My Australian Open 2009 men’s tennis finals predictions is Roger Federer winning over Andy Murray in a thrilling five sets. Cool down Rafa fans! We know that the hard court is not for him. Not yet this year, at least. But let us first see who are the favorites in the Grand Slam action at the Laver Arena from January 19 to February 1, 2009 and where they will be at the end of the tourney.

The Top Four


No. 1 Rafael Nadal: This is one elusive trophy for Nadal. Last year, he almost made it if not for the surprise finalist Jo Wilfried-Tsonga who fried him in straight sets. If Nadal wins this year, he would be the first man since Andre Agassi to win a grand slam on all three of the surfaces (grass, clay and hard). Either Murray or the Ali look-a-like Tsonga could be his tormentor.

My prediction: Semi-finals

No. 2 Roger Federer: Let’s forget about the 2008 edition of this tournament. 3-time winner King Roger Federer will go after the records of fourteen Grand Slam victories. His worry will be Andy Murray, who already beat him twice as early as January this year. But we know that experience matters when it comes to a grand slam event.

My prediction: Champion

No. 3 Novak Djokovic: I don’t think Novak can defend this title he won last year, especially if Roger is on his path before the finals. If he’d hurdle Roger, at the semis, there is still Andy Murray, who is in top form. Andy Roddick is also in his draw. But I think he can vanquish him when they crosses path.

My prediction: Semi-finals

No. 4 Andy Murray: Britain’s brightest tennis star is on his best form this year. He already beat the world’s top 2 players as early the first two weeks of January. Murray will beat Nadal, if he himself will not succumb to Wilfried-Tsonga. He is young at 21 and he packs a lot of power. His performance at the US Open sends a clear signal to everyone that he is ready to become world no.1. Oh well, Andy boy! Roger will beat him in five sets at the finals.

My prediction: Finals

Top Contenders:

Marat Safin – This guy, though seeded 26th, can pull the trigger and blast anyone in his path. This Russian is a favorite of my friend. I don’t know why.
Jo Wilfried-Tsonga – He is seeded no.5, probably because of his surprise run last year. Unknown no more, this big frenchman and Ali look-a-like is a threat to anyone in the top four.

Andy Roddick – Seeded 7th, I have not read anything spectacular about him last year. But he is still a force to reckon with.

Lyetton Hewitt – Though unseeded, the former world no.1 may pull some surprises. We all know what the hometown boy and the hometown crowd can do. That is if he can handle the tough Fernando Gonzales on the first round.

Honestly, my mind is so focused on the top 4 right now. Who is your bet for this year’s Australian Open?

Update: Nadal demolished Federer in 5 sets at the Australian Open finals. The later failed in his quest to overtake Sampras’ 13th grand slam titles. Not yet this time.

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