I’ve always been a huge tennis fan. Grew up playing it and idolizing Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. A classic 80′s kid who always rooted against Ivan Lendl. To my kid eyes, he was the bad guy who wrecked more U.S. Opens for Connors and McEnroe. Back then, that’s just how it was. Sports were different. More patriotic. Good versus evil. Now, almost all athletes are embraced unless you turn your back on a city like LeBron James, fitting the classic bad guy role to a tee in Miami. The kind of story big media companies like ESPN need for ratings. Milk it for all its worth. All week, we’ll hear about Eli Manning and Tom Brady. Can Brady exact revenge four years later or will Eli etch his name in stone among great quarterbacks by winning a second Super Bowl, joining the likes of Starr, Bradshaw, Montana and Elway to rattle off a few. Only Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are active QBs that’ve won at least two Super Bowls.

While the debate will go all the way up to game time, we’ll devote this space to a new tennis rivalry born following an epic match played between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In the longest played grand slam final in the Open Era, Djokovic repeated as champion by prevailing in five grueling sets over Nadal, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5, capturing his second consecutive Australian Open (third down under). A match that featured twists and turns along with death defying rallies which even left us breathless lasted a ridiculous five hours and fifty-three minutes. To put that into perspective, most hockey and basketball games take at most two and a half hours. The only thing that compares is an epic NHL playoff game that goes four overtimes, keeping fans up into early hours.

The difference is neither Djokovic or Nadal had an extended period off. Aside from a brief rain delay before they closed the roof at Melbourne Park, the two combatants only used changeovers to replenish energy burnt. Some games take forever to complete due to the ferocity of the points. It’s those that go to multiple deuces and see groundstroke for groundstroke matched along with running fit for a marathon that mesmerize tennis fans. Beside the physical toll it takes, there’s also the mental battle as well which see both players go through peaks and valleys. For two straight sets, the defending champion from Serbia had the No.2 ranked Spaniard on the ropes, pinning him six feet behind the baseline with heavy forehands and backhands struck with such force and precision that it was a miracle Nadal got most back. Having beaten Rafa in six straight finals, Nole had the mental edge. Serve big and go for broke, often to Nadal’s backhand where the errors have come. If not, then a short reply allowed Djoker to pounce as he did with a thumping forehand up the line to clinch an easy third set.

Would Nadal wilt under all the pressure? He’d lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open after defeating Roger Federer at the French. Federer did him a huge favor last year, ending Djokovic’s 43-match win streak with a tremendous semifinal triumph to reach the final at Roland Garros. Speaking of Federer, he hasn’t won a slam since the 2010 Australian Open- meaning that either Nadal (2 Frenches, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) or Djokovic (2 Australians, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) have shared the last eight. Rafa beat his top rival in four sets by again outbattling Federer, who blew a set and break lead. Another chink in the armor of the all-time winningest grand slam champion who still holds the record with 16. As Roger hits his 30′s, the question lingers whether he can add one more with Djokovic No.1 in the world while Nadal chases much like he did with Federer. Toss Andy Murray into the mix, who only took Djokovic five sets before falling in another crazy semifinal, and that’s three younger players who all pose a threat to the Maestro.

Sometimes, when you’re back’s against the wall, you let go. Djokovic was able to do that against Federer down match point at their memorable U.S. Open semifinal last Fall. The sound of that return winner crosscourt still can be heard along with a wild eruption from a mostly pro-Federer Arthur Ashe swayed by Novak to lend him support. Federer was never the same in body language and mind, allowing the more determined player to pull off the comeback. It’s what Nole does best. If he’s not overpowering opponents with unbelievable shots off full out sprints, Djoker is causing chaos with the best return in the game, constantly applying pressure. Andre Agassi was the standard when it came to returning with only Connors better. Djokovic might already be better than Andre. He’ll turn 25 later this year and now has gone from one major to five in a year. Amazing how things change. The confidence with which he plays with allows him to believe he can pull out any match no matter the pressure. Even if his legs start to weaken as was the case Sunday night, Nole is able to find that extra gear. 

In the previous six losses, Nadal was unable to push back against Djokovic. He never put him in a vulnerable position. However, his focus was incredible during a tight fourth set where he needed to hold serve every time. While Novak held much easier, Rafa’s games were a struggle but never more so than when he was love-40 with basically three match points for Djokovic. One foul up and it was curtains as ESPN team Chris Fowler, Patrick McEnroe and Brad Gilbert concluded. Instead of giving in, there was Rafa fighting with that warrior’s spirit that makes him such a crowd pleaser. Running down shots and then ripping an inside out forehand just out of Djokovic’s reach to ward off a second break chance, followed by a surprising backhand down the line that wrong footed the defending champ. Nadal saved all four break points by elevating his game. He served bigger and went for his shots. Something that hadn’t happened enough against the man we call Djoker. Only there’s nothing to joke about following one of the greatest seasons in tennis history.

The thing that made you love Rafa’s fight was his spirit, pumping his fists after every big point won, which brought the crowd into it. It would’ve been easier to just cave into Novak’s pressure. Nobody plays a more aggressive and electrifying style. The shots he pulls off border on insanity. If one had caught any of his five set epic against the equally shot making Murray, you would’ve been tired just watching. The angles both men found were jaw dropping. Nadal is the same way, able to run down would be winners and rip that forehand for his own like he again did to Federer at crucial moments. Djokovic kept pounding the ball to each side, forcing Rafa to scramble the entire fourth set only to see them returned with incredible pace. In the tiebreak, Novak had a 5-3 minibreak lead and was two points away from avoiding the climatic final set. But a resilient Rafa wasn’t ready to die, coming back to win the last four points, including a wild miss from Djokovic that was forced due to all the hustle.

When you watch these two play, there really isn’t much that separates them. Both do an awful lot of running to hit the extra shot. But Djokovic is more consistent at continuing to up the ante. Nadal flattened out his backhand more down the stretch but any time he left that slice backhand short, it was punished. Still, there was Rafa in position to finally beat Novak. He finally had gotten into a fifth set. Unchartered territory when they played. When Nadal broke Djokovic for 4-2, the crowd went wild thinking the obvious. It looked like Rafa would finally prevail. And really, it was his match to win or lose at that point. Djokovic had been broken and looked the worse for wear.

Only an amazing thing happened. A miscue from Nadal proved critical. Leading 30-15 in the seventh game with a chance to consolidate the break, Rafa missed a routine backhand wide with Djokovic toast. Nole had hustled to get one more shot over the net for Nadal and sometimes, that kinda yeoman effort pays off. We saw it on a Novak errant overhead moments later. However, it was Nadal who had an open court and missed the backhand down the line. With the crowd not realizing it, the correct call was made. Even if a desperate Rafa challenged. Replays confirmed a rarity. That a linesman got it right with the ball three inches wide. The point allowed Djokovic to breathe. He used the momentum to take the next two points and break back. Something which was a common theme in his win in New York City last September. Nadal never put him away. If he makes that shot, who knows. It really might’ve been a different outcome.

