Australian Open 2012: 5 Reasons Andy Roddick Actually Has a Shot to Win

If anyone has seen Andy Roddick's new hairdo, many will be quick to call him insane. But you know what, he just may be crazy enough to actually win this year's Australian Open.

While Roddick hasn't been the most consistent guy on tour, currently sitting at No. 16 in the world, he always possesses the possibility to make something happen.

He is by far one of the most powerful players on the tour, and if he can find a way to control that power while getting lucky here and there, he may be able cause quite a few upsets in this tournament.

Roddick may be a long-shot (currently 126-1 via bodog.com), but he could actually have a shot to win it all.

Here is why.

He Has Nothing to Lose

Unlike guys like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who are all fighting to be the best player in the world, Andy Roddick just doesn't have that weight on his shoulders.

Being out of the top 10, there are really not that many expectations set for Roddick. Sure, the United States is pulling for him, but even that has been taken down a bit with the rising play of fellow American Mardy Fish.

While there is no doubt that Roddick is going into this tournament with the intent to win it all, he should be able to play without expectations, giving him a much needed relief.

He Is Due

Andy Roddick hasn't won a Grand Slam since claiming the US Open title back in 2003.

Besides that, he has never been able to hoist a championship trophy at any other slam event. It will not be an easy task given all the increased competition over the years, but at least Andy has proven that he can make it to a final.

Over his career, he has also managed to reach the finals four other times. One time was yet again at the US, while the other three were at Wimbledon—the most recent in 2009.

Roddick can make it there, but he will need to empty the tank to do it.

He Shouldn't Get the No. 1 or 2 Seed in His Pursuit of a Semifinal Spot

It will take a little luck of the draw (no pun intended), but Andy Roddick will likely not get Novak Dkjokovic or Rafael Nadal until the semifinals.

Currently being the 15th seed (since Robin Soderling will be out) gives Roddick a good shot at being in Roger Federer's or Andy Murray's bracket section.

Roddick didn't see much luck against the big four in 2011, going 0-4 while never taking on Djokovic.

Federer has won the tournament four times, while Murray has reached the finals twice in consecutive years.

If Roddick is going to get into the semis, he best hope that he will have to go through either of these two men if all four are still standing.

He Needs to Make Some Serious Noise

After having a terrible 2011, Andy Roddick just needs to do something to recover in 2012.

This past season, Roddick only won one title, while also falling out of the top 10. His ranking continues to drop, but a good showing at the Australian Open could propel him back into the thick of things.

The only place for Roddick to go from here is up. If he can find the level of play that he has been capable of in his past, he could certainly turn things around early this season.

This Is One of His Better Tournaments

The Australian Open has been one of Andy Roddick's best slam tournaments, despite the lack of a title.

He has managed to reach the semifinals four different times, including a deep run in 2009. He has never made it to the final round, but he could be looking to make a move to finally get there.

His other best showing has been at the US Open, so it is no surprise that hard courts suit the power-hitter the best.

If he can get his serve going, while also finding some consistency with his forehand, Roddick should be able to find great success on this surface like he has so many times in his past.