Yes, there have been upsets and several epic 5-setters during the first week of the 2013 Australian Open; however amid the drama, blistering heat, cramping and tantrums – far and away the loudest statement going into week-two is the quiet dominance of four: Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova (okay, not-so-quiet dominance). As we enter the quarterfinals, not one of them has dropped a set. Maria Sharapova has only lost five games through four rounds of play!
And so here we are, eight left standing.
On the women’s side, it’s hard to find anyone betting against a “Williams vs. Sharapova” Final:
- Victoria Azarenka vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova
- Serena Williams vs. Sloane Stephens
- Na Li vs. Agnieszka Radwanska
- Ekaterina Makarova vs. Maria Sharapova
On the men’s side, most will guarantee a “Federer vs. Murray” semifinal, but they’re wary about calling who will play Djokovic in the Final:
- Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Berdych
- David Ferrer vs. Nicolas Almagro
- Jeremy Chardy vs. Andy Murray
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Roger Federer
Acknowledging some of the epic wins so far at this year’s Open:
- 4th round: Novak Djokovic’s 12-10 5th set win over Stan Wawrinka
- 4th round: Svetlana Kuznetsova outlasting Wozniacki 7-5 in the 3rd
- 4th round: Sloane Stephens earning her first quarterfinal over Bojana “Which Carlsbad?” Jovanovski
- 3rd round: Kevin Anderson’s 5-set surprise over Fernando Verdasco
- 3rd round: Jeremy Chardy finishing-off Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 in the 5th
- 3rd round: Andreas Seppi eliminating Marin Cilic in 5-sets
- 3rd round: The Simon-Monfils Ironman Triathalon won by Gilles 8-6 in the 5th
- 3rd round: Jamie Hampton taking #1-seed Victoria Azarenka to the wire
- 2nd and 3rd round: Crazy Tipsarevic 5-setters that forced him to retire during his 4th round match, giving Ferrer a well-rested Almagro in the quarters
In the doubles events, Venus and Serena are the popular pick to win, even though they face the #1-seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in the quarterfinals. The Bryan Brothers are still at it, as well – ready to face Daniele Bracciali and Lukas Dlouhy in the quarters. Bob is also in the quaters of the Mixed Doubles event with partner Sania Mirza.
Look out – Week Two is underway!
