I'm not really surprised at  fifth-seeded Maria Sharapova reaching the 2008 Australian Open final since she is a two-time Grand Slam winner (Wimbledon 2004 and US Open 2006). But Ana Ivanovic getting to the final is a dream come true for her, I'm sure.

Ana's route to the big showdown included beating Venus Williams and a hard three-set fight with Daniela Hantuchova in the semi-finals. Ivanovic, who overtook Jelena Jankovic to become world No. 3 at the start of this event, has split four career meetings with Sharapova - a 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 winner in their only previous hard-court meeting in Linz in 2006.

Sharapova is seeking her 17th career title while Ivanovic will be after her sixth. The Serbian star said the experience of having a major final appearance under her belt will help her deal with any anxiety she may experience. "Emotions are definitely not a bad thing," Ivanovic said. "It's something that actually got me where I'm here today. It's just important to learn how to make it work for you instead of against you."

'It's truly going to be a battle with the Serbian beauty in the final but I say Sharapova will win the title after a long third-set battle'


Maria has not lost a set en route to the final, having tallied up three 6-0 second sets against her opponents - and easily beat world No.1 Justine Henin in straight sets in a very lopsided match. It's truly going to be a battle with the Serbian beauty in the final but I say Sharapova will win the title after a long third-set battle. 

On the men's side "go Novak go" is what the Serbian fans are saying after world No.3 Novak Djokovic beat both Australian star Lleyton Hewitt and world No.1 Roger Federer in straight sets. This young phenomenon is making major strides on the tour despite coming from a country the size of New York City.

Djokovik, 20, has been playing some superb tennis with an underrated serve and quickness - and may well claim his first major title. He overcame adversity in the early going to claim his second win in seven meetings against the master Federer, which is a feat in itself.

If at the beginning of the tournament I had told you young unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga would get to the final, you'd have thought I was mad! Well, that is exactly what happened after Tsonga beat world No.2 Rafael Nadal and eighth-seeded Richard Gasquet, following his first-round triumph  against Andy Murray (9).

The 22-year-old Tsonga is the talk of the tennis world. With a smile that could light up a dark stadium, Jo-Wilfried has fought many injuries and obstacles to reach this major milestone.  With a combination of back, shoulder and abdominal injuries behind him, Tsonga - who is physically trimmer than in recent years - has used this stage to emphatically build his case as one of the world's top players.

Behind powerful ground strokes and stellar court coverage, he's beaten many top players along with the very skilled Russian Mikhail Youzhny (14). His clash with Djokovic in the final will be the first meeting between the two charismatic young players and their match will be the icing on the cake in a tumultuous and exciting 2008 Australian Open.

Who'll take the respective men's and women's singles titles in Melbourne? Post your thoughts below.