Australian Open 2017

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Australian Grand Slam finalists since 1988

Australian Open
2005 Lleyton Hewitt Runner-up lost to Marat Safin 16 63 64 64

Wimbledon
2000 Patrick Rafter Runner-up lost to Pete Sampras 67 76 64 62
2001 Patrick Rafter Runner-up lost to Goran Ivanisevic 63 36 63 26 97
2002 Lleyton Hewitt Champion defeated David Nalbandian 61 63 62
2003 Mark Philippoussis Runner-up lost to Roger Federer 76 62 76

US Open
1997 Patrick Rafter Champion defeated Greg Rusedski 63 62 46 75
1998 Patrick Rafter Champion defeated Mark Philippoussis 63 36 62 60
Mark Philippoussis Runner-up lost to Patrick Rafter 63 36 62 60
2001 Lleyton Hewitt Champion defeated Pete Sampras 76 61 61
2004 Lleyton Hewitt Runner-up lost to Roger Federer 60 76 60

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HOW HAS THE TOP SEED FARED DOWN UNDER?... Of the 48 Australian Opens played since 1969, 18 top seeds have gone on to win the title. The top seed has won the title in 8 of the last 11 years. In 2002 Lleyton Hewitt became the only Australian Open top seed in the Open Era to date to exit in the 1st round.

Top Seed Australian Open Round Achieved

1969 Rod Laver Won title
1970 Tony Roche Lost QF
1971 Rod Laver Lost 3rd Round
1972 John Newcombe Lost QF
1973 Ken Rosewall Lost 2nd Round
1974 John Newcombe Lost QF
1975 Jimmy Connors Lost Final
1976 Ken Rosewall Lost SF
1977 (Jan) Guillermo Vilas Lost Final
1977 (Dec) Vitas Gerulaitis Won title
1978 Guillermo Vilas Won title
1979 Guillermo Vilas Won title
1980 Guillermo Vilas Lost QF
1981 Guillermo Vilas Lost 3rd Round
1982 Johan Kriek Won title
1983 Ivan Lendl Lost Final
1984 Ivan Lendl Lost Round of 16
1985 Ivan Lendl Lost SF
1986 No tournament
1987 Ivan Lendl Lost SF
1988 Ivan Lendl Lost SF
1989 Mats Wilander Lost 2nd Round
1990 Ivan Lendl Won title
1991 Stefan Edberg Lost SF
1992 Stefan Edberg Lost Final
1993 Jim Courier Won title
1994 Pete Sampras Won title
1995 Pete Sampras Lost Final
1996 Pete Sampras Lost 3rd Round
1997 Pete Sampras Won title
1998 Pete Sampras Lost QF
1999 Pete Sampras Withdrew
2000 Andre Agassi Won title
2001 Gustavo Kuerten Lost 2nd Round
2002 Lleyton Hewitt Lost 1st Round
2003 Lleyton Hewitt Lost Round of 16
2004 Andy Roddick Lost QF
2005 Roger Federer Lost SF
2006 Roger Federer Won title
2007 Roger Federer Won title
2008 Roger Federer Lost SF
2009 Rafael Nadal Won title
2010 Roger Federer Won title
2011 Rafael Nadal Lost QF
2012 Novak Djokovic Won title
2013 Novak Djokovic Won title
2014 Rafael Nadal Lost Final
2015 Novak Djokovic Won title
2016 Novak Djokovic Won title
2017 Andy Murray ???

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Australian Open title defence attempts (Open Era)

