The better team won. Sidney Crosby got it started appropriately enough with a power play goal from where else but in front rebounding home a Sergei Gonchar shot. Eight seconds later when grinder Craig Adams tallied his first career postseason goal off a horrible Washington breakdown, that foretold a long night for Alex Ovechkin and the Caps who were just outclassed by a better Pens team 6-2 in the nation’s capital.

How bad a beatdown was it? The Caps had an egregious 11 giveaways after one period yet only trailed by two thanks to rookie netminder Simeon Varlamov. However, that didn’t stop the Pens all out attack from chasing the poor 21 year-old Russian with veteran Bill Guerin and defenseman Kris Letang scoring 1:44 apart before the 2:15 mark of period two.

By then with Jose Theodore in, it was fairly obvious that the home club just wasn’t right and wouldn’t be able to overcome their defensive deficiencies. In particular, Alex Semin and Mike Green had nightmarish games each turning the puck over four times while finishing a combined minus-five. Both players failed miserably in this series and will now get all summer to contemplate what went so wrong.

Jordan Staal scored the Pens’ fifth straight from in front setup by Miro Satan, who actually showed more of a pulse than the aforementioned MIA Cap stars. He had two assists finishing the series with four helpers. Not bad.

Of course, Ovechkin tried all game to lift his sagging team but it just wasn’t to be. Yes. He scored a gift wraparound into an open net following the only real mistake Marc-Andre Fleury made. But by then, his eighth goal of the series came unassisted cutting it to 5-1 with 21:51 left in their season.

Perhaps the turning point came early when the Great 8 got a breakaway getting past Rob Scuderi but Fleury didn’t go for the deke making a great lightning like glove save to deny the league’s Rocket Richard winner. Soon after, Shaone Morrisonn took an unnecessary slashing penalty which Crosby converted. Then Adams scored going five-hole on Varlamov stunning the sea of red. The Caps never recovered getting outshot 16-5.

They just were never in it. Crosby setup Guerin, who beat Varlamov with a clean unscreened wrister from the right wing 28 seconds into the second. Then Evgeni Malkin dished across for Letang, who was a star in this series netting his third goal. It was his overtime winner in Game 3 that gave the Pens enough life to rally back from a 0-2 deficit victimizing the Caps again for a third consecutive time. They’ve only lost one series to them in eight.

So, a great series had a small conclusion without any drama. I can only recall the year the Red Wings won the Cup in 2002 when Patrick Roy laid an egg against Dominik Hasek following his Game 6 gaffe that the Avs never recovered from. I think the score was something like 8 7-0. Well, I was close.

It was a sad way for it to end. Fittingly, with the Caps shorthanded trailing by four early in the third, Ovechkin was out for a rare PK shift. With the team pressing shorthanded, Green foolishly forced a pass back instead of shooting. Then Ovie tried to make a move and Crosby cleanly stripped him and walked in on a clean breakaway from the red line faking before opening Theodore’s five-hole. It was the Pens’ captain’s series matching eighth goal of the series. He was every bit as brilliant as Ovechkin finishing with 13 points. Sure. Maybe AO had 14 but who cares? His team lost. Not his fault. But hey. It’s a team oriented game.

After the handshake between the two stars, Crosby gave credit to his team’s D which was very underrated in this series. Letang played well as did Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill, who each saw plenty of Ovechkin. Even Mark Eaton contributed in both ends and Brooks Orpik played his traditional physical style. In the end, the Pens’ superior blueline was too much for the Capitals to overcome. It was nice to see Gonchar comeback and play netting an assist on Crosby’s opener which set the tone. And during the handshake, there was Ovechkin talking with his fellow countryman about the knee on knee collision. It looked like an apology. You could tell the respect they had for each other.

The Caps did try hard the rest of the period but only got a hardworking goal from the gritty Brooks Laich, who combined with Tomas Fleischmann. But 6-2 was as close as they would get with the Pens shutting it down the rest of the way.

Credit the Cap fans who remained for sending their team off the right way with cheers and chants of, “Let’s Go Caps, Let’s Go Caps, Let’s Go Caps!!!!!” It had to be extremely difficult to know their team would once again fall short against an old Patrick nemesis. But they did themselves proud standing and saluting their team who did likewise at the bitter end.

And so this epic battle has come to an end. Now, the Pens await the Carolina-Boston winner in another Game 7. Hopefully, that will be a little more competitive.

Here are the Pens in their second straight Conference Final though. A pretty darn good accomplishment considering where they were when Michel Therrien got axed. Dan Bylsma’s done a great job. But so too were the deadline moves for Guerin, Chris Kunitz and even Adams, who improved to 3-0 in Game 7′s. He was on the 2006 Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes. So go figure that he’d save his first ever postseason goal for tonight helping crush Cap hopes.

With it now finished, there’s little doubt who the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe is. That would be Sid The Kid who’s played unbelievably leading by example. Some say he scores all his goals from in tight. So, they’re not as flashy as Ovie. But they all count the same. And last I checked, going to the net is required to score in crunchtime. I still don’t like Crosby when he gripes to the refs but the man has played great this Spring. Let’s give credit where it’s due.

Funny but in some aspects, he reminds me of a better Zach Parise with more skill. Doesn’t Parise score most of his goals from in close? Pretty much. And he’s solidified himself as a top six forward.

And so, Crosby’s Pens live to play another day. Who will it be? We’ll know sometime tomorrow night.

In almost 24 hours, the second season will get started for John Tortorella’s Rangers when they visit superstar Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in D.C.  If they did what was required by winning the final three to earn a fourth straight trip to the postseason and the East’s No.7 seed, then by no means will they be favorites against an explosive offense led by the game’s best player.

What the Rangers will attempt is to neutralize Ovechkin attacking a suspect D and veteran goalie Jose Theodore as much as possible, utilizing the more aggressive style that helped salvage a disappointing season. They should be able to score in this series and will call upon Henrik Lundqvist to come up with the momentum turning saves. If they get the goaltending, then perhaps an upset could be in the cards.

Let’s take a look at how the old Patrick Division rivals- who haven’t met in the playoffs since 1994 when the Blueshirts ousted the Caps in five games Conference Semis en route to a Stanley Cup- stack up:

FORWARDS-It’s pretty obvious that the high powered Capitals should have a decided edge boasting league leading finisher Ovechkin (56 goals, 110 Pts) along with super soph Nicklas Backstrom (22-66-88), Alex Semin (34 goals, 79 Pts, +25) and roving defenseman Mike Green (31-42-73, +24 in 68 GP), who basically is an extra threat who must be contained. Their secondary scorers shouldn’t be underestimated either featuring Brooks Laich (23 G), Tomas Fleischmann (19 G), Viktor Kozlov (41 Pts), Eric Fehr (12 G) along with the proven Sergei Fedorov (22 assists) and Michael Nylander (24 A). All this explains why Washington finished third in offense behind only Detroit and Boston.

Conversely, the Rangers had the third worst offense totaling only 200 goals excluding the shootout. It will take a total team effort. Their best players must perform which means Scott Gomez (16-42-58, 7 GW) must elevate his game off a disappointing second year on Broadway. Nik Zherdev (23-35-58) was up and down all season and awfully quiet down the stretch. That can’t happen. Chris Drury (22-34-56, 10 PPG) came on the final month but missed the final game and didn’t practice. He must be healthy. Nik Antropov (7-6-13 in 18 GP) has been a solid contributor whose size and skill have been a welcome sight. Top finisher Markus Naslund (24 goals) did little until the last week. Is that a good sign? Expect the Blueshirts to get contributions from Ryan Callahan (22 goals, SHG, +7), Sean Avery (12 Pts in 18 GP, 34 PIM) and rejuvenated soph Brandon Dubinsky (13 G, 28 A, 7 GW). Each must get involved physically.

Edge: Capitals

DEFENSE-Green (25:45 TOI) headlines a group that is solid but unspectacular. That includes former Ranger ‘fan fave’ Tom Poti (13 Pts, 28 PIM in 52 GP), who gets important minutes (21:08) as does Jeff Schultz (19:45). Milan Jurcina and John Erskine provided physicality and Shaone Morrisonn can move the puck. Bruce Boudreau will rely on Green a ton in all situations. They can be attacked.

A huge storyline to this series is how Marc Staal (15 Pts, 64 PIM, 21:07) will fare against Ovechkin. Tortorella has used the former 2005 No.1 pick along with partner Dan Girardi (18 helpers, 53 PIM, 21:31) as a shutdown pair. Both will need to be physical on Ovechkin limiting time and space. It will be trial by fire. Wade Redden (23 assists, 51 PIM, -5) has been a nightmare but does log crucial minutes (22:20). Michal Rozsival (8-22-30, 3 PPG, 22:30) has looked better since returning playing more steady which must continue. It would also help if he shot the puck. Paul Mara (5-16-21, 94 PIM  in 76 GP) quietly was the Rangers’ best defenseman and Derek Morris (8 A, 4 PPA, +3 in 18 GP) has been a good pickup showing the ability to make good reads along with smart outlets. He also has a rocket from the point.

