The 2015 Australian Open is just around the corner, running from 19 January to 1 February. As we all know it’s impossible to predict the winner, but after the 2014 season I think it’s even harder than usual!
The 2014 men’s tennis season brought us some new and interesting headlines.
Each Grand Slam had a different champion with Stan Wawrinka and Marin Čilić winning their first titles at the Australian Open and US Open respectively. Rafael Nadal won his ninth Roland Garros title and Novak Djokovic w0n his second Wimbledon title by defeating Roger Federer in one of the year’s best matches.
While we’ve watched the established guys hold their place in the top 10, we saw some of the hungry younger players start to make their way through the ranks. Players like Kei Nishikori, now ranked 5th after a great 2014 season which includes being US Open runner-up. And Grigor Dimitrov, currently ranked No.11, who won Queens in London, made the Aus Open quarter-finals and Wimbledon semis.
After this great season of competitive matches and feisty newcomers, the year ending ATP World Tour Finals was a bit of a non-event. Rafa Nadal wasn’t there, Andy Murray was tired from his busy autumn in Asia, and Roger Federer pulled out of the final against Novak Djokovic due to injury. There were far more embarrassing two set wins than anything competitive.
Congratulations to Djokovic for a great season which culminated in winning the World Tour Finals title, but based on the results at the O2, what should fans expect in 2015?
Only time will tell.
With the Australian Open just around the corner, we’re all anxious to know who will play, as well as looking forward to watching the AO drama unfold.
Find out how you can experience the Australian Open first hand.
A quick recap of the year that was for the men’s Top 4
World No.1 – Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is strong, and he seems to be having a happy and fulfilled off-court life with his new wife and baby. After winning in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013, and being defeated by Wawrinka in the 2014 quarter-finals, he’ll be hungry for his fifth Australian Open title.
World No.2 – Roger Federer
Federer had a great 2014 and finishes the year at No.2. So many fans want to see him win at least one more Grand Slam title. Following on from great form as part of the winning Davis Cup team, provided injuries don’t re-surface Roger has a great chance to win his fifth Australian Open, adding to wins in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Plus, who doesn’t want to see the super-cute Federer twins on the sidelines showing their support for as many rounds as possible?
World No.3 and 2014 AO Runner Up – Rafa Nadal
After a tough year battling his back, wrist and appendix, Nadal has confirmed that he will train for and play at the Australian Open. He will also play a charity match on January 14 against Fernando Verdasco to launch the updated (and architecturally superb) Margaret Court Arena.
As he did in the 2014 final, Nadal will play in 2015 to become the first in the open era history to win every grand slam title at least twice. I for one will be fully supportive of his efforts!
World No.4 and Defending Champion – Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka will be playing to defend his Australian Open title. Although he has had a hard time living up to the pressure after winning in Melbourne last January Wawrinka won Monte Carlo and was part of the winning Davis Cup team.
With all this said, the Australian Open is totally up for grabs
All the other high ranked players will be hoping to play their best, and we all know how an unexpected player can shine at the Australian Open. These are some of the factors that make tennis so much fun to follow. And it’s even more fun to watch in person. Especially the second week during the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
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Treat yourself to an unforgettable Australian Open experience
My friends at Grand Slam Tennis Tours have some great deals for the Australian Open. They have a been taking people around the world for over two decades to all the Grand Slams, and know all the ins and outs to make your tennis vacation an experience of a lifetime. It’s not just about their great hotel choice and fabulous courtside tickets. An Australian Open Package with Grand Slam Tennis Tours also includes a welcome dinner with a past Grand Slam champion, a city tour of Melbourne, tennis playing opportunity at Kooyong Lawn and Tennis Club, and more.
Travel with Grand Slam Tennis Tours and you’ll get the full Australian Open experience. This year they have some extra special deals for the second week. For just under $4000 USD you’ll get to see both the men’s and women’s finals in lower level seats, and everything mentioned above. It’s a steal for a finals package to any Grand Slam! See all of their second week packages here If you’re thinking of travelling to the Australian Open this year and want to experience the best courtside seats, luxury hotels and a grand slam experience that you’ll never forget, make sure to email or call Grand Slam Tennis Tours in the US on 800.289.3333. They have limited packages left so don’t wait!
Will it be one of the men’s Top 4 winning in 2015 or someone new? It’s way too soon to tell but I’m looking forward to tennis returning to Aus and watching how it plays out!
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal
