The Australian Open Melbourne, Australia
January 15-28, 2007
The 2007 Australian Open Tennis Championships
Note: Melbourne is 17 hours faster than CST USA.
Maria Sharapova Sizzles Posted: November 22, 2006
In the women's field, Maria Sharapova of Russia will look to build on her US Open title win and capture her first Australian
Open title. Standing in her way will be favorites world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, Wimbledon and
defending Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo plus former number ones Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
Both Williams sisters are expected in Melbourne as they both also look to shake off rust and injury to turn in much better
performances than in 2006 where Venus lost in an early round to an unknown, and Serena lost to Daniela Hantuchova of
Slovokia while looking unfit and arguably uninterested in tennis.
Defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland appears likely to cruise to yet another title unless one of his
challengers can step up his game. Missing in 2006 from Melbourne due to injury, Raphael Nadal of Spain, who consistently
beats Federer on clay, may have some success versus Federer on the somewhat similar high bouncing surface. Other great
players including Americans James Blake and Andy Roddick seem to fizzle versus Federer. Time will tell if Roddick's new net
game can prove successful against Federer. Blake's forehand troubled Federer in the year ending Shanghai final and can
hopefully cause more damage in Melbourne.
About The Australian Open Played each January in Melbourne, Australia, the Australian Open is the first of the four grand slam tournaments in
professional tennis. During this time of the year down under it's summer and the players are thankful that the center court
stadium roof closes during the extreme heat. In years past some top players skipped Melbourne in order to prepare for
the remainder of the tennis season which was then believed by some players to be more important. In recent years
however most if not all top WTA and ATP Tour players make the long flight to Melbourne in search of a jump start to their new
year.
In the women's field, Maria Sharapova of Russia will look to build on her US Open title win and capture her first Australian
Open title. Standing in her way will be favorites world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, Wimbledon and
defending Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo plus former number ones Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
Day 1: