As the new year approaches, tennis players are set to return Down Under for the Australian Open 2022. Fan favorites like Naomi Osaka and Grigor Dimitrov have already touched down in Melbourne. 

Players are excited to compete in the first Grand Slam event of the season, held at Melbourne Park. In fact, Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov was seen practicing in the Rod Laver Arena. The Australian Open is also known as the Happy Slam because it tends to be the players’ favorite Grand Slam event.  

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and other stars have arrived 

American tennis players Alison Riske and Mackenzie McDonald were also seen at the Melbourne airport. This is just the beginning; in the next few days, there will be many superstars from the men’s and women’s Tour arriving in Australia, aiming for Grand Slam glory. 

Defending champion in the women’s singles, Naomi Osaka, arrived in Australia recently and the Japanese star has been one of the most dominant players in recent times. Over the past three seasons, she has won the Australian Open twice.  

Speaking of Dimitrov, he has registered some impressive performances in Australia. He has been a semifinalist in 2017 and a quarterfinalist on four occasions. Last season he lost in the quarterfinals but beat former finalist Dominic Thiem in the fourth round.

He’ll be looking to build on the strong finish to his 2021 season with a good outing in Australia.  

Reflecting on the Australian Open 2022, superstars such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams will be missing from this year’s edition. They are still recovering from their respective injuries.

Nevertheless, it is great to know that the Australian Open is around the corner. We wish all players the best of luck for the Happy Slam. 

Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club