2008 was a breakthrough year for Novak Djokovic. He beat Roger Federer en route to claiming his first Grand Slam title – the Australian Open. Back then Federer was the world no.1 and defending champion. Now fast forward to 2013. Djokovic comes into the tournament having won it two times in a row. He is the top seed and the overwhelming favourite for the title. The tables have been turned and now Roger Federer is the underdog. In the absence of Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, the role of the major challenger to the big two falls on Andy Murray, the new world No. 3.

With the Federer – Nadal era in its death throes, Murray and Djokovic look set to step in to take on the mantle. And with the duo having been placed on opposite sides of the draw, there is every chance of them meeting in another epic final.

Australian Bernard Tomic continued his dream run at the Apia International Sydney with a 7-6 (10), 6-4 semifinal win over third seed Andreas Seppi to reach his first ATP World Tour final.

“I've been playing great tennis, and now I'm one match away to win the tournament and my first ever title,” said Tomic. “It's going to be a big match.  You know, I'm grateful for this opportunity.  I think I've got a good shot to win it.”

The top three seeds at the 2013 Australian Open are defending champion Victoria Azarenka, last year’s French Open champion Maria Sharapova and 2012’s golden girl Serena Williams. Azarenka began 2012 with a bang by making short work of Sharapova in straight sets at the Australian Open 6-3, 6-0. Sharapova slowly clawed her way back into form and won the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam. Serena lost in the first round at Roland Garros and the critics wrote her off. But she proved them wrong and how! She bounced back to win Wimbledon and the U.S Open taking a break in between to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics. She continued that blistering run of form into 2013 with a dominant performance at Brisbane. This clearly makes her the favourite at the event and the person to beat.

Now, that the draws have been announced let us get down to the brass tacks and analyse the women’s section more closely.

The draw for the 101st edition of the Australian Open took place in Melbourne today and wasn't particularly kind to any of the top seeds. Defending men's champion and world no.1 Novak Djokovic will open his title defence against Frenchman Paul Henri Mathieu, and faces a possible quarter-final showdown against the no.5 seed Tomas Berdych. David Ferrer is the highest seed in Djokovic's half of the draw, meaning Roger Federer and Andy Murray were drawn in the same half of the draw once again.

Federer hardly has it easy either with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga drawn in his quarter, and a possible third round meeting with Aussie hotshot Bernard Tomic. Federer will open his campaign against Benoit Paire.

Australia’s Jarmila Gajdosova (Vic) fell to Elena Vesnina (RUS) in today’s quarterfinals at the Moorilla Hobart International. The Russian was too good for the Victorian on this occasion capitalising on a break point opportunity in the fifth game of the first set before striking again in the second set to take the match 6-3, 6-2.

Vesnina will now meet No.8 seed Sloane Stephens (USA) after the American put a stop to qualifier and compatriot Lauren Davis’ five match winning streak to win 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

Australian Bernard Tomic wowed the Apia International Sydney crowd on Thursday night with a 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2 win over defending champion Jarkko Nieminen, moving him into the semifinals.

“It's really good to win a match like this.  Physically I'm still pretty good.  I'm getting ready for tomorrow right now,” said Tomic. “This is a big chance for me to do well here.  Hopefully I can keep going.”