The OFFICIAL 2010 Australian Open Men's Draw Discussion Thread

[jamesblakefan#1]

Just thought I'd start this thread, since the other one is so confusing/cluttered.

Projected QF matches:

#1 Federer v #6 Davydenko
#3 Djokovic v #8 Soderling

#2 Nadal v #5 Murray
#4 JMDP v #7 Roddick

FEDERER'S QUARTER
Roger Federer SUI (1) v Igor Andreev RUS
Juan Ignacio Chela ARG v Victor Hanescu ROU
Stephane Robert FRA v Potito Starace ITA
Albert Montanes ESP (31) v Oscar Hernandez ESP

Lleyton Hewitt AUS (22) v Ricardo Hoechvar BRA
Christophe Rochus BEL v Donald Young USA
Paolo Lorenzi ITA v Marcos Baghdatis CYP
David Ferrer ESP (17) v Frederico Gil POR

Fernando Verdasco ESP (9) v Carsten Ball AUS
Ivan Sergiyev UKR v Dudi Sela ISR
Rajeev Ram USA v Stefan Koubek AUT
Juan Carlos Ferrero ESP (23) v Ivan Dodig CRO

Juan Monaco ARG (30) v Ernests Gulbis LAT
Martin Vassallo Arguello ARG v Michael Llodra FRA
Carlos Moya ESP v Ilya Marchenko UKR
Nikolay Davydenko RUS (6) v Dietr Kindleman GER

DJOKOVIC'S QUARTER
Novak Djokovic SRB (3) v Daniel Gimeno-Traver ESP
Marinko Matosevic AUS v Marco Chiudinelli SUI
Kristof Vliegen BEL v Michael Berrer GER
Jeremy Chardy FRA (32) v Denis Istomin UZB

Mikhail Youzhny RUS (20) vRichard Gasquet FRA
Jan Hajek CZE v Robby Ginepri USA
Lukasz Kubot POL v Mischa Zverev GER
Tommy Robredo ESP (16) v Santiago Giraldo COL

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga FRA (10) v Sergiy Stakhovsky UKR
Fabio Fognini ITA v Taylor Dent USA
Ryan Harrison USA v Janko Tipsarevic SRB
Tommy Haas GER (18 ) v Simon Greul GER

Nicolas Almagro ESP (26) v Xavier Malisse BEL
Benjamin Becker GER v Grega Zemjla SLO
Alejandro Falla COL v Marcos Daniel BRA
Robin Soderling SWE (8 ) v Marcel Granollers ESP

DEL POTRO'S QUARTER
Andy Roddick USA (7) v Thiemo de Bakker NED
Teimuraz Gabashvili RUS v Thomaz Bellucci BRA
Feliciano Lopez ESP v Pablo Cuevas URU
Sam Querrey USA (25) v Rainer Schuettler GER

Tomas Berdych CZE (21) v Robin Haase NED
Daniel Brands GER v Evgeny Korolev KAZ
Sebastien Grosjean FRA v Marsel Ilhan
Fernando Gonzalez CHI (11) v Olivier Rochus BEL

Marin Cilic CRO (14) v Fabrice Santoro FRA
Bernard Tomic AUS v Guiallme Rufin FRA
Igor Kunitsyn RUS v Jose Acasuso ARG
Stanislas Wawrinka SUI (19) v Guillermo Garcia-Lopez ESP

Viktor Troicki SRB (29) v Nicolas Lapentti ECU
Philipp Petzschner GER v Florian Mayer GER
James Blake USA v Arnaud Clement FRA
Juan Martin Del Potro ARG (4) v Michael Russell USA

NADAL'S QUARTER
Andy Murray GBR (5) v Kevin Anderson RSA
Marc Gicquel FRA v Simone Bolelli ITA
Jarkko Nieminen FIN v Nick Lindahl AUS
Juergen Melzer AUT (28 ) v Florent Serra FRA