Given new life, Djokovic held easily for four all and then Nadal replied with his own hold for 5-4. But with the pressure squarely on his shoulders, Novak did his part to again level it five apiece. That’s when he turned up the heat one last time to break Rafa for 6-5. No matter how out of it he looks, you can never count out Djokovic. He pulled the same act against Federer. The man has an incredible hunger to win. He wants to prove he’s the best. If ever there was a testament to it, it came that final game. Nadal didn’t quit. Instead, he had a break point to once again get back on serve. But Djokovic saved it and then pointed to his chest and said a prayer which probably was, ‘I can do it. Please let me end this.‘ It was amusing. Nadal then got a bad break on a net cord which killed his cross court backhand from staying in, setting up championship point.

One final time, Djokovic dialed up a big serve up the tee that had a short reply from Nadal, allowing Novak to rip one more forehand winner to finally end one of the greatest matches ever. FIVE HOURS FIFTY THREE MINUTES!

A triumphant Djokovic fell flat on his back before ripping his shirt off and running to his cheering section that included long-term girlfriend Jelena Ristic. Some high fives were exchanged with his coach and team that have helped turn around his career from one hit wonder to best in the world. Pretty cool. Even cooler (well not really) was how exhausted both men were while the ceremony was going on. Each using the net to rest their legs with both on the verge of collapsing before the Australian Open team supplied chairs and large Evian water bottles. It really was bizarre. Still, they weren’t about to miss tennis legend Rod Laver, who presented them with their rewards. For Nadal, a runner’s up crown that he could be proud of while for Djokovic, another large trophy to add to his collection.

Despite being weary, both made nice speeches with each paying the other proper respect for the memorable match they had just played. A new rivalry has been born. Even if it’s been all Djokovic lately, this was the kinda day where there were no losers. Only winners, which would make Gene Hackman’s classic Norman Dale Hoosiers character proud. Maybe we’ll finally get Rafa vs Nole at the French. If only it weren’t so far away. For now, every tennis fan can be proud.

Rafael Nadal showed tremendous heart defeating Roger Federer to capture his first Australian Open denying history.

Tennis has a new conqueror and his name is Rafael Nadal. Not even the longest match in Australian Open history could prevent the world No.1 from becoming the first ever Spaniard to win down under adding the Australian to four French Opens and Wimbledon by stunning three-time Aussie winner Roger Federer in five sets 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2.

At the tender age of 22, Rafa becomes just the third player to win three different grand slams joining Hall of Famers Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras, whose slam record of 14 is still intact.

Federer clearly had the momentum after capturing the fourth set to level it but let the big moment get to him making uncharacterstic unforced errors including double faults at pivotal moments getting broken twice and misfiring on way too many backhands.

Was it Rafa? Hard to say. I believe Federer was thinking more about tying Sampras instead of playing one final great set as he’s capable of doing. He should’ve had more left in the tank than a weary Nadal who had one fewer day off and had to go five hours and 14 minutes just to outlast fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in making his first hard court slam final.

That he had to go another four-plus hours with heavier legs defies logic. But then again with this amazing kid, nothing is impossible. He has such a strong desire to win and be the very best and that champion’s heart is what got him over the top proving he can win on a hard court.

Despite looking weary in the middle of the third, Nadal continued to fight running down and making unbelievable shots for winners eventually taking the tiebreaker which proved large because you don’t know if he loses that set if he could’ve won two straight to beat Federer on a surface he was favored to win on because he’d won eight of his 13 (5 consecutive U.S. Opens, 3 Australians).

What was very sad was that Federer clearly tightened up and handed Nadal that final set. Rafa was mentally sharper and could see the finish line and basically said to Roger, ‘I’m not missing in this set. Beat me.’

As it turned out, the 27 year-old Swiss No.2 couldn’t do it. He just wasn’t ready to tie Pistol Pete coming up very small which explained all the tears during the on court trophy presentation where he had to compose himself before making a brief speech expressing that Nadal deserved it and should get the last word in.

It was a very hard moment but also further humanized a classy champion who’s been great for the sport of tennis taking it to levels even we couldn’t have foreseen. That there’s an archrival like Nadal who’s clearly gotten that much better finally dethroning him on grass at Wimbledon and now has added the Australian makes this rivalry all the more special.

ESPN’s coverage was superb with Patrick McEnroe comparing it to what happened between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert when the younger Martina started getting the better of the popular American champion. The question now becomes can Roger overcome these last two devastating setbacks to tie and maybe break the record.

Unlike tennis historian Bud Collins who was unfairly critical even pondering if Federer can win another slam, I believe he definitely can and wouldn’t be shocked if he gets Rafa at Wimbledon in another five set epic tying Sampras.

Wouldn’t it be something if that happened and then they played for the U.S. Open with Roger looking to become the all-time winningest in the modern era?

That’s what I’m hoping for. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for him to recover from this heartbreaking defeat. I’d take a few weeks off. Relax. Get away from the court. Breakdown what went wrong and what he can do better to get Nadal.

Obviously at the top of the list will be serving better because his serve was inconsistent the whole night with Nadal breaking him an unheard of three times in a seesaw opening set and seven overall including twice when Federer was beaten emotionally.

The other aspect that must improve are the backhand which again broke down with Nadal pounding away getting too many free points in a onesided fifth.

Feds can also do a better job returning. He refused to run around his backhand and smack the forehand only opting for it a few instances with success. If Nadal’s going to continue serving out wide, he needs to use that strategy a lot more. Credit must go out to the bright Spaniard who adjusted when he needed to serving big aces up the middle.

I’d still overplay the out wide and force him to go more up the tee. It’s a sounder strategy.

I’m definitely beat from staying up and need some rest as I got a Super Bowl party later today. Full recap with quotes from both players tonight and maybe some highlights on YouTube because despite the disappointing conclusion, there were some amazing points befitting of how special these two players are.  

All when I’m more refreshed.

Two years ago on the same court, Serena Williams had her way with Maria Sharapova. This time, the victim was Dinara Safina with the American winning down under for a fourth time reaching double digits in slams.

If there was such a thing as perfect, Serena Williams was pretty close in conquering Russian Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 to claim her fourth Australian Open before a capacity Rod Laver Arena Saturday night.

Whatever it is about odd years, the 27 year-old American reclaimed the world No.1 ranking by putting on a stunning display of championship tennis that’s made her a great grand slam champion. She’s now won the Australian Open title in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009 also doubling the trophy case by teaming with older sister Venus Williams to win women’s doubles as well in 2001, 2003 and sweeping past Ai Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-3 the previous day.

The four Australian singles titles allowed her to join the likes of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles for most wins in Melbourne during the Open Era. Not only did she join this exclusive group but also with her 10th major became the fourth woman in the Open Era to reach double digits trailing the great Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert (18 each) along with Graf, who holds the record with 22. 

“I idolized Steffi Graf growing up and Martina Navratilova was my role model, so when I think of those names I can’t even think of myself there. But people are starting to think about me that way, and that’s just uber-cool,” a respectful Williams expressed of being mentioned in the same breath.

“I was a little nervous actually going into the match against Dinara, then I told myself that I had nothing to lose even though everyone was putting the pressure on me. I didn’t want to lose that focus. Dinara’s a warrior, and she never gives up.”

