Young sports fans don’t know how good they have it these days. When I was growing up in England, there was none of the wall-to-wall HD TV coverage that exists of almost every sport now.

There was no Internet, no cable or satellite, no ESPN or Sky Sports and certainly no CNN World Sport. We didn’t know what we were missing; in hindsight, the bad news was that there wasn’t much sport on TV, the good news was that you were avidly drawn to whatever there was. Saturation wasn’t anyone’s concern.

And, be it football, golf, boxing, cricket or tennis, the top performers quickly became household names.

In Britain, it was hard to avoid Wimbledon every summer and it was impossible to miss the brash, angry young New Yorker John McEnroe.

I’ve been fascinated by him ever since he stood there shouting in the corner of our family’s living room; a scrawny punk rocker in shorts, challenging authority, battling his opponent almost to the death. McEnroe played in a time before professional sport had become overly commercialized, an era when personalities could be themselves; more recently, corporate obligations have blunted some of the more charismatic stars.

Ever since I became a sports journalist I’d wanted to interview McEnroe and when he developed into an engaging and insightful commentator, respect was added to my curiosity.

John McEnroe: 'Attila the Hun' of tennis

I got my chance when I learned that the "legends" PowerShares series tour was coming to Atlanta. An interview was arranged through the tour’s PR department but I was warned that it would only be for a limited period of time and it was unlikely to be an extensive conversation.

I was prepared to take my chances, but things didn’t look good when I arrived at the venue; the players had arrived from the previous tour stop at 2 a.m. earlier that morning, apparently everyone was grumpy, there was ‘no way’ Johnny Mac would be sitting down for 20 minutes.

Well, it never hurts to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best and McEnroe was as charming and engaging as I’d hoped he would be. Even though he’s in his early 50s, you only have to watch him play a couple of points or listen to a snatch of his commentary to know how passionate he remains about his sport.

Once he began reminiscing about his roots and the game that has defined his life, he was in no hurry to leave. He’s razor sharp, witty and he communicates the intricacies of tennis with ease – he’d have made a great teacher.

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His eyes are alive with enthusiasm and, as he talks, one detects more than a cheeky glint. I got the sense that he’s still boy at heart, a boy that doesn’t always take himself too seriously; at times he can be self-deprecating, it’s one of his most charming traits.

The topics we covered leaped from the greatest female tennis player of all time to America's long wait for a men's grand slam champion, the current "big four," why umpires needed to be questioned, being rediscovered by the YouTube generation and who would play Johnny Mac in a movie.

I was lucky to be able to spend around 20 minutes with one of the greatest legends of sport. And by the time we shook hands at the end, he had -– in my eyes -– only enhanced that reputation.

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Roger Federer, Alex Ferguson, Mike Tyson, David Beckham and even Tiger Woods!

I’ve been fortunate and truly blessed to have interviewed some of sport's biggest names one-on-one, but for years there remained a glaring hole in my professional resume.

Or rather two glaring holes: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. I’d have taken some time with even just one of them, but the two of them together and the chance of a first ever trip to Las Vegas? Not something I was about to pass up!

While I never got to interview either of them at the peak of their playing powers, this was in a sense much better. I found both very welcoming, friendly, relaxed and very eager to talk.

What struck me was just how much winning Olympic gold means to both of them. Steffi shocked me when she said her gold back in 1988 was actually bigger in her mind than a grand slam title. Then I got to thinking ... the German has a total of 22 majors, after all, and only one Olympic gold! Or two, maybe, if you count the gold she won for her country when tennis was an exhibition event at Los Angeles ’84.

I concluded that no-one who’s won everything would want to end their career without a prestigious Olympic title.

I knew the celebrity couple rarely did this kind of thing, at least together, and having never before actually spoken to either of them I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’ve been doing this kind of thing for too long to actually get nervous, but there’s no question I was feeling a fair few butterflies! I’d done my homework though and felt well-prepared.

