The 110^th edition of the Australian open concluded on 30th Jan 2022, held at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Talking about the tournament’s history and format, the open is based on both men and women singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. The same events are held for Grade A junior players, men and women wheelchair players. The tournament is played across 25 different courts. Let’s talk about the most popular event in the Australian Open, men and women singles and doubles event. 

Men’s Single and Double Events

The men’s event kicked off with the round stages for 3 weeks in all the formats. As the event progressed, we saw some exceptional and miraculous performances from low seed players to the greats of the game. Although, the event missed its defending champion Novak Djokovic, it did not lose its colors. Australian open was carried out extraordinarily well.

Rafael Nadal: 2022 Champion

The Spanish Star showed bravery, enthusiasm and hard work in his play, which really added to the spirit of Australian Open. Despite achieving almost everything in his career, this Championship will always hold dear to him as he created history on that turf at Rod-Laver arena in Melbourne Park. Nadal entered the tournament with a Chronic foot injury followed by a six-month layoff, but his heroics all along the championship will be remembered for a long period of time.

Daniil Medvedev: 2022 Runner-Up

Medvedev has been doing unusually well in his career, and it was no surprise that we saw him competing in the finals against one of the greats. But the Russian player was at the top of his anger, so there were a lot of moments where he couldn’t just control himself. Despite all of that, he made into the Finals of the open. He played really well to achieve where he stands today. He missed to win back-to-back grand slam titles as he suffered a thrilling defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal.

Women’s Single Champion: Ashley Barty

Standing as world no 1 at ATP Rankings, Ashley Barty lived up to her reputation, and created history as she became the first home winner of Australian open in last 44 years. It is an amazing feat to achieve and will be remembered for ages to come. It surely was an amazing edition for Australian players, as the double’s event men’s double event was also clinched by her fellow players.

Emerge of Controversies

This edition will also be remembered for some really tendentious events and happenings that took place in the span of Open. Here is some of the debatable incidents that occurred.

Djokovic Dilemma

Maybe one of the most shocking incidents of 2022 was when Novak Djokovic was hindered to play Australian Open, in which he was supposed to defend the title. Djokovic arrived at Melbourne Airport late on January 5, where he was barred from entering the country and his visa got cancelled on spot. Djokovic’s family accused the Australian Government of treating the player “like a terrorist in Guantanamo be jail”, after he was arrested by the civil authorities. 

He appealed and was released by the court, but the case went on to take a lot of twists and turns. On 14 January, his visa was cancelled on medical grounds and was deported and barred from playing the Australian Open. If he was allowed, he surely would have made it his 21^st Grand slam title and created the history instead of Rafael Nadal. 

Raducanu Injury

British no 1, Emma Raducanu was undoubtedly going to secure his place in the semi-finals of the event. But her hand blisters had other plans for her. With the blisters affecting her dominant right hand, she struggled to hit her forehand with her usual power against world no 98, Danka Kovinic. Her rival took advantage of that and surprisingly defeated world no 1. It was reported that Raducanu was asked by the management to forfeit the game but she refused and continued to play with her condition.

Medvedev vs Tsitsipas

Daniil Medvedev lost his temper when he was playing against Stefano Tsitsipas, he heard that his opponent was being instructed by his coach which was an open violation of rules. He looked really furious over what was happening and complained to the management. Tsitsipas ignored the matter, but was defeated heavily by Medvedev.

News that made Headlines

Sania Mirza’s Retirement: Indian Star Tennis Player announced her retirement from the game during her campaign in the Open. Sania’s legacy is one that is a path-breaker on and off court and the one which will not be easily matched. She won 6 grand slams in her career and was one of the most prolific players in all of the sub-continent.

Aisam-ul-Haq’s Campaign: Pakistan’s tennis sensation, Aisam’s campaign didn’t go as planned. He lost in the 2^nd round of Men’s double event while he was defeated in the Quarter-finals of Open in the mixed double’s event. 

Conclusion

Although, the controversies came all along the course of Australian Open, but it will be the one to be remembered for a long time. Histories were made and records were shattered this year, we hope to see the same for the next year.

Also, see:

“I took a stand against India,” Aisam ul Haq