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The Australian Open: The first week

© Michael Cecilio

The favourites Without a doubt, the #1 and #2 seeds, Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis respectively, are the favourites to reach the final. Perhaps the most consistent performers on the tour (hence their respective rankings), Lindsay and Martina gave a preview of what may come at the end of this week in the final at Sydney last week. Before the Sydney final, Martina had been the punter's favourite to win the Australian Open title. However, the odds had slightly shifted afterwards in favour of the American after her convincing straight sets rout over Martina. Davenport is currently the favourite at 2-1 while Martina stands not too far behind at 2.75-1.

Lindsay and Martina stand far apart from the rest of the contenders where betting odds are concerned, and that is no surprise, given both are showing tremendous form throughout the early rounds of the Open. Neither looked troubled in their early round matches, and have not dropped a set in this tournament so far. Another contender showing great form (and incidentally has not dropped a set herself) is #7 Mary Pierce, who has not dropped more than 2 games per set leading into the fourth round. No one else in the 128 player draw has accomplished that feat! Mary must like her chances of winning through to her second Australian Open title, with an out-of-form Anna Kournikova her round of 16 opponent, and Martina Hingis - who she has a winning head-to-head record over - her likely opponent in the quarter finals. She stands in the odds at 9-1.

The old-timers Steffi Graf and Monica Seles, both four time Australian Open champions, are also in with a huge chance to win a fifth title. However, one of them will not make it through to the semi-final round as they are seeded to meet in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash! It is interesting to note that Monica has an undefeated record at the Australian Open, having won her four previous titles in four attempts! One must wonder whether this streak may continue well through to finals' Saturday - however, not an easy draw ahead for Monica, as she faces 14th seed Sandrine Testud (who beat her last year in the third round of the Italian Open) in the round of 16. If she can progress, she most likely faces her long time arch-rival Steffi Graf in the quarters, 2nd seed and in-form Martina Hingis in the semis, and perhaps world #1 Lindsay Davenport in the final. Steffi stands at 8-1 while Monica stands at 9-1.

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