Ha, I knew the minute Nikolay Davydenko beat Roger Federer in Doha that they would end up in the same quarter. But let's just look at this quarter by quarter, shall we.
First Quarter:It's a familiar spot for Roger Federer at the very top of the draw where he has spent most of the last 6 years. Roger could face former #1 Lleyton Hewitt in the 3rd round which is the same round they played a tight match in at the US Open. And that match happens to be my banner photo.
Roger seems to have a pretty clear path to the quarters where he probably face the projected winner of the Fernando Verdasco/Nikolay Davydenko 4th round encounter. Davydenko has beaten Roger the two times they've met - and they were both quite recent. Roger is looking to advance to his 23rd consecutive Slam semifinal - could that streak be broken here?
Predicted semifinalist: Nikolay Davydenko
Second Quarter:This is the weak quarter. Ain't no way Novak Djokovic isn't going to the semifinals here. His projected seeded player is #8 Robin Soderling who is nursing an injury. Possible upset player include #16 Tommy Robredo, #18 Tommy Haas and dangerous floater Richard Gasquet.
Predicted Semifinalist: Novak Djokovic
Third Quarter:Now things get interesting. This quarter houses #4 Juan Martin Del Potro, #7 Andy Roddick, #11 Fernando Gonzalez, #14 Marin Cilic, #19 Stanislas Wawrinka, #21 Tomas Berdych and #25 Sam Querrey. Care to make a guess? I will...
Predicted Semifinalist: Andy Roddick
Fourth Quarter:This would seemingly look to be a Rafael Nadal/Andy Murray quarterfinal but both players have drawn tricky potential 4th round matches. Rafa could face tough guy Radek Stepanek and Andy may face Gael Monfils. I don't think either man will disappoint so look for a blockbuster quarter and a rockin' night match in Melbourne.
Predicted Semifinalist: Rafael Nadal
Final: Rafael Nadal over Nikolay Davydenko in 4
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