Go Nole!!

Nadal needs to win 1 of the first 2 sets.

And I do think Djokovic has turned into a superhuman all of a sudden.
He can recover in 1 hour during matches, let alone a day and a half.

Cool title!

Hope Nole's got enough in the tank to take down Rafa

Novak will break late in the 1st to take the set. He will then get a quick break in the 2nd, get broken back, break again, solidify and break again to win the 2nd. Nadal will win the tight third in a TB. Novak breaks late in the 4th, serves for the match, but gets broken, then breaks again to win it.

Yep, deja vu all over again, until otherwise is proven.

"keep in mind that Nadal went on to win two days after that five-hour and 15-minute match with Verdasco"

This quote is why I'm not factoring in fitness as a determinate for this match. Rafa overcame it in 2009 so whose to say Nole won't.

Keep on keepin on Pete.

I wouldn't pay much attention to Novak's breathing problems. As Murray said, he moves extremely well despite those apparent breathing problems. What matters is what he does during the points not in between them, and he did run like a bat out of hell for 5 hours against Murray, so he's more than fine. Those breathing problems are either bogus to maybe make the other player let his guard down or they just don't affect his energy at all.

I'm a Nadal fan and I want Novak to be 100% fit so that he'd have no excuse when Nadal beats him :)

Fernando: The Objective Analysis of the Oz Final.

Six times in a row the Djoker has defeated The Humble Bull. So why will this be different. Fernando will tell you.

Remember the time when the pedestrian masses said the Bull was a glorified Dirt Ball-er who would never win on grass or hard court? What happened? The Bull learned the tactic,practiced and had the talent and will to make the necessary adjustments in his game to win Wimbledon twice and the US Open.

The Djoker took his game to another level last year. Nobody before had ever matched Rafa in long grueling rallies, consistency and stamina.
Djoker also pinned the Bull in the BH corner last year and returned the Bull's serve very well. We were caught off guard, Rafa lost confidence and the defeats came.

Here is what will happen now. We will play a little bit more inside the court and a bit more aggressive weary that Djoker cannot simply be worn down with groundies (like prior to 2011). The added weight to the frame will help. When Djoker tries to pin the Bull into the BH corner, Rafa will do different things and not just hit cross court to Djoker' FH. And the Bull will serve like he did at the US Open. Rafa will not be backing on his heels when Djoker's returns the serve.

Rafa has conquered every challenge put in his path to victory becasue of his immense talent, work ethic, openness to change (unlike stubborn Maestro) and a will and determination like no other man.

I cannot predict the sets. It will be 3 for sure, if the Djoker is not at 100%. But the Bull cannot lose. Impossible- watch and see. Vamos Humble one...vamos

To the Federinas with respect: the smoking nostrils of The Humble Bull are gaining in the rear view mirror of Maestro's GOAT legacy.

I am Fernando

Get ready to eat crow Fernando. I hear it is very tasty.

Fernando, when will you ever learn your lesson? LOL

A strange thing has happened, Bodo has become more objective regarding Djokovic than Tignor, who liked Nole in the beginning, but for some reason still cannot accept his dominance.
Let the better smacker win tomorrow.

Rafa will win his 11th Grand Slam on Sunday.
Fernando is right!!!

Okay another Fernando Moment For Me

Bows Down To Fernando Long May You Live.D.

I think just like we saw in 2009, Nadal pulled out two tough matches against Verdasco and Fed to win AO, Djokovic can also end up doing that! Nadal is very confident after defeating Federer but he has a strong mental block against Nole. If he has to turn the tables around, he will have to step on the court with the faith that he can defeat Nole.

Even if we look at the match stats from their previous two meetings (Wimby+US Open)., we can see that Djokovic is the more aggressive one. Nadal has lagged in almost all areas except his first serve%. Djokovic hit 82 winners against 53 of Nadal. Djokovic/Nadal's Mind War: What does the stats indicate? http://bit.ly/xOwaeS

Tired or not, I think what is more important is that which player thinks he can win. Wasn't Nadal tired after Berdych match but he still won against Federer. Djokovic is in the same position no?

Some Great Aussie News,

Luke Saville won the Junior Boys Title at the AO today

Luke I am soo proud of you

Aussie,Aussie,Aussie,Oi,Oi,Oi,

Hidey ho

I got to watch the final two points of Luke Saville's win, congrats to him and commies to his Canadian opponent.

Hoping that Vika can get her first GS.

I wish they could split the prizes--Maria can win the match and the championship but Vika gets to be #1. I will be so sick if she misses her chance again.

Observer

Hi! I did leave you a post before I hope you read it

Sorry I am hoping for a Vika win in 3 sets:)

Observer

It was on the last post on one of the last pages by the way

AA

So happy for Luke....now AO Junior Champion.

Observe, I would rather Vika win the tournament and Maria has the no. 1 spot. I don't want another no. 1 without a GS.

AO I hope Luke can bring his game into the seniors when the time is right. Also I liked his green t-shirt which I know is your favourite colour :)

AM, I saw it but forgot to respond! Was on my phone, thank you!

