It's On Like Donkey Kong!

No we're not talking about the Super Bowl.

In a few hours Federer and Nadal will square off against each other in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, initiating ActI of what could be the most fascinating sporting contests in recent history. Federer's sublime skill versus Nadal's strength and dogged determination. The idea of these two tennis giants matching up in the finals of tennis' four Grand Slams, each one equally capable of winning all four, a feat not seen in tennis in over forty years, makes the heart beat. Whoever wins the Australian Open will be in the driving seat headed into the spring and Roland Garros.

Sit down, and strap yourselves in, this one's going to be a real ride.

Safin v. Federer, Australian Open 2009

Safin v. Federer, we've seen this before and it has always been a match filled with the promise of excellence, as Safin is usually considered the only player to possess more tennis skill then Roger Federer. While Friday's match showcased their talents, it also served to highlight that Safin's time has past him by. In the past we have always been excited to see Safin play, in part because his volatile nature meant that one was never certain which Safin would show up, often at any given moment. Certainly, watching Safin has given us much to think about regarding the relationship between unnatural talent, maturing, and in Safin's case, coaching. On Friday, it became evident that Safin has finally come to terms with all of his ghosts. He has awoken to find himself calmer - and older. There were no dramatic meltdowns on Friday, but Safin never really seemed to be able to challenge Federer, always seemingly three or four steps behind the younger Swiss maestro. In some ways, it is fitting that Safin has chosen this year to be his last in tennis, since we will also be shuttering our own (albeit limited and spotty) tennis coverage at some point this year.

Battles in the Blistering Sun

Upsests abounded this weekend, with the "young guns" making good on last year's promise. From Monfils, Gonzalez, Djokovic, and Andy Murray. With Safin out, and Camerin finally retired from the doubles court, Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzalez is now the player we most hope see pitted against Roger Federer. Perhaps the unpredictable Chilean will find some of the form that won him the bronze medal in Athens.

With so much tennis under the bridge it seems best to start with the lead off broadcast match of Serena Williams and Shahara Peer. Granted Williams is lacking in fitness, but Peer's relentless assault in the first set caught many off guard, including Williams, who used the occassion to curse loudly using language that would cause even Marat Safin and Andy Roddick to blush. Regardless, Peer's physical play forced the question of Serena's conditioning, exposing her lack of movement and highlighting the dominance of Williams' serve and forehand.

Earlier in the day Andy Murrary demonstrated that he had the talent to go toe-to-toe with Rafael Nadal, with many arguing that the young Brit allowed Rafa to escape with the win, failing to follow-up on numerous break point opportunities.

Despite a surprisinglylarge build it, the challenge of Djokovic failed to materialize against Federer on an otherwise busy day of upsets. Amelie Mauresmo could not solve Safarova, while Mardy Fish continued his improbable run, by bouncing David Ferrer .