As the Australian Open serves up another year of high-stakes tennis, the spotlight isn’t just on the seasoned champions. It’s the emerging players who often seize their breakout moment at the year’s first Grand Slam. With the courts in Melbourne setting the stage, these rising stars compete not just for recognition but also to etch their names alongside the sport’s greats.
Each year, fresh talent emerges from the ranks, hungry to make their mark. This year is no different, with a host of young guns ready to challenge the established order. They come armed with powerful serves, lightning-fast returns, and a fearless approach to the game. Their energy is infectious, and their presence signals exciting times ahead for tennis fans watching the Australian Open.
Audiences worldwide are watching keenly, scouting for those who have what it takes to topple titans and steal the show. As these players step onto the court, they aren’t just playing for points—they’re playing for history. Keep an eye out for these athletes; they carry the potential to become the sport’s next household names.
5 Mens Stars To Watch
Holger Rune
Denmark’s Holger Rune has been swiftly climbing the ranks in the world of tennis. Born on 29th April 2003, he has already made a mark, entering the 2024 Australian Open as the world No. 8. Rune, still a teenager, displays a formidable blend of agility and power on the court, traits that fans and analysts suggest could carry him deep into the tournament.
Style of Play
- Baseline Dominance: Rune excels with a strong baseline game
- Service: He possesses a powerful serve, setting the tone for his aggressive play
- Mental Toughness: Known for his resilience during challenging matches
He faces Yoshihito Nishioka in the Round of 128, a player ranked No. 58. The match-up highlighted Rune’s progression as a formidable opponent in the field. His performances against higher-ranked players have not just turned heads but also set him up as a potential dark horse for the title. Fans are eager to see how far he can advance in the competition, considering his latest results.
Why Watch Rune?
- Youthful Energy: Rune brings a vibrant energy to the court
- Potential Upsets: His matches can produce surprising results
- Rising Star: Rune is quickly becoming a notable name in tennis, matched by very few of his peers in terms of ascent rate
Rune’s participation in the Australian Open is a significant step in his budding career, and tennis enthusiasts are keen to witness his journey in this tournament.
Arthur Fils
French tennis player Arthur Fils is one to keep an eye on during the Australian Open. At just 19 years old, Fils made a spectacular leap in the rankings, reaching No. 36 in 2023, after being ranked 251 the year before.
Notable Achievements:
- Maiden ATP Title: Won on home soil in Lyon.
- Significant Wins: Beat top players including Stan Wawrinka, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
2024 Australian Open:
- Matchup: Facing Jiri Vesely.
- Court Surface: Hard court.
- Performance on Hard Courts: In the past 12 months, Fils’ record on hard courts is 15-9.
Fils’ powerful game has earned him a solid reputation on the court. His first main draw appearance in a Grand Slam was in 2023, signaling his transition to the higher echelons of the sport.
Luca Van Assche
Luca Van Assche, a breakout talent from France, is quickly making his mark in the world of tennis. With an ATP ranking of 90 as of the Australian Open 2024, this 19-year-old player shows a lot of promise.
- Age: 19
- ATP Ranking: 90
Van Assche is known for his agility and skill on the court, traits that make him stand out among his contemporaries.
His participation in major tournaments like the Australian Open indicates that he is one to watch. Fans and experts alike are keen to see how far his talent will take him in the highly competitive landscape of professional tennis. Keep an eye on Luca Van Assche; he might just be the future of tennis for France.
Dominic Stricker
Dominic Stricker, the Swiss player making waves in the tennis world, is rapidly becoming a fan favorite. At just 21, he’s already showcasing his skills on the ATP Tour, having won a junior Grand Slam title.
With a game reminiscent of Swiss tennis legends, Stricker has a connection to Roger Federer, which adds to his appeal.
- Turning Pro: After his junior Grand Slam success, Stricker turned professional, raising expectations.
- Career Highlight: A thrilling match against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open, where he was just a game away from defeat in the Round of 64.
- Playing Style: Known for his left-handed serve and a perilous backhand, Stricker’s playstyle promises entertaining matches.
Stricker’s progress is commendable, with strong performances in the latter half of 2023. He exhibits a level of resilience and skill that suggests he’s ready for bigger challenges, including the Grand Slam tournaments. A
s the 2024 tennis season unfolds, anticipate Stricker to be a persistent contender with the potential to ascend the rankings swiftly. Keep an eye on him at the Australian Open, as he is likely eager to leave his mark on the competition.
Ben Shelton
Emerging as a bright prospect in American tennis, Ben Shelton has caught the eye of many with his rapid ascent in the ATP rankings.
In the year leading up to last years Australian Open, he made significant strides by clinching titles at three challenger events and reaching three additional finals. This impressive run catapulted his ranking, lifting him from 548th to within the top 100, landing at 92nd before the tournament. He ended up losing to Tommy Paul in the Quarter Finals.
This year, he enters ranked as the 17th best player in the world.
- First Grand Slam: His inaugural Grand Slam appearance was at the US Open 2023.