Edge: Rangers

GOALIES-Washington GM George McPhee gambled on Theodore to replace Cristobal Huet. The one-time Hart/Vezina winner has been alright posting a 32-17-5 record along with a 2.87 GAA, .900 save percentage plus two shutouts. On most teams, those mediocre numbers wouldn’t be good enough. But on a high scoring run and gun team, it has. He’ll be asked to make timely saves in this series. Will he be up to the challenge? He’s the wild card in the series.

Henrik Lundqvist was an NHL All-Star for the first time establishing a new career high in wins (38) while putting up solid numbers across the board (2.43 GAA, .916 Sv Pct, 3 SHO) on a lowscoring team. It’s true enough he wasn’t always consistent but enters playing his best hockey of the season. He’ll have to be in tip top form and might need to steal a couple of games. This will be a huge test.

Edge: Rangers

Special Teams-Special teams are always important at this time of year. The good teams execute cashing in on opponents’ mistakes. This series pits the No.2 rated power play (Wsh-25.2) against the top ranked penalty kill (NYR-87.8 percent). Even though the tandem of Blair Betts and Freddy Sjostom are as good as it gets, it’s still advisable for Tort’s club to stay disciplined. The Caps have many weapons which is why it might be wise. The Ranger PK can attack having scored nine shorthanded goals and the Cap PP did give up 11 during the season.

As for the Ranger powerless play, they’ve driven fans nuts all year placing second to last converting at only a 13.9 clip. If there’s an area the coach must get untracked to win this series, it’s the man-advantage. They also allowed the second most shorthanded goals (14) in the league with just Calgary (15) worse. The encouraging news is they haven’t permitted one since the coaching change. Washington’s PK was middle of the pack (80.6 percent-tied 17th) but scored seven SHG.

Edge: Even

Coaches-Boudreau is in his second year and has guided the Caps to two consecutive Southeast Division Titles. He’s certainly done an admirable job turning this team into one of the better ones in the league. He can motivate. The question is what did he learn from last year’s first round ouster to the Flyers?

Tortorella boasts experience having been behind the Tampa Bay bench when they won the Cup in 2004. He’s fiery and demands a lot out of his players. If someone doesn’t perform, Tort won’t be afraid to bench them. He will doubleshift the players who are going and tinker with lines when things aren’t working. Can he outfox Boudreau?

Edge: Even

Intangibles-The Capitals believe they’re better than a year ago and ready to make some noise. So, there’s some pressure to deliver. Losing again in the first round would be a bitter pill to swallow following such a good season. The Rangers will also be expected to perform under Tort, who doesn’t take to losing well. Still, the pressure really isn’t on them in this series which might work to their advantage.

Edge: Rangers

Prediction-In assessing this series, it becomes clear that it’s basically offense against defense. Well, really the goaltending of Lundqvist to be exact. The Ranger blueline looks to have an edge. It might all depend on if the forwards score enough or what kind of series develops. A wide open one favors Ovechkin’s club. But a tighter series where defense and timely saves could factor in would bode well for the Blueshirts. They also haven’t performed well on the road winning just four times in the final 19. Plus the Caps went 29-9-3 at Verizon Center. Washington has never been kind to the Rangers. Due to that, it seems like almost too many things have to break right for them to pull it off.

Capitals in 7

If there was such a thing as perfect, Serena Williams was pretty close in conquering Russian Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 to claim her fourth Australian Open before a capacity Rod Laver Arena Saturday night.

Whatever it is about odd years, the 27 year-old American reclaimed the world No.1 ranking by putting on a stunning display of championship tennis that’s made her a great grand slam champion. She’s now won the Australian Open title in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009 also doubling the trophy case by teaming with older sister Venus Williams to win women’s doubles as well in 2001, 2003 and sweeping past Ai Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-3 the previous day.

The four Australian singles titles allowed her to join the likes of Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi GrafMonica Seles for most wins in Melbourne during the Open Era. Not only did she join this exclusive group but also with her 10th major became the fourth woman in the Open Era to reach double digits trailing the great Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert (18 each) along with Graf, who holds the record with 22. and

“I idolized Steffi Graf growing up and Martina Navratilova was my role model, so when I think of those names I can’t even think of myself there. But people are starting to think about me that way, and that’s just uber-cool,” a respectful Williams expressed of being mentioned in the same breath.

“I was a little nervous actually going into the match against Dinara, then I told myself that I had nothing to lose even though everyone was putting the pressure on me. I didn’t want to lose that focus. Dinara’s a warrior, and she never gives up.”