Both arrived early and went into make- up. Steffi emerged and, after introducing myself, we engaged in casual chat and took a trip down memory lane in recalling who she’d beaten en route to that 1988 gold. In an instant, I relaxed and when Andre arrived it was just like chatting with a pair of long-lost friends.

I only once ever recall feeling a few nerves in an interview situation before. That occasion was with Mike Tyson after a fight in Denmark. Though he’d won the fight, he hadn’t performed to the best of his abilities and looking back I don’t think he really wanted to do it. It’s to his credit that he did, of course, but some of his answers were brief to say the least!

Andre and Steffi spoke passionately throughout. I could sense their pride in their achievements, and the setting for the shoot was even more special – especially for Andre. We were recording in the special workout facility of Gil Reyes –Agassi’s fitness trainer for 17 years. They remain firm friends, and what caught my eye was the fact that every one of Andre’s 8 grand slam trophies was on display for all to see.

Golden moments: Agassi and Graf relive Olympic glory

Our 30-minute segment flew by. I know I relaxed greatly during the shoot and I feel they did too. The couple’s love for the game was all too apparent. Steffi’s command of the English language is excellent but I sensed her husband’s reassuring presence allowed her to wax lyrical about her terrific achievement in South Korea.

By the way, Andre’s memory is incredible. He was able to recall every opponent en route to taking gold at Atlanta '96. Pretty much every scoreline too. Now that’s impressive!

You can always tell when interviewees really want to be there in the first place. Andre and Steffi most definitely did. In fact, after the main half-hour slot, Andre hung around for general chit-chat off camera then agreed to record a separate 10-minute piece for us before shooting off to join his wife in picking up his other pride and joy – their children.

Just before we all went our separate ways, Andre gazed out of the window of the Reyes gym. His eyes were focused on the court that was just yards away. Had I brought my racket with me I may well have asked for a hit with one of the game’s all-time greats.

I really do think he would have accepted my challenge too. Who knows, maybe we can leave that for next time we meet!

Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova defend their titles when the 126th edition of Wimbledon begins next week, but the odds are against both of them lifting the trophies for the second year in a row.

Such is the competitive nature of modern tennis, this feat was last achieved back in 1986 when Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova completed the double double.

Legend Navratilova, such an influence on Kvitova's career, also enjoyed successive title successes with Bjorn Borg in 1978 and 1979.

Djokovic and Kvitova were deservedly named 2011 ITF world champions in recognition of their Wimbledon triumphs and other outstanding results, but backing that up in 2012 has proved more difficult.

Kvitova was expected to assume the No. 1 ranking but has been stopped in her tracks by Maria Sharapova in the semifinals of the Australian and French Opens, while her form on the WTA Tour has been patchy.

Kvitova: Tennis without pressure would be boring

A first-round loss in the Eastbourne grass-court warmup tournament will hardly have helped the Czech's confidence.

Sharapova's French Open success has seen her back on top of the rankings and seedings for Wimbledon, and the Russian's chances of a first title at SW19 since her breakthrough as a 17-year-old in 2004 can never have been stronger.

She lost to Kvitova in last year's final, but has got stronger since then after ending her longterm shoulder problems.

Expect Australian Open champion and second seed Victoria Azarenka to be a factor, while Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska has previously won the Eastbourne title to show her credentials.

But picking the women's singles winner at a grand slam has become akin to buying a lottery ticket. The last six have been won by different players.

The smart and, strange to say, sentimental money may well be on Serena Williams, who has battled a life-threatening illness to become a force again despite occasional extraordinary lapses - such as her first-round exit at the French Open in late May.

For the 30-year it would be a fifth Wimbledon title and 14th grand slam crown, while elder sister Venus - already a five-time champion in London but now hampered by an autoimmune disease – is a dangerous unseeded floater in the draw.

She could meet Radwanska in the second round, while Serena has Kvitova in her sights in the last eight.

