Mal's Picks
	Washington Former ATP Tour pro MaliVai Washington provides ESPN.com with in-depth analysis during the Australian Open. Washington, a tennis analyst for ESPN, reached the 1996 Wimbledon final.

MELBOURNE, Australia -- This is likely the half of the draw that will come through as the champion.

A lot of the big names that people associate with Grand Slam tennis and Grand Slam titles have fallen. This is the opportunity for someone with the exception of Marcelo Rios and Marat Safin to make the final of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Even though it's not as popular a tournament in Australia, with the Aussies being out and Andre Agassi withdrawing, it's a great opportunity for someone to get through and to make their name known. These individuals are becoming very popular in their respective countries, and it's going to be great for them and for tennis in their homelands. Even without some of the big names, the highest seed left is No. 7 Tommy Haas, this still is a great event.

Marcelo Rios, Chile vs. Tommy Haas (7), Germany
This could be one of the best matches of the championships because Haas is playing so well and Rios is so talented. As great as Haas is playing right now, and as big as a win he had Monday over Roger Federer 7-6 (3), 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 8-6, Rios should win this matchup. Rios has only lost one set in the championship. This is the furthest he's gone in a major since the 1998 Aussie Open when he reached the final. This is his moment to get his game back on track.
Pick: Rios

Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, vs. Marat Safin (9), Russia
Ferreira should still be feeling the effects of a four-hour match with Albert Costa in the round of 16. Safin is flat-out the better player. He also has lost only one set -- to Pete Sampras -- in the tournament. Ferreira has lost their two previous matchups. Safin, although he's not the highest seed in the tournament, is the best player left in the tournament.
Pick: Safin