Pacific Life Open Review

There's joy in Serbia as Ana Ivanovic won the women's singles title and Novak Djokovic won the men's singles title. Dinara Safina and Elena Vesnina of Russia won the women's doubles title; Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel won the men's doubles title.

What were the surprises?

Well, one is the quarterfinal defeat of Bob and Mike Bryan by Max Myrni and Jamie Murray. But then, maybe that's just me. I always expect Bob and Mike to win ;-)

Another was Svetlana Kuznetsova ending Maria Sharapova's perfect season in the semifinals. But, the Russians know each other's games so well that any one of them is capable of beating the others on any given day. Also, despite her competitiveness, Sharapova's game does have some real weaknesses. Though she deserves her high ranking, it doesn't make her as reliable a winner as one might think.

The biggest surprise was the fall of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the men's semifinals. Djokovic's upset of Nadal on a hardcourt wasn't such a big surprise, but No. 98 Mardy Fish's run at the title, defeating Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinal, was the big story of tournament.

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Australian Open Champions

Maria Sharapova of Russia captured the title of Australian Open Women's Singles Champion by defeating Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in the finals 7-5, 6-3. Sharapova went through the tournament like a hot knife through butter, not losing a set in capturing this, her third Grand Slam singles title.

Both women showed shakiness in brief unforced-error or double-fault streaks. But both also showed the ability to get hold of themselves before the problem did major damage to their effort. Knowing that they can do so should be a great confidence booster to both women.

Sharapova clearly dominated, winning 70 of 120 points.

Men's Doubles Titlists: Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel, who defeated Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra of France in the final 7-5, 6-4.


Llodra and Clement narrowly escaped two consecutive service breaks at the start of the match when rain forced a delay with Clement serving at 15-40.

Women's Doubles Titlists: Alona and Kateryna Bondarenk of Ukraine, who defeated Victoria Azarenk of Belarus and Shahar Peer of Israel 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Men's Singles Titlist and Mixed Doubles Titlists are yet to be decided.

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Australian Open: Sharapova and Ivanovic in the Finals

Today in the semis, Maria Sharapova defeated Jalena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1, and Ana Ivanovic defeated Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The women's final will pit Sharapova against Ivanovic on Saturday. Sharapova is playing very well and must be considered the player to beat.

Hantuchova accused Ivanovic of gamesmanship by squeeking her shoes (in the receiver's split-step to "unstick" themselves) while Hantuchova's service toss was in the air.

That reminds me of the princess who slept on nine matresses and was bothered by a pea she felt underneath them all.

Not that I believe Ivanovic made that noise intentionally, but I don't care if she did. If Hantuchova is going to be that upsettable, her opponents are going to exploit it.

And there was the unsporting "handshake" at the end. Childish.

Hantuchova is her own worst enemy.

In fact, she won more points than Ivanovic. Ouch, a little problem with pressure maybe?

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