Melbourne throws up tough draws

The Australian Open will be the focus of the tennis world from Monday (Sunday night in Europe) and both the men's and women's tournaments look wide open. Apart from a couple of small injury concerns and the odd absentee from outside the top 10 all of the world's best players will be in Melbourne, including three-times winner Roger Federer.

Back in his place as world number one and top seed Federer finds himself in a tough position in the draw. He is likely to face a quarter-final against Nikolay Davydenko, a player who really needs a good Grand Slam performance to prove that he is worthy of being ranked among the best in the world.

Davydenko beat Rafael Nadal in the Qatar Open final earlier this year and his form has probably been the best of any of the leading men so far in 2010. However, his efforts in the big tournaments have often proved disappointing and the tennis odds reflect this.

British hope Andy Murray finds himself in the other half of the draw and, having drifted in the Australian Open betting market since dropping out of the top four in the world last week, he would most likely have to beat defending champion Nadal, Juan Martin del Potro and Federer if he is to win the event.

The rest of his draw, at least until the last eight, should be relatively straightforward.

However, a disappointing defeat at the hands of Tommy Robredo in the final of the Hopman Cup means Murray's preparations have not been perfect.

In the women's draw neither of the dream finals is on. The Williams sisters are both in the same half, while Belgian aces Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters are set to meet in the quarter-finals.

Henin is unseeded for her first Grand Slam since returning from retirement and could face fifth seed Elena Dementieva in the second round. While the Williams sisters and the Belgian pair all have good chances of victory it would be foolish to ignore Maria Sharapova.

The Russian won the tournament the last time she was fit to play in 2008, but her main worry now is being seeded as low as 14. However, she could still take the title if she is back to her best.