Australian Open 2012 Bracket: Hottest Players You Must Check Out

The 2012 Australian Open is just days away, and the stars are all expected to be shining bright down under. 

With it being the first Grand Slam of the year, there's a lot of buzz around this event, as well as several unanswered questions. 

Don't fret, though, because in a short amount of time we'll soon have what we want. 

The Australian Open may take a back seat to the other Grand Slam events, but there's no denying it's importance. A win here sets up a player for a great season. 

A disappointing performance is not the way to start off the year, and it will force a player to struggle to rebound. 

With that said, here are some of the hottest players for the 2012 Australian Open. 

Maria Sharapova

As the No. 4 seed, Sharapova is hoping to find big success in a Major event for the first time in years. The last time she won a Grand Slam was the 2008 Australian Open. 

She fits the title in more ways than one here. She is obviously wonderful to look at, and she reached the No. 2 world ranking last year.

She is currently No. 4 but definitely has what it takes to climb back to the top. 

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki is the No. 1 seed in the 2012 Australian Open, as well as the No. 1 women's player in the world. 

She injured her wrist last week, but she isn't letting it stop her from competing for her first Grand Slam ever. 

While she has had trouble handling the pressure on the big stage before, this could finally be the year Wozniacki gets it done.  

Roger Federer

The No. 3 seed in the 2012 Australian Open, Federer shouldn't have much problem dominating in the early rounds. 

However, he's on the same side of the bracket as Rafael Nadal, which goes to show how strong of a player Novak Djokovic has become. 

Federer is still one of the best in the game, and he can prove to everyone in the world that he hasn't lost a step by winning 2012's first Grand Slam. 

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is the No. 2 seed in the 2012 Australian Open, and many are hoping he stays injury free.

Nadal had a great season a year ago, winning the French Open once again. He's had some shoulder issues recently, but there's no denying that he is one of the top players in the world. 

Should he avoid injury, Nadal has a great shot at winning the Australian Open for the first time since 2009. 

Novak Djokovic

No other tennis player is as hot as Djokovic is right now. Unless of course you're talking in terms of attractiveness—because then there a plenty of tennis players that beat him in that category. 

Djokovic has proven he is clutch, and his amazing run in 2011 that saw him win every Grand Slam except the French Open (along with a bevy of other tournaments) will be very tough to follow. 

All eyes are on him in the 2012 Australian Open, though, because people want to see if he can defend his title and keep performing at such a high level.