Australian Open 2012 Draw: Serena Williams and Stars We Are Rooting Against

Serena Williams has a legion of fans that will forever root against her—it is one of the more passionate fanbases in tennis. 

While the fervor of which these hate-rooters approach Serena is unmatched, it is not unique in today's tennis landscape. She has the company of other stars of the sport.

This slideshow is going to highlight these types of players as we prepare for the year's first Grand Slam tournament. 

Serena Williams

Serena Williams has become as famous for her outbursts as she has for her tennis. The one attached from this slide is from 2009. 

She had another infamous meltdown in 2011 at the US Open. While tennis outbursts are nothing new, Serena's are filled with more venom and personal attacks than what is acceptable for them to be seen in any way as charming.  

This is not all she has working against her either. She spends as much, if not more, time away from the court trying to build her brand as she does focusing on tennis. 

This is never going to endear her to tennis fans who want to know that their stars care more about the game than they do. 

Novak Djokovic

It's been rough going for people who like to root against Djokovic, who won almost everything last year. 

Of course, there was little reason to root against Djokovic until he started winning everything. There are two ways to go with dominant players: you are either for them or against them. Their constant presence on the scene makes neutrality nearly impossible. 

I root against Djokovic for silly and unjustified reasons. He lacks flare on the court and his interviews bore me. Also, I am completely tired of hearing about his poodle. 

Caroline Wozniacki

Wozniacki is caught in a weird state, and the reasons people will root against her are not her fault. She is a really good player, but she is not good enough to be considered a legit No.1. Yet, that is exactly what she is. 

With women's tennis unable to find any dominant players, Woz is there to claim No. 1 status. The problem is, she has never proven this at a Grand Slam. 

She has a long enough history of poor showings at Grand Slams to suggest she is much more likely to lose them than to win them. It has become officially futile to root for her to win them. 

So, let's just root against her, and let her exodus from the No. 1 spot begin. 

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has provided tennis with some unforgettable moments and electrifying play. 

However, his dramatics have worn thin. He seems to always be nursing some sort of injury, and he doesn't nurse them quietly. When Nadal is in pain, it becomes a production. 

He has a team of trainers tending to him nearly every match, which slows up play and draws attention to himself. This is a guy who, during an interview, fell out of his seat from a cramp.

The quicker he loses, the less any of us will be subjected to these dramatics.  

Andy Murray

I enjoy rooting for Andy Murray. I'd like to see this hard-working, injury-plagued and talented tennis player win a Grand Slam. 

However, the pride of the UK needs to get his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon. 

He is a fan favorite there, and for good reason. The fans haven't been able to cheer on a UK-born player to victory since 1936.