Australian Open kicks off the tennis season Down Under
The eyes of the tennis world return to Melbourne today as the first Grand Slam of the new season gets underway at the Australian Open. Rafal Nadal is the name on everyone’s lips as he goes for a record extending 23rd Grand Slam singles title. The defending champion will be up against 21-year-old British prospect Jack Draper in the standout fixture of the opening round of matches. Draper, who lost to early tournament favourite Djokovic on his Wimbledon debut on 2021, will be up for the fight as he looks to pull off a huge upset victory.
While Draper may be the new kid on the block, British tennis great Andy Murry will also be back on the Grand Slam stage as he faces Matteo Berrettini in what will be a tough blockbuster clash for the veteran Scot. British No.1 Cameron Norrie has a much more favourable draw as he faces young French wildcard Luca Van Assche. Nick Kyrgios carries the hopes of the home nation as he looks to go one better than his 2022 Wimbledon runner-up slot and finally fulfil his immense potential.
The women’s draw is much more open after defending champion and Australia’s own Ashleigh Barty’s shock retirement from the sport last year. Poster girl of British tennis, Emma Raducanu, will be hoping to recreate the form that secured her first Grand Slam Stateside at Flushing Meadows and brought her to the attention of the world.
World No 1 Iga Swiatek, who has largely dominated the women’s game in the absence of Barty, faces a potentially tough opener against Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier. Second seed Ons Jabeur will begin her latest attempt to become the first Arab player to claim a Grand Slam singles title when she plays Tamara Zidansek. Tunisian Jabeur was runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open last year. Finally, Sofia Kenin and Victoria Azarenka will meet in a tantalising opening-round clash featuring two former Australian Open champions.
STH UK has been appointed as an Official Travel Agent of the Australian Open and will exclusively operate AO Travel packages for UK-based fans heading Down Under for the 2023 tournament.
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Sales of AO Travel packages are available for purchase via www.ausopentravel.co.uk.
STH has also been appointed as an Official Agent of Roland-Garros, taking fans to the heart of the action at the iconic Grand Slam tournament in France with luxury hospitality. Tennis fans globally can experience world-class cuisine and beverages, top entertainment and unrivalled views, for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Please click here for further details on our ticket-inclusive packages that suit all requirements. Enquire today and don’t miss out on securing your place at Roland-Garros 2023.
