The Australian Open Juniors gets underway on Sunday with India’s Yuki Bhambri the clear favourite to win the boys title. Bhambri enjoyed great success in the second half of the 2008 Circuit, claiming two Grade A titles including The Osaka Mayor’s Cup in Japan. An unbeaten run of 17 matches also saw him crowned the Asia/Oceania Boys’ Champion before he clinched his second Grade A title at the Orange Bowl, running the eventual World Champion Tsung-Hua Yang very close for the title of top ranked boy. In a year in which a Grand Slam title must be a priority for the Indian, taking his chance at the first opportunity will allow him to exert some early dominance in the absence of his closest rivals. However, last year’s beaten semifinalist – who lost to eventual winner Bernard Tomic (AUS) – did not have an impressive return to the Circuit, losing in the second round of the Nottinghill ITF this week.

Behind Bhambri is a pack of players who will look to capitalise on any inconsistency Bhambri may show. Perhaps his biggest rival is Julen Uriguen (GUA). Currently ranked 9th, Uriguen announced himself on the Circuit by claiming the first crown of the year, the Grade A Casablanca Cup. The form player of the chasing group is Julen Obry (FRA) who was victorious in the singles and doubles at the Australian Open Warm Up tournament in Traralgon last week and at the time of going to press had reached the semifinal in Nottinghill. World number eleven Marin Draganja (CRO) could also contend for the title, as could the hugely promising Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP). In the absence of Bernard Tomic who competes in the Mens draw, Australian hopes rest with James Duckworth, although his performances in the two warm up events have been disappointing.

Perhaps in contrast to the boys’ event, the girls’ competition will be hotly contested by a plethora of potential winners, with no outstanding contender for the title. Leading the seeding is Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (THA). Current Asian and World number one, Lertcheewakarn is yet to claim a Grand Slam title, her best finish being the Wimbledon final last year. Her form on the Australian Summer Circuit has been disappointing, with two quarterfinal finishes in her Australian Open warm up events. Lertcheewakarn is joined by another five players ranked within the world top ten. Ana Bogdan, current number two and a close rival for the 2008 Year End Number One title will look to challenge Lertcheewakarn in her return to the Junior Circuit. Her compatriot and world number three Elena Bogdan had reached the semifinal of the Nottinghill ITF at the time of writing, which augurs well for a tilt at her first Grand Slam title. Laura Robson (GBR) is the only player in the draw to have already tasted Grand Slam success which will stand her in good stead amongst her peers. However, Robson was forced to withdraw from her warm up events due to injury and her state of health could have a big effect on next weeks events. Robson’s experience on the Professional Circuit will also add to her confidence, however she is not the most experienced player in the draw. Ksenia Pervak (RUS) currently holds a Professional ranking of 157, and having reached the finals in Traralgon last week, also finds herself as a strong contender.