Australian Open

Three to See, Australian Open Day 2: Raonic vs. de Minaur, Osaka vs. Garcia, Auger-Aliassime vs. Thiem

By Liya Davidov Jan 14, 2024
Australian Open

Jannik Sinner does it his way: He chose tennis over skiing and selected his new coaching team

By Associated Press Jan 31, 2024
Australian Open

The State of the ATP: What we learned from the 2024 Australian Open

By Joel Drucker Jan 30, 2024
Australian Open

'Grandissimo': Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni welcomes home Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner

By Associated Press Jan 30, 2024
Australian Open

The State of the WTA: What we learned from the 2024 Australian Open

By Joel Drucker Jan 30, 2024
Australian Open

The doubles mastery, and radical fun, of Hsieh Su-Wei

By Peter Bodo Jan 29, 2024
Australian Open

Pope Francis congratulates Italy after tennis player Jannik Sinner wins the Australian Open

By Associated Press Jan 29, 2024
Australian Open

'I like to dance in the pressure storm,' Jannik Sinner says ... and he did just that in his Australian Open triumph

By Steve Tignor Jan 28, 2024
Australian Open

First of many? Jannik Sinner's five-set comeback sinks Daniil Medvedev in Australian Open final

By Associated Press Jan 28, 2024
Australian Open

Soccer-mad Italy is now obsessed with tennis player Jannik Sinner after his Australian Open title

By Associated Press Jan 28, 2024
Australian Open

Three to See, Australian Open Day 2: Raonic vs. de Minaur, Osaka vs. Garcia, Auger-Aliassime vs. Thiem

Before each day’s play, we’ll preview three must-see matches.

ByLiya Davidov

Published Jan 14, 2024

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Milos Raonic vs. Alex de Minaur

Just because de Minaur is newly inducted into the Top 10 doesn’t mean Raonic is immediately out of the running. At any point, the Canadian can take command of a match with his serving prowess.

Unfortunately for Raonic, his return from injury hasn’t been the easiest. He's played one match since the US Open, and physicality will of course be an issue. But if all goes to plan and Milos Milos-es like the former Wimbledon finalist can, then this match is truly going to be a pivotal turning point in his return.

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Naomi Osaka vs. Caroline Garcia

Garcia has dipped outside the Top 10, but she can of course give returning favorite Osaka a serious challenge. Since her show-stopping 2022 WTA Finals performance, Garcia has been a feared opponent. She’s no longer competing like she has something to prove, but rather playing like she belongs in the sport's top tier.

Osaka's long-awaited return started in Brisbane, going 101, but all eyes will be on her in Melbourne. It could be a quick appearance, but something in  the Aussie air says she’s more prepared than ever before to compete at the highest level.

This time last year, Auger-Aliassime made it to the Fourth Round before falling to Jiri Lehecka of Czechia.

This time last year, Auger-Aliassime made it to the Fourth Round before falling to Jiri Lehecka of Czechia.

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Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Dominic Thiem

Plain and simple, these are two ultra-talented players who have fallen into slumps. For Thiem, it was as a result of an injury. For Auger-Aliassime, it’s because the level of tennis around him rose to where he is now playing catch up.

That being said, there is no reason both of these players couldn't be contenders for Slams again. This match should be a good barometer of much their games have improved since the previous season. Just as important, their intensity on court will showcase how incredibly hard they’re fighting for a return to the top.