Yes, somehow we’ve made it to the eve of the tournament and the Novax saga looks to be over, more importantly at last we have the correct outcome. This is all covered in much more detail and with more professionalism on any other site, so I will comment no further. Instead, let’s talk about actual tennis shall we?
Tournament predictions
With Djokovic gone, we should really treat Medvedev as the favourite, and I would be comfortable betting on Tsitsipas [despite his indifferent form recently], Zverev and Rublev. Nadal? Well never count him out, and the title last week is the perfect prep. On the subject of 2022 titles, it was good to see Monfils nab a trophy too, but apart from being an unwanted opponent in the draw, he will play no larger part in Melbourne. Dark horses? I don’t fancy either Hurkacz or Auger-Aliassime – even with the latter finally winning a title albeit the ATP Cup team event, and whilst I expect Cameron Norrie to have another good year, it may not peak just yet. Finally, I really hope Berrettini can cement his position as a major contender, but fear we could be in 2nd album territory – watch this space I suppose.
I say it at every slam but the women’s draw could be a pick of about 30 players, such has been recent results. More so than Medvedev, it is Ash Barty who dominates this conversation, and rightly so given her exceptional record against the World’s Top 20. She should fear no-one. The logic of recent title wins dictate that Muguruza has to be involved, even Paula Badosa could do well. Sabalenka, Anisimova and Kontaveit are my picks for deeper runs here – and what of Naomi Osaka? The Japanese is still the world’s best on a hard court, it will be fascinating to see just how she copes again, hopefully we will be dazzled once more. Simona Halep returns too and could easily surprise us all. Sofia Kenin sadly I think is battling in the Album charts with Berettini still. Saddest of all, we still shouldn’t expect much from Raducanu, but she can be granted as much time as she likes in my opinion given her New York heroics.
Day 1 Matches to look for
Osorio vs Osaka
Barty vs Tsurenko
Bencic vs Mladenovic
Monfils vs Coria
Norrie vs Korda
Krejcikova vs Petkovic
Lopez vs Millman
Tomljanovic vs Badosa
Kenin vs Keys
Pic from onlymelbourne.com
All Things Tennis 