Nadal's tricky path to glory
Source: Agencies |
January 15, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
RAFAEL Nadal will take on Brazilian world No. 96 Marcos Daniel in his first round of the Australian Open but faces a rocky path in his bid to become the first man to hold all four grand slam crowns simultaneously since Rod Laver in 1969.
The Spanish world No. 1 faces a potentially tricky third-round hurdle against 31st-seeded countryman Feliciano Lopez or big-serving 20th seed American John Isner.
Nadal could then line up a possible fourth round encounter with 15th seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.
Defending champion Roger Federer, bidding for a record fifth Australian Open title, has a more favorable path, playing world No. 99 Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in the first round, with 12th-ranked Gael Monfils of France a possible fourth-round opponent. The world No. 2 may face former US Open champion Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.
Fifth seed Andy Murray of Britain should have little trouble negotiating his way past 104th-ranked Slovak Karol Beck in the first round. But the much-improved Jurgen Melzer of Austria or former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis may await in the third round.
In the women's draw, with Serena Williams injured, top seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark has a good chance of winning her maiden grand slam and will play 48th-ranked Gisela Dulko of Argentina. Former Wimbledon finalist Mario Bartoli could pose problems in the fourth round for Wozniacki before a likely a quarterfinal against last year's finalist Justine Henin or French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
Belgian third seed Kim Clijsters faces a danger match against former world No. 1 Dinara Safina of Russia, while Li Na will open against Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden.
The Spanish world No. 1 faces a potentially tricky third-round hurdle against 31st-seeded countryman Feliciano Lopez or big-serving 20th seed American John Isner.
Nadal could then line up a possible fourth round encounter with 15th seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.
Defending champion Roger Federer, bidding for a record fifth Australian Open title, has a more favorable path, playing world No. 99 Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in the first round, with 12th-ranked Gael Monfils of France a possible fourth-round opponent. The world No. 2 may face former US Open champion Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.
Fifth seed Andy Murray of Britain should have little trouble negotiating his way past 104th-ranked Slovak Karol Beck in the first round. But the much-improved Jurgen Melzer of Austria or former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis may await in the third round.
In the women's draw, with Serena Williams injured, top seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark has a good chance of winning her maiden grand slam and will play 48th-ranked Gisela Dulko of Argentina. Former Wimbledon finalist Mario Bartoli could pose problems in the fourth round for Wozniacki before a likely a quarterfinal against last year's finalist Justine Henin or French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
Belgian third seed Kim Clijsters faces a danger match against former world No. 1 Dinara Safina of Russia, while Li Na will open against Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden.
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