[jtipson]

The main draw for the Australian Open 2005 will be available in a little under three hours time, so let's get this show on the road! Here's hoping for a successful defence of Roger's title at Melbourne Park

Last year, there was certainly some consternation in this forum when the draw was released and we saw his then three nemeses (Hewitt, Henman and Nalbandian) lurking in Roger's quarter. So, what are your hopes and fears for the draw this time around? Who would you like to see him play and who would it be better to avoid?

Here's my picks.
First and second round: a nice and gentle couple of matches would be appreciated. No teenagers please (Nadal, Berdych or Monfils!), no Australians (ok, so Todd Reid wasn't that bad last year after the first 5 games).

Third round: choice of Davydenko/Chela/Srichaphan/Ancic/Dent/Johansson(T)/Melzer/Ferrero
Hmm. Tough one. Normally I'd want him to steer well clear of Ferrero and Ancic. Chela, maybe, but look at him go this week. There's no easy choice here!

Fourth round: choice of Robredo/Grosjean/Youzhny/Haas
Robredo, please. What's the betting Roddick will get him? Just keep away from Haas, we've seen that at the AO before. Painful.

Quarter-final: choice of Moya/Coria/Henman/Agassi (or Nalbandian if Agassi withdraws in time)
The Spaniard would be my preference, but he's playing very well and has reached the final here before. I'd feel nervous if it were Agassi or Nalbandian for Roger's qf match-up again - too dangerous.

Semi-final: choice of Hewitt/Safin
On the basis of TMC and Safin's better record here, then I'd have to choose Hewitt. But look at it this way: whichever one he avoids, Roddick gets

Any thoughts?

[Raquel]

First round v Santoro
QF v Agassi

So far.

[rogertooogood]

Bascially I would really really want to have Hewitt in Federer's half with them meeting in the semifinals and have Nalbandian, Henmen, Costa and Nadal ( simply b/c of the lost to him last year in Miami) on the other half of the draw......

[Raquel]

Hewitt's not in Roger's half. That's definite.

[Lisbeth]

Just wanted to say good luck to Roger for the Aussie Open ... and I also have a strong preference for him and Lleyton to be in different halves

It's always a pleasure to watch Roger play tennis

[LCeh]

Draw in pdf format can be found here

[fightclubber]

Originally Posted by LCeh

Draw in pdf format can be found here

thanks
thats what I wanted to see!
silvy

[ytben]

Anyone else not happy with Santoro as his first rounder? I am very nervous for this matchup....But at least he didn't draw any teenagers, that will make me even more nervous.

So possible road to QF:
1rd - Santoro
2rd - JMG
3rd - Nieminen/PDorn
4rd - Ljubicic/Robredo

Not so bad draw till the QF, if he passed Santoro.
Then it will get really tough. He possibly will meet Agassi in the QF, if Andre is fully healthy, this is the worst possible QF matchup for Rogi IMO.
Anyway one round at a time. Can't wait to finally see Rogi in my TV again. Good luck Rogi

[Dirk]

That is if Andre is healthy enough to make it to the qrts. Then NINJA WILL GRIND HIS HIP INTO THE FUCKING GROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I say that?

[Yoda]

I'm liking the draw for Rogi.
Andre has a tough path -> Dent, J.Johansson and then Rogi

[WyveN]

Safe to say Roger drew the hardest quarter final opponent though, JJ or Andre.
Santoro will be tough in the 1st round and sometimes Roger plays scrappy in the opening rounds and Paradorn gave him a tough match in Thailand.

[Whistleway]

don't be cruel, dirk.. Agassi is a class act on AO too..

I am just worried about Santoro.. It would be a wonderful match to watch... pleasing eyes.. lets hope federer plays his round one well... Good luck., roger !!!

[SUKTUEN]

Go Rgoer !!!!!!!!!

[lsy]

Roger, just lose in Kooyong, it will make me feel better for him going into AO already lost somewhere. Nobody can keep winning..Santoro 1st round???

Roger/Andre...again? Sigh...

Hewitt has to be happy finally he's not anywhere near Roger

Will Roger be playing Monday or Tuesday?

[WyveN]

Originally Posted by lsy

Will Roger be playing Monday or Tuesday?

They dont decide that until tomorrow but I think it will be Tuesday.