Having been in a zone helping carry big sis to the double crown leaving her to heap praise, an extremely focused Serena was able to carry it over into the singles final versus the talented No.3 seed Safina. The younger sister of Marat Safin had gotten to this point by outlasting tournament story Jelena Dokic in three sets and then straight setting countrywoman Vera Zvonareva.

One area the physically gifted 22 year-old who was a runner-up at Roland Garros last year and took a silver medal in Beijing she was struggling in was her serve with an awkward delivery causing numerous double faults even in previous wins making life difficult just to make it to this point.

Unfortunately, that proved to be her undoing against a razor sharp Williams who was firing on all cylinders from the outset breaking all three times in a dominant first set that lasted only 22 minutes. Early on, Safina double faulted three times leading to a first break. When she was getting serves in, they were getting pummeled by the game’s best returner who greeted a few rudely smacking return winners from both sides.

Just how dominant was she in the opening set? Safina only won eight total points with a very accurate Serena accumulating 12 of 23 winners with little her overwhelmed opponent could do.

When an errant Safina forehand hit the net, the set was mercifully over with it reminding many of how Williams dismantled Maria Sharapova 6-1. 6-2 in the same match two years prior limiting her to just three games.

The resilient Russian didn’t give up attacking and breaking Serena in the opening game of the second set producing some of her best tennis including a backhand winner and return backhand crosscourt off a short second serve to the crowd’s delight.

The growing question was could she make it a match by holding? Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Williams continued her all out assault to break back. She then backed it up with a love hold booming her first serve. Not stunningly, she was nearly perfect taking 20 of 21 points (95 percent) on first serve for the match.

Safina couldn’t recover getting broken a fifth consecutive time before Williams had another easy hold to go up 4-1- two games from winning her 10th slam and reaching No.1 again for the third time.

Even when she competed striking the ball hard to win some points, you never got the sense Safina could comeback. By the time she held for 2-4, it was too little too late against a player who as she noted during the postmatch interview on court was, “Too good.”

To her credit, she forced Williams to serve it out. Serena calmly did just that setting up triple championship point before claiming her fourth Aussie crown when a Safina backhand drop shot went just wide allowing the great champion to bend down and smile clenching her fists.

It was a muted celebration exhibiting class after how she outclassed a quality opponent who should be back competing for other slams perhaps even winning one this year. It just wasn’t to be on this day.

“I absolutely, clearly, love playing here,” a very happy Williams said appropriately adding:

“You guys root for me so much. I don’t get that everywhere. So thank you so much.”

Who could disagree?

Roger’s still got it. Not that the 13-time slam winner ever lost it.

Pitted against America’s best Andy Roddick renewing a one-sided rivalry though last year in Miami proved different for only the second time in 17 meetings, Roger Federer rose to the occasion again ousting the No.7 seed in straight sets 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 advancing to his fourth Australian Open Final- one huge win away from matching American great Pete Sampras for the most grand slams won by a male tennis player.

It was the 27 year-old Swiss former No.1 who ceased early control breaking Roddick in the third game producing the kind of tennis fans have grown accustomed to passing the game’s biggest server with ease to the tune of 51 winners.

Even after Roddick saved a couple and looked in position to fight off a third straight, a hustling Federer slid across in time ripping a forehand winner down the line. It was that kind of night with the No.2 seed even having success with challenges winning consecutive points on his serve while already up two breaks.

Normally, the man known as The Maestro doesn’t like the challenge system preferring to leave it up to the linesmen and chair umpire for overrules. But on a night he could do little wrong, Federer was even perfect on challenges getting more than half a dozen right to Roddick’s chagrin.

When he wasn’t having challenge success, he was deliberately daring Roddick to come in by using short low spinning backhand replies so he could set him up for the kill. In a brilliant opening set, Federer’s forehand was on producing 11 winners while his opponent struggled early.

However, this wasn’t like Juan Martin Del Potro as Roddick ratcheted up the serve nailing five of eight aces in a much more competitive second set. He even dug out of triple break point during the first game serving large and coming up with the right stuff to keep the pressure on Federer.

The problem was Federer was having even an easier time holding winning 83 percent (52 of 63) on his first serve along with a respectable 58 percent (19 of 33) on second serve for the match. While Roddick struggled during service games facing 13 break chances, the efficient Federer only gave him three cracks and each time they were only one in a game which wasn’t enough given the three-time Australian Open winner’s penchant for serving aces to climb out of trouble.

Still, a more aggressive Roddick continued to press on attacking the net though without great success (21 of 42). The second set remained tight with the 26 year-old Austin, Texas resident holding for 4-3. With a couple of big returns setting up winners in the next game, he was two points from breaking and getting a chance to serve it out and level the match.

