Aussie Open Recap: The Emerging Aces for 2015

So the Australian Open is over for another year and the champions were no surprise. Djokovic claimed his fifth Australian Open while Serena Williams won the women’s title for a sixth time. Though the respective finals featured 4 of the biggest names in world tennis not all the top seeds had it their own way in Melbourne. Roger Federer’s failure to make the fourth round was one of numerous “WHAT THE” moments.

The women’s side was hotly contested, producing plenty of shocks as few big names went out early to lesser known opponents. Young gun Madison Keys contributed many a ‘Giant Killing’ on her way to the Semi Finals before her tournament eventually ended at the hands of Serena Williams. Can the emerging American seriously threaten to win one of the other Grand Slams this year? What about other players that may have an ace up their sleeve in 2015?

Madison’s Memorable Melbourne Run Key to Further Success

19 Year old Madison Keys produced more than one memorable moment at her third Australian Open. The unseeded American breezed through round one before beating Australian Casey Dellacqua. The 29th seed won the opening set in front of her home crowd before Keys came back in some style to win the next 2 sets with ease. Keys caused a major shock in the third round dumping out the current reigning Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets. She out blasted and outlasted the Czech star, showing strength both physically and mentally as she made the big plays in an outstanding straight sets win. Keys then beat her compatriot Madison Brengle in the fourth round to secure her first finals appearance at any Grand Slam. She could have collapsed against 7 times Slam winner Venus Williams in the quarters after the older of the Williams sisters came back strong from dropping the first set. But Keys up who appeared to be battling a thigh injury remained resilient and displayed composure to turn a 3-1 deficit in the third set into victory over Venus.

Keys is now the highest ranked teenager in the world after breaking into the top 20, having entered the Open at World number 35. Her game has grown under the guidance of Coach Lindsay Davenport; with the former world number keeping her young charger concentrated on and off the court and focused on success. Can the pair pull off any more outstanding upsets this year?

Bouchard Breakthrough in 2015?

After superb performances in the Grand Slams last year which saw her reach Semi Finals in Australia and France and finish runner up at Wimbledon, Eugenie Bouchard has emerged as a true contender to take a major title this year. The Canadian again made the Semis in Melbourne before Sharapova sent her packing swiftly. The top 10 player has already proven she can beat the best on her day but consistency is the key in 2015. She only won 66% of her matches last year winning just one tournament; though the 20 year old seems to save her best tennis for the main events. She’s a shot at winning a maiden slam sometime soon.

Dimitrov Destined to Win Slam Soon

Grigor Dimitrov would have beaten most other players with his performance in the fourth round and booked a Quarter Final berth in Melbourne but for the fact he ran into a flying Scotsman in Andy Murray. The 10th seed mixed impressive play with lapses of concentration and suspect shot choices throughout the Open but saved his best for the battle with the Brit. He displayed his athleticism and agility and some sharp shot making in a match which produced plenty of ripping rallies. The Bulgarian was a little unlucky not to go deeper in the tournament. Nicknamed Baby Fed due to his stylish play on court can the 23 year old has a lot of Slams to win before he reaches Roger’s status… can he begin the chase in 2015?