Stop Pong

With his precision and sheer reliability, Roger Federer has proven himself a class above all challengers these past two weeks.

Gonzalez blew away Tommy Haas, Rafael Nadal and James Blake all while they were in strong form, and also defeated Lleyton Hewitt.

But Federer proved to me that daylight comes second in these tournaments when it comes to skill. Despite losing to Roddick at Kooyong in an exhibition match, he humbled many strong opponents on his way to an awe-inspiring 10th Grand Slam.

Game Over

Finals Fever

Men's Singles
I have been so impressed by Roddick's play this past week, I can but wonder, will he be able to do enough to make the final.

His opponent, Roger Federer has been brilliant as usual, and dealt very well tonight with a gallant Tommy Robredo.

On the other side of the Mens Draw, Haas v Davydenko has appeal, as does Nadal v Gonzalez.

Women's Games
The standard of play in the women's draw just hasn't impressed me as much this year, though Serena Williams keeps pulling off good saves against strong opponents, with her next opponent Vaidisova coming slightly under the radar.

Hingis v Clijsters to probably play Sharapova sounds like awesome tennis tomorrow.

Pete's Tips
With only 6 players left in each draw, I can look very stupid very quickly, but will have a go anyway.

Roddick to beat Nadal in the Men's Final
Clijsters to beat Vaidisova in the Woman's Final.

The Heat is On

Heat problems at the Australian Open have created some interesting matches.


Blake dispatched with Moya, Safin, Hewitt and Sharapova scraped through, and others have had close encounters of the Melbourne kind.

All those I endorsed as in form have made the second round, but the whole process has produced some interesting matches.

The pick of the games for Thursday:
Nalbandian v Lapentti

Not sure much else looks that thrilling.

Tennis Previews

I have watched a few Mens Singles Matches this week in preperation for the Australian Open.

I haven't really familiarised myself with the draw though, so here is just form observations.

Blake v Moya in the First round will be incredible and almost compulsory viewing, but Blake just winning an incredible match in Sydney will give him a huge head start mentally.

Bagdhatis is in good form again this year

Roddick and Federer will be there and there abouts, though from what I heard will have to play in a semi-final.

Andrew Murray from Scotland also looks in form, and may produce some surprises.

Beckham on the Move

It isn't really a news flash from me, more just an interesting observation.

David Beckham has decided to join Los Angeles Galaxy, leaving Real Madrid.

For the purists this sort of thing is a step backwards. For Beckham, unable to crack into Real's first team on a regular basis, this saves him the ignominy of a move back to England into a lesser club than Manchester United, and gives the former England Captain (now dropped from the National Side) a good pay cheque to see out his career in the US.

Getting off the couch

I couldn't spend my summer just watching and commenting on Televised sport. I needed to spend some time out on the golf course and have played much beach and park cricket.

Other random activities I have been involved in include:

• Snorkelling (for the first time - feels strange to be saying that)
• Kayaking
• Zone3 - Laser Zone
• Trying to Bodysurf
• And being part of a social six-a-side soccer event.
  

My soccer club requires a bit more fitness from me before the season gets started, but that should be ok as the work required is worth it.

Unfortunately, being active has its side effects. I have a fun level of sunburn today, and soreness which came from a really active day after a day which was much more passive.

Oh well, the great thing is that the sport thing is fun.