Australian Open 2024: Players to watch
From all-conquering champions to exciting newcomers with flashy forehands and dashing smiles: some of the key players to keep an eye on.
- by Courtney Walsh
Latest
Updated
French Open
‘I’m an idiot’: Kokkinakis shrugs off lost laundry to clinch biggest grand slam win of career
Kokkinakis upset Britain’s world No.25 Dan Evans to reach the second round of the French Open, while victories to Storm Hunter and Jason Kubler made it a memorable first day for Australia.
- by Courtney Walsh
First Serve
Australian Open
Star turns, scheduling snafus and flag furores: The best and worst of a Rinky dink Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka triumphed, Novak Djokovic as ever was in the spotlight, a couple of unheralded Australians left an indelible mark and finish times and flags were to the fore in a big two weeks at the opening grand slam of the year.
- by Courtney Walsh
Analysis
Australian Open
A contender versus a legend: The intimidating task facing Stefanos Tsitsipas
On Sunday night at about 7.30pm, Stefanos Tsitsipas will start the most intimidating walk in tennis. Bidding to become the first Greek to win a grand slam title, he will pass through the champions’ walk featuring the image and name of his rival Novak Djokovic.
- by Courtney Walsh
Tears and power as Sabalenka digs deep for breakthrough major win
Aryna Sabalenka possesses an arsenal of formidable quality on the tennis court, but it is her resilience and willingness to improve which proved critical to her Australian Open triumph.
- by Courtney Walsh
‘Unless he pulls a hamstring in the other leg – he might lose then’: Tennis icon has Djokovic winning a 10th crown
Ken Rosewall has watched a lot of tennis this summer and is certain Novak Djokovic will post a historic win in Sunday’s Australian Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- by Courtney Walsh and Scott Spits
Hoodoo over: Sabalenka powers into final to face Rybakina
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka has booked her spot in Saturday night’s final and will face Kazakh star Elena Rybakina.
- by Courtney Walsh
After ruining Kyrgios’ New York dream, Khachanov looks to play spoiler again
Karen Khachanov played the role of spoiler to Nick Kyrgios’ US Open bid last September. He now hopes to eliminate Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to a spot in a maiden grand slam final.
- by Courtney Walsh
Updated
Australian Open
Russian tennis fans detained after provocative political statement
Russian fans at Novak Djokovic’s match against Andrey Rublev have been detained by police at Melbourne Park after allegedly threatening security.
- by Courtney Walsh, Scott Spits and Marc McGowan
Updated
Australian Open
Banned by Wimbledon, Sabalenka dreams of Belarusian double
Australian Open semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka has vowed to do everything in her power to deliver a historic moment in Melbourne for a nation currently shunned by tennis authorities.
- by Courtney Walsh
Updated
Australian Open
Azarenka renaissance rolls on with win over Pegula
Victoria Azarenka has continued her remarkable resurgence at the Australian Open, and next takes on Elena Rybakina, who maintained her understated path to the semi-finals.
- by Scott Spits and Courtney Walsh
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/courtney-walsh-p5361n