The first grand slam tournament for the year 2021, the Australian open which was earlier scheduled for January will run through the 8th of February – 21st February 2021.
It will be the 109th edition of the competition, and the qualifying matches of the Grand Slam were held outside the country for the first time in Grand slam history.
The tournament will have events for professional players in singles, doubles and mixed doubles and wheelchair players will compete in singles and doubles tournaments.
Novak Djokovic and Sofi Kenin are defending champions in the men’s singles and women’s singles categories respectively.
When the Australian Open starts you can bank on our good and juicy odds for fans who prefer betting on Tennis.
As we countdown to the tournament, here’s a list of new stars that would lighten up the Melbourne Arena in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Women’s Singles Category
Nadia Podoroska
The Argentine had a breakout campaign in 2020, and was crowned the WTA newcomer of the year.
Podoroska made it to the French Open Semi-finals last year beating the likes of Elina Svitolina.
This will be Podoroska’s first time of featuring in the Australian open main draw in her young career, having not gone past the second qualifying round.
The Argentine should be watched out for.
Francesca Jones
The 20-year old English Woman made it to the Australian open as a qualifier having not won a grand slam match before qualifying.
She has primarily found success on clay courts, winning seven ITF titles in just two seasons, and she would be looking to continue her form in Australia
Men’s Singles Category
Carlos Alcaraz
The 17-year old is the next big thing in Tennis and is the next generation of Spanish players to take tennis world by storm
Whilst the comparisons to countryman Rafael Nadal will be made for years to come given his strong form on clay, Alcaraz believes his aggressive game style more models his rival Roger Federer and given he won 39 from 46 matches on ITF tour in 2020, he could become a Frankenstein of both legends heading forward.
Alcaraz has got 6 ITF titles to his name.
Jannik Sinner
The Italian is set to break out in 2021 and is part of the new wave of Italian Players to make a name on the ATP tour.
The 19-year old made his debut Quarter Final appearance at the Roland Garros in September and capped off the huge performance with a big win in Bulgaria and became the youngest player to win an ATP title since Nishikori in 2008.
He currently sits just one spot outside of holding a top 32 ranking for the grand slam, needing some luck and a strong performance in the lead-up tournament to boost his spot.
These stars probably may not win this tournament, but it’s going to make a huge push in their career.
