Djokovic vs Tsonga: Will Tsonga be able to do the conga at the final?

As much as I want Novak Djokovic to win at the 2008 Australian Open, my instinct said Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will create history by winning at the Rod Laver Arena.

The joker and the gentle giant have never met each other. Both have defeated the world no. 1 and world no. 2 players in the semifinal. Hence, it is quite hard to predict who's going to take the Grand Slam. This is definitely a match not to be missed.

Tsonga said he goes into the title bout with nothing to lose and fighting against the odds.

"It's the same, because Nadal is number two in the world and Djokovic three."

"Both of them won a lot of tournaments and they have more experience than me. I'll just do my best, and that's it. I will see what happens on the court. If I win, that's unbelievable. And if I lose, I did my best, so no problem."

Djokovic goes in with respect for the Frenchman.

"Tsonga is coming up. He's just amazing athlete," said the Serb.

"He's been performing some impressive tennis in these two weeks. As I did. I still haven't lost even a set here in Australian Open, which is amazing. It's gonna be interesting to see young players playing against each other. Obviously, we will not have anything to lose."

Djokovic predicted that he and Tsonga will be equally motivated, "even though looking at the rankings I would be the favorite. But it's finals, so anything can happen."

Tsonga already make his country proud by being in the final. Here he is flying the French flag from the top of the tennis centre a day before the final match.

Tsonga taking time off during the training session. He is definitely making a lot of new fans here in Australia. Djokovic is nowhere to be seen.

(All photos from Getty Images)

Maria Sharapova's fierce start in 2008

Maria Sharapova is definitely sending out message that she's aiming the #1 spot in the ATP rankings and domination in the women tennis in 2008.

She was once in that spot in 2005 but only for a short while. With Wimbledon and the Australian Open under her sleeves now, she's definitely out for the rest of the two Grand Slam titles, the French Open and the US Open.

Sharapova is cruising for more success that lies ahead her.

Ivanovic vs Sharapova: Battle of the tennis beauties

It is a very rare occasion that we can have a chance to see two tennis beauties in the same court fighting for the prestigious Grand Slam title. So, guys and guys, make sure you are in front of Star Sports this morning to catch the final between Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova. Too bad I have to miss this live match as I'm working today.

Last meeting: WTA Championships '07, Sharapova won 6-1, 6-2
Head-to-head: Ivanovic 2, Sharapova 2

Prediction: Ivanovic win in straight sets

Ivanovic is hoping to remain focussed throughout the match, having learned plenty from her experiences at Roland Garros, but she knows it won't be easy against Sharapova.

"I was in that situation once before and I know I was very emotional and I experienced lot of things during that final," she said. "That's something I have to take from it as a positive. Tomorrow, when I walk on the court, I know a little bit what to expect."

"So in that way I can deal with it. But, you know, I just don't want to get emotional. I want to just focus on my game and what I have to do, you know, to play like I played my previous matches and just think tennis and tactically."

"(I'm feeling) really good," Sharapova told reporters. "I feel really excited. I'm glad I get the chance to go out there again in the final and give myself another opportunity to be the champion here. I'm not going to worry about that (last year's result)."

"It's definitely great to see (Ivanovic's rise) because, you know, not only do you have to get up there and kind of prove yourself that you're one of the top players, but you have to maintain that level."

Battle on the dark side between Darth Federer and Nole Djoker

It will never be the same again on the dark side.

Darth Federer, the master of the dark side of the ATP force, has to accept his lost to Nole Djoker in straight sets.

The master has lost.

The Djoker has defeated the master.

It was a rare sight to see both players in black. You know what, it blended well with the blue tennis court.

It was an unbelievable results at the 2008 Australian Open as Roger Federer, the defending champion, was knocked out by Novak Djokovic. This is a result which I least expect from Djokovic. What more Djokovic will be battling against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Sunday for the prestigious Grand Slam.

So who you'll be rooting for? For me, of course my bet is on Djokovic. I want a revenge for my jedi, Rafael Nadal.

The most intimate celebration at the 2008 Australian Open

What is the best possible way to celebrate a win with your double partner? Ask Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra.

