Aussie Open Finals Set, Hornets name changing

Australian Open Finals Set

- On the women’s side, world #1 Victoria Azarenka will face Chinese upstart (ranked #6) Li Na, who burst on the scene after winning the French Open in 2011 but has been relatively quiet since. Azarenka defeated Sloane Stephens who came into the game after a major upset of Serena Williams, but the win was not without controversy.  At one point, when she was struggling, Azarenka took nearly 10 minutes to rest, which is more than triple the amount of time allowed for an injury.  Azarenka claims it was due to breathing difficulties and was ordered by on-court doctors but many people are still skeptical. Na defeated world #2 Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2 (which was even more impressive when you consider that Sharapova hadn't lost a set before that match) to face Azarenka for the Finals on Saturday.
- On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic will face Andy Murray. Djokovic, the world #1, and Murray, the world #3, have played 17 times with Djokovic leading 10-7. Last year, the two met in the Australian Open Semifinals with Djokovic winning a 5-hour epic battle. Murray got his revenge at the 2012 Olympics in his home country by taking Djokovic out and winning the gold medal for Great Britain.
- Djokovic is looking for his 3rd straight Australian Open Title, while Murray is looking to become the first male to win the next Grand Slam tournament after winning the first Grand Slam of his career.


Hornets to change name to Pelicans

- After weeks of speculation that it might occur, the New Orleans Hornets have officially stated that they will change their name from Hornets to Pelicans, a name that is more indicative of New Orleans culture.  While the NBA has not officially approved the change, no one seems to have any objections and David Stern has officially stated that he would not get in the way of any new name that Hornets (and New Orleans Saints) owner Tom Benson chose. 
- The name change, expected to take place before the start of next season will see the Hornets use a color scheme of blue, gold and red.  The change also opens the door for the Charlotte Bobcats to re-acquire the Hornets nickname, which fans of the area have wanted for some time.  Bobcats president Fred Whitfield has stated: "We are aware of the impending change regarding the team nickname in New Orleans and we are currently in contact with the NBA and conducting our own due diligence relative to this matter."