The results of the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year at the 2010 Australian Open matter in different ways for each of the top eight men.  So what’s at stake for each of the players?    

Roger Federer – He wants to start the year off on a high note and establish himself as the player to beat in 2010

Rafael Nadal – He’s the defending Champion, but can he find the same form he displayed in winning a year ago… it’s been a while since he played that confidently…

Novak Djokovic – He’s won here before and clearly was on a roll last fall, but can find the same form in Melbourne?

Juan Martin del Potro – His form and body have been shaky since his breakthrough win at the 2009 U.S. Open and one wonders if he can muster the same spectacular tennis for seven matches in the heat down under…

Andy Murray – He’s no longer the big favorite he was a year ago which adds a bit more pressure to his newly-striped shoulders…

Nikolay Davydenko – He’s shown he can beat all the other big boys in the smaller events and reach Grand Slam semis, but when/can he win it all at a Slam, especially in steamy Melbourne?

Andy Roddick – He’s reached the semis a few times and the spotlight is off him a bit this year, but does he have the game (and knee strength) to win his second Slam?

Robin Soderling – He’s cracked the elite eight and is feared by many, but a weak elbow may hamper his chances to claim the big one in Melbourne this year…