A new tennis year is underway and we are holding our breath in anticipation of what comes next. The 2023 Australian Open starts on January 16 in Melbourne.
The Australian Open is sure to be an exciting tournament this year. The men’s singles competition is expected to be highly competitive, with Novak Djokovic the favourite to take home the title. He will face stiff competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and new world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who won the US Open title in September.
There will not be a hungrier player at the 2023 Australian Open than Novak Djokovic. The Serb was deported prior to the 2022 edition of the opening Grand Slam of the season after a nightmare legal battle, but he is finally back and able to compete at Melbourne Park once more. Djokovic will be eyeing a remarkable 10th triumph at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal will be back to defend his Australian Open title. Exactly 12 months ago, Rafael Nadal was winning an ATP tournament in Melbourne and on his way to winning his second Australian Open. Notwithstanding Novak Djokovic was a notable absentee, his comeback five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final was a stunning result, demonstrating again that you can never count Nadal out.
Carlos Alcaraz will be one of the most anticipated players when the 2023 Australian Open kicks off. The 19-year-old Spaniard wowed everyone in 2022, clinching the US Open and becoming the youngest No. 1 in men’s tennis history.
Some physical problems prevented ‘Carlitos’ from expressing himself at his best in the last part of the season, having forced him to miss the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup finals in Malaga. The Iberian is working hard to get back in shape and will not participate in any official tournaments before the Australian Open.
On the women’s side, world No 1 Iga Swiatek, who won two majors in 2022, is the favorite. She will face a challenge from the likes of world No 2 Ons Jabeur, No 3 Jessica Pegula, No 4 Caroline Garcia and No 5 Aryna Sabalenka.
Iga Swiatek had a tremendous run in 2022 as she secured two Grand Slam titles to her name, including the French Open and the US Open.
In addition to winning a pair of Grand Slam titles, Swiatek won seven other tournaments in 2022. It’s not a shock that she is a substantial favorite to win the first Grand Slam of 2023.
While acknowledging she must not become complacent this year and rely on past glories, the 21-year-old feels better prepared for the season.
Venus Williams isn’t done pursuing an Australian Open title.
The legend will participate in 2023’s first Grand Slam tournament as a main-draw wild card. It will be her 22nd appearance in the tournament since she made her debut in 1998.
“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January,” Williams said.
Ash Barty is set to make a return to tennis at this month’s Australian Open, but not out competing on the court.
Despite her retirement, the Australian will be back at her home Grand Slam event this winter as she takes on a mentoring role with fellow Aussie Olivia Gadecki. Gadecki will feature in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time later this month.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, Alex Zverev, Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur will be among the participants in a special charity exhibition next week at the Australian Open that will support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative.
“Tennis is a truly global sport with an international playing community that has a history of stepping up and helping out. Through Tennis Plays for Peace the tennis community can offer practical assistance through fundraising, as well as show our heartfelt support for the victims of the war,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley explained.
The Tennis Plays for Peace initiative was launched by the sport’s seven governing bodies – the ATP Tour, the Hologic WTA Tour, the ITF and the four Grand Slams – in March in response to the invasion. In all, the last Grand Slam raised $2 million for Ukraine over a three-week span, and fans around the world can donate themselves at tennisplaysforpeace.com.