“Let’s go to a land down under!” A look ahead to the Australian Open

Calling all you tennis fans out there! Buckle up and strap yourselves in for a rollercoaster ride as this year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian open, roars into focus! With tennis’ elite limbering up to make the mark and start 2023 in style, you can bet your bottom dollar this is going to be a thrilling tournament that will have us glued to our screens in the coming days.

We start with the men’s tournament and the question that’s on everyone’s lips right now - who will come out on top? Well, one big name who won’t be staking his claim for silverware on this occasion is world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz. The 19 year old was an absolute tour de force last year, producing performances way beyond his years (such as his maiden Grand Slam win at the US Open last autumn) on his way to the top of the world rankings, but has, unfortunately, been forced to withdraw due to a leg injury.

With the Spanish sensation sitting this one out, the ever irrepressible Novak Djokovic is looking like the favourite heading into this tournament. The Serbian will be itching to kick off 2023 with a bang at a tournament and will be doubly keen to bring home the grand prize at this tournament on this occasion after being forced to miss last year’s Australian Open due to his stance on COVID-19 vaccinations. What’s more, the prospect of equalling Rafa Nadal’s Grand Slam record will no doubt provide yet more fuel for Djokovic in his quest for victory here.

Speaking of Nadal, the veteran Spaniard will also fancy his chances of fighting off the competition here after a very solid 2022, which saw him pick up Grand Slam wins at this tournament and the French Open. That being said, the fact that he withdrew from Wimbledon at the semi-final stage due to injury last year raises questions as to whether this body can go the distance on this occasion.

The same can also be said for Alexander Zverev as he seeks to end his long wait for that first Grand Slam title. The German has come close to sealing that hallowed maiden Grand Slam trophy in the past, but is still arguably getting back to peak fitness after spending a large portion of last year on the treatment table.

One potential darkhorse to watch is Casper Ruud. The Norwegian is the second seed in this tournament after a stellar 2022, which saw him reach the final in two Grand Slams and will be looking to go one better on this occasion. Can he do it? Only time will tell!

As for the women’s side of things, the one name which is doing the rounds when it comes to picking a favourite is Iga Swiatek. The Pole was an absolute sensation in last year’s WTA tour, picking up 2 Grand Slam and 8 titles overall and many of the experts are tipping her not only to make light work of the competition here, but cement her position as the dominant force in women’s tennis over the coming 12 months.

However, that doesn’t mean that Swiatek can count her chickens just yet as the chasing pack will certainly be in no mood to do her any favours here. Perhaps the most noteworthy challenger is Ons Jabeur. Jabeur soared up the rankings last year, finishing runner-up in 2 Grand Slam tournaments and also established herself as a firm fan favourite, who is affectionately known as the “Minister for Happiness” back in her native Tunisia.

Has she got what it takes to give Swiatek a bloody nose here? We’ll have to wait and see. However, one thing’s for certain, we’re in for an absolute cracker of a tournament.