The prestigious Australian open 2022 begins its glorious journey from today onwards, filled with skilled contenders like the crowd favorite Ashleigh Barty and four time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka. As the tournament is all set to return to its action, the draws were announced shortly beforehand.

Therefore, let us have a brief and crisp analysis on the potential winners and the dark horses .

The first quarter : Ashleigh Barty on clash with Naomi Osaka; Maria Sakari, Ons Jabeur seem to lack the promise in Australian open 2022

Seeds: Ashleigh Barty, <5> Maria Sakari' <9>Ons Jabeur, <13> Naomi Osaka

Top seed and mass favorite Ashleigh Barty added a feather to her cap last year after winning the Wimbledon open. Therefore, she will walk towards the year's opening slam awash with confidence. Barty plays her opening match against a qualifier and pretty much has an easy path to the third round. She could face a real test there in the form of Camila Giorgi, nonetheless if Giorgi qualifies in her opening match.

On the other hand, last year's champion Naomi Osaka returns to the ground after surviving a minor injury. She and gold medalist Belinda Bencic feature in this section of the draw and could meet in the third round. Despite of her poor record against Bencic( 1-3), Osaka still could cross the obstacle in her path if she can grasp her rhythm early. If things go as predicted , she could meet Barty in the fourth round showdown.

The next highest seeds in this quarter are Maria Sakkari and Ons Jabeur. The later withdrew from her Sydney semifinal due to minor injuries but hopefully will recover in time. The Tunisian opens against Nuria Parrizas Dias while Maria Sakkari opens against Tatjana Maria. Later, she could face Aliaksandra Sasnovic and Veronica Kudermetova.

Final prediction of Australian Open 2022:

Semifinalist : Naomi Osaka .

The second quarter: Paula Badosa and Barbora Krejcikova might meet Victoria Azarenka and Sofia kenin on their way ahead

Seeds: <4> Barbora Krecjikova, Paula Badosa<8>, Sofia Kenin<11>, Elina Svitolina <15>

Having made a strong start to 2022, fourth seed Barbora Krejcikova will face Andrea Petkovic in her opening match. Both of them had a good start, with Krejcikova still playing in Sydney and Petkovic having reached the quarter finals at the Melbourne summer set. If Krejcikova wins the match, she most likely will face Elina Svitolina in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Svitolina will have to rectify her horrible start to the season and face the opening match against Fiona Ferro.

Paula Badosa will have a tough opening against Ajla Tomjlanovic. The former, who began her season with a defeat against Azarenka, will need to play her best in order to succeed against Tomjlanovic.

Former Australian open champion Sofia Kenin will open against Madison Keys in a clash. If she survives the encounter, she could face Jaqueline Cristian and Coco Gauff in her way forward.

Final predictions of Australian open 2022:

Semifinalist : Barbora Krejcikova .

Read Also : 2022 Tennis Grand Slam schedule and fixtures

The third quarter : Gabrine Mugruza and Anett Kontaveit to repeat the history

Seeds : Gabrine Muguruja<3>, Anett Kontaveit<6>, Elena Rybakina<12>, Simona Halep<14>.

Everyone could witness a rematch of 2021 WTA finals between Gabrine Muguruja and Anett Kontaveit. Despite getting a easy draw, Muguruza could face Simona Halep(Former world no.1) in the round of 16.

Nonetheless, she will have to survive the encounter of the opening round match between last year's U.S open champion Emma Raducanu and Stoane Stephens, in order to do that.

Meanwhile, things might get complicated for Anett Kontaveit as she might have to face a number of dangerous players such as Ana Konjouh, Shelby Rogers and Danielle Collins.

However, Kontavetti's Predicted rival in the fourth round, Rybakina is another player to keep your focus on.

Final prediction of Australian open 2022 :

Semifinalist : Anett Kontaveit .

The fourth quarter : filled with promising talents

Seeds : Aryana Sabalenka<2>, Iga Swiatek<7>, Anastasia Pavlyuvchenkova<10>, Angelique Kerber <16>

Second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka to open against Storm Sanders and afterwards, she is to face her real test against Marketa Vondrousva in the third round. Whoever survives the deadly match, could come face to face against either three-time grand slam winner Kerber or the new promising talent Leylah Fernandez.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, 2020 French open champion Iga Swiatek to play a qualifier in the first round but hopefully she would reach the quarter-final round smoothly as she did at all four grand slams in 2021.

The Czech tennis star Petra Kvitova opens against Sorana Cirstea.

Final prediction of Australian Open 2022 :

Semifinalist : Aryna Sabalenka .

The predicted finalists of Australian open 2022 are as follows :

Naomi Osaka vs Aryna Sabalenka .

Notable Matches to look out for in Australian open 2022 :

Barbora Krecjikova vs Andrea Petkovic .

Sofia Kenin vs Madison Keys .

Read also: Federer vs Nadal vs Djokovic: Grand slam titles in detail

Novak Djokovic is waiting for positive news on whether he can able to play in the Australian Open next year. But he doesn't regret his status of being unvaccinated against Covid-19 despite missing two Grand Slams this year.

