ITST,
Another year has dawned and there is no sign of the interest declining in this great site. In fact with the draw about to be published on Monday 17th January there is an impressive 47 competitors out of a possible 48 draw with one player nursing an injury - whether he will be fit tomorrow will be announced at the opening media conference in the morning.
After an exciting close to the 2010 season the tour finals saw IlluvBilval take the season ending title at the 02 arena, pipping Puttu Puttuu in an exhilarating final that had the crowd on their feet. With no time to rest the professionals are back and everyone is talking about the Australian Open, the Melbourne peach with temperatures at an all time high of 107 oF.
2010 saw the title won by Anteros who after a short spell on the MSS decided to call it time on his career. However with new faces on the tour and the talent stronger than ever who will be crowned 2011 Australian Open Champion and set the pace for the rest of the field in 2011?
The Top 10 seeds:
1. Noberto H (Rnk 1)
The new world number 1 has accumulated 11 titles and is the backbone of the draw. A formidable opponent who will ensure that the title is not taken by his opponent without a fight. With poor form at the seasoning ending championships he will be eager to stamp is mark again and what better place than at the Rod Laver arena...
2. IluvBillval (Rnk 2)
The new world number 2 has accumulated 8 titles and even more scary is just how many he could of won had he played a full season. Many are predicting IluvBillbval to dominate this season and few would argue. With consistent big stage wins, a 80.6% 2010 W/L record and the US Open title under his belt he is the bookies favourite.
3. Baghdad (Rnk 3)
The Iraqi seasoned player has returned after 5 months in isolation - the former world number 1 retired at the top and quoted in a press conference that he wanted to spend more time with the family with his tennis future uncertain. However he returns but at 32 years old many would say his best days are behind him - but with 10 titles and a slam under his belt he is hungry to win again but knows the competition is fiercer than ever.
4. Amazing Zizou (Rnk 5)
The wizard enjoyed a solid 2010 season with 2 titles and 7 finals. He showed what the pundits have been saying all along when he came in touching distance at the Flushing Meadows Final in September, losing in 5 hard fought sets to IluvBillval. The Frenchman is keen to impress and silence his critics once again.
5. Puttu Puttuu (Rnk 7)
5 titles and a 70.1% W/L record capped off an impressive 2010 season. Just losing to the new world number 2 at the O2 arena the Englishman is back and in great shape. Rumours are echoeing around the locker room with talks of a new coach and equipment - whatever the outcome rest assured that Puttuu with be ready to wrestle with the best.
6. Minnesot AS (Rnk 8) - 1 title, 66.4%, strong groundstrokes
7. Mack2300 (Rnk 11) - 1 title, 52.66%, quick mover
8. The Specialist09 (Rnk 12) 0 title, 55.7%, dark horse
9. Fedfan (Rnk 14) - 2 titles (Chall), 50%, all rounder
10. The Cooler618 (Rnk 16) 0 titles, 41.2%, American junior
With SIM legends missing from the draw including the likes of Djarvik (hamstring) and EPOX FR (wrist) the crowd are hoping so see new hopefuls fill their void - what ever the outcome, it is going to be one heck of a 2 weeks....
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Please post your predictions including any other players from the full field and post results of interest and feel free to discuss!
GAME ON
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Baghdad aka Baghdad SIMbad aka Baghdad kebab