CHAMPION SUBSEQUENT YEAR
1969 Rod Laver Did not play
1970 Arthur Ashe Lost Final to Ken Rosewall
1971 Ken Rosewall Won title
1972 Ken Rosewall Lost 2nd Round to Karl Meiler
1973 John Newcombe Lost QF to Ross Case
1974 Jimmy Connors Lost Final to John Newcombe
1975 John Newcombe Lost Final to Mark Edmondson
1976 Mark Edmondson Lost QF to Ken Rosewall
1977 (Jan) Roscoe Tanner Lost 1st Round to Chris Lewis
1977 (Dec) Vitas Gerulaitis Did not play
1978 Guillermo Vilas Won title
1979 Guillermo Vilas Lost SF to Kim Warwick
1980 Brian Teacher Did not play
1981 Johan Kriek Won title
1982 Johan Kriek Lost QF to Mats Wilander
1983 Mats Wilander Won title
1984 Mats Wilander Lost Final to Stefan Edberg
1985 Stefan Edberg Won title (1987)
1986 No tournament
1987 Stefan Edberg Lost SF to Mats Wilander
1988 Mats Wilander Lost 2nd Round to Ramesh Krishnan
1989 Ivan Lendl Won title
1990 Ivan Lendl Lost Final to Boris Becker
1991 Boris Becker Lost 3rd Round to John McEnroe
1992 Jim Courier Won title
1993 Jim Courier Lost SF to Pete Sampras
1994 Pete Sampras Lost Final to Andre Agassi
1995 Andre Agassi Lost SF to Michael Chang
1996 Boris Becker Lost 1st Round to Carlos Moya
1997 Pete Sampras Lost QF to Karol Kucera
1998 Petr Korda Lost 3rd Round to Todd Martin
1999 Yevgeny Kafelnikov Lost Final to Andre Agassi
2000 Andre Agassi Won title
2001 Andre Agassi Did not play
2002 Thomas Johansson Did not play
2003 Andre Agassi Lost SF to Marat Safin
2004 Roger Federer Lost SF to Marat Safin
2005 Marat Safin Did not play (left knee injury)
2006 Roger Federer Won title
2007 Roger Federer Lost SF to Novak Djokovic
2008 Novak Djokovic Lost QF to Andy Roddick (retired)
2009 Rafael Nadal Lost QF to Andy Murray (retired)
2010 Roger Federer Lost SF to Novak Djokovic
2011 Novak Djokovic Won title
2012 Novak Djokovic Won title
2013 Novak Djokovic Lost QF to Stan Wawrinka
2014 Stan Wawrinka Lost SF to Novak Djokovic
2015 Novak Djokovic Won title
2016 Novak Djokovic ???

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Men’s Tournament Preview

This is the 105th edition of the Australian Championships, which began in 1905, as well as being the 49th Australian Open and the 196th Grand Slam tournament of the Open Era.

Melbourne Park hosts the tournament for the 30th year. It was first played here in 1988, when the venue was known as Flinders Park.

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DJOKOVIC DEFENDS… Djokovic won his 6th Australian Open title last year, and is bidding to win 3 consecutive titles in Melbourne for the 2nd time.
Successful Grand Slam title defences (Open Era)

Australian Open (12) Roland Garros (16)
Ken Rosewall 1971-72 Jan Kodes 1970-71
Guillermo Vilas 1978-79 Bjorn Borg 1974-75
Johan Kriek 1981-82 Bjorn Borg 1978-79-80-81 (3 successful defences)
Mats Wilander 1983-84 Ivan Lendl 1986-87
Stefan Edberg 1985-87* (*not played in 1986) Jim Courier 1991-92
Ivan Lendl 1989-90 Sergi Bruguera 1993-94
Jim Courier 1992-93 Gustavo Kuerten 2000-01
Andre Agassi 2000-01 Rafael Nadal 2005-06-07-08 (3 successful defences)
Roger Federer 2006-07
Novak Djokovic 2011-12-13 (2 successful defences)
Novak Djokovic 2015-16 Rafael Nadal 2010-11-12-13-14 (4 successful defences)

Wimbledon (18)
US Open (12)
Rod Laver 1968-69 John McEnroe 1979-80-81 (2 successful defences)
John Newcombe 1970-71 Jimmy Connors 1982-83
Bjorn Borg 1976-77-78-79-80 (4 successful defences) Ivan Lendl 1985-86-87 (2 successful defences)
John McEnroe 1983-84 Stefan Edberg 1991-92
Boris Becker 1985-86 Pete Sampras 1995-96
Pete Sampras 1993-94-95 (2 successful defences) Patrick Rafter 1997-98
Pete Sampras 1997-98-99-2000 (3 successful defences) Roger Federer 2004-05-06-07-08 (4 successful defences)
Roger Federer 2003-04-05-06-07 (4 successful defences)
Novak Djokovic 2014-15

Among all 4 Grand Slam events, a defending champion has lost in the 1st round 4 times, including twice at the Australian Open:

