Australian Open 2018: Breaking down the chances of the top players at the Melbourne Park

With the main rounds of the Australian Open 2018 nearing commencement, the entire tennis fraternity will inevitably witness some mouth-watering clashes. While the veterans will be looking to dominate once again, the youngsters will try to give them a run for their money.

The first Grand Slam of the year is all set to deliver some blistering tennis action over the next two weeks. Let us break down the chances of the big-name players at Australian Open 2018.

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Rafael Nadal

The sleeveless look is back.

The World No. 1 will start the title quest without playing any warm-up tournaments prior to the Australian Open and also without his beloved uncle Toni as the coach. Having played one exhibition match at Kooyong Classic and then three matches at the Tie Break Tens event at Margaret Court Arena, the Spaniard is motivated despite lack of match practice.

Placed in the top half of the draw, he might face the six-foot-ten John Isner in the third round, who is capable of giving him a tough fight. His potential semi-final opponent could be Dimitrov, just like their last year meeting at the same stage. If he manages to play well in the first week, it will become really hard to stop Nadal from going all the way.

Roger Federer

Fed express can create history again

The defending champion is in top form to retain the title and notch his sixth Australian Open trophy. He is the favourite going into the tournament having won the Hopman Cup, giving him a confidence booster. Being in the bottom half of the draw, he could face Richard Gasquet is the third round and Sam Querrey as early as in the fourth round.

The Swiss maestro's potential semi-final opponent could be Djokovic or Zverev, with a possible final against his arch-rival Rafael Nadal. He has defied all age barriers and is just a 1000 points behind Nadal in the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic would be hoping for an outstanding comeback

The six-time Australian Open champion returns after a six-month injury layoff and is confident that he can do some damage at his favourite surface. The Serbian may be ranked a lowly 14th seed, but his record at Melbourne Park speaks a lot for himself. His lingering elbow injury may cause him a worry or two

The Serbian has a tough draw ahead of him as he might face Gael Monfils in the second round and a potential meeting with Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals may also be on the cards. His possible semi-final contender can be Federer with Nadal looming at the final stage.

Nick Kyrgios - Home favourite

Kyrgios would be looking to benefit from the support of the crowd

The highest seeded Australian in the tournament (17th), Nick Kyrgios definitely qualifies as a dark horse to win the Grand Slam. Having won the Brisbane International, the fellow Australian has been handed a golden draw. The World No. 17 could breeze through the early rounds and meet Nadal if he reaches the last four.

While his behaviour has been questionable, one can never doubt the skills that Kyrgios possesses. With the support of the home crowd behind him, Nick Kyrgios may well and truly be able to mount a title challenge.

Other possible contenders

Dimitrov and Wawrinka both can be dangerous on this surface

Grigor Dimitrov can pose as a strong candidate to win the Australian Open after reaching the semi-finals of the Brisbane International and winning last year's ATP World Tour Finals.

The 2014 Champion, Stanislas Wawrinka, will be intriguing to watch considering his lethal backhand winners. Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, and Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro are also in the contention to slug it out at the Melbourne Park.