Sports

Tennis

Who to watch

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published January 16, 2005

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MEN

ROGER FEDERER

SEED: No. 1

BEST FINISH: Winner (2004).

COMMENT: Won three of four majors last year and owns four in the past two seasons. Confidence and all-around game make him the hands-down favorite.

ANDRE AGASSI

SEED: No. 8

BEST FINISH: Winner (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003).

COMMENT: If anybody can stop Federer, it's Agassi, who plays the star better than most. Agassi, 34, lost a dozen pounds during the offseason and appears to be as driven to win as ever.

LLEYTON HEWITT

SEED: No. 3

BEST FINISH: Fourth round (2000, 2003, 2004).

COMMENT: The Aussie star has had less success here than at any other major. Look for that to change. He's playing well and has a favorable draw.

TOMMY HAAS

SEED: No. 16

BEST FINISH: Semifinalist (1999, 2002).

COMMENT: Not exactly an unknown but a sleeper nonetheless. Since returning last year from injuries, Haas has worked himself back into top-10 form.

ANDY RODDICK

SEED: No. 2

BEST FINISH: Semifinalist (2003).

COMMENT: This is Roddick's first test since his surprise breakup with coach Brad Gilbert in December. To win, he needs more than a rocket serve.

WOMEN LINDSAY DAVENPORT

SEED: No. 1

BEST FINISH: Winner (2000).

COMMENT: There is no better grinder on tour. She talked retirement last year but reached the quarters or better at three of the four majors. She's always a contender.

MARIA SHARAPOVA

SEED: No. 4

BEST FINISH: Third round (2004).

COMMENT: The Bradenton resident appears ready to make a push for No. 1 and a win here is more than possible. The quick surface should help her power game.

SERENA WILLIAMS

SEED: No. 7

BEST FINISH: Winner (2003).

COMMENT: If mentally sharp, should contend. Has a relatively easy draw that could include a quarterfinal against Amelie Mauresmo, who struggles in big matches.

ELENA DEMENTIEVA

SEED: No. 6

BEST FINISH: Fourth round (2002)

COMMENT: Struggles with inconsistency but might be the most underrated of all top-10 players. Has overcome a subpar serve with tremendous baseline skills.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA

SEED: No. 5

BEST FINISH: Third round (2004).

COMMENT: A gutsy player who proved her worth by winning the U.S. Open. The 19-year-old Russian has a formidable draw but should reach the quarters.

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:34:19]

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