Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he was facing a tricky start to the Australian Open after being drawn against home favourite Bernard Tomic, but said he was up for the challenge.
The recall of a crushing loss might not have the same attraction as the memory of an inspired victory for most top tennis players, but world number eight Stanislas Wawrinka wears failure as a badge of honour stamped permanently on his arm.
Four months after back surgery, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was understandably cautious on Saturday about his chances of reaching a fourth Australian Open final in five years.
Armed with a new coach and bigger racket, Roger Federer hopes being in the unusual position of underdog will help him add to his record tally of 17 grand slam titles.
Maria Sharapova happily admits that patience is not her strongest trait but the Russian will temper her expectations as she begins her Australian Open title campaign.
Serena Williams on Saturday said matching Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova`s 18 Grand Slam titles was in her sights and insisted she can cope with the searing heat expected at the Australian Open.
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has insisted that he has recovered from his back injury and can still mount a title charge in the upcoming Australian Open.
India`s top tennis player Somdev Devvarman was on Friday handed a tough draw at the Australian Open as he is pitted against World No. 27 Feliciano Lopez of Spain in the first round of the men`s singles event here.
After staging a remarkable comeback in 2013, Spanish buccaneer Rafa Nadal has his eye on more grand slam silverware this year and is shaping up as the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open reign.
Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova`s fairytale run at the Sydney International ended with her first WTA title when she stunned world number nine Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-4 in the final on Friday.
Roger Federer - arguably the greatest player of all time, is all set to play the first Grand Slam of the year – Australian Open. If we go by his form, he is certainly not among the top two contenders to win the title. In fact, age is another factor that is taking its toll on this former world number one tennis star.
Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro underlined his status as a dark horse for next week`s Australian Open by hammering Dmitry Tursunov to reach the final of the Sydney International on Friday.
If players, pundits and bookmakers are to be believed, Serena Williams has already sewn up her sixth Australian Open title and the other 127 women in the draw may as well pick up their racquets and head home.
