Tennis already? Yes, the 2006 season gets rolling this week in Melbourne at the 101st Australian Open. Last year’s centennial anniversary was stupendous, replete with marathon matches, a hometown finalist, a Serena Williams miracle, and what turned out to be the best contest of the year: Marat Safin, the eventual champion, over Roger Federer,9-7 in the fifth set of the semifinals. It’s a lot to live up to, and this year’s field hardly looks up for the challenge. Three of the most exciting men, including the defending champ, are injured, and though the women’s field is full, it is wounded and wide open. Should the season be shortened, and the Australian Open possibly moved back to March, to give players a longer off-season? You’ll hear some talk about that (Andy Roddick is a supporter).You’ll also hear about former no. 1 Martina Hingis, who retired in 2002 and now returns to the major where she reached the finals six straight years, winning the first three. On the court, look for Federer to cruise along, Roddick to serve through tough opponents, and Lindsay Davenport to win her first major since she won this title in 2000.

MEN’S DRAW

At the first Grand Slam of 2006, the field is weak and Roger Federer is the prohibitive favorite. Without Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and defending champion Marat Safin to contend with, the world no. 1 should face little resistance. He could meet Tommy Haas in the fourth round, the steady Nikolay Davydenko in the quarterfinals, and then Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals.

In the other half of the draw, look for David Nalbandian or Ivan Ljubicic to reach their first Grand Slam final, or our surprise pick to win, Andy Roddick. In shape and vowing to play more aggressively this season, Roddick could go far, though he might have to face Taylor Dent, Robby Ginepri, and Ljubicic in successive matches.

James Blake, fresh off his third career title, could stir things up in the fourth round against Nalbandian. Gael Monfils, 19, has a fine draw and could reach the quarterfinals.

WOMEN’S DRAW

None of the top women have pulled out with injuries, but a few are close. Maria Sharapova will play with a sore shoulder, Kim Clijsters (the favorite) and Venus Williams are uncertain about their hips, and Serena Williams is still troubled by swelling in her knee and a general lack of fitness (look for her to lose early).

Top seed Lindsay Davenport should do well, though she will likely face the dangerous, and at last healthy, Justine Henin-Hardenne in the quarterfinals (Henin-Hardenne might be tired from her fourth round match with Venus). Sharapova would be next in the semifinals. Clijsters leads the bottom half of the draw, which is weaker. Don’t be surprised if Mary Pierce, who reached the finals of two majors last year, reaches another one here.

A longer shot would be teenager Nicole Vaidisova, who has landed in a soft section of the draw. Martina Hingis and Jelena Dokic, you ask? Watch them early, before they go home.