With the 2019 Australian Open in the books, it is time for
me to write my 10 things to take away from the first grand slam of the year.
Enjoy!
#1. Novak Djokovic
just might enter the GOAT conversation: I know it’s just one match, but man
did Novak Djokovic dominate Rafael Nadal in the final. 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 was the
score. It was arguably the best match of Djokovic’s life and certainly the best
tennis that I’ve ever seen him play.
In case you’ve lost count, Roger Federer is #1 all-time with
20 grand slam titles, Rafael Nadal is #2 all-time with 17 grand slam titles and
Novak Djokovic is #3 all-time with 15 grand slam titles. After what we saw in
Australia, it would be foolish to rule out the possibility of Djokovic walking
away with the most grand slam titles when it’s all said and done. He’s back to
playing all-time great tennis and is once again putting himself in the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) discussion.
#2. Naomi Osaka is
for real: With two straight grand slam titles at the US Open and now
Australian Open, Naomi Osaka has established herself as the best player in the
world with the #1 ranking. As well as Serena Williams has been playing, Osaka
is playing better tennis at the moment. The big question coming into the
Australian Open was whether or not Osaka would succumb to the pressures that
come with winning your first slam and she answered those questions loud and
clear. Roland Garros will pose unique challenges given that it's played on clay,
but that notwithstanding, it’s safe to say that Osaka has arrived and
that she’s not going anywhere.
#3. Rafael Nadal
still has plenty of gas in the tank: Despite getting thrashed by Novak
Djokovic, Rafael Nadal had a fabulous two weeks in Australia. He was a buzz saw
all the way until the final and sent a very strong message that he’s not going
anywhere any time soon. He looks healthy and free from injury, which is always
the key with him. I expect Nadal to win at Roland Garros and have a very
successful 2019 campaign.
#4. Petra Kvitova is
back: After thinking her career might be over due to a serious hand injury
caused by an attacker that broke into her home, Petra Kvitova is back to
playing the type of tennis she was playing when she won two Wimbledons. She was
actually the favorite in the final against Osaka and had a great chance to win
before Osaka pulled away late. If Kvitova can keep this up, there’s no reason
to question her abilities to win a slam this year.
Regardless of what type of year she has in terms of grand
slam championships, it’s great to see Kvitova back on the court doing what she
loves. You never want to see players’ careers end prematurely. Especially when
it’s due to a freak incident like the one Kvitova experienced.
#5. Stefanos
Tsitsipas is a rising star: Ranked #12 in the world after his run to the
Australian Open semifinals, Stefanos Tsitsipas is truly a star on the rise. His
win over Roger Federer was epic and at the end of the day, he learned from
Rafael Nadal that he still has room for growth. I expect Tsitsipas to have a
big year in 2019 and continue to establish himself as one of the best young
players in the game. I really think he’s
here to stay. He’s no fluke.
#6. Danielle Collins
is showing that playing college tennis pays off: Danielle Collins was
another feel good story from the Australian Open. The 25 year old graduate from
the University of Virginia is showing that playing college tennis is a very
attractive option. Rather than joining the tour out of high school, she paid
her dues in the NCAA and won two national championships. Even though she came
up a bit short in the semifinals, Collins has to feel like big things are in
store for her in 2019. It will be really fun to see what she does in the US Open,
but Roland Garros and Wimbledon will be interesting as well.
#7. Andy Murray is very
beloved: Andy Murray recently underwent hip surgery and had a very tearful
exit to the Australian Open, losing his opening round match. After the match, a
bunch of players offered him well wishes in the next chapter of his life:
Nadal, Djokovic, Wozniacki, Federer, and many others. Even though he never won
the Australian Open, Murray reached the final five times and had a lot of success
Down Under. He just never was able to quite get over the hump. Hopefully he’ll
be able to make a final showing at Wimbledon. It would be fitting if he played
his final match there.
#8. Serena Williams
still has work to do: After looking like she would reach the semifinals and
have a rematch with Naomi Osaka, Serena
Williams suffered a sprained ankle against Karolina Pliskova up 5-1 in the third set of her quarterfinal match
and ended up losing 4-6, 6-4, 5-7. Serena is still looking for that 24th
grand slam title to tie Margaret Court for #1 all-time and will get her next
shot at tying the record at Roland Garros. While she is back to playing elite tennis,
these past two grand slams have taught us that Serena still has some work to do. Knowing her, it won’t
be too long until she finds that winning formula once again.
#9. Can Lucas Pouille
build on his run to the semifinals? Lucas Pouille reached his first career
semifinals and despite getting blown out by Novak Djokovic has to feel good
about the tournament that he had. The big question is whether or not he can
build on this. He’s only 24 years old, so odds are good he does. It’ll be interesting
to see what the rest of 2019 has in store for him.
#10. Can Karolina
Pliskova win a major? Karolina Pliskova has been knocking on the door to
win a grand slam for the last couple of years, reaching the semifinals at the
Australian Open this year, the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2017, and the
final of the US Open in 2016. For whatever reason, she hasn’t been able to
crack the code to win a grand slam. Hopefully for her, 2019 will be a year
where she can finally break through. She’s playing great tennis. It’s just a matter
of putting it all together.
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