Understood about cheering for the other. It's not something I hold against anyone--would be quite unhealthy to have that attitude around here for any player.

I felt pretty good about it until I started watching the SF replay on tennis channel.. wow did she get lucky to be in this final.

Is it cruel to hope that Vika will lose her new-found mental stability now that so much is at stake?

I have a hard time believing the match will be competitive. Either Maria will have one of her days or Vika will lose her mind.

very sleepy bonjour!

girls let's do this!clean match,beautiful winners!

Comeback Maria,or new champ in the block?

I'm honeslty honored to be awake,hoping to see a fine match!

Observer

Luck Favours The Brave ok

Maria deserves hr place in the final.

Okay

Handing out Chanel Desginer Ear Muffs for this match

I wonder i Pammy would be court side since Mary Joe Fenandez is atthe booth?

heck I'm nervous for both of them and I'm not even relevant!

Is Vika's 1st or 2nd serve really attackable? I'd never really noticed...

Carry up the superb function.

I just found out that the match was on AO radio, but I did not know. The boys is about to start. The announcers said Taylor needs to improve her fitness and Yulia has talent, but she is a "head case". At 3-3 in the 3rd, Yulia "exploded", destroying her racquets and losing all composure.

Well let's hope for a good quality scream fest! I hope for Maria victory I've felt in recent years she's been too underrated and her past glories forgotten

Saying "the better returner will win" goes almost without saying these days for all of the top four except maybe Federer, right?

Anyway, I'm intrigued but not yet convinced about all of the Rafa talk about playing aggressively. He's said that for a long time, yet I still find myself yelling at the screen for him to move up closer to the baseline. Maybe he's saving it for the final? He'll need something up his sleeve if he's to pull off the upset tomorrow.

Still, Nadal seems to play best when he has a clear goal that everyone declares is impossible for him to reach. Last year it was "beating Djokovic," and as usual he appears to be struggling to reach that goal. But he eventually bagged the "impossible" U.S Open, so I can enjoy the match either way keeping this in mind. Vamos!

now quick comment beforehand

Nadou baby for goodness sake ,what business do you have saying Murray blew up chance in any set knowing perfectly what awaiting you,lol!no comment you too Rafa chou,no comment!

I was meant to edit my last post but something went weird with my laptop. Just want the world needs is another Russian headcase.

Pre-match entertainment is rather tame. At least it is not Meatloaf like our football grand final.

Thanks for the ear muffs AM. I hope this match doesn't go longer than 2 hours as I will miss the end.

temes who's your pick?what's your heartbeat?lol!

What a lovely version of Advance Australia Fair

Pity our Prime Minister...Julia is there though:)

I wonder if Margaret Court will present the winners trophy?

Good luck to both players

Martina Hingis arriving on court

Martina looks great in her white summer dress. Is she going to present the trophy. Love her hair.

Aube I am with colm

I hope for Maria but that doesn't mean I think she will win lol! I think a lot depends how well Maria serves.

Marina Hingis held up the Winners trophy to the crowd

Maybe Martina will present the trophy to the Womens Winner

Morning, everyone. :)

So excited! Not sure who I'd like to win. Maria for sentiment and Vika for the younger-generation take-over that I'm convinced is happening this year.

Enjoyed the Rafa-Djokovic post, think Djokovic can win despite any physical effects of yesterday - the scary thing is how he seems to play better now when he's down.

BBC begins with Murray, aargh.

she should really if you take into consideration she's got a better competitive edge, a better return game, and her serve is not a liability anymore,plus there is no way Azababy is going to be "colm" in her first slam final

funny she said last time she said against Kim it was like she felts kilos in hers arms and her body, hey today I say she will feel tons!

and please channel her your colm!

ohhh i can't watch

Can you even imagine this feeling, waiting in the tunnel? Goodness...

Ready

Tea, toast and laptop.

And for the record - Vika all the way!

Vika's hoodie! Yikes.

Okay Posters

I am leaving Chanel Designer Ear Muffs at the door not many left and please dont fight trying to get a pair Of These One Off Limited Edition Chanel Numbers

I would like to thank Chanel for donating these Elegant Ear Muffs

morning jewell,any keep awake tea for me?

it sounds like there is a consensus in here about the double feeling about this match and then the dilemma for all

oh well at least most people would be ok for both results which makes for a awesome after match atmosphere up here!

Same, Claire. Although I just finished the toast (marmalade - what are you having on yours?)

Big cheers for both players.

Morning, Aube. :) Wake-up tea for anyone who wants it dispensed here. :)

Claire

High Fives Fellow Vika Fan

matts picked Vika

Kerrilyn Cramer from Aussie is the umpire

Maria won the toss and has elected to receive

Marmalade too Jewell. You obviously timed it slightly better as marmalde on toast and typing do not mix!

Morning/evening/afternoon(?) everyone.

Morning, evening all,

"ohhh i can't watch"

observer, to avoid the feeling you have now, I will be gracefully bowing out on tomorrow. I not watching the men's match live. I will not be with colm and the tension will kill me!

