Djokovic goes Hulk, Rafa Nadal's return and other tennis tidbits of the week

The Australian Open has entered the business end. The past week has given us lots of entertainment and here is a brief look at all the action on and off the court.

Djokovic goes Hulk…again!

Djokovic – The Hulk

Novak Djokovic does not hide his emotions. Last year, after the marathon final against Rafael Nadal, he went Hulk and tore up his T-shirt. Last week, after his epic battle against Stanislas Wawrinka in a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10 victory, he repeated his feat by ripping off his perfectly fine T-shirt once again!

Sharapova on a steamroll with a record

Sharapova has lost just 9 games so far!

Maria Sharapova is literally on a steamroll right now. She has reached the last 4 of the Australian Open losing just nine games which is a new record since the Australian Open expanded to 128 players in 1988. On average, she has spent just 63 minutes per match so far. Li Na of China stands between her and a potential Australian Open final against Serena Williams.

When asked about her record, Sharapova replied,“To be honest, those are not the stats that you want to be known for. Obviously it is a great stat. But I am in the semi-final and I am so glad I am at this stage and have given myself the opportunity to go better than last year.”

Rafael Nadal sets date for return

Rafael Nadal passes a medical test and is fit to return

It is fair to say that the tennis world has missed Rafael Nadal. The 11-time Grand Slam Champion has now decided to enter the Sao Paulo Brazil Open on the 11th of February after passing a medical. Nadal, who initially wanted to participate in the Australian Open, decided to pull out at the last minute due to a virus.

Blaz Kavcic collapses after a 5 hour match

Kavcic’s collapse after a marathon match

The Australian summer is unforgiving. After 4 hours and 52 minutes, Slovenia’s Blaz Kavcic defeated local boy James Duckworth. Soon after he entered the locker room, Kavcic was struck by full body cramps and that made him collapse right there. Medical personnel had to be brought in to help him.

Brian Baker – The Unluckiest person on the ATP Tour

Baker leaving the court

Brian Baker of America was forced to retire during his second round match against fellow American Sam Querrey. Baker made his return to the tour after six seasons of on and off injuries. Baker has had 3 major operations on his hip between 2005 and 2008, a hernia injury and a reconstructive surgery on his elbow.

Even Querrey sympathized with Baker, telling the press that “he is the last person that deserves anything like that”.

Serena Williams hits herself in the face

After rolling her ankle for the second time, Serena Williams just lost her cool and smacked her tennis racket in her own face!

After hitting herself, she checked her mouth to see if she had knocked out a tooth! When asked about the interview, Serena replied, “I think it happens to everyone, but I have never busted it wide open like that. I was like ‘Oh, no. I can’t have a tooth fall out.’ That would be horrible. She also looked on the bright side of things and said, “It’s okay. It’s a war wound. “I thought if it’s swollen, at least I’ll get super-sexy lips, right?”

Victoria Azarenka is dating LMFAO’s Redfoo

Vika with LMFAO’s Redfoo

LMFAO’s famous DJ/Singer Redfoo is apparently dating Victoria Azarenka according to the rumour mill. Redfoo has flown to Melbourne to support the World No.1 Tennis player who recently signed an endorsement deal with RedBull. They were pictured together in various places around Melbourne.