Novak Djokovic - Australian Open 2011 Winner

Serbian World No. 3 Novak Djokovic won his second Australian Open crown defeating Scotsman Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets convincingly....

In his victory speech, Djokovic paid tribute to the victims of the floods in Queensland and dedicated the victory to his homeland, Serbia. "This is for my country," Djokovic said. 

 

Australian Open 2011 Champion Novak Djokovic

 

Britan's Andy Murray congratulates Novak Djokovic on his Australian Open victory

  

2011 Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic with runners up Andy Murray

Andy Murray failed to end Britain's near 75-year drought in men's singles Grand Slams. The last British man to win a Grand Slam singles title was Fred Perry at the 1936 US Open.. quite a while back.. Hope his chance comes pretty soon...

 

Serbian Novak Djokovic posing at Melbourne Cricket Ground with his Australian Open Trophy

With his second grand slam (both Australian opens), Djokovic has made his intentions clear.... it'll no more be a battle between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the slams... there is a third one in the picture now Novak Djokovic....

Pictures courtesy: Australian open site

Kim Clijsters - 2011 Australian Open Women's Champion

Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters won the Australian Open women's grand slam title for the first time defeating Li Na of China 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In her victory speech, Clijsters touched on the loss of her father two years ago, the delight of snaring her first Australian Open and even mentioned the Melbourne dentist who fixed her chipped tooth two weeks ago.
But it was embracing her "Aussie Kim" nickname that locals will remember. She has been stuck with the tag despite the end to her five-year relationship with Lleyton Hewitt seven years ago.

"Now I feel you guys can call me 'Aussie Kim' because I won the title," Clijsters said.

 

Kim Clijsters after winning the Australian Open with runners up Li Na

 

This is Kim Clijster's fourth grandslam and first Australian Open title

 

Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters with her daughter Jada Ellie and husband Brian Lynch

 

Australian Open champion Kim Clisters enjoyed a nice walk at Brighton Beach the next day 

 

'Aussie Kim' as the Australian crowd fondly calls her finally proved worthy of the name

 

Kim Clijsters with family at Melbourne after Australian Open victory

Pictures courtesy: Australian open site 

Justine Henin announces retirement again...

Belgian former women's world number one Justine Henin announces retirement from professional women's tennis again.

The 28-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion announced her retirement on her official website yesterday, a serious right elbow injury cutting short the 'second innings of her career'.

Belgian women's tennis legend Justin Henin retires again

The Belgian was knocked out of the 2010 Australian Open in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova. She entered the tournament having not played an official match since injuring her elbow against reigning U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters in June.

"I have undergone several tests the past few days, confirming that my elbow has sustained a lot more damage during my adventure in Australia," the 28-year-old Belgian said on her website.

She was ranked No. 1 when she abruptly announced her retirement in 2008, only to return 20 months later and reach last year's Australian Open final. She partially tore a ligament in the elbow in a tumble at Wimbledon last year and hasn't been the same since.

"It is clear now that I have to accept that my career ends for good," said Henin, currently ranked No. 13. "Even if it is hard, very hard, at a time when I came back with enormous fighting spirit."

Henin acknowledged as much to the fans in her farewell letter.
"If there is one thing I could regret, it is that I protected myself too much and could not be closer to you. I hope you will forgive me," she said.

Looking back at some of memorable pictures of Justine Henin.... 

Henin won the "Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2008"

Justine Henin possessed a lethal backhand...a stylish one- handed stroke that blistered opponents... I always felt that she is the "Female Federer".
Henin has won four French Opens, two U.S. Opens and one Australian Open before quitting the game in May 2008 because she wanted a “new start” in life....

Justine Henin also served as the UNICEF Goodwill ambassador during her first break of retirement in 2009

A wonderful portrait picture of Justine Henin... a true women's tennis legend that people would remember...

 We'll  definitely miss you Henin!!!

Wish You All The Best...