But a resilient Federer dug out of trouble without facing a break point eventually reversing the pressure and then breaking Roddick at love in the 11th game to lead 6-5. He served it out for a commanding two set lead.

Unlike the one sided match they had two years ago in the same semifinal, Roddick didn’t go away playing even better in the third set holding more easily and hitting even bigger during rallies with some success to the capacity Rod Laver Arena crowd’s delight. His best moment came midway through the set when during a great rally, he surprised Federer with a topspin backhand drop shot winner out of his reach smiling even remarking that he got him with the kind of shot Roger can pull off.

Still, Roddick couldn’t capitalize with Federer going down the tee for aces even doubling up in that department by a 16-8 margin.

It continued to be a test of wills with each player protecting their serve as if it were a game of chess. Roddick had a slight opening up 5-4 and two points away from the set but Federer saved his best serving for those moments winning challenges and taking the next three points to hold for five all.

Sensing the kill, he turned on the switch nailing a backhand and forehand pass in succession taking the first couple of points on Roddick’s serve to groans from the crowd. He’d eventually setup two break points but a game Andy wouldn’t crack just yet coming through with a couple of winners including a putaway.

However, Federer finally converted on another chance ripping a backhand pass which Roddick could only get a stab at the net helplessly watching it sail long giving Roger his fourth break of the match.

After Roddick took the first point, Federer won the next three setting up two match points. During an extended rally, he finished it in style slugging a forehand winner up the line to clinch victory with a pump of the fist before being congratulated by a classy Roddick at the net.

With legendary Rod Laver in the building, Federer moved one step closer to tying Sampras’ 14 slams. Could his next opponent be No.1 ranked Rafael Nadal which would elevate their rivalry even further setting up the first ever battle for a major on a hard court?

We’ll just have to wait and see. Nadal will take on fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco later tonight with the improving No.14 seed playing the best tennis of his career ousting last year’s runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets the day before 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

She needed three sets again. At this point, you can bet Jelena Dokic doesn’t care.

The 25 year-old wildcard whose comeback story has been well documented overcoming her demanding Dad and a long battle with depression continued her amazing run advancing to the Round of 16 with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 upset over 11th seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki at Rod Laver Arena.

After committing 16 unforced errors to drop the first set, the popular Dokic who’s representing Australia seized command winning six of the next seven games with the thunderous ground game that once had her ranked in the top four before her life turned upside down.

She dominated the talented Wozniacki following a first set which saw the gifted 18 year-old serve six aces. Dokic dictated play smacking seven of 31 winners while limiting her opponent to only 12 total points easily capturing the second set to level the match.

After they exchanged early breaks in the final set, a resilient Dokic got the pivotal break of serve when during an extended rally that saw one of her forehands catch the baseline, she finished it off with a wicked backhand up the line pumping her fist to loud cheers.

It turned out to be the difference as she ran off the final four games breaking again in the seventh game before getting to 40-Love setting up three match points. Following a couple of miscues, the unseeded Dokic made no mistake ripping a forehand just out of Wozniacki’s reach sealing the victory.

Remarkably, it’s the first time during her career she’s made the second week of the Australian Open. Ironically, Dokic’s previous best result down under at Melbourne Park was in her debut as a then 15 year-old teenager when she got to the third round.

In fact, before her return which was made possible by winning wildcard matches last month, she hadn’t gotten past the first round since 1999 making this run all the more special.

Dokic will await the winner of the ongoing three set battle between No.5 Ana Ivanovic and 19 year-old Russian powerhouse Alisa Kleybanova with a chance to make the quarterfinals.

Before this tournament began, who would’ve thought it was possible? Given what she’s been through, the tennis must seem easy for Dokic.

There’s not a better story.

With Ivanovic digging out of a double break 0-3 hole squeaking out a second set breaker, she’s trying to make it a pretty good Day Five for women’s higher seeded players. Only Wozniacki didn’t advance.

Top seeded Jelena Jankovic prevailed over Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama 6-4, 6-4 and No.3 Russian Dinara Safina made quick work of Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-2 to advance to Round Four.

Also moving on were Russians Vera Zvonareva (7) and Nadia Petrova (10). No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet needed three sets to eliminate No.19 Slovak Daniela Hantuchova coming back for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory. Also going three was No.16 Marion Bartoli pulling out a third round win over Czech Lucie Safarova 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Updating the Ivanovic-Kleybanova encounter, the Russian strung the upset winning the final set 6-2 for a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 triumph. The biggest victory of her career. She’ll play Dokic next for a spot in the Final Eight.

Djokovic goes four to edge Delic: Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic was pushed hard by American Amer Delic but showed great fortitude advancing with a well earned 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory to advance to the Round of 16.

