Sinner Predicted to win the Australian Open

There is a buzz around Melbourne as the first grand slam of the year started on Sunday for the first time ever.

Whilst the Sunday start to avoid late matches makes sense, the tennis purists such as the employees at Ollies Takes are a bit unsure. I will cover this in my opening week review on the AO being released soon but for now, lets get into some predictions.

Men's Draw

Predicted Winner: Jannik Sinner

Sinner took down a battling Botic Van de Zandschulp in the first round (Credit: Australian Open)

Jannik Sinner is a 22 year old sensation, with the world at his feet. He ended the 2023 season with a plum, defeating Novak Djokovic twice in 2 weeks at the ATP Finals and Davis Cup Final. Prior to these victories, Sinner had never beaten the world number one, making these victories significant for the young Italian's confidence. Sinner faced a tough test in round one which he passed with flying colours in his straight sets victory over Botic Van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic and Sinner are on a collision course for the Semi-Finals, a scenario which I think favours the Italian. Whilst the Djoker has never lost a Semi or Final at Melbourne Park (which is ridiculous), I believe Sinner has a better chance to knock off the Serb in the Semi Final, particularly when Sinner has never reached a grand slam final.

Underperformer: Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz practising on Rod Laver Arena (Credit: Australian Open)

Pure gut feel this one. I reckon Carlitos will exit the tournament before the semis which would be below expectations for the number 2 seed and current Wimbledon champion.

The Unknown: Alex de Minaur

De Minaur enters the tournament on a hot streak (Credit: The Guardian)

De Minaur comes to the Australian open in career best form, having defeated Djokovic, Zverev and Fritz at the United Cup. These victories bolstered the Demon into the top 10 for the first time of his career. The demon moved through to round two with Raonic retiring early in the third set having taken the first set off the Australian.

My uncertainty about de Minaur stems from the challenge of backing up his highs achieved early in the season, especially over five sets with increased expectations at his home grand slam. All eyes are on the Demon with large crowds at practise sessions, an exhibition match with Alcaraz before the tournament and media outlets getting a bit excited over the 24 year old Aussie.

De Minaur appears to be taking the increased speculation in his stride with his introverted personality particularly around the media - unless its commentary about Djokovic being deported…

I would not be surprised if de Minaur continues his strong form with the backing of his home crowd and finds himself in the second week of the tournament but also think this will be a big challenge. With Nico Jarry out in round 1, the draw opens up nicely for the tenth seed so who knows how Demon goes over the next week? I'm unsure. Watch this space but having seen Alex's straight sets victory over the talented Matteo Arnaldi, I think the Demon could push deep into the tournament.

Young Gun: Alex Michelsen

Michelsen is one to watch (Credit: ATP Tour)

This kid can play. Michelsen jumped 504 places in the world rankings in 2023 and the 19 year old has a big future ahead of him. He brushed past Aussie wildcard James McCabe in the first round setting up a mouthwatering second round clash with Jiri Lehecka.

Women's Draw

Predicted Winner: Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek celebrates her first round victory (Credit: Australian Open)

A bit of a boring take but I cannot see anyone beating the Polish world number 1. She is in fine form having returned this season right where she left off with an undefeated United Cup campaign.

Swiatek opened her campaign with a straight sets victory over previous Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin in a match that was certainly not straight forward.

Potential disruptors to Swiatek victory

Elena Rybakina is amongst the few who can take down Iga Swiatek in this year's open (Credit: Australian Open)

The other players of note in the women's draw who head into the happy slam in good form are Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. I cant see anyone outside of these three players causing Swiatek much grief in the tournament, particularly if Iga can make it through week one unscathed.

Rybakina and Gauff won their first tournament of the season in Brisbane and Auckland respectively. Whilst Sabalenka lost in the Brisbane final, she appears to be continuing her 2023 Aus Open form, dropping just one game in her opening round match.

See you shortly for another instalment of Ollies Takes.

OT