John Isner USA (33) v Andreas Seppi ITA
Louk Sorenson IRL v Yen-Hsun Lu TPE
Daniel Koellerer AUT v Antonio Vecic CRO
Gael Monfils FRA (12) v Matthew Ebden AUS

Radek Stepanek CZE (13) v Ivo Karlovic CRO
Julien Benneteau FRA v David Guez FRA
Mardy Fish USA v Andrey Golubev KAZ
Ivan Ljubicic CRO (24) v Jason Kubler AUS

Philipp Kohlschreiber GER (27) v Horacio Zeballos ARG
Blaz Kavic SLO v Wayne Odesnik USA
Lukas Lacko SVK v Leonardo Mayer ARG
Rafael Nadal ESP (2) v Peter Luczak AUS

 

[jimbo333]

Thanks, that's a big help

And looks like a Davy vs Del Potro final to me!

Come on Davy, this is your year

 

[skip1969]

on the whole, a nice draw.

 

[MichaelChang]

I suppose Federer vs Andreev could be a tough R1 match for Federer based on their USO 2008.

 

[Fedexeon]

Wow, Federer has a tough first round opponent.

 

[Halba]

first few rounds look like mis matches for the top

 

[Halba]

Wow, Federer has a tough first round opponent.

i think andy murray lost 1 game to andreev last week

andreev very down on confidence!!

 

[Halba]

davydenko has tough 3rd rd, gulbis

the rest very EASY until 4th round where fed will take on marcos baggy

 

[Sumo]

Roddick has a tough one.

 

[bolo]

is simon healthy? cause grinders are not federer's best friends.

 

[Dimension]

A very interesting and anticipating draw. I am looking forward to this year's AO!

 

[clayman2000]

Have to say, we could possibly have all 8 guys in the QF.
That is depending on Del Po and Soderlings injuries. But this tournament may be the most open draw since RG 04.

 

[davey25]

The top half mostly boils down to the projected Federer vs Davydenko quarterfinal. If Federer wins that he is in the final. Djokovic has to hope Davydenko upsets Federer as I cant see Djokovic beating Federer in the semis. Djokovic would have a chance if he plays Davydenko in the semis, that one would be almost 50-50. Verdasco as I projected before even seeing the draw will be out round of 16 and dropping a ton of points. That is if he isnt upset by Ferrero in the 3rd round. Soderling's injury means trouble for him and probably paves the way for Tsonga or Haas to emerge to the quarters. It also clears the way for Djokovic to the semis, although Haas could give Djokovic some trouble in the quarters should they play.

Down bottom Nadal actually has a very good draw until the quarters. No real threats. Murray has to be wary of either Ferrer or Monfils in the round of 16. If he gets past that a Nadal-Murray quarterfinal should be interesting. Roddick has a potentially tricky draw with Querrey in the 3rd round and Gonzo or Berdych in the 4th round. Still he owns Gonzo and Berdych so has a good shot at reaching the quarters. Del Potro should make the semis out of that quarter if his wrist injury isnt a problem. Cilic in the 4th round is an interesting match. Cilic has pushed Del Potro and at times matched and even exceded his power for streches of their matches, one of the only guys to do so vs the very hard hitting Del Potro. However he hasnt put it together enough for a whole match to beat him. Maybe this could be the time he does, particularly if Del Potro's injury is bothering him. Roddick and Del Potro have also had some good matches, but no way I see Roddick actually winning that one. Roddick has to hope for someone to take Del Potro out to make it past the quarters. If Del Potro makes the semis he would be the favorite vs Nadal, not sure if he plays Murray though.

 

[akv89]

Interesting 1st round matches:

Federer vs. Andreev
Verdasco vs. Ball
Youzhny vs. Gasquet
Tsonga vs. Stakhovsky
Cilic vs. Santoro (I expect this to be very one-sided but interesting nevertheless)
Stepanek vs. Karlovic (Potential for lots of S&V)

 

[Blinkism]

Nadal's got a great draw

Vamos!!

