RICKY DIMON LOOKS AT THE MEN’S SEEDS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2015, DEL POTRO MOST DANGEROUS “FLOATER”

Written by: Staff on 15th January 2015

Apia International tennis tournament in Sydney

RICKY DIMON LOOKS AT THE MEN'S SEEDS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2015, DEL POTRO MOST DANGEROUS "FLOATER"

epa04559366 Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina returns a shot to Fabio Fognini of Italy during their second round match at the Apia International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, 14 January 2015. EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Del Potro headlines long list of dangerous unseeded floaters in men’s Australian Open

Snagging one of the 32 seeds at a Grand Slam has its benefits. Most importantly, you cannot meet another seed until at least the third round. Garner a top 24 seed and you’re guaranteed to avoid the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal until no earlier than the last 16.

A seed does not, however, entirely exempt you from danger. The upcoming Australian Open could be especially problematic for some higher-ranked stars, and it may not be any fault of their own. Some established forces on the ATP Tour are heading into Melbourne with an unseeded distinction.

The list of such aforementioned participants could go on and on, but here is just a sample of the supreme threats:

Juan Martin Del Potro – Del Potro, of course, is unseeded as a result of missing almost all of last season due to wrist surgery. Now ranked 338th in the world, the Argentine provided reason for optimism by winning the first two matches of his comeback event in Sydney.

Dominic Thiem of Austria serves the ball to Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland during their second round match at the BNP Paribas 2014 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 29 October 2014. EPA/IAN LANGSDON

Dominic Thiem – The 21-year-old Austrian caught fire last spring to truly announce himself on the professional circuit. He also reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Military commitments in his hometown combined with a recent illness, however, put a dent in Thiem’s preparation for 2015.

Nick Kyrgios – Kyrgios’ second-half surge in 2014 (Wimbledon quarterfinals, U.S. Open third round) were not enough to get him into seeded position at the start of this year. The 19-year-old Aussie undeniably has the talent to take out top players (just ask Nadal), but an arm injury could prevent him from doing so Down Under.

Vasek Pospisil – Perhaps best known for winning the 2014 Wimbledon doubles title with Jack Sock, Pospisil is obviously a singles player by trade and he would be ranked much higher than No. 55 if not for a back injury early last year. The Canadian played well at the Hopman Cup and a quick loss in Sydney may be a blessing in disguise, as he will be well-rested for the Happy Slam.

Bernard Tomic of Australia reacts during his men’s quarter-final match against Gilles Muller of Luxembourg at the Apia International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, 15 January 2015. EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Bernard Tomic – Don’t sleep on this Aussie, who has been suddenly overshadowed by his countryman Kyrgios. Tomic is healthy again and he always plays his best at home. A two-time semifinalist in Sydney, Tomic also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2012.

Viktor Troicki – Troicki was ranked as low as No. 847 in the world as recently as July 27 of last summer. His comeback from suspension, though, has been an incredible one and he will be at least into the top 90 when the upcoming major begins. The Serb has maintained momentum this week with two wins so far in Sydney.

Also take note of an American contingent that is without Jack Sock but could still be formidable. Sam Querrey is likely to miss out on a seed by just one ranking spot, Steve Johnson came close to getting seeded and is currently faring well in Auckland, and Donald Young advanced to the Auckland quarters.

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

Topics: Atp, Australian Open, Bernard Tomic, Dominic Thiem, Federer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, Rafa, Ricky Dimon, Tennis, Vasek Pospisil, Viktor Troicki

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10sBalls_com says:

January 15, 2015 at 8:12 am

-@Dimonator LOOKS AT THE MEN’S SEEDS FOR THE @AustralianOpen 2015, @delpotrojuan MOST DANGEROUS “FLOATER”- http://t.co/ZRgRGmifx4 #tennis