2024 Australian Open: Novak Djokovic chases history, Naomi Osaka makes a comeback, and Rafael Nadal's absence felt
The 2024 Australian Open promises thrilling comebacks, with stars like Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu returning Novak Djokovic's quest for destiny and history creates an edge in the men's draw Get ready to witness intense competition and huge prize money Don't miss this season's first slam!
This year's Australian Open promises to be a tournament of comebacks, although not every returning star will be competing in the season's first slam. For example, fans will miss out on the opportunity to see Rafael Nadal in action as the Spaniard's hopes of returning to grand slam tennis were dashed after suffering another injury during a warm-up event in Brisbane.
Despite this, the sport will see the return of Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, both of whom have been absent from the big stage for a considerable period of time.
Raducanu's 2023 season was marred by injuries, with the Brit only participating in one of the four grand slam events and being defeated in the second round of last year's Australian Open.
Osaka took a year off from the sport to prioritize her mental health and gave birth to a child in July 2023. Despite both withdrawing from a charity event shortly before the Australian Open, both stars are anticipated to participate in the upcoming tournament at Melbourne Park, which is expected to be full of surprises.
How to watch
The Australian Open will begin on January 14 and will run for 15 days until January 28.
The tournament organizers have extended the schedule by an additional day to alleviate the strain on both players and fans. This decision follows increasing demands to shorten match duration due to a congested schedule and the physical toll it has taken on players.
Depending on where fans are in the world, the action will be broadcast on Discovery+ and Eurosport, as well as ESPN in the US.
Mens draw: Destiny for Djokovic?
Hopes were high for Nadal to compete for another grand slam title at the Australian Open this year, following nearly a year away from the sport due to injury and hip surgery. Unfortunately, his comeback at the Brisbane International was short-lived as he suffered a "micro tear on a muscle."
Nadal's absence has shifted all focus to Novak Djokovic in the men's competition. The Serbian player only needs one more grand slam singles title to surpass the all-time record, solidifying his place as the most successful tennis player ever, regardless of gender.
He is currently tied with Margaret Court for the singles grand slam record of 24.
In 2023, Djokovic had an impressive year, winning three of the four grand slams and claiming a record seventh ATP Finals title.
He did, however, suffer a slight wrist injury in the buildup to this years Australian Open when he lost to Alex de Minaur in the United Cup quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic is bidding to win his 11th Australian Open title.
Sydney Low/Cal Sport Media/AP
"I believe I'll be alright, truthfully," Djokovic stated to reporters following the loss, as he aims to secure his 11th Australian Open title. "However, it did significantly affect my forehand and serve."
The 36-year-old is set to compete against 18-year-old Croatian Dino PrižmiÄ in the opening round.
Nole will undoubtedly face fierce competition from a slew of young players aiming to dethrone him. The only player who managed to defeat him in a grand slam last season was Carlos Alcaraz, and the Spanish player is determined to increase his collection of two major titles.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his first round-robin match against Denmark's Holger Rune at the ATP Finals tennis tournament in Turin on November 12, 2023.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images
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Djokovic will have to contend with competition from Italian Jannik Sinner, who broke the Serb's 19-match winning streak at the ATP Finals group stages last year, though Djokovic ultimately won the tournament.
In American tennis, Frances Tiafoe and young Ben Shelton are currently riding a wave of momentum, both having made deep runs at grand slams in the past.
"Sinner is an incredibly talented player and has received excellent coaching. I believe he is in a strong position to win his first major in 2024," Brad Gilbert, coach of US star Coco Gauff, shared with CNN Sports Don Riddell during a preview of the upcoming men's tour.
"I have high hopes for Sinner and Alcaraz; I wouldn't be surprised if either of them wins a title. Additionally, I expect big things from the American Ben Shelton this year."
"I think hes going to be the first American [man] potentially to win a slam since Andy Roddick."
Womens draw: Raducanu, Osaka return
As for the women's draw, the tournament is up for grabs. Osaka's comeback will be a significant contribution to women's tennis, but it may be unrealistic to expect a title win at Melbourne Park so early in her return.
The two-time Australian Open champion will have a challenging match against Frances Caroline Garcia in the first round. Osaka is not the only mother returning to compete at the tournament - three-time grand slam champion Angelique Kerber will be playing in her first major since 2022 after taking time away from the sport to have a child. Additionally, Caroline Wozniacki will be in the draw after coming out of retirement last year.
Raducanu, with a revitalized spirit, poses a potential threat as she strives to regain the championship-winning form she displayed at the US Open in 2021. Despite her struggles following this milestone, the British player has reunited with her childhood coach, Nick Cavaday, in an effort to reignite her brilliance.
Naomi Osaka is remaining positive as she continues her comeback to the sport.
Kyodo News/Getty Images
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga ÅwiÄ tek is arguably the favorite to lift what would be her first Australian Open title.
The four-time grand slam champion, though, faces a tough draw and plays 2020 winner Sophia Kenin in the first round.
Naomi Osaka from Japan returns a shot during her women's singles match against Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 3, 2024. (Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-- (PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Naomi Osaka remains optimistic despite her loss at the Brisbane International. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, seeded second, poses a clear challenge to ÅwiÄ tek. She is set to face off against Germany's Ella Seidel in the first round.
American superstar Gauff is another contender heading to Melbourne after scoring her first grand slam victory at last year's US Open. She enters the tournament in top form, having secured her second consecutive Auckland Classic victory and her eighth WTA title overall by defeating Elina Svitolina on January 7.
Gauff will take on Slovakian Anna Karolína Schmiedlová in the first round, and her coach is optimistic that she can handle the pressure of being a grand slam champion.
Gilbert stated, "If you don't improve, you'll be left behind, especially with new young players emerging each year."
You have no control over what people say about you, but you can control your own actions and how you compete every day. Focus on what's most important - not on what the media says you should or shouldn't do.
Prize money
Players will be competing for a record-breaking prize purse at this years Australian Open, with a total of just over $58 million (86.5 million Australian dollars) up for grabs.
The total prize money for this year's pot has increased by 13% compared to last year, with the champions of the men's and women's singles tournaments each taking home over $2.1 million (3.15 Australian dollars). The Australian Open has reported that the prize money has more than quadrupled in the last two decades, from $19.1 million in 2005 to its current amount.
