RICKY DIMON LOOKS @ DJOKOVIC, NADAL, AND FEDERER ALL IN ACTION FOR OPENING WEEK OF 2015 SEASON

Written by: Staff on 4th January 2015

Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi

RICKY DIMON LOOKS @ DJOKOVIC, NADAL, AND FEDERER ALL IN ACTION FOR OPENING WEEK OF 2015 SEASON

epa04545605 Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Swiss tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka during their match for the third place at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2015 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 03 January 2015. EPA/ALI HAIDER |

We missed out on what would have been a blockbuster final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition in Abu Dhabi because of a virus that hit the world No. 1. But the real season is now underway and we may not have to wait long to witness a marquee championship match.

Both Djokovic and Nadal are on board for the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The second-ranked Spaniard always says every draw and every match is impossible if he does not play his best tennis, but he will secretly be fist-pumping in response to this Doha bracket. Dangerous big hitters like Ivo Karlovic, Lukas Rosol, and Dustin Brown are on the opposite side along with David Ferrer, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Fernando Verdasco, Mikhail Youzhny, and—of course—Djokovic. Potential semifinal opponents for Nadal include Tomas Berdych and Richard Gasquet.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer, laughs during a promotional event before the start of the first round of the Brisbane International tennis tournament, in Brisbane, Australia, 04 January 2015. The tournament runs January 4-11. EPA/DAN PELED AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Roger Federer is also in action, as he headlines a strong field at the Brisbane International that also features Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic, and Grigor Dimitrov. Federer has to like his draw, which will pit him against either Australian wild card John Millman or a qualifier after an opening-round bye. The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who finished runner-up to Lleyton Hewitt last season, is looking for his first Brisbane title in his third appearance.

“I would love to win this event,” Federer assured. “I was close last year. I always like lifting trophies in a place that I have never been able to. I am unbelievably pumped up for this week. It’s a really good field, with a lot of promising players.”

The Swiss is on a collision course with Gilles Simon for the quarterfinals and with Dimitrov for the semis. On the other side, familiar foes Nishikori and Raonic could battle each other for a place in the title match.

Last but not least is the Aircel Chennai Open. Well, it is the least of the three this week, but still it boasts a solid field by most 250-point standards. Top seed Stan Wawrinka is something of a Chennai legend. He has reached at least the quarterfinals five consecutive years, a run that includes two titles (2011 and 2014) and one more final appearance (2010). Look for him to possibly be challenged by ATP Comeback Player of the Year David Goffin in the semis and–should the world No. 4 reach the final–either Feliciano Lopez or Roberto Bautista Agut.

Swiss tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka returns the ball to Spanish tennis player Nicolas Almagro during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2014 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 01 January 2015. Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2014 runs till 03 January 2015. EPA/ALI HAIDER

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Atp, Brisbane International, Chennai Open, Federer, Novak Djokovic, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Rafa, Ricky Dimon, Tennis News

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10sBalls_com says:

January 4, 2015 at 8:44 am

-@Dimonator LOOKS AT @DjokerNole, @RafaelNadal, AND @rogerfederer ALL IN ACTION FOR OPENING WEEK OF 2015 SEASON http://t.co/q9EluODW86
Dimonator says:

January 4, 2015 at 9:29 am

RT @10sBalls_com: -@Dimonator LOOKS AT @DjokerNole, @RafaelNadal, AND @rogerfederer ALL IN ACTION FOR OPENING WEEK OF 2015 SEASON http://t.…