 

[Bashi]

Thanks, that's a big help

And looks like a Davy vs Del Potro final to me!

Come on Davy, this is your year

i really dont see him beating federer and djokovic, as much as id like him to

 

[8PAQ]

LOL @ the low number of posts in the same thread for WTA. I am posting this here to keep the number low because it is just hilarious reflection on WTA popularity here.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Thanks, that's a big help

No problem sir.

 

[bertrevert]

Verdasco vs Carsten Ball - first round - ooh err! Scary... for Carsten that is.

Lucky TOmic? plays a qualifier - lucky or no?

 

[kanamit]

Man, did Stepanek get screwed over with this draw or what?!

 

[TennisFan3]

Nadal's got a great draw

Are you kidding? The WORST draw possible for Nadal.

Ask anyone who they would HATE "most" to face in the QF. The answer is Murray.
Ask anyone who they would HATE to face in the SF. The answer is Delpo.
Ask anyone who they would HATE to face as a floater in the 3rd round. The answer is Isner.

Rafa's got them all. I think Rafa could go out in the 3rd round or the QF. If he gets past Muzza in a tough 5 set match, he will be wiped out in the SF by Delpo. There's no way in hell, Nadal is beating Murray, Delpo, Federer in 3 consecutive matches.

Fed couldn't have asked for a easier draw. He's a lock till QF where he should most likely avenge his defeat to the Russian by crushing him in straights. In the SF Djoker doesn't have the cojones to take a set off Federer in a slam and they both know that.

So Fed's a lock till the final where he'll face a VERY tired Muzz, Rafa or Delpo.

SF1 Fed vs Djokovic
SF2 Muzz vs Delpo

Final: Fed vs very tired Delpo
W: #16

 

[Serendipitous]

James Blake - Davis Cup Champion, Former NCAA #6, 43 ATP Titles (Mixed Doubles), 2010 YEC Runner Up.

 

[Blinkism]

Are you kidding? The WORST draw possible for Nadal.

Are you kidding me?

Is this the first Australian Open you will be watching in your life?

I think we've all seen enough to know, by know, that the probability of everyone playing up to their seeding to the quarterfinals is very, very, very low

I doubt Nadal will play Murray AND Del Potro - he'll, most likely, face one or the other.

Way too many surprises in the history of the Aussie Open to expect much from the draw.

Besides, I expect one of Murray and Del Potro to flake out before the QF's, anyways. It'll probably be a Rafa-Roddick semifinal

If this was the USO, I'd agree- Nadal's f***ed... but these are slow HC's in the middle of the blazing hot Australian summer.

Nadal's the only Aussie Open champ in his half. There's 2 of those in the other half.

 

[statetennis09]

I see a tough second round match for Nadal, possibly Isner. Anyone else think that Isner could take down Rafa?

 

[supineAnimation]

I thought it was just the typical withdrawing with a case of the "I wanna rest before the start of the Aussie Open" with DelPo, but I read that he's actually in danger of withdrawing. Anyone have any info on this?

 

[davey25]

I see a tough second round match for Nadal, possibly Isner. Anyone else think that Isner could take down Rafa?

No. Could be some tiebreaks, which will be won by Rafa, and that is it.

 

[JennyS]

Are you kidding? The WORST draw possible for Nadal.

Ask anyone who they would HATE "most" to face in the QF. The answer is Murray.
Ask anyone who they would HATE to face in the SF. The answer is Delpo.
Ask anyone who they would HATE to face as a floater in the 3rd round. The answer is Isner.

Rafa's got them all. I think Rafa could go out in the 3rd round or the QF. If he gets past Muzza in a tough 5 set match, he will be wiped out in the SF by Delpo. There's no way in hell, Nadal is beating Murray, Delpo, Federer in 3 consecutive matches.

Fed couldn't have asked for a easier draw. He's a lock till QF where he should most likely avenge his defeat to the Russian by crushing him in straights. In the SF Djoker doesn't have the cojones to take a set off Federer in a slam and they both know that.

