Often the most unpredictable major, the Australian Open follows swiftly upon the fleeting offseason. Although that interlude hardly wipes the slate clean, it does stir fresh hopes and allows new narratives to unfold. A year ago, Djokovic built upon his magnificent performance there to catalyze a historic 2011 campaign. This year, who will dazzle Oz with their wizardry?

THE MEN

ROGER FEDERER
Within a point of defeating Djokovic at two 2011 majors, the aging Swiss legend hasn’t lost to anyone but the eventual champion in Australia since 2003. Thus, it should surprise nobody that Federer dubbed the year’s first major “the happy Slam,” where he has won five titles and handled the heat better than most. While the relatively high bounce doesn’t suit his low contact point on groundstrokes, he can run around his backhand more effectively than at Wimbledon or the US Open. Consecutive losses at majors after holding two-set leads, follow- ing a career of perfection in those situations, suggest that age has depleted his desire. As his career wanes, Federer has not yet found the sense of urgency that has allowed fading champions to record one final flash of brilliance.

ANDY MURRAY
Like Djokovic, Murray has recorded his best Slam results in Australia and enjoyed his most consistent Slam performance in 2011 by reaching the semifinals at all four. A two-time finalist in Australia, the introvert- ed Scot should benefit from the reduced pressure in by far the most relaxed atmosphere of any major. Perhaps the most versatile of the top four, Murray will find his lack of an overpowering weapon less dangerous on a surface that rewards agile movers. Just as Nadal needs to solve Djokovic, however, Murray needs to solve Nadal, against whom he showed little belief in three straight Slam semifinal losses. His three title matches at majors also exposed a competitor who struggles to “carpe the diem” at career-changing moments.

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA
More consistently fit and focused than in any previous season, Tsonga showed courage in rallying from deficits to defeat both Federer and Nadal in 2011. His preference for rushing the net and playing first- strike, staccato tennis seems more designed for faster surfaces, but the Australian crowd warmed to his exuberant personality during his run to the 2008 final. If he survives the first few rounds and maintains a high first-serve percentage, they could propel him deep into the second week again.

To read more, purchase our Jan/Feb 2012 issue now!

THE WOMEN

MARIA SHARAPOVA
Four years ago, Sharapova delivered the best tennis of her career as she raced to the Australian Open title with victories over three top-five opponents. Both the high bounce and the roof play into her hands, and she now has accumulated far more confidence than she possessed in her last two, truncated campaigns here. Nearly invincible in three setters and tiebreaks throughout 2011, this Russian often will snatch victory from the jaws of defeat through sheer willpower. Although she reconstructed her game around her return, Sharapova sometimes can’t escape the woeful serving days that still ambush her.

VICTORIA AZARENKA
Twice menacing Serena in Melbourne, Azarenka also has recorded recent hard-court success against Sharapova and doesn’t allow opponents to intimidate her. An underrated mover with keen instincts and anticipation, she may ultimately develop a more synthetic style than the straightforward ball-bruising that she currently prefers. Enjoying her best season to date in 2011, Azarenka curtailed her self-destructive temper more often while retaining her natural pugnacity. What she could not curtail was the flow of retirements and walkovers that continue to plague her. These recurrent injuries raise questions about her physical durability over the course of a fortnight even as her mental durability has improved.

PETRA KVITOVA
Currently the best server of her generation, the WTA’s only elite lefty should have adjusted to her newly elevated status during the offseason. At Madrid and Wimbledon, Kvitova’s title surges revealed an offense that can produce a winner from anywhere on the court. Her left-handedness poses an unfamiliar challenge for most opponents, while the Czech has accumulated valuable momentum in budding rivalries with Wozniacki and Azarenka. Less auspiciously, Kvitova’s shot-making lacks the moderate temperature between torrid and frigid that helps contenders survive a seven-round event.

To read more, purchase our Jan/Feb 2012 issue now!