December 09, (THEWILL) – Following the release of the Australian Open women’s entry list, anticipation for the first Grand Slam of 2023 is ramping up.
Ashleigh Barty, the 2022 champion, announced her retirement from competitive tennis in March, as THEWILL reported. As a result, a new champion will undoubtedly be crowned in 2023.
Iga Swiatek, the current world number one will be competing for the title. It has been an incredible year for the Pole, who won eight titles in 2022, including the French Open and the US Open. Her total ranking points in 2013 were second only to Serena Williams’ 13,260, and she had an impressive 67-9 win-loss record, 48 of which came in straight sets. She also played 22 bagels sets.
Even with four Grand Slam victories to his name, Swiatek has yet to find success in Australia despite making it to the semi-finals there the year before. It is a different story for four-time major winner Naomi Osaka. After a poor 2022, she will be looking for her third victory Down Under. First round eliminations from the US and French Opens was followed by her absence at Wimbledon due to injury.
After two close calls this year, Ons Jabeur will be looking to go one further and win her first Grand Slam title. Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin are on the list. At Melbourne Park, three former runners-up—Petra Kvitova, Garbine Muguruza, and Danielle Collins—along with 19 other top-20 players in the world—will compete once more. Only Simona Halep, who is temporarily suspended, is not present.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
