Monday, 15 - Sun 28 Jan 2018 - Melbourne, Australia
Federer is a huge favourite to defend the title he beat Rafael Nadal to claim 12 months ago. The Swiss has looked in supreme form at the Hopman Cup in Perth while rivals Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka are struggling with injury. Furthermore, Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori have already withdrawn from the year’s first Grand Slam.
But Wilander, a three-time Australian Open champion, reckons there could be a new name on the trophy this year. “Obviously, Alexander Zverev has improved a lot and he looks fit and healthy,” said Wilander. “Somebody who is as clever as he is would see the opportunity that everybody is not at 100 per cent. “I would think Zverev is waiting in a starting position to try to grab his first major or at least have a great result.”
Zverev, 20, has risen to No 3 in the world after his first two Masters 1000 titles in 2017.
In the women’s draw, Serena Williams had looked like she would make a remarkable comeback to defend her Australian Open title just four months after becoming a mother for the first time. However, the American confirmed last week she had decided she was not in good enough shape to challenge in Melbourne and withdraw.
