Ahead of the start of the Australian Open, our tennis reporter Reem Abulleil looks at the big names aiming for glory and those hoping to slip under the radar and spring a surprise or two.
Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Roger Federer (SUI – above)
ATP Ranking: 2
Age: 33
Best appearance: Winner 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010
Like Djokovic, Federer also has an impeccable record Down Under, with four titles won and a trip to the semifinals or better in the last 11 editions of the tournament. The Swiss has been in peak form over the past six months and can edge closer to the No1 ranking should he capture a fifth trophy at Melbourne Park.
Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
ATP Ranking: 4
Age: 29
Best appearance: Winner 2014
The Swiss returns to a major as a defending champion for the first time in his career and it’s unclear how he will handle that pressure. But Wawrinka can draw confidence from the kind of season he had in 2014, which included his first slam win, his first Masters 1000 trophy and a Davis Cup triumph. Memories of his win over Rafael Nadal in last year’s final should definitely help.
Serena Williams (USA)
WTA Ranking: 1
Age: 33
Best appearance: Winner 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010
After climbing to second place in the Open era list of grand slams won by capturing her 18th major last September, Williams now has her eye on the top spot on that list. She was sub-par at the Hopman Cup earlier this month but Serena usually turns into focus mode when she enters a slam. Forever a favourite.
Maria Sharapova (RUS)
WTA Ranking: 2
Age: 27
Best appearance: Winner 2008
Made a strong start to 2015 by picking up the title in Brisbane, beating Ana Ivanovic in a tough final. Has made the semi-finals or better in four of her last seven trips to the Australian Open (including two finals and a title win). Had a chance to overtake Williams as world No1 in the WTA Finals last October in Singapore but just missed out. Is in-form and an undeniable threat.
Simona Halep (ROU)
WTA Ranking: 3
Age: 23
Best appearance: Quarter-finalist 2014
Suffered a bout of gastroenteritis that forced her out of Sydney but started 2015 with a bang by picking up the title in Shenzhen. Has been on a roll since mid-2013 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Had a phenomenal win over Williams in the WTA Finals last autumn and will be hoping for more of the same should she collide with the world No1 in Melbourne.
Dark Horses
Bernard Tomic (AUS)
ATP Ranking: 71
Age: 22
Best appearance: Fourth round 2012
This may very well be the season the young Aussie finally fulfils his potential. Has been striking the ball incredibly well in both Brisbane and Sydney over the last two weeks. Unseeded, Tomic is the first-round draw nobody wants.
David Goffin (BEL)
ATP Ranking: 22
Age: 24
Best appearance: First round 2013
Has won 46 of his last 51 matches (since July 2015) which has carried him to a career-high ranking of 22. Will be seeded at a major for the first time and could be a troubling third round for some higher seeds.
Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
ATP Ranking: 14
Age: 33
Best appearance: Fourth round 2012
Suffered a loss to qualifier Aljaz Bedene in in Chennai but Lopez is enjoying a career-high ranking and has his eyes firmly set on making the top-10 for the first time. His backhand is a weakness but everything else has been on fire.
Elina Svitolina (UKR)
WTA Ranking: 26
Age: 20
Best appearance: Third round 2014
Already has a top-10 win under her belt this season, having taken out No9 Angelique Kerber en route to the Brisbane semis in week one of 2015. Is primed for a first appearance in the second week of a slam.
G. Muguruza (ESP)
WTA Ranking: 24
Age: 21
Best appearance: Fourth round 2014
Following a breakthrough 2014, Muguruza isn’t slowing down. Skipped past world No6 Agnieszka Radwanska in Sydney and has already shown her mettle in slams, having beaten Serena Williams at Roland Garros last year.
Madison Keys (USA)
WTA Ranking: 33
Age: 19
Best appearance: Third round 2013
Worryingly retired from her second round in Sydney with a shoulder problem but had recorded a strong win over 11th-ranked Dominika Cibulkova a few days earlier. Has Lindsay Davenport in her corner and is ready for the big time.