Serena and Venus have twice the incentive to focus. They are intent on pairing up to win a third Olympic gold medal in doubles at the 2012 London Games, with Wimbledon's grass courts again pressed into action to host the tournament.

Djokovic, meanwhile, was always going to struggle to repeat his 2012 heroics, but he has won a fifth grand slam title at the Australian Open and was only stopped by Rafael Nadal in the final in his bid to complete the "grand slam" at the French Open.

Nadal will offer a huge hurdle to the Serbian's hopes of a successful Wimbledon title defense, and - like Serena Williams – six-time winner Roger Federer will feel he has one more visit to the famous Champions' Ball.

Friday's draw left Federer set to play Djokovic in the semifinals, avoiding Nadal, which will be a relief to the Swiss maestro on recent form.

Unlike the women's singles, where it's possible to make the case for about a dozen players, it's difficult to see past these three, who have won 28 out of the last 29 grand slams between them.

Home hopes rest with fourth seed Andy Murray, who has reached the semifinals at Wimbledon three years in a row. Maybe, just maybe, coach Ivan Lendl's magic will rub off on him.

But remember, eight-time grand slam champion Lendl never won Wimbledon, losing in two finals, so it's hardly a good omen.

Murray's best chance of glory at Wimbledon may well come at the Olympics, where the formbook often goes out of the window in the singles competition.

The contrast between the men’s and women’s finals at the Australian Open could not have been greater.

On Saturday, Victoria Azarenka thrashed Maria Sharapova to claim her first grand slam title and the No. 1 ranking. It was a result that suggested this year’s WTA season will be just as much as a free-for-all as 2011 was.

On Sunday, however, Novak Djokovic won his third successive major title as he overcame Rafael Nadal in one of the most amazing finals in tennis history. We can debate until the cows come home about whether it was indeed the greatest, but it was definitely the longest.

And what are the odds against the world No. 1 becoming the first man to hold all four grand slam titles since Rod Laver in 1969, when he goes to Nadal’s stronghold at Roland Garros in May?

Roger Federer, who has the record of 16 major titles, could not do it in his prime. Twice he had the chance to hold non-calendar year slams, but the Swiss star was beaten by Nadal in the finals of the 2006 and 2007 French Opens.

Nadal is by no means a spent force. He showed in Melbourne that he is closer to Djokovic than he was for most of last year, when he won a record-equaling sixth title in Paris after Federer ended the Serbian’s 43-match winning streak in the semifinals.

And a quick survey of online bookmakers shows that he is still the favorite for Roland Garros, with Djokovic a close second despite having beaten Nadal in seven successive finals.

Djokovic now plans to take time off as he focuses on a year that could see him win a “Golden Slam” – a feat previously only achieved by Steffi Graf, when she won the 1988 Olympic title.

It would be a superhuman effort for him to emulate that, meaning he would have to – on top of ending Nadal’s French reign - triumph twice on the grass of Wimbledon before defending his U.S. Open crown in September.

One man who will be determined to stop Djokovic when the fabled courts at SW19 host both Wimbledon and the 2012 London Olympics is Andy Murray, still Britain’s best chance of a first male grand slam winner since 1936.

The Scot pushed his friend to five sets and almost five hours in the Melbourne semis – a far cry from his thrashing in last year’s final – as he made an encouraging start under the tutelage of eight-time grand slam winner Ivan Lendl.

He showed far more aggression than usual, but crucial errors of the hair-tearing variety and an inability to hold his serve ultimately cost him victory.

And what of Federer? He didn’t drop a set until he faced Nadal, when he was once again muscled off court by the 25-year-old, who seems to supercharge his game whenever they meet.

It would be an unwise man who bets against Federer ever winning another slam, though I’d say he has more chance in a final against Djokovic than versus his great rival.

Maria Sharapova must be wondering when her next major title will come. Twice in the past year the Russian has stormed into a final with great hopes, and twice she has come away empty-handed after a straight-sets crushing.

