AUSTRALIAN OPEN--Crunchtime!

It is getting down to the time in a Grand Slam where it gets to be unpredictable. This Australian Open is no different....I defy anyone to get both singles winners correct, based on anything but a lucky guess!

Men-Barring a stirring upset tonight(and Ferrer over Nadal will be a physical match) the top players, Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, and Murray will be competing for the title. All are fast, and great defenders. Look for the one who plays the best offense at opportune times to be the victor. On playing form so far....Djokovic is playing the best I have ever seen him. He seems to have picked up some racquet head speed on his FH wing. Murray is cruising, but can he play effective offense on the last two rounds of a tournament? Nadal and Fed? Well, they have done it before....many times....I would not EVER bet against either.

Women--About as wide-open of a draw as can be for a Grand Slam. Guaranteed to have a first-time OZ Open Champion...none of the final six have won in Melbourne. Wozniacki, Na Li, Kim Clijsters, and Vera Zvonareva should be in the final four. The safe bet here is Clijsters. She has won two Slams and has been in the finals of each Grand Slam. Wozniacki and Zvonareva are in the same boat. Neither has won before, both are expected to and they will win Grand Slams. Just not this one. Look for Na Li to become the first Grand Slam Champion from China.

Doubles--Kudos to Eric Butorac of Rochester, Minnesota for reaching the semi-finals of the Men's Doubles. Eric was the NCAA D3 Champion in both singles and doubles in 2003. Just goes to show that you can make it to the top of the game of tennis from just about anywhere, even D3!