It is probably one of the more intriguing Australia Opens we’ve had in years, simply because there are so many unknowns and a wealth of candidates for the men’s title.
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With so many burning questions ahead of kick-off in Melbourne tomorrow, Sport360° sat down with someone who knows a thing or two about tackling the heat and competition Down Under.
Six-time grand slam semi-finalist Tim Henman is in the UAE capital as an HSBC ambassador at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, where he has been giving free coaching clinics to budding fans.
The 40-year-old Englishman, who has made the fourth round at the Australian Open on three occasions was happy to share his thoughts on the opening slam of the season.
Tiger Tim, who peaked at No4 in the world during his playing days (he retired in 2007), did not hold back as he picked his favourite for the title, discussed the change in dynamic amongst the ‘Big Four’, picked his young ones to watch and predicted big things from one Roger Federer.
Q Who is your favourite for the Australian Open men’s singles title and why?
A Novak Djokovic. He’s the current world number one so it’s hard to see past him, but there will be surprises and it will be close.
Novak knows how to prepare both his mind and his body to peak condition even now at the start of the season.
He is always ready to go and the reason loss in Qatar will only make him work even harder.
Do you think the gap between Andy Murray and the ‘Big Three’ has widened, or is it still a ‘Big Four’?
Overall I think the gap between all the big four has changed but it’s still a big four and they’re probably closer than ever thanks to Roger’s form as well as injuries plus surgery for Rafa and Andy. Novak is ahead of the others but that doesn’t mean he’ll stay ahead.
Who do you think can be this year’s first-time grand slam winner?
Since Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka made their breakthroughs last season I believe Grigor Dimitrov is most likely.
He’s got the experience and belief to go with a great all-round game. Could be his year at any of the slams.
How successful do you think Dani Vallverdu can be with Tomas Berdych?
They have every chance. Dani proved to be an important ingredient to Andy’s successes over the years and Berdych is world-class capable of beating anyone on his day. If Dani can get the very best from Berdych and understand what makes him tick then together they can be a threat.
Who of the young players do you expect to break through this year? Any specific names we should watch out for in Melbourne?
I think you just need to go back to Wawrinka’s win last year and reflect upon the impact it had on others.
Stan showed that the big four could be beaten and others took that belief and added it to their own game.
As mentioned overall I see Dimitrov being in with a real shout in all the Slams and Kei Nishikori will be keen to show that the US Open wasn’t a one off.
But in Melbourne I think the next generation of young Australians coming through players like Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis making an impact to cause a few upsets.
Should we expect Federer to keep up his form from last season?
Yes, absolutely. Roger Federer knows better than anyone how to get the best from his game. Last season was an incredible example of just how good Federer is.
He will tweak his preparation and season to play his best when he needs to and I’m sure all the players will be very wary of the threat Roger still holds. Age is only a number and his ranking is the real number that counts.
So can Federer win a slam in 2015?
Yes for all the reasons above. I never wrote him off or had doubts before and I won’t now. I do think that Wimbledon remains his greatest opportunity though. But he might surprise us all in Australia.
Who in your opinion was player of the year last season, Djokovic or Federer?
Djokovic for the simple reason that he finished world number one, won a grand slam and took the ATP Final. Roger was a close second but still second.
Should Rafa start playing a lighter schedule to try and prolong his career?
Rafa knows more than any other player in the game how to work a schedule and peak for key moments.
Just look at the way he returned from injury before and worked his tournament to prepare and win. His efforts were superhuman and surprised most. The only difference this time around, after what could be described as freak injuries is that he seems more human.
He’s returned and is taking the time any player would need to get back to his best.
He’s always known what to do to get the best from himself and I think he’ll know still know that going ahead. Rafa certainly isn’t scared of making tough decisions and you can’t really argue with his track record in this.
The players barely had an off season. People like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic and Gael Monfils all played a full IPTL schedule and have now withdrawn from their Australian Open warm-up events. Will players come to regret their participation in the IPTL?
Apologies to all those hoping to see me & Marinks play dubs tonight, we are both struggling physically and keen to get fit for the Open.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 14, 2015
Look it seems like a fun way to spread tennis around the world and take players to new interesting places that don’t normally get to see the game played by stars in real life.
But the argument players have had about the season being too long can’t really be used any more.
The only concern is if players arrive to big events and not be at their very best because of travel to and playing in exhibitions.
That shouldn’t be the case if they want to be the best and win Grand Slams.
You don’t win those without being in the best shape possible.
Never like to pull out anywhere, especially at home. Wish it could have been avoided but we’ll come back bigger, better & stronger for it.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 14, 2015
It’s their decision but it would be a shame and if it happens this season or they pick up any little injuries outside of the season well then I think you’ll see a different approach in the future.
Looking just a little bit further down the year past Australia, is anyone likely to stop Rafa from winning a 10th French Open this June?
He’ll definitely start as the favourite but if he can win depends what matches and level of fitness he can gain over coming months.
If he gains some momentum he’ll be hard to beat but I think Novak will be his toughest challenger. I know he wants that one badly.
Should be an interesting one to watch as well as the entire 2015 season.