The Contenders of the Australian Open 2014

The Australian Open starts from 13th January and with just a few days to go let us look at the main contenders to lift the first grand slam of the year.

Men’s singles:

Rafael Nadal
Nadal is sitting pretty at No. 1 right now thanks to his impressive run in 2013 which included two grand slams. Nadal will be looking to add to his one previous win in Australia, in 2009, with the Spaniard looking good for the title following his form last year.

Novak Djokovic
Djokovic absolutely loves the blue courts of Melbourne. He’s won the title there four times, including the last three years in a row. Djokovic is riding a 22-match winning streak on the ATP. This makes him a strong favourite to win his fifth title. This will be also his first grand slam under new coach Boris Becker.

Juan Martin Del Potro
Del Potro’s recent form has been excellent of late, with the Argentinean performing well in the latter half of 2013. The 2009 US Open Champion Del Potro, currently World No. 5, has a better shot at taking the title if Djokovic or Nadal tumble. With Andy Murray coming back from a long injury lay-off and Roger Federer past his prime, Del Potro has to be the third favourite to win the first grand slam of the year.

Other Contenders:

Andy Murray, having reached the final of the Australian Open three times previously, should not be ruled out for this particular tournament. However, Murray’s recent run in with injury has been well documented, and will likely have a significant impact on his chances for further Grand Slam success at the Australian Open. The consistent David Ferrer, the third seed in the tournament, can also spring a surprise by winning the title. Roger Federer, having won the Australian Open four times previously, should never be written off. However, despite a resurgence in evidence for Federer, a fifth title looks unlikely for the veteran Swiss who has new coach in Stefen Edberg. Stanislas Wawrinka, following his excellent performances in the 2013 tennis season, should be expected to challenge for the title and he started this year by winning his fifth title in Chennai Open. We can expect a strong challenge from Wawrinka, who will be a potential dark horse candidate.

Women’s singles:

Serena Williams
The 17-time Grand Slam Champion is chasing history, and, until proven otherwise, this is Serena’s tournament to win. Williams’s dominance in recent years has been remarkable, with the American finishing successive years as world no.1.  Having won this tournament five times previously, Williams will be expected to challenge again for an unprecedented sixth Australian Open title.
Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka’s performances on hard courts in recent years have been exceptional, with the Belarusian taking the Australian Open title in 2012 and 2013.She will be a tough out for anyone in Melbourne. Among all the women players, she has the best chance of overcoming Serena Williams.

Maria Sharapova
The 2008 Australian Open Champion can never be taken lightly. Sharapova will be hungry after spending the last five months on the sideline, and her competitiveness should not be underestimated.

Li Na
Li Na’s style of play also suits the hard courts of Australia well, putting her in the running for her first victory at this tournament. The 2011 French Open Champion is a two-time finalist at the Australian Open including last year. Li Na’s consistency in the big tournaments has been in evidence in recent years, meaning she should never be ruled out.

Other Contenders:

Agnieszka Radwańska has been one of the most consistent players on the tour and Radwańska’s style of play seems ideally suited to the hard courts of Melbourne. Sabine Lisicki is another player who cannot be taken lightly. The 2013 Wimbledon finalist has enough fire-power to trouble the big guns.