The top-half of the men’s draw offers the tougher path to the final than the lower. Unfortunately for Roger Federer (1), both Novak Djokovic (3) and David Nalbandian (10) are in his half of the draw. Also in the top-half are Marcos Baghdatis (15) and David Ferrer, two of the more talented young players on tour. And how could one fail to note Fernando Gonzalez (7) or Lleyton Hewitt (19)?
John Isner Eyeing Rematch with Roger Federer
John Isner might get another crack at Roger Federer in the second round if they both take care of business on Day 2. Isner has been relegated to Court 13 against Fabrice Santoro, who carries the moniker, “The Magician.” Federer plays Diego Hartfield, a perennial first-round loser. Isner might feel the pressure and succumb to Santoro’s tricks, but at almost a foot taller than Santoro, Isner should be able to serve himself into a meeting with Federer.
Novak Djokovic Facing Multiple Threats
Although Isner could present a real danger, Federer doesn’t have another serious potential threat until the quarterfinals where he could face Gonzalez who has at least one win over Federer, and that was the last match they played at the Masters Cup in November ‘07. Djokovic on the other hand, potentially has to contend with all of the other serious contenders on the top-half.
David Nalbandian in Toughest Section of Men's Draw
The second quarter of the top-half of the draw is where most of the danger lies. Radek Stepanek is seeded No.30, but could take anyone out on any given day. David Ferrer (5) is likely to face Juan Martin Del Potro in Round 2, with the winner looking at the unusual Stepanek. Nalbandian is likely to encounter the difficult, but unseeded, Nicolas Kiefer or Juan Carlos Ferrero (22) in round three, then should find himself facing Ferrer or Stepanek.
Winner of Draw's 2nd Quarter Gets Federer
In that same quarter, Djokovic potentially would have to get by Dmitry Tursunov (32) in Round 3, Hewitt or Baghdatis in the round of 16, and Nalbandian or Stepanek in the quarters. And then, of course, the winner of that section of the draw is would be looking forward to a date with Federer.
Andy Roddick & Rafael Nadal Rule Bottom-half
On the bottom-half of the draw, the only real candidates to win the event are Andy Roddick (6) and Rafael Nadal (2). Unfortunately for one of them, they are both in the same section of the draw and scheduled to meet in the quarters. Richard Gasquet (8) has as much shot-making ability as anyone in the draw, but isn’t quite ready to win a Grand Slam. Nikolay Davydenko (4) is likely to face Roddick or Nadal in the semis, and he has beaten neither. Safe bets would be Nadal or Roddick reaching the final from the bottom.
Early Australian Open Upsets
But there’s a lot of tennis to be played before then. Until then, the excitement will stem from the likely upsets. Among the biggest upsets brewing on Day 2 is the James Blake (12)-Nicola Massu match. Massu is ranked No.69 in the world, but Blake has lost both times they have played. Ivan Ljubicic (17) is another who could take an early fall against Robin Haase. The two have never met, but Ljubicic has been taking backward steps over the past year. No.32 seed Dmitry Tursunov is another candidate for an early exit against Xavier Malisse, whom he has never beaten.
