According to the Associated Press, two highly recognizable tennis names (Venus Williams of the United States and Naomi Osaka of Japan) have pulled out of the 2023 Australian Open in Melbourne, which begins on January 16. No reason at all was given for Osaka’s withdrawal, while Williams withdrew because of an undisclosed injury this past week at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
Williams of Lynwood, California reached the second round of the WTA event in New Zealand this past week. In the first round she defeated fellow American Katie Volynets of Walnut Creek, California 7-6, 6-2. Then in the second round, Williams lost to Zhu Lin of China 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.
Osaka and Williams are Australian Open finalists from the past. Osaka won the 2019 Australian Open Final where she beat Petra Kvitova of Czechia in the final, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4. Osaka then beat American Jennifer Brady of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to win the 2021 Australian Open Final, 6-4, 6-3. Williams meanwhile has reached two Australian Open finals and lost to her sister Serena Williams both times. The first time was in 2003 by a score of 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, and the second time was 14 years later in 2017 by a score of 6-4.
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In addition to her two Australian Open titles, Osaka has won the United States Open twice (2018 and 2020). Venus Williams meanwhile has won Wimbledon five times (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008), and the United States Open twice (2000 and 2001).
It should be noted that Venus Williams was granted a wildcard for the 2023 Australian Open before the withdrawal. Two other players who have withdrawn from the 2023 Australian Open are Reilly Opelka of the United States and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
Of the four withdrawals, who had the best chance to win the 2023 Australian Open and why? My pick would have gone to Alacraz because of his breakout 2022 season.
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