Over the next two weeks, as the new season begins and the Australian Open nears, our panel of writers and editors will debate the five burning questions on each tour.
ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Success does not have to mean “title.” It can be CiCi Bellis at last year’s US Open, or Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon. One win over a big player would do it for me. And this type of success is certainly attainable. U.S. tennis fans should enjoy the Aussie Open like they do another distinctly American tournament, March Madness, and look for “One Shining Moment.”
PETER BODO, Senior Writer: It’s a painful question to have to answer, but I’m a believer in the tried-and-true “second week” theory. That being, unless you’re one of the top four seeds, making it into the second week of a Slam means that you can call your tournament a success.
NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Last year’s Australian Open was nothing short of disastrous for the U.S. men. John Isner retired in the first round, and just two of 12 Americans made it as far as the third round (Donald Young and Sam Querrey). But the bar being set so low isn’t all bad going into 2015. There’s still pressure to perform, but not the ominous pressure to defend points. A showing past the third round would spell success, for now.
STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: The “crisis” in U.S. tennis is much more acute and immediate among male singles players than anywhere else. Serena Williams will be the favorite to win the women’s title, while Bob and Mike Bryan will be the favorites to win in doubles. If they both live up to those billings, I don’t think you can call it an unsuccessful tournament from a U.S. perspective. Still, this is a year of possibility for Jack Sock. The 22-year-old won big in doubles at Wimbledon in 2014. Naturally, he's out of Melbourne with an injury.
Tuesday, January 6: Is Grigor Dimitrov for real?
Thursday, January 8: Will this be the second straight year we'll see a first-time Slam winner at the Australian Open?
Monday, January 12: Have we reached the end of the Big 4 era?
Thursday, January 16: What does Roger Federer need to do to win his first Australian Open title since 2010?