Week 2 of the Australian Open Grand Slam has begun, and the number 1 and 2 seed tennis players are no longer in play. This makes the 2023 Australian Open the first Slam in the history of the Open Era where the top two seeds in the men’s and women’s draws lost before the quarter-finals.
The Open Era is the period in tennis that defines the time from which amateur and professional players have been allowed to participate in all tournaments. This era began in 1968 and continues today. However, it has never seen anything like the Australian Open 2023. The top two seeds in the men’s and women’s draws lost before the quarter-finals for the first time ever in the Open Era.
The gentlemen were already eliminated in the 2nd round
Rafael Nadal was the tournament number one in the men’s Australian Open. The actual world No. 2-ranked Spaniard was seeded No. 1 in the event due to the absence of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew from the tournament due to injury. Number two in the party was Casper Rudd. Both tennis players were defeated in the 2nd round. Nadal lost out to Mackenzie McDonald, most notably with a hip injury that will sideline the Spaniard for around two months. Casper Rudd lost to Jenson Brookskby.
Iga Świątek is eliminated in the third round
For the ladies, the situation was similar to that for the men, although Iga Świątek gave everyone hope because she dropped out last. The most dangerous opponent of Iga Świątek, Ons Jabeur, were eliminated in the second round. It seemed that nothing stood in the way of Świątek to win her first Australian Open in her career, especially since in her 2nd round match the Polish player played flawlessly, giving her rival only 19 points. Unfortunately, in the 3rd round match, Iga dimmed a bit and was stiff. It cost her a lost match. At the post-match conference, the Polish woman admitted that she probably wanted to win the tournament a bit too much, which put too much pressure on herself.
The tournament’s biggest is still in the game
Australian Open legend Novak Djokovic is still playing in the tournament. The Serb, who was a big absentee from last year’s edition after being deported from the country, has returned in great shape. Djokovic is heading for his 10th title at the event.
