Down Under in Melbourne

We continue to see some great tennis going on down there in Melbourne.

This tournament has been a unique one-beginning with the Hit for Haiti campaign that was organized in a day's time, which raised almost half a million Australian Dollars.

Then, as early round action got underway, the rain came for a visit (it's January in Melbourne-it NEVER rains!) After the rain came the upsets. Sharapova was given a quick hike by her fellow compatriot Maria Kirilenko. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Robin Soderling, Flavia Pennetta, and Elena Dementieva all bounced by the second round.

Janina Wickmayer, the lady who fought her way into the semi-finals at last year's US Open, had reached the 4th round in Melbourne. Justine Henin, who is playing her first tournament in two years looks to be in great shape, beating seeds along the way to a 4th round berth. Her countrywoman Kim Clijsters hasn't had as much luck, losing yesterday to Nadia Petrova.

On the men's side, no big surprises so far. Del Potro had an exciting 5 setter earlier on, but everything's unfolding as expected. I would love to see Del Potro in the final again, but I really hope Federer will get to add to his 15 titles. That'll be exciting to watch!

-D