Stefan should get ready for some more time in the limelight. Papa Novak hasn't let domestic bliss affect his game and with a rollicking start to the season, the toddler with Djokovic as his last name may well be ahead of the two sets of twins with the Federer moniker in the rolling stakes. The Serb was always the favorite to land a record fifth title on the Rod Laver arena and barring a slug fest against Stan a third year running, he never seemed to be out of cruise control. The limping stunt against Murray in the final was something Boris would not have masterminded but what counts in the final evaluation is that the Djoker now stands unparalleled on the sultry courts down under. Each of the top three now have their stamps of supremacy on one of the four grand slams and having them all play at the same time is a coincidence tennis is more than fortunate to witness. Whether the current world number one can break his Parisian duck will be clearer in a few months, but his place in the annals of the greats is beyond debate now. He is at the peak of his physical and mental abilities and a couple of productive years on the courts should certainly make sure he enters his name in the GOAT debate as well. Andy has bounced back splendidly and his back seems to be in good shape to take the load of top tier shot making. A third loss in the Aussie Open final would pinch, especially with the way he let that little mischief from Novak affect him. He is back in prime form now and should carry on challenging his conqueror in Melbourne for the biggest spoils right throughout the year. The other two of the quartet seem to have taken a few steps back and a way to the coveted titles would need to go through a Serbian confrontation.
Serena has had the measure of Maria for some time now. Sharapova's shrieks don't trouble her and neither do the Russian's forehands. That is because the American has a serve that stands in a league of its own and when that weapon fires, its impossible to get past her. With an 18th grand slam title, she is now just behind the legend of Graf in the numbers and getting there just looks a matter of when than if. The new brigade of the likes of Eugenie and Simona will need to find another gear to get past this old firm of ladies and going by the way the dice has rolled for the start of the season, it looks like experience will stand the test of youth for another year. It is difficult to look past the big four and the two ladies who competed in the final as contenders for the slams and that in itself is an ode to the longevity of these champions. We go into the break between the year's first two grand slams where the masters series take over with the favorites firmly in place.
The cricket world cup kicked off with a format as unpredictable as the rising of the sun. An extended group play to decide the quarter finalists is as much a drawl for the competition seeker as its a dream for the advertisers. A few needle games (how dearly would Pakistan want to change history tomorrow) should light up the otherwise soporific proceedings during the initial month of cricket. While the format may be designed to make sure the test playing nations have the best chance of progressing to the knock outs, it precludes the possibility of a fantastic run from one of the associates. Afghanistan have been the cricket story of the last few years. A war torn nation has managed to dilute some if its strife from it's cricket team's performances. Whether they kindle a miracle on the biggest stage is in the realms of doubt but an upset or two should make sure they make the governing body realize that the sport is played on the field and not in the boardrooms. The black caps along with their trans Tasman rivals started off in style with huge victories and the two co-hosts certainly look like ensembles that would go far in the competition. The Proteas come in with their talisman DeVilliers in fine fettle and would look to break the series of unfortunate circumstances befalling their team in the quadrennial show piece. Of the remaining five, who can make the last four is a betting man's game but its certainly not Russian Roulette. With their consistent ways of making the sporting ends of big tournaments only to play the bridesmaid too often, i would put my money on the Lankans to make the grade.