Australian Open 2009

The first tennis major, the Australian Open, kickss off today in Melbourne Park until February 1, 2009. The draw for men's and women's singles can be found here and here. Another tennis year, another year of obsessing over Roger Federer not winning Roland Garros or any major for that matter. Haha!

As per a tradition that I started in last year's US Open, I'm posting my fearless predictions. Feel free to add yours.

MEN'S SINGLES:
Quarterfinals:
Rafael Nadal vs Gilles Simon
Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic
Novak Djokovic vs Andy Roddick
Andy Murray vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Semifinals:
Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray
Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic

Finals:
Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray

Champion: Andy Murray
Darkhorse: Marat Safin
Match to watch out for before QF: Roger Federer vs Marat Safin (Round 3)


WOMEN'S SINGLES:
Quarterfinals:
Jelena Jankovic vs Vera Zvonareva
Serena Williams vs Agnieszka Radwanska
Dinara Safina vs Ana Ivanovic
Elena Dementieva vs Venus Williams

Semifinals:
Jelena Jankovic vs Dinara Safina
Serena Williams vs Elena Dementieva

Finals: Jelena Jankovic vs Elena Dementieva

Champion: Jelena Jankovic
Darkhorse: Amelie Mauresmo
Match to watch out for before QF: Serena Williams vs Amelie Mauresmo (Round 4)

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Here are the best photos of professional tennis 2008.

Rafael Nadal falling to the ground after beating Roger Federer in a thrilling Wimbledon final.

Rafael Nadal raising the Wimbledon trophy.

Roger Federer looking devastated after failing to win his sixth straight Wimbledon trophy.