as a scientist, I agree with you on this, as it's far from a controlled environment (quality of participants/circumstances is so wildly variable from year to year). those factors, combined with the small sample (5 years or so for the short break) make it impossible to determine any mind of statistical significance.
however, I do think there might be something to the theory that the two-week period allows a superior coaching staff to more dramatically out-prepare the other. that having been said, with the quality of coaches in this game on both sides, I don't expect either team to be ill-prepared.
Makes sense.
My most favotite "sportsman" lost yesterday at The Australian Open. Boo-hoo!
*****
http://www.mariaworld.net/magcover5.jpg
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1164827/posts -- posts # 10 and 23
http://www.moono.com/celebz4153lol4643/profilepics/415_p.jpg
*****
Nice.