I hope Azarenka keeps up her form over time

A question has to be asked about Maria Sharapova. She is such a great champion but just hasn't been able to do it in the finals in recent years and seems to freeze on the big stage. Victoria Azarenka started out nervously in the final yesterday and Maria just wasn't able to take advantage, so one has to question the frame of mind she was in for something like this to happen. I suspect she succumbed to the pressure of having to perform to the level expected of her. She is the darling of women's tennis, respected and promoted as a number one player, but came up short yesterday, and now Azarenka is number one.

It was a top performance by Azarenka. She started the year with a win in Sydney and is in form. She did what she had to do in a Grand Slam final and is a true No 1. There has been a lot of talk about Caroline Wozniacki being No 1 without winning a Grand Slam title. She is a charming and talented lady but you can't call yourself number one without a Grand Slam title under your belt. Period.

True test

I am hoping Azarenka can sustain this level, not just in the near future but over the next few years. Like the men, women's tennis needs consistency to be strong. I hope she has the right attitude towards her profession and won't buy into the popularity and recognition that comes with a Grand Slam title and becomes a great leader of the game, like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Today, the latter two will face each other in the men's final. Djokovic came very close to not being there as Andy Murray took him to the wire on Friday. It was a spectacular match, but Novak is number one, a champion and was able to raise his game so Murray couldn't push back. From Murray's point of view it shows he has the quality and this was the first true test of his partnership with Ivan Lendl. This was the first time in a long time we have seen him play so well in a semi-final. I think he has as good a chance as any to win a Grand Slam title this year.

The final itself promises to be a great one. For Nadal to get there by pulling off such a win against Federer on a surface he is not particularly fond of was nothing short of spectacular. Nadal has nothing to lose, has had an extra day's rest and Novak might not be as fresh after his near five-hour marathon against Murray. My favourite to win, though, is Novak especially if the match is anything under three hours. Nadal is more likely to win a five-setter: he is the biggest fighter on court with a heart like a lion. If Novak is not able to finish him off, he will keep coming back like a superman. Novak has the strength, tactics and strokes, but will he have the energy? I want to see a great match with two great champions.

— Gameplan