They split the first two sets making it anyone’s match due to the heavy serve and big ball striking of Delic. But a focused Djokovic was able to get the break he needed in set three with his aggressive opponent making enough errors.

However, a game Delic wouldn’t go away going shot for shot with the No.3 seeded Serb making for some entertaining tennis. It eventually needed a tiebreaker to decide and looked like it might go five when the American went up an early minibreak.

But it turned around when Djokovic stopped playing during a rally convinced a Delic shot was long challenging it. If he was wrong, he would’ve been in a 1-4 hole. Replays showed that the Serb had eagle eyes because it missed by about an inch leaving both players to grin before the pivotal next point was played.

A couple of Delic errors allowed Djokovic to go up a minibreak but the fun wasn’t over when one of the 26 year-old former Bosnian’s forehands was ruled out. He instantly challenged and when the replay showed it had caught the line, both players again laughed with the unseeded current Jacksonville, Florida resident giving his close buddy a thumbs up as if to say, ‘I gotcha back.’

Unfortunately, it was the last laugh because Djokovic had a little too much winning the biggest points to pull out the entertaining affair.

Showing good sportsmanship, the two hugged and congratulated each other on a well played match. If only the same could’ve been said off the court where some ugliness took place with a female getting hit by a chair forcing Australian Open security to toss out a few spectators.

It was a sad way to conclude such a great match.

In other men’s action, American Andy Roddick (7) kept it going with a straight set victory over 36 year-old veteran Magician Fabrice Santoro 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The 27 year-old whose best results down under have come in odd years making three semis blitzed Santoro with 22 aces and 50 winners.

He’ll next meet Tommy Robredo, who straight setted Lu Yen-Hsun 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. If Roddick wins, he could setup a U.S. Open rematch with Djokovic assuming the man they call Nole beats the Mardy Fish-Marcos Baghdatis winner currently underway.

Another men’s seed who advanced included No.8 Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, who needed four sets to eliminate Gilles Muller 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3, 7-5.

Meanwhile, gifted 20 year-old Croat Marin Cilic (19) ousted No.11 Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-4 setting up a Round of 16 match against Del Potro.

Also going on now is Stanislas Wawrinka (15) and Tomas Berdych with the 20th seeded Czech looking to finish off the Swiss in four.

As for the big third round match, Roger Federer has captured the first two sets over former 2005 winner Marat Safin leading 6-3, 6-2, 2-2. If Federer prevails, he would get Berdych who prevailed in four 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 matching his best result down under (2007, 2008-4th Round).

In case anyone didn’t catch it, Venus Williams is out. The sixth seeded older sister of three-time Australian Open champ Serena Williams was knocked out by shy Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro in three competitive sets 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena.

Her second round ouster is the biggest upset so far in the season’s first grand slam. While younger sis didn’t play her best saving six set points before coming back to straight set Gisela Dulko 6-3, 7-5, bigger sis couldn’t hold off 20 year-old Suarez Navarro, who following a shaky first set played outstanding tennis to string the upset.

The second-year pro warmed to the task riding an early break to claim the middle set. Despite being smaller in stature, the 46th ranked player began dictating play winning long rallies from the baseline with a punishing one handed backhand reminiscent of Williams’ retired slam killer Justine Henin.

As the match went on, Suarez Navarro became more confident standing her ground during points and going shot for shot with the seven-time slam winner.

Even falling behind a break 2-5 in the deciding frame didn’t deter the cool Spaniard’s focus. Instead, she ratcheted up her level even more striking the forehand better eventually breaking back with a forehand down the line for one of 26 winners to get within a game of squaring the match.

Not surprisingly, she still had to save a match point getting help from Venus on an errant return before holding to even it at five apiece.

Sensing an upset, the night time Laver Arena capacity crowd roared with approval pulling for the underdog. Continuing to be unfazed by the pressure, Suarez Navarro broke a second straight time drawing a Venus forehand a couple of inches wide to take a 6-5 lead.

Williams challenged but didn’t get the call leaving the talented Spaniard who cracked the quarters at last year’s French Open to serve for the match. After they split the first two points, Suarez Navarro got the better of the rallies taking the next couple setting up double match point to murmurs.

Despite being unable to convert the first chance misfiring wide, she didn’t allow Venus to get to Deuce taking control early during a well played final point whipping a crosscourt forehand which got a short reply into the net for the biggest win of her career.

