Update on 2005 Australian Open Predictions (Using the draw)

When I made my initial predictions about the Australian Open I had not seen the official draw yet. If people play to form, then here's what the Quarter-Finals will look like:

Davenport(1) versus V. Williams (8)

This is a re-match of one of the best matches last year, Venus and Linday's U.S. Open Quarterfinal (which Lindsay won). I think Lindsay will win again, this time in 3 sets. Winner: Davenport.

Myskina(3) versus Dementieva (6)

Anastasia has already shown that she knows how to handle her best friend in the Grand Slams. This will be no exception. Winner: Myskina.

Kuznetsova (5) versus Sharapova (4)

This should be one of the highlights of the tournament. I'm not convinced that Sharapova will even get to the Quarterfinal, but if she does, I think Svetlanawill be ready for her. A close, hard-hitting match will ensue Winner: Kuznetsova.

Mauresmo (2) versus S. Williams (7)

Again, this will be an awesome match, or at least it is an awesome match-up. I think whomever wins this match will face (and defeat) Davenport in the final. Winner: Toss-up!

The winner of Davenport-Williams plays the winner of Myskina-Dementieva in one semi-fimal, and then the winner of Kuznetsova-Sharapova plays the winner of Mauresmo-Williams in the other semi-final.

UPDATE 01/17/05: Jon Wertheim of SI.com has similar predictions.