Australian Open 2012: 8 Matches We Can't Wait to See in Week 2

The stage is set for the round of 16 on both the men and women’s side at the 2012 Australian Open.

Securing a spot among the last 16 players standing and a chance to play in the second week of a major is a goal in itself for many players.

May experts say that this when the majors really start—as the draws narrow down and the toughest matchups and rivalries are showcased. With the second week under way down under, things will really start to heat up with some exciting matches already scheduled for the fourth round.

The slides to follow highlight eight interesting matches that we will see on TV in the next couple of days as the tournament approaches its deciding moments.

Jelena Jankovic vs Caroline Wozniacki

The most interesting fact of this matchup is that both of these players are known for holding the top spot in the WTA ranking without ever winning a major title.

They are heavily criticized for that, especially Wozniacki, who is still the No. 1 in the world and has been there for a long time.

Their head-to-head series shows Jankovic ahead 4-to-3, but Wozniacki will take the court as the favorite and should come out as the winner.

Kim Clijsters vs. Na Li

This rematch of last year’s final is only happening at this stage of the tournament because Clijsters dropped in the ranking due to a long inactivity in the second half of last year.

After not living up to the expectations generated from her win at the French Open last year, Na Li is playing some good tennis again after reaching the finals in Sydney.

Kim Clijsters is the clear favorite, but the Li has resources to step up and make a good match.

Petra Kvitova vs. Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic has reached the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time since 2008. There are lots of expectations on Ana coming back to the top form that led her to be a major champ.

Petra Kvitova is the No.1 seed and the favorite for the title. She comfortably took care of every opponent so far.

Although Ivanovic is ahead 3-to-0 in their head-to-head, Kvitova should take this one and move on to the next round.

Maria Sharapova vs. Sabine Lisicki

Sabine Lisicki is a young and upcoming fine German player, who became known after reaching the semifinal of Wimbledon last year. She lost to Maria Sharapova.

Lisicki reached the fourth round after a win over the two-time major champ Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The Russian leads the head-to-head series by 2-to-0 and is the favorite to win, but she will have to work harder than ever before in this tournament.

Novak Djokovic vs. Lleyton Hewitt

No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic is the favorite to win this year and defend his 2011 title. He is looking strong, and reaching the round of 16 was a walk in the park for the Serbian.

It is now time for him to start working a little harder, and that is what he will have to do against Lleyton Hewitt, who took out Milos Raonic—one of the next who is sure flourish as a top tennis player—in the previous round.

Lleyton Hewitt will obviously have the crowd behind him.

Novak Djokovic is expected to have a little more trouble, but he won't be truly challenged yet.

David Ferrer vs. Richard Gasquet

Richard Gasquet qualified to the fourth round with a very impressive straight set win over No. 9 seed Janko Tipsarevic. He is talented and has a beautiful game, but is considered by many as an underachiever.

David Ferrer is one of the most impressive players in the world—he is so mentally tough it is difficult to play against him. Greatly respected by everybody on the tour, he is an example of what hard work can achieve and doing what it takes to get the most out of oneself.

The Spaniard is the favorite to advance to the quarters due to what he has done lately and also for holding the edge—5-to-2—in their head-to-head series. 

Roger Federer vs. Bernard Tomic

Australian sensation Bernard Tomic will have a chance to play for the biggest win of his career when he takes the court to face all-time great Roger Federer in the round of 16.

Bernard knocked down two seeded players—Fernando Verdasco (22) and Alexandr Dolgopolov (13)—en route to a place among the last 16.

Roger Federer wasn’t really challenged so far, as expected, despite having to do some work to take out giant man Ivo Karlovic.

There will be a lot expectations on this one, and Australian fans will definitely be looking forward to an upset by their countryman.

Rafael Nadal vs. Feliciano Lopez

Feliciano Lopez is having a good run in Australia and took the last American standing, John Isner, in the previous round.

Rafael Nadal has had a comfortable path, despite his alleged knee problems since the first round.

These two are good friends, which seems to bother Rafa less than it does Lopez when they face each other. The No. 2 in the world has beaten Lopez eight out of the 10 times they played.

Lopez can make a match out of this one, but Rafa should cruise to the quarters.