My predictions for the Australian Open
2007 is just around the corner, and with that comes the first Grand Slam of the year- the Australian Open, from January 15th-28th. Being so early in the season, don’t be surprised if lots of seeds go down early, as many players will not be in top form quite yet. On the Women’s side I think Sharapova still has plenty to prove, and will make at least the semifinals, with or without the aide of bananas. Also look for Mauresmo to come out strong, as she tries to repeat as Aussie Open champ (remember last year when she took home the title after Henine_Hardenne’s infamous default). As for youngsters, look out for Dinara Safina (Marat Safin’s younger sister) and Ana Ivanovic to build upon last year’s success.
On to the Men’s side. Would it be obvious to predict a Roger Federer victory? Yes, it would be, but it isn’t going to stop me from doing it. As for the best candidates to take him out, look out for a rejuvinated Marat Safin, who may have the biggest game on tour when he is healthy, and David Nalbandian, who has always given Roger trouble. American’s Andy Roddick and James Blake will be amongst the top seeds looking to get 2007 started off right as well. There are quite a few young guns who could make a run a well, including Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, and Andy Murray. Lastly, let’s not forget fan-favorite Marcos Bagdhatis, who was outside the top 50 last year and made it to the final’s, before falling to Federer. No matter what happens, the 2007 Australian Open will be a great one, so don’t let the time difference stop you from tuning in.
December 18th, 2006 at 3:39 pm
On the slower hard court that is featured at the Australian Open, I’d put someone like Mauresmo or Henin-Hardenne as a favorite over Sharapova (who has had more success on the faster courts of Wimbledon and the US Open).
As for the men, it is hard not to pick anyone other than Federer, who has shown that even when is off his game, he’s still almost impossible to beat on any surface other than clay. I would throw one more name out there, Davykenko is a guy who has played well on all surfaces and if anything he is consistent, with a lot of the big names sure to get off to a slow start to the year, Davydenko could make a nice run.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
One of the fun things about the Aussy Open is if you think you know who is going to win you can put your money where your mouth is… There is a betting booth inside the grounds at the Australian Open. You can bet on anything from the first set score on court 18 to who will be the final four… You can also bet daily trifectas… Like Saffin, Hingas, and Blake win… Its all pretty fun, when you win.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:16 pm
Anyone think Hewitt has a chance or is he done? Do we care?
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:35 pm
BJ, Hewitt just said he can beat Federer at the Australian. He always had more bravado than brains. He is tough enough but I dont think he has the tools. Lately he has been getting overpowered deap in the tournaments. Being that it is the first major of the year, and it can be brutally hot, it is pretty important that you come into the tournament fit. I guess we will see who went back for seconds this holiday.
December 22nd, 2006 at 1:38 pm
ohh Donner Davydenko is 44 to 1 if you want to throw a bone at him…Probably a better bet than Blake at 8-1
January 2nd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Two comments…first, Hewitt has about as much chance to beat Federer at the Australian Open as I do of receiving a wild card into the main draw. Hewitt historically has struggled dealing with the pressure playing infront of his home crowd, even dating back to when he was a consistent top 5 player. His success has come on the faster courts (i.e. Wimbledon and the US Open) where he can use the speed of the court to help his often powerless strokes, Federer would go through him as if it were an opening round match. Plus I simply dont really care for the guy…Second, Davydenko is 44 to 1 huh? I guess the experts do not agree with my sleeper pick all that much, but that surprises me considering the guy is #3 in the world, I didnt think I was going out on that big of a limb to think he might do well. I still wouldnt put any money down on him, Federer these days is a better bet than even Tiger.