Tennis mailbag, with CNN's Candy Reid
(CNN) -- Do you have a question about tennis for World Sport Anchor Candy Reid? E-mail candy@cnn.com.
Q. Hi Candy -- now that Roger Federer's amazing winning streak is over -- do you'll think he be as invincible this year as he was in 2004? Jack Kevit. Durban, South Africa
A. Thanks for the question Jack. Well Marat Safin had to play at the top of his game to beat Federer at the Aussie Open -- and even then it took him five sets. So I think it's safe to say that, barring injury, Federer will top the rankings again and capture at least one Grand Slam, but I don't think he'll win three again this year. The French Open is going to be the toughest for the Swiss, since there are so many really good clay-courters. But Federer is without doubt the best player on tour -- and if he's on song, no one is going to be able to stop him. Its early days, but I do believe that Federer can surpass Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles!
Q. Candy, I watched pretty much all of this year's Australian Open, including the final. Do you think that Lleyton Hewitt will ever have a better shot at the title? Todd Fisher, Melbourne
A. Well after the first set of this year's final, I'm sure that Hewitt thought it was going to be his year. But I do think he'll get another chance -- he is only 23 after all. He's certainly got the drive to succeed, but there are a few guys who simply have bigger games -- so it's going to take an unbelievable effort by the feisty Aussie if he's to win another major.
Q. Candy, I recently saw your piece with Andy Roddick on World Sport. What was it like to play with one of the best tennis players in the world and do you think he's got another Grand Slam title in him this year? Erica, England.
A. It was certainly a great experience Erica -- fortunately he wasn't hitting his groundstrokes at full power or I definitely wouldn't have been able to ask him questions while trying to get the ball back! He also came across as a very nice guy. As for your other question -- I certainly think he can win a major this year, with the U.S. Open being his best chance. There's no doubt, he's got the game to do it and if he can get his backhand to the level of his forehand, he'll be in with a chance of winning a few more of the big ones!
Q. Serena's semi-final win over Maria Sharapova at Melbourne Park was such a great match -- do you think those are the two players who will dominate women's tennis this year? Peter, Bogotá
A. If both can stay fit, I do think that's going to be the big rivalry in the next few years Peter. However, Lindsay Davenport is still going strong this year and with the imminent return of the Belgian duo, Henin-Hardenne and Clijsters, the WTA tour should be extremely competitive once again. I wouldn't be too surprised if we see four different major winners like in 2004. Sharapova's up to third in the world rankings after her Tokyo win over Davenport, and I can't imagine it's going to be too long until she takes over the number one ranking. She for me is the best player in the world right now.
Q. What do you think of Roger Federer's decision not to retain a coach? Jacob, Wellington, NZL
A. Jacob, I think sooner or later Federer will have to pick up a full time coach in order to keep raising the bar. Aussie great Tony Roche advised him at Melbourne Park but won't be able to travel much because of a bad hip. The problem Federer has now is that players are going to work out, or have worked out how to beat him, e.g. by hitting high balls to his backhand. It's just a matter of executing the game plan (which against Federer, needless to say isn't easy.) We saw Marat Safin overcome the Swiss in Australia and Safin admitted afterwards that his coach Peter Lungdren, who used to coach Federer, was a big reason for his win -- that inside knowledge proving invaluable. Federer has a small entourage that travel with him, providing mainly support and guidance, but I think there's going to come a time when he's going to need a full-time coach for new ideas. However, Federer has done so well without a coach it might be hard for him to start listening to someone else again!
