

What’s also really REALLY good is what’s going to come in the second week of the Australian Open. The big ballers on both the men’s and women’s sides are still around which means epic battles are most likely on the Aussie horizon. Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova are barely losing games. Juan Martin del Potro is showing some of that old form that made him a Grand Slam champ. He’s been steadily rounding into devastating form.

The veterans—Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters—have drool-worthy quarterfinals to look forward to. Fed gets Delpo and ReRe will get Shrieka if she gets by Ekaterina Makarova (no offense, Macky, but really…). And the defending women’s champ, who just about got the boot until she houdinied her way from 4 match points down and a balky ankle to beat Li Na, gets top seed Caroline Wozniacki in the quarters.

And there’s still Rafa, Andy Murray, Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka in the mix. Suffice it to say there aren’t any true feel good, prodigy-against-the-draw or journeyballer-on-a-hot-streak stories this season in Melbourne. But that’s okay. I’ll take a a few classic throw downs between top ballers under the lights any day because you just know it’s going to be good. Really REALLY good.

[Photo(s) credit: Reuters]

(UPDATED) QUOTE OF THE DAY: Justine Henin

[The ball was] more out than on the line…it touched the line. I admit it now.

- Justine Henin on the 2004 Aussie Open final she won against Kim Clijsters, when a TV replay showed Kimmie's swing volley on break point at 3-4 in the decider was actually good though it was called long (pre-instant replay, obvs.)

Along with her recent explanation of "Handgate" at the 2003 French Open against Serena Williams it seems the now-retired-for-good Justine wants to finally have a clear conscious about all those controversial moments in her career.

But why now? Why drudge it all up? No one is asking for an explanation or an apology for that matter. In fact, it may just be throwing rock salt in the wounds of those involved all over again. It seems pointless besides giving her peace of mind.

As you and most other ballers love to say, the past is the past. Move on Justine.

[Photo(s): AP/PTI]

UPDATE: "The past is the past" my ass. Thanks palbi.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: FEDERER

...when I came on tour, matches were played very differently. It was more of a bluff game, guys serving well, but there was always a weakness you could go to. Today that doesn't exist anymore. I think that's also thanks to guys like Murray. They've made me a better player, because I think this has been one of my finest performances, you know, in a long time, or maybe forever.

- Roger Federer after defeating Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(11) to win his fourth Aussie Open crown and 16th major title.

The Swiss won the battle of court positioning in this match by stepping inside the court to attack any balls left hanging by Muzz. You knew the Brit baller was in trouble when Fed managed to stay steady and patient in the cross-court backhand rallies before finding his favored forehand drive.

This loss will be a tough one for Muzz after having chances in the first and letting go of leads in the third set and in the final tiebreak. Let's hope the next time he comes onto the court ready to play a Grand Slam final he'll be more relaxed and find a more effective balance between steady groundstroking and calculated shot-making. He didn't take his opportunities to be more aggressive and paid the price.

[Photo(s): Getty]

PREVIEW: Australian Open Men's Final

(1) Roger Federer vs. (5) Andy Murray
Head-to-Head: 4 Fed, 6 Muzz
Last meeting: '09 WTF (indoor hard), Fed 3-6, 6-3, 6-1

Top seed Roger Federer will look to add No. 16 to his Grand Slam haul (and bury the memories of last year's post-match meltdown) when he battles fifth seed Andy Murray for the Aussie Open title on Sunday.

The Swiss stylist seems to have rounded into form at just the right time especially after a tough opening round match where he lost the first set to Igor Andreev. His movement has been exceptional so far; he's moving fluidly around the court which has allowed him to control points with his blistering forehand and play matches on his own terms. Moreover, Fed has come through a number of tight moments in his matches by serving well and hitting his spots nicely.

Muzz has been the in-form baller this tourney stampeding out of the gates like a man on a mission - and he is. The Brit is still looking for his first Grand Slam title after falling in his major final debut to the Swiss at the '08 U.S. Open. He's continued to play his style of counter-punching tennis but has added a bit more aggression to his game, going for more winners than we're used to seeing from him. In fact he's cracked more winners so far this tourney than Fed (302-289) and didn't even play a full match in the quarterfinals due to Rafael Nadal's injury-induced retirement. Now there's a game changer.

So, I think it would be safe to say there's probably no love lost between these two ballers. The Swiss, in particular, seems to have a dislike for Muzz's play but knows it's a game that can get the better of him if he's not focused. "I always felt, you know, if I played well, I had my chance," said the 15-time Grand Slammer. "If I don't play well, I'm gonna lose, you know. It's been against many sort of counterpunchers, guys that keep the ball in play." It's a good bet then that the H2H in Muzz's favor feels like salt in his wounds.

The fifth seed knows he'll need to be at his top level if he's to win his first Grand Slam and will surely draw confidence from those past wins over the world's top baller. "I mean, anytime you win against him is great, you know," said Muzz. "If it's one win somewhere, if it was one win against nine losses, it would be a little bit different. But that's not the case. I'm gonna need to play my best match ever." Indeed he will.

There's no doubt the Brit baller has a shot at winning this match. He'll need to come out strong and not fall behind early or Fed will smell blood - and we all know what a tremendous front-runner he is. And, unlike Juan Martin del Potro's performance in Flushing Meadows last season, Muzz won't be able to hit through the Swiss so he'll need to stay close in the sets by holding his serve and take the opportunities he's given. It will definitely need to be the best match of his career if he's going to win.

That being said it's hard to pick against the 3-time champ going for his 16th major title. He looked to be in full flight against a subdued Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during his semifinal win (his record 23rd straight Grand Slam final four appearance, BTW) and will be determined to close the gap on their H2H by taking his third straight over Muzz. Fed will need to be mindful of his serving since he'll be facing arguably the best returner in the game right now. I'm pretty sure he's not interested in reliving the serving nightmare that was last year's final. But if all aspects of the Swiss' ethereal game are clicking, he'll be tough to beat.

Advantage, Fed.

[Photo(s): Getty]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: SERENA

I feel amazing. I feel like it happened but it hasn't happened, so it's really kind of cool. I really am in the moment right now.

- Serena Williams on winning her fifth Aussie Open crown and 12th major title (tying Billie Jean King on the all-time list) by defeating Justine Henin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2

Congrats ReRe on coming through on an even year and defending your title - so much for superstitions. Must be nice to be the only woman in the Open Era to win five titles here, huh?

[Photo(s): Getty]