INSTANT REPLAY - Aussie Open Edition II: a look back at the week's top tennis plays

COURTSIDE

Nicole & Keith take in some tennis
Feli leaves Nike for Joma
Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Justine vs. Maria
A star is born
ReRe hits the skids
Preview: Women's Semifinal Showdowns
Ana squeaks by
The shirtless brigade grows
Celebrating the French way
Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Fed vs. Nole
True heir to the throne?
Preview: Women's Final
Maria comes full circle
Preview: Men's Final
Pat gets inducted
Celebrating the French way, Part Deux
Nole takes his place

Novak Djokovic wins Aussie Open for first Grand Slam, celebrates family-style

Serbian stunner: Novak Djokovic is a Grand Slam champion. As we predicted, the World No. 3 defeated unseeded Frenchie Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 4 sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), to win the Australian Open title and became the first tennis baller from Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title. After the historic win, Nole told the press,

"I always believed [I could win a Grand Slam.] You know, I always believed. I didn't want to think in a negative way. I always had a big support, especially from my parents, my father. You know, I think he always believed more in me than I did in myself."

"With the way I was playing throughout all the junior years and junior events, I think I earned enough confidence and motivation to be a professional tennis player and to be as a Grand Slam champion."

"So, you know, for somebody it was not realistic, for somebody, yes. And it was difficult to judge in that time because Serbia doesn't have such a big tennis tradition. Considering all these bad times we had, you know, in the time when I grew up and practicing there. So it was basically impossible if you look in it that way, but I always believed."

The new Aussie Open champ, pulling his trademark shirtless moment, celebrated with his ever-present family including father Grdjan, momma Dijana, and brothers Djordje + Marko (who also play tennis) in the locker room.

Could the Djokovics be the next tennis dynasty?

(images via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Israeli doubles team defeats Frenchies for title, but share similar celebratory moment

Double your fun: Jonathan Erlich + Andy Ram of Israel won the Australian Open men's doubles title by defeating the French team of Arnaud Clement + Michael Llodra. It seems the Israeli's - who are both rockin' some serious legs - took their post-match celebratory cues from the Frenchies, though.

Uh, we never found doubles very interesting, but we're starting to have second thoughts - and not all about tennis.

(image via AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

PREVIEW: Australian Open Men's Final

Novak Djokovic vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Head -to-head: 1st meeting

So, we've arrived at the final singles match of this season's first Grand Slam - drats. Anyway, No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic will take on the unheralded and unseeded Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga for the Australian Open championship - a maiden Grand Slam title for either tennis baller's trophy case.

How they got here: Nole produced his most complete performance when it mattered most, comprehensively defeating World No. 1 and 2-time defending champion Roger Federer in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Jo-Willy caused the biggest upset at this year's tourney, blowing past a shell-shocked Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. This match will be the first meeting between these two rising stars.

Here's what Nole had to say about playing Jo-Willy:

"Yeah, of course. I've seen many of his matches. As I think everybody, I was impressed with the way he plays. Obviously, as he was saying on the interviews after the matches, you know, he's just living the dream. For him it's a great achievement. You know, I'm happy to play with some younger player, you know, somebody else. So we never played against each other, so it's going to be a new experience. You know, what a way to play, you know, in the finals of a Grand Slam. He was really playing well, especially in the semifinals. Nothing to lose. Something like that I might expect in the finals. But I'll try to recover and get the tactic ready with my coach."

Jo-Willy had this to say about taking on Nole:

"He won yesterday. He played well. It's never easy to beat Federer. We will play tomorrow at the final, and it's going to be a big moment of sports. [...] [Playing Rafa and Nole is] the same, no? It's the same, because Nadal is 2 in the world and Djokovic 3, so both of them won a lot of tournaments and they have more experience than me. I know it's going to be difficult, but I'm here and ready for that."

Outlook: Picking the winner of this match is a real toss up. Though the Serb has much more experience in these situations, Jo-Willy played lights out against Rafa, and if he plays to that level he will be unbeatable - his raw power can blow anyone off the court. But, we think the 20-year old, as he's done throughout the tourney, will play the big points smarter and take his opportunities. We're picking Nole to win in 4 sets and take home his first Grand Slam title.

(images via TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

PREVIEW: Australian Open Women's Final

Ana Ivanovic vs. Maria "Shriek"apova
Head-to-head: Ana 2, Maria 2
Last meeting: WTA Championships '07, Maria 6-1 6-2

Could this final be signaling a changing of the guard? These two 20-year olds have made their way to the first Grand Slam final of the year taking out experienced veterans and up-and-comers in their respective paths. World No. 3 Ana Ivanovic (who will move to the No. 2 position on Monday regardless of the outcome) will take on World No. 5 Maria "Shriek"apova for the Australian Open title.

How they got here: Ana showed real grit and determination in her semifinal match, coming back from a set and a break down to beat an annoyed Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4. Maria benefited from an injured Jelena Jankovic, but stayed focused and got through her semifinal with an easy 6-1, 6-3 victory. The last time these players met up was in the quarterfinal round of last season's WTA Championships where the Russian dominated her Serbian opponent 6-1, 6-2.

Here's what Ana said about playing Maria:

"Yeah, she's definitely in a good shape and she's been playing some good tennis this last couple of weeks. Yeah, she improved her movement. And her serve, it's very high percentage, really strong. So, you know, it's going to be interesting match. We are 2‑All in victories. I managed to beat her before, so that's something I have to look for and try to perform like I did that time."

Maria had this to say about taking on Ana:

"She's already been in a Grand Slam final. You know, who knows. When you go out there, it really depends on how you feel you're playing. Her chance is just as good as mine. We're both Grand Slam finalists. We're here. We've had a great two weeks of tennis."

Outlook: This is a tough one - though Maria is the form player going into the final, Ana showed great composure in her semifinal. The Serb was able to think strategically and make small adjustments, which allowed her to climb into Dani's head. We think she'll play Maria tough, but the Russian fashionista is too headstrong - she'll win in 3 sets and walk away with her first Aussie Open title.

(images via AFP/File/Torsten Blackwood & Greg Wood/Getty)