The Australian Open is finally upon us, and we are back from our long hiatus. What a better way to get a new start by getting started with our predictions for Australian Open 2010. This year is going to be very unpredictable as Federer has been shaky for the past few months, and Nadal has been ailing. Roddick has been stuttering, and Murray just can’t pull the trigger when it matters. Djokovic hasn’t been himself since 2008 either. Del Potro and Davydenko are the players to beat but one is struggling with wrist injury and the other has never done too well to reach the final of a slam. With that in mind, here are our predictions for the first grand-slam of the year:
1st Quarter: Federer. What can you expect. And he will be pushed hard by Davydenko. But he has had Davydenko’s number in long matches, and this time it won’t be different.
2nd Quarter: Djokovic. Has the easiest draw. It’d be a surprise if he doesn’t meet Federer in the semis.
3rd Quarter: Del Potro. Roddick is going to be tough. But if Del Potro shows up and his injury is not too much, he’ll reach the semis.
4th Quarter: Murray. Nadal has played great since his comeback, and he is a great competitor. But it’s Murray’s time, and this time no one will spoil Murray’s chances.
Final: Murray vs. Djokovic. I like Federer and Nadal, but their time at the top all by themselves is over. This year is going to be a great chance for Murray to win his first slam, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t. He has Del Potro’s number and has the game to frustrate Djokovic. If he can beat Nadal, that will give him a lot of confidence. Don’t be surprised if he wins in straight sets against Djokovic.