Australian Open 2014: Experts' picks for the men's draw

3. Dangerous floater

Lleyton Hewitt

Abhishek Desikan: Ernests Gulbis‘s punishing forehands and rocket serves are a threat to any opponent. Though he lacks consistency, he has the mettle to play debilitating tennis on his day.

Adnan Akhtar: Lleyton Hewitt would be the one opponent every player would want to avoid this year. After beating Federer in Brisbane, Hewitt looks inspired to pull off one last stunt at his home Slam. The Aussie has a tricky first-round opponent in the form of Italian Andreas Seppi and could well be on course for a clash with Rafael Nadal later on. And that’s not very good news for Rafa fans.

Avantika Tikmany: Home favourite and former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt has already defeated Roger Federer to claim the Brisbane title this year, and is undoubtedly a dangerous floater in the draw.

BallnRacquet: Year after year, Lleyton Hewitt comes to Melbourne riding on the support of the fans at home. At 32, he can still pose serious challenges to the top players – he has proved this time and again. Also adding to his confidence will be the win over Roger Federer in the finals of the Brisbane ATP event. He will open his campaign against Italian Andreas Seppi and could meet Kei Nishikori in the third round, in a repeat of their recent face-off at Brisbane in which the gritty Australian emerged victorious.

Musab Abid: It’s difficult to predict what Marin Cilic will come up with not just from one match to the next, but also from one moment to the next. But through all the unpredictability and the inconsistency, the raw power remains just as potent as it was when he made the semifinals in 2010. He is unseeded at this year’s edition of the Open, and I can totally see him spoiling the party for a seeded opponent or two that come in his path.

Roh: When in control of his emotions, Benoit Paire can do some serious damage, making him the perfect contender for this slot.

Varun Jog: Aussie sport is on a much-needed high after the Ashes whitewash and Lleyton Hewitt’s win over Federer in Brisbane last week. ‘Rusty’ just never seems to give up, does he? Time after time, he is written off, with retirement eulogies in place, but he keeps fighting, keeps trying and persevering. Hewitt knows that this is probably one of his last few chances to win his home Major and he will be go all out again, backed by his adoring fans. A potential fourth round matchup against Nadal could be the most interesting battle during the first week of the tournament.