News & Features

As we look ahead to the start of the upcoming 2007 tennis season there is plenty to be excited about. At the top of everyone's list is the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open. Last year's Aussie Open saw Amelie Mauresmo win her first Grand Slam. Roger Federer won his second Australian Open, and his third Grand Slam tournament in a row. We also witnessed the return of Martina Hingis who made the quarterfinals, and the coming-out party for Macros Baghdatis who made it all the way to the finals. This year's Australian Open should be nothing short of spectacular!

Speaking of Baghdatis, his finals appearance is reminiscent of past years. It seems as though every year there is a dark horse who unexpectedly makes at least the semifinals. The Australian Open becomes the big breakthrough in their career. Unfortunately for some, it was not only their first, but also their only Grand Slam win. Thomas Johansson (2002), Petr Korda (1998), and Brian Teacher (1980) are all past Australian Open champions who never won another Grand Slam. For others, winning the Australian Open became a springboard for additional Grand Slam wins. Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis both won their first Grand Slam titles down under.