My knowledge of tennis could be written on the back of a stamp. Folded in half.

But this week's goings on in the Australian Open have not completely escaped my attention.

I did notice the semi-final line-up for the women at Melbourne Park has to be the most aesthetically-pleasing the sport has seen.

Far be it from me to be swayed in any way by looks, but it has lifted the spirits to witness the renaissance in Maria Sharapova's game. Not to mention the fine efforts of Ana Ivanovic, her opponent in Saturday's final, and beaten duo Daniela Hantuchova and Jelena Jankovic.

Yes, women's tennis has come a long way since the days of Virginia Wade and Betty Stove.