Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of Tennis in 2022
The 110th edition of the Australian Open will run from January 17th – 30th at Melbourne Park in Victoria, Australia, kicking-off the first Grand Slam in Tennis in 2022. Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who was pursuing his 10th men’s singles Australian Open title was deported after a prolonged legal battle to play in this year’s grand slam, due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. The number one ranked Djokovic, who ultimately did not prevail in his legal battle to remain in Australia and defend his title, will be forced to sit out this year’s Open. The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open men’s singles field will welcome headliners, Rafael Nadal and world No.2 ranked Daniil Medvedev to the competition. Notably absent will be former six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer, who is continuing his recovery from knee surgery.
In the women’s field, defending champ Naomi Osaka is expected to return to defend her title against home favorite, Australian Ashleigh Barty, the Number 1 ranked Wimbledon champion tops the women’s field with reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu also joining in to battle for this year’s women’s singles title. Absent from the women’s field is American tennis superstar and 7-time Australian Open champion Serena Williams, who has withdrawn on advice from her medical team.
You can catch all the action at the 2022 Australian Open with full coverage provided by ESPN and the Tennis Channel, streaming online on ESPN.com and through the ESPN app.