PHOTO OP: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crushes Rafa and makes Aussie final, joins shirtless brigade for fans

A song for Tsonga: Unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga caused the biggest upset on the men's side of the Australian Open last night, crushing World No. 2 Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 and reaching his first Grand Slam final. Playing with the calm and ease of someone who had been here many times, the French hottie had everything going his way, making the match look all too easy.

Jo-Willy, who joined the shirtless brigade this fortnight, told the press during his post-match conference,

"Everything was in and my backhand worked a lot and my serve also, my forehand, my volley, my dropshot, everything. It was ‑‑ I was moving on the court like never I move, so everything was perfect."

We agree, Jo-Willy, everything we saw was perfect...

(image via Andrew Brownbill/AP)

Ana Ivanovic squeaks out win, reaches first Aussie Open final

Getting through: Ana Ivanovic overcame a 0-6, 0-2 hole to defeat Daniela Hantuchova and reach her first Australian Open final. The win did not come without a little controversy, however. Our pick for the final, who will face Maria "Shriek"apova for the title, was accused of possible gamemanship by the slender Slovak for the constant squeaking of her tennis shoes while Dani was about to serve.

The World No. 9 was asked about the squeaking during her press conference after the loss:

Q. What about the way she squeaks her feet when she returns?
A. Yeah, that's ridiculous, I think. I was really surprised with that. I think it's unfair. It's a distraction to the server. Yeah, we played before and she never did it.

Q. Did you say anything to the umpire?
A. Yeah, in the first or second service game, but she didn't do anything about it. I don't think that was very nice.

Q. Is that something you've come across anyone else doing, or that's the first time that's happened?
A. Yeah.

Ana was asked about Dani's above comments during her post-match press conference:

Q. Daniela was very upset with the amount of noise your shoes were making on the court. She thought the squeakiness of your shoes, particularly when you're returning serve, is a form of gamesmanship, and you're deliberately making a lot of noise with your shoes on the court.
A. Well, I don't think so. If you see other matches I was doing exactly the same thing. It's just the way these courts play. And if you listen to the guys I think they're doing the same thing.
You know, I just tried to move my feet, to return the ball, so it really was not intentional.

Q. Are you a natural squeaker, or are these courts squeakier than other courts?
A. This ‑‑ I don't know, really. I just try to move my feet, and I don't pay attention to the squeaking of my shoes make.

Q. Could you sense it was annoying her at the time?
A. Once I saw she was complaining to the referee, you know. But there was nothing I could do, because if I want to move my feet to return a ball, you know, this was the sound I was producing. And, also, during the point, if I want to run with small steps around the ball, it was exactly the same thing. So, you know, maybe she was just trying to pick on something, to get upset.

We don't think it was gamesmanship, though the squeaking is probably annoying and distracting to hear right before serving. But what could be done?

(image via Rob Griffith/AP)

PREVIEW: Australian Open Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The four ladies of the Australian Open semifinals have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdown. Here's a preview:


Maria "Shriek"apova vs. Jelena Jankovic

Head-to-head: Maria 3, Jelena 1
Last meeting: Birmingham '07 (grass), Jelena 4-6 6-3 7-5

How they got here: Maria played the women's match of the tournament, so far, against World No. 1 Justine Henin. In her comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 defeat of the Belgian, Maria showed she's matured as a tennis baller by mixing up her game with sharp angles, drop shots, and volleys - everything we thought she'd need to do to grab the win. Jelena caused the biggest upset, knocking off a subdued and out-of-sorts Serena Williams and taking a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head. All credit to the Serb for keeping her focus and composure during her 6-3, 6-4 win over the 8-time Grand Slam champ.

The last time Maria and Jelena battled was at Birmingham, a Wimbledon warm-up tourney. The World No. 4 got the better of the Russian, sneaking out a 7-5 third set win over Maria on her favored surface.

Here's what Maria had to say about playing Jelena:

"This is a new encounter, a new match. This is a great opportunity for both of us. I'm very excited about the matchup. [...] Ever since the juniors we've always played really tough and we've always battled it out, and it's great to see her in the semis. It's great we're playing together."

Jelena has this to say about getting to the semifinals:

"When I think about [the first match, saving 3 match points], I get goosebumps, actually. It's really scary, scary thought. If you see the match point that I saved on that first day, you wouldn't believe I could actually win that point when it started, because I kept hitting the balls like a slice. It would go out and somehow landed on the line. Then the next shot I hit a slice and it floated and it landed on the line again. Then the next backhand went in the corner all the way on the line again. And I was like, I don't know who was playing or what's happening out there, but it was really unbelievable. And then being in a semifinal after those matches where I survived, it doesn't get better than that."

Outlook: Will Maria suffer a mental letdown after defeating Justine? Can Jelena's body hold up for another match, or has it finally reached the limit?? We think Maria will need to win the match in two sets - Jelena is a superior mover and could run the 6' 2" Russian around keeping her off balance. But, Maria has a third Grand Slam title in her reach and she won't let up - we'll take her in 2 sets.


Ana Ivanovic vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Head-to-head: Ana 2, Daniela 1
Last meeting: WTA Championships '07 (carpet), Ana 6-2 7-6(9)

How they got here: Ana made it 2 for 2, taking out a second Williams sister in as many days. Showing improved movement and fitness, the Serb battled Venus for a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 win - her first over the American in 5 tries. Daniela, taking advantage of a ravaged draw that saw World No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova go down early, is making her first trip to a Grand Slam semifinal after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Polish teen Agnieszka Radwanska (who took out Kuzy in the 3rd round).

Ana and Dani last played each other at the season-ending WTA Championships last year in Madrid, where the Serb took a straight set win in round-robin play.

