[Tennis] Australian open seeds - Men.

[Wannes]

Here are the seeds and explenation of who owns them. However at the end there is a prediction, by CNN, and I do not think it's totally right. I am sure Roddick will make it to semis and possibly to the finals. He is too strong at the moment. :yes:

What do you guys think?

1. Andy Roddick: Nasty draw has him playing dangerous Fernando Gonzalez off the bat and perhaps Taylor Dent in the third round. This year's top seed reached the semis as a ninth seed a year ago , and, of course, took the trophy at the previous Slam, the U.S. Open. Still, it's hard to see him running the table against such a tough field.

2. Roger Federer: On talent alone, he ought to win every match. But how will he fare without a coach? Or when the conditions aren't exactly to his liking? Or when the match isn't going quite as he'd hoped? Beautiful player to watch, but this event presents a unique test for Federer.

3. Juan Carlos Ferrero: Despite his brutal, confidence-deflating loss this week in the first round of the tune-up in Sydney, it's tough to think JCF will fail to survive Week 1. After that, all bets are off.

4. Andre Agassi: On history alone, it's hard to pick against the A-train. How's this for a factoid: AA has not lost a match at the Australian Open this millennium. Unlike most players, he can be counted on to arrive in shape. His draw presents few serious threats until after the first week. And he played well in the tune-up. After putting all this together, we're picking him to win it all.

5. Guillermo Coria: Has a Betty Crocker draw, to borrow a phrase. But he's in danger of simply getting served off the court by a Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Arthurs, Max Mirnyi or Greg Rusedski, all of whom are unwanted neighbors of Coria's in the draw.

6. Rainer Schuettler: The Rain Man can play, but no way will he replicate last year's feat of reaching the final, particularly since his early season play has been spotty. Could be kaput after second-round match against streaky Nicolas Escude.

7. Carlos Moya: Comes in playing some of his best tennis in years. Awfully benign draw until the quarterfinals. Might get a good workout in his opening-round match against James Blake. Star this pony in your racing form.

8. David Nalbandian: Might win the "Player Everyone Else Hates to Face" award. If he can live up to his seeding, he could face Federer in semis, a player he's owned (at least pre-Houston) in the quarters. Unfortunately Nalbandian's chronic wrist injuries could limit his effectiveness.

9. Sebastien Grosjean: Haven't heard much from the fleet-footed Frenchman, who came within a point of reaching finals in 2001. Always dangerous, but always unpredictable. As likely to reach the semis as he is to lose his first match to talented, hard-serving Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

10. Mark Philippoussis: The faster the court plays, the better he'll play. Will hometown support be a help or a hindrance? Though Thomas Johansson isa shell of the player he was when he won this event two years ago, he's Flip's first opponent.

11. Tim Henman: In his first Major with coach Paul Annacone, Henman is a player worth watching. He won't generate half the attention of his embattled countryman; but Their Tim is playing well, his draw is reasonable and the surface should be to his liking.

12. Nicolas Massu: Deserves credit for quietly climbing the ranks. We'll be surprised if he gets by both Jarkko Nieminen and Marat Safin, who are likely to be his first two opponents.

13. Paradorn Srichaphan: For all his success and popularity, he's still looking for that real Grand Slam breakthrough. Has loads of talent but it's hard to see him winning a fourth-round match against Agassi -- Wimbledon 2002 notwithstanding.

14. Jiri Novak: As usual, he's likely to live up his seeding, no more no less.

15. Lleyton Hewitt: Though Hewitt hasn't had much success at playing at home, this could be a big year for the Aussie. Provided he gets by Xavier Malisse and Rafael Nadal -- and he ought to -- a potential fourth-round encounter with Federer could be the match of the tournament.

16. Sjeng Schalken: The unsung Dutchman is playing in his 35th straight Slam. He doesn't serve well enough to win, but he's a dangerous veteran player whom no one likes facing.

SEEDS 17-32 TO WATCH

18. Younes el Aynaoui: Fresh off his ITWA award, there's a fair chance that the charismatic Moroccan will meet Roddick again.

19. Gus Kuerten: Historically, Guga hasn't done so well Down Under. And his health has become a constant concern. But you look at his draw and you go "hmmm."

20. Tommy Robredo: Not a candidate for any mental toughness awards but a solid player who is more than capable of reaching Week 2. Provided he gets past Gaston Gaudio -- another talented but mentally erratic player -- in the first round.

24. Max Mirnyi: Always fear his big serve on fast surfaces

25. Jonas Bjorkman: Playing well and has to be riding high after last week's win over Roddick. On the other hand, will doubles take too much of Bjorkman's focus?

27. Taylor Dent: Quasi-Aussie will have crowd support, and serve-and-volley will confound the right opponents.

32. Robby Ginepri: Not in the "contender" category yet, but could make life miserable for the right opponent. Same for fellow American Dent.

DARK HORSE NATION

Marat Safin: On talent alone he's dangerous. His mental and physical status is another matter altogether.

Todd Reid: Former Wimbledon junior from Down Under has played auspiciously to start the year.

Nicolas Escude: Streaky player has come out smoking in 2004.

Dominik Hrbaty: See above.

Rafael Nadal: Might be the last tournament at which there won't be a seeding alongside his name.

BEST FIRST-ROUND MATCH

Roddick vs. Gonzalez: Note to ballkids and linesfolk (note the gender-neutral terms): wear helmets.

Massu v. Nieminen: This would be a respectable semifinal match at most events.

Moya v. Blake: Nirvana for fans of the sleeveless look. Plus two good players whose styles match up well.

PREDICTION

SEMIS: Moya vs. Agassi, Federer vs. Someone Outside of Top 40

FINAL: Agassi vs. Federer

WINNER: Agassi

[BMac]

I like Roddick. I could see him in the final. My dark horse pick is none other than Lleyton Hewitt. He's a great player and I bet he lights it up this year.

[Wannes]

He better lights up and this would indeed be a good time to come back for him. :)

[BMac]

It will be very interesting if they both light it up. I guess we'll have to wait and see though.

[Wannes]

Indeed just as everyone else. :p

[BMac]

When does the open start btw?

[Wannes]

Jan. 13-26 in Melbourne, Australia.

[BMac]

Oh so its already under way damn. Any big upsets yet?

[Wannes]

Not that I know off. I'll check for you. :)

[Wannes]

1 more day to go.

[BMac]

You said 13th to - 26th. It's the 18th today. :s Was that a typo earlier?

[kyro]

watch for PARADON , FEDERER and some young aussies .. they might knock some more famous names .. and AGASSI will WIN this one .. i can feel it .. :fingers crossed:

wow just went up again and saw you picked AGASSI too ... thats cool .. me die-hard aggasi fan . and BTW carlos moya won the INDIAN chennai open just couple of weeks ago .. PARDON looked winner till the last point ... but MOYA won it .. PARDON will do good .. moya .. donno .. whi cares AGASSI is gonna lick this cup. :p

[Wannes]

You said 13th to - 26th. It's the 18th today. :s Was that a typo earlier?

Not from me but from CNN, I checked the official site and they said 1 more day to go. I was confused too.

[Dallas]

i might actualy watch this tourny. im going for AA

[Wannes]

The open rocks, you should really watch it. :)