Defending Grand Slam champions losing in 1st round (Open Era)
Year/Event Defending Champion 1st round result
1977 (Dec) Australian Open Roscoe Tanner l. Chris Lewis 36 63 62 16 64
1997 Australian Open Boris Becker l. Carlos Moya 57 76 36 61 64
1999 US Open Patrick Rafter l. Cedric Pioline 46 46 75 63 1-0 ret. (shoulder injury)
2003 Wimbledon Lleyton Hewitt l. Ivo Karlovic 16 76 63 64

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SIXTH TIME LUCKY FOR MURRAY?... Murray is looking to become the first man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title after losing 5 finals at any one Grand Slam. He finished as runner-up to Roger Federer here in 2010, and to Djokovic in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Djokovic, Federer, Goran Ivanisevic and Ivan Lendl are the only players in the Open Era to lose 3 Grand Slam finals at one major before winning the title.
No. of final appearances at one Grand Slam event before winning first title (Open Era)
Player No. of appearances in the final at any one Grand Slam before winning the title Years
Andy Murray 6 Australian Open finals?? Lost 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016
Novak Djokovic 4 Roland Garros finals Lost 2012, 2014, 2015. Won 2016
Roger Federer 4 Roland Garros finals Lost 2006, 2007, 2008. Won 2009
Goran Ivanisevic 4 Wimbledon finals Lost 1992, 1994, 1998. Won 2001
Ivan Lendl 4 US Open finals Lost 1982, 1983, 1984. Won 1985

Murray is looking to become only the second man in the Open Era to win the Australian Open title after losing 2 or more finals in Melbourne. Marat Safin is the only player to lose multiple finals at the Australian Open before winning the title, having lost the final in 2002 and 2004 before winning the title in 2005.

Murray is also looking to avoid becoming the first man in the Open Era to lose 6 Grand Slam finals at any one major. Lendl is the only other man in the Open Era who has lost 5 finals at any one Grand Slam event – he lost in the title match at the US Open in 1982-84 and 1988-89 but won the tournament in 1985-87.

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TWENTY-SIX AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPIONS IN OPEN ERA… Of the 54 different Open Era Grand Slam champions, 26 have won the Australian Open at least once in their careers. Novak Djokovic heads the list with 6 Open Era titles.

Spoiler:

Rod Laver* 1969 *also won pre-Open Era Australian Open titles
Arthur Ashe 1970
Ken Rosewall* 1971-72
John Newcombe 1973, 1975
Jimmy Connors 1974
Mark Edmondson 1976
Roscoe Tanner 1977 (Jan)
Vitas Gerulaitis 1977 (Dec)
Guillermo Vilas 1978-79
Brian Teacher 1980
Johan Kriek 1981-82
Mats Wilander 1983-84, 1988
Stefan Edberg 1985, 1987
Ivan Lendl 1989-90
Boris Becker 1991, 1996
Jim Courier 1992-93
Pete Sampras 1994, 1997
Andre Agassi 1995, 2000-01, 2003
Petr Korda 1998
Yevgeny Kafelnikov 1999
Thomas Johansson 2002
Roger Federer 2004, 2006-07, 2010
Marat Safin 2005
Novak Djokovic 2008, 2011-13, 2015-16
Rafael Nadal 2009
Stan Wawrinka 2014

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MOST AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL APPEARANCES… Djokovic is looking to reach his 7th final here and extend his record for the most Australian Open final appearances. Murray and Federer could equal the record if either of them reaches the final and Djokovic fails to do so.
No. of Australian Open final appearances (Open Era)
Player No. of Australian Open final appearances
Novak Djokovic 6
Stefan Edberg 5
Roger Federer 5
Andy Murray 5
Andre Agassi 4
Ivan Lendl 4
Mats Wilander 4
Players at 2017 Australian Open in bold

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A SEVENTH AUSSIE TITLE FOR DJOKOVIC?… Having won the Australian Open title in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, Djokovic is bidding to take sole ownership of the record for Australian titles. He is currently tied with Roy Emerson on 6 Australian titles.
Australian title leaders (all-time)
Player Titles won Years
Novak Djokovic 6 2008, 2011-13, 2015-16
Roy Emerson 6 1961, 1963-67
Andre Agassi 4 1995, 2000-01, 2003
Jack Crawford 4 1931-33, 1935
Roger Federer 4 2004, 2006-07, 2010
Ken Rosewall 4 1953, 1955, 1971-72


Djokovic is bidding to become the 8th man in history to win at least 7 titles at any Grand Slam event. Rafael Nadal tops the table with 9 Roland Garros titles.

