Australian Open Finals Preview Action Headed to Tennis Paradise

The first Grand Slam of 2022 has certainly not disappointed. The action down under at the 2022 Australian Open has seen both dominance from longstanding veterans as well as thrilling upsets from the sport’s brightest up-and-coming young stars. Now with both the men’s and women’s finals fast approaching, all eyes will be on Melbourne Park this weekend as tennis fans across the globe gear up for the first major championship weekend of the year.

With just four players remaining in the draw, tennis fans are getting a perfect glimpse at the star-studded action headed to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in March. Between past Tennis Paradise champions, ascending superstars, shocking upstarts and more, there’s something for everyone on tap this weekend. Before the stars take the court, let’s take a look at a preview of this weekend’s action:

Homegrown Barty looks to break Aussie drought

No. 1 seed Ashleigh Barty will have the hometown fans behind her as she seeks to become the first homegrown Australian Open singles champion in 44 years. The Queensland native has been on a roll so far this year, and is yet to drop a set on her quest for her first Australian Open title. She’ll undoubtedly be the favorite, but will still face steep competition from the underdog American Danielle Collins.

The No. 27 seed has shown unrelenting resilience en route to her first Grand Slam final and will head into this match with a ton of confidence following a dominant 6-4, 6-1 semifinal win over Iga Switaek. The former University of Virginia standout and two-time NCAA Champion will be looking to pull of another shocking upset and become the first American woman to win a slam since Sofia Kenin’s 2020 Australian Open title.

Nadal seeks record-breaking 21^st Grand Slam title

On the men’s side of the draw, three-time BNP Paribas Open champion Rafael Nadal has a shot at history. A win over tournament favorite Daniil Medvedev would move the Spaniard into first place all-time with 21 grand slam titles, breaking the current tie held with historic rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Many questioned whether Nadal’s fitness would hold up in Melbourne after an injury-riddle 2021 season, but he has look unfazed so far as he hunts down a second career Australian Open final. The highly touted Medvedev will represent Rafa’s biggest challenge yet, as the imposing Russian tracks down a second straight Grand Slam victory and aims to avenge defeat in last year’s final.

Secure Your Tickets for the 2022 BNP Paribas Open!
It won’t be long before the stars of the Australian Open head to the Coachella Valley for the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. Secure your chance to witness these world-class players and more take center stage in idyllic Tennis Paradise on March 7-20, 2022.