Having been in a zone helping carry big sis to the double crown leaving her to heap praise, an extremely focused Serena was able to carry it over into the singles final versus the talented No.3 seed Safina. The younger sister of Marat Safin had gotten to this point by outlasting tournament story Jelena Dokic in three sets and then straight setting countrywoman Vera Zvonareva.

One area the physically gifted 22 year-old who was a runner-up at Roland Garros last year and took a silver medal in Beijing she was struggling in was her serve with an awkward delivery causing numerous double faults even in previous wins making life difficult just to make it to this point.

Unfortunately, that proved to be her undoing against a razor sharp Williams who was firing on all cylinders from the outset breaking all three times in a dominant first set that lasted only 22 minutes. Early on, Safina double faulted three times leading to a first break. When she was getting serves in, they were getting pummeled by the game’s best returner who greeted a few rudely smacking return winners from both sides.

Just how dominant was she in the opening set? Safina only won eight total points with a very accurate Serena accumulating 12 of 23 winners with little her overwhelmed opponent could do.

When an errant Safina forehand hit the net, the set was mercifully over with it reminding many of how Williams dismantled Maria Sharapova 6-1. 6-2 in the same match two years prior limiting her to just three games.

The resilient Russian didn’t give up attacking and breaking Serena in the opening game of the second set producing some of her best tennis including a backhand winner and return backhand crosscourt off a short second serve to the crowd’s delight.

The growing question was could she make it a match by holding? Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Williams continued her all out assault to break back. She then backed it up with a love hold booming her first serve. Not stunningly, she was nearly perfect taking 20 of 21 points (95 percent) on first serve for the match.

Safina couldn’t recover getting broken a fifth consecutive time before Williams had another easy hold to go up 4-1- two games from winning her 10th slam and reaching No.1 again for the third time.

Even when she competed striking the ball hard to win some points, you never got the sense Safina could comeback. By the time she held for 2-4, it was too little too late against a player who as she noted during the postmatch interview on court was, “Too good.”

To her credit, she forced Williams to serve it out. Serena calmly did just that setting up triple championship point before claiming her fourth Aussie crown when a Safina backhand drop shot went just wide allowing the great champion to bend down and smile clenching her fists.

It was a muted celebration exhibiting class after how she outclassed a quality opponent who should be back competing for other slams perhaps even winning one this year. It just wasn’t to be on this day.

“I absolutely, clearly, love playing here,” a very happy Williams said appropriately adding:

“You guys root for me so much. I don’t get that everywhere. So thank you so much.”

Who could disagree?

Federer vs Nadal Renew Rivalry Once More: It will once again be the best rivalry in sports renewed when Roger Federer takes on Rafael Nadal in a battle between the now No.2 13-time slam winner versus the No.1 ranked five-time slam champion.

Plenty will be on the line with the 27 year-old Federer aiming to match American Pete Sampras by winning his 14th grand slam. Nadal, who spoiled the party dethroning Roger at Wimbledon in a memorable five-set epic will again be standing in the way trying to win his first ever slam on a hard court.

Can the 22 year-old Spaniard who’s made life miserable for Federer add to an impressive 12-6 career record including 4-2 at slams by beating him on a neutral surface?

The bigger question is what will Rafa have left in the tank after outlasting fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the longest ever men’s match at Melbourne Park winning it 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (1), 6-4 with it lasting five hours and 14 minutes?

The amazing aspect is the 14th seeded Verdasco who had the best slam result of his career ousting No.4 Andy Murray in five and last year’s runner-up No.5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four somehow lost despite a ridiculous 95 winners while Nadal countered with 52.

Unfortunately, he double faulted on match point concluding the dramatic semfiinal.

Nadal committed just 25 unforced errors while Verdasco made 76 in a match people are still talking about for the quality of play with neither Spaniard giving an inch during lengthy rallies.

So, can Nadal bounce back from a shorter recovery with a well rested Federer having more than a day extra to prepare after taking down Andy Roddick in straights needing just over two hours?

The pressure will squarely be on Federer when they take the court with  legend Rod Laver in his arena looking on.

The big match is set for 3:30 AM Sunday morning on the East coast or 12:30 AM Pacific. That’s 7:30 PM Australian time. So, get out the caffeine and tune into ESPN2. If you can’t stay up, they’ll replay both women’s and men’s finals at 3 ET Sunday afternoon.

Roger Federer had a little too much for a game Andy Roddick moving within one win of matching Pete Sampras' slam record of 14 majors.

Roger’s still got it. Not that the 13-time slam winner ever lost it.

Pitted against America’s best Andy Roddick renewing a one-sided rivalry though last year in Miami proved different for only the second time in 17 meetings, Roger Federer rose to the occasion again ousting the No.7 seed in straight sets 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 advancing to his fourth Australian Open Final- one huge win away from matching American great Pete Sampras for the most grand slams won by a male tennis player.

It was the 27 year-old Swiss former No.1 who ceased early control breaking Roddick in the third game producing the kind of tennis fans have grown accustomed to passing the game’s biggest server with ease to the tune of 51 winners.

Even after Roddick saved a couple and looked in position to fight off a third straight, a hustling Federer slid across in time ripping a forehand winner down the line. It was that kind of night with the No.2 seed even having success with challenges winning consecutive points on his serve while already up two breaks.

Normally, the man known as The Maestro doesn’t like the challenge system preferring to leave it up to the linesmen and chair umpire for overrules. But on a night he could do little wrong, Federer was even perfect on challenges getting more than half a dozen right to Roddick’s chagrin.

When he wasn’t having challenge success, he was deliberately daring Roddick to come in by using short low spinning backhand replies so he could set him up for the kill. In a brilliant opening set, Federer’s forehand was on producing 11 winners while his opponent struggled early.

However, this wasn’t like Juan Martin Del Potro as Roddick ratcheted up the serve nailing five of eight aces in a much more competitive second set. He even dug out of triple break point during the first game serving large and coming up with the right stuff to keep the pressure on Federer.

The problem was Federer was having even an easier time holding winning 83 percent (52 of 63) on his first serve along with a respectable 58 percent (19 of 33) on second serve for the match. While Roddick struggled during service games facing 13 break chances, the efficient Federer only gave him three cracks and each time they were only one in a game which wasn’t enough given the three-time Australian Open winner’s penchant for serving aces to climb out of trouble.

Still, a more aggressive Roddick continued to press on attacking the net though without great success (21 of 42). The second set remained tight with the 26 year-old Austin, Texas resident holding for 4-3. With a couple of big returns setting up winners in the next game, he was two points from breaking and getting a chance to serve it out and level the match.

But a resilient Federer dug out of trouble without facing a break point eventually reversing the pressure and then breaking Roddick at love in the 11th game to lead 6-5. He served it out for a commanding two set lead.

Unlike the onesided match they had two years ago in the same semifinal, Roddick didn’t go away playing even better in the third set holding more easily and hitting even bigger during rallies with some success to the capacity Rod Laver Arena crowd’s delight. His best moment came midway through the set when during a great rally, he surprised Federer with a topspin backhand dropshot winner out of his reach smiling even remarking that he got him with the kind of shot Roger can pull off.

