Todd Woodbridge acknowledges that Iga Swiatek has been absolutely impressive over the last 12 months but revealed that it is Belinda Bencic who he is tipping to win the Australian Open. In 2022, Swiatek won two Grand Slams, became the world No 1, and also had a streak of 37 consecutive wins between February and July.
Going into the 2023 Australian Open, many have Swiatek as the No 1 favorite for the Australian Open title. Bencic, 25, has been among the best players for several years now but she has only one Grand Slam semifinal in her resume.
Woodbridge has a feeling that this year’s Australian Open may be the tournament where Bencic finally makes her big Grand Slam breakthrough.
Woodbridge: Swiatek is great but my money is on Bencic
“I know Iga (Swiatek) is in great form.
Her dominance reminds me of Steffi Graf. But I will put my money on Belinda Bencic this time. Then there is Ons Jabeur who has done wonders for the sport, specially in the Arab world. We have Maria Sakkari is a very exciting player,” Woodbridge said, per The Telegraph India.
A couple of days ago, the Australian Open announced Venus Williams as a main draw wildcard recipient. “We also have Venus Williams here as a wildcard. I don’t think she would have accepted the wildcard if she was not in a good headspace, if she was not ready,” Woodbridge said of Williams.
Williams, a two-time Australian Open finalist, is looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January. “I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January. I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly.
It will be an honor to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year,” Williams said of competing at the Australian Open.
