With record breaking low temperatures across much of the country and the fact that we are in the final days of football season, it's easy to forget that the Australian Open has begun. And yes I know most people don't care about tennis until it's warm in the States, but the games go on. The temps are in the low 80's and there's a lot of excitement Down Under...as long as you're willing to wake up at 1am to watch a live match. Here are the top contenders on each side:
Men
Rafael Nadal - The current world number one had a season for the ages in 2008 with victories in the French Open and Wimbledon. He finally got over the hump and surpassed Federer as the best player in tennis, but it remains to be seen how long he'll stay there. Nadal is the type of player who puts 100% into every shot and you have to wonder if he'll wear down prematurely. He does have the advantage of being a lefty, but his serve will need to improve even more to have a chance at this tournament. I can see a repeat appearance in the semifinals, but all bets are off if he gets hurt
Roger Federer - The former world number one is looking to rebound from a subpar (by his standards) season and claim the record for most career Grand Slams. A season that started badly in 2008 and gradually got better ended with a US Open win to culminate his season. He comes into 2009 confident and arrogant as always. For some reason, I feel that he is trying to project a false sense of bravado. The fact that Rafael Nadal knocked him out in the 2008 Wimbledon final really shook his confidence. With that said, he's the favorite to win unless he meets Nadal in the final here.
Novak Djokovic - The cocky and brash award goes to Djokovic who finally broke through Federer to win the 2008 Australian. He's certainly a very good player, but he's not quite to the point where he can be considered great. He certainly works hard, but I believe he lacks the mental toughness needed to garner a repeat. He's in the mold of former world number one Marat Safin, whose over the top emotions simply could not be reigned in enough to become a consistent champion.
Juan Del Potro - Who? Exactly, but if there is one thing the Australian is known for is producing unexpected finalists and winners (Thomas Johannson, Jo-Wilifred Tsonga). The Argentine is arguably on the rise and is already a Top 10 player. His ability to suceed beyond the traditional clay courts should make him a dangerous matchup for anyone in draw. I would not be surprised to see him knock off Federer on the way to the final.
Last year's surprise, Tsonga, ran to final as an unknown with no expectations for major success. This year he is seeded number 5 and facing a draw that may not afford him an opportunity to return to or win the final. Others such as Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Lleyton Hewitt will likely win a couple of matches before bowing out as usual.
WOMEN
With the absence of defending champion Maria Sharapova, the draw for the women's title is considered to be wide open. Here are a couple of the favorites:
Venus Williams - Say what you will about Serena, but Venus has the power and physical fitness needed to be successful in Melbourne this year. It's hard to believe, but Venus has never won this tournament, her best finish being a loss in the final to Serena in 2003. With no serious injuries and a new outlook on her career, I'm going to pronounce Venus as the favorite. If she loses, it will be because of her tendency to let her opponents back into matches with unforced errors.
Serena Williams - I still remember how a seemingly disinterested and out of shape Serena, ranked #81, came into the 2007 Australian Open and steamrolled everyone in her path including Sharapova in the final. For that reason alone, I will never count Serena out of any tournament. The current world number 2 is poised for a big run, but she is also on the same side of the draw as Venus. Like her sister, Serena is also known to commit many unforced errors in a match. If she's focused, she will certainly be a tough out.
Dinara Safina - The younger sister of Marat Safin is poised for a breakout year. While she shares the same raging emotions of her brother, Dinara seems to have channeled her energy into playing better and more focused tennis. After a nice season in 2008, she's poised for a breakout year in 2009. The fact that she has a fairly easy draw should put her in the semifinals, although an appearance in the final is not out of the question. She isn't nearly as physically gifted as the Williams sisters, but her shot-making ability gives her a great chance for success.
Jelena Jankovic - There hasn't been a less-inspiring world number one since Kim Clijsters, but Jankovic certainly could make a run to the final with a very easy draw that does not include either of the Williams sisters.
Just like the men's draw, the women's side is ripe for an upset and a surprising face. I feel that Caroline Wozniacki could be that surprise player. She came off a nice 2008 season and is confident and borderline cocky. She doesn't have the strongest serve, but she will rise to the occasion regardless of the opponent. Other possible surprises include Ana Ivanovic and (gasp) the soft-serving Elena Dementieva.
For the record, I'm going with Federer on the men's side and Venus on the women's side. In any event, the Australian should provide great tennis and great storylines, assuming that you can catch any of it live. Don't miss it!
Unless Serena and her ass is in it. I could care less
Clijsters is tons better than Jankovic ever will be. STFU
Sammen med Timo Jattu og Jakob Hansen var jeg for nylig 3 uger i Dahab...