Australian Open 2011: Predictions & Schedule

The 2011 Australian Open tennis tournament is scheduled for January 17-30 at Melbourne Park in Australia. The first of the season's four grand slams is expected to field one of the strongest fields in men's and women's tennis. Serena Williams, who withdrew from the 2011 Australian Open due to a foot injury, will be the only top player in either the men's or women's draw to miss the much anticipated event. This article previews the 2011 Australian Open and offers predictions & schedule information.

1) Australian Open 2011 Men's Draw

The 2011 edition of the prestigious Australian Open boasts perhaps the strongest men's field in the event's history. As of this article, every player in the top 100 in the world rankings is expected to take part in the tournament. Men's tennis has become quite competitive in recent years, and the 2011 Australian Open promises to fully showcase the increased competitiveness.

The top favorite to win the Open is world's no.1 Rafael Nadal. The Spanish star enjoyed a career year in 2009, in which he won three grand slams (to complete a career slam) and three Masters 1000 events. The tournament's top seed will be looking to replicate last year's success, starting with the 2011 Australian Open. Unfortunately, Nadal will have to overcome strong headwinds in his attempt to win the first tennis grand slam of 2011.

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Despite winning two grand slams on hard courts, many still question whether or not Nadal is a legitimate threat on this surface. His record on hard courts generally supports his skeptics. While Nadal is formidable on all surfaces, he has enjoyed far less success on hard courts than on grass and clay. Also, his only Australian Open's title came under extraordinary circumstances. The top-ranked player had to outlast fellow Spanish player Fernando Verdasco and rival Roger Federer in two of the longest matches in the tournament's history, en route to the title. Still, Rafael Nadal has improved a lot since his Open's victory while his will to win is as strong as ever. If Nadal gets a favorable draw, his chances of winning a second Australian Open are very good.

Another strong favorite to win the 2011 Australian Open is Roger Federer, the event's defending champion. The former no. 1 player has always been outstanding on this surface and at this tournament. In fact, Federer won 4 titles in Melbourne and 9 grand slams in total on hard courts. This surface tends to reward players with strong all-round skills, and Roger's game encompasses these attributes. In term of form, the Swiss star comes into 2011 having finished the previous year in a spectacular fashion. Federer was able to end his year with an impressive victory over rival Nadal in the final of the tour championship, overcoming a huge confident hurdle. One should not be surprised if the bookmakers favor Federer over Nadal for the championship. Other players that have a shot at the title are the underachieving Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic wins his second Australian Open.

2) Australian Open 2011 Women's Draw

With top favorite and defending champion Serena Williams pulling out of the event due to a foot injury, the women's draw at the 2011 Australian Open is wide open for the taking. Among the top contenders for the prestigious title are the Belgian duo of Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin. While the two former top-ranked players are at the tail end of their careers, they remain the most talented players in the women's game (aside from the Williams sisters). The two wildcard factors that could keep either player from winning this title are Clijsters' poor record at the Australian Open and Henin's health.

Another contender for the Open crown is current world's no.1 Caroline Wozniacki. Despite being the top-ranked female player, Wozniacki is not considered a principal threat to win the championship and it is for good reasons. The Danish star achieved the top ranking without having won a grand slam title. Moreover, her record against major champions like the Williams sisters, Kim Clijsters, and Maria Sharapova is shockingly poor. Also, Wozniacki does not possess one big weapon that could trouble other top players. While she is a lock for at least a quarterfinal spot, it is hard to pick her to advance beyond that.

The dark horse at the 2011 Australian Open is former champion Maria Sharapova. Among the players who will participate in this tournament, the Russian star owns perhaps the best record at this event punctuated by several appearances in the title match. However, Sharapova has to date failed to regain the form that helped her earn the top ranking a few years back. With Serena out of the picture, this is probably Sharapova's best chance to win another grand slam title and rediscover her lost confidence.

Prediction: Kim Clijsters wins her first Australian Open title.

The 2011 Australian Open is scheduled for January 17-30. ESPN (U.S.) will broadcast the tournament (live and delayed) from start to finish. The Tennis Channel (U.S.) will also provide TV coverage of the event. The women's final is set for January 29; the men's final is set for January 30. Check local listings for exact dates and times.