"Fearless Forecast "

Finally the tennis season is getting ready to start (I'm not counting the warmup tournaments) and of course that means the Australian Open and Roger Federer's (and everyone else's) first step toward the elusive Grand Slam. Now we know that Federer is just about the only player who has a realisitic chance at the Slam but still, until a match is played, everyone has the same chance. I will tell you who will not win the Australian.

Venus Williams: We know she has no chance at all since she had to withdraw with an injury before the start of the tournament. If you're keeping score I'm one for one.

The Belgian Quitter: She decided to save on travel expenses and not have to play in six matches before quitting in the final. She withdrew for "personal reasons" . I'm two for two.

Lindsay Davenport: She's pregnant with her first child and for all intents and purposes retired. We wish her all the best. I'm three for three.

Marcos Baghdatis: If he makes it to the finals again I will sit down on my home courts and eat my tennis racket. For my well being and the obvious health reasons let's hope I'm four for four.

Andy Roddick: He finally ended his losing streak against Federer in the finals of the Kooyong Classic. But that was an exhibition. He will not be able to do it in the finals of a slam. Five for five.

One hundred and twenty-five women not named Sharapova, Mauresmo or Clijsters. They are the obvious favorites and the winner should be one of these three women. Sharapova has the power and the high bounces of the Australian's rebound ace courts will not bother her with her height. Mauresmo is the defending champion and the best all-around player on the women's tour. This is Clijsters retirement year and she should be fired up to make a run here. Six for six?

One hundred and twenty-three other men not named Federer, Nadal or Ljubicic. Federer is without a doubt one of the all time greats and should win again here. Nadal has the big topspin shots that should bounce even higher on the rebound courts but he does have a tough draw. Ljubicic is supremely fit and is due to finally break through in a Slam (hopefully). I'm going out on a limb and say that's seven for seven. EDITOR"S NOTE: So much for that prediction, Ljubicic is gone in the first round. Way to go Ivan, make me look bad.

Should someone else win the Australian I will issue a formal apology in my next column and sing their praises.