short balls: tobin’s picks

Tobin Addington returns with a second installment of his fresh perspective column by taking a look back at the 2010 Australian Open.

My first major as a true tennis fan has come to an end. All in all, a great experience. Plus, now I have something to look forward to in the doldrums of January for years to come. Here are a few of my impressions:

Good Sport Award: Andy Roddick, laughing along with the expletive-laden ESPN fake commercial. Well handled.

Biggest Disappointment: Kim Clijsters exiting the tournament so early. I was looking forward to seeing her play more. Can’t help it; she’s got a compelling story.

Funniest Moment: I can’t decide. Either Venus‘s underpants or Victoria Azarenka‘s squeal-grunt. Seriously, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!

Most Worrisome Moment: Nadal‘s knee injury. I’ve developed real affection for the glowering 12-year-old-at-heart, and I’d hate to see him play less (or, God forbid, retire) now that I’m paying attention.

Coolest TV Coverage: The slow-motion shots of the players’ facial contortions as they hit the ball. Awesome!

Most Annoying Aspect of Aussie Open: The finals airing at 3:30 AM EST. Are you kidding me?! I know it’s Australia and all, but my bio-rhythms don’t allow those kinds of hours anymore.

Tennis Move I’m Now Trying to Incorporate into Daily Life: The fist pump. Every time something goes well at work, in the kitchen, on the street – I’m going to give that a shot. I’ll let you know how it works out.

What are your memories of the year’s first Slam??

(si photo via getty images)