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Federer: why I can win Open. Nadal: why I can’t

Roger Federer is talking up his chances. Rafael Nadal is talking his down.

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka, characteristically, is talking up everyone but himself.

Andy Murray has the draw from hell.

Australian hope Nick Kyrgios is just hoping to stay in one piece.

And Novak Djokovic just keeps rolling along.

Welcome to the men’s half of the draw for the 2015 Australian Open.

Australian Open: the matches that will matter

Djokovic, the world No.1, and Federer, the greatest player in a generation – perhaps of all time – are bidding for an open-era record fifth title at Melbourne Park.

While Djokovic is the bookies’ short-priced favourite, the 33-year-old Swiss master has arrived in Melbourne claiming he is a more complete player now than when he dominated the sport like no other before almost a decade ago.

Roger Federer insists that he is still improving. Photo: Getty

Roger Federer insists that he is still improving. Photo: Getty

“I think I’m serving more consistent and stronger than I ever have. That’s my opinion,” said the world No.2.

“I definitely think the (larger) racquet has helped me with that as well, a little bit.

“But my concentration I do believe is there, better than it’s ever been, at least I hope it is, because I feel over time you always want to improve.

“I think my backhand is working better than it has in the past as well. The question is confidence, forehand, movement.

“But clearly when I was winning almost everything, everything was so gold that nobody was even questioning anything.”

Federer won a tour-high 73 matches in 2014. Only Djokovic, with six trophies, won more silverware.

He credits a minimal off-season because of his Davis Cup final commitments with Switzerland for carrying the momentum into 2015 with an 83rd career title and 1000th career match win in Brisbane.

Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka does not feel he belongs in elite company. Photo: Getty

Nadal, on the other hand, has won just four matches – and none against a top-20 rival – since Wimbledon and suspects it’s too soon to contend after battling an ongoing back injury and withdrawing from the ATP Tour Finals following surgery for appendicitis.

“I don’t feel myself ready to win,” said the Spaniard.

“I don’t consider myself one of the favourites here.”

Murray, a three-time runner-up in Melbourne, could potentially have to conquer world No.10 Grigor Dimitrov, who leads the band of hungry young guns with eighth seed Milos Raonic, then Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in successive matches to land the title.

“Obviously a very tough draw. Very difficult draw,” Murray said.

“If you have to play all of those players, obviously it’s going to be extremely difficult to come through that.”

Djokovic’s biggest threat to a possible final showdown with Federer could well come from Wawrinka, the Swiss fourth seed who toppled the world No.1 in last year’s quarter-finals before taking down Nadal to break through for his first slam.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic does not have a care in the world as he hugs Viktor Troicki at training. Photo: Getty

But the self-effacing Wawrinka, in an interview with Fairfax at the weekend, was musing on the likelihood that he would lose the 2000 ranking points he earned with his surprise victory last year.

Even though he is the fourth-ranked player in the world, he still refers to the Big Four, a club to which he clearly does not think he belongs.

Djokovic, meanwhile, dismissed concerns he may not be 100 per cent for the tournament.

Word spread through Melbourne Park on Sunday that all was not well, but he allayed fears with a strenuous late-afternoon workout at Rod Laver Arena.

“I had a tough couple of days but it’s all behind me. It was a little bit of the flu in the stomach. I’m ready,” Djokovic said.

“The success that I’ve had at the Australian Open gives me the confidence to believe I can go far,” he said.

The top seed became a father for the first time last October and says playing for son Stefan only adds to his motivation.

Nick Kyrgios is not exactly inspiring confidence. Photo: Getty

Nick Kyrgios is not exactly inspiring confidence. Photo: Getty

“Becoming a father brought a lot of joy to me and fulfilment in my life,” Djokovic said.

Great local hope Nick Kyrgios admits a sore back will leave him short of 100 per cent fitness at the Australian Open – but it was never going to keep the noted big-event performer out of the last major he will play as a teenager.

“It’s a tough call, but it’s the Australian Open.

“It’s why you play the game.

“It’s why I play the game.

“I’ve just got to be smart about it and just manage it.

“My goal is to stay healthy, stay out on the court and compete,”

Having seen his ranking shoot from 182 at the end of 2013 to a high of 50 in October last year, Kyrgios is now targeting a spot in the top 30.

Still, he assessment of his injury – “I’m good enough to compete” – does not exactly inspire confidence.

– with AAP

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