After a long wait, the official Australian Open 2022 Women’s Singles Draw is finally out. The maiden Grand Slam of the year will see the top WTA stars of the world battle it out.
However, many stars like Venus and Serena Williams, Jennifer Brady, and Bianca Andreescu are missing from the tournament. Nevertheless, the lineup at Melbourne Park is going to be a memorable one, with reigning champion Naomi Osaka back to defend her title.
Australian home star Ashleigh Barty is certainly one of the firm favorites to win the major. On the other hand, many expect 2-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka to mark her comeback with a championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The top seeds of the Australian Open 2022 Women’s Draw
Naturally, the top player in the world Ashleigh Barty is also the top seed at this year’s Australian Open. Barty is yet to win her first Australian Open and looks ready to lift her first major cup in front of her fellow Aussies. Her recent title double in Adelaide should serve as the perfect tonic before the Grand Slam.
Belarusian star and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka is right behind Barty as the second seed. Thus, she is now on the opposite end from Barty, having secured her spot at the bottom of the draw. However, Sabalenka has been in worrying form in the build-up to the Happy Slam.
The Spanish star Garbine Muguruza is the third seed, according to the Australian Open 2022 Women’s draw. Additionally, right alongside the 2-time Grand Slam champion is Czech star Barbora Krejcikova. The two are seeded at #3 and #4, respectively.
#AusOpen Women’s potential QFs
[1] Barty vs. [5] Sakkari
[3] Muguruza vs. [8] Badosa
[4] Krejcikova vs. [6] Kontaveit
[2] Sabalenka vs. [7] Swiatek— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 13, 2022
The latter’s compatriot and former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova is missing from the Australian Open 2022 Women’s draw. Sadly, a right-hand injury forced Pliskova to withdraw from the Grand Slam, and fans will certainly miss her sorely.
On the other hand, 2-time Australian Open champion and the defending titleholder Naomi Osaka is seeded at #13. She will be looking to return to tennis in an emphatic fashion after her sabbatical in the second half of 2021.
ALSO READ: Australian Open 2022 Announces Awful News for Fans
Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from a warmup tournament ahead of the Australian Open, is the #7 seed. Furthermore, Simona Halep looks to be quite in-form as the #14 seeded star is in contention for Australian Open glory.
AO first round: Emma Raducanu (2021 USO champ) vs Sloane Stephens (2017 USO champ)
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) January 13, 2022
The Australian Open 2022 Women’s draw has seeded British star Emma Raducanu at #17. Incidentally, the 2021 US Open champion will be facing 2017 US Open champ, Sloane Stephens, in the very first round.
Australian Open 2022: What the final rounds could look like
According to the Australian Open 2022 Women’s Draw, the four quarter-final matches could potentially be delicious encounters between heavyweights of the women’s game.
In fact, the match between the two title favorites which everyone is looking forward to could just be the fourth round! Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty might clash in the fourth round itself if they were to go undefeated that far.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Additionally, Canadian star Leylah Fernandez is the 23rd seed at the tournament and will be looking to recreate her stunning 2021 US Open run.
Australian Open women’s single draw pic.twitter.com/VEA0YjcgVY
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) January 13, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who do you think will win all the glory Down Under this year?
WATCH THIS STORY: WTA Top Prize Money Earners in 2021: Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka Top List With A Surprise Entry