Graphic shows profiles and statistics of top contenders in the women’s singles competition, with details of recent Grand Slam champions.
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TENNIS

Australian Open women’s preview 2022

By Chris Dinsdale

January 17, 2022 - January 30, 2022 - The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, takes place in Melbourne, as home favourites, resurgent talent and rising stars all target the first major trophy of the season.

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty aims to become the first Australian woman to win her home Grand Slam since 1978, following her surprise quarter-final defeat to Karolina Muchova last year.

Barty will face tough opposition for the title from players including Aryna
Sabalenka, who conquered the Australian Open doubles title in 2021; resurgent Garbine Muguruza, who is back in the top five after lifting the WTA Finals title in November; and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, returning from a lengthy hiatus.

In an increasingly competitive field, four maiden major champions have been crowned since 2020, including surprise successes for Barbora Krejcikova at Roland Garros and Emma Raducanu at the U.S. Open.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 13/01/2022; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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