Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova: Australian Open 2008 Semi Final

Ana Ivanovic will face Daniela Hantuchova in the semi final match of Australian Open 2008. This is the first Australian Open semi final for both of them. So, the semi final is special to both of them. For Hantuchova, reaching the semi final is her best ever grand slam performance. It is expected that the Slovakian must be inspired to play well against fourth seed Ivanovic.

Hantuchova defeated Agnieszka Radwańska in the quarter final to make ending the superb run of the Polish. Ana Ivanovic had to face tougher opponent, Venus Williams to reach the semi final. Ivanovic has continued her impressive run in the tournament that she started last year. Actually, the year 2007 came as a breakthrough in her career and since then she has been improving in her game.

The Serbian has faced Hantuchova three times in the past in which she won twice. The match is attracting the fans of both Ivanovic and Hantuchova. If you are interested to know more about the match then you can read the following two articles:

Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova: Semi Final of Australian Open 2008

Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova: Who will Win?

Marat Safin Starts Kooyong Classic with a Superb Win

Former world no. 1 Marat Safin started the year with an impressive performance with a superb 6-1 6-4 victory over Andy Murray in the first match of Kooyong Classic tournament. This is an exhibition tournament involving eight male players. The winner of Australian Open 2005 was not in his great form last year with a series of injury problems. However, he has come back in the court with an inspirational victory. Naturally, he will be happy to get some better performance in Australian Open 2008.

Guardian reported:

"I don't have high expectations because it's pressure I don't need at all," the giant Russian told reporters ahead of next week's Australian Open.

"If I manage not to break myself on the way, I think I'll be somewhere around top 20, and from there it is easy to think about top 10."

"For one month and a half, I've been practising hard, seven hours a day, so I think it should be paying off at the end of the day," he said. "I'm waiting, expecting something to come."

It shows that how much eager he is to take part in the Australian Open 2008 and get back his fitness. Yes, this is where the key of success lies. It does not matter how far he can go in Australian Open 2008. Rather, it is his determination and willingness needed for a possible revival in his tennis career. So, I will not be surprised if Marat Safin can repeat the Australian Open 2005 success this time around.

Jelena Dokic in Dilemma Over Australian Open 2008

It is a tough decision for Australian Jelena Dokic to decide. She was out of the court for last two years because of injury and personal problem. However, Jelena Dokic has come back to action with the ongoing Hobart International tournament. She has defeated Martina Mueller 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 to progress to the next round in the tournament.

The former world no. 4, however, was not given an wild card entry to take part in the upcoming Australian Open 2008. So, she has to go though a qualifying round to secure her place in the Australian Open. Now, the problem is that Tennis Australia will start qualifying round for the Australian Open 2008 this week. So, she has to decide if she continues in Hobart International or take part in the trial of Australian Open 2008.

Seattletimes reported:

Formerly ranked as high as fourth in the world, Dokic had to win three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw. The 24-year-old Australian has a potential problem — whether to continue playing in Hobart or try qualifying for next week's Australian Open in Melbourne.

Tennis Australia officials declined to offer Dokic a wild card into the main draw in Melbourne, and women's qualifying will start at Melbourne Park this week.

Well, I think, she should go for the Australian Open 2008 qualifying. She has lots of potential left in her and a grand slam will be the right stage to prove her worth once again. Jelena Dokic is just 24 years old and she still has plenty of years left ahead of her. Even if she can not make it to the Australian Open, she has nothing to lose.

Andy Murray Suffered Kooyong Classic Exit Ahead of Australian Open 2008

Andy Murray has faced a shocking defeat to Marat Safin at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open 2008. So, his preparation for the first grand slam of the year was not that much satisfactory, despite winning the Qatar Open last week last week. Well, he is the only top seed male player of Australian Open 2008 from United Kingdom.

IC Wales reported:

The Scot, winner of the Qatar Open last week, slipped to his first defeat of 2008 as he went down 6-1 6-4 in his opening match of the eight-man round-robin event.

After the match the world number nine told his website, www.andymurray.com: "It was quite tough conditions - it's pretty windy out there. I feel all right, just a little bit overtired. I didn't feel too great on the court but after a couple more days of practising and getting used to the conditions and getting over the jet lag, I'll be feeling much better."

The 20 year old, Andy Murray may not be top favorite for the Australian Open, but he has a great potential in him. Last year, he reached the fourth round of Australian Open. However, Murray is now more matured he was last time. He has gather experienced over the last one year and started the New Year winning the Qatar Open. So, the year 2008 can be a successful year for Andy Murray. Now, let us see if he comes up with better result in Australian Open this time around.

Samantha Stosur withdraws from the Australian Open

Former world No. 1 doubles in WTA Tour, Samantha Stosur is not going to participate in the upcoming Australian Open. Despite some of her best performances in Australia, the twenty three year old has been forced to withdraw from the match because of her illness. Earlier she withdrew from US hardcourt circuit for virus attack. Guardian reports:

The world number 46 only resumed training three weeks ago.

"I am very disappointed I won't be able to compete during the Australian summer," Stosur was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"I have been back training for the last three weeks, but I've realised that I won't be fully ready to compete at the Australian women's hardcourts, which starts in six days, and I've also withdrawn from the Australian Open.

Though she is feeling bad for not competing in Australian open but she is focused on gaining her fitness.

Born in Australia, Samantha started playing tennis since 1999 and won her first major title in 2001. She obtained the top spot in the doubles in WTA Tour with Lisa Raymond from the United States.

Related article:

Guardian