How top five shape up
No 1 Iga SwiatekPoland’s sensation has dominated for two years and shows no signs of waning in Melbourne. Swiatek is in exceptional form, quietly building a 16-match winning streak, having not lost a singles match since September. What sets her apart is not only the wins but the manner she achieves them. In that time, she lost only two out of 34 sets and posted 13 set scores of either 6-1 or 6-0.
No 2 Aryna Sabalenka The defending champion is a consistent force in grand slams, reaching at least the semis at her past five majors with her aggressive groundstrokes a challenge for many. Only the runner-up at the last slam, the US Open, the Belarusian found solace in attaining the world No 1 spot the following week. Swiatek reclaimed it at the end of the season and Sabalenka will be keen to work her way back to the top.
No 3 Elena Rybakina The 2022 Wimbledon champion’s commanding serve makes her a force to be reckoned with, which is evident in her run to the final last year, fuelled by a tournament high of 54 aces. The Kazakhstani recently showcased her prowess in Brisbane, dispatching Sabalenka in the final 6-0, 6-3.
No 4 Coco Gauff The teenage sensation enters the tournament riding a wave of good form. After her triumph at the US Open, she transitioned into the new year by defending her title in Auckland. A notable evolution in the American’s game is her newfound ability to secure victories even when not at her best, a quality that has significantly developed over the last six months. Her forehand has also evolved into a formidable weapon.
No 5 Jessica Pegula Getting over the quarter-final hump will be key for the American in Melbourne. Losing in the last eight in six grand slams would be demoralising for some, but she has taken it in her stride with victories against all current top 10, bar Marketa Vondrousova. Her breakthrough into the latter stages seems increasingly promising.
Best home hope
Kimberly Birrell Since Ash Barty’s retirement in 2022, Australian women have grappled to make their mark. Birrell, however, stands among the hopefuls aiming to flip the script by using the home crowd to her advantage. The 25-year-old has a tough first-round draw though, the 2017 French Open champion and world No 12, Jelena Ostapenko.
Best British hope
Jodie Burrage The 24-year-old achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by breaking into the top 100 for the first time. She is set to make her main-draw debut at Melbourne Park, a notable step forward from falling in the final round of qualifying a year ago. The British No 2 will be hopeful for a good run that could launch her into seeding contention in the future.
Best American hope
Emma Navarro Apart from Gauff and Pegula, Navarro emerges as a promising candidate for the US. A significant boost to her Melbourne preparations came with her victory at the Hobart International, in her first-ever WTA Tour final appearance. Impressive results in the final months of last year took her to 31 in the world, a surprise to many, and she will want to make the next step after successive WTA Tour semi-finals.
Big name most likely to crash out early
Angelique Kerber It truly is an open Open, with many big names returning. Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki are back, joining Kerber, all returning to the tour post-pregnancy. The 2016 champion might require some time to regain the rhythm necessary for a successful run in a major tournament.
Outsider with best chance of glory
Alina Korneeva The junior world No 1 is the reigning junior Australian Open and French Open champion. While the 16-year-old’s relative inexperience at the professional level may raise questions as she prepares to face the No 31 seed, Sachia Vickery, in the first round, her consistent performances speak volumes about her potential.
One to watch
Zheng Qinwen The WTA newcomer of the year in 2022, Zheng continued her ascent last year, earning the most improved player title. She stunned Ons Jabeur at the US Open to secure her first major quarter-final, marking one of three top-10 victories in 2023. The world No 13 possesses a formidable serve, complemented by impressive footwork and court coverage, making her an exciting prospect.
