The Australian Open has been as treacherous as the famous outback of the Australian countryside. While Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams had setbacks from their dreams of glory down under, ultimate victory is still very much within reach for stars Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer.

I was pulling for Williams to pull out a Grand Slam after the tough time she has had with health and injury the past couple of years.

Wozniacki always interests me in her pursuit for consistent dominance in this sport. The American in me would have loved to see Mardy Fish or Andy Roddick feature late into the tournament. 

Such is life, and you have to take your great tales of sports glory where you can get them. We are left with a couple of fine stories of redemption and proof of self worth just itching to take place. 

Sharapova, the former No. 1, could sweep in and retake the top spot in the world with a few more moments of success.

She is in fine form and will now face fellow countrywoman Ekaterina Makarova in quarterfinal action. Battling injuries for the last few years, Sharapova is in prime position to take her first Grand Slam title since this same tournament in 2008. 

She is not the only player hoping to steal back a taste of past glory. Federer is on the wrong side of 30 and has been placed in the pile of over-the-hill.

After dispatching No. 11 Juan Martin del Potro (6-4, 6-3, 6-2), Federer looks far more youthful than we ever gave him credit for.

Rafael Nadal continues to battle through the Aussie with a heavily-bandaged knee and looks more like the worn and weathered player than the Swiss master.

Now the Spaniard will have to face Federer once again, and it will be with the 30-year-old playing sublime tennis at the moment.

The Australian Open has enjoyed a wild week, with some presumed favorites falling short. That has only heightened the drama, as two household names can rip back some measure of redemption, which will serve to make this Aussie one to remember. 

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