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2010 Australian Open Men’s Draw

 

Q1: Not a sure lock to the semis for Federer

 

Federer

 

Tricky 1st round against streaky Andreev and has looked human after winning #15. Seems like a lifetime ago since he hoisted the trophy on Rod Laver in 2007. Just not feeling it.

 

Verdasco

 

Played the tournament of his life 12 months ago in the same place but a repeat performance is not likely.  Look out for JCF in his section.

 

 

Davydenko      

 

The most underrated/underappreciated player on tour is riding a wave of confidence and getting long time fans murmuring about a career changing title run.  But, alas, history is cruel and can’t be discounted. 2 weeks, 7matches, best of 5 sets? – we’re a little risk adverse.

 

Sleepers?


Hewitt             

 

Another major and again stuck in Federer’s quarter but gotta cheer on the Aussie.

 

Ferrero

 

Resurgent Spaniard could make some noise.

 

Gulbis              

 

Top 10 talent but where’s his head?

 

Baghdatis        

 

See Gulbis

 

Semis Pick:     Federer

 

 

 

 

Q2: Opportunity Knocks

 

Djokovic         

 

Found his game late last season after repairing his public image under the tutelage of Todd Martin. He’s won here before and sure can’t complain about his draw.

 

Tsonga            

 

Frenchman can do it all and with quintessential French flair. But like virtually all his other compatriots the question has never been about ability but rather sustainability.

 

Soderling         

 

Game thrives on fast hard courts and the belief is there. Lookout.

 

Sleepers?

 

Haas               

 

Temperamental but has the game to beat anyone on his day. 

 

Tipsarevic        

 

Bespectacled Serb has game. Recall that he almost took out Federer 2 years ago.  

 

Gasquet           

 

Played a great match last year against Gonzo. Tough 1st round against Youzhny.

 


Semi Pick:       Djokovic

 

 

 

Q3: Looking for this year’s breakout performance

 

Del Potro

 

Like Djokovic, he sure can’t complain about his draw. Fitness will be a question with him and we’re not sure how comfortable he is with the newly minted bull’s eye on his back.  Lookout for Cillic in his section.

 

Cillic

 

Could he be this year’s breakout star? Wait and see. Tricky 1st round against un-retired Santoro.

 

Roddick

 

Not sure where he stands amongst the contenders. Maybe in the 2nd tier? Has a tricky path to the quarters but we don’t see him going beyond that. It’s getting crowded at the top.

 

Sleepers?


Berdych

 

Talented headcase you shouldn’t overlook because when he’s on, he’s on. 


Gonzalez

 

Gonzo loves to play in Australia and usually gives the crowd at least one memorable marathon late night 5 setter before he leaves.

 

Semi Pick:       Cillic 

 

 

Q4: Nadal’s to lose

 

Nadal  

           

Defending champ hasn’t played anywhere near his top form for over 6 months but the good news is he appears to be healthy and rested. The draw gods are kind to him and he should make it out to the quarters, at the very least.

 

Murray            

 

Like Roddick, we’re not sure where to put him amongst the contenders. With Nadal not at championship level, he’s got the game to go deep but seems reluctant to take it.

 

Monfils

             

Will get the crowd cheering with his on court acrobatics for a few rounds. Beyond that? Not much else.

 

Sleepers?


Kohlschreiber  

 

Has the ability to zone for a few sets and playing lights out tennis.

 

Karlovic          

 

Always a tall task to beat him (pun intended)

 

Isner                


See Karlovic

 

Semi Pick:       Nadal

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