The 2024 Australian Open Draw Preview reveals a reasonably uncomplicated however very intriguing draw for defending champion Novak Djokovic. It’s not essentially a troublesome path for Djokovic to seize his eleventh Aussie title, however it’s a draw full of previous foes, acquainted storylines and crackling drama.
It’s a barely related story for world primary Iga Swiatek, who drew 2020 champion Sofia Kenin within the first spherical, former finalist Danielle Collins, and 2016 titlist Angelique Kerber as attainable matchups very shut in her quarter. These backstories ought to make the early rounds extra compelling than they is likely to be in any other case.
To the breakdown!
Australian Open 2024 Draw Preview: Djokovic Quarter
After assembly a qualifier in Spherical 1, Djokovic may face Australian Alexei Popyrin, who sometimes punches a bit above his weight in his dwelling nation. Popyrin memorably knocked off Taylor Fritz in a 2nd-round, 5-set masterpiece final yr. Circle this potential match.
Additional alongside the road, Djokovic may face previous rivals like Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, however this isn’t 2014. It’s enjoyable for nostalgia, however Novak has risen to this point above these guys. Fritz and Ben Shelton lurk in the midst of this part, and whereas these Individuals have managed to take units off Novak, they haven’t overwhelmed him.
The decrease a part of the quarter options some good dirtballers in Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, however this ain’t clay. And at last, the part is anchored by two very nice tennis stars with a patchy latest damage historical past in Matteo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic crushed Tsitsipas in final yr’s Australian Open Last. Once more– fascinating however not overly problematic.
With slight considerations over his wrist, it is going to be essential for Djokovic to take care of effectivity with straight set wins wherever he can get them. This Australian Open 2024 draw preview offers him the chance to try this– at the very least in his quarter.
Australian Open 2024 Draw Preview: Sinner Quarter
A blooming (onion) rivalry between Djokovic and smooth Italian ball-striker Jannik Sinner holds the potential for a semifinal matchup at this yr’s AO. (Word: I do know that blooming onion will not be really an Australian dish, however it was made well-known by Outback Steakhouse nonetheless.)
This quarter options some electrical names like Francis Tiafoe, Alex De Minaur and Andrey Rublev on the backside. It’s a enjoyable part of the draw. It’s a simple stroll for Sinner within the early rounds, however I wouldn’t thoughts a matchup between Jannik and Nicolas Jarry, the big-serving Chilean. My largest hope for this part is that Rublev doesn’t smack himself together with his racquet. De Minaur has began the yr serving in high type and may very well be the spoiler on this part.
Australian Open 2024 Draw Preview: Medvedev Quarter
Russian stalwart Daniil Medvedev headlines the opposite half of this 2024 Australian Open draw preview. When final we noticed Meddy in Grand Slam play, he suffered a bruising defeat to Djokovic within the US Open last. And he misplaced right here badly to Novak in 2021, and the overwhelming majority of those guys’ conferences are straight-set affairs, so it’s fortunate they wouldn’t meet till the ultimate.
Medvedev has a troublesome draw. Why? Grigor Dimitrov has determined to play Prime 10-caliber tennis for the primary time in years, and he sits squarely within the middle of this part. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is a possible early-round match for Meddy– by no means a simple out. A Hubert Hukacz match may occur, and this can be a good floor for his flat backhand. A Meddy-Hubie contest: Battle of the re-directors!
Lastly, a man who is healthier than his eighth seeding– Holger Rune– stands on the different finish of this quarter. Rune and Medvedev have solely met twice, they usually every took a victory, however each conferences had been on clay. With a great deal of character and showmanship, there would tons to unpack there, in order that’s the one I’m rooting for.
Australian Open 2024 Draw Preview: Alcaraz Quarter
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz has a reasonably pedestrian draw. Followers of Carlitos shouldn’t be overly involved with a loss to De Minaur in a pre-tournament exhibition. That was simply good enjoyable, and it was really the proper warm-up for each gamers. Alcaraz selected to not play any run-ups Down Beneath, so a match in opposition to a top quality opponent is the perfect prep.
Assuming he’s absolutely match, Alcaraz mustn’t see bother in his opening spherical match in opposition to Richard Gasquet, nor in subsequent rounds in opposition to potentials similar to Alex Bublik, Jan-Lennard Struff or Casper Ruud. (Tommy Paul may very well be fascinating, in a battle of foot pace, although.) Alcaraz is 4-0 vs Casper, and that is the Norwegian’s least-favorite floor– a quick arduous court docket.
Larger up within the quarter, although, Alexander Zverev sits because the 6-seed. Late 2023 confirmed us he’s again from the ankle damage. He’s placing the ball with great confidence, however in Melbourne, a lot depends upon the climate. In sizzling circumstances, Zverev would possibly wrestle, particularly if the early rounds tax him. But when issues break his means, Zverev holds a profitable report of 4-3 in opposition to Alcaraz, together with their final assembly on the ATP Finals.
Gamers to observe:QF: Djokovic, Sinner, Medvedev, AlcarazSF: Djokovic, AlcarazF: Djokovic
Australian Open 2024 Draw Preview: Ladies’s Singles
Iga Swiatek, a 4-time Grand Slam champ and the primary participant on the earth, has a testy draw. Not solely does she have the aforementioned gamers with AO cred close to her very early on this match, she may face the resurgent Ukranian Elia Svitolina within the 4th spherical. Swiatek and Svitolina have by no means met. Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka and Marketa Vondrousova are additionally on this part. Not cake.
The subsequent quarter options the seemingly match Elena Rybakina. I like her recreation on this floor. My solely concern is that Elena selected to play the week instantly earlier than the Australian Open. If she goes deep in Adelaide, she may get drained. Watch out betting in opposition to Jessica Pegula, the 5-seed, who anchors this a part of the bracket. Word: I don’t wager.
On the opposite aspect of the draw, we’ll see what Coco Gauff can do coming off her US Open title and a win in Brisbane final week. It’s a qualifier-heavy space within the early rounds for Gauff, however issues may get difficult later with the strong Beatriz Haddad Maia, former champ Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sakkari on the high. A Gauff-Woz match could be a blast.
Lastly, defending champ Aryna Sabalenka has, for my part, the best draw of the highest seeds. That’s okay– she’s earned it. Sabalenka has labored arduous to take care of her authenticity each as a participant and as a human being. She’s received me over, for positive. She has stayed true to her aggressive recreation, whereas reigning within the errors and the double faults. That’s actually powerful to do. Ons Jabeur is the opposite excessive seed on this quarter, however we now have to attend and see if the scars of 2023 have healed for Ons.
Gamers to observe:QF: Swiatek, Rybakina, Haddad Maia, SabalenkaSF: Rybakina, SabalenkaF: Sabalenka
