Dark horses for the Grand Slam Down Under

By Hamzah Amir Ahmed

The winner of this year’s Australian Open might not be who you would think

The 2024 Australian Open is just days away, with the happy Slam set to kick off what promises to be an exciting season of jaw-dropping tennis.

World number one and defending champion, Novak Djokovic, is aiming to win a record-extending 25th Slam and an 11th title at Australia’s most prestigious sporting event.

However, hot on his heels is Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, who is looking to win his first title in Australia.

While all eyes are on the top two, here are a few players that could change the landscape of the tournament:

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Could Tsitsipas replicate his previous successes from Down Under (Image: Getty Images)

Despite only playing a couple of matches so far this year, the Greek international is not to be dismissed. Seeded seventh for the tournament, Tsitsipas has had success in Australia in recent years, finishing in the top four in two of the last three editions. He was the runner-up last year - losing to Djokovic 6-4, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) - but his draw this year is harder with his opening match against the Italian Mateo Berrettini.

Should Tsitsipas gain momentum and cruise through the early rounds, he’ll be a tough opponent to beat. A rematch of last year’s final isn’t possible this time, with both Djokovic and Tsitsipas in the same bracket. So, if Tsitsipas is to get to a second consecutive final, his toughest match is likely to be against the Serb.

Jannik Sinner

Can Sinner pick up where he left off? (Image: Getty Images)

While he is yet to step onto the court in 2024, Jannik Sinner had a terrific end to 2023. His debut appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin was incredible. After steamrolling through the group and beating Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final, Sinner was a win away from the title. After beating Djokovic in the group, Sinner would have to repeat this feat, but it was a step too far as he fell short losing 6-3, 6-3.

Sinner’s final event of the year was the Davis Cup. Like the previous event, Sinner made his debut with Italy and this time he made no mistake. En route to the trophy, Italy beat the Netherlands, Serbia and Australia.

Sinner enters the tournament in arguably the best form of his career, with multiple victories over top 10 opponents, the world number four will be a formidable challenger to overcome.

Holger Rune

Could this be the year that Rune surprises everyone? (Image: Getty Images)

Holger Rune has had an impressive start to the season with four wins and a runner-up finish in Brisbane. Over the last couple of seasons, Rune’s game has had major improvements, especially on hard surfaces.

This will be his third entry at the Australian Open and he has already shown signs of making deep runs at the Slam events. Last year, the Dane made it to the fourth round where he lost to Andrey Rublev in a gruelling five-set match - 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (9).

Rune is up against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round. With the positive developments in his game and his aggressive style, it may propel him beyond the last eight this time.

Alex de Minaur

Winning a tournament on home soil will be the ambition for de Minaur (Image: Getty Images)

Alex de Minaur caught the eyes of the tennis world during Australia’s run at the United Cup. De Minaur became the first player to beat Djokovic in Australia since 2018. He broke a ridiculous 43-match unbeaten run that Serb had in the country.

His performance at the event saw him become the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt to get into the ATP’s top 10.

His runs in Melbourne haven’t quite lived up to his expectations, but he has made slow and gradual progress. Early tournament exits in 2017 and 2018 have only helped him grow as a player as he has made it to the fourth round in the last couple of years in the major. If he continues to play this well there will be very little that will stand between him and Australia’s ultimate prize.