It’s fantastic that she’s even contending for a fourth grand slam crown, given her severe shoulder problems in recent years, and she is clearly still massively popular – last week’s feature on her fashion business was by far the most-read sports story this year on CNN.com International.

Azarenka has been threatening a breakthrough win for some time, but whether she will be still be No. 1 come the end of the French Open is anyone’s guess – that’s the nature of the women’s game at the moment.

Last year three slams went to first-time winners, the only exception being Kim Clijsters. The Belgian failed to defend her Aussie title this month, losing to Azarenka in the semis.

She has made it clear she is desperate to win her first French Open crown – having twice been a runner-up - before likely retiring for the second time at the end of this year. Wimbledon is also on the three-time U.S Open champion’s agenda, having reached the last four in 2003 and 2006.

One player to complete a career slam at the weekend was Indian doubles specialist Leander Paes.

The 38-year-old teamed up with Czech Radek Stepanek to win the men’s title on Saturday, with the unseeded pair upsetting American No. 1s Bob and Mike Bryan – who were bidding to win an Open era record 12th grand slam.

Bob Bryan’s wife was due to give birth that day, but he revealed later that it didn’t happen as planned and he might get back home to Florida in time for the big moment.

There are two burning questions ahead of the tennis season’s opening grand slam in Melbourne: can Novak Djokovic repeat his stellar form from last year, and will the women’s No. 1 be a major winner ?

Djokovic’s Australian Open preparations have been relatively low-key again, an approach that worked last year as he launched a 43-match winning streak in Melbourne and ended the year as world No. 1 with three of the four coveted crowns.

While in 2011 he played in the non-sanctioned Hopman Cup mixed teams event, this month the Serbian made do with scooping $250,000 at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

The 24-year-old looked a broken and weary man at the end of last season, hampered by injuries and the exhaustion of playing 70-plus matches – losing only six.

Roger Federer, on the hand, looked like he’d found a new lease of life as he claimed the season-ending championship for a record sixth time.

But the world No. 3’s bid for a record-extending 17th grand slam title is looking less certain after losing to Djokovic in Abu Dhabi and then pulling out of his semifinal in Doha due to a back problem.

If he’s fit then he should be Djokovic’s main rival, but whether he can repeat his brilliant win in the French Open semis that snapped the Serb’s winning streak is yet to be seen.

Like Djokovic and Federer, former No. 1 Rafael Nadal skipped warm-up events in Australia.

The Spaniard’s early-season form has raised major doubts that he can be the force of old, losing to fifth-ranked David Ferrer in Abu Dhabi and then France’s current No. 15 Gael Monfils in the Qatar semis.

The 25-year-old won the Australian Open in 2009, but his motivation seemed to fall away badly at the end of last year after some demoralizing defeats by Djokovic. At this stage it would be hard to tip Nadal to win an 11th major on the hard-courts of Melbourne Park, despite his assertion that his problem shoulder is fixed.

However, he is on the same side of the draw as Federer and – notwithstanding his thrashing in London in November – has recently had the upper hand over his great rival in major events.

So what of the others? Andy Murray was runner-up for the past two years, and this year he’ll be under the guidance of former No. 1 Ivan Lendl as he seeks a breakthrough grand slam.

The British No. 4 seems to be getting closer and closer, and he beat Djokovic in their only encounter in Cincinnati last year, but doubts still linger about his mental toughness. They are drawn to meet in the semis this time, and it should be a closer affair than the straight-sets demolition that sent Murray into an early-season tailspin.

Ferrer showed last year that he can be a contender, beating Nadal to reach the semis, but it could be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s chance to shine again. The 2008 finalist had a great 2011, and the Frenchman’s powerful all-action game can test any of the top four.

The last time a top-ranked player won a women’s grand slam was Serena Williams in Melbourne two years ago, but the American may struggle to extend her record Australian Open title haul to six due to a recent ankle injury - and an admission that she doesn’t actually love playing the game.

