Predictions for the AO 2001?

[tennis4you]

Anyone have any predictions for the Australian Open for this year? I think it will be the start of a great year for tennis!!! I would love to see Sampras win it this year, but I am not sure that he will. I think Kuerten and Safin have the best chances. If Rafter is playing well he has a good shot too. I guess all in all Kuerten has the best chance in my mind. I hope I am wrong though, I want to see Sampras win some more majors!!!

[coach tom]

Well, as I said in my article, I think its Kafelnikov in the men's, and Pin-Up Anna for the women.

On the men's side, I look for Yevgeny, Andre, Lleyton and Guga in the semi's. Yevgeny takes it, and doesn't win another big one all year. Pete takes a bow in the quarters. Mrs. Pete gets a lot of sun.

For the women, Anna finds her groove. I wouldn't count out Monica, as she has one more left in her and I think her best chance is down under. Hingis is eliminated early, possibly by Dementieva or one of the other up and coming Ruskies. Look for an Anna, Monica, Jelena and Mauresmo semis.

The Williams sisters will lose to Hingis-Seles in the doubles final.

Bhupati-Paes get their first slam win.

my two cents...

[tennis4you]

Hmmm, I am counting Anna out of this one, and for any slam all year. I need to see her win a singles title elsewhere before I believe that she has what it takes to win a slam!!! As far as Kafelnikov, I haven't seen much of him lately, but he definelty has the game. I don't think that he will win it though.

Scott Baker

[BC]

Agree with Scott. Martina's been in sizzling form at the Hopman Cup, so I'd say she would be an excellent bet with one of the Williams sisters in the final. Barring, of course, an all-Williams final (but not if Lindsay Davenport has anything to do with it).

As for the mens.... Being a local boy (and living in Melbourne so I'll be rolling along to a day's play :D - HAHA) I'll go for Lleyton Hewitt to storm through. Otherwise it's Andre Agassi or Marat Safin (if he can overcome his inconsistency).

[tennis4you]

Hewitt wouldn't be a long shot in my mind. It is his home country, I am sure he will be a favorite.

Scott