My, oh my!  The Australian Open really seems to be a neverending rollercoaster for Venus and her fans.  Today's second round match added another dramatic drop to this rollercoaster ride.  Up 4-1 in the first set  and cruising, Venus ended up losing the first set in a tiebreak to Sandra Zahlavova (#96 in the world).  At the end of the first set  tiebreak, Venus moved wide for a ball and suffered a severe groin injury.  Letting out a painful squeal, Venus headed off-court for treatment before the start of the second  set, leaving everyone wondering if she would continue play or retire from the match.

 It turns out that Venus, the fighter that she is, did not give up on the match...through guts and screaches of pain throughout the remaining two sets, Venus fought past the loud grunting Czech (6:7, 6:0, 6:4).

Venus fought through her groin injury, but at what cost?  As you all know, injuries are not new for Vee; She has been out of action since the U.S. Open, dealing with her ongoing knee injury.  It appears as though the knee is holding up well (though Venus tries her best to avoid talking about her injuries, so who knows for sure), yet it appears the groin injury is something new.  I, myself, felt nervous watching the match.  It will definitely go down as a great comeback for Venus, and shows what a great fighter she is, although hopefully the choice to continue doesn't prove costly.

Up next for Venus will likely be Andrea Petkovic of Germany (#33 in the world).  Venus has never played Petkovic, although Petkovic is playing some good tennis at the moment, having reached the final in Brisbane two weeks ago.  If Venus were to get through that match, she could potentally face Maria Sharapova in the fourth round.

I am compelled to mention the crisscross dress, as it clearly added some extra drama to the match.  All I will say is, Venus is certainly expressing her fashion in many ways ;)  I will put a new poll up and let you decide...do you or do you not "feel" the fashion sense unveiled by Venus tonight?  Cast your vote, and congratulations to Venus on her fighting spirit.