This article previews the Australian Open, focusing on the strong contenders in both the men's and women's singles draws. While Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are expected to be at the forefront of the men's competition, the women's draw promises to be a highly competitive affair. Aryna Sabalenka is highlighted as the favorite due to her dominant performances on hard courts and consistent play. However, other strong contenders like Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff are also discussed, emphasizing the tight margins and the potential for surprises.
This is an Australian Open not to be missed. Carlos Alcaraz is, incredibly, going for a career grand slam at just 21 years of age. Jannik Sinner is striving to go back-to-back in Melbourne, while Novak Djokovic is pushing for an 11th title. And that’s just the men’s draw. The women’s singles will be incredibly tight, thanks to the genuine depth on the WTA Tour. It’s always hard at the start of a season to assess the state of play and settle on the women’s favourite for Melbourne Park.
Aryna Sabalenka, however, has been the dominant player on hard courts during much of the past few years. I feel Aryna has really settled into that position of world No.1 and will be hard to beat as she tries to win three Australian titles in a row. One of the top traits she has developed is great consistency. Plus, the Australian Open naturally suits her. Aryna also is now very comfortable playing in the latter stages of slams, fitted with the right temperament.China’s Zheng Qinwen will be in the mix again, having made the final in Melbourne last year when Sabalenka was almost unbeatable. Zheng’s game has developed and grown in spades. She’s coming off a gold medal triumph in Paris as well. There were various other big wins throughout the year for her, too, including when she lost to world No.3 Coco Gauff to just miss a WTA Finals triumph. As for Gauff, there’s no reason why she now can’t go deep in Melbourne. Previously, she’s probably just fallen at those hurdles midway through the event a few times. But with more experience behind her, and that big win in Saudi Arabia, there’s no reason as to why she can’t be there in the conversation. With all those girls in the world’s top 10, the margins are so fine throughout those matches. Whoever plays those big moments well, whoever is able to have clarity in the moment and really execute their skills, will prevail. But who’s my tip to win? I’ve settled on the world No.6 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakin
Australian Open Tennis Aryna Sabalenka Zheng Qinwen Coco Gauff Elena Rybakina Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Open Preview: Tight Contests and Favourites for the CrownThe Australian Open promises thrilling matchups with young stars like Alcaraz and Sinner competing for the men's title, while Aryna Sabalenka looks to continue her dominance in the women's draw.
Read more »
Australian grand slam champion Max Purcell accepts doping ban on eve of Australian Open7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Australian Filmmaker Leigh Whannell Prepares for Hollywood Horror and Australian FestivalLeigh Whannell, a prominent Australian filmmaker, is preparing for the release of a new Hollywood horror film while also participating in the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Festival. The festival, dubbed 'Sundance at Surfers', aims to attract both film professionals and tourists.
Read more »
Nick Kyrgios Set for Australian Open Return via Protected RankingsPolarising tennis star Nick Kyrgios will return to competitive play at the Australian Open, utilizing protected rankings after nearly two years away. The 29-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, will compete in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane before his comeback at Melbourne Park.
Read more »
Nick Kyrgios Confirmed for Australian Open Using Protected RankingFormer Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios is set to play in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, making his return to grand slams after an absence since 2022. He secured his place using a protected ranking and is among 11 Australians receiving direct entries, including Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
Read more »
Hewitt in the mix for Australian Open debut as 42-year local grand slam first emergesTennis: Alex de Minaur and Matt Ebden were crowned joint winners of the 2024 Newcombe Medal at the Australian Tennis Awards in Melbourne.
Read more »