MELBOURNE: Highly favored to secure her first Australian Open title as it kicks off on Sunday, Iga Swiatek may encounter a formidable challenge from former champions Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka. AFP Sport spotlights five women to keep an eye on during the inaugural Grand Slam of the year
Iga Swiatek
The current world number one, a holder of four Grand Slam titles, has yet to advance past the semi-finals at Melbourne Park.
Following a triumph at her first WTA Finals in November, the Polish athlete surged back to the pinnacle of rankings.
Her 2022 season sparkled with an impressive streak of 37 consecutive victories, although she encountered a stumble the following year, relinquishing her 75-week reign as the top-ranked player in September.
However, the 22-year-old rebounded remarkably, experiencing only one defeat in 13 matches to conclude the year on a high note. Recently, she showcased her prowess by claiming victory in all five of her singles matches at the United Cup held last week.
Aryna Sabalenka
In 2023, the Australian Open champion seemed destined for the top spot in the world rankings until Swiatek claimed victory at the WTA Tour finals. The consistently impressive Belarusian, who triumphed after trailing a set against Elena Rybakina a year ago, showcased an impressive performance at the major tournaments last year.
She made it to the semifinals in Paris and Wimbledon, although she fell short in the US Open final against Coco Gauff. Remarkably, this 25-year-old powerhouse became the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the semifinals in all four Slams in a single season. Recently, Sabalenka reached the final of the Brisbane International but was edged out by Rybakina.
Elena Rybakina
A year ago, the Kazakh, originally from Russia, nearly clinched the Australian Open after securing her 2022 Wimbledon victory, only to be defeated by Sabalenka in a gripping three-set match. Kicking off the year impressively, the third-ranked player dominated the Brisbane final against Sabalenka, conceding a mere three games and triumphing in five matches while only allowing 15 games throughout the tournament.
“For sure it gives me confidence,” she said about her Australian Open prospects. “I’m playing well now, so hopefully I continue.”
Naomi Osaka
The esteemed Japanese player, a familiar figure at Melbourne Park with victories in 2019 and 2021 claiming the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, enters this year as somewhat of an enigma. Despite once contemplating leaving tennis behind, the former world number one has rekindled her passion for the sport.
Taking a hiatus in September 2022 due to mental health reasons, she welcomed her daughter Shai during that time and only reconnected with tennis during last year’s Wimbledon, having refrained from watching it until then.
Emma Raducanu
In 2021, Emma Raducanu made headlines by winning the US Open as a qualifier, a feat she’s only replicated by reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam on one other occasion. However, after an eight-month break due to ankle and wrist injuries, the 21-year-old has dropped to 299th in the world rankings.
Despite her notable presence in the spotlight, Raducanu recently faced Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a tough three-set match during the Auckland tournament. Currently in the process of recovering from her injuries, she views any successful performance in Melbourne as an added bonus.
