Grand Slam tennis is back Down Under, as players across the globe head to Melbourne for the 2023 Australian Open. And with last year’s championship bringing about some of the sport’s most iconic storylines, including Rafael Nadal record- breaking 21st Grand Slam win and Ashleigh Barty’s championship victory and sudden retirement, this year’s tournament has a lot to live up to.
So today we will preview the players, their draws and predict who amongst this field has the greatest chance of taking home the title at this year’s Australian Open.
The Field
There is much to gain for many of the men at this year Aussie Open. With the world No 1. ranking up for grabs, numerous players at this tournament will have the opportunity to capture this spot, and one of them is not even participating.
Announcing his withdrawal from this year’s event, current world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz cites an ongoing leg injury as the reason for his absence. Taking his place at the top of the draw is Rafael Nadal, whose performances towards the end of the 2022 season raised many question as to whether or not his game is up to par for a deep run at this year slam. And if this is not enough for the No. 1 seed to worry about, his longtime rival, Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to Melbourne. Rebounding well from the controversial deportation that forced him to miss last year’s Australian Open, Djokovic has the opportunity not only to tie Nadal’s Slam title record but also to re-capture the world No.1 ranking.
Now for the women, though no notable seeds have opted out of this year’s event, two of the sports most beloved players, Naomi Osaka and Venus Williams have both withdrawn. Despite their absence, the tournament is till brimming with must follow women’s storylines. Amongst them is world No. 1 Iga Switaek as she begins her campaign to capture her first Australian Open and fourth overall Slam. While numerous new. but significant faces are set to make their first-time appearance, the sister duo of Linda and Brenda Fruhvirtova, who both had breakout performances in 2022 are looking to continue their winning ways here in Melbourne.
The Draws
Starting off strong, the men’s draw is packed with countless thrilling first round matches including Matteo Berrenttini vs. Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev vs. Dominic Thiem. Even No. 1- seeded Rafael Nadal will have to bring his A-game to round one as he faces Britain’s rising star Jack Draper.
Overall, Nadal’s section of the draw is increasingly tough as there is a ton of young guns scattered throughout that could derail his chances of winning his 23rd Slam. At the bottom half, No 2. seed Casper Ruud should find himself in control of his section before a potential blockbuster quarterfinals against top-ranked American, Taylor Fritz.
On the women’s side, a first-round match-up between two former Australian Open champions, Sofia Kenin and Victoria Azarenka is poised to become the match of the day. Iga Switaek is facing Jule Niemeier in her opening round and though on paper this reads as a straightforward win for Poland’s superstar, Niemeier actually took a set of off Switaek during the 2022 US Open, so we could see this match go the distance.
Challenges for Swiatek to do not stop there, as she could face a wave of America’s top talent from the fourth round on. Danielle Collins, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are all of her side of the draw. In comparison, the bottom half should be business as usual as No. 2 Ons Jabeur will most likely be on cruise control until her potential quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka Last time they played, Sabalenka got the best of Jabeur in a three-set thriller, so definitely mark you calendar as this will surely be one of the showcase matches of the tournament.
Taking Home, the Title
Novak Djokovic
When talking about the next generation of great players there is always one person Djokovic never leaves out, and that is himself. So, with this level of unwavering self-belief how can anyone bet against the Serbian Superstart!? And with the Big Three now dwindling to the Big Two, with Federer’s recent retirement and with Nadal’s recent lack of form, we don’t expect anyone in the draw to challenge Djokovic on the biggest stage. Therefore, this leaves the field open for Novak to take the crown once again in Melbourne.
Jessica Pegula
Somewhat of an under-the-radar choice, we project Jessica Pegula to go into this tournament with the best chances of walking away with a title. After a tremendous 2022 season saw her make three Grand Slam quarterfinals, this is the year Pegula is finally able to capitalize and run away with the crown. Even with a possibility of facing Swiatek in the semifinals, Pegula’s most recent result against the world No. 1 in which she decimated Swiatek 6-2 6-2 inspires confidence. Her mentally steady and well-rounded game is clearly clicking at the moment. And with just how volatile WTA draws can be at Slams, it will be this exact steadiness that will ultimately hand Pegula the win.
