Will Wawrinka or Nishikori Break the Big 4 at the Australian Open

Stanislas Wawrinka stunned his opponents last year on the way to winning the Australian Open. It was his maiden and so far only slam as he briefly stepped out of compatriot Roger Federer’s stylish Shadow. But can the number four ranked player in the world once again reign supreme at Melbourne Park and surprise the likes of the Fed Express, Nadal and Murray once more? Or will there be another new name on trophy? Kei Nishikori is a aiming to break his Open drought. The Japanese jumping jack is constantly improving. Is it time for the man from the land of the rising sun to bring the heat to the worlds’ best?

Breakout Season in 2014 the Key for Nishikori

Kei Nishikori has upped his game in recent years and heads into the tournament as the number 5 player in the World. 2014 was a breakout year for Nishikori as he proved he can beat the top players. Having lost the US Open final in September he’ll be desperate to go one better in Melbourne. He’s already huge phenomenon in his home country after becoming the first Asian-born male to make a grand slam final as well as the only Japanese player in history to reach the top 10 in the world. Can he now become the first Japanese athlete to win a slam?

Can Stan the Man do it Again?

Stanislas Wawrinka has talked down his chances of winning back to back Australian Opens but after his unexpected triumph last year, sealed by victory over an injured Rafael Nadal in the final, he knows anything can happen. The 29 year old has had a solid start to 2015 and already has a tournament victory on his racket after taking out the Chennai Open Title less than a fortnight ago. It was the third time he’d won the event and more importantly it provided a perfect preparation for his Australian Open defence. Wawrinka can be hot and cold at Majors; last season he followed up his Aussie heroics with a first round defeat at Roland Garros. The Swiss scrapper will need to start well and build from there.

Quarter Final Collision Course

Wawrinka’s win last year has opened up a so often predictable draw. He’s on a collision course to meet Nishikori in the quarter finals if they manage to negotiate the first 4 rounds. Both of which are expected to do. An opportunity for both players to go deep into the tournament beckons if they bring their best form. Can one of the pair go all the way or will order be restored by one of the big names?