Women’s tennis has been the subject of much debate since the 2015 Australian Open, and the men’s tournament will be no different.
But there’s a bit of a twist in the women’s side.
As we head into the men´s tournament, it’s all about the women.
Here are the top five matches that are sure to be riveting.
1.
Victoria Veal vs. Landon Waugh-Moss (Victoria Veal) – A close match in which the Australian Open’s best female player was given a fairytale debut by her fellow countrymen.
Victoria’s Australian Open gold was a shock to the system when she lost to Landon in the quarterfinals.
But she will be relishing her chance to return to Australia for her first match in six months.
The Australian Open is the tournament to watch this week, and it’s a match that the defending champion Victoria will be eager to win.
2.
Lauren Murphy-Masters (AUS) – In a match up between the two players most likely to be on the radar, Murphy will have a much easier time keeping the momentum of the other woman’s match.
This one is a must-win for Murphy, as she looks to win her second title at the Australian Championship.
She beat Waugh to win the Australian Women’s Open last year.
3.
Michelle Williamson-Nelson (US) In a two-game match, Nelson is sure to put her name in the top three.
The US Open has been her best tournament yet, and Williamson is a big reason why.
She has made a name for herself in the US and could be a major factor in what’s sure to come out of this tournament.
4.
Lauren Walker-Kirkland (US), Landon Walker-Morse (US – third) – After losing to Kate McIlroy at Wimbledon last year, Walker-Moore will be hoping to break a seven-year losing streak.
In her return match against McIlray, she showed that she can beat the best.
Walker-Miller also has a chance to claim her third Australian Open title.
5.
Lizzie O’Donnell (US, second) – The former Wimbledon champion O’Donoghue looks to put together a win against the reigning world number one, while O’Neill will be looking to make it three wins in a row in her bid to claim back the title she lost in 2013.
6.
Victoria Volokhova-Morton (US/Canada) – Volokhanova has been an incredible all-round performer at Wimden, and Morton will be keen to make history in her return to Australian soil.
7.
Lacey Dawson-Murray (US)(third) – Murray, who is still a few weeks from the ATP Tour Finals, is the only Australian woman on the main draw.
She is the favourite to claim the title.
8.
Laganja Estranja-Santana (US)- The Swede has struggled for form at Wim, but she has been a consistent threat for most of the tournament, and is a key part of what could be the biggest upset of the year.
9.
Katie Ledecky-Reed (US / Canada) – She will be the one to look forward to this week in Australia, as Ledeekys season is almost over.
10.
Ashley Murray (US)/Canada (fourth) – An injury to Murray has left a big hole in the team, but her return against the defending world number two is looking likely.
11.
Megan Rapinoe-Stonie (US)|USA/Canada (fifth) – Rapinoes season has been plagued by injuries, but it is unlikely she will have to make the most of those in this one.
12.
Petra Kvitova-Von Dokovic (Serbia) – With a win in the final of the Russian Open, the Serbians will be very excited to get back on track and challenge for a top spot in the tournament.
13.
Lauren King-McGee (US)– The defending world champion is sure the best player on the planet.
14.
Kristine Wieczorek-Mackay (US|Canada)– A big week for Mackay, as the US women’s champion will be one of the main contenders for a world title.
15.
Megan Federer-Maria Sharapova (US | Canada)– Federer has been out of action since his match with Sharapovic in the fourth round of the Australian Grand Slam, but he will be ready to get his first win of the season.
16.
Stephanie Coir-Murray-Nadal (US)—Murray has been battling injuries for much of the past year, but will look to make a statement against