The men’s draw at the Australian Open provides a chance to see if the next generation will finally breakthrough as the first member of the prestigious ‘Big Four’ says goodbye. Andy Murray will play in his final Australian Open in what will be an emotional occasion. Meanwhile, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are in a race to become the first male player to win the tournament for a record eighth time.
With so much at stake, here is five things to look out for in Melbourne this year.
Federer out to prove age is just a number
At the age of 37, Federer is bidding to claim his third consecutive title in Melbourne. Something that has only been achieved by Djokovic on the men’s tour over the last 30 years. The Swiss world No.3 kick-started his 2019 season by winning the Hopman Cup once again. Scoring wins over players such as Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I definitely needed a little bit of luck,” Federer told reporters at Melbourne Park.
“If you look at how unlucky things were with the incident here a few years ago when I ran the bath, I guess the knee, that part of the body was ready to go.
“Could have happened easily in the match against Novak, but it didn’t, maybe because I was warmed up. I have no idea what happened. I think you also need a little bit of luck.”
Federer is the second oldest player in the men’s draw this year. Should he prevail and win a record 21st grand slam title, he would become the oldest grand slam winner in the history of men’s tennis. Eclipsing the record set by Ken Rosewall back in 1972. Success would also make the Swiss player the second in history to win a 100th title on the ATP Tour.
“I’m playing good tennis. I’m confident that I think it needs a good performance by my opponent probably to beat me,” Federer said ahead of his first round clash with Denis Istomin.
2019 will be Federer’s 20th consecutive appearance in the main draw of the Australian Open. Equalling Lleyton Hewitt’s all-time record.
