Novak seems to have found his form and rhythm

Obviously, the biggest shock of the first week is the exit of Roger Federer by the Italian Andreas Seppi. Federer has played him 10 times before and never lost, so that was a very big surprise to everybody.

Equally surprising was the second round five-setter for Rafael Nadal where he had to have a medical time-out for cramping and was just not feeling well. That was a big comeback for Nadal, what an incredible match. Other than that, I thought all the other top seeds – Wawrinka, Murray, Nishikori, Raonic and also Berdych – they all played very well and according to their world ranking.

Novak has had three very good matches; he’s found his form and rhythm, especially on Saturday against Fernando Verdasco, a former top-10 player. It was a very competent match from both players and Fernando played wonderfully as well. At this stage of the tournament it’s good to get three sets - you save time, you save energy.

On the women’s side, I’m quite surprised by Ana Ivanovic’s exit on the first day. Then Maria Sharapova was down, I think three match points against Alexandra Panova, a qualifier, and that never happens. Caroline Wozniacki lost to Victoria Azarkena, a two-time champion here at the Australian open.

That was actually a very tough draw for both ladies, so one favourite had to go unfortunately. Even Serena Williams was tested in her match on Saturday and needed three sets to get past Elina Svitolina. The women’s side has thrown up more surprises than the men’s side and that tells me that the women are a lot closer together – the difference between the top 10 and the rest isn’t as big as it used to be anymore, otherwise we wouldn’t see so many upsets.

It was also very disappointing to see Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Sabine Lisicki and Andrea Petkovic all losing in the first round. We also have another bright light called Carina Witthoeft, the young 17-year-old who reached the third round, which was very nice. Julia Goerges has moved into the fourth round, so thankfully we still have a lady in the draw!

To make a prediction for the men just now is still very difficult because I am coaching Djokovic, so I am understandably not going to be betting against him, you know. I certainly hope Novak comes through the top half.

The bottom half’s two strongest players are Nadal and Murray. My hope is that one of them will meet Novak in the final. At least, that’s the plan. On the women’s side, my prediction is Serena against Maria in the final.

(Gameplan)