Posted By Kevin Jacobs, Sun Staff

For the first time in nearly five months there won’t be any football this weekend, and I’m sure there are many people like myself, who need something to fill the void. Luckily I’ve found a shot of unheralded entertainment…The Australian Open. Okay, if you’re already scoffing, take a second and hear me out.

If you’ve never played the game, you probably don’t realize that tennis is a game of finesse and power, just like the NFL (minus physical contact). However unlike any team sport, tennis is a true test of mental and physical toughness. There is no one else to lean on after a blown call or a bad shot. Not even a coach to calm you down or strategize with during breaks in play.

Just one solitary person, pitted against another with millions of dollars on the line.

How about that for dramatic? On any given day a person can crumble. A bad serve turns into a bad game, which turns into a bad set, which turns into an upset. The difference between good players and the best is mental toughness. The ability to forget mistakes, “what-if’s,” and frustration is often more important than having a 150+ mph serve.

The only way to dominate a sport like tennis is to out-will your opponent every time you step on the court. It’s very similar to golf, where strength of mind can win championships (even if you are forced to do it on one leg). Like Tiger, there are characters in tennis that have that capability, and have raised themselves above the rest.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the two best players on tour, and not coincidentally are the most interesting and fun to watch. Federer, possibly the greatest the game has ever seen, has the opportunity to tie Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam victories if he is able to win it all Down Under.

It’s rare to see the greatest player of any sport play in his prime, but we all have the chance with Federer. Like usual, his main competition is Rafael Nadal. The two compose perhaps the greatest rivalry of all-time, having faced each other in a record six Grand Slam finals.

If I haven’t piqued your interest by now don’t give up hope, there’s another attractive aspect of the game that may reel you in…just look left. The best part about these eye-catching individuals is that they can flat out play. There's not a better combination in tennis than looks and skill.

Unfortunately for everyone, Maria Sharapova, my favorite tennis player on the planet, is not playing due to injury. However there are others, more than capable of filling in for her. In particular, fifth seed Ana Ivanovic (above) and 19th seed Daniela Hantuchova (left) are not only stunningly gorgeous, but also two incredibly gifted athletes. Both face tough matches Friday, but win or lose, they will do it with style.