The pressure is on current No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki to lift a gorilla off her back and win her first major. The 21-year-old could lose top spot to five players in the field come the end of this month, with Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova the leading contender.

Neither impressed in the Sydney warm-up event, struggling outside in windy conditions after coming from the indoors Hopman Cup exhibition. But Kvitova beat Wozniacki in Perth, and last year showed she has real steel in the big events, topped off by her WTA Championships success.

Last year’s runner-up Li Na has come into form after a poor second half to last season, and the French Open champion should be a contender along with her third-seeded Sydney conqueror Victoria Azarenka – another player seeking her first grand slam title.

Maria Sharapova has been absent from the Aussie preambles, but the 2008 champion showed last year at Wimbledon that she is overcoming her injury problems before an ankle setback in Turkey ended her hopes of being year-end No. 1.

Defending champion Kim Clijsters, like Williams, comes into the tournament under an injury cloud. The former No. 1 may find a possible fourth-round rematch with Li to be an even tougher prospect than her three-set win last January if the Chinese star continues her resurgence.

Australians have high hopes for Sam Stosur, who won her first grand slam at September’s U.S. Open but has struggled under the weight of expectation so far in 2012.

So who are my picks? Djokovic and Kvitova. Let’s see how it goes.

Think Roger Federer's chances of winning another major title are over? Think again!

The 30-year-old father of two looks ready and raring to go after a fine finish to the 2011 season.

While his main rivals, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, whimpered out of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, the Swiss maestro sauntered through his round-robin group, beating Nadal 6-3 6-0 en route, before taking out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final for the third time in two weeks.

The Frenchman was the only one to really give Federer a run for his money.

Despite his 17-match winning streak to end the season, which saw him lift the Basel Indoors title and the Paris Masters, this is still not the Federer of old – the one that won three major titles in a season in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

He's close though and his dream of winning gold at next year's London Olympics could well come true.

His body will hold up, as it has done throughout a history-making career that has seen him lift 16 grand slam titles, but the question is, can he come through the mental challenge?

He lost his way a few times this year, most notably when he dropped a two-set lead to lose to Tsonga in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and then did the same against Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals.

On both occasions he looked uncertain and worried, instead of at ease and in control. It wasn't the Federer we're used to seeing.

Under the roof in Basel, Paris and London though, Federer resonated confidence and showed he is still the best indoor player in the world – his topspin backhand was working wonderfully, when sometimes it breaks down.

Outside, open to the elements, it will be harder for him to dominate. His opponents have worked out how to make life uncomfortable for him by bulldozing the backhand to open up the forehand.

And so, while winning multiple majors in 2012 is unlikely, my guess is he'll win one and maybe clinch the title he perhaps wants most of all – singles gold at the Olympics.

If that were to happen, my guess is he'd put all his efforts into winning the Davis Cup and then call it a career. There would be nothing left to do!

To play, or not to play, that was the question facing Novak Djokovic – or so some thought!

As World No.1, the Serb was entitled to a $2 million bonus if he played all eight World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments and $1.6 million if he played seven of the eight.

Having already missed the Shanghai tournament because of a back injury, Djokovic had to play in Paris, or else he’d end up with nothing -– but then there was that reoccurrence of a shoulder injury in Basel. .

Only Djokovic knew how bad it was. Would he play at Bercy – would he pass – or would he show up, cash in and leave? Speculation was rife that he’d do the latter.

But, hang on. We’re talking about a man who has won over $10 million in prize money alone this year and who has such a terrific image that he’s now thought of as the biggest character in men’s tennis, let alone the stand-out player.

Did we really think he was going to play one point against second round opponent Ivan Dodig and shake hands? Of course not! It would have ruined his reputation and put a black mark on a terrific year.

We’d all be talking about Djokovic the mercenary, not Djokovic the marvel.
Had he not thought he could have won the tournament, I believe he wouldn’t have played.
It’s as simple as that. With the ATP World Tour finals coming up there was no chance he would have risked further injury.

He said at the start of the tournament that this injury wouldn’t worsen by playing, but it might become more inflamed and more painful -– and that’s what happened as Djokovic withdrew before his quarterfinal match with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Paris with the same shoulder injury.

In typical fashion, he apologized to the many fans who bought tickets to see him and said quote: "I have pushed myself to the limit by playing and, after the match yesterday, my shoulder got worse. For this reason, I have to put my health first and withdraw - even though my urges as a professional player are making me want to play until the last drop of energy."

So now he has just over a week to recover until the season-ender, which is a final chance for him to stamp his domination on the rest of the field.

Despite the fact that he probably won’t be 100% by then, who would bet against him? Novak has lost just four matches this season – two of which were retirements!

Five other men have won three major titles in one year in the Open era, but none so emphatically as Novak Djokovic.

The Serb secured his maiden US Open title on Monday with his sixth straight win, all in finals, against the man who was so dominant last year, Rafael Nadal.

This latest victory took Novak's 2011 record to an astonishing 64-2 and only one of those matches did he actually lose - the other was an injury retirement in the Cincinnati final.

John McEnroe lost three matches in a full season back in '84 so that's the Serbs next challenge, oh, and getting his nation through to the Davis Cup final.

Novak confirmed in his post-match press conference that he would be on the team for Friday's semi-final with Argentina in Belgrade, despite the Open's late finish.

As the Champion he has plenty of media requirements to fulfill before leaving the U.S., so it will be a race for him and his team to prepare for the tie, but we all know the passion Novak feels for representing his country.

Sleep deprivation and a back injury won't stop him and that's great news for Serbia as their sporting superstar can almost rack up two rubbers by just stepping out on court!

How do you beat Novak? Don't ask Nadal. The Spaniard tried to mix it up at the start of Monday's final, throwing in several short slice backhands to take Novak out of his comfort zone, and it worked for the first two games.

But then the world number one quickly adapted and from then on was in control, despite a slight blip in the third set when he failed to serve it out at 6-5.

In the fourth, after having treatment on his back and throwing in 90 mph first serves, he went on to power to victory 6-1. It was an awesome display of force and precision. He did everything better than Nadal, with his backhand down the line, a game changer and a thing of real beauty.

All that was left to do was to seal the victory with an inside-out forehand and clutch his head in disbelief, while his team celebrated widely in his box.

It was four-plus hours of remarkable tennis and full credit should go to Rafa as well for his never-say-die attitude. His time will surely come again, but 2011 is Novak's year.

When asked what he had eaten before the final, the Serb said it was too boring to go into, but that it contained no gluten.

He laughingly added the victory dinner would involve lots of gluten and plenty of alcohol too!

Djokovic, the true entertainer and despite a tired body and mind was even willing to join me for a victory dance at the end of our 1-on-1.

You just can't keep this man down!

Only hardened Australian tennis fans gave Samantha Stosur a chance of beating Serena Williams in the final of the U.S. Open.

It seemed the rest of the world felt sure that the American, a 13-time major champion, would romp home just as she had done through six rounds at Flushing Meadows and two hard-court tournaments before that, but the 27-year old Aussie clearly hadn't read the script.

This was supposed to be the fairytale ending of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, and the clear favorite seemed destined to win, just like her sister Venus had in New York in 2001. But, perhaps for the first time in her professional career, she was overpowered.

Stosur has arm muscles that a dedicated bodybuilder would be proud of, and told me after Sunday's final that they are the combination of good genes and a lot of hard work in the gym.

But this impressive victory wasn't only about physical strength – it was mental too. Stosur passed the test with flying colors, something she's not been able to do in the past.

This was a new Sam, not the one who lost in the 2010 French Open final when expected to win her first major - or crashed out in the first round at Wimbledon this year. This was one who truly believed she could beat the overwhelming favorite, and subsequently put in one of the best individual performances I have ever seen.

