The tennis season is already in full swing because the Australian Open is now upon us.
Djokovic focusing on 10 on his return
It appears virtually written within the stars that Novak Djokovic will put final 12 months’s drama behind him to return to Melbourne and win a tenth singles title.
Twelve months in the past, the Serbian was deported after being denied entry to Australia having refused a Covid-19 vaccine.
Now, with entry necessities relaxed, the nine-time champion is free to focus on an ideal 10, having received in Adelaide final week, and few would wager towards him doing it.
Raducanu’s race for health
Just a number of days after saying that her most important goal for 2023 was to remain wholesome, Emma Raducanu suffered an ankle harm in a warm-up occasion in New Zealand that has hampered her preparations for the event.
Her participation stays doubtful just some days out from the beginning and it’s a merciless blow for the British star.
After a troublesome first full 12 months on the tour, which was outlined by an incapability to remain match, Raducanu would have needed to hit the bottom operating in 2023 and make a primary actual dent on a grand slam since her memorable US Open win.
Murray making strikes?
By anybody else’s requirements Andy Murray loved a outstanding 2022 season. He made the ultimate at Stuttgart, received his 700th ATP Tour match and returned to the highest 50 on this planet, all whereas enjoying with a steel hip.
It was an actual 12 months of progress for the three-time grand slam champion, but on the largest stage Murray has been annoyed by his outcomes.
A deep run at one of many main tournaments is the one factor he has not been in a position to handle, not making it previous the third spherical since his hip troubles. He is a five-time finalist in Melbourne and would like to at the least make the second week this 12 months.
Who can problem Iga?
As a lot as the ladies’s sport seems open, with seemingly any of the opponents making the primary draw having an opportunity of profitable, Iga Swiatek is the standout star.
She had a outstanding 2022, profitable the French Open and the US Open whereas additionally posting a 37-match unbeaten run. With no residence favorite Ashleigh Barty round this 12 months, Swiatek shall be hoping to proceed her dominance with a primary grand slam Down Under.
Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula and Caroline Garcia must be her most important challengers, however on the ladies’s tour you by no means know.
Brit-tastic effort
There shall be a robust British contingent Down Under, with loads of depth beneath the headline stars of Murray and Raducanu.
Lots of consideration shall be on Jack Draper as he eyes what shall be a breakthrough grand slam. The 21-year-old is now ranked inside the highest 50 and can wish to at the least match his run to the third spherical of the US Open.
Cameron Norrie is probably Britain’s greatest hope within the males’s draw whereas Dan Evans has had success in Australia previously. Alongside Raducanu, Harriet Dart shall be hoping for pleasure with the likes of Jodie Burrage hoping to be concerned by way of qualification, however Katie Boulter has missed out.
