Nadal to face tough competition in Australian Open defense
Rafael Nadal begins his defence of the Australian Open title Monday feeling vulnerable against a young opponent. Iga Swiatek, the top seed for women, will also face a difficult encounter as she aims to win a maiden crown.
Melbourne Park hosts the first Grand Slam of 2019, with the men’s world number 1 ranking on the line and a new female champion due to be crowned following Ashleigh Barty’s shocking retirement last year.
36-year-old Spanish legend Nadal has lost six of his seven previous matches, including the opening two of this year. He will be facing Jack Draper, a British in-form, on Rod Laver Arena.
“Probably one the hardest first-round games possible, being seeded,” stated the top seed and 22-time Grand Slam winner. “Young, strong, growing very, very quickly on the ranking, and playing well.
Draper, 21 years old, made it to the semi-finals at the Adelaide International. He said that he was not overwhelmed by Nadal’s performance, even though he considers him an idol.
“I want to play hard, compete well, and win the match. “So that’s the plan,” he stated.
Nadal won the title with five thrilling sets over Daniil Medvedev from Russia. This year, Nadal will face Marcos Giron in an evening match at centre court.
Novak Djokovic, a nine-time Australian champion, was absent. Novak Djokovic returned this year to be the heavy favourite. Novak Djokovic was deported for not attending the 2022 event due to his Covid vaccine stance.
The 35-year-old Serb will face Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain on Tuesday. He’s bidding not only for a 10th title, but also to equal Nadal’s 22 Slams.
Djokovic stated, “I like what I can do,” winning at Adelaide last Wednesday after finishing 2022 with another ATP Finals victory.
He can win the trophy and return to the top. According to ATP, so can Casper Ruud from Norway and Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece.
Ruud, who is currently the third-ranked world player, can also be crowned the number one worldwide if he or Tsitsipas reach the final.
Carlos Alcaraz, who isn’t playing in Melbourne because of injury, will continue to reign if none these possibilities occur.
Tsitsipas begins his campaign against Quentin Halys of France on Margaret Court Arena. Ruud is also in action on Tuesday.
– ‘Intense’ opener for Swiatek –
Swiatek, the top seed, is the clear favourite after dominating women’s tennis since March 2013, when Barty retired.
In 2022, the Pole won eight WTA titles and became the first woman to win two Grand Slams in the exact same season (at Roland Garros and New York).
It seems almost certain that the Daphne Akhurst trophy is going to be given to a new winner, with Serena Williams, a former great, and Naomi Osaka as missing.
Out-of-sorts Sofia Kenin and Victoria Azarenka are the only previous title-holders in this draw. They won in 2020.
Swiatek faces Jule Neimeier, a German world number 68, who will be playing in the first round on Monday. She reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last year.
Recent clashes saw the pair in the 16th round of the US Open. Swiatek had trouble digging deep after dropping the first set, but he went on to win.
Neimeier was told by her, “It’s going to be difficult.”
“But any Grand Slam match will be more intense and stressful than other tournaments. It’s going to be a great match.
Jessica Pegula, American number three in the world, will also be excited about her chances.
The 28-year old played a key role in the USA team’s victory at the United Cup. She continued her hot form at the end of 2022, including lifting the WTA 1000 singles trophy in Guadalajara.
First up, she plays Jacqueline Cristian from Romania.
Azarenka, against Kenin, and sixth seed Maria Sakkari are both in action Monday.
mp/dh