A host of elite players, including the defending women’s champion Serena Williams and former world number one Andy Murray, have recently declared they will play no part in the Australian Open due to injury problems.
Alongside those that are definitely set to miss the first Grand Slam of the season, there are also a number of world top 20 players like Johanna Konta and Novak Djokovic who are a serious doubt.
With that in mind we decided to look at some of the individuals that might shine in their absence:
Grigor Dimitrov
The Bulgarian enjoyed his best campaign last year since turning professional, appearing at two Grand Slam semi-finals for the first time whilst also making a debut appearance in the world top three.
Ever since working with Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu prior to last year’s US Open the 26-year-old has made rapid improvements, in particular demonstrating greater mental resilience.
Finishing last season by winning a first ATP Finals crown is a great reason to suggest Dimitrov might just go all the way down under, after reaching the last four in 2017.
Juan Martin Del Potro
The last 12 months have seen Juan Martin Del Potro continue an impressive comeback from years of troublesome wrist problems. During the last quarter, the one-time US Open champion looked imperious on the court, winning 20 out of 25 matches.
That run of form saw him end a three-year absence outside the top 20 and it seems only a matter of time before he improves on his current number 11 ranking.
As well as knowing how to trouble each of the ‘Big Four’ the hard courts used at the Australian Open just so happen to be his best surface, winning 80% of his career titles on it.
CoCo Vandeweghe
The big-serving American has reaped the rewards from working with former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, becoming a better-rounded player.
Employing the Australian helped her to become more agile around the court and the 26-year-old subsequently started to trouble higher-ranked opponents, including a memorable straight sets victory over the then world number one Karolina Pliskova at last year’s US Open.
Now ranked inside the world’s top 10 there is every chance Vandeweghe could make the most of being on her preferred surface and the absence of other big names to claim a maiden Grand Slam.
Elina Svitolina
The current world number six in the world is just 23 years of age but has already shown she can mix it with far more experienced players, beating the likes of Williams and former world number one Angelique Kerber.
The Ukrainian, who plays with great accuracy and power, has all the tools to reach the top of the rankings, coming close during last year’s US Open until she was beaten by eventual runner-up Madison Keys.
Svitolina has also made great improvements on her serve in recent season, making her an extremely formidable opponent and definitely one to watch in Melbourne.
