In just about a day?s time, the world will witness the first Grand Slam of the year. Needless to say, there?s a lot of excitement among tennis enthusiasts around the top players who will vie for the crown. All eyes are especially on Novak Djokovic, the three-time defending champion in the men?s singles, and Victoria Azarenka, who enters the women?s singles event attempting to win the title for the third straight year.
First held in 1905, Australian Open is chronologically the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events of the year, which is followed by French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, respectively.
With a prize money of A$33 million, a 10% hike from last year, it is one of the most-sought-after Grand Slams of the year. And the good part is, all the ?Big Four? of men’s tennis?Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer?are fit and playing this time around.
We bring you the top contenders for this year?s first showdown.
Back with a vengeance
Rafael Nadal
Currently world No 1, Rafael Nadal missed the last year?s edition because of a seven-month injury break before making a stunning comeback to win 10 titles in 2013. This year, his main opponent would be ending Novak Djokovic?s three-year reign at the Melbourne Park.
Indian connection
India?s maximum representation in Grand Slams comes from men?s doubles where the highest seeds are Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek, reigning US Open Champions. Following them are the Indo-Pak express of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi. Veteran Mahesh Bhupathi has also teamed up with American Rajeev Ram.
The invincible
Novak Djokovic
The Serbian has been invincible the past three months, winning 24 consecutive matches since succumbing to Nadal in the US Open final. He avenged that defeat with a crushing straight-sets defeat of the Spaniard in the World Tour finals in London. Like Roger Federer, the 26-year-old Serbian has the chance to become the first man in the 45-year professional era to land five Open crowns.
Powerpuff girl
Serena Williams
The current world No 1, Serena Williams, has
reportedly been made the top seed at the Australian Open. And given the way Williams played in 2013?amassing a 78-4 record and
picking up two more majors?she is one of the favourites at the Australian Open.
Beauty with brains
Maria Sharapova
The 2008 Australian Open Champion, Maria Sharapova, can never be ruled out, unless it?s in a match against Serena?she has lost 14 straight matches to her. Now, she is coming back from her second serious shoulder injury, and will definitely be hungry to avenge her defeats against the world No 1.
3rd encounter
VICTORIA AZARENKA
The former world No 1 from Belarus, Victoria Azarenka, has won the Australian Open two years in a row and must be serious about going for a third feat. Moreover, her record at hard courts also makes her a serious contender in Melbourne. She hasn?t lost to anyone except Serena at a hard-court Slam since the 2011 Australian Open. She faces teenager Ashleigh Barty in the first round.