A New Year

And so it begins...

2008 proved to be a roller coaster for tennis fans as Rafael Nadal worked his magic, Roger Federer showed his humanity and youngsters from around the world started to play at a level to combat these two powerhouses. 2009 comes with fierce anticipation and many questions that need answers. Granted only time will show us how the events unfold for the year, but there's no harm in making a few guesses on our own.

Can Nadal ride his success from last year through 2009?

It would be foolish to say that Rafa is lacking form or vigor to take away at least one grand slam this year. Though his powerful game is very taxing on the body (which is starting to wear) the Spaniard is only 22 and cannot yet be plagued with injuries. If I had to guess, I bank success on his ever-fruitful clay in Paris but will not give him Wimbledon again. With the likes of potentially historic years for both Federer and Murray ahead, it is unlikely that Nadal will be able to reproduce his 2008 Olympic performance in 2009; but expect him to put up a respectable fight in both the Aussie and US Opens.

Is 2009 Murray's Year?

Doubtful. While the bookies are having a ball keeping Murray the favourite to win in Melbourne, it's hard for any spectator to believe it until he actually comes through to win a slam. Sure, the lone Brit has been able to easily beat Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and others in Masters tournaments, but the kid still has some maturing to do to win a major and keep himself as a consistent final-Sunday contender.

Will Roger break Pete's record?

We all expected Federer to smash Sampras' grand slam record last year but fans were deeply disappointed when a bout of mono kicked off a rough year for the Swiss, culminating in a recovery to win the US Open after losing his Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns along with his world #1 ranking. Many may think 2008 marked the beginning of the end for Federer, but I firmly believe that he will break at least one more record before letting go of his stature at the top. Expect Roger to make a beautiful run, starting tomorrow, in Australia, combat Nadal in yet another Roland Garros final, reclaim Wimbledon and continue his stranglehold in New York. The Federer Era is far from over and this year he will prove to be the greatest to ever pick up a racquet.