So Fed's a lock till the final where he'll face a VERY tired Muzz, Rafa or Delpo.

SF1 Fed vs Djokovic
SF2 Muzz vs Delpo

Final: Fed vs very tired Delpo
W: #16

I agree. Nadal could wind up with Isner and Karlovic in succession!

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

I see a tough second round match for Nadal, possibly Isner. Anyone else think that Isner could take down Rafa?

I don't think Isner will have the fitness to take him out. He may take a set, but no way he'll be able to win a 4 or 5 setter off of Nadal, especially considering he's playing this wk in Auckland and the quick turnaround from there to the Aussie. Isner could very well lose to Odesnik.

 

[jimbo333]

No problem sir.

Just trying to be friendly

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Just trying to be friendly

Hey, it's all good. No hard feelings on the Connors thread, I hope. If so, I'm sorry.

 

[Blinkism]

I see a tough second round match for Nadal, possibly Isner. Anyone else think that Isner could take down Rafa?

Nope.

First of all, Isner can't meet Rafa until the third round. That will mean, when you add in Hopman Cup and Auckland, that Isner will be meeting Rafa off a run of 10 matches in the last 2 and a half weeks :shock:, not to mention all the doubles matches John's played.

I think it's safe to say Isner will be out of energy by the time he could meet Rafa. He's also playing doubles at the AO! :shock:

 

[davey25]

jimbo333 you must be a Connors fan. He is one of my favorite players as well.

 

[westside]

Possibly sydney rematch in the 3rd round with Hewitt and Baghdatis.

 

[jimbo333]

Hey, it's all good. No hard feelings on the Connors thread, I hope. If so, I'm sorry.

Yes, it's all good, I'm sorry as well!

Thought it was funny when we posted in Music game thread at same time yesterday, which really confuses that thread

 

[jimbo333]

jimbo333 you must be a Connors fan. He is one of my favorite players as well.

Yep, certainly am

Check out my racquets in the "Classic racquets talk" forum section, if you can find it, as it seems hidden I always think:shock:

 

[davey25]

Yep, certainly am

Check out my racquets in the "Classic racquets talk" forum section, if you can find it, as it seems hidden I always think:shock:

Sure will thanks.

I also think Connors is one of the most underrated players of all time btw.

 

[jimbo333]

Anyway my wish for a Davy vs Murray final is still possible!

If not actually likely

 

[davey25]

Anyway my wish for a Davy vs Murray final is still possible!

If not actually likely

Davydenko has the game to beat Federer. He is arguably superior from the baseline when he is playing his best, is a better returner of serve, his serve is improving and catching up to Fed's. He just has to believe. I just dont have the confidence in him showing the guts to beat Federer in a grand slam when it really matters though. I know he is playing some of his best ever tennis now, but when it really came to the crunch in the past with Davydenko he didnt come through, even sometimes vs much lesser opponents than Federer. I hope he proves me wrong though. Djokovic in the semis wouldnt even be easy, though definitely winnable.

As for the other half Murray doesnt seem in great form now and he will have to really raise his game to beat Nadal and Del Potro back to back. Fortunately for him he has a great record vs Del Potro, and an ok recent one vs Nadal.

 

[bolo]

There's no way in hell, Nadal is beating Murray, Delpo, Federer in 3 consecutive matches.

There is even more of a no way that nadal would have beaten davydenko, djokovic and federer in 3 consecutive matches.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Yes, it's all good, I'm sorry as well!

Ok, you two, get a room!

Are you kidding? The WORST draw possible for Nadal.

I'm shocked there isn't more of this sentiment. When I looked at the draw I saw a lot more 'danger' players in Rafa's half. Ljubicic is in his quarter - he was pushing him around in Shanghai before his knee gave out. And I think on a hardcourt either JMDP (healthy) or Roddick would be favored over Rafa given recent results (last 6 months).

