MELBOURNE: Australian Open favourite Aryna Sabalenka headlines a formidable women’s field at Melbourne Park alongside Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff as the trio look to set the tone at the first Grand Slam of the season.
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The women’s game has been more open than the men’s in recent years, but Sabalenka, Swiatek and Gauff have driven a shift in momentum by winning nine of the last 12 Grand Slam titles. Sabalenka arrives in Melbourne aiming for a third Australian Open crown and a fifth major title overall.
The Belarusian will also be seeking redemption after her shock loss to American Madison Keys in last year’s final. Sabalenka has already built early-season momentum by winning the Brisbane title, where she defeated Marta Kostyuk to reach her third consecutive final at the event.
Despite her strong form, the 27-year-old said Grand Slam success remains unpredictable. “It’s tennis, it’s sport, and that’s why it’s so beautiful — you can’t predict anything,” Sabalenka said. “The only thing I’m sure of is that I’ll be there fighting, focusing on my game and making sure I’m strong and healthy.”
Swiatek, meanwhile, is chasing the one major title missing from her collection. After winning Wimbledon last year, the Pole now has her sights set on the Australian Open, which would complete a career Grand Slam. A deep run could also push her back toward the world No. 1 ranking, though she insists rankings are not her priority.
“At a Grand Slam you have to play great for two weeks and be consistent,” Swiatek said. “I’ll focus on myself. I don’t need to put that pressure on myself right now.”
Gauff enters the tournament with confidence after winning the French Open last year, her second major following the 2023 US Open. The world No. 3 said consistency across all four Grand Slams would be her main objective this season, while also targeting the top ranking.
“I would like to go deep in all the Grand Slams this year,” the 21-year-old said. “I’d like to touch the number one ranking, but mainly I want to be consistent throughout the year.”
Among other contenders, Madison Keys could again pose a threat after her strong run in Melbourne last year. Fellow American Amanda Anisimova, a finalist at both Wimbledon and the US Open last season, is also expected to feature prominently, while Elena Rybakina’s unbeaten run to the WTA Finals title in Riyadh has marked her out as a serious challenger.