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FEDERER CHASING WOMEN’S ALL-TIME GREATS… Federer is bidding for his 18th major title here in Melbourne. Victory would see him tie Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in equal 5th place on the list for most Grand Slam singles titles.

All-time Grand Slam singles title leaders
(men and women)
Rank No. of titles Player
1. 24 Margaret Court
2= 22 Steffi Graf
Serena Williams
4. 19 Helen Wills Moody
5= 18 Chris Evert
Martina Navratilova
7. 17 Roger Federer

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SIX GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS IN MAIN DRAW… There are 6 Grand Slam tournament champions appearing in the 2017 Australian Open men’s main draw, including 4 former Australian Open winners: Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Wawrinka.

Marin Cilic (1) 2014 US Open
Novak Djokovic (10) 2008/11/12/13/15/16 Australian Open; 2011/14/15 Wimbledon; 2011/15 US Open; 2016 Roland Garros
Roger Federer (17) 2003/04/05/06/07/09/12 Wimbledon; 2004/06/07/10 Australian Open; 2004/05/06/07/08 US Open; 2009 Roland Garros
Andy Murray (3) 2012 US Open; 2013/16 Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal (14) 2005/06/07/08/10/11/12/13/14 Roland Garros; 2008/10 Wimbledon; 2009 Australian Open; 2010/13 US Open
Stan Wawrinka (3) 2014 Australian Open; 2015 Roland Garros; 2016 US Open

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AUSSIES LOOK TO END TITLE DROUGHT… Mark Edmondson was the last Australian to win the Australian Open men’s singles title, doing so in 1976, as well as becoming the only recorded unseeded player to win here. None of the other 3 Grand Slam tournaments has gone longer without a resident national champion.

Event Last Native Champion
Australian Open Mark Edmondson 1976
Roland Garros Yannick Noah 1983
Wimbledon Andy Murray 2016
US Open Andy Roddick 2003

In 2005, Lleyton Hewitt became the first Australian to reach the men’s final here since Pat Cash reached back-to-back finals in 1987 and 1988. An Aussie has reached the final at a Grand Slam event only 10 times in the 115 majors since Cash’s 1988 final appearance, and only once at the Australian Open. Hewitt’s 2002 Wimbledon title marked the last time an Australian man lifted a Grand Slam trophy.

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Murray Eyes First Title: World No. 1 Andy Murray is the top seed in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career. Murray is the first British man to hold the top seed in a Slam since Bunny Austin at the 1939 Wimbledon.

Murray is making his 12th straight appearance in Melbourne and he’s hoping to duplicate the feat of two of his rivals. Last season Djokovic won his first Roland Garros crown and Wawrinka his first US Open title, both in their 12th tournament appearance.

Murray is trying to capture his first title after reaching the final five times (2010-11, 2013, 2015-16). He is 0-5 vs. Djokovic in Melbourne with his last four runner-up results coming to the Serbian. Murray has reached the final in a career-best six consecutive tournaments going back to last season and his 28-match winning streak came to an end with his final loss to Djokovic in Doha on 7 January.

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NADAL EYES CAREER GRAND SLAM DOUBLE… Rafael Nadal is bidding to become the first man in the Open Era – and only the third man in history – to win each of the 4 Grand Slam titles twice. Roy Emerson and Rod Laver are the only players to have won each Grand Slam on 2 or more occasions.

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Novak Eyes Record: Two-time reigning champion (six overall) Novak Djokovic is trying to become the all-time leader with the most Australian Open singles titles. He is currently tied with Aussie great Roy Emerson with six titles. Djokovic is the No. 2 seed for the first time in a Grand Slam tournament since the 2014 Roland Garros.

Djokovic has won the title in five of the past six years (39-1 record) with his only loss coming to Wawrinka in the quarter-finals in 2014. Overall he has a 57-6 career record in Melbourne. The 29-year-old Serbian, who won titles in 2008, 2011-13, 2015-16, is one of three players to win at least three titles in a row at the Australian Open along with Aussies Jack Crawford (1931-33) and Emerson (1963-67). Djokovic opened the season by repeating his title in Doha (d. Murray).

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World’s best players ready for Melbourne in January

The world’s top players are setting their sights on the Australian Open following a year of breakthroughs, surprises and comebacks.