The emotional Spaniard pumped her fist before being congratulated by a very gracious Williams, who later took the defeat well understanding that it just wasn’t her day. She didn’t perform poorly by any stretch breaking her opponent the same amount (Venus-4 of 8, Suarez Navarro-4 of 6) while netting two more winners (28-26) and even winning one more total point (89-88).

Unfortunately, it was Suarez Navarro’s big night. Following the huge upset, a grinning Spaniard had very little to say during a cute postmatch interview on court referring to Rod Laver Arena as “a big court, no?” to chuckles.

When asked by an Australian Open commentator what she did differently in the last two sets, she just laughed while a fan yelled, “She won.”

No matter how shy Suarez Navarro was, she was the better player on this day.

She’ll next meet another Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez for a spot in the Round of 16 with the winner of Anabel Medina Garriques-Flavia Pennetta awaiting.

Venus wasn’t the only seed to fall with No.14 Patty Schnyder sent packing by Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano 6-3, 6-1.

Seeded women who advanced to Round Three included No.4 Elena Dementieva, No.8 Svetlana Kuznetsova, No.13 Victoria Azarenka, No.18 Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, 2006 Aussie champ Amelie Mauresmo (20), No.22 Zheng Jie and No.31 Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko.

On tap for Day Five includes an enticing Round Three match between comeback kid Jelena Dokic and Denmark teen Caroline Wozniacki. Other potential good matches include No.16 Marion Bartoli taking on Czech Lucie Safarova and No.15 Frenchwoman Alize Cornet battling 2008 semifinalist Daniela Hantuchova.

Blake through to Round Three: For a second consecutive round, American James Blake cruised prevailing in straights over Frenchman Sebastien De Chaunac 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

The 29 year-old No.9 seed whose best performance down under came last year when he reached the quarters made it a couple of good days in a row for American tennis with Mardy Fish setting up an enticing third round encounter versus former finalist Marcos Baghdatis along with Andy Roddick coming back to beat Xavier Malisse.

During an interview, Blake also noted the two set comeback by Amer Delic over tough ranked Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu. The vet will next have to deal with defending champion Novak Djokovic.

As for Blake, he’ll get a stiff challenge of his own from No.18 Russian Igor Andreev, who needed five before eliminating talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4.

Roddick will take on tricky 36 year-old Magician Fabrice Santoro.

Also needing five sets was 2008 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Mario Ancic, who won a battle of Croats ousting big server Ivo Karlovic 5-7, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

No.5 seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fought back to beat vet Ivan Ljubicic in four sets saving three set points in a pivotal third set breaker before taking firm control.

Both No.1 Rafael Nadal and No.4 Andy Murray had no trouble advancing on a day that was fairly good to seeded men with No.6 Gilles Simon, Gael Monfils (12), Fernando Gonzalez (13), Fernando Verdasco (14), Nicolas Almagro (17), Radek Stepanek (22), Richard Gasquet (24) and Austria’s Jurgen Melzer (31) moving on.

Federer/Safin Meet Again: The most anticipated match on Day Five will be a 2005 rematch between Roger Federer and unpredictable talented Russian Marat Safin.

It was four years ago that he got the better of the former No.1 saving match point in a fourth set tiebreak before pulling out an epic in five sets. He eventually went on to defeat Lleyton Hewitt in four for the title. It was the second and only other slam the former 2000 U.S. Open champ won.

At age 29, Safin has hinted this could be his final full year on tour which would be ashame as he’s truly one of the most talented players to ever pickup a racket. He’s kinda similar to Goran Ivanisevic, who wound up winning just won major finally taking Wimbledon in a five set classic over Patrick Rafter back in 2001.

Ironically, they’re both identical in terms of personality letting it all hang out giving fans plenty of entertainment. Whether it’s Safin screaming at himself in an unknown language, making a funny face or smashing a racket, he’s one of the most spirited players.

He’s always a good interview as well. But more than that, the big man can play. Thus far, he’s looked good winning his first two matches in straights. Can the most misunderstood player give Federer a run for his money tomorrow?

It shouldn’t be dull.

She rarely does things the easy way on the tennis court. So it wasn’t too surprising that Daniela Hantuchova overcame 41 unforced errors in her straight set 7-6 (11), 6-4 first round win over Aussie Casey Dellacqua to advance to the second round down under on the first day of the Australian Open.

The 25 year-old 2008 semifinalist withstood a stiff challenge from the 23 year-old southpaw who also had a nice run to the Round of 16 a year ago which might explain why both players were tight combining for 89 miscues including more than half in a topsy turvy 67-minute first set that featured plenty of breaks, sloppiness and tense moments.

Having struggled to regain the form which saw her climb into the top 10 before a stress fracture sidetracked her, Hantuchova’s ranking dropped to 19 entering play without much confidence due to dropping two of three matches during tuneups.

