The editors of TENNIS Magazine and TENNIS.com weigh in with their predictions on who will be victorious at the 2008 Sony Ericsson Open.
James Martin, Editor in Chief
"Roger Federer-- The world's No. 1 is done with being everybody's whipping boy. While his season has gotten off to a slow start, you have to figure it's only a matter of time before Federer regains his form and dominates the men's field again. Miami's hard courts, which play a bit faster than those in Indian Wells, should help Federer win the title for a third time."
"Justine Henin-- She skipped Indian Wells, so she will be fresh and ready to go. Henin carefully paces her schedule and usually peaks at the big events. She faces a possibly tough showdown with Serena Williams in the quarters, but if she can get past that match she'll cruise to the title."
Jon Levey, Senior Editor
"Andy Murray-- He got to the semis last year and completely wilted. If temperatures soar, it could be Murray’s undoing. But the thinking here is another year older, wiser, and stronger will be enough to get him his first Masters-Series title. "
"Serena Williams-- A 41-5 career record in Miami and the champion’s trophy four of the last five times she’s entered the tournament. Not the most courageous pick, but certainly the safest."
Tom Perrotta, Senior Editor
"Roger Federer-- If at first you don’t succeed…. I picked Federer last week and was surprised to see him lose so convincingly to Mardy Fish (all credit to Fish, who by all accounts played exceptionally well). I don’t think Miami is a must win for Federer—this is not the 2006 Wimbledon final. But Federer badly needs a boost in confidence going into the clay court season. I like his draw—he can’t meet Djokovic or Nadal until the final—and his chances."
"Serena Williams-- Williams won this title last year in dramatic fashion and then didn’t win another title until her victory in Bangalore, India, earlier this month. I don’t think she’ll wait 11 months between titles this time. She has a difficult draw: Justine Henin is lined up for the quarterfinals and her sister, Venus, could be across the net in the semifinals. Maria Sharapova (who has withdrawn from this event) and Serbians Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic have received all the attention so far this season. No doubt Williams wants to remind us she’s still as good, or better, than anyone in the field."
David Rosenberg, Photo Editor
"Andy Roddick-- For the first time in a long while, Roddick must be happy to see Federer in his quarter. Once he’s through the top half of the draw, the well rested Roddick should be able to handle whoever makes the final on the bottom half."
"Venus Williams-- She’s struggled against almost every top player except Sharapova who isn’t here. Venus plays well in Florida and could stand to make a statement outside of Wimbledon."
Sarah Unke, Associate Editor
"Novak Djokovic-- This kid has owned hard courts so far this season. And with Roger and Rafa
out of form, he's got a shot at the U.S. spring double."
"Serena Williams-- She has won this tournament four of the last five times she's played it. If she can channel her competitiveness early, and get past Justine Henin in the quarters, she could go all the way."
Sarah Thurmond, Assistant Editor
"Novak Djokovic-- Both Rafael Nadal's and Roger Federer's games have looked off lately. Federer could set up a quarterfinals meeting with Andy Roddick, who has won Miami before and has two hardcourt titles already this year. Maybe he, like Mardy Fish at the Pac Life, will have a miracle round and take out Federer. But with the roll he's been on, I don't see anything stopping Novak Djokovic
from defending his title."
"Justine Henin-- Sharapova is out, and the Williams sisters and Justine Henin are back after skipping the Pac Life. They're fresh and playing in the same half of the draw this year, along with Svetlana Kuznetsova, who won here in 2006. So many past winners in this part of the drawer, except Henin. She lost to S. Williams in her only final here last year. The Serbian girls will of course be strong contenders, but I see Henin the most hungry for the win."