Spoiler:

The world’s top players are setting their sights on the Australian Open following a year of breakthroughs, surprises and comebacks.

“All the top players have confirmed they’ll be back in Melbourne in January,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said at the tournament launch today.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be really the only sporting event in the country where we get the chance to see the very best in the world compete right here in Melbourne.

“Angelique Kerber really broke through to win here in January, and she kept the momentum going to win the US Open and take over from Serena Williams as world No.1. I know Angie is really excited about coming back to Melbourne and the fans will welcome her with open arms.

“Novak, who equaled the great Roy Emerson’s feat of winning his sixth Australian Open has his eye on the prize again. His record here is incredible. He just always plays so well here and feels as though Melbourne is like a second home.

“Serena has also had a few disappointments this year but she’s an incredible champion and always brings massive excitement and flair to the tournament. She will be back at her best, no doubt.

“And we know Roger Federer will receive a hero’s welcome when he makes his comeback after a year frustrated by injury.

“We’ve been in touch with Roger throughout the year and he’s incredibly motivated to get as fit and strong as possible, and continue playing. Which is great news for all of us who love to watch him in action.

“One of the stories of the year is the emotional comeback of Juan Martin del Potro, who won silver in Rio and went on to reach the semis in the US. He’s had a terrible run with injury and it’s exciting to see him overcome the odds and become the imposing on-court presence we know and love. He plays well on this surface and will definitely be a threat to all the top guys this summer.

“Then we have this surging crop of great young talent in both tours where the established stars are constantly being challenged. It just makes for an incredibly intriguing event.”

Angelique Kerber, defending champion: “Coming back to Melbourne as the Australian Open defending champion will be incredibly exciting, I can’t wait! This is the tournament that set me up for my most successful year and I will never forget those amazing two weeks in Melbourne. It will be an amazing experience to walk out on Rod Laver Arena again, and relive such an exciting time in my life.”

Novak Djokovic, defending champion: “The Australian Open is where I achieved my first Grand Slam success and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Since I won for the first time in 2008, I’m always amazed at the wonderful warm welcome I receive every time I come back, it’s a bit like coming home. This year it was an honour to equal the great Roy Emerson’s achievements to win my sixth Australian Open and I look forward to coming back to defend my title in January.”

Serena Williams: “I’m always super excited about the beginning of each New Year, and love coming to Melbourne for the Australian Open. The weather is great, there’s always something new happening around the grounds and the fans are so passionate and supportive.”

Roger Federer: “I can’t wait to get back to Australia, and to Melbourne for the Australian Open. I’ve been working extremely hard and am on track to come back fit, super strong and healthy to play firstly at the Hopman Cup in Perth, and then at the Australian Open.

“My team tells me I’m on schedule and the promise of getting back on court and competing again is very exciting – I’ve missed it so much. My motivation and love of the sport is as strong as ever and I’m really looking forward to heading down under to see all my Australian fans.”

Rafael Nadal: “It is always such an unbelievable atmosphere at the Australian Open. Every year the tournament improves and gets bigger and better, and it’s always exciting to see what’s new. I love coming back to Melbourne, it’s a beautiful city and we are looked after so well. For the first time in my career I’m beginning the season in Brisbane, so it will be a new experience, and a great preparation for the Australian Open.

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/artic ... nuary.html

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Plan kortów:

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Ultimate guide: 2017 Australian Open
Max Laughton, FOX SPORTS

Spoiler:

FOR some Australians, it marks the true high point of the summer.

But for the tennis world the Australian Open signifies the first big event on the 2017 calendar — an early opportunity to see what the year has in store.

The tournament, which begins on January 16, won’t just be the first slam of the season but will be tennis fans’ first opportunity to see a fleet of injured superstars including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, all of whom haven’t competed since the US Open in September.

And it’s all right on our doorstep.

WHERE

Melbourne Park hosts the Australian Open on its world famous blue hardcourts. For visitors, it’s just a five-minute tram ride from the CBD.

WHEN

With qualifiers running in the lead-up, the main tournament runs from January 16 to 29.

Fox Sports Australia will have all of the latest news on the event from our team on the ground as well as expert analysis and live coverage throughout the tournament. Fans can watch the matches on Channel 7 and 7TWO.

PRIZEMONEY

A record $50 million prize purse is on offer at this year’s Australian Open. But it’s not just at the top end, with a 30 per cent increase in money for first round losers.

