So much and so little can change in a year

31st January 2010-
After spending 2 brilliant weeks in Melbourne I unfortunately have to continue on my travels and arrive in the capital of Australia- Canberra.

My travel buddy on the way to Canberra, why did i leave Melbourne?

As i settle down for the night after a day of sightseeing I start to watch the Men's Australian Open final hoping for history to be created. However as Andy Murray loses his second Grand Slam final of his career the British media once again start asking the question 'How long will the wait go on?'

A year on and still no British grand slam winner for 75 years, but once again Murray has reached the Australian open final with a chance of once again creating history. Whereas Murray's performance has been repeated from last year other things in the world of tennis have changed quite a lot. As i write Li Na is one set away from being the first Chinese grand slam winner, which in itself could inspire a new shift in future players from the world’s biggest country. In contrast to last year’s women's final, Serena Williams and Justine Henin aren't even in playing condition at this time. Serena Willliams has not been able to compete in the Australian Open due to injury and Henin has had to retire from tennis altogether for a second time after her third round exit this year. The men's game has had some shifts from last year too, with once again the world’s best player succumbing to injury. These Melbourne injuries have bookended possible the greatest run of results ever seen as Rafael Nadal faltered in holding all four grand slams at once but has proven that against arguably the greatest player of all time he has achieved so much in trying to emulate him.

As Murray walks on court tomorrow against Novak Djokovic he will have his best chance of joining Nadal and Federer on the Grand Slam winners roster and as they both only know a lot can change in a year. That could mean Murray comes back to Melbourne next year holding possibly more than just one grand slam or none at all and the pressure of the tennis world asking about the 76 year wait.