Australian Open 2010 - A Lesson in the ATP and WTA Tour

I had a most excellent day in NYC yesterday....lots of info for future posts but today is dedicated to my other hobby...tennis ..photography... In about 2 hours the first "grand slam" of the year will start in the wonderful land down under. I attend the US Open tournament in Flushing Meadows, Queens every year (since 1997 I am proud to say) ....Here are some of the great men's and women's players trying to win this title which each side will win $2 million dollars ...(how many shoes would that buy??) .........

Maria Sharapova - Russia - One of my fave shots I took of her last year's US Open - Probably the most recognized player on the wta tour aside from Williams sisters.......coming off a shoulder injury .....to play  ...

also from Russia Maria Kirilenko - ranked currently 58 but has been as high as 18 in the world......Russia produces many great women's and men's players .........

Juan Carlos Ferraro - ranked 23 but former Grand Slam Champion ...not sure whether he is playing but he is a cutie, isn't he? Spain is a great tennis nation and has produced also ........

Rafael (Rafa) Nadal - one of the best players , defending champion of the tournament and currently ranked #2 in the world...Rafa is playing in the night session ....Go Rafa !!!!

Dinara Safina, from Russia, currently ranked #2 in the world and runner up last year to Serena Williams in the final ...she is playing tonight and well ....Go Dinara !!!

Marat Safin ..from Russia...former champion in 2005 and Dinara's big brother...not playing ...retired last year and we are missing him already. I am sure he is quite enjoying his retirement...he'll be 30 this month...wouldn't it be nice to retire at 30 years of age??

Here's to a great night of tennis from all !!! and as they say in Oz ...G'day ...

all photos taken by myself..please do not reproduce......thanx!!!