Singles champions will receive $3.7 million, doubles champions will receive $650,000 and mixed doubles champions will receive $150,500.

WEATHER FORECAST

With three retractable roof stadiums, the big matches will be kept away from the most extreme weather. The forecast is predicting a few hot early days with the first Tuesday of the tournament tipped for a tip of 33 degrees, with only a few after that expected to reach 30 degrees or higher.

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LEGEND’S STUNNING FEDERER PREDICTION
Angelique Kerber is the reigning women’s champion. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR

On the men’s singles side, Novak Djokovic won a record-equalling sixth championship, defeating Andy Murray 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3). The top seed took down Roger Federer in a fantastic four-set semi-final which pitted him against the second seed Murray, who defeated surprise semi-finalist and number 13 seed Milos Raonic to get there. The three-set win was Djokovic’s fourth win over Murray in an Australian Open final.

The women’s singles side went as expected until the final, as number seven seed Angelique Kerber stunned top seed Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to win her first slam. Williams defeated Agnieszka Radwanska in the semi-finals while Kerber accounted for surprise semi-finalist Johanna Konta, who was unseeded and had battled a surprise herself in qualifier Zhang Shuai the round earlier.

THE DRAW

The main draw has been conducted. See the news and key match-ups here.

THE SEEDS

MEN

1 Andy Murray (GBR)

2 Novak Djokovic (SRB)

3 Milos Raonic (CAN)

4 Stan Wawrinka (SUI)

5 Kei Nishikori (JPN)

6 Gael Monfils (FRA)

7 Marin Cilic (CRO)

8 Dominic Thiem (AUT)

9 Rafael Nadal (ESP)

10 Tomas Berdych (CZE)

11 David Goffin (BEL)

12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)

13 Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

14 Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

15 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)

16 Lucas Pouille (FRA)

17 Roger Federer (SUI)

18 Richard Gasquet (FRA)

19 John Isner (USA)

20 Ivo Karlovic (CRO)

21 David Ferrer (ESP)

22 Pablo Cuevas (URU)

23 Jack Sock (USA)

24 Alexander Zverev (GER)

25 Gilles Simon (FRA)

26 Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)

27 Bernard Tomic (AUS)

28 Feliciano Lopez (ESP)

29 Viktor Troicki (SRB)

30 Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)

31 Sam Querrey (USA)

32 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)

WOMEN

1 Angelique Kerber (GER)

2 Serena Williams (USA)

3 Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)

4 Simona Halep (ROU)

5 Karolina Pliskova (CZE)

6 Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)

7 Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP)

8 Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

9 Johanna Konta (GBR)

10 Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP)

11 Elina Svitolina (UKR)

12 Timea Bacsinszky (SUI)

13 Venus Williams (USA)

14 Elena Vesnina (RUS)

15 Roberta Vinci (ITA)

16 Barbora Strycova (CZE)

17 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

18 Samantha Stosur (AUS)

19 Kiki Bertens (NED)

20 Shuai Zhang (CHN)

21 Caroline Garcia (FRA)

22 Daria Gavrilova (AUS)

23 Daria Kasatkina (RUS)

24 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)

25 Timea Babos (HUN)

26 Laura Siegemund (GER)

27 Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)

28 Alizé Cornet (FRA)

29 Monica Puig (PUR)

30 Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)

31 Yulia Putintseva (KAZ)

32 Anastasija Sevastova (LAT)

THE AUSSIES

Lleyton Hewitt knows better than most the expectations Australians face — and often fail to meet — at their home Open.

As the last Australian to make the final at Rod Laver Arena, he indicated remaining level-headed was the key to success.

“I think anyone playing in their national grand slam, all eyes are on you, the weeks leading into it, there’s a lot of demands as well for your time,” Hewitt told foxsports.com.au.

“It’s about handling all that and trying to block it out as much as possible.

“These guys put enough pressure on themselves to go out and perform well, so the added pressure doesn’t really count as much, it’s more just managing your time.”

Nick Kyrgios — Our best chance in the men’s draw, Kyrgios will be hoping to build on his 2016 form in which he won his maiden ATP title and broke into the world’s top 15. A lingering knee complaint has hampered his preparation.

Sam Stosur — Despite going into the tournament as Australia’s top female seed, Stosur’s opening round exit in 2016 will no doubt be on the US Open champion’s mind. Her preparation for the Open has been less than ideal, bombing out of the first round at both the Brisbane and Sydney Internationals.

