Australian Open 2011 and Rally for Relief

As some of you may know, I am a huge tennis fan and love to photograph the players at the US Open. Starting Monday, well Sunday night our time, is the first Grand Slam of the tennis season for 2011 The Australian Open. They are about 16 hours ahead of me as I am in Eastern Standard time and this can be tuff to keep track of matches going on....here are some of my picks to watch at this year's Aussie Open......

Maria Sharapova - always a threat and a great competitor - newly engaged as well

Juan Martin DelPotro - from Argentina - winner of the 2009 US Open - out most of all of last year with a wrist injury -

Jelena Jankovic from Serbia - one of my faves and I am hoping she can break thru and win a Grand Slam -

Vera Zvonareva - one of the 37 players from Russia - ranked #2 in the world and playing excellent tennis

Ernests Gulbis from Lativa only 1 of 2 players from that country ....

I prefer the long hair of 2010 to that of 2009...what do you think? He is ranked 24 and still young but can surprise us I think .....

Victoria Azarenka is ranked 10 in the world and she is from Belarus

With the terrible flooding taking place in Australia, the players are holding a Rally for Relief exhibition match on Sunday Jan 16 ..the eve of the Australian Open. Here is more information:

The stars of Australian Open 2011 are donating items to help flood victims in Queensland.

Following the Rally for Relief exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday 16 January " the eve of Australian Open 2011" you will be able to bid on a range of player goods.

Tennis racquets, shoes and shirts are among the items being donated for auction on the Australian Open's official eBay store.

From now until 48 hours after the men's final on 30 January you will be able to bid on your favourite item.

Keep returning to this page for more information about goods for sale and a description of what has been offered by Australian Open players.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur and former Queensland tennis star Patrick Rafter have rallied around victims of the Queensland floods. A third of the state has been declared a disaster zone.

"Along with many of the other players I was moved by the devastation caused by the floods in Australia," Federer said. "We just wanted to do something to help aid the recovery because we know there are thousands of Australians who will continue to suffer as a result of this disaster."

"This is a terrible tragedy, not only the loss of life but the destruction of people's homes," Nadal said. "I am pleased to be able to contribute in some way to help bring it to the attention of the world and raise some money for the victims in the process."

Take part in the Rally for Relief eBay auction.