Tennis Today: Mixed early predictions for Australian Open, and some BIG Maria Sharapova injury news

In Tennis Today, the Aussie media have gone early on their Australian Open predictions, and Maria Sharapova appears to be nearing another comeback.
What’s on the site
Well, the agonising wait for the start of the season is nearly over, and the news is just starting to pick up once again.
Its not all that good news, of course. Andy Murray has already pulled out of the Australian Open, and now Kei Nishikori has followed him out of the tournament before it’s even began.
Ashleigh Barty will be expecting a strong showing on home turf, though, and she has been boosted by former world number one Martina Hingis giving her a ringing endorsement
And be sure to check out Monday’s Tennis Today for an absolutely brilliant Rafael Nadal stat.
What’s in the news
You can tell when a Grand Slam is nearly upon us as all the predictions start rolling in.
The Australian media have gone early for the Aussie Open, though, and there is certainly no unanimous choice.
Todd Woodbridge: I’m going with Medvedev.
“That run he had through the US Open was just phenomenal. I think he believes, I reckon he thinks he can get into a final and take those guys out.
“He’s also the most dynamic of that group. He’s going to run all day long, he’s going to keep that ball going.”
Sam Groth: “It’s easy for me, defending champion Novak Djokovic,” Groth said.
“He’s having a huge off-season at the moment. We’ve seen footage of him all over social media and all the training he’s doing.
“He was so devastating in that final last year against Rafa and it’s hard to go past him again.”
Jelena Dokic: “Rafa won in here in 2009, he hasn’t won since, but he’s been in five finals,” she said.
“I feel like he’s been a little unlucky here in Australia, playing well but getting injured.
“I think he deserves to win won more than anyone here. So I’ve got to go with Rafa.”
Meanwhile, Nine News Queensland have reported that Maria Sharapova has received a wildcard for Brisbane.
The Russian has not played since the US Open due to injury, but the indicators are that she is feeling ready to give the Australian Open a shot next month.
What’s on social media
Genie Bouchard looks like she’s REALLY feeling the festive cheer…
Coco Gauff, rather ominously, looks like she’s growing up really fast.
Well, can you?
What’s on TV
Nearly…
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