Still, Roddick couldn’t capitalize with Federer going down the tee for aces even doubling up in that department by a 16-8 margin.

It continued to be a test of wills with each player protecting their serve as if it were a game of chess. Roddick had a slight opening up 5-4 and two points away from the set but Federer saved his best serving for those moments winning challenges and taking the next three points to hold for five all.

Sensing the kill, he turned on the switch nailing a backhand and forehand pass in succession taking the first couple of points on Roddick’s serve to groans from the crowd. He’d eventually setup two break points but a game Andy wouldn’t crack just yet coming through with a couple of winners including a putaway.

However, Federer finally converted on another chance ripping a backhand pass which Roddick could only get a stab at the net helplessly watching it sail long giving Roger his fourth break of the match.

After Roddick took the first point, Federer won the next three setting up two match points. During an extended rally, he finished it in style slugging a forehand winner up the line to clinch victory with a pump of the fist before being congratulated by a classy Roddick at the net.

With legendary Rod Laver in the building, Federer moved one step closer to tying Sampras’ 14 slams. Could his next opponent be No.1 ranked Rafael Nadal which would elevate their rivalry even further setting up the first ever battle for a major on a hard court?

We’ll just have to wait and see. Nadal will take on fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco later tonight with the improving No.14 seed playing the best tennis of his career ousting last year’s runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets the day before 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

So, it will be Federer-Roddick in a throwback match-up with the slam history one sided. Can a lighter and more focused Andy finally get Roger in a momentous occasion with the final on the line? We’ll see.

As for Djokovic who played a brilliant first set tiebreaker winning 7-1 slugging forehand winners, it was a bitter disappointment to run out of gas. A certain eye opener for his closest rivals Federer, top ranked Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray and Roddick back in the mix.

Jelena Dokic’s amazing run finally ended but not without drama losing in three closely fought sets to No.3 Russian Dinara Safina by scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The popular adopted Australian didn’t fall easily breaking Safina for four all and even fighting off break points setting up game point. But she was unable to put it away and also failed on a couple of more opportunities to even it at five.

Safina next faces Russian Vera Zvonareva who easily straight setted Marion Bartoli with a spot in the final up for grabs.

Much more on today’s results later.

Jelena Dokic won an epic battle with Alisa Kleybanova Sunday to reach her first Australian Open quarterfinal.

Apparently, the word quit isn’t in Jelena Dokic’s vocabulary. The 25 year-old unseeded wildcard continued her improbable run outlasting 29th seeded Russian Alisa Kleybanova 7-5, 5-7, 8-6 last night advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals before a raucous Rod Laver Arena crowd in Melbourne.

Representing Australia as the only player left standing, Dokic put on a valiant display battling nerves and injury in a memorable Fourth Round match which lasted more than three hours. It featured some high quality power tennis with each combatant slugging it out from the baseline literally. The points were so competitive that games were tough to come by for each server which easily explained 13 breaks of serve and 25 break chances.

Twice, Dokic who’s used the same formula going the distance in each of her four big wins, she climbed back from a break down before running off the last three games to claim the first set.

In a role reversal, Kleybanova turned the tables showing plenty of resolve breaking Dokic in the 11th game when the country fan favorite served one of 11 double faults. But before she could level the match, she had to save four break points digging out before serving an ace to finally capture the hard fought set letting out a scream.

If the first couple of sets were very good, then the final one was great as it had all sorts of drama with Kleybanova ignoring the support for Dokic drawing first blood breaking for a 2-1 lead. She then was able to consolidate with a service hold for 3-1 with frustration lingering on her opponent’s face.

Would all the missed opportunities comeback to haunt Dokic? Part of it was due to Kleybanova with the lanky Russian’s power ground game eerily similar to American Lindsay Davenport. She boasts a deadly backhand and also hits a good forehand and clean ball able to produce some unbelievable angles making for some magnificent endings to lengthy rallies against the equally powerful Dokic whose forehand and backhand were in fine form despite 58 unforced errors.

Perhaps the biggest moment came during the fifth game when she was a couple of points from falling behind two breaks. A fate which Kleybanova’s previous upset victim Ana Ivanovic couldn’t overcome. Instead of giving in, Dokic continued to fight coming up with big hitting to get out of the jam holding for 2-3 keeping the crowd in it. The overwhelming support she received made for a Davis Cup like atmosphere. Something she was quick to note during an emotional postmatch interview thanking them.

Dokic put together a marvelous sixth game to break back setting up double break point by drawing Kleybanova in before cracking one of 46 winners. This time, she made it pay off outslugging her opponent who finally caved hitting a shot long to a loud scream and pump of the fist along with roaring approval.

Suddenly, the two close practice partners who were playing for so much ratcheted up the intensity doing what it took to hold when one break meant curtains.

The drama reached a feverish pitch when during the 10th game, Dokic turned her left ankle following a backhand return dropping the point with growing concern from the crowd as to how bad the injury was. After over a minute down, she picked herself up and limped to the Deuce side continuing to play through the pain to cheers.

Following a Kleybanova hold for five all, the question was could Dokic hold before getting treatment during the break? With a couple of unforced errors and some solid shots of her own, she quickly answered holding for 6-5 before getting a three minute injury timeout with the trainer taping it up.

Despite being hobbled between points, a tough Dokic was fine during play able to continue hitting her shots with conviction along with solid defense. She again responded to a Kleybanova hold by holding for 7-6 with the match going past 11 Australia time keeping defending men’s champ Novak Djokovic and former finalist Marcos Baghdatis waiting.

The same court which had already seen top seed Jelena Jankovic bounced along with Dokic’s next opponent Dinara Safina comeback from double break down besting Alise Cornet in three plus Roger Federer climb back from two sets down defeating Tomas Berdych now was about to witness another exciting conclusion to a well played match.

Following winning two of the first three points, Dokic used a drop shot to get Kleybanova in before ripping a backhand crosscourt setting up double match point to loud cheers.

After her feisty opponent saved one, this time Dokic ended it in style nailing a backhand return winner up the line off a short second serve finally prevailing to a thunderous ovation on the eve of Australia Day.

“It was always going to be a tough match tonight. She had a great win a couple of days ago and she played well,” an emotional Dokic said while fighting back tears while her equally pumped up coach Borna Bikic and boyfriend Tin celebrated over in the box.

“I was really exhausted physically, but I kept on fighting, and the crowd got amazing in that third set. It was hard to stay positive after I lost the second set and I went a break down in the third. But I kept on fighting and it paid off.”

When asked what expectations were entering the tournament, Dokic indicated that she just wanted to play a good opening match. But once she won, things changed along with any future plans and goals for the year that now has a woman who was ranked outside the top 600 last year back in the top 100.

“I wanted to put in a good performance in the first round and I achieved my goal for the tournament. This is just unbelievable. This is amazing. I was going to … have some days off and look forward to playing Fed Cup, but I guess those plans are scratched now.”

As for her next opponent, the No.3 ranked Safina should be a huge test. But compared to how her life was off the court, tennis must feel like a walk in the park.

