The new world order of talented players may have arrived, but the so-called old guard are not about to go quietly just yet, according to Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
Speaking at the launch of AO 2023, Tiley was buoyed by the emergence of an outstanding crop of young superstars in the second week of Grand Slams led by the two world No.1s.
“US Open champions Carlos Alcaraz, 19, and Iga Swiatek, 21 have been the break-out stars of 2022 and I can’t wait to see them in action at the Australian Open in January,” Tiley said.
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“And there’s a whole crop of hugely skilled and talented young players who are making their presence felt on the biggest stages, taking the sport to the next level and exciting fans around the world.
“On the men’s side we’ve seen Casper Ruud reach two major finals, at Roland Garros and the US Open, along with some sensational performances from Frances Tiafoe, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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“On the women’s side, it’s incredible to think that Coco Gauff, who reached the final in Paris, is still just 18 years old and is now in the top 10 – she’s absolutely on her way to Grand Slam glory and has everything it takes to be a major winner.
“But history shows you just can’t count out the experienced champions too quickly. Roger (Federer) and Serena (Williams) have shown that in the past and Rafa (Nadal) showed it this year. Medvedev, Djokovic (if he comes), Zverev, Tsitsipas, Murray and Thiem have all shown they love to perform at Melbourne Park.
"And of course Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur are also in the mix. Nick’s outstanding run to the Wimbledon final, his doubles win with Thanasi (Kokkinakis) here at the AO in January and his performances in New York show just how dangerous he can be, and I know he’s super fired up to bring his best to Melbourne in January.
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“In the women’s draw, yes Swiatek, Gauff, Raducanu and Fernandez have grabbed the world’s attention. Ons Jabeur is also on the verge of winning a Slam. But Naomi Osaka is a superstar (and only 24 by the way!) who loves it here in Melbourne and plays so well. Likewise, never count out Simona Halep, Muguruza, Krejcikova, Azarenka, Bencic, Keys, Collins, Stephens and Kvitova - all capable of going deep.
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“It is an incredible field and our own Ajla Tomljanovic has shown she belongs in second-week discussions after a tremendous year, reaching the quarters at both Wimbledon and the US Open.”
All of these players will attempt to cement their rises at AO 2023 when they bring their electrifying tennis and engaging personalities to Melbourne Park in January.