from Sportal.se
translated into English by Markus Zacharski

Stefan Edberg tells his opinion exclusively for Sportal about what is happening here in Melbourne during the Australian Open.

At the Australian Open, Stefan Edberg was the king. He played five single finals and won two of them. In total, he won nine Grand Slam titles, six in singles and three in doubles. During 72 weeks he was on top of the world ranking. And he's the only one in the world who won the four Grand Slam tournaments as junior in the same year.

How does it feel to play a Grand Slam directly at the beginning of a year?

Those who haven't played any matches since the end of the last season in November, may feel unsecure. But at the same time it is a chance for a good start. So for many it is a tournament of chances. Conditions may be hard just in Melbourne?

They are often very hard to cope with. The wind is blowing constantly from the sea and it can be troublesome but of course it can act as nice coolness on some of the courts as well. Actually, I liked to play in the wind and didn't suffer directly from it.

What about the heat?

This is worse. Particularly because it can shift the weather that enormously. One day 15 degrees, humid and cool, and the next day 45 degrees. This stresses the players enormously, especially when they have to play 5 sets in the afternoon.

Do you seriously believe that anyone can threaten Federer?

No. He is totally complete, I think. Of course, Nadal, Nalbandian, Djokovic and some others can beat him sometimes. But Federer is usually best when he has to be. In the first matches he often has some problems and may lose some sets. It is very hard to beat him. He is a class on his own.

And the Swedes?

Thomas Johansson has a fantastic capacity and a very high highest level. To play Baghdatis first is very tough, of course. Sofia Arvidssons self-confidence has certainly gone up vastly when she got the proof that she can beat a player like Dementieva. Swedish tennis needs victories but nowadays it is up to very few names which is a bit sad.