Despite the global pandemic, the tennis season has been able to start in Australia, though under stringent restrictions. This brings us to the 2021 Australian Open, which begins a few weeks after it is usually slated. Who has the skill and temperament to go all the way?
2021 Australian Open Predictions
Women’s final prediction – Ash Barty vs Naomi Osaka
While the women’s game appears to pretty open at the moment, there are a few stars emerging from the pack. One of those is the Australian, World No.1, Ash Barty, whose all around game has her opponents in a whirlwind of pain. Her draw is relatively open, with many of her rivals in the bottom draw. Her main competition will come in the semis where she is likely to face Sofia Kenin, who beat her in the same round last year.
Naomi Osaka has a much tougher route to the final with Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Simona Halep, and Garbine Muguruza all on her side of the draw. But she has the power and athleticism to blast through. The Japanese player has had enough match practice to be ready for the tournament, and is in good stead to make another Grand Slam Final.
The dark horse
In terms of dark horses, I am predicting Belgian Elise Mertens to do damage over the next few weeks. While she has always had a big game, her defensive skills in the Gippsland Trophy in Melbourne were equally impressive. Mertens is going to be very formidable opposition to anyone she plays at the Open.
And the winner is…
As for the final, I am predicting a Barty win in three sets. Being the crowd favorite as this is her home Slam, this should give her the edge to take out the title.
Men’s final prediction – Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
Another year gone and it appears not much has changed in the men’s game. Djokovic and Nadal (along with Federer) appear to play tennis in a different galaxy to the rest of the tour. It is true that the Austrian, Dominic Thiem, has considerably improved his level and become a genuine contender for Grand Slams, but for me, Djokovic and Nadal are still head and shoulders above the rest, especially when they are playing well.
An exciting match up
Jannik Sinner is an upcoming player with a big game, and good form heading into the Open. Unfortunately he has to overcome World No.11 Denis Shapovalov in the first round itself. Make no mistake, this is going to be a tough match. Whoever comes out the winner will be brimming with confidence and a tough match for anyone else in the draw.
And the winner is…
Djokovic. He’s won eight Australian Opens, and as far as I’m concerned, a ninth is just around the corner. If Nadal wants to win his second Australian Open, he will need to attack the lines with the same confidence as he does at the French. But in my eyes, Djokovic will take home the title.
[pickup_prop id=”4638″]
Main Photo from Getty.
