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