Thanks jewell and if you don't mind giving me some of the marmelade Claire just handed you I've got a multi grain bagel I'd like to use some with

Madame President I want the earmuff fro what I told you I'd do withit on the other thread,I admire these 2 so much todayI don't mind ther screaming

Davaye both of you I want a neat match!

How are you doing Claire?

Aube

Okay but if there is a cat fight dont come screaming at me no?

yeah it's getting better!lol

hahah Pappi just found me in the study and say "you really need therapy now with your craziness about tennis "waking up even when Serena is not playing?

I'm stunned you've just noticed Pappi,and I need no company,lol!

I promiss Madame President,I'll be more thrilled as long as itgoes with the tennis,lol!

*passes marmalade*

By the way I dont want to see poster taking 2 pairs either

I am not stupid....

Chanel has done double sound proof okay

I pair per poster and no extra's okay

I have eyes at the back of my head.

Hi Eri

thanks for the marmalade,yummy!

I see the first ball stroke,yeah!

Nervyyyyyy!

Hey Aube,

Will you be my eyes and ears for the men's final since I'm chickening out? lol

Azababy if your nerves don't get down you better bet your bottom dollar that you're cooked because Maria's going to munch on your second serves and welcome your double faults!

Might as well consider a break a hold in this match.

ver nervous start

'morning.

almost no one takes returns as early as vka, and almost no one returns *consistently* as deep and dangerous as her. should put a ton of pressure on shazza' serve.

not that shazza can't clobber vika's serve too... but i think vika'll like this matchup. she knows she can beat shazza in a big final and she knows what a game to expect from shazza - not many surprises there.

first slam final nereves might be a factor for vika, but i hope they'll not completely freeze her.

shazza's best: prolly a bit better than vika's best, but shazza's worst is also worse. vika's the more solid one.

ponder ponder ponder... mull mull mull...

i say vika gets this. (and wouldn't it be great fun!)

Smart move by Maria to put Vika under pressure on her opening service game

Vika deep breaths ok

Now put the pressure back on Maria and pressure her serve cause you know she will d/fault.

Keep moving her Vika

This women's final has trainwreck potential written all over it.

Yes I will dear Eri and I promiss to be brave for some reason I feel ok watching NOLE doing his thing may be because I convince myself that nothing could be done that this is his time

I'm happy Nadou did better than the quarters last year...anytime DJOKO is involved I know theresult and that helps

Maria means business!

Shazza came to play

Vika is stiff

Well, now I'm nervous.

C'mon Vika it's ok to be nervous but you need to put your match head on like you did so well against Kim

Vika will settle down

Very nervous start from Vika.

Eri, the only reason I'm watching this is because it's 4 am here and there's no way I'd be able to sleep if I tried while this was on.

IM SO NERvOUS.

I have eyes at the back of my head.

hahah Madame President,you remind me of my mom who used to say

"I counted all the fish balls for dinner if you take any before dinner I will know"

hahahah counting fish balls in the marmite? of course we kids believed her,lol!

vika still a bit tight. shazza already right there. 2-0

Remember this is Vika's first grand slam appearence

Of course she is nervous

Two FH winners to the right side in a row. Good sign.

Good Gaw'd Shrieky see the ball really early. I hope this isn't going to be one sided.

Azababy,I know the outcome before this is contested,I knew it first time ain't easy

I don't see you getting out of your own demons and Maria already smell blood,you're doomed!!!

Maria's groundstrokes are beter too,what's yourway out,huh?don't see it honey bunny!

No, Maria, you cannot let her off the hook here. When she gets her nerves together you will not be able to play at the level you need to.

Azarenka looks ready to pull a Safina. This is practically an all-Russian final. And we know how great those turn out.

Let's not forget, guys. Maria broke Petra in the first game of the W final last summer too.

Vika is back... :[ppp[[[[

Good hold

Oh if only she were playing Safina. I loved Dinara but I could use a true implosion right now. Your time will come Vika. Don't make it today!

Vika manages to climb out of a hole and hold. At least she won't get bagelled.

Thats the way Vika

Loved the 2nd serve to the body

Takes away her swing and cramps her and you got the ufe

Now settle and put pressure on her serve and keep stretching her

30 deg in Melbourne quite warm at the moment

Okay Vika I may have picked Maria to win but I stayed up to see a cat fight tonight. Pick it up girl! K, Thx :)

Maria simply can't let these points turn into rallies. Can. not.

come on vika . believe

Come on Vika 3break pts coming up...

Love the way is standing inside the baseline and pushing Maria back

Vika 3BP

Go Vika!

if they show any more beautiful sandy beaches in Australia I will sob uncontrollably,I'm feezing here and there is no beach in INDIANA,awwwww Australia

come on Aza take the break back,3 points to do so although Maria is the queen of saving break points!

Vika breaks...

Thats the way Vika

Broke back to love

Now hold your serve

Believe Vika

hum what do I know?broken at love?
may be sign of nerves too!

Okay here we go...

thats my baby vika. honours even