Australian Open 2013 - Predictions!

Australian Open 2013 - Predictions!

The year's first major is very nearly upon us and before the action gets going at Melbourne Park here are my predictions for what is going to down over the next two weeks in the Men's and Women's Singles at the 2013 Australian Open. (Tweak them slightly what what I would like to happen!)

WOMEN'S SINGLES

On current form and recent major performances there really is no question as to who is expected to triumph in a couple of weeks time - anything other than a sixth title for Williams will be a monster shock - but here's how I see the draw panning out from the last eight onwards.

Quarter Finals

V.Azarenka (1) bt A.Pavlyluchenkova (24)

S.Williams (3) bt S.Stephens (29)

N.Li (6) bt A.Radwanska (4)

M.Sharapova (2) bt A.Kerber (5)

Semi-Finals

S.Williams (3) bt V.Azarenka (1)

N.Li (6) bt M.Sharapova (2)

Final

S.Williams (3) bt N.Li (6)

MEN'S SINGLES

As in recent years I see the Men's draw largely going by form with only a couple of the top eight seeds failing to reach the quarters.  Of course there would be some thrilling battles, that could go either way, but ultimately I see Djokovic taking a fourth Australian Open title by narrowly avenging his US Open loss to Murray.

Quarter Finals

N.Djokovic (1) bt T.Berdych (5)

D.Ferrer (4) bt G.Dimitrov (U)

A.Murray (3) bt J.M.Del Potro (6)

R.Federer (2) bt R.Gasquet (9)

Semi-Finals

N.Djokovic (1) bt D.Ferrer (4)

A.Murray (3) bt R.Federer (2)

Final

N.Djokovic (1) bt A.Murray (3)

I'll be updating my thoughts on the Championships as they unfold. Here's to a glorious two weeks Down Under!