Ah yes… 2012. The year that the world will supposedly meet its end. Besides all that mumbo-jumbo, the tennis season kicked off as planned on the New Year. Brisbane, Auckland, Doha, and Chennai, as well as Abu Dhabi and Hopman Cup kicked off this past weekend. Am I glad to see the tennis season back on track? I was barely given time to miss it…
The one of the biggest stories heading into the Australian Open lead-up tourneys are Petra Kvitova’s chance at snatching the no.1 ranking away from fellow blonde Caroline Wozniacki. Can she do it? Both are playing Hopman Cup in Perth this week and then going to Sydney. If she wins Sydney next week, she’ll overtake Woz. Seeing how Kvitova seemingly plays without fear and with little pressure, I don’t doubt that she can do it.
Serena made her return to action in Brisbane, her first tourney since the US Open where she made the final. Venus was supposed to return as well, but health issues still plague her. Kim Clijsters is back as well, also in Brisbane.
On the men’s side, the only one of the top 4 not playing a warm-up tourney is Novak Djokovic. He’ll be going into the Australian Open… cold. The only matches he’s played are the ones in the exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Andy Murray made headlines by announcing his new coach as Ivan Lendl. Lendl has 8 Grand Slam titles to his name, but had been 0-4 in finals before winning his first. Sound familiar? Muzz is currently 0-3 in GS finals. Hopefully, a little insight on the same experience could help Muzz become the blushing bride, not the tormented bridesmaid.
I also take a little pride knowing that I tweeted this news first. I just happened to be on Facebook at the right time.
The Australian Open commences in less than two weeks. Bring it on, 2012.
