Australian Open 2014: Top Upper Half Men's Draw

I think among the top four seeds, Rafa Nadal has the toughest draw, so if he does win the 2014 Australian Open, it would just show how ready he is to compete with just anybody!  He has only won this slam once in 2009 and had another chance at it two years ago, but lost in the final to Djokovic.  2013 was a bit tumultuous for Rafa, so to come back and start 2014 at the top spot can be a sign that he is ready to slug it out for the Aussie Open title #2!

The first thing I observed in the top upper half of the men's draw, aside from having Rafael Nadal there as the #1 seed, is the presence of several of the men who will most likely populate the top 10 in the next few years! 

 I could mention four already - Kei Nishikori, Benoit Paire, Grigor Dimitrov and Milos Raonic - all potential top 10 players in the near future!  They all have what it takes to be a top ten player - only time will tell if they are able to achieve their true potential.

Nadal's prospective opponents though may include Monfils, Nishikori and del Potro.  In fact, I am betting on Juan Martin del Potro to be his quarterfinal opponent.  However, I believe  Rafa should take the semifinal slot for this part of the draw, even with the presence of all that talent.  They can always prove me wrong though!