Foxtel sources continue to insist that under the initial digital-channel rules introduced by the Howard government, the networks already have the power to use digital channels when listed sports events clash with news but do not want to do so because it would risk diminishing high-rating news audiences. The networks maintain their hands are tied until the new anti-siphoning legislation passes into law.

The best result for viewers this year is that Stosur’s matches, particularly, are mostly scheduled at night or at a time when they are unlikely to be bumped, particularly given the absence of the younger Williams due to injury significantly reduces the chances our heroine will be roadkill before the pointy end of the tournament.

Seven also has the task of reversing an alarming slide in ratings last year, something analysts put down to a “same as usual” coverage, few local contenders, a general decline in commitment to the game in Australia, Seven’s omnipresent cross-promotions and the decision to drop the Stosur match.

Seven’s best hope of an improvement this year will not be any dramatic production changes but the potentially engrossing quest of Rafael Nadal to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam titles simultaneously — the Rafa Slam. And, of course, our Sam.

The major change will be the return of Foxtel, which will — as it had before being priced out by Seven last year — provide complementary coverage. In the first week, particularly, that means the opportunity to flip to a potentially more competitive night match if Nadal or Roger Federer is overwhelming some hack with a triple-digit ranking and a four-syllable surname on Rod Laver Arena.

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