2015 Australian Open: Expert Picks

Click here for the men's draw; click here for the women's draw.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Kevin Anderson

It wouldn't be <em>that</em> surprising to see this flame-thrower oust Rafa in the fourth round, would it?

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Viktor Troicki

The Serb's suspension layoff has lit a fire under him (he just won in Sydney), and luck is finally on his side with his draw Down Under.

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: John Isner

He's never done much damage at the Aussie Open, but he has done damage to Novak Djokovic in the past, and he's near him in the draw.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Varvara Lepchenko

Wins the matches she's supposed to win along with some she shouldn't; keep that in mind, Aga.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Venus Williams

She may be 34, but the elder Williams sister has been rolling with positive momentum lately, and looks better than she has in years.

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Lucie Safarova

She was a semifinalist at Wimbledon last year, and she had a match point on eventual champion Li Na in Melbourne.​

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Grigor Dimitrov

Tough quarter—and tough opening-rounder against Dustin Brown. He won't want to let down Aussie coach Roger Rasheed, but his draw is a tough ask.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Andy Murray

He hasn't been the same since back surgery in 2013 (going 0-9 against the Big 3 in 2014) and he's already admitted to having a "very tough draw."

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Grigor Dimitrov

At the moment, he has been passed in the Next Big Thing category by Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Caroline Wozniacki

If she emerges from her quarter, which includes Serena, Vika, Sloane and others, she could win it all, but a slip-up seems more likely.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Agnieszka Radwanska

The talented Pole has struggled to go deep in events since winning in Canada last year, and has a lot of pressure to defend a semifinal finish.

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Eugenie Bouchard

Last year's breakout semifinalist in Oz has left her old coach and could be due for a letdown after a very busy 12 months.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Novak Djokovic

In his prime and the clear-cut top dog, the Serb has a chance to win the Grand Slam this year—and thus, the Australian Open.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Novak Djokovic

The world No. 1 is in solid form heading into Australia (despite an early loss in Doha), and will likely be unstoppable with Rafael Nadal questionable and Roger Federer on the other side of the draw.

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Novak Djokovic

He has been sick this month, but the surface suits him, he's won this tournament three of the last four years, and he remains the game's steadiest star.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Petra Kvitova

The 2012 Australian Open was supposed to be her coronation as No. 1. Three years later, Melbourne will be the first hurdle she clears toward another run to the top.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Simona Halep

The time for the 23-year-old to capitalize on her potential has come—she has the draw, game, and physical stamina to seal her first Slam.

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Maria Sharapova

As she showed in Brisbane last week, she works herself into a high polish to start the season; and if she has to face either of her Melbourne nemeses, Serena or Vika, it will only be in the final.

*Dark horse picks must be seeded outside Top 10; disappointment picks must be seeded inside Top 10.