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Just before they are done Down Under

Some ranting before they wrap things up in Melbourne.

I really dislike watching one-sided matches. They are not only sometimes disheartening but they are also often BORING. And I can't stand commetators ooh-ing and ah-ing about the better player's better shots. I mean, shouldn't we expect the better player to hit better?

Then, there's the matter of the glinting watch face. An excerpt from Serena Williams' interview when she was asked about the watch:

Q. Commentary on Channel 7, an allegation that someone in your box using the reflection from their watch in the sunlight to try and distract your opponent. It was something that Nicole has denied. What was your response to it?
SERENA WILLIAMS: "Ha‑ha‑ha‑ha." That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard. As if anyone would do that on purpose. I think everyone wears watches these days, except for me. Most people do. So, yeah, ha‑a‑ha, like I said. That's so funny.


This sure beats the complaints about fathers coaching and holding up bananas, water bottles and hand signals from the sidelines.

Well, pretty Miss Only Seventeen Years Old, at whom the glints were supposedly directed, did not notice the watch.

Actually, it looks so hot out there. The glare from the sun is probably worse than anything.

A nice touch during the other ladies' semi-final. Sharapova said of the retiring Kim Clijsters: 'She's such a champion on and off the court.'

It really sounds like many people will miss Kim. I'm happy for her that she has come into her own these last couple of years or so, after playing in Justine's shadow for so long. Somehow, every time I watch her matches, I also remember a certain person in her players' box cheering for her with such gusto... but... I guess it's time for a new chapter in her life. Hope she plays in at least one of this year's remaining Grand Slam finals.

And, let's hope tomorrow's final will be a match worth watching.

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