Australian Open: 10 Must Watch Matches Of Day 2

The Australian Open is underway and so the Tennis Grand Slam season begins. Last year was another failed attempt at the Nadal-Federer rivalry to be renewed on another big stage. This years tournament still holds that hope. On the women’s side of things it’s all about Serena Williams. She has won the event 3 of the last 5 years. Can anyone knock her off her throne?

Day 2 will continue to thin out the field. Here is a look at the top five men’s and the top five women’s matches to see on Day 2. 

10. Women # 5. Dinara Safina Vs. Kim Clijsters

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Kim Clijsters of Belgium plays a backhand in the womens final against Na Li of China during day six of the 2011 Medibank International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on January 14, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo

Reason:

Kim Clijsters has been pre-selected as the tournament favorite. She is playing so well right now and it’ll be interesting to see if she gets off to a good start.

Prediction:

Clijsters wins this in straight sets. 

9. Women #4 Nadia Petrova Vs. Ksenia Pervak

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Nadia Petrova of Russia reacts after losing a point in her match against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic during day two of the 2011 Medibank International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on January 10

Reason:

Nadia Petrova is the 13^th ranked player in the world, and has a chance to make noise in a womens field that has few dominate competitors.

Prediction:

Pervak keeps it close, but Petrova pulls it out. 

8. Women #3: Samantha Stosur Vs. Loren Davis

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Sam Stosur of Australia looks on during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Reason:

Stosur is the fifth ranked tennis player in the world. She is expected to be a serious contender for the title. It’s going to be important that she begins building momentum early.

Prediction:

Davis is a fine competitor, but the real show will be watching Stosur play. 

7. Women #2: Kimiko Date-Krumm Vs. Agnieszka Radwanska

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BEIJING - OCTOBER 04: Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland drys her hands between points while playing Angelique Kerber of Germany during day four of the 2010 China Open at the National Tennis Center on October 4, 2010 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Matthew Stoc

Reason:

Radwanska is a sleeper and Date-Krumm is an up and comer. These two could provide for an interesting match in a round that is generally filled with duds.

Prediction:

The upset is here. Date-Krumm puts out the 12^th ranked player on the women’s side. 

6. Women #1: Jelena Jankovic Vs. Alla Kudryavtseva

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Jelena Jankovic of Serbia hits a backhand shot during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)

Reason:

Jankovic is one of the more explosive players in the world. She’s my pick to take home the title and she’ll give the field fits if she doesn’t.

Prediction:

She should win this easy. 

5. Men #5: Robin Soderling Vs. Potito Starace

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Robin Soderling of Switzerland hits a backhand shot during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)

Reason:

Now that Soderling has finally beaten Federer, he’s ready to make a run at the Aussie open. He needs to establish himself early.

Prediction:

While it’s probably a stretch to think he’ll win it all, he won’t be bounced in the first round. 

4. Men #4: Karol Beck Vs. Andy Murray

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 17: Andy Murray of Great Britain smiles during a practice session on day one of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)

Reason:

Murray has been the bridesmaid, but never the pride. He’s an energetic player who really grabs the attention of the crowd. Now he wants a title.

Prediction:

Murray wins this in straight sets. 

3. Men #3: David Nalbandian Vs. Lleyton Hewitt

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Lleyton Hewitt of Australia holds aloft the trophy after winning his match against Gael Monfils of France during day four of the AAMI Classic at Kooyong on January 15, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Roon

Reason:

There is nothing more fun than watching a grand slam tournament feature a match with the country’s very own. Australian born Lleyton Hewitt will have the crowd on his side.

Prediction:

Hewitt is evenly matched, but he’ll have the home court advantage. 

2. Men’s #2: Dudi Sela Vs. Juan Martin Del Potro

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina hits a backhand shot during a practice session during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lu

Reason:

Many think Del Potro is a sleeper in this tournament and if you’ve watched him play you will agree. If you haven’t, then here is your chance.

Prediction:

Del Potro will make it to the semi-finals. That’s a promise. He won’t lose for a while. 

1. Men’s #1: Rafael Nadal Vs. Marcos Daniel

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain shares a laugh with his training staff during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 13, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Imag

Reason:

With a number of knee injuries it’s uncertain how long the world will see Nadal at his best. You have to watch him play when you can or you’ll regret it.

Prediction:

Nadal wins this. He’ll win the tournament.