PPopularly known as ‘Happy Slam’ Australian Open Anything but in recent times. Unprecedented wildfires, COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and Novak Djokovic’s unhealthy exile over his unrecognized status affected the competition in each of the past three years. But come Monday, the first Major of the season looks set to regain its free-spirited spirit as the 2023 edition of the tournament begins. The atmosphere is so volatile that even Covid positive players can compete, a far cry from the events of the last two years. It is expected that the on-court action will step up, despite the absence of the now-retired pair of Roger Federer and Ash Barty, two-time Australian Open women’s singles champion Naomi Osaka, and men’s world No. 1 Carlos. Alcaraz. Djokovic’s mere presence makes him an automatic favourite, as Melbourne is to him what Paris is to Rafael Nadal. The Serb has won the event nine times, an Open Era record, and was undefeated in his last 21 matches at the site. He has warmed up well by getting a tune-up in Adelaide after saving a match-point in the final against Sebastian Korda. Nadal – the top seed, defending champion and men’s record 22-time Major winner – looks less prepared, but as the Spaniard proved in 2022, he is not one to discount.
Among the women, all eyes will be on World No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. A disappointing loss to Jessica Pegula in the United Cup and a right shoulder injury may have affected her preparations, but Pole is still the player to beat. Second seed Ons Jabour, who has emerged as a solid all-court threat, will seek her first Slam title after finishing as runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. The Championships will also be an opportunity for players to stake claim to the next stage as the dominance of the ‘Big Three’ (Federer, Nadal and Djokovic) will only loosen going forward and the women’s game has already moved into the post-Barty, Serena Williams era. after. Daniil Medvedev, 2021 US Open champion and two-time finalist in Australia; Casper Ruud, runner-up in two of the four majors in 2022; Stefanos Tsitsipas; And Felix Auger-Aliassime would like all the good to come. So would the in-form American Pegula, also the third seed; Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia; Aryana Sabalenka of Belarus; and the ever-growing Coco Gauff.