Less than a month before the start of a brand new tennis season, the countdown for the next year's first Grand Slam tournament has begun.
The 2024 Australian Open is set to kick in on a rather unusual day. For the first time in the tournament's history, it will be staged beginning on Sunday, January 14.
For the world's top tennis players, it is imperative to get a few matches under their belts to avoid being caught cold in a Grand Slam tournament. As is the norm, they engage in at least one or even two warm-up events to acclimatize to the playing conditions and refine their game.
But that is not necessarily the case for at least four players ranked in the world's Top 50 who will head to next year's Australian Open without signing up for a tune-up ATP tournament. So, who are these players?
4. Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka is a three-time Grand Slam champion and will commemorate a full decade since he shockingly won the 2014 Australian Open when he plays at next month's tournament.
Historically, Wawrinka has preferred to play at least one ATP-sanctioned tune-up. But that won't be the case next year. It is not an odd choice considering his recent injury record, and it might be wise to give his surgically repaired knees more rest time.
But Wawrinka won't go to Melbourne without any significant court time. He will play the traditional exhibition event - the Kooyong Classic, which begins on January 10.
3. Jannik Sinner
Like Wawrinka, Jannik Sinner will play at the Kooyong Classic. Sinner has previously won an Australian Open warm-up tournament but has elected not to pursue any titles in the season's opening weeks. The World No. 4 will be among the favorites to win his first major in 2024.
2. Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev won the most matches on the ATP Tour last season and viewed the tennis offseason as extremely short. The Russian has decided not to enter any warm-up tournaments unless there is a last-minute change of heart and accepts a wild card in either Brisbane or Adelaide.
1. Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz's absence from playing any warm-up tournaments isn't a surprise, with the news of his absence reported as early as September. The Spaniard is expected to be without the services of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, at the 2024 Australian Open because of knee surgery.
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