It’s really the most open Grand Slam in some time

The lead-up to the 2015 Australian Open would have you believe that Novak Djokovic has got the easier half of the draw. This is primarily because three of the big four, namely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are in the lower half. However, it is Novak’s half that has the two US Open finalists as well as Stan Wawrinka, the defending champion.

Basically, seeds five to ten have gotten a lot closer to Novak, Federer, Nadal and Murray and that is the big development that took place through 2014. Nishikori, Raonic and Wawrinka have all had wonderful lead-ups to the Australian Open and are serious contenders for the top honour at Melbourne. I would also watch out for Grigor Dimitrov and Ivo Karlovic as the dark horses.

Looking at the other side of the draw, while Federer can never be ruled out, I would say Murray is the player I would be watching. He was a bit rusty through the first half of the last year, but started improving and ended the year rather strongly. He is a three-time finalist here, and is looking strong and in good rhythm in the practice courts. Novak, too, is looking and feeling good. He played an exhibition match against Wawrinka and did well in his warm-up games. He is battling a bout of the ’flu, but I am confident he will be right and ready for his opening match on Tuesday.

Big unknown

The other player I am looking at closely is Nadal. He is the big unknown of this tournament. Nadal has played seven matches since Wimbledon and nobody has any real clues on whether he is match fit or whether he is back to his regular match-winning confidence. It would take a man braver than I to rule out Nadal from any Grand Slam, but I am really curious to see how he fares.

Across at the women’s side of the tournament, it was really sad to see the defending champion Li Na come to Melbourne as a former player. I know it’s a personal decision but I loved her game and will miss her in action. Here, too, are many exciting players bubbling under. Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are on one side of the draw, while Maria Sharapova is always a threat. But do look out for Eugenie Bouchard as well as Sloane Stephens. The former was a finalist at Wimbledon and looks poised to be a player for the future. Also look out for Simona Halep as well as Agnieszka Radwanska. It’s an open field and a good second week can see any of these girls go home with the trophy.

It’s really the most open Grand Slam in some time and I would wait till mid-tournament before sticking my neck out and making predictions.

— Gameplan