Australian Open draw: Barty and Osaka on a collision course, Kerber with a delicate task
The draw for the Australian Open 2022 has brought a possible round of 16 duel between number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Naomi Osaka for women.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 13, 2022, 07:17 am
Tournament favorite Ashleigh Barty starts against a qualifier, the first big hurdle could be Camila Giorgi in round three. After that, defending champion Naomi Osaka is a possibility for Barty. According to the seeding list, Maria Sakkari would wait in the quarter-finals. Sakkari was drawn to the German Tatjana Maria.
Angelique Kerber opens against Kaia Kanepi and could face Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. In round three, according to the seeding list, a reunion with Leylah Fernandez would be due. Kerber lost to the Canadian at the US Open in autumn 2021.
Unlucky was Andrea Petkovic, who met the number four of the tournament, Barbora Krejcikova, in round one. Another German will come: Because Jule Niemeier has mastered the qualification for the first Grand Slam tournament in 2022 with ease.
Here are the quarter-finals according to the seeding list:
| Ashleigh Barty (AUS / 1) | Maria Sakkari (GRE / 5) |
| Barbora Krejcikova (CZE / 4) | Paula Badosa (ESP / 8) |
| Garbine Muguruza (ESP / 3) | Anett Kontaveit (EST / 6) |
| Aryna Sabalenka (BEL / 2) | Iga Swiatek (POL / 7) |
Here is the women's individual tableau at the Australian Open 2022
laver arena