For tennis fansor the merely tennis-curious2024 is going to be a wild ride.
Its conceivable that the next 11 months will draw the biggest collective audience the sport has ever seen.
Here, a look at some of the Australian Opens potential winners as it kicks off.
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In Brisbane ahead of the Australian Open, Osaka appeared in excellent form.
Her ball-striking was clean, and equally powerful.
(She also exuded confidence in an eye-catching Louis Vuitton necklace.)
Photo: Courtesy Samba Films
I just have a really fresh perspective, Osaka tells us of her 2024 outlook.
Im embracing every second and living in the moment.
In Australia, shell look to draw power from the crowd; shes a fan favorite, deservedly so.
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It sounds cliche, but my favorite thing at this tournament is definitely the fans, she says.
Ive always had such a warm welcome here, even before I had won it.
(Shes gotten close: In 2022, she reached the semifinals.)
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Her introspectionand her focus on mental healthhas paid dividends in her young career thus far.
(Djokovic, currently world number one, isno surprisestill dominant.)
At the trophy ceremony in Brisbane, Dimitrov said, simply: I will keep going.
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Basically: Box Office Ben gets people talking.
Im more familiar with the tour, the tournament sites and cities, says Shelton from Melbourne.
(Until last year, he had never traveled outside the US.)
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This will definitely help me to feel more comfortable with everything.
I have new team members, she says from Melbourne.
And I think were unlocking my potential.
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With psychology, too, Im working on a lot of new things to ease the pressure a bit.
I feel very happy and appreciated.
And I love the crowd in AustraliaI feel loved here.
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Jelena Ostapenko
Ostapenko, 26, won the French Open in 2017.
Shes both poised and hungry for another Slamand shes been in great form.
In Adelaide, for example, shes been rocking a top with an almost waistcoat-like hem.)
I like developing, and the chemistry in the team is so good.
I love the fact that I feel much more calm now.
This lights a fire inside me.
Match Point
Plenty of other top names are vying for their first Grand Slam.
Those looking to add to their Slam tally?
