The first major grand slam of the year, the Australian Open, started on Jan. 14 in Melbourne Park. The event is always a popular one, giving competitors their first chance at a major title and a way to see their competition after a few months of training.
For men’s singles, many big-name competitors earned seeds, including first seed Novak Djokovic, second seed Rafael Nadal and third seed Roger Federer. Perhaps the most shocking event of the first week of matches was Andy Murray announcing his plans to retire and then losing in a heartbreaking 5-set match in the first round. Another heartbreaking loss occurred when reigning champ Roger Federer lost in 4 sets to 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas. The match scores could not have been much closer, making it obvious to many that Tsitsipas is a rising star to watch out for.
On the women’s side of things, not many surprises or upsets have occured. First seed Simona Halep has cruised through the first few matches, most recently dispatching Venus Williams 6-2 6-3. Other seeds who are still fighting for a title include Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys. Ashleigh Barty, a young Australian, showed that she has what it takes to become one of the best when she defeated former star Maria Sharapova in a three-set battle, winning the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Matches to look out for in the second week of play include Rafael Nadal versus the 21-year-old American, Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe has battled in all of his matches so far, knocking out big-name
players Kevin Anderson and Grigor Dimitrov. Serena Williams will face Simona Halep in the Round of 16 and it is sure to be an exciting match, with Serena still working her way back up to the top and Halep trying to remain World Number One.
The Australian Open play will continue through Sunday, Jan. 27 and will be a fight to the top for the contenders who remain in the tournament.