Also read: Roger Federer's last match: When and where to watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's doubles match in Laver Cup

"No, I don't have any regrets, I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn't able to play, but, you know, that was decision that I made," Djokovic told reporters on Thursday on the eve of the Laver Cup in London.

The 35-year-old was unable to defend his Australian Open in January. The Australian government kicked him out because of his unvaccinated status. Djokovic was cleared to play at the French Open and Wimbledon, winning the latter tournament. But he couldn't participate in the US Open due to US entry rules on unvaccinated foreigners. Speaking ahead of the Laver Cup 2022 in London on Thursday, Djokovic was asked about the probability of playing at the Australian Open in January. Australian laws generally state that anyone deported cannot reapply for a visa for three years unless there are exceptional circumstances.

"I'm waiting for the news, it's really not in my hands right now. I'm hoping I can get some positive news soon." Djokovic added.

Novak Djokovic won the Wimbledon title this year. And since then he has not participated in any ATP tournaments. He is currently seventh in the ATP rankings due to his lack of activity.

Also read: Novak Djokovic says, "I'm not against vaccination, but my body is more important than any title"

Seeking to put a difficult year behind him, Djokovic appeared happy to be at the Laver Cup in the British capital where Federer will make his last professional appearance in a doubles match with Nadal on Friday. Djokovic could also link up with Federer and Nadal at some point as their Europe team take on Team World at the three-day tournament in London.

The match no. 11 of the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 will be played between New Zealand Women and Australia Women in Basin Reserve, Wellington tomorrow from 3:30 AM IST onwards.

Both the teams are coming from victories in their previous games. Australia defeated Pakistan while New Zealand defeated India in their last game.

Make your dream11 team prediction and every Fantasy League prediction with our fantasy cricket tips and suggestions. Get early updates, game previews, team news, suggestion, prediction for your fantasy team in our exclusive section Fantasy Sports.

Also Read: Highest partnership by Indians in Women's Cricket World Cup

New Zealand Women vs Australia Women: 11th Match Preview

Match Details :-

Match: New Zealand Women vs Australia Women – Match 11
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Date & Time: 13th March 2022 at 3:30 AM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports Network (SS1 Hindi, SS2 & SS3) & Disney+ Hotstar.

Pitch Report: New Zealand Women vs Australia Women: Match 11

Pitch Report:  The Basin Reserve is arguably one of the best venues for batting. However, the pitch will be excellent for batting after the initial overs.

Read Also: Mithali Raj: Most Women's World Cup matches as captain

Head to Head Stats:

Matches Played (ODIs): 15
Won by New Zealand Women: 3
Won by Australia Women: 12

Team News :

New Zealand Women:

The New Zealand side is also coming from two back-to-back wins in which they defeated India on Thursday. Amelia Kerr contributing to all the departments since the start of the tournament while Sophie Devine has already smashed a century in their opening encounter.

Both teams are coming from victories in their previous game so it is difficult to say who's gonna shine in this game although New Zealand will be ahead as they will get the home advantage.

Also Read: INDW vs WIW: Records after India's first inning against West Indies in Women's World Cup

Australia Women:

The Aussies side is now the only second side that are remaining undefeated in the tournament. However, the other one is South Africa Women. The Australian side is currently at the second position of the points table with two wins in as many games. They defeated Pakistan in their last encounter and in their first game they defeated the defending champions England.

Meg Lanning has a decent record against the New Zealand side in ODIs. If they managed to win this then they will go up to the top of the points table. It will be interesting to see one of the top teams competing with each other in Wellington.

New Zealand Women vs Australia Women: Match 11: Possible Playing XI

New Zealand Women:

Suzie Bates
Sophie Devine (C)
Amelia Kerr
Amy Satterthwaite
Lea Tahuhu
Maddy Green
Frances Mackey
Katey Martin (wk)
Hayley Jensen
Jess Kerr
Hannah Rowe

Australia Women:

Rachael Haynes
Alyssa Healy (wk)
Meg Lanning (C)
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Tahlia McGrath
Jess Jonassen
Annabel Sutherland
Megan Schutt
Darcie Brown
Alana King

Read Also: INDW vs WIW: Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur hit tons

Match 11: Fantasy Cricket Dream11 Team Prediction: New Zealand Women vs Australia Women:

Wicket-keeper: Alyssa Healy 
Batters: Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite
All-rounders: Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr
Bowlers: Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Hayley Jensen, Jess Kerr

Captain: Amelia Kerr
Vice-Captain: Sophie Devine

You must change your team if any of these players aren't announced in the starting lineup.

Australia's 44-year ceaseless wait abolishes as home favourite Ashleigh Barty brings the prestigious trophy back home. She defeated America's Danielle Collins by 6-3 7-6(7-2).

The breath-taking sublime match that ended the 44-year old wait, witnessed a variety of shots. From smooth slice shots, thunderous two-handed backhand shots, the forehand top-spins to the Volleys, the match witnessed it all. Just like the