Australian Open 2023: The Women’s Roughie in Each Quarter
Last updated: Jan 20, 2023, 4:59AM | Published: Jan 20, 2023, 4:54AM
The women's 2023 Australian Open has been one of the most entertaining Grand Slams in recent history, with big names withdrawing prior to the tournament.
While Iga Swiatek is the clear standout with the Stats Insider futures markets, a number of genuine contenders have emerged as the tournament has progressed.
In 2022 it was 27th seed American Danielle Collins who made the final against Ash Barty, and the year prior we saw Jennifer Brady reach the summit but fall at the hands of Naomi Osaka. With Barty and Serena Williams retired, plus Osaka expecting her first child this year, we could see another fairytale story at the AO.
On their day, anyone in the draw will fancy their chances of a deep tournament run. These are the roughies in each quarter that have looked likely to break through into the second week at Melbourne Park.
TRY IT NOW: The Women's 2023 Australian Open Simulator
Australian Open 2023: Quarter 1 - Coco Gauff (7)
Coco Gauff is at 5.9% to win the 2023 Australian Open according to Stats Insider's Futures Markets
Could this be the first Slam title for the teen prodigy?
Coco Gauff arrived this week in brilliant form after winning the Auckland Open, and she’s been in scintillating touch through two rounds so far.
The 18-year-old 7th seed was made to work for it by US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the second round, but held up well against some powerful hitting by the Brit to progress in straight sets. Now, the draw opens up for her to better her career-best fourth round showing at the Australian Open.
Gauff is given an 84% chance of defeating compatriot Bernarda Pera, and she will have tournament favourite Iga Swiatek very nervous if they meet in a quarter-final.
Coco Gauff 2023 Australian Open Tournament Odds: $10 at Sportsbet
That's classy stuff 😍@CocoGauff • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/tirKJcKe7E
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2023
Australian Open 2023: Quarter 2 - Victoria Azarenka (24)
It’s hard to think about a two-time champion like Azarenka being a sleeper, but that’s exactly what she is in 2023. This is despite the Belarusian winning seven Grand Slam matches from three entries last year, including a fourth round appearance at Melbourne Park 12 months ago.
The 33-year-old is still producing some fine tennis, and she hasn’t lost her passion or fire in her twilight years.
Azarenka comes into the third round with a 56% chance of knocking over American Madison Keys according to Stats Insider, and she will like her chances of getting the better of 6th seed Maria Sakkari if they meet in the fourth round, given the Greek’s shaky start to the Open.
Victoria Azarenka 2023 Australian Open Tournament Odds: $51 at Sportsbet
150 - Victoria Azarenka became the 14th female player in the Open Era to win 150+ Grand Slam main draw matches. Legend.@WTA @WTA_insider | #AustralianOpen #AusOpen #AusOpen2023 pic.twitter.com/e6qDXiKNAg
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 18, 2023
Australian Open 2023: Quarter 3 - Karolina Pliskova (30)
Pliskova has received a favourable draw up to this point, and she has the game to make a deep run. Her height and power gives her a distinct advantage on the fast courts of Melbourne Park.
It’s translated to some impressive tennis so far, dropping just nine games in two matches thus far.
The Czech 30th seed is given a 78% chance of defeating Russian Varvara Gracheva in the third round, and from there has the weapons to take out 4th seed Caroline Garcia if they meet in a quarter-final.
Karolina Pliskova 2023 Australian Open Tournament Odds: $46 at Sportsbet
3rd round bound! ✈️
— くれふぁ (@umbre_sports532) January 19, 2023
Nice straight sets win from Karolina Pliskova as she beats Putintseva 6-0, 7-5! 👏👏 Keep going Kaja 😊💪 @KaPliskova | #Ausopen pic.twitter.com/moEWsnk4j1
Australian Open 2023: Quarter 4 - Marketa Vondrousova
Vondrousova claimed one of the big upsets of the tournament so far when she defeated Ons Jabeur in three sets, and now the draw is open for her to make a deep run. The former French Open finalist faces rising compatriot Linda Fruhvirtova in the third round.
The 17-year-old starlet has burst onto the scene at Melbourne Park this week, defeating two Aussie hopefuls without dropping a set. Fruhvirtova hasn’t let the occasion get the best of her, keeping her composure despite swelling crowds cheering on her opponent.
Vondrousova will be her toughest task to date, though, with Stats Insider giving the experienced campaigner a 73% chance of progressing. She’s demonstrated she can perform in Grand Slams when it matters, and will now be eyeing off a quarter-final showdown with the big-hitting Aryna Sabalenka.
Marketa Vondrousova 2023 Australian Open Tournament Odds: $34 at Sportsbet
