The year of the comeback...?

Nine months is a long time in world tennis.

Think back. Rafael Nadal was king. Roger Federer – could he bridge the gap? What of the chasing pack of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco and that big Argentine talent Juan Martin del Potro?

In the women’s game, Serena Williams appeared to have the tennis world at her mercy, having just raised the Daphne Akhurst Trophy for the fourth time. Could Dinara Safina, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic or any one of a number of former world number ones ever break her stranglehold?

Maria Sharapova was no chance, she wasn’t even there, a shoulder injury forcing her off the tour. Alicia Molik was there, but was building on a promising media career.

Half a world away, watching her on the telecast while tending to her family, was a very happy mum in Kim Clijsters. Meanwhile countrywoman Justin Henin was planning her post-tennis life.

“So much has changed on the international tennis landscape,” is Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley’s assessment. “I think the respective title races will be more open than they have been in years.

“Del Potro’s win in New York has blown the men’s event wide open and Clijsters’ effort, combined with Henin’s comeback, has had a similar effect on the women’s.”

“We can expect some amazing tennis and absorbing drama. Can Rafa defend? Will Roger go one better than last year? What influence will Juan Martin, Novak, Jo-Wilfried, Fernando and the Andys [Murray and Roddick] have? Not to mention Lleyton who will come in with some good form, a seeding and a full season under his belt,” Tiley reflected.

“Of course Serena has won here four times and again stands tall at Melbourne Park in the women’s draw, but Kim is obviously back, Justine is the ultimate competitor so expect her to be ready, Maria was so good last time she was here and what about our own comeback stories? Sam has not only come back she has surpassed everything she ever did before, and Alicia and Casey have shown
what they can do in front of a home crowd,” he explained.

Lleyton Hewitt will again lead the Aussie charge, only this year he has form, fitness, preparation and a likely seeding on his side. His good mate Peter Luczak has also fought back from a potentially career-ending injury and could well be joined in the local assault by any or all of Chris Guccione, Carsten Ball, Bernard Tomic, Brydan Klein and Sam Groth.

Sam Stosur is coming off her best year on the tour and will no doubt be ready to lead the Australian effort in the women’s draw. Jelena Dokic should draw strength from last year’s unforgettable run.

Olivia Rogowska is the new kid on the block who very nearly topped world number one Dinara Safina on centre court in New York, while Jarmila Groth and Anastasia Rodionova will play their hearts out for their adopted country.

The comeback kids Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua hope to fight their way to the main draw and could well be joined by anyone or all of the likes of Isabella Holland, Monika Wejnert and Sally Peers.

Series tickets for Australian Open 2010 go on sale through Ticketek from 9:00 am on Wednesday 7
October to 5:00 pm Sunday 11 October (AEDST).

Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena single session tickets and Australian Open ground passes are
on sale from 9:00 am (AEDST) Monday 12 October.

The great value $29 Australian Open ground pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and
free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval and in Garden Square.