Australia Calling

The Australian Open is the first big challenge of a new year for any tennis player. Not only is engrossing, it also tends to set the tone for the year. Or not. Roger Federer tamed Andy Murray to be crowned Champion of the first Grand Slam of 2010. Incidentally, that was the only slam he won in 2010 which has come to be known in many tennis circles as the 'Year of  Nadal'

Nadal will be hoping to make the Australian Open his own

World Number 1 Rafael Nadal had an amazing 2010, winning the Wimbledon, French Open and U.S Open titles. The pressure is definitely on the Spaniard to prove his dominance and to capture the title that eluded him last year. Federer and his fans, on the other hand, will be hoping that he will manage to defend his title, and if possible, win it convincingly. Regardless of how it plays out, the Australian Open promises to be an exciting clash of the titans.

The usual suspects such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are also expected to rise to the occasion and provide some close matches. Australian fans will be cheering for homeboy Lleyton Hewitt, but the feisty tennis star hasn't been on top of his game. Hewitt's chances of winning the title aren't high, but here's hoping that he will play to his true potential.

As far as the women's draw is concerned, Belgian Kim Clijsters is seen as a clear favourite. Serena Williams, the defending champion who won the last two Australian Open crowns, is missing out due to foot surgery. Her absence takes out the sting in the competition, but this might be her sister Venus Williams' big chance to add the Australian Open trophy to her kitty.

Indian fans will be hoping that the 'Indian Express' can recreate its magic..

For Indian fans, the great news is that the legendary duo of  Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, fresh from winning the Chennai Open, are at Melbourne to play for glory. Somdev Dev Varman received a wildcard for the Australian Open and will hope to do much better than his disappointing performance in the recently-concluded Chennai Open. But it won't be an easy task as he faces former World No 5 Tommy Robredo.

If Somdev's was a tough draw, Sania Mirza's was even tougher. The only woman representing India in the Australian Open is pitted against former World No 1 Justine Henin. As I write, Sania has fought hard to win the first set against Henin 7 - 5 and seeks to keep up the momentum.

Predictions, analysis and expectations aside, what makes tennis special is the surprises it offers. To a country ravaged by recent floods, one hopes that the Australian Open will bring a lot of joy.

Recommended Reading:
Australian Open: The Burning Questions
Cljsters taking it one match at a time