The weekend is set with awesome matches ahead of us to finalize this edition of the Australian Open. I’m looking forward to the intriguing tilts on tap as they have the potential to be insta-classics, and talked about for months.

With Serena (and sister Venus) taking the Aussi doubles, the Williams clan is staged to have another ultra successful tournament. Serena is of course taking on Henin in only a few hours, and this could really set the table for a wonderful 2010 season. We have the best player in the world, playing the former best player and recent come-back’er. While Serena is pounding the hell out of the ball, the tiny Henin will be taking Serena’s strikes and counter-punching with angle and intelligence. Serena is no dummy out there either though, and also has a mental fortitude, that is matched by few…Fortunately for Henin, she just happens to be one of those few. I find this match nearly impossible to call, IF Henin wasn’t just coming back from retirement. It’s Serena Williams folks, she really is the best out there, and I can’t help but feel that this is Serena’s to win or lose. The ball is in her court for this one.
I’m picking Serena in 2 sets, however tightly contested.

What makes super Saturday even better is the not often talked about Men’s doubles clash of the titans. The #1 doubles team of the 2 Bryan brothers take on the #2 (and just as easily #1) doubles pair of Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic. Both teams worked well through the draw however I’m going with SIs John Werthium’s pick of Nestor and Zimonjic for the title. Why? If these 4 doubles specialists were all without partners and I had a choice to pick any one of them…It’s hands down Nestor. He is simply the best doubles player on the planet, and in my mind a hall of famer. He’s looking good out there, and the duo together has been in sync, and difficult to break. Should it be televised (I really hope it is)…Sit back and enjoy it. When Nestor and Zimonjic are on top of their game, they are the best doubles team out there, and I think the Bryan’s know it.

After all this we finally come down to a dream final, which may be a preview of other finals throughout the next 2 years. Andy Murray and Roger Federer. The Scotsman and the Legend. Will Murray break the 6,000 year old drought from his kingdom? Will Federer start creating real space between him and Mr.Sampras? While I have blogged about Federer’s potential demise, I get the sense that Nadal’s absence and issues actually makes Roger stronger, more confident and ultimately the “old Roger”…A beast on the tennis court with no equal. He destroyed Tsonga, I mean, really pulverized him. Tsonga didn’t have a chance, and that’s got to linger a bit in Murray’s head. Murray on the other hand just took out Cilic, and that’s no small task. Cilic is a “next one”, and one day this kid will get his break-through, but Murray is too strong right now and full of his own confidence. Look at what he did to Rafael Nadal a few days ago! He was killing him, dictating points, and was clearly the alpha-male.

I like Murray a lot. He’s got a ton to prove though, a weighty shoulder, and the inexperience of owning slams like Federer does. I believe that Federer will close this down in 4 sets, possibly even 3 sets…However, if this thing goes into a 5th, then it’s a toss up. I’d almost even give Murray the nod if it goes the distance, I just don’t think it will.

Excitement is building for the Australian Open final! Enjoy the tennis everyone!

MarkOskar

Original post by Mark Oskar