All eyes will be on Rafael Nadal over the next fortnight in Melbourne. Can the Spaniard win the “Rafa Slam” and become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slam titles at one time?
Since Laver won all four majors in 1969, only Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have had opportunities to complete a non-calendar year Grand Slam. Both failed in their bids at Roland Garros (Sampras in 1994, Federer in 2006 and 2007).
Primed to stop Nadal, and with one eye on regaining the World No. 1 ranking this season, is defending champion Roger Federer, who is playing in his 45th consecutive Grand Slam tournament, the longest active streak among players on the ATP World Tour.
World No. 3 Novak Djokovic was one of the players able to chink the Nadal-Federer armour during that period as he won his lone Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open with victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Serbian came close to winning his second major when he finished runner-up to Nadal in the US Open final last September, having saved two match points to edge Federer in five sets in the semi-finals.Both Andy Murray and Robin Soderling are serious contenders to win their first major titles at Melbourne Park. Since 1980, six players have broken through to win their maiden Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open, most recently Djokovic in 2008.
One good-news story before the Australian Open even begins is the return from injury of former World No. 5 and 2009 US Open champion, Juan Martin del Potro. While it may be too soon after the Argentine’s right wrist surgery to expect him to make a significant impact in the draw, the return of the 6’6 right-hander is certain to cause a stir if he meets 2006 Australian Open runner-up Marcos Baghdatis, as expected, in the second round.
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