The results of the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year at the 2011 Australian Open matter in different ways for each of the top eight men.  So what’s at stake for each of the players?    

Rafael Nadal – He is playing for a "Rafa Slam", i.e., four consecutive Slam wins, as well as establishing "the tone" for the year.

Roger Federer - He wants to assert his dominance at the very beginning of the year to send the message that he hopes to be Number One again.

Novak Djokovic - He has to be fatigued from his long, successful campaign in 2010, but he's also still chasing his second Grand Slam.

Robin Soderling – With a new coach in his corner and a tune-up title in Brisbane, he has to be aiming towards his first Australian Open title, but it’s a Slam where he has never played well.

Andy Murray - He has finalist points to defend, as well as the burden of having not yet won a Slam.

Tomas Berdych – His Wimbledon final round appearance seems like a distant memory and it’s time to turn things around and fast before he truly fades from memory.

David Ferrer – No one expects him to challenge for the title, but he still will want to “make his seeding”, anything less would be a disappointment.

Andy Roddick – After a frustrating finish to 2010 and a poor Aussie Open last year, he will be hoping to start the year with a strong showing to place himself “back in the conversation”.