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Experts' picks: Is it Roger Federer time, again, at the Australian Open?

Roger Federer hopes to win back-to-back Australian Open titles for the first time in his career. AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Sometimes things really aren't as complicated as they seem. You can thank Roger Federer for that.

Despite having 128 players in the men's draw, and a lot of talent, not many folks -- certainly not our experts -- believe anyone will unseat the defending champ Down Under. And why would anyone doubt a player who is healthy, happy and coming off his best season in more than a decade? It's a rhetorical question, unless, of course, you think Rafael Nadal has a shot.

The Federer sweep aside, who do our experts believe will thrive at the Australian Open, which starts Sunday, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN App? Have a look:

Men's singles

Women's singles

Men's surprise pick

One player 17th or lower in the rankings who can make an impact:

Women's surprise pick

One player 17th or lower in the rankings who can make an impact: