The latest news in the world of tennis is that Australia’s Ash Barty will commence her 2022 season at January’s Adelaide International Australian Open warm-up ahead of the Australian Open.
Barty, who won the warm-up in its inaugural 2020 edition, hasn’t played professional tennis since September’s US Open at Flushing Meadows. The WTA Player of the Year will be joined by defending champ Iga Swiatek – as well as Karolina Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza.
About to headline the “Melbourne Summer Set” at Melbourne Park are AO champion Naomi Osaka and British youngster Emma Raducanu.
The two Melbourne events will prove invaluable for the British teen as she seeks to acclimatise to conditions in Australia ahead of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2022.
As for Osaka, who now ranks as the world No. 13th, her return will also mark her first since her early exit from Flushing Meadows. For Osaka, 2021 had been a demanding year that saw her withdraw also from the French Open and Wimbledon as a result of mental health issues and challenges involving the press.
In men’s tennis, Melbourne’s ATP 250 tournament beginning January 4 will be headlined by none other than a returning Rafael Nadal. And while world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been listed as part of Serbia’s draw for the ATP Cup, his participation in the Australian Open remains uncertain due to vaccine mandates.
GOAT Roger Federer has in the meantime confirmed that he will not be playing in Australia due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgeries.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Betway | | 4.9/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now Review |
| 4 |  | Picklebet | | 4.6/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
Zverev Says He Regrets Umpire Incident
Alexander Zverev says he deeply regrets the attack he launched on the umpire’s chair at the Mexican Open in Acapulco. After taking issue with a line call on Tuesday night, ….
Peng Shuai’s Real Status Still In Question
Uncertainty continues to prevail over whether or not Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai is actually safe and able to speak freely. According to a journalist who conducted a recent first ….
Labor Lashes Out At Gov Over Djokovic Delay
Australia’s Labor party is accusing the Morrison government of dragging out the Novak Djokovic visa affair unnecessarily – and in a deliberate effort to distract from its woes surrounding the ….
Officials Looking Into Djokovic Declaration
Australian border officials are reportedly investigating whether tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic had indeed been honest when he declared he had not travelled for two weeks prior to his ….
WTA Insists On Peng Shuai Investigation
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has repeated its call for a full and transparent investigation into the welfare and safety of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai. The organisation said a ….