The Australian Open are setting the stage for the upcoming season. All eyes of the tennis world will be on the first major tournament of the year. This Australian aside will propel some players or continue to haunt others. There is only one certainty: nothing is played in advance. Melbourne remains a mystery by its position in the calendar and the environment offered to the players. Only one can solve the riddle.

Aryna Sabalenka

We sometimes tend to forget that behind her air of veteran, Aryna Sabalenka is only 24 years old. The fifth racket in the world knows how to win. She did it for the 11^e times of his career a few days ago at the first tournament of the season in Adelaide. However, none of his titles have been won in Grand Slam tournaments. However, she has all the attributes and assets to last for a fortnight. Her style of play falls somewhere between that of Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams. This force of nature has reached the semi-finals three times in his last five major tournaments. His day will come before long.

Danielle Collins

Every major tournament is the scene of a Cinderella story. This year, at the Australian Open, Danielle Collins could be the main character. It is twisted to evoke a surprise when it comes to the 14^e gamer in the world, but the tall blonde tends to fly under the radar. Still, Collins has had a more than acceptable return in 2022 and she’s used to taking her game up a notch in the biggest tournaments. She obtained her two best results in Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne. The finalist of the last edition has a lot of points to defend, but above all she has a lot of visibility to gain.

Iga Swiatek

It’s hard to analyze the best player in the world without repeating yourself. A year ago, almost no one was talking about her. Today, his name is on everyone’s lips. Swiatek won 8 tournaments and 67 of her 76 games in 2022. She was untouchable. She continues to progress and her rivals should fear her low level of satiety, even at the top. Previously, she was referred to as a clay court player. With his semi-final in Melbourne and his US Open title, there’s no doubting his ability to win on multiple surfaces.

Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula’s career is fascinating. Slowly but surely, she ate her black bread while waiting for the feast and here she is today where she should be, at 28 years old. Few players on the circuit have a profile similar to that of the American. Sturdy, yet nimble. Strong, but delicate. Committed, but calm. From the 22^e at the 3^e place in the world rankings in 12 months, Pegula arrives in Melbourne full of confidence. If the United States won the United Cup, it is particularly thanks to her. Especially thanks to his victory against Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals. All Pegula lacks is a great Grand Slam tournament performance.

Victoria Azarenka

A somewhat forgotten veteran who always resurfaces in Grand Slam tournaments. Never underestimate the experience in a tournament of 128 players. Victoria Azarenka could well relive the same emotions as in 2012 and 2013, when she lifted the trophy in Melbourne. She ended the last season as a lioness, in Guadalajara, eliminating Paula Badosa, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff in quick succession. We have seen bits and pieces of the Azarenka from the best years, especially on hard surfaces. The 33-year-old mother is ranked 25^e world rank and there is little more dangerous than an athlete with nothing left to lose.