- 2023 Performances:
- Titles: 1 ATP500 victory in Tokyo
- Other Good Results: Semi-Finals of the US Open, Quarter-Finals of AO 2023 and Shanghai Masters.
Over the past year, Shelton’s exposure on the international circuit has significantly increased.
While he was relatively unknown prior to turning pro, his journey outside the United States has started to paint a promising tennis outlook. His intentions are clear – to continue pushing the boundaries of his game without setting limits on his potential achievements.
5 Womens Stars To Watch
Coco Gauff
At just 19, Coco Gauff has rapidly become a headliner in the tennis world. Seeded fourth at the Australian Open 2024, she carries the momentum from winning the US Open last year, a victory that solidified her status as a top contender.
- Grand Slam Pedigree: Gauff’s breakthrough at Flushing Meadows saw her claim her first major title.
- Early 2024 Performance: She commenced the year with a win at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
- Australian Open First Round Match: She’ faced’ll face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the first round.
Gauff’s game is characterized by her powerful baseline play and remarkable speed on the court. Her consistency and mental toughness have been improving, which may give her an edge in the high-pressure environment of the Australian Open.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if she can maintain her form and potentially secure back-to-back Grand Slam titles. Being one of the most promising talents in tennis right now, Gauff is definitely a rising star to keep your eyes on throughout the tournament.
Qinwen Zheng
Qinwen Zheng is catching eyes in the tennis world. At just 20 years old, she’s been marked as a rising star to watch at the Australian Open. She’s known for her powerful gameplay and resilience on the court.
She recently clinched her first tour-level title at the WTA 500 in Zhengzhou. Her performances have piqued the interest of tennis experts, who now anticipate her breaking into the top 15 rankings in 2024, a stellar prognosis for such a young talent.
She’ll be kicking off her Australian Open adventure against the American Ashlyn Krueger. A strong performance could kickstart a deep run towards the title.
She may have missed the limelight in the past Australian Opens, but this year, Zheng is poised to leave a memorable imprint at Melbourne Park. Her advancement is not merely potential—it’s unfolding before the world’s eyes on the tennis stage.
Linda Noskova
Linda Noskova, at a young 18 years of age, has established herself as a formidable presence on the tennis court. With an impressive track record that saw her claiming eight ITF Circuit titles in 2022, she’s a talent that’s hard to ignore.
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Czech
- Style: Aggressive baseline play
The Czech player’s game is characterized by powerful strokes and a solid baseline game. As the tennis world turns its eyes towards the Australian Open 2024, Noskova’s name is whispered among those likely to cause upsets. Her recent matches have seen her drawing attention for her tactical maturity and resilience on the court, particularly in high-stakes environments.
Her performance against seasoned players is a strong indicator of her potential. Her first round match against Marie Bouzkova will certainly be an intriguing clash of talent and strategy.
With her current trajectory, Noskova is not just one to watch but also a potential catalyst for some thrilling tennis moments at Melbourne Park.
Leylah Fernandez
Leylah Fernandez, the Canadian tennis sensation, is making waves at the Australian Open. At 21 years old, she has shown a fighting spirit and a level of skill that makes her one of the stars to keep an eye on.
- Age: 21
- Nationality: Canadian
- Current Rank: 21st in the world
In her opening-round match, Fernandez secured a victory over Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic. Demonstrating her competitive nature, Fernandez battled to win the match with a 7-6, 6-2 scoreline.
- First Match Scoreline:
- Set 1: 7-6
- Set 2: 6-2
Her performance at Melbourne Park so far has been impressive, blending powerful forehands with tactical play. The Canadian star, who has been a finalist at the U.S. Open previously, continues to exhibit the determination and poise that has been characteristic of her game.
Her participation not only underscores her rising status in the international tennis scene but also highlights her potential to become one of tennis’s leading figures in the future.
Her matches are engaging, showcasing a unique blend of skill and tenacity, which fans at the Australian Open have embraced enthusiastically.
Emma Navarro
Emma Navarro, the world’s No. 31-ranked tennis player, is someone to keep an eye on at the 2024 Australian Open. Navarro has shown resilience and talent, particularly reaching the semi-finals of the recent Auckland Classic.
Her performance on the hard courts of Melbourne Park is highly anticipated, given her current momentum. Navarro’s first round matchup against the 62nd-ranked Xiyu Wang is an intriguing one, which could potentially lead to a straightforward route into the 3rd round to face a tough opponent in the likely form of Marketa Vondrousava.
Given her recent form and the climb up the ranks, Navarro is definitely a rising star worth watching at this year’s Australian Open.
Introducing The Tennis Expert, your insightful guide into the world of tennis. With a passion for the game that started in childhood, they have dedicated years to studying and understanding every nuance of tennis. Their keen eye for detail and deep knowledge of the sport's strategies, history, and evolving trends make them a reliable source for tennis enthusiasts. Whether breaking down a classic match or offering tips for players, The Tennis Expert combines a fan's love for the game with an analyst's eye.