Australian Open 2022 player ratings: Sam Groth rates the tournament’s studs and duds
Many picked this star to take out the Australian Open, but after a disappointing tournament, Sam Groth questions whether his time will ever come.
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Former Australian tennis gun turned analyst SAM GROTH rates the top ten seeds, including women’s runner-up Danielle Collins, from the 2022 Australian Open tournament.
Groth also runs the rule over the Aussie contingent, with a shock ‘unknown’ trumping the Special Ks in the ratings.
See who starred and who flopped at one the greatest Australian Open tournaments.
MEN’S RATINGS
Danil Medvedev – 9
He hasn’t been as dominant as we expected but what we have seen is an unmatched ability to find a way back from the brink. His mental game is incredible. We have seen a lot more of his personality this year – and a few blow ups - but he owns his mistakes. He is honest and I respect that.
Alexander Zverev – 5
A lot of people’s pick to win this tournament and he fell in the fourth round. Was way off playing his best tennis here and now we have to start asking if his time will ever come? A lot of younger guys are coming through that will overtake him.
Stefanos Tsitsipas – 8
He didn’t play well in the early stages but found some form when he needed it. Given the surgery he underwent last year and the fact he wasn’t expected to even play, this was a good tournament for him. Showed real growth.
Rafa Nadal – 10
No one expected this from Rafa. The way his body was last year, he didn’t even know if he would play again. This tournament was never really his to challenge for. It’s an incredible testament to him as an athlete and legend of the sport.
Andrey Rublev – 4
Would have preferred it if the Djokovic saga had been resolved earlier because he would have adopted No 1 seeding. Regardless, he played below his best and copped a third round exit to veteran Marin Cilic. Unexpected disappointment.
Matteo Berrettini – 8
A tournament he will learn so much from. The two days off into his semi-final was a curse for him, but a blessing for Nadal. He lost momentum and we saw that in the first two sets of their clash. Has a lot of work to do on his backhand; Nadal picked it apart and others will too. He will win a slam one day.
Felix Auger-Aliassime - 8.5
For a young guy on the tour he has pushed the best in the world at this tournament. He had match point against Medvedev - not many people can lay claim to this. A terrific campaign and we will see him in the latter stages in years to come. Has fixed a lot of holes in his game.
Jannick Sinner – 7
Has made plenty of improvements in his game in the last six months. Looked very dangerous all tournament before he came up against Tsitsipas.
Hubert Hurkacz – 2
Terrible. Lost in the second round to Mannarino and should have done so much better. Performed way below his best and paid the price.
Cameron Norrie – 2
Norrie has done incredibly well to get his ranking and seeding so high and it’s unfortunate he came up against Korda in round one. But this was not good at all.
WOMEN’S RATINGS
Ash Barty – 10
Played near flawless throughout the tournament. She had the five fastest matches of the women’s and I haven’t seen this kind of dominance in so long – if ever. So excited to see what comes next. An Aussie we are all proud of.
Danielle Collins – 9
Breaks into the top 10 for the first time in her career and plays her first grand slam final. It’s a near dream start to 2022 for someone who has endured so many health struggles. Terrific performance.
Aryna Sabalenka – 4
She needs to get her serve sorted – a No.2 can’t hit 56 double faults and remain well ranked. She has no variety to her game and needs to fix things up if she wants to compete with the best in the world. She won’t win with this game.
Garbine Muguruza – 2
While Cornet was a surprise quarter-finalist, this was disappointing from someone who has played finals here. Not much more you can say when you lose second round.
Barbora Krejikova – 7
She had a good slam and ran into a very strong Madison Keys. The American’s ranking is deceptive so to reach the last eight in a slam is encouraging. She had a tough draw.
Paula Badosa – 6
She’s coming off a form year but didn’t live up to her seeding in Australia. Another victim of the Keys threat, but Badosa would have expected to and should have done better.
Annett Kontaveit – 3
My tournament ‘one to watch’: enormously disappointing given what she promises. She had a great end to 2021, made tour finals and I think everyone expected more. Struggling to find consistency. 2022 has not been kind to her so far.
Maria Sakkari – 5
Another name that came in with much promise but under delivered. All the expectation on these high ranked women but consistency seems to be lacking in so many.
Iga Swiatek - 8
A great tournament. She overcame some big challenges. I don’t think Iga has fully found herself on faster courts as yet. Her quarter-finals was a huge match and the drain it put on her was evident in the semis. This was a breakthrough for her on this surface.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova – 5
Should have gone deeper. Won two matches she should have, but third round exit is not what you expect from someone of her talent.
Elena Rybakina – 3
Hard to score when injury plagued her tournament. Having beaten Raducanu in the warm-up tournaments, the expectation was high. Sadly forced to withdraw so her campaign ended early.
AUSSIE RATINGS
Alex de Minaur – 7
His best finish at a home slam but Sinner is someone he will play in years to come and he got manhandled. Needs to find a couple more weapons if he is going to compete in the latter stages.
Nick Kyrgios – 7
He’s not just putting bums on seats, we saw a new side to Nick. Maybe it kicks him into gear but I hope it just inspires him to know he can do it. Deep down we all just want him to do well. Now a slam champion, he had the focus and stayed engaged. Should be proud.
Thanasi Kokkinakis – 7
He will be disappointed with his singles result but look at how he switched things back on to win the doubles title. It’s so good to see him enjoying it out there.
Madison Inglis – 8
Surprise package for me this tournament and an exciting prospect for Australia. Pleasantly surprised because her form in Adelaide was ordinary, she was ripped apart. Great bounce back.
Chris O’Connell – 7
Breakthrough slam, he’s made it about the tennis. The comeback story is over, it’s all about the sport now.
Sam Stosur – 7
She exceeded expectations and it was great to see her out on court having a good time and joying her final singles slam.
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