The 2015 Australian Open men’s singles draw was kind to the Australians, yet has thrown up some blockbuster match-ups in the opening rounds, and potential epics over the course of this great event.
In this article I will look at the men’s draw section by section to sort out who I think can go deep, and ultimately who I think will win the Australian Open.
Section 1
Novak Djokovic really has no genuine threats in his section, and should make the quarter-finals. Other than that, it is really an open battle to decide who he will face in the fourth round. The bottom line is that Djokovic should make the quarter-finals comfortably.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (1) Novak Djokovic versus (13) Roberto Bautista Agut
Section 2
Milos Raonic is the big seed, and should make the fourth round here, and probably the quarter-finals. Lleyton Hewitt is in this section of the draw, with a potential third round meeting with Raonic. The big first round match-up in this section is Juan Martin Del Potro and Jerzy Janowicz. Deciding who will meet Raonic in the fourth round is a tough one, with players coming back from injury, and players who have unpredictable mindsets clouding the picture somewhat.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: Adrian Mannarino versus (8) Milos Raonic
Section 3
Stan Wawrinka should have no real worries in making the fourth round with his draw, and he should meet Fabio Fognini at this stage of the championship, especially considering that Alexandr Dolgopolov is in serious doubt for the event with a knee injury.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (4) Stan Wawrinka versus (16) Fabio Fognini
Section 4
If Kei Nishikori can beat Nicolas Almagro in the first round, he should make the fourth round. David Ferrer should meet him there in what would be an epic encounter.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (9) David Ferrer versus (5) Kei Nishikori
Section 5
This section has four Australian men, including Bernard Tomic and Thanasi Kokkinakis. The top seed in this section is Tomas Berdych, and although he has a couple of interesting match-ups, he should make the fourth round.
The other top seed in this section is Ernests Gulbis, and he has a terrible record at Melbourne Park, only reaching the second round twice out of six main draw appearances. So I think someone else will face Berdych in the fourth round, and I think it will be a player from Australia.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (7) Tomas Berdych versus Bernard Tomic
Section 6
Rafael Nadal is the main man in this section of the draw, and despite concerns over his fitness, I can’t see him not making the fourth round. Richard Gasquet will likely be his opponent, although there are potential stumbling blocks for him, in particular Kevin Anderson.
Still, I think Gasquet will make the fourth round at Melbourne Park, while the two Australian men in this section will struggle to make an major impact here.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (24) Richard Gasquet versus (3) Rafael Nadal
Section 7
Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov should be good enough to make it to the fourth round to meet each other, despite some potential stumbling blocks. Like the section previous, the two Australian men here are unlikely to make a major impact.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: (6) Andy Murray versus (10) Grigor Dimitrov
Section 8
Roger Federer should make the fourth round, and probably the quarter-finals as well. Who will meet Federer is an interesting question, however, with Nick Kyrgios, Tommy Robredo, Mikhail Kukushkin and Ivo Karlovic seemingly the most likely candidates. Fitness and durability will play a large role in deciding who will play Federer.
My predicted Round 4 match-up: Mikhail Kukushkin versus (2) Roger Federer
My predicted quarter-final match-ups
(1) Novak Djokovic versus (8) Milos Raonic
(4) Stan Wawrinka versus (9) David Ferrer
Bernard Tomic versus (3) Rafael Nadal
(6) Andy Murray versus (2) Roger Federer
My predicted semi-Final match-ups
(8) Milos Raonic versus (9) David Ferrer
(3) Rafael Nadal versus (6) Andy Murray
My predicted final match-up
(8) Milos Raonic versus (6) Andy Murray
My predicted 2015 Australian Open champion
(8) Milos Raonic
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