Australian Open 2019: Tough road ahead for Serena Williams
What's the story
23-time women's singles Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams has been handed a challenging draw at the Australian Open 2019. The veteran tennis star could come up against world number one Simona Halep as early as in the fourth round. Serena is chasing a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title. Here is more on the same.
Twitter Post
A big match on the cards
Simona Halep and Serena Williams are in the same round of 16 🍿#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/sxVRqrDbt3
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 10, 2019
Grand Slams
Serena reached two Slam finals in 2018
Serena, seeded 16, is looking to match Margaret Court's record of 24 singles majors. She is also trying to claim an eighth Australian Open crown. The female tennis ace came close twice last year, but failed to cross the line. Serena had lost to Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon 2018 final. She was then beaten by Naomi Osaka in the US Open summit clash.
AUS Open
Serena, Halep battle could be a blockbuster match
Serena will face Germany's Tatjana Maria in the first round. In the second round, Serena could come up against China's Peng Shui or Canadian Eugenie Bouchard. But the biggest battle will be against Halep in round four. This would be a blockbuster tie if both players win their first three matches. Halep enters the tournament after having played a single match in four months.
Wozniacki
All eyes on defending champion Caroline Wozniacki
Defending women's singles champion at the Australian Open and third seed Caroline Wozniacki faces Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium in the opener. The Dane could meet 2008 champion Maria Sharapova in round three. "Coming back as defending champion, it's something I always dreamed of. I feel at home here. These courts are suited for me. I'm enjoying every minute," said Wozniacki on Thursday.