Regrettably, Karolina Muchova, presently ranked as the 8th best women’s tennis player in the world, has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a recurring wrist injury that had also prevented her from participating in last October’s WTA Finals. In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old Czech player expressed her frustration but underscored the necessity of allowing her wrist to fully heal before making a return to the court. Although she had been eager to compete in the season-ending championships in Cancun, Muchova had to withdraw and was subsequently replaced by Maria Sakkari.
In a separate update, the Australian Open has announced a significant increase in the prize money for its event, which serves as the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The total prize money for the upcoming competition has been raised by an additional 10 million Australian dollars to reach a grand total of A$86.5 million. Tournament Director Craig Tiley stressed that the augmented prize money encompasses higher rewards for players in the early stages of the competition as well as in the qualifying rounds. This development follows the US Open setting a new record for the highest total prize money, amounting to $65 million.
The forthcoming tournament also marks the return of several mothers to the professional tennis circuit, including Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Emma Raducanu. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, shared the significant impact that motherhood has had on her life and perspective. Having given birth to her daughter in July, she is keen on mounting a strong comeback at the Brisbane International before participating in the Australian Open. Kerber, a three-time major winner and former world No 1, is also poised to resume her career after an 18-month absence following the birth of her daughter. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is working towards her return from injury after undergoing three surgeries to address recurring wrist and ankle issues.
Osaka, who emerged victorious at the Australian Open in both 2019 and 2021, is managing expectations about her performance in Brisbane, citing the challenges of returning to tournament play after a significant hiatus. Conversely, Kerber has expressed her enthusiasm for representing Germany at the United Cup and is eagerly anticipating her first match back on the circuit. At only 21 years of age, Raducanu is eager to return from injury with a fresh perspective and renewed determination, bolstered by the guidance of her childhood coach, Nick Cavaday.
The return of these talented players, coupled with the increased prize money at the Australian Open, portends an exciting start to the 2024 season of professional tennis. Fans and athletes are eagerly looking forward to what promises to be a highly anticipated and eventful tournament in Melbourne.