The lanky Slovak who resides in Monte Carlo fell behind an early break but recovered to square the first set at four all before her feisty opponent supported by many hometown observers including parents and grandparents broke twice more but couldn’t serve it out. Instead, Hantuchova who had at least 27 of her 41 unforced errors kept battling through twice breaking back fighting off set points.

Part of that was also due to Dellacqua who herself had 30 miscues in the opening set misfiring plenty from the forehand side while a steadier backhand produced a good share of her 27 winners.

The unpredictable set needed a tiebreak which was even more compelling than the inconsistent play with each player taking turns dictating rallies. Though there were still misses, the rallies got better with each going for more on their shots trying to impose their will.

Having led 5-3 and earning a couple of more set points, Dellacqua couldn’t close it out with Hantuchova saving her best for the big moments coming up with one of seven aces and a running forehand winner down the line with the crowd favorite in a winning position extending the breaker.

But it wasn’t without added drama from the spunky Dellacqua, who twice got favorable bounces on net cords including a forehand that just landed over the net allowing her to get a minibreak back with Hantuchova smiling as they changed ends.

But it was the veteran’s guile which proved to be the difference in an excruciating set using a drop shot to throw off Dellacqua’s timing before claiming the breaker 13-11.

Playing with more confidence, Hantuchova converted her fourth break in six chances to surge ahead early in the second. If there was one difference, Dellacqua was just 3-for-11 on those opportunities.

Trailing 3-5, she let it all hang out producing some rare forehand winners to climb out of a Love-30 hole before holding. When a successful challenge helped her claim the first point with Hantuchova looking to serve it out, Dellacqua followed through with a return forehand winner and took the third point to setup triple break point.

However, just when it seemed she’d wilt under the pressure, the No.19 seed stepped up saving all three by playing some good defense and hitting through her shots finishing off one break point with a backhand half volley crosscourt winner.

Following another drop shot which drew an error, Hantuchova played a good point going shot for shot with Dellacqua before a backhand sailed long allowing the Slovak to pump her fist and celebrate a hard fought victory.

The match lasted an hour and 59 minutes. Hantuchova next takes on Frenchwoman Mathilde Johansson after she completed a comeback win over vet American Jill Craybas 6-2, 1-6, 7-5.

Other winners on the women’s side included top seeded Jelena Jankovic, No.3 Russian Dinara Safina, last year’s runner-up No.5 Serb Ana Ivanovic, No.7 Vera Zvonareva, No.10 Nadia Petrova, No.11 Danish Caroline Wozniacki, No.15 Alize Cornet, No.16 Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli and No.17 Anna Chakvetadze.

First round upset victims included No.23 Hungarian Agnes Szavay along with No.27 Russian Maria Kirilenko.

Jelena Dokic returned to the Australian Open overcoming her past to win a first round match.

Emotional Dokic Cherishes Win: At one time during her career, Jelena Dokic was a top ten player who seemed on the verge of greatness ranking as high as No.4 in the world seven years prior.

But off court distractions with her temperamental Dad Tamir getting in the way preventing bigger things from the physically gifted Croat who now is representing Australia. At the more mature age of 25, there’s still time for Dokic to come back up. So far, so good as she followed up her wildcard win in December that allowed her to make the cut with a well earned three set opening round triumph over Tamira Paszek 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

“It’s really a miracle for me [to be back playing and winning],” an emotional Dokic noted while fighting back tears after the long road back from family dissension and a lengthy bout with depression.

“It’s really emotional to win today. What I had to go through, it’s really great to have this win. I don’t think a lot of people know what this means to me.”

Perhaps a better perspective on life along with the overwhelming support of her boyfriend of six years can revive her once promising career. Dokic finished with 34 winners including a crosscourt gem to clinch her first win down under in exactly a decade when the then teenage phenom made a run to the third round.

In her only other appearance since 2001 three years ago, she succumbed to Virginie Razzano in three sets after coming oh so close to winning a first round encounter when a forehand she felt was a winner was ruled out.

“Tennis is not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something that I love. I was very disappointed when I couldn’t play well,” she admitted.

“It was a tough time in my life. I had a lot to go through, a lot of family issues.

Given another chance, Dokic hopes to make the most out of it and will next face Chakvetadze, who was a three set winner.

“After I won the first set I got really nervous. But it’s great. This is huge for me. You know, after pretty much a three-year absence, to start the year with a win at a Grand Slam is really huge for me,” she acknowledged.

“I didn’t really have any goals or expectations for myself for the first three or four months of the year. I just wanted to work really hard and see what I could do.”