Oh well, it was the good, the bad, and the ugly as usual at the Australian Open as usual. First, the ugly: ESPN should be forbidden from every broadcasting another tennis tournament - they are less than useless. I can't believe they show the women's quarter and then completely stop coverage (even though they have at least 40 minutes left and would assume they'd extend the coverage), and just go to ESPNnews for the rest of the time. Basically saying that Tsonga and Youzny don't matter (Tsonga won). Luckily, I picked up ESPNdeportes exactly for these mishaps, but forgot to tape it for this morning, but it's taped this afternoon I believe. Basically, if it's not Hewitt, Federer, Roddick, Blake, or even Fish; then the match doesn't exist and they don't show it. Definitely will be calling ad/or emailing to complain.
Now the good - finally Sharapova is back - took her enough time (about 1.5 years - since the '06 US Open); she's finally getting near the level she was at when she won Wimbledon. And don't listen the stupid ESPN broadcasters as usual (especially the stupid Mary Carillo); she stupidly said that Sharapova was playing at a level better than when she won Wimbledon - that is totally wrong. She was at the top of her game when she won Wimbledon - she destroyed everyone (including Serena) like they were less than nothing. She had a few hiccups last night, but she basically blew away Henin like she was nothing - was so satisfying :-). Hopefully she keeps it up against Janko and probably Venus. Also, very weird, but think her shoulder is still bothering her or she makes an intentional effort not to wear it out. She basically doesn't hit overheads anymore - she lets the ball drop and hits a swinging volley - she got away with it last night, but a smart opponent would exploit it and see if she can indeed hit an overhead smash.
Now the bad - think Serena either needs to retire or get serious about a real coach and a fitness/condition person. She's totally out of shape - either mentally/physically. Unfortunately, she's turned into a Davenport and the limited American men who think they can win on a serve and a forehand. She wants to win the point in one or two shots - if she has to run she gets lazy/gets out of breath and usually loses the point especially to a human backboard like Janko. Incredibly, Janko is #3 in the world w/o a serve or net game - incredible. Definitely was sad to Serena look so out of position constantly and Sharapova (who's not as athletic) move her butt constantly to get the ball with something on it - oh well.
