Why You Should Watch The Final(s) For The Australian Open

            Of the four Grand Slam majors in tennis, the Australian Open tends to be the one that's most overlooked. It might be because it's the first Grand Slam major of tennis season. Or it could be because you'd have to stay up until (or wake up at) 3:30 AM in America just to watch. However, this Australian Open has been entertaining due to its exciting action and numerous upsets. Here's a couple reasons why you should make reservations to watch both the men's and women's final in the "Land Down Under".
            The men's side offers a classic rivalry between Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal. These two have played each other 34 times, with Nadal leading the all-time series 23-11. Both Federer and Nadal are the only pair of men to finish in the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour for six straight calendar years. If you want another reason to watch, check out this tie-break between the two at Wimbledon in 2008.

            Now if you want a reason to watch the Women's Australian Open Final, it's between the Williams sisters. The dominant Serena Williams will face off against her older sister Venus in what will simply be known as a 'sibling rivalry'. The ageless American sisters have combined for 120 women's singles titles (71 won by Serena) and 29 Grand Slam titles (22 won by Serena). Both sisters have been ranked as the world's No. 1 at some point in their career and have exuded their dominance among the women's field. The Williams sisters have won 21 doubles titles together, which includes 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles and three Olympic gold medals. The Williams sisters are the only two women during the "open era" to play each other for four straight Grand Slam finals. Serena holds the edge in the rivalry, 16-11.

            Now I know that there aren't many tennis fans in America (especially when being compared to baseball, basketball, and football). However, if you're willing to commit some time to watching both finals of the Australian Open, you shouldn't be disappointed. Two great tennis rivalries should be enough to sway you to stay up until 5:30 in the morning just to watch these two matches.

Photos Courtesy of CNN and India.com