Having said that I want a Fed - Rafa rematch final - badly!

Anyway my wish for a Davy vs Murray final is still possible!

If you're going to dream, dream big!

James Blake... 2010 YEC Runner Up.

You are a very funny person!

 

[egn]

Nadal/Murray looks the most intriguing match of the quarters based on projected results. The bottom section is definitely the tougher part of the draw.

Federer pretty much owns everybody in his half of the draw. Potentially Davydenko (QF) and Djokivic (SF) could be tricky but seem to be better matchups for Federer than Murray/Del Potro (top half).

Verdasco has a very tough draw and will be lucky to make it the quarters against Fed.

Do you follow tennis? Del Potro has what two wins against Fed...Djokovic has beat him Fed in the AO (HELL HE HAS WON IT). Nadal is probably super happy he has Murray and not Davy who has beaten him now 5 times in a row on hardcourts while Murray rolls over and plays ***** for Nadal him being 7-2 with his wins coming on fast hardcourts. Del Potro is trouble for Nadal but then again so is Djokovic on hardcourts as well. Nadal is not as strong on hardcourts so really that is where the problem lies. Besides Murray never brings his A game to slams anyway so not like Nadal should have anything to worry about. Fed might stuggle more against Murray but Nadal struggles more against Davy after all Nadal does have a losing record against Davy...yet I am supposed to believe Murray is the far tougher challenge for Nadal when Murray can't handle Nadal well at all. Hell even Djokovic would be better against Nadal than Murray. Djokovic played Federer very tough and always does. That US Open semifinal although it was 7-6, 7-5, 7-5 was a hell of a close match. Federer never easily crushes Djokovic. Besides Del Potro is not looking too sharp since his US Open win and at the start of the season so I would pick Djokovic to be the tougher match for Fed here.

Lol cause Verdasco is a threat.

 

[Ledigs]

So either nadal plays Murray then delpo then fed or he plays the hot streak player/s who beats one of them? Great!!

 

[OddJack]

Rodge has got the worst first match, comparing to all others who got a qualifier or lower rankings. Andreev at 36 has proven a tough match for him in the past. You dont want to start off with a match like that.

 

[West Coast Ace]

The women's thread is catching up - 16 posts! Oh, the humanity!

 

[LiveForever]

So either nadal plays Murray then delpo then fed or he plays the hot streak player/s who beats one of them? Great!!

What do you expect? It is a grand slam. You have to beat good players to win it. You make it seem like Nadal should be given a free pass to the title. If Nadal is good enough to beat 7 men this week, the title is his, if he isnt, he is gonna get his butt kicked.

 

[sjam316]

Man, did Stepanek get screwed over with this draw or what?!

His first round match should be awesome. Him and dr. ivo had that 6 hour davis cup match where karlovic hit 78 aces and lost. Let's see what happens in the rematch

 

[RCizzle65]

For first rounders, I want to watch Federer's (well I'd do that whoever he drawed anyways ), and I'd want to watch that possible Blake and Del Potro second rounder, all in all, a nice draw for everyone.

 

[dh003i]

Rodge has got the worst first match, comparing to all others who got a qualifier or lower rankings. Andreev at 36 has proven a tough match for him in the past. You dont want to start off with a match like that.

Yea, but if he wins -- almost certain -- it will be great. Andreev will probably put up a good match, which will help to quickly get Federer in form.

Either it helps him immensely, or he'll go out in round 1. Very likely the former.

 

[West Coast Ace]

What do you expect? It is a grand slam. You have to beat good players to win it. You make it seem like Nadal should be given a free pass to the title. If Nadal is good enough to beat 7 men this week, the title is his, if he isnt, he is gonna get his butt kicked.

Well said.

I will give Ledigs the benefit of the doubt: he obviously just returned from the 1920's in his Time Machine - when the champ was gifted straight to the finals the following year at all the majors...

 

[Blinkism]

The women's thread is catching up - 16 posts! Oh, the humanity!