I've always loved the Australian Open. To be more accurate I've always loved the Australian Open aside from its schedule in the calendar. To have a slam so early in the year has always struck me as being wrong but it's not going to change so there's no point moaning about it!
What I do love is the heat, the atmosphere, the late nights and the great stories the tournament invariably throws up.
Roger Federer has been THE story for the past couple of years. Now the proud holder of 20 grand slam titles he continues to float around the court before delivering his assortment of killer blows. I went out on a limb recently by predicting this will be his last full year on the tour.
Believe me I hope I am wrong!
Whatever happens let's just enjoy everything he has to offer for now. A return to Number one in the world beckons. Follow his progress in Rotterdam on SKY SPORTS this February.
Watching Caroline Wozniacki win her first grand slam title brought a tear to my eye. Harshly criticised by many when she topped the rankings a few years ago having not won a major she has overcome plenty of adversity to finally reach the promised land. I only hope the gallant Simona Halep lays her hands on some serious silverware in the not too distant future. Both players fought magnificently throughout to reinvigorate the womens game at a time when more questions about equal prize money and the financial state of the sport in general are being raised.
SKY will have coverage of Rotterdam, Rio and Dubai over the next few weeks before we head to the California desert for the first Masters event of the year in Indian Wells.
Enjoy, and may your favourite players scale new heights.