Day 12 of the Australian Open

Roger Federer once again showed his dominance in Grand Slam events, by laying a whipping on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.  Federer looked as if he had something to prove, or a message to be sent to his next opponent Andy Murray, and the world.  Federer was in the zone, able to make shots from all areas of the court.  After the match saying "Tonight was one of those nights where I had an extra split second to think where i was going to play the ball."  When the greatest player of all-time is focused and on his game there isn't much you can do, other than sit back and take your punishment like a man.  And that is just what Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did, he absorbed a thrashing.

Also in Womens doubles, the Williams sisters won the doubles title in straight sets over Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6-4, 6-3.

Day 13 Preview:  WOMENS FINAL

The womens final is the match of the day at Rod Laver Arena.  The ladies final will be played during the evening, featuring the #1 seed Serena Williams and Justine Henin. 

This match will be all about toughness.  Henin has struggled in a few of her previous rounds, but found a way to win.  Serena has struggled as well on occasion, but seems to find an extra something when being pushed or in trouble, and facing being eliminated.  Both women are mentally tough, probably the toughest on tour, and its no coincidence that this toughness has brought them to the finals.  Serena has been hampered by a bum leg and in her semifinal win she looked exhausted.  Henin hasn't really been showing strains physically, her strains have come from a inconsistent serve and getting some of the court rust off after almost 2 years away from the game.

Its all going to come down to who wants it more.  Both women I feel really want it, but there is something about Serena Williams, that when she is pissed off, and motivated she is scary.  Henin has owned the Williams sisters in the past, and has beaten Serena the last 3 times they faced each other in a Grand Slam event.  That streak will probably come to an end in the final.  Serena even hobbled is playing like she is on a mission, and will not be denied of defending her crown.  Couple that with Henin's unimpressive play during most of the tournament, it looks like it will be a bad night for the Belgian.  I'll be rooting for Justine, but I like Serena in straight sets. 7-6, 6-3.