“I’m not thinking about a semifinal. I’m just thinking about putting in a good match. I’m playing a girl who is probably the favourite for the tournament, so it will be a pure match with no pressure for me – but I would like to see how I can do against her.”

Murray Bounced: One of the Big Four was sent packing. No.4 seed Andy Murray was bounced out in the Round of 16 by No.14 Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who cameback from a set prevailing in five 2-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Murray had been battling a flu coming in but was simply outplayed by a very efficient Verdasco who showed off his improved fitness thanks to working with former Andre Agassi trainer Gil Reyes during the offseason in Vegas.

The talented lefty has always had a big ground game but never seemed able to produce that groundbreaking win needed to go deep into a major. That all changed tonight for the 25 year-old as he broke Murray midway through the final set and held twice converting a third match point on a short reply into the net by the tournament favorite.

Verdasco played better on the most crucial points in a match which was so close, Murray actually won one more point (138-137) despite the upset. Each player broke five times with only a winner (Murray-52, Verdasco-51) separating them.

With Murray gone, that leaves three favorites left in three-time Aussie champ Federer, defending champ Djokovic who defeated Baghdatis in four sets yesterday and top seeded Rafael Nadal who remained the only player to not drop a set dismantling No.13 Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the quarters a third consecutive year.

Nadal next faces No.6 Frenchman Gilles Simon who was up a set on countryman Gael Monfils when he retired citing a wrist injury.

Verdasco awaits the winner between last year’s runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No.9 American James Blake with the match ongoing. Tsonga leads 6-4, 6-4.

The other men’s quarters are set with Djokovic facing Andy Roddick once more with the 27 year-old No.7 American looking to avenge a loss in the same round at last year’s U.S. Open. Federer will take on No.8 Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro with the winner to get either Djokovic or Roddick.

Serena into quarters: American Serena Williams continued her odd year luck when talented Bulgarian opponent Victoria Azarenka was forced to retire due to a bad case of stomach poisoning despite leading 6-3. 2-4.

After outslugging Serena breaking her twice to capture the first set, it became evident that something wasn’t right with Azarenka who later informed reporters just how bad she was feeling when she woke up at 6 in the morning and puked.

At least four times following points, she pulled up and was breathing heavily eventually needing a timeout seeing a doctor while in the bathroom. But the time off didn’t help as she struggled just to stay on her feet with plenty of concern from fans along with her opponent who didn’t seem to care about a double match the next day with older sis Venus.

Azarenka was so dizzy it looked like she might passout making for a scary scene. Finally, after missing a backhand badly for 30-All down 2-4 in the set, she slowly walked to the net to concede fighting tears while Serena talked to her.

The talented 19 year-old future star was helped off the court by a doctor and trainer to applause. The good news is she was okay and able to answer questions explaining how hard a day it was. She’ll be back.

The No.2 seeded Williams next faces No.8 Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova who also had a brief day leading China’s Jie Zheng 4-1 before her opponent retired due to a wrist injury making it three players who couldn’t complete matches on Australia Day.

The other quarter was set with No.4 seeded Russian Elena Dementieva continuing her torrid start to the season with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over No.18 Slovak Dominika Cibulkova.

She’ll next meet improving unseeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro who kept it going by disposing of countrywoman Anabel Medina Garriques (21) 6-3, 6-2. Two rounds prior she knocked out Venus Williams and hasn’t let up not dropping a set in her last two wins proving her run isn’t a fluke.

Roger Federer's chase of Pete Sampras is still alive thanks to a hard fought comeback win from two sets down.

For two sets, Roger Federer couldn’t do anything with Tomas Berdych. It was the younger 23 year-old Czech who seemed to finally have all the right answers getting within a set of snapping a seven-match losing streak to the 13-time slam winner.

The last time he prevailed was when he was a teenager during a 2004 Olympics upset preventing Federer from even medaling in Athens.

Unfortunately, nerves got the best of Berdych dropping the third set before Federer steadied in time coming back from two sets for just the fourth time in his illustrious career pulling out a 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 Round of 16 win advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals.

“You’ve got to hang in there, there’s no other solution,” a relieved Federer said later. “Tried to weather the storm. He was hitting the ball so heavy and so hard. He pushed me to the limit.”

It was the aggressive nature of the dangerous No.20 seed which put the three-time Australian Open champ in such a huge hole. Berdych has always had the ability to be a top five player but never the consistency. However, on this day he was in top form outslugging Federer from the baseline ripping rockets from both sides of the racket for winners.

Berdych broke Federer right away and got a key insurance break needed to help put away the opening set. The second saw the 27 year-old Swiss break early but before he could sustain it, his focused opponent broke back keeping it on serve.

Part of Roger’s problems were due to his bread and butter forehand going off which made it even more difficult to deal with an accurate Berdych. Though he saved two break points before holding in the 11th game, the set eventually went to a tiebreaker.

Entering it, Federer had won four of the previous five versus the same foe but this time, it was Berdych who had all the answers getting a minibreak lead before sealing it with a crosscourt forehand winner pumping his fist.

Trailing by two sets, Federer twice broke Berdych but once again relinquished them in uncharacteristic fashion. But with a real opportunity to pull off the biggest win of his career, the younger Czech tightened up handing the seventh game over with three bad volley miscues including an overhead he bounced into the net to give a relieved Federer another chance. This time, he made good holding twice more including three aces in the 10th game to get back in the match.

Berdych began to become rattled following a crucial Deuce point in which he thought his forehand caught part of the line. However, his challenge couldn’t be overturned due to a rare technichality with the system which wasn’t working. It looked like it missed but an upset Berdych debated the call with the chair umpire before netting a volley to give Federer an early break in the fourth set.

One huge difference compared to the first couple of sets was Federer’s accuracy. He began getting Berdych in longer rallies due to outstanding defense with the strategy paying dividends with his opponent cooperating. Berdych committed 32 of 42 unforced errors in the last three sets while Roger made just 15 of 40 the rest of the way.

Beginning to wear down, Berdych called the trainer to tend to a left hamstring during a changeover near the end of the set. When he returned, he went back to his go for broke plan slugging the ball as hard as possible for winners. It nearly paid off but a resilient Federer fought off two break points dialing up his serve before drawing a long reply to square the match letting out a loud scream along with a double pump of the fists.

With his opponent broken, Federer loosened up saving his best tennis for the final set breaking Berdych twice to go up 4-0 before holding twice more. The end didn’t come easy as he blew three match points even double faulting to give his opponent one last look at a break chance.

However, in typical fashion he got a service winner and then followed up with two aces including one out wide on his fourth match point to finally clinch victory letting out a loud scream to cheers from the Rod Laver Arena capacity crowd.

“I enjoy those kind of fights. It doesn’t happen all the time. It’s always special,” Federer expressed after rallying from two sets down for the first time since 2005 against Rafael Nadal in Miami.

“I hope it’s a good omen. I feel like I could play a couple more sets, so that’s a good sign.”

The match took three hours and 28 minutes to complete but Federer looked like he could’ve gone even longer keeping a streak of quarterfinal appearances in slams alive extending it a record 20. His last defeat this early came at the hands of former French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten in Roland Garros back in 2004 of Round Three.

