As many of us were expecting the bubble has burst for Aussies backing players from their home country. Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt are out, and Croatian Marin Cilic is looking like an unexpected, but strong contender for the title! An all Chinese final is even possible, some pundits are saying, with the advancement of Li Na and Jie Zheng to the quarter finals. We look at what's going on for day 9, and what went on for day 8.
Where the Ball will Fall: Match Win Predictions
Day 9
Jie Zheng(CHN) vs. Maria Kirilenko(RUS): Maria Kirilenko has been known for taking down high ranked players this final. Perhaps a lower ranked one will finally end her run - odds are in favour of Jie Zheng, 1.72 to 2.15
Andy Roddick(USA)[7] vs. Marin Cilic(CRO)[14]: It's close! Marin Cilic's odds are 2.35 compared to Roddick's 1.60
Justine Henin(BEL) vs. Nadia Petrova(RUS)[19]: Henin is the favorite - 1.42 to 2.92.
Court Out: Random Aus Open News
Day 8
We've heard rumours that Lleyton Hewitt could face more hip surgery after his match with Federer last night. Nobody can say he didn’t give it his all.
How could we ignore Venus William's flesh coloured underwear? Her outfit looked as if she had no knickers on at all. She was enthusiastic, some fans were, and some were not. Personally, I'd think all that attention would be distracting - but she still managed to win against Casey Dellacqua.
Quotes of the Day
Roger Federer talks about staying at the top: "I think you definitely need it [mental strength] to stay at the top of the rankings for so long ... You have to be mentally strong to be at the top no matter - regardless of the player you are ... I know I've got the game, and this is very important that you know that you have it."
Twitter Sez…
--- Hannah_x_chiefs All four of my hopes for the australian open are gone:(, so now its up to Roddick or Nadal to step up and take that ass Federer down!
--- Steven544 Federer whips Hewitt in straight sets. LLEYTON Hewitt could face more hip surgery after exiting the Australian Open last night.
--- superkevv Watching Australian open. Can't see Murray beating nadal tomorrow if I'm honest.