Rafael Nadal, the bad boy of Spain who is in continual contention with cool champion Roger Federer of Switzerland, suffered a knee injury in a match with Great Britain's Andy Murray, giving Murray a berth in the final with Federer. Of course, everyone expects Federer to win — and this is starting to hurt the sport, in my opinion, because an edgy sense of the unknown is vital to keep tennis exciting.
However, Murray is the man who could overturn Mr. Perfect. He has beaten Federer before in lesser tournaments. So put on your rally caps. It can be done. The men's final will air at 3:30 a.m. EST (2:30 a.m. CST) on ESPN2HD Sunday morning, with a replay at 10 a.m. for the surface dwellers.
Before the matches, look for interviews with the stars, amusing pastiches as the announcers attempt to eat the Aussie food product Vegemite, and perhaps a replay of Roddick's antics in the announcer's booth. Roddick, always a favorite with the staff, is known for his offbeat humor and ability to skewer everyone from John McEnroe to arch-enemy Federer himself. It's worth watching for.
And don't forget the doubles tourneys, all of which are listed on the excellent website.
Then it's back to the long slog of No Tennis, which won't end until the spring. So catch it while you can.
Article comments
1 - Hayley Woodgate
Thanks for the tennis write up Lynn. I live in the UK and even though we have football of the soccer kind... I understand the refreshing feel of a tennis weekend instead of football. Cheers!
2 - Paul Goldman
As an ex-Queenslander, (now living in Florida) I completely enjoyed your story on the Oz Open. Yes, it's good to turn on ESPN and get other than football. Also gives me a few nostalgic pangs. Good on ya, mate!