The big show down under, the Australian Open, with over 100 years of tradition, remains one of the greatest events on the sporting calendar.

Nicknamed the 'Happy Slam' by the tennis elite including Roger Federer, the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific never fails to deliver quality and drama The fact that a record half million-plus fans attended the 2007 Open confirms the tournament's popularity.

In a star-studded line-up, two players, Venus and Serena Williams, are looking to add another doubles Grand Slam trophy to their already extensive catalogue (the sisters have won six Slam doubles including Olympic Gold).

'Steeped with over 100 years of tradition, the Australian Open is one of the world’s greatest sporting events'


Finishing 2007 in the top 10 of the WTA tour, I predicted they would be back healthy and fit - and they could be looking at a final showdown in Melbourne. Serena (7) is set to meet Nicole Vaidisova in the fourth round and waiting in the quarters may be Maria Sharapova or Justine Henin.

Venus (8) plays Sania Mirza in the third round, with former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova (2) making her way through the draw. Winning in straight sets, the sisters seem to be fit and determined; there isn't a player on the tour who can beat them at their best.

There is no denying Henin (1) who, with $1m winnings at Tour championships, became the first woman to pass $5m in a season. She is a fighter, having won two of the four Slams last year (Roland Garros and the US Open), with Venus and Serena winning the other two.

These feats alone should confirm the three women's places in tennis history. So sit back, relax and get the popcorn because the best action is yet to come. I predict that Venus and Serena will go all the way in the doubles and one of the sisters will win the Australian Open singles in a three-set thriller.