Firstly, this is a couple of days late. Why? Because it’s the New Year and Crikey is getting back into the swing and I have been swamped.

But the real reason is that for me, the Australian Open doesn’t truly begin until Lleyton Hewitt is kicked out. I, for one, welcome David Nalbandian as my new tennis overlord.

Anyhow, to continue with the Lleyton theme; one observation — why was former Number 1 ticket holder of the Adelaide Crows wearing the colours of hated enemy Port Adelaide last night? He was doomed for failure from the beginning (and this isn’t a swipe at Port, rather just poor karma from Hewitt):

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Anyway, kudos to Deadspin for pointing out that an albino was hired as a linesman for the Australian open:

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Or is it Corey Worthington’s father?

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So, dear reader, what chance are our remaining Australian hopes in Tomic, Stosur and Molik? Who will win the men’s and women’s titles? Why wasn’t Victorian batsman Brad Hodge selected as a wild card entry?

And while this author has not been down to Melbourne Park to watch a spot of tennis as of yet, my mum — visiting from Perth — has. And she just had such a wonderful time. It really is a world class event.

Hail Nalbandian!