Australian Open 2011 - The Dark Horses

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are widely tipped to be the main contenders for Australian Open 2011. Roger Federer has posted the best results on hard courts since U.S Open 2010. He is the defending champion here. Rafael Nadal has had the best year of his career in 2010. He achieved the career Grand Slam by winning U.S Open 2010. He reached the finals at Barclays ATP WTF in November, 2010. Andy Murray was the runner up at Australian Open last year. Even after a hard fought loss to Rafael Nadal in the Barclays ATP WTF semi-finals, his chances of lifting maiden title on a hard court Grand Slam have been rated high. He has slid to number five in the ranking after Robin Soderling won at Brisbane last week. Novak Djokovic is on a high after Davis Cup triumph for Serbia in December, 2010. He upset Roger Federer after saving match points in the U.S Open 2010 semi-finals. 

Soderling was in terrific form while lifting the trophy at Brisbane. Last year he had lost the very first match at Chennai Open after being top seeded. The win at Brisbane would have filled him with confidence. He has also overtaken Andy Murray as the fourth ranked player in the world. What struck the viewers was his capacity to stay in the rally for a longer time. Many a time, it was he who was dictating the play in the game. He had good control over his aggression. He served more aces than Andy Roddick during his straight sets victory. If he were to carry the same form into the Australian Open, he could have a tryst with destiny.

Gael Monfils has come of age. The showmanship that was the hallmark of his defeat many a time was not present during the last few outings. His showing in the BNP Paribas Open at Paris where he tasted first career victory over Roger Federer was inspiring. He defeated higher ranked Fernando Verdasco and Andy Murray before upsetting Roger Federer. He has fallen victim to exhibitionism in the past. He has also found it difficult to maintain focus for an extended period of time which is very important in the five set format. History does not make him bettors’ favourite for winning seven consecutive matches, but all this can change with one tournament.

J.W.Tsonga and J.M.Del Potro are yet to reestablish themselves on return to the tour after injuries. Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic have not shown promise after achieving initial successes in 2010. Nikolai Davydenko is a solid player but does not have much accomplishments in the Grand Slams. David Nalbandian and Andy Roddick have left best years behind. Viktor Troicki has become a dangerous player and can cause major upsets. Ernests Gulbis and Michael Llodra will have to play at 150% to cause an upset. John Isner can sink some big gun firing record number of aces.

Australian Open will be a fight among 5-6 players only. There is a lot of excitement in that too.