Australian Open 2012 Results: 4 Players We Can't Wait to Watch Immediately

The opening week of the 2012 Australian Open has surely been memorable.  

This week of tennis has given us drama in a multitude of forms.  From the racket smashing of an irate Marcos Baghdatis to the controversial overrule in the Nalbandian-Isner match, the 2012 Australian Open has been entertaining to say the least.

Aussie hopes have been simultaneously boosted and crushed in the form of Bernard Tomic and Sam Stosur.

Tomic is one of an elite group of rising young players that are beginning to make their indent on the tennis scene.

In this article, I am going to examine four rising players who have proved their worth during the opening week in Australia and should definitely be on your radar in the future.

1. Bernard Tomic

Bernard Tomic demonstrated the courage and poise of a true champion in his first-round triumph over Fernando Verdasco.

After looking flustered and outmatched in the opening two sets, Tomic fought hard to even the match at two sets apiece.   

The fifth set was a classic grind coming down to several key points on Verdasco's serve at 5-5.  After managing to break the Spaniard, Tomic served to close the match out, 7-5.   

Not only was this an extremely promising match for the Aussie, but this win was an amazing opening sequence to the 2012 Australian Open.

Tomic defeated Sam Querrey in the second round after falling behind a set to take the match in four sets.   

Next up for the Aussie will be Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.   This will assuredly be a trying obstacle for Tomic.  This match pairs up two of the most eccentric, stylistically unorthodox players on the tour who thrive on variety.

Tomic is a rising star and I definitely could see him making a push into the top 20 in 2012.  

2. Ryan Sweeting

Ryan Sweeting is currently 24 years old and ranked 68th in the world.

In his second-round match against No. 5 seed David Ferrer, the surging American displayed the talent that have many scratching their heads.  How can a player with this much talent be ranked so low?

Ryan Sweeting may be starting to reverse the tide and halt the hesitations of his doubters.  Despite losing to Ferrer, Sweeting displayed a steady balance of offense and defense integrating tons of variety in his game.

He often utilized the slice backhand to throw Ferrer off balance and occasionally threw in the chip and charge and illustrated deft hands from the net.

In 2012, Sweeting has the potential to soar in the rankings.  While I wouldn't expect him to see him playing in the year end finals in London, look for Sweeting to assert himself as mainstay in the top 30.   He has the weapons and mindset to compete with top-tier players.  Many guys looking to break into the upper echelons of the tennis world have the passion and work ethic to do so.  But the simple fact is most do not have the weapons to compete on a consistent basis.

Sweeting is not one of these players.  Look for the American to continue to accelerate further and become one of the highest ranked American players.

3. Ryan Harrison

Ryan Harrison was immensely impressive in his opening-round loss against Andy Murray.  Harrison took the opening set but eventually Murray proved to be too strong for the young American.

Despite this loss, Harrison proved that he possesses a versatile repertoire.  

Harrison's serve is huge.  Harrison's first serve is powerful, combining a dangerous mix of pace and placement.  In addition, his second serve is no pushover either.  Although he can get in the habit of throwing in the occasional double fault, Harrison's second serve is similar to Pete Sampras in the sense that he doesn't use it to start the point but uses it to take the initiative in the point. 

Harrison has great court coverage using his speed and athleticism to his advantage.  This also plays into his brilliant transition game, which in my opinion is the best part of his game.  Harrison is extremely viable at the net and is keen to close off the net when given the opportunity.   

I fully expect Ryan Harrison to obtain a ranking within the top 10 in the next two to three years given the current trajectory the American is on.  If he is able to maintain a subdued mental state on the court and put the necessary work in, this guy is going to succeed.

4. Milos Raonic

After defeating Janko Tipsarevic in an epic three-hour struggle decided all by tiebreakers, Milos Raonic comes into the Australian Open with tons of confidence.

Currently ranked 25th in the world, the top Canadian has a lethal serve.  Backed up by very solid movement and groundstrokes, Raonic has proven to be a force to be reckoned with.  

Raonic is someone that absolutely no player wants to see his name next to in the draw.  

In addition to his booming serve, the youngster possess an aura of confidence and poise that will surely suit him well in the biggest stages against the best players.

Raonic will take on Lleyton Hewitt in the third round of the Australian Open.  The favorite on paper, Raonic will surely be the crowd's underdog.   

Not only should you expect Raonic to beat Hewitt, but expect him to keep advancing in the rankings.  Raonic is definitely a future top 10 player in my estimation, possessing the physical and mental tools necessary to crack into this elusive club.