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The remarkable level of tennis on display at the 2008 Australian Open demonstrated that the game has gone to the next level. Novak Djokovic made it clear that the “big 2″ is now the “big 3″; while Jo Wilfred Tsonga sustained his fitness and thrilled the crowd with his athleticism.

This new level is based on the top modern players being able to attack and defend with equal proficiency. In the past one or the other would suffice. Hewitt defended his way to two grand slams, two Davis Cups and was twice year end #1; while champions Agassi and Sampras relied on dictating the play from the baseline and serve and volley. To compete for the major titles in the modern game players must be complete all court players.



A result of this shift is a super athlete - one powerful enough to generate big serves and forehands; but quick and agile enough to counter their opponents best shots. Tsonga looked like an “All Black Back rower” - but moved excellently. Djokovic, while not as muscular is a large and powerful presence on court and covers the baseline superbly.

During the US hard court season comparisons were made between Djokovic and Andre Agassi. Both men step in on forehands and backhands, refusing to concede court position by running around forehands all day. At the Australian Open Djokovic was a super charged Agassi - serving big on important points and moving and defending in a way Agassi never could. The Serbian can only dream of achieving Andre’s record and standing in the game, but at the 2008 Australian Open he played some scary tennis. How close he is to the “Great Swiss” cannot be determined until the end of a gruelling season. He is certainly a better twenty year old than Roger was.

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga thrilled the crowd in much the same way his country man Gael Monfils did one year previously. The key difference was of course Tsonga kept his level for two weeks (not two matches). The great tradition of French flair so predominant in great players Noah and Leconte is alive and well. The quality of the tennis in Tsonga’s semi against Nadal was as good as Federer can produce. The atmosphere he created at the end of the 1st set of the final has never been experienced in the Rod Laver Arena before. Tennis lovers can only hope he can keep fit, injuries have plagued his career, and become a consistent big time performer.

The 3rd example of the trend in modern tennis was witnessed during the Boys Final. Yang [pictured right] is sixteen and measures in at under 6 foot. Yet his serves averaged 210km/h for three sets (his % dropped away in the 3rd set). The crowd was gasping as he took the 1st set against the impressive Australian junior Bernard Tomic. This super athlete / tennis player is the future and the implications for tennis federations the world over is simple. They must seek the most talented athletes and not let other sports, particularly the various football codes, attract such a high percentage of the best available juniors if they wish to foster the next champion.

In a tournament full of highlights some of the other notable events included:- Bagdahtis vs Safin - Although an early round match, this battle between two of the crowd favourites was worthy of a semi final. The power both players maintained from the baseline for five sets was awesome; and the emotion of the match was thrilling. Bagdahtis vs Hewitt - Another emotional roller-coaster for Marcos that finished after 4am in the morning. This match was memorable just for the finishing time, but the five sets of drama that unfolded kept the crowd enthralled well past everyone’s bed time. Maria Sharapova - The Russian / US beauty was close to being written off as another one dimensional academy “ball basher”. The quality and variety of her game at the 2008 Australian Open took her beyond this description and an exciting future looms. The 6 - 4 6 - 0 thrashing she handed Henin in the quarter finals was played at the highest level. For Sharapova the most impressive aspect was how often she finished the point close to the net and her massive serving on the big points.

The amount of attention and glamour stirred by the players of the Australian Open makes it a wonderful event. These tennis players are truly amongst sports biggest stars on the world stage.

By Rufus Keown
Club Professional Coach
BBus (Mgt), Grad Dip Sport Mgmt
Co-founder http://www.globalsportscoaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rufus_Keown

Ever since I can remember, my love affair with dolphins has always been a restless force inside of me. As a child I was besotted with the intelligence and charm of “Flipper” in the TV series of the same name. And so, many years later, as an adult, having the opportunity to interact with these creatures one on one was indeed a dream come true.

Quite rightly, dolphins are vigorously protected by many laws which makes swimming with them in the wild an illegal activity. However, thanks to their conservation and education programs throughout the world, Sea World has been granted special approval by USA government to give visitors to it’s parks a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with dolphins “up close and personal”.

One of the very best of these facilities is Discovery Cove, Florida. Discovery Cove is a sister park to Sea World, and they are in fact located just across the road from one another. However, Discovery Cove is an theme park like no other.



With daily admittance numbers strictly monitored, you will have to book well in advance, because your day at Discovery Cove is an adventure from beginning to end.

Once inside the park, you will be awed by the sheer scale and beauty of your surroundings.

Following a brief orientation, and a complimentary photograph, you are supplied with wet suits, snorkels and masks. Once kitted out, the day is yours to do with as you please.

You can swim with sting rays and other tropical fish, glide safely alongside real sharks, feed the exotic birds housed in a stunning free flight aviary, or simply relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine on pristine sandy beaches.

A tasty lunch is also included in your admission fee, and there is a great selection to choose from, including vegetarian options.

But without doubt, the highlight of your day will be the dolphin swim itself. For me, after dreaming of this event for so many years, I was almost breathless with anticipation, and I am delighted to report that I was not disappointed in any way.

My time spent, swimming and playing with my designated dolphin, named “Star” was the most magical experience of my life. I was truly amazed at the connection we had, and once you have looked close into a dolphin’s eyes and witnessed for yourself the intelligence, unique personality and endless sense of fun, your life will never be the same again.

Almost moved to tears by the sheer wonder of the experience, I have been drawn back to relive the experience on subsequent trips to Florida, and each time has been even more magical.

Although Discovery Cove is not suited to everyone’s pocket, if you want a truly life changing experience, I cannot recommend this adventure enough.

Copyright 2005 Chris Neilson
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Chris Neilson is a professional writer and private Villa Owner who has an extensive knowledge of the Florida Travel Industry. He is also the senior copywriter for the well known Florida Vacation Rentals web site Orlando Villas ­ http://www.orlandovillas.com and the related Florida Guide - http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida_guide/
© Copyright Chris Neilson 2005 All Rights Reserved

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