Here's what Ana said about taking on Dani:

"She had a great run. She had a lot of good wins. Obviously there is no easy matches in a Grand Slam. But she obviously has a lot of confidence coming into semifinal. I believe it's her first Grand Slam semifinal, so it's going to be a very tough match. As I already spoke before, we both have a good chance and I really hope it will be a good match. We had tough matches last time we played in Madrid and also before that in Luxembourg and once more also last year on grass. It's gonna be I think interesting match and I'm really looking forward for a challenge."

Dani had this to say about being a first time semifinalist:

"Well, it's going to be, again, a new experience for me, which I'm really excited about. Either way, whoever I play, it's going to be a tough match. But I've got nothing to lose. I'm in a great position. I'm feeling like I'm playing well. I'm just really looking forward to be out on the court again and give my best and see what happens."

Outlook: Ana should take this match convincingly - too much game. But, if she gets nervous Dani has enough experience to make things interesting. But, nevertheless, we're picking the Serb to reach her first Aussie Open final in 2 sets.

(images via Rob Griffith & Rick Stevens/AP)

PHOTO OP: Serena joins Venus for doubles, suffers second loss in a day

Picture (im)perfect: Sometimes a picture is really worth a thousand words, and then some. After her puzzling loss to Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Serena Williams took the court with sister Venus for some doubles action - and lost again. The experienced Chinese team of Yan Zi and Zheng Jie defeated the Sisters Sledge 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

The defending champ met with the press after her doubles match and said about her loss to Jelena,

"I just think I'm not going to sit here and make excuses. I lost because Jelena played better than me and I made too many errors. I think regardless, the match was on my racquet, and I gave it away."

Based on this photo, ReRe's quarterfinal loss was still firmly on her mind, and may be for some time.

(image via AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)

PHOTO OP: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga breaks through, gains Aussie Open semis over Youzhny

Tsemis for Tsonga: There's a new kid in tennis town. We first grabbed notice of this strapping 22-year old Muhammad Ali look-alike during Wimbledon last season and he continues to impress into 2008. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gained his first Grand Slam semifinal by taking out the powerful Russian Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets 7-5, 6-0, 7-6 (8-6). He'll face World No. 2 Rafael Nadal for a spot in the finals of the Australian Open.


After his win, Jo-Willy told the press,

"I don't know how to [describe the feelings.] It's like I want to cry, I want to smile, I want everything. And it's a lot of emotion, so..."

Let the bandwagon jumping begin!

(images via GREG WOOD & William West/AFP/Getty Images)

Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Australian Open Quarterfinals

We've arrived at our second Women's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and this one has 'classic' written all over it. No. 1 seed Justine Henin puts her 32-match win streak on the line as she takes on Maria "Shriek"apova under the lights of Rod Laver Arena for a place in the semifinals.

Though she was broken while serving to close out her 4th round match, the World No. 1 was never in any real trouble against Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-Wei, winning 6-2, 6-2. Maria was more impressive in her match, destroying 2-time Grand Slam finalist Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-0 in 62 minutes. The last time these players met was in the classic final of last season's Sony Ericsson WTA Championships in Madrid, with Justine sneaking out a 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory - the longest match in the Championship's history.

Here's what Justine had to say about facing Maria:

"I always know to beat her I have to be at my best. She's a real fighter. She never gives up. Very talented. She's a champion. So I know that against her I will have to be a hundred percent all the time."

Maria had this to say about facing the Belgian:

"Justine's the one to beat, [...] She's on a pretty good winning streak, but every match is new. [...] The one in Madrid was tough but physically she got me in the end -- she was tougher than I was in the end. But I had many chances and I was very close to winning."

Their strengths are clear: Justine has the mobility, versatility, and court-craft while Maria possesses bludgeoning power from the baseline. There's also no mystery between these two - they know each other's games well. Craig Hickman's Tennis Blog is giving the edge to Justine, but Maria has been the sharper player. We think the Russian will play first-strike tennis, rocket her groundies to the corners, and take balls out of the air - which is the only was she'll win. And we think she will...in 3 sets.

(images via Clive Brunskill & Rob Griffith/AP)

FASHION FIX: Feliciano Lopez works Joma Sport, no longer with Nike

Change up play: Feliciano Lopez was quickly bundled out of this year's Australian Open in the second round by Frenchie Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. Maybe that's why we didn't notice the clothing sponsor change by the Spaniard. Feliciano, formerly part of the Nike stable, is currently working Joma Sport, a Spanish sports apparel brand based in his hometown of Toledo, Spain.

Could it be he was dropped by the global sports brand, or did Feli finally get tired of looking like everyone else?

(images via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

SIGHTING: Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban take in the Aussie Open

Lending support: Soon-to-be mom and Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman was spotted with husband Keith Urban checking out countryman Lleyton Hewitt battle Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Round of 16. Unfortunately, tennis' sexiest Serb took down Lleyton in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals where he'll face Spanish speedster David Ferrer.

(image via ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Image)

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

COURTSIDE

Nike pulls a another switch-a-roo, sort of
Chalk another one up for the Serbian gene pool
Ana's Global Domination Tour gains momentum in Melbourne
Darth Federer strikes back
V's cheap-chic moment
Passion gets peppered
Women's 1st Marquee Matchup: Lindsay vs. Maria
Mixing it up with Aravane
A player's loyalty in question
Getting a bum wrap?
Fashion fight
Nole bores Maria
ReRe supports V's booty
Dani earns a break
Nole goes goth
James wins, joins shirtless brigade
The birth of a new fashion brand?
Leander goes all Elvis

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Leander Paes vs. Elvis

Tennis twosome: We think India's Leander Paes is channeling his best Elvis Presley at the Australian Open - well, at least his hair is...

(images via donnyfun.com & TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)