Federer will get another stiff challenge when he draws talented 20 year-old Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro. The No.8 seed cameback from a set defeating promising Czech Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

While it was anything but routine for the Federer Express, American Andy Roddick continued to roll along straight setting Spaniard Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-1, 6-3. The seventh seed who’s only dropped one set in making the Final Eight had 13 aces to none also playing solid baseline tennis converting five of seven break chances punctuating victory with a nice forehand service volley winner before raising his arms in salute.

Roddick has had a pretty easy draw aside from a solid second round challenge from wildcard Xavier Malisse. However, business should pick up for the charasmatic 27 year-old former 2003 U.S. Open champ where he’ll await the winner between defending champ Novak Djokovic and former Aussie runner-up Marcos Baghdatis who’s been in fine form since trailing Robin Soderling a set and two breaks in Round Two.

If the unseeded Cypriot brings his ‘A’ game, he could challenge Djokovic. If not, a juicy quarter between the 21 year-old Serb and Roddick would be on tap with possibly Federer waiting in the semis.

Jankovic Upset: The biggest upset of Day Six took place on the women’s side with No.1 ranked Jelena Jankovic bowing out in disappointing fashion falling to No.16 Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli 6-1, 6-4.

With the Serb’s game not there, it was her 24 year-old opponent who took early control jumping out to a 5-0 lead using her power game to pull off the upset. She doubled Jankovic in winners (34-17) while finishing off 10 of 12 points at net.

In particular, Bartoli punished Jankovic’s second serve winning a ridiculous 71 percent (17 of 24 points) on her way to five breaks.

“I was really confident because I played really well [in] my last match against (Lucie) Safarova,” the pleased former 2007 Wimbledon finalist noted to the AP. “I knew I could beat Jelena on a good day, it was just a matter of executing it … play the right shot at the right time and doesn’t make too much mistake[s].

“I was not overwhelmed by the situation, and I just went for my shot[s] and everything went in today. It was just a great match.”

Meanwhile, it was a setback for Jankovic who still has yet to breakthrough at a major and entered off her best result making her fist final losing to American Serena Williams in a very competitive straight set effort at the U.S. Open.

“I just started slow. I … was completely not moving my feet. I was late on many shots. I was really not there, for some reason,” Jankovic lamented.

“I don’t know why. When I tried to focus and get into the match, things just didn’t work out for me.”

She paid plenty of credit to her game opponent:

“I thought, you know, just my opponent was … on fire today, and she was hitting everything and really went for her shots. Most of those were going in.”

Instead of continuing the pursuit for her first major, that will wait until Paris. Bartoli will next meet No.7 Russian Vera Zvonareva, who ousted countrywoman Nadia Petrova (10) in two close sets 7-5, 6-4 to setup a quarterfinal match.

Meantime, No.3 Russian Dinara Safina was almost an upset victim herself but found a way to comeback from two breaks and match points down in the third defeating No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.

The recently turned 19 year-old Cornet who already had set a new career best in slams making the Round of 16 just couldn’t put away Safina, who twice had amazing comeback wins last year in Paris including one versus Maria Sharapova.

Might it have helped? By her reaction, you couldn’t tell:

“I am so lucky that I’m in the quarterfinals, she was one point away,” the younger sister of Marat Safin pointed out in overcoming eight double faults and 52 unforced errors. “My heart is still pumping so hard.”

No matter how she got there, she’ll await the winner between feel good story Jelena Dokic and talented Russian Alisa Kleybanova with the latter leading 5-4 in the first set.

Jelena Dokic continued her Aussie run upsetting Caroline Wozniacki.

She needed three sets again. At this point, you can bet Jelena Dokic doesn’t care.

The 25 year-old wildcard whose comeback story has been well documented overcoming her demanding Dad and a long battle with depression continued her amazing run advancing to the Round of 16 with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 upset over 11th seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki at Rod Laver Arena.

After committing 16 unforced errors to drop the first set, the popular Dokic who’s representing Australia seized command winning six of the next seven games with the thunderous ground game that once had her ranked in the top four before her life turned upside down.

She dominated the talented Wozniacki following a first set which saw the gifted 18 year-old serve six aces. Dokic dictated play smacking seven of 31 winners while limiting her opponent to only 12 total points easily capturing the second set to level the match.

After they exchanged early breaks in the final set, a resilient Dokic got the pivotal break of serve when during an extended rally that saw one of her forehands catch the baseline, she finished it off with a wicked backhand up the line pumping her fist to loud cheers.

It turned out to be the difference as she ran off the final four games breaking again in the seventh game before getting to 40-Love setting up three match points. Following a couple of miscues, the unseeded Dokic made no mistake ripping a forehand just out of Wozniacki’s reach sealing the victory.

Remarkably, it’s the first time during her career she’s made the second week of the Australian Open. Ironically, Dokic’s previous best result down under at Melbourne Park was in her debut as a then 15 year-old teenager when she got to the third round.

In fact, before her return which was made possible by winning wildcard matches last month, she hadn’t gotten past the first round since 1999 making this run all the more special.

Dokic will await the winner of the ongoing three set battle between No.5 Ana Ivanovic and 19 year-old Russian powerhouse Alisa Kleybanova with a chance to make the quarterfinals.

Before this tournament began, who would’ve thought it was possible? Given what she’s been through, the tennis must seem easy for Dokic.

There’s not a better story.

With Ivanovic digging out of a double break 0-3 hole squeaking out a second set breaker, she’s trying to make it a pretty good Day Five for women’s higher seeded players. Only Wozniacki didn’t advance.

Top seeded Jelena Jankovic prevailed over Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 6-4 and No.3 Russian Dinara Safina made quick work of Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-2 to advance to Round Four.

Also moving on were Russians Vera Zvonareva (7) and Nadia Petrova (10). No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet needed three sets to eliminate No.19 Slovak Daniela Hantuchova coming back for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory. Also going three was No.16 Marion Bartoli pulling out a third round win over Czech Lucie Safarova 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Updating the Ivanovic-Kleybanova encounter, the Russian strung the upset winning the final set 6-2 for a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 triumph. The biggest victory of her career. She’ll play Dokic next for a spot in the Final Eight.

Djokovic goes four to edge Delic: Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic was pushed hard by American Amer Delic but showed great fortitude advancing with a well earned 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory to advance to the Round of 16.

They split the first two sets making it anyone’s match due to the heavy serve and big ball striking of Delic. But a focused Djokovic was able to get the break he needed in set three with his aggressive opponent making enough errors.

However, a game Delic wouldn’t go away going shot for shot with the No.3 seeded Serb making for some entertaining tennis. It eventually needed a tiebreaker to decide and looked like it might go five when the American went up an early minibreak.

But it turned around when Djokovic stopped playing during a rally convinced a Delic shot was long challenging it. If he was wrong, he would’ve been in a 1-4 hole. Replays showed that the Serb had eagle eyes because it missed by about an inch leaving both players to grin before the pivotal next point was played.

A couple of Delic errors allowed Djokovic to go up a minibreak but the fun wasn’t over when one of the 26 year-old former Bosnian’s forehands was ruled out. He instantly challenged and when the replay showed it had caught the line, both players again laughed with the unseeded current Jacksonville, Florida resident giving his close buddy a thumbs up as if to say, ‘I gotcha back.’

