2006 Australian Open Winners
Men's Singles
World tennis number one, Roger Federer became the 2006 Australian Open winner of the singles title when he defeated Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis in four sets 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2. The Swiss star, who took the 2005 Wimbledon and US Open titles, is now well on the way to a possible career Grand Slam. The only title to have eluded him is the French Open. Speaking after receiving the Norman Brookes Trophy from Rod Laver, the last man to hold all 4 Grand Slams at the same time, he said, "I'll just try to keep it up, stay healthy and keep enjoying it, because that's what I'm doing and I think that's what makes me play well."
Women's Singles
In a drama filled women's final, Justine Henin-Hardenne was forced to retire from the 2006 Australian Open with health problems. The Belgian was trailing Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo 6-1, 2-0, when she had to leave the court due to recurring stomach pains. This did not stop Mauresmo from celebrating her Grand Slam title and becoming one of 2006 Australian Open winners.
Men's Doubles
American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan made a comeback at the 2006 Australian Open by winning their first Australian doubles title in the past 3 years. The number one seeds came from one set down to defeat Leander Paes and Martin Damm 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour 59 minutes. The Bryan's have already won 2 other Grand Slam titles - the 2003 French Open and the 2005 US Open.
Women's Doubles
China took its first Grand Slam tennis title ever, when Yan Zie and Zheng Jie beat top seeds Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 at Melbourne. The Chinese, seeded twelfth for the tournament, had to come from behind after they lost the first set in 41 minutes. They took the second set on a tiebreak, saving two match points and then easily won the decider.
Mixed Doubles
Wild cards, Martina Hingis and Indian, Mahesh Bhupathi, surprised the crowds by beating sixth seeded Daniel Nestor and Elena Likhovtseva 6-3, 6-3 in the mixed doubles final to become 2006 Australian Open winners. The 25-year-old Swiss capped her incredible return to professional tennis by claiming a 15th Grand Slam title and her first mixed doubles win. "If anyone asks me why I came back, this is why - the dream of being back on court, of winning major titles", said the elated Hingis. Bhupathi now boasts 9 Grand Slams (6 - mixed doubles and 3 men's doubles).
Who will be the 2008 Australian Open winners in the men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles events? We use William Hill for all our tennis betting.
