The Australian Open 2017 is about to start in a few days and a few names have been popping up as contenders for the titles. Here are my Top 8 picks for the Men's side.
1. Rafael Nadal
Although 2016 was a bit of a down turn for Nadal, I expect the Spaniard to do a complete turn once more and challenge the top player up ahead. Starting the Australian Open at No. 9, he might be someone who will go unnoticed while others slug it out for spots. It is when he is not much favored that Nadal excels and this could be another title for him.
Although 2016 was a bit of a down turn for Nadal, I expect the Spaniard to do a complete turn once more and challenge the top player up ahead. Starting the Australian Open at No. 9, he might be someone who will go unnoticed while others slug it out for spots. It is when he is not much favored that Nadal excels and this could be another title for him.
2. Milos Raonic
Canadian Raonic is coming up strong to the lead up to the Australian Open. Her gameplay suits the hard courts of this first grand slam and he could spell disaster for opponents along the way. A tricky semifinals against potentially Nadal could be the stopper for Milos to snag the crown.
3. Roger Federer
Roger may be ranked low at 17 at the start of the tournament but he has shown that he is still hungry for titles. A potential finals match up with nemesis Nadal is on the looms and it could definitely go either way. Let us expect to see Federer make a run for his 18th major.
4. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic ended 2016 on a low note and his 2017 start is not a convincing as well. But never write off Nole as Australian Open is his pet Slam as he has won here 5 of the past 6 years. If he comes healthy and motivated enough he can spell trouble for the rest of the field.
5. Grigor Dimitrov
Bulgaria's Dimitrov is one of the up and coming stars in the ATP tour and he is one with a lot of weapons on his arsenal. His wonderful groundstrokes works well with the hard surface in Melbourne. The only thing that might be working against him is his inexperience at the big stages like this one.
6. David Goffin
Another strong contender for the title would be Belgian Goffin. This young and spirited player has proven that ha can play against the best standing his ground just a tad outside the Top 10 at Number 11. Expect his blistering counterpunches to work his favor in Melbourne.
7. Andy Murray
Andy may be the Top seed and the Top ranked at the start of the tournament but he starts 2017 on a slow note with so-so performances in the matches going to Melbourne. But if there may be one that is hungrier for the title, it would have to be Murray who lost 2016 finals to Djokovic and he obviously wants to get one better this year.
8. Stan Wawrinka
It is almost a regular to see Stan progress into the second week of Grand Slams but what is in question is his consistency during big matches. He has shown grit in his Slam victories before but this year may be a different thing. Still, do not discount the Swiss off the equation.
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