The first Grand Slam of the year. It has been interesting to be in Australia. How hungry is Roger Federer to win the title?  Will he beat Andy Roddick in tomorrow's semi final?

I believe (or I want to believe) he will. He is dying to prove people wrong after losing in the final of Kooyong AAMI Classic earlier this month. The desire wasn't there, he was just using the tournament to warm up for the Open. And this year his parents and sister came to support him, and I am sure that desire is back in Roger's game. It will be interesting to see who will get to the other semis. I am hoping for a Gonzalez -Haas match-up.

In the women's singles I hope Serena Williams will lose to Nicole Vaidisova (very unlikely though), because from an effort standpoint, she don't deserve to win. Kim Clijsters  and Martina Hingis will be a tough match. Kim will obviously wants to win her last Australian Open before she retires, but Hingis too wants to make a statement  this year. My bet is on Clijsters but I hope Hingis will prove me wrong. It is amazing how age can change a person's behaviour on court. Hingis is just so much a nicer person now. I can't say the same for Lleyton Hewitt who remains as arrogant as ever.

My prediction (or wish) Mens Champion - Roger Federer; Women's Champion - Kim Clijsters.

Who is your bet for the two titles? Send your predictions to Sportingo.