NOTEBOOK Australian Open

Henin hopes to extend winning streak: Justine Henin is enjoying her 28-match winning streak while trying not to think about it too much. “I don’t want to take it as an extra pressure. I have enough,” she said. The last time that Henin played at Melbourne Park, she left the court grimacing from an upset stomach that forced her to quit in the final against Amelie Mauresmo, sparking criticism of her willingness to play through pain. Last year, she was absent while dealing with the breakup of her marriage. Now, she is clearly in form, and she looked relaxed and smiled frequently at her pre-tournament news conference.
Sartorial splendor: Roger Federer is putting his name on his apparel just as he hopes to put his stamp on the Australian Open with a third straight title. Given his penchant for perfection and fashion, it seemed symbolic Sunday when Federer pulled a hat trick of sorts. On the eve of the tournament, the world’s top-ranked player wore a black ball cap emblazoned with a stylized version of his initials during his first public appearance at Melbourne Park.

Friendly courts: As if Federer needed any more of an edge at a tournament that he has won three times, he believes the new blue courts are more friendly. “I prefer the blue over the green, absolutely,” Federer said of the new Plexicushion surface that has been installed at Melbourne Park, replacing the Rebound Ace that often was criticized for being too sticky when the temperatures soar. “It’s nicer on your eyes when you play. The stadium looks just more friendly, more nice. The green was very much too green from my point of view. Especially when the lights were on, it’s very a very strange place to play.”

Associated Press