Its only a matter of hours before the first Grand slam of the year(Australian Open) commences. Newfanzone.com takes a look at the chances of the big wigs,possible upsets and how it will all go down in Australia.
MEN’S PREVIEW
Novak Djokovic will obviously be the favourite heading into this competition with the Serb having won it four times. He will want to quickly forget his loss to Ivo Karlovic at the Qatar Open as he look to begin this year with a Grand slam title. Novak mental strength his always his strong point and trust the serb to at least make it to the final.
World No.2 Roger Federer will also be in search of a Grand Slam after he failed to win one last year. The Swiss legend has made his intentions known by winning the Brisbane open early this year with convincing displays. If Roger wants to win a Grand Slam before he finally retires,this Aussie open look feasible.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal is available for this one after he was forced to miss the final two tournaments of 2014 due to injury. I feel this competition is too soon for Nadal and he should set his sights on Roland Garros which is his favourite surface.
Defending Champion Stan Wawrinka also looks to defend his title and he will hope his beautiful one-handed backhand can do the magic again.
British No.1 Andy Murray struggled a bit last year as he worked his way back from a back surgery in 2013. A semi-final berth will do for Andy who is yet to win a Grand Slam title in Australia.
Newfanzone.com player to watch for 2015 Kei Nishikori who was the first Asian man ti play a Grand Slam final will have to show the form he displayed at flushing meadows if he is to win anything here in Australia.
Other players to watch include; Miloas Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov,David Ferrer,Gael Mon Fils and home favourites Nick Krygios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES: U.S Open winner Marin Cilic and French No.1 Wilfred Tsonga will miss out through injuries.
NOTABLE FIRST ROUND FIXTURES
* Novak vs Qualifier
* Wawrinka vs Ilhan
* Nadal vs Youzhny
* Nishikori vs Almagro
* Tomic vs Katie
* Federer vs Hsun
* Murray vs Qualifier
* Del Potro vs Janowicz
NEWFANZONE VERDICT
It all looks like Novak will clinch this barring any injuries but don’t bet against the Swiss players (Federer and Wawrinka) to give him a run for his money.
WOMEN’S PREVIEW
Unlike their male counterparts, Female tennis players seem to be always inconsistent with their performances apart from Serena Williams.
Serena currently ranked No.1 in the world is one to tip for the title in Australia which she last won in 2010,though her form is Australia has not been convincing of late but trust Serena to be pumped up for this and She’s the fans favourite to lift the crown.
Russian Sharapova has returned to top form and look set to usurp the first position from Serena. Sharapova nemesis has always been Serena and the Russian will hope she is eliminated early enough to brighten her chances of winning the title.
WTA most improved player Simona Halep will also look to see if she could have a go at the title, But with her illness going into this one I think she will be excited if she makes the Semis.
Newfanzone player to watch for 2015 Eugenie Bouchard will be under pressure to perform at the very same tournament in which she lost in the semi-final to eventual winner Na Li. It will interesting to see the Canadian cope with the pressure in Australia.
Another player to watch this year would be former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki who seem to get her career back on track last year. She came close to winning the title in 2011 but lost to Sharapova. If she brings her 2014 form to the competition she sure will be too hot to handle for the big wigs.
One player with the potential to do very well in Australia is Petra Kvitova. She won her Second Wimbledon title last year and she might just make the Australian Open her third career Grand slam title.
Other players keep an eye on include; Agnieszka Radwanska,Ana Ivanovic,Sam Stosur and Victoria Azarenka.
NOTABLE ABSENTEE
Obviously,its the defending champion Na Li who watched the draws live today but won’t be participating because of injuries which made her retire last year.
NOTABLE FIRST ROUND DRAWS
* Serena vs Uytvanck
* Azarenka vs Stephens
* Sharapova vs Qualifier
* Halep vs Knapp
* Cibulkova vs Flipkens
* Townsend vs Wozniacki
NEWFANZONE VERDICT
Na Li said Serena could win if she wants to which means if the American hits the ground running no one can stop her. Serena obviously would be the favourite but don bet against Sharapova or Bouchard.
You can predict the winner of the Australian open by leaving a comment her or send a tweet to @newfanzone and @demydemo. Remember Newfanzone comes up every saturday on City 105.1fm from 2pm
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