If an American woman wins a Grand Slam title in 2023, it could well be in January. That’s when the Australian Open takes place and an American has reached the women’s singles final in each of the last three tournaments.
That run included a title win for Sofia Kenin in 2020. A few months later she was the runner-up in the French Open but it’s all been downhill for her this year with no wins in the two Grand Slam events she’s taken part in.
2021 saw Jennifer Brady make it all the way to the final. That was the second Grand Slam event in a row in which she’d reached at least the last four. Like Kenin, it’s been a bit of a struggle since then and injuries ruled her out of all tournaments this year.
Danielle Collins was the 27th seed when reaching the 2022 Australian Open final. That followed a semi-final down under three years ago. Her best since that Grand Slam was a fourth round at this year’s US Open. Could another good run in the Australian Open be on the way in January?
Six of the last eight Australian Open finals have included an American player. As with all Grand Slams the name of Serena Williams makes several appearances. Now that Williams has retired, who might lead the American challenge in January?
Jessica Pegula is currently the highest ranked American tennis player. Her first three visits to the Australian Open were not successful. Twice she failed to get through the qualifying rounds and when she did finally get into the main draw, Pegula lost in the first round two years ago.
Since then though, the American has made her way up to the rankings. 2021 saw her get to the last eight of the Australian Open. That feat was repeated again this year and Pegula also made it to the last eight at Roland Garros and also the US Open.
2022 has seen her a consistent singles player but despite being in the top 10, Pegula still finds it hard to win tournaments. Could 2023 be the year when those quarter final appearances turn into finals and Grand Slam titles?
This will be a popular event to bet on in an already busy January. Bettors in US states such as New Jersey will be hoping their selections do well in the 2023 Australian Open.
Another American hope in the Australian Open will be Coco Gauff. The 18-year-old has steadily made her way up the world rankings. 2022 saw Gauff reach her first Grand Slam final when losing to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros. That came a year after getting to the last eight in Paris. Her only other Grand Slam quarter final has been at this year’s US Open.
There hasn’t been a great deal of success for Gauff in the Australian Open. Gauff made it to the fourth round in 2020 but since then has won one match in two years and lost in the first round this year.
NJ betting analytics said that like Pegula, Gauff is highly ranked but needs to win more singles titles. The two players have formed a successful doubles team. If they were to achieve Grand Slam glory in Australia and beyond, it’s probably likely to be when teaming up.
Other Americans who could be in contention include Madison Keys (an Australian Open semi-finalist this year) and Amanda Anisimova, who has twice been knocked out in the fourth round.
