FEB 8-21 
Melbourne Park

Australian Open 2021: Women’s preview
With the emergence of fresh talent in 2020, the new women’s tennis season is full of potential


Sofia Kenin
Champion 2020
   
                 
PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ashleigh Barty
Aiming to become first Australian woman to win home Slam since 1978, after semi- final loss last year

Simona Halep
Seven successive years as Top 10 player – tenacious talent looking to add to her two majors in 2021

Naomi Osaka
Building on elusive Grand Slam consistency – three titles interspersed with several early exits

Sofia Kenin
Seeking to emulate superb breakthrough season that led to first major title in Melbourne

 
PLAYER RECORD		Barty	Halep	Osaka	Kenin
2020 win-loss		11-3	23-3	16-3	24-9
2020 titles		1	3	1	2
Career titles (total)	8	22	6	5
Grand Slams		1	2	3	1
 

NEW GENERATION: Seven of last eight major titles have been won by players aged 24 or younger, including Naomi Osaka (right)
                    

2020 results

Australian Open
Sofia Kenin USA 
bt Muguruza ESP 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

U.S. Open
Naomi Osaka JPN 
bt Azarenka BLR 1-6, 6-3, 6-3
 
Roland Garros
Iga Swiatek POL 
bt Kenin USA 6-4, 6-1

World No.1
Ashleigh Barty has retained top spot in rankings since Sep 2019


Sources: WTA, Australian Open
Pictures: Getty Images 
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