Australian open 2012 Features

Novak Djokovic has that unbeatable feeling. And well he should.

Novak Djokovic tore off his shirt, flexed his sinewy muscles and roared in celebration, but for once the machismo was not misplaced.

Strutting, chest-thumping Novak Djokovic last year produced one of the greatest seasons in tennis history, and he has signalled his intent for 2012 with an astonishing Australian Open win.

Roger Federer barely broke sweat in reaching the Australian Open semi-finals, producing some of his finest tennis at the age of 30. Then he ran into Rafael Nadal - again.

On one side is the 'haaah', and on the other is the 'aaagh', and in between, a bit of tennis. Welcome to the Scream Queen final, where every shot will be heard around the world.

The supposed top player in the world for the past 15 months has played in 20 Grand Slam tournaments since 2007 but only made one final, more than two years ago, which she lost.

The challenge system is proving, well, challenging for the top men at the Australian Open.

Rod Laver brushes aside the bird nuisance at Melbourne Park, something positive comes out of Marcos Baghdatis' racquet rage and Caroline Wozniacki receives an honour.

Notoriously noisy Maria Sharapova slapped down questions over her loud shrieking Wednesday after she was singled out for criticism during a push for quieter women's tennis at the Australian Open.

When Rod Laver beat Roy Emerson to win the Australian Open title in 1962, the event was played on grass in Sydney and, as an amateur, he took home no prize money.