Perhaps a little bit of intimacy wouldn't hurt especially when your team have made it into the men's doubles final.

(All pictures from Getty Images)

Tsonga - Muhammad Ali: Separated at birth?

I agree with Esther, that Jo-Wilfried Tsonga does resemble boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. See if you agree with me.

This is Tsonga.

This is Ali.

Separated at birth?

Which tennis beauty waves the racket better?

I must say, WOW! The spectators at the 2008 Australian Open are fortunate because all the top tennis beauty queens are in the semifinals.

We have Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova, Daniela Hantucova and Jelena Jankovic. I know some of you might not agree with me that Jankovic is beautiful but like it or not, a lot of people regard her as one.

So, we'll see which tennis beauty queen can wave her racquet better than waving to the crowd.

Ana Ivanovic is my favourite choice to win this Grand Slam. If she can beat Venus Williams in straight sets, she has no problem doing the same to the other 3 semifinalists.

She waves her hand better than the other girls but somehow I think she's not going to take the Australian Open this year.

Jelena Jankovic is a very talented player. Most likely to win the Grand Slam too. I wonder if her acting skill (she wants to be an actress) is as good as her tennis.

It's a surprise that Daniela Hantucova can come this far. But I don't see her going anywhere further than here.

(All pictures from Getty Images)

Australian Open 2008: Awaiting for the nail-biting match between Nadal and Tsonga

Nadal will definitely have all the fans' support in the semifinal match.

All Rafa's (although I prefer to call him Nadal) fans around the world will be eagerly waiting for this match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the semifinal at the Australian Open.

I haven't really watch Tsonga played until last night, the match against Mikhail Youzhny. I wasn't impressed when he beat Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet but when I saw him played in the quarterfinal yesterday, I realized how dangerous and threatening this Frenchman is.

Tsonga is enjoying the best moment in his life,
his breakthrough in the men's tennis.

Tsonga could create another upset and deny Rafael Nadal a chance to play in the final at the Australian Grand Slam for the first time. After all, Youzhny was the guy who beat Nadal few weeks ago at the Chennai Open final.

He looked so relaxed and calm even in the most crucial moment, when he needed to close the deal in straight sets during the tiebreak against Youzhny.

Nadal in deep thoughts strategizing to move into
the final at the Australian Open for the first time.

Nobody exactly knows Tsonga's style because he is basically not 'the star' before the 2008 Australian Open starts. Hopefully Nadal will stretch him more and make him run around and keeping up with the balls all the time.

Whatever the result is, this year is going to be an exciting for all tennis fans. At least we know tennis is not heading towards something like the F-1 where only the big guns win.

What you can do with tennis balls

Tennis can be very stressful even for us, the fans and viewers.

You'll probably be spending 2 to 5 hours just by watching one match. And if you get to watch a match like the other day between Leyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis, you have to choose between your precious sleep or witness the latest finish in Grand Slam history.

But tennis is not just about stress. There are some lighter sides of tennis too.

The theme for today is 'What you can do with tennis balls'.

If you get to see tennis beauty like Ana Ivanovic,
you have to show your balls and ask her for autographs!

Grab some tennis balls from the ball boy and show off some juggling skills.

You can clown around like me with a red nose or a tennis ball like Leyton Hewitt.

Or you can grab attention at the Australian Open with a disastrous hairstyle.

(Almost all images from Getty Images)

Tennis match is not your ideal place for dating...

... unless you are a celebrity like Nicole Kidman or Keith Urban.

You see, unlike the movie theaters, the tennis court is really bright. You also need to stay put and be silence during the match. And gazing into your partner's eyes, you'll probably missed the best shot of the tournament. If you are talking about the Grand Slam like the Australian Open, the tickets already cost you a bomb.

Well, if you are a celebrity, you don't mind all that. The match is not as important as to prove to the media that your marriage is not on the rock.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban not exactly watching Leyton Hewitt and Novak Djokovic playing at the centre court.

No wonder Hewitt lost in straight sets. He didn't get full support from fellow Australians.