First off, I’d like to say a few words on the Australian bushfires that have destroyed homes, killed half a billion animals and devastated parts of Australia. People read this blog from all over the world, we will all be watching a brilliant event in Melbourne starting next week, but lets spare a thought for everyone that has suffered from the bushfires in Australia. On top of that, it’s worth noting how brilliant our sport has been in helping raise money for the emergency appeal. Tennis’ biggest stars raised over 4 million Australian dollars in Wednesday’s charity match. Whether you like or dislike any player that took part, some things are bigger than tennis, and we should all be proud of what they done.
If you’d like to donate money to the Australia Bushfire Emergency Appeal – follow this link.
Onto the tournament, two weeks of quality grand slam tennis. As always, there’s many questions to be answered – I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.
Will Novak Djokovic win his 8th title in Melbourne, can Rafael Nadal level Roger Federer on 20 grand slams, or will one of the NextGen win their maiden title? Looking at the recent form and stats from over the years, Djokovic is an overwhelming favourite, however Danil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas are leading the assault to dethrone the Serbian and ‘big three’.
Lets take a look at the leading contenders, and a couple of players that will be hoping to spring a surprise. Djokovic has started his 2020 season perfectly, winning the first ever ATP Cup with Serbia, defeating Spain in the final. During that title win, the Serb recorded another straight-sets victory over Nadal, winning his 18th and 19th consecutive sets on hard courts against the Spaniard. A crazy stat. In the semi-final, the 7-time Australian Open champion beat Medvedev in a thriller. That win will of given Djokovic a huge boost of confidence going into next weeks slam. Many see the Russian as Djokovic’s main danger, however over a five-set marathon, I make Djokovic a huge favourite. Medvedev is a seriously good talent, but does he have the consistency, stamina and experience to topple Djokovic over a 4/5 hour match? Not in my opinion.
Nadal’s title hopes largely depend on whether Djokovic reahes the final. The Spaniard will be extra motivated, knowing he’s just one behind Federer on the all-time grand slam list. Win in Melbourne, obviously follow up at Roland Garros and become the most successful tennis player ever, easy as that? I wouldn’t rule him out, that’s for sure. When Djokovic exited the 2019 US Open after a 4th round defeat to Stan Wawrinka, Nadal sensed and took his chance to increase his grand slam tally to 19, winning an all-time classic final against Medvedev. The draw has done Nadal absolutely no favours. His projected route would see him face Nick Kyrigos/Karen Khachanov (round 4), Thiem (quarter-final), Medvedev (semi-final) and an easy task of Federer or Djokovic in the final. If Djokovic exits, Nadal becomes the tournament favourite.
Federer arrives in Melbourne having not played since his semi-final defeat to Tsitsipas in the ATP World Tour Finals, back in November. This isn’t unusual though, The Swiss won the 2018 Australian Open after a long lay-off, reaching the final without dropping a set. You can never rule out Federer, he peaks on the big stage, however I’d make Tsitsipas or Medvedev the favourite if they were to face the 38-year-old great. The only way I see Federer adding to his tally of 20 grand slams, is by him winning Wimbledon, although he’ll never get a better chance than he did last season. 2 Championship points went astray.
Lastly, lets look at a couple of outsiders. Medvedev and Tsitsipas
have shown over the last 18 months that they can beat the best. There’s a massive difference between defeating Djokovic in a 3-set-shootout, then beating him at the business end of a slam over 5 gruelling sets. Until one of the NextGen win a slam, I won’t be convinced they can beat Nadal or Djokovic in a marathon match. Their talent is undoubted, but you can’t buy Championship winning experience and the ‘big three’ have bags of it.
My prediction: Djokovic wins his 8th Australian Open, with relative ease, beating Nadal in the final.
Onto a wide-open womens tournament. Naomi Osaka is defending champion, so I’ll kick things off with the Japanese sensation. I’m a huge fan of Osaka.
At just 22-years-old, she has the potential to transform and dictate the sport for many years. A massive serve, brutal ground-strokes and the mentality to match. Her demeanor off court is so impressive for a young champion. Calm, collected and obsessed with becoming the best. No controversy or brash press conferences, Osaka just works hard and entertains us on court with stunning tennis. A nice rarity in sport, 2020.
The ultimate goat – Serena Williams. 38-years-old, still winning titles and reaching grand slam finals, you just have to admire and respect that. The American sits one behind Margaret Court (24) on the all-time grand slam titles list. Serena is desperate to surpass the retired Australian, although having lost her past three finals to Osaka, Simona Halep and Bianca Andreescu, it’s looking unlikely she’ll win another two slams. The younger players have closed the gap, and are producing their best tennis in finals, too. Although, while she’s fit and hitting hard, Williams is always the tournament favourite. Championship experience is insurmountable.
Ashleigh Barty had a superb 2019. The Aussie won the French Open, Miami Open and WTA Finals to become the world number 1. Some achievement when you consider she only returned to playing tennis in 2016. The 23-year-old has an aggressive game that will suit the quick, hard courts. I expect Barty to serving well, attacking the net and keeping points short, she is the best net player in world tennis. Every year I ask myself, will this be Karolina Pliskova’s year?
The Czech has to be the most talented player yet to win a grand slam, her time has to come. I’d argue Pliskova is playing the best tennis of her career, she was outstanding last week, beating Osaka and Madison Keys to lift the Brisbane International title. Both matches went the distance, with Pliskova producing her ‘A-game’ in the pivotal stages to get over the line, that will give her a huge mental boost, knowing she has that heart and winning mentality.
I could name 10-12 genuine title contenders. Simona Halep has that winning experience after adding the Wimbledon title to her collection in 2019, Aryna Sabalenka is rapidly improving and played some great tennis in Auckland this week, while Petra Kvitova, Keys and Elina Svitolina are all more than capable of winning a grand slam.
I was looking forward to seeing Andreescu attempt to follow up her US Open title win. Sadly she’s pulled out due to a knee injury, hopefully the Candian is fighting fit for the French Open.
What a 2 weeks it promises to be.
Prediction: Osaka lifts the title, overcoming many battles along the way.
Who are the fans predicting to win the 2020 Australian Open titles?
@ukdazz:Djokovic & Osaka
@mpshe_shamai: Djokovic & S.Williams
@hbopinions: Djokovic & Halep
@Mindscape66: Djokovic & S.Williams
@GForceGill: Djokovic
@Doik77: Djokovic & Barty
@mikikant_liber: Djokovic & S.Williams
@MyTennisSeat: Djokovic & S.Williams
@ToniNicfam: Djokovic
@rosso_neri: Djokovic & S.Williams
@martyn0204: Djokovic & Barty
@matthews27_carl: Tsitsipas & S.Williams
@Tennisadict5: Djokovic & Muguruza
@fraizersracket: Djokovic & Barty
@JonPhil81081632: Djokovic & Osaka
@juliemarialukic: Djokovic & Halep
@stewart_dom: Djokovic & Osaka
Thanks for all your predictions, to get involved next time, follow us on Twitter!
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