Unfortunately, it was the last laugh because Djokovic had a little too much winning the biggest points to pull out the entertaining affair.

Showing good sportsmanship, the two hugged and congratulated each other on a well played match. If only the same could’ve been said off the court where some ugliness took place with a female getting hit by a chair forcing Australian Open security to toss out a few spectators.

It was a sad way to conclude such a great match.

In other men’s action, American Andy Roddick (7) kept it going with a straight set victory over 36 year-old veteran Magician Fabrice Santoro 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The 27 year-old whose best results down under have come in odd years making three semis blitzed Santoro with 22 aces and 50 winners.

He’ll next meet Tommy Robredo, who straight setted Lu Yen-Hsun 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. If Roddick wins, he could setup a U.S. Open rematch with Djokovic assuming the man they call Nole beats the Mardy Fish-Marcos Baghdatis winner currently underway.

Another men’s seed who advanced included No.8 Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, who needed four sets to eliminate Gilles Muller 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3, 7-5.

Meanwhile, gifted 20 year-old Croat Marin Cilic (19) ousted No.11 Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-4 setting up a Round of 16 match against Del Potro.

Also going on now is Stanislas Wawrinka (15) and Tomas Berdych with the 20th seeded Czech looking to finish off the Swiss in four.

As for the big third round match, Roger Federer has captured the first two sets over former 2005 winner Marat Safin leading 6-3, 6-2, 2-2. If Federer prevails, he would get Berdych who prevailed in four 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 matching his best result down under (2007, 2008-4th Round).

In case anyone didn’t catch it, Venus Williams is out. The sixth seeded older sister of three-time Australian Open champ Serena Williams was knocked out by shy Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro in three competitive sets 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena.

Her second round ouster is the biggest upset so far in the season’s first grand slam. While younger sis didn’t play her best saving six set points before coming back to straight set Gisela Dulko 6-3, 7-5, bigger sis couldn’t hold off 20 year-old Suarez Navarro, who following a shaky first set played outstanding tennis to string the upset.

The second-year pro warmed to the task riding an early break to claim the middle set. Despite being smaller in stature, the 46th ranked player began dictating play winning long rallies from the baseline with a punishing one handed backhand reminiscent of Williams’ retired slam killer Justine Henin.

As the match went on, Suarez Navarro became more confident standing her ground during points and going shot for shot with the seven-time slam winner.

Even falling behind a break 2-5 in the deciding frame didn’t deter the cool Spaniard’s focus. Instead, she ratcheted up her level even more striking the forehand better eventually breaking back with a forehand down the line for one of 26 winners to get within a game of squaring the match.

Not surprisingly, she still had to save a match point getting help from Venus on an errant return before holding to even it at five apiece.

Sensing an upset, the night time Laver Arena capacity crowd roared with approval pulling for the underdog. Continuing to be unfazed by the pressure, Suarez Navarro broke a second straight time drawing a Venus forehand a couple of inches wide to take a 6-5 lead.

Williams challenged but didn’t get the call leaving the talented Spaniard who cracked the quarters at last year’s French Open to serve for the match. After they split the first two points, Suarez Navarro got the better of the rallies taking the next couple setting up double match point to murmurs.

Despite being unable to convert the first chance misfiring wide, she didn’t allow Venus to get to Deuce taking control early during a well played final point whipping a crosscourt forehand which got a short reply into the net for the biggest win of her career.

The emotional Spaniard pumped her fist before being congratulated by a very gracious Williams, who later took the defeat well understanding that it just wasn’t her day. She didn’t perform poorly by any stretch breaking her opponent the same amount (Venus-4 of 8, Suarez Navarro-4 of 6) while netting two more winners (28-26) and even winning one more total point (89-88).

Unfortunately, it was Suarez Navarro’s big night. Following the huge upset, a grinning Spaniard had very little to say during a cute postmatch interview on court referring to Rod Laver Arena as “a big court, no?” to chuckles.

When asked by an Australian Open commentator what she did differently in the last two sets, she just laughed while a fan yelled, “She won.”

No matter how shy Suarez Navarro was, she was the better player on this day.

She’ll next meet another Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez for a spot in the Round of 16 with the winner of Anabel Medina Garriques-Flavia Pennetta awaiting.

Venus wasn’t the only seed to fall with No.14 Patty Schnyder sent packing by Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano 6-3, 6-1.

Seeded women who advanced to Round Three included No.4 Elena Dementieva, No.8 Svetlana Kuznetsova, No.13 Victoria Azarenka, No.18 Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, 2006 Aussie champ Amelie Mauresmo (20), No.22 Zheng Jie and No.31 Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko.

On tap for Day Five includes an enticing Round Three match between comeback kid Jelena Dokic and Denmark teen Caroline Wozniacki. Other potential good matches include No.16 Marion Bartoli taking on Czech Lucie Safarova and No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet battling 2008 semifinalist Daniela Hantuchova.

Blake through to Round Three: For a second consecutive round, American James Blake cruised prevailing in straights over Frenchman Sebastien De Chaunac 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

The 29 year-old No.9 seed whose best performance down under came last year when he reached the quarters made it a couple of good days in a row for American tennis with Mardy Fish setting up an enticing third round encounter versus former finalist Marcos Baghdatis along with Andy Roddick coming back to beat Xavier Malisse.

During an interview, Blake also noted the two set comeback by Amer Delic over tough ranked Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu. The vet will next have to deal with defending champion Novak Djokovic.

As for Blake, he’ll get a stiff challenge of his own from No.18 Russian Igor Andreev, who needed five before eliminating talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4.

Roddick will take on tricky 36 year-old Magician Fabrice Santoro.

Also needing five sets was 2008 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Mario Ancic, who won a battle of Croats ousting big server Ivo Karlovic 5-7, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

No.5 seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fought back to beat vet Ivan Ljubicic in four sets saving three set points in a pivotal third set breaker before taking firm control.

Both No.1 Rafael Nadal and No.4 Andy Murray had no trouble advancing on a day that was fairly good to seeded men with No.6 Gilles Simon, Gael Monfils (12), Fernando Gonzalez (13), Fernando Verdasco (14), Nicolas Almagro (17), Radek Stepanek (22), Richard Gasquet (24) and Austria’s Jurgen Melzer (31) moving on.

Federer/Safin Meet Again: The most anticipated match on Day Five will be a 2005 rematch between Roger Federer and unpredictable talented Russian Marat Safin.

It was four years ago that he got the better of the former No.1 saving match point in a fourth set tiebreak before pulling out an epic in five sets. He eventually went on to defeat Lleyton Hewitt in four for the title. It was the second and only other slam the former 2000 U.S. Open champ won.

At age 29, Safin has hinted this could be his final full year on tour which would be ashame as he’s truly one of the most talented players to ever pickup a racket. He’s kinda similar to Goran Ivanisevic, who wound up winning just won major finally taking Wimbledon in a five set classic over Patrick Rafter back in 2001.

