After months of controversy and speculations, the Australian Open 2022 is finally nearing its start date. The Summer of Tennis in Australia which leads up to the first Grand Slam of the year is now well and truly on.

Despite many stars being absent from the tournament, fans across the world are glad the season finally began. However, right after the season ends, there are some decorated tennis stars who will be leaving the sport for good.

Here are the tennis stars who are skipping the Australian Open, and those who will hang up their gloves after.

The absentee list at the Australian Open 2022

Many fan-favorites are set to skip the Australian Open this year. Swiss Legend Roger Federer, one of the biggest draws in the sport, will not be playing the major. Following Wimbledon 2021, the 20-time Grand Slam champion underwent a third surgery on his knee. Since then, Federer has not confirmed his return with any definitive date.

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23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, too, will be missing the first slam of the year. The 40-year-old megastar has not returned to tennis after suffering a hamstring injury, and recently confirmed her withdrawal from the Australian Open 2022. Additionally, her sister, Venus Williams, too, will not be playing in the tournament.

More big WTA stars are set to skip the Australian Open. World No. 25 Jennifer Brady pulled out of the tournament owing to a left foot injury, which has been bothering her since last August. Czech World No. 4 Karolina Pliskova, too, will be missing the major due to a right-hand injury.

Former World No. 4 Bianca Andreescu, too, will be missing the tournament, citing mental health concerns. Swiss star Stan Wawrinka will be out till March at the very least, due to his foot rehab. It will almost be a year-long hiatus for the star.

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One of the frontrunners in the men’s draw, Dominic Thiem‘s injury woes with his right wrist continue as he announced that he would be skipping the tournament to focus on recovery.

Doubles Legend Samantha Stosur will call it quits after the Australian Open

Former Doubles World No. 1 and US Open champion Samantha Stosur announced the end of her singles career after the major. The 37-year-old star decided to finish her singles career in front of her home crowd. In fact, she will be playing her 20th Australian Open this month.

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Stosur thanked Tennis Australia for their constant support throughout her career, and for her wildcard entry into the championship. Then, she talked of the significance of being able to finish her singles career at home. “It really means a lot to me to be able to finish in front of my family, friends and Aussie fans who have stuck by me through thick and thin,” Stosur stated.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a mix of emotions but I wouldn’t want it any other way as I always thought I’d finish playing in Australia,” Sam Stosur expressed.

Wheelchair legend Dylan Alcott is clearing the way for the next generation

Australian wheelchair tennis legend, motivational speaker, and radio host Dylan Alcott, too, will play his last stint of tennis this year. The 31-year-old has had an extremely decorated career, with 15 singles Grand Slam titles and 8 doubles titles to his name. Moreover, he even achieved the rarest feat in tennis- that of the Golden Slam, when he won all 4 Grand Slams in 2021, along with the win at the Paralympics.

Now, Alcott has decided that it’s time for the sun to set on his career, and he would finish it in front of his home crowd. “My time is done and other people deserve (more attention),” Alcott stated as he announced his retirement.

He has expressed how he wants players from the younger generations to win in his place. In fact, after retirement, Alcott will be seeking a career in politics in order to aid and benefit disabled people and athletes in Australia.

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