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World number 1 Iga Swiatek comes into the Australian Open as overwhelming favourite, after a successful and dominant 2022.
The 21-year-old from Poland ended the year with two Grand Slam titles – the French Open and the US Open – and tightened his grip on the world’s top ranking.
Last year in Melbourne she reached the semi-finals where she was defeated by American Danielle Collins in straight sets.
With Ashleigh Barty retiring from tennis almost a month after lifting the Australian Open title, Swiatek seized her opportunity at the top of her game and emerged as a major force on the WTA Tour.
She went on a 37-match unbeaten streak, which ended at Wimbledon, and entered the year as the most unbeatable in the women’s game.
Swiatek tightened his grip on the world number one spot last year, culminating in a win at the US Open
With Serena Williams having hung up her racket and Naomi Osaka pregnant with her first child, Melbourne Park will almost certainly usher in a new era with its first championship crown.
Swiatek lacks confidence on hard courts but showed competitive strength in New York and is the clear favorite.
Ahead of the Australian Open, Barry Cowan told Sky Sports that Swiatek is “head and shoulders the best player”.
“If Swiatek plays his best for me, he wins the Australian Open and then I see another player who is not just a player who can play two or three good matches, can he play seven good matches?” He asked.
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Highlights from the women’s singles final at the US Open
Who are the other competitors?
In sport there are no certainties and Swiatek’s challengers will be looking to apply the pressure they put on the pre-tournament favourites.
The likes of Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur will all have to wait until Swiatek goes down.
Ons Jabeur has raised the flag for African and Arab women
Asked about other contenders for the Australian Open, Cowan said: “I think Garcia is someone who has had an incredible second half of 2022. I’m sure it’s obvious then, but don’t derail him because he finished the year brilliantly.
“I think Coco Gauff is the one who I think is very close to winning the major and he will win the major. It’s just a question of whether under real pressure how is the serve and how is the forehand. The shot continues because the backhand is amazing, physical, he is amazing.”
Caroline Garcia has enjoyed a renaissance in her career
Jabeur proved to be Swiatek’s closest challenger in 2022 – although not very close.
Paving the way for Arab and African women, Jabeur tops the 20s and will be looking to reach her third consecutive Grand Slam final.
He is the second seed and while he relies on his impressive racquet skills rather than strength to hold his own on the famous blue court, there are bound to be some more popular winners.
Along with Swiatek, Garcia enjoyed a phenomenal 2022 and enjoyed a late career renaissance.
Coco Gauff has been one of the most impressive prospects in the tour, without winning the main
She was ranked 74th in the world last year, but rose to fourth place, with a semi-final appearance at the US Open and lifting the title at the WTA Finals.
Gauff is another youngster who has impressed since making his breakthrough on the tour. While he does not have a Grand Slam title, many have suggested that victory is imminent, and that he will be a threat as one of the top players.
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