Ironically, they’re both identical in terms of personality letting it all hang out giving fans plenty of entertainment. Whether it’s Safin screaming at himself in an unknown language, making a funny face or smashing a racket, he’s one of the most spirited players.

He’s always a good interview as well. But more than that, the big man can play. Thus far, he’s looked good winning his first two matches in straights. Can the most misunderstood player give Federer a run for his money tomorrow?

It shouldn’t be dull.

Jelena Dokic continued her comeback with a second round upset of Anna Chakvetadze.

Day Three at the Australian Open produced some upsets with 10th seeded Argentine David Nalbandian blowing a two sets to one lead bowing out in five to Lu Yen-Hsun.

It also saw the great comeback story of Jelena Dokic continue with the 25 year-old now representing Australia and getting plenty of love at Rod Laver winning her second consecutive three set match upsetting 17th ranked Russian Anna Chakvetadze 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-3. She advanced to a third round meeting against another seed No.11  Caroline Wozniacki, who prevailed over Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3, 6-3.

Using powerful groundstrokes which once saw her make the Wimbledon semis and climb all the way to No.4 in the world, the resilient Dokic who’s overcome a battle with depression had enough firepower in her arsenal to put away Chakvetadze, who wouldn’t go away easily in spite of 16 double faults including back-to-back clinching the victory for the adopted Aussie.

After she wrapped up the opening set 6-4, Dokic twice was up a break on Chakvetadze including serving for the match but couldn’t finish off a feisty opponent who broke back and eventually pushed the second set into a tiebreak taking four of the last five points to force a deciding set.

Part of it was due to some nerves for Dokic, who hadn’t been in this position in quite some time due to difficult circumstances which almost made her quit tennis for good. Instead, here she was being pushed the limit due to some solid play from Chakvetadze, who came up with a huge forehand winner crosscourt and then following a Dokic return winner forced an error pumping her fist.

But instead of wilting like she had a few years earlier in a similar spot blowing match points before falling in three, Dokic focused harder breaking her opponent, who struggled on serve all day a couple of more times. She converted six of 15 opportunities including the final one which was giftwrapped by a devastated Chakvetadze who couldn’t deal with the pressure.

After fighting off a match point for Deuce, she doubled for a 15th time setting up another match point. This time, Dokic wouldn’t even need to put the ball back in play as the Russian misfired badly twice more netting the second allowing the Serb to emotionally raise her arms to loud cheers from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

The successful result was significant as it allowed her to climb even further in the rankings and guarantee an automatic spot into the next grand slam in Paris. But for a player who’d been through so much stress off the court due to her demonstrative estranged father, Dokic who was reduced to tears a couple of days earlier about how huge a win the first round was sobbed into her towel afterwards.

These were tears of joy for a very deserving player who so far is making the most of a new life thanks to the support of her very loyal boyfriend of six years along with his brother who coaches her. They also were very emotional giving each other a bear hug.

This story is very special. Who knows how long it’ll last? Clearly, Dokic who hasn’t lost her talent will have her work cut out for her against the promising Wozniacki. A win could mean a Round of 16 date against last year’s runner-up Ana Ivanovic, whose play improved in Round Two easily dispatching of Alberta Brianti 6-3, 6-2.

The No.5 seeded Serbian next faces No.29 Russian Alisa Kleybanova who ousted Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in three sets.

In the other part of that section, 19th seeded Slovak Daniela Hantuchova will face No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet next after prevailing in three over Mathilde Johansson 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. While the 2008 semifinalist needed three, Cornet cruised dropping just one game in a routine win over Andrea Petkovic.

Other seeded winners included top ranked Jelena Jankovic and Japanese vet Ai Sugiyama with the two squaring off in the third round.

It didn’t come as easy for No.3 seeded Dinara Safina who cameback from a set down to triumph over countrywoman Ekaterina Makarova 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-0. The younger sister of Marat Safin next gets Kaja Kanepi who was a straight set winner losing only four games.

Also making Round Three were Russians Vera Zvonareva and Nadia Petrova with neither dropping a set. They could face each other in Fourth Round.

One other player to keep an eye on is 21 year-old Czech Lucie Safarova whose best slam result came down under two years ago when she made the quarters. Following a first round in which she dropped only four games against vet Sybille Bammer, she went the distance literally needing nearly two and a half hours before advancing over Marina Erakovic 6-1, 3-6, 9-7. The final set took 73 minutes to complete.

Safarova will try to keep it going against former Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli, who was a 7-5, 6-2 victor over Tsvetana Pironkova- best known for upsetting Venus Williams a couple of years earlier.

Speaking of Venus, she’ll be in action tomorrow along with younger sis Serena Williams as both look to advance into the third round. Russian contenders Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova also have second round matches.

American Andy Roddick elevated his game to oust Xavier Malisse on Day Three.

Roddick too tough for Malisse: Little did Andy Roddick know that his draw was becoming friendlier with Nalbandian unexpectedly exiting the earliest he has in the first slam in seven years.

While the 15 pounds lighter No.7 seeded American was elevating his level to comeback and dispose of wildcard Xavier Malisse 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (1), 6-2, amazing 36 year-old magician Fabrice Santoro cameback to defeat 32nd seeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber in five sets 5-7, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Instead of Andy having to beat a player he lost to last year, he’ll instead deal with Santoro’s tricks which were no problem for him at the U.S. Open last summer.

It’s worth noting that while Roddick’s second round triumph wasn’t easy against the streaky but talented Malisse, Santoro was suffering from severe cramps after his win needing to ice his legs while on the chair instead of celebrating.

For the American who hasn’t put himself in the serious running with top four favorites Roger Federer (easy Rd.2 winner), Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and defending champ Novak Djokovic (straight set win), he has a golden opportunity to make a deep run with Tommy Robredo or Lu waiting in the Round of 16.

Could a quarter date with Djokovic be on the horizon with No.3 seeded Serb a heavy favorite against young American Amer Delic, who needed five sets in upsetting Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu? It sure looks like it unless former 2006 runner-up Marcos Baghdatis spoils the party.

The talented yet streaky Cypriot who once trailed No.16 Robin Soderling by a set and two breaks sprung to life coming back to prevail in four sets 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 with some of those familiar big strokes of his on display while his hobbled opponent struggled due to blisters.

Baghdatis is a very streaky player and tonight got a boost from the crowd with many of his supporters urging him on. He found the range nailing timely aces and coming up with big shots from both sides of the racket even when Soderling was still pressing the action.

He’ll next meet 2008 U.S. Open quarterfinalist Mardy Fish who by admission is “streaky” and so far is on having posted a straight set win to setup an intriguing third round match-up. If the 27 year-old American serves big, he could get in the way of a potential Baghdatis-Djokovic clash.

Meanwhile, nothing will get in the way of a Federer-Safin third round match with the unpredictable Russian vet in fine form so far ousting Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in straights while the Federer Express cruised losing just six games while toying with Russian Evgeny Korolev.

Federer last met his former Australian conqueror last summer at Wimbledon where no matter how well Safin tried in his first ever semifinal appearance on grass, it didn’t matter because when the chips were down, Roger delivered.

At the very least with the unpredictable Safin, it should be entertaining.