Bernard Tomic — Injuries and patchy form have also characterised Tomic’s preparation for the tournament. Despite this, Tomic has the ability to push deep into the Open. He has made the final 16 for the past two years and will be looking to go at least one better in 2017.

Daria Gavrilova — The bolter last year, Gavrilova will come to Melbourne Park with big expectations. She defeated sixth seed Petra Kvitova in the second round to establish herself as one of the dark horses, but fell to Carla Suarez Navarro in three sets in the fourth round.
Novak Djokovic with his 2016 trophy. Picture: Ian Currie

THE CONTENDERS

Novak Djokovic — Djokovic completed the ‘Nole Slam’ by defeating Murray in the French Open final, completing his career Grand Slam, but exited Wimbledon in the third round, lost in the first round at the Olympics and then fell in the US Open final to Stan Wawrinka. But Djokovic has always looked most dominant at Melbourne Park meaning we’ll likely see these apparent flaws cleaned up by the start of the event.

Serena Williams — A shoulder injury ended Williams’ 2016 prematurely and a semi-finals exit at the US Open cost her the world number one ranking — a spot her conqueror last year at Melbourne Park, Angelique Kerber, now claims. Only now is Serena expected to be back in full force which bodes ominously for the women who end up on her side of the draw.

Andy Murray — Newly knighted and the new world number one, Andy Murray appears as well-placed as he has ever been to finally claim his first Australian Open title. He won’t have to face bogey man Djokovic until the final if they both make it there once again, of course, but he did take the Serb down in the ATP World Tour Finals late in the year so he may be especially confident.

Angelique Kerber — The greatest year of Kerber’s career started at the Australian Open as the current world number one won her first of two Grand Slam titles. She also made the finals of Wimbledon, the ATP World Tour Finals and the Olympics, showing she was no single-tournament fluke. The German will be hoping to stay at the top of the women’s tennis mountain which is so often in flux.

Stan Wawrinka — The man who broke through for his first Grand Slam title back in 2014 at Melbourne Park will once again be a dark horse in 2017, despite being the most recent men’s singles Grand Slam champion following his win over Djokovic at the US Open. With the Serbian set to be on his side of the draw, Wawrinka may be buoyed, given he has been one of the few to be able to crack that seemingly invincible shell of Djokovic deep in Grand Slams.

Garbine Muguruza — Despite never progressing past the fourth round of the Australian Open, the reigning French Open champion and world number seven is the favourite in many eyes as the dark horse behind last year’s finalists Williams and Kerber. She’ll certainly be hoping to do better than 2016 when she lost in the third round to unseeded Barbora Strycova.

Rafael Nadal — The 2009 Australian Open champion will be relying on his pedigree coming into the 2017 event given he is likely to slot in as the ninth seed — hardly a favourable spot for a player of his stature. But Nadal failed to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal in 2016 after falling to Fernando Verdasco in an opening-round epic at Melbourne Park. His best performance was the fourth round at the US Open where he lost in five sets to Lucas Pouille.

Simona Halep — A two-time quarter finalist at Melbourne Park, Halep fell in the first round last year to a qualifier. That qualifier did happen to be Zhang Shuai, who reached the quarter-finals, making it slightly less dramatic, but it’s still not as good as we should be seeing from Halep on the blue courts. The former French Open finalist has the ability to go deep into the tournament.

Roger Federer — From dominant force to fan favourite legend, as Federer’s career winds to a close the fans at Melbourne Park who have seen him claim four championships there — the first all the way back in 2004 — are desperate to see a fifth. But his seeding is likely to cost him dearly as a long injury break, dating back to before the Olympics, will put him at number 17 and in line for an early clash with a top seed. A semi-finalist here last year, we know he can still hang with the best. But is his time over?

ODDS

Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic ($2.63), Andy Murray ($2.75), Stan Wawrinka ($15), Rafael Nadal ($17.5), Milos Raonic ($25), Roger Federer ($26)

Women’s Singles: Serena Williams ($4.20), Angelique Kerber ($4.90), Garbine Muguruza ($11), Simona Halep ($11), Karolina Pliskova ($12), Agnieszka Radwanska ($32)

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/archive/aus ... c0e5e6086a

[Lucas]

[Lucas]