Fernando Gonzalez is ready to blow Lleyton Hewitt away

Fernando Gonzalez took time out to play a didgeridoo by the banks of the Yarra River during day one of the 2009 Australian Open.

Gonzo is scheduled to take on homeboy Lleyton Hewitt tomorrow.

Whether Hewitt will make it to the next round or not, I don't think it's a big deal for Australia anymore because the Aussies have found Hewitt's successor in atomic boy, Bernard Tomic.

Quoting from Forty Deuce, this 16 year-old boy wonder's future is so bright that he has to wear shades.

Tomic defeated Starace Potito 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 7-6 and will be facing an exhausted Gilles Muller in the second round.

Poor Muller had to overcome Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 4-6, 16-14 in a 4-hour, 23-minute match.

(Images by zimbio.com)

Andy Murray hires extras to make his practice session more fun

Ever since Andy Murray has signed a deal with Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, we have seen a tremendous change in his image, from a skinny tennis player on a bad hair day into a tennis star who is more fun, buffed up and a favourite player that now share the limelight with the Top 3.

He shows off more skin and cheesy smile too and even impersonates the Incredible Hulk.

And in today's practice, he even have some extras to pose with him in photos, something that other players don't offer, yet.

Andy, I wonder what's next? I can't wait.

After his training session, the Aussie fans took the opportunity to get his autographs and photos.

Updates:
Actually these guys are from Kia Fan Photos. You can submit your best shots at AO to them.


(Images by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal says 'G-Day mate' to Aussie fans

Rafael Nadal reached out to his fans here by launching a blog at the Australian Open, taking questions on everything from what motivates him to whether he has sex during a tournament.

Hi everyone, or should I say "g'day mate"? I have been told that this is the way Australians say "hello", so I wanted to also say it like this.

This is my first blog in Australia and I am very thankful to this newspaper to have given me this opportunity.

I have done a few blogs at other places like Paris, London and New York, but this is my first one in Melbourne.

I am not going to lie to you, this is not easy for me since I am not a writer.

Not even close. But I know I have a lot of fans here and when I was asked I was very happy to do it and I hope you forgive my mistakes - my bad English, my non-professional way of writing.

I also hope that the media doesn't get upset with me for doing this. Why should they? I only say things that they would never write about! Right? :-)

I am back here in Melbourne and I have to say that I love being here.

You know, coming from the cold weather to this beautiful summer, with all these nice people around and also to play the first big event of the season, is something that makes me happy.

Those following me know that I love the competition. And the real competition starts here.

I have to say that I am excited.

I hope we will have a lot of time these weeks to talk about many things. Hopefully I'll be around for a few days.

After my fifth or sixth blog I start thinking what am I going to write about - but I am also answering your questions, so come on and send me easy ones.

Many thanks and ... 'Good on you mate' (that's another one I know :-)

Rafa

To check out the Q&A between Rafa and fans, click here.

(Via AFP, news.com.au; Image by Clive Brunskill)

The Australian Open starts today!

Fans make their way through entry points during day one of the 2009 Australian Open at Melbourne today.

If you want to check out what are the matches in progress, click here.


(Images by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)