The women's tour needs a dominant number one, at least for a little bit, and perhaps the affable Aussie is the one they've been waiting for. If she can remain at that level, multiple majors beckon – even with Serena back in the fold!

Some of Sam's remarkable achievement was overshadowed by Williams' outburst at the start of the second set, which clearly wouldn't have been such a big deal if not for what happened two years ago at the same tournament.

In 2009 Williams was fined heavily and given a suspended sentence for threatening a line judge in her semifinal defeat by Kim Clijsters – a probation which lasted through this year's final major.

This time, Serena was given a code violation for arguing with the umpire after being given a point penalty for "intentional hindrance." She called out after hitting what seemed to be a certain winner to save a break point against her serve, but her cry of "Come on" came before the point had ended. Was it intentional? Probably not.

At first it seemed as though umpire Eva Asderaki agreed and would ask them to replay the point, but she then decided it had been intentional after all and gave the point to Sam, as per the rules.

Serena argued and was given a code violation. Later, at a change of ends she called the Greek official a "hater" and "unattractive inside."

The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium were clearly unhappy with the initial decision, letting their feelings known with loud jeers and whistles, and though this helped Serena and hindered Sam at first, normal service was soon resumed - another impressive example of the Australian's strong mental strength.

After the match, Serena did not shake the umpire's hand but did go over to the champion to offer extra congratulations.

Neither player wanted to dwell on the earlier incident in their post-match press conferences; my colleagues in the media will, until Serena offers something of an apology.

It was a shame this will be remembered rather than her terrific run to the final, which not even she expected after being close to death's door earlier this year after blood clots formed in her lungs.

So now the debate rages – was Serena within her rights to say what she did? Or has she not learned from her mistakes of the past?

But I think a more intriguing question is, would this even be an issue if Serena was male? Tennis players are usually fairly cool and collected, but it's not that unusual for them to say unpleasant things to match officials.

Andy Roddick is one who delivers tongue lashings from time to time, but we don't often focus on what he said or how he said it. He's never been put on probation and probably never will be.

So, has Serena been judged too harshly?

A number one ranking can be a blessing and a curse, just ask Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and Dinara Safina.

It is right that praise follows an athlete who has reached the summit of their sport, but it can become a burden if this feat has been acheived without claiming a grand slam.

To the layman it makes no sense. To the critic it undermines the credibility of the rank. Since Wozniacki of Denmark became the WTA Tour’s top-ranked player, it is a question mark that has hung over her career.

In each press conference, the question is asked multiple times and in slightly different ways. It must grate on her that she is unable to silence such dissent with a major trophy.

Being the fun-loving girl she is, she’s tried to play it off, to say she’s not worried, and that she’s young so there’s still time. But the questions are corrosive and increasing the pressure at every slam event.

Having ended her full-time coaching relationship with her father, Wozniacki has employed a new unknown coach to guide her through the rough time she’s having at the moment.

She’s simply had a terrible few months of form and is clearly struggling with her confidence, which every athlete knows is incredibly hard to build back up. Tennis is all about key points and when you don’t feel confident, things can go awry at the worst moments.

Everybody knows the 21-year-old is a great defensive player, but has so far lacked the weapons to beat tennis’ top stars.

Right now she’s having problems with the mid-ranked players too. So maybe a fall in the rankings could benefit her game?

That way, she will no longer have to answer “the” question that applies the pressure. The reality is that she is young and does have time, plenty of it, to win at least one major title.

From what I know of her, she loves being on the Tour and is very sociable with other players which isn’t too common amongst the very best in the women’s game.

It’s pretty much accepted that the top 10 or so, generally keep themselves to themselves, in order to have an edge over the others.

But Caroline has shown that you can be friendly with others off the court, and be competitive on it. She’s a real personality and an asset to the Tour, so I hope her recent run of bad luck and poor form hasn’t soured her career irreversibly.

She does need to build up her game and be more aggressive on the big points, but that won’t happen overnight. She needs time and patience. By dropping to world number two, she will gain more of both.