2024 Australian Open
In 2023, Aryna Sabalenka experienced a memorable year, beginning with her triumph at the Australian Open by overcoming a set deficit against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Subsequently, she claimed the coveted title of World No.1 after dethroning Iga Swiatek.
Over the past 12 months, the rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina has intensified, with Sabalenka holding a 5-3 lead, including a victory in the Brisbane International final. Rybakina, aiming for recovery, faced setbacks, including a quarter-final loss in the Adelaide International.
Iga Swiatek, at 22, enters 2024 with heightened confidence following victories at the China Open and the WTA Finals. Despite her accomplishments, she eyes her first Australian Open final appearance as a significant milestone.
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka returns to the Grand Slam stage after embracing motherhood. Osaka won her first-round match at the Brisbane International but faced a second-round exit.
Angelique Kerber, having given birth, is set for a Grand Slam return, joining other mothers like Elina Svitolina, Victoria Azarenka, and Caroline Wozniacki in resuming their tennis careers.
Coco Gauff cherishes positive memories from the Australian Open, notably defeating Osaka in the 2020 third round. Gauff continued her success, winning the US Open in the previous year and the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Mirra Andreeva, a 16-year-old Russian talent, made significant strides in 2023 with a fourth-round finish at Wimbledon. Currently ranked 47th globally, she aspires to surpass her previous Australian Open performance, which ended in a first-round exit.
The 2024 Australian Open marks a historic 15-day event, and expectations are high for the hard-court tournament to deliver surprises, a tradition maintained over many years.