Big Names Tumble In Topsy Turvy Aussie Open

The main talking point of this year’s Australian Open has been the number of shock exits we’ve seen. In an incredible first week, the likes of Marin Cilic, Angie Kerber, Dominic Thiem, Caroline Wozniacki and most recently, Roger Federer have all been knocked out. Federer was beaten by Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has made waves in the tennis world by rising to world number 15 at the age of just 20.

Federer’s defeat ends an astounding run of 17 straight match wins at the Australian Open and pushes Federer down to 7th in in the ATP live rankings. With this victory, Tsitsipas became the first Greek to ever reach a Grand Slam quarter final. Next up for Tsitsipas is Roberto Bautista Agut, who has been forced to fight through 3 five setters this week, including one against 2018 finalist Marin Cilic, so Tsitsipas will fancy his chances to go even further.

In contrast, it has been plain sailing for the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Both have come through with little bother, with only one set dropped between them. On the basis of this week, a 53rd edition of the Djokovic vs Nadal looks the most likely men’s final. There looks to be no clear favourite in the women’s draw as of yet, but this is something that may change after Monday’s highly anticipated clash between World Number 1 Simona Halep and 23 time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. Serena will be looking to avenge the defeat of her sister Venus, who Halep swept aside in Round 3.

This week has also been one of goodbyes. Andy Murray’s valiant fightback against Bautista Agut wasn’t enough to see him into Round 2, so we may have seen the last of the most successful British player in the open era. However, Murray plans to undergo further hip surgery in an attempt to be fit for Wimbledon this summer. Former World Number 3 David Ferrer, who will end his illustrious career in Madrid, hasn’t competed at this year’s Australian Open as an Achilles problem is preventing him from being fit enough to play five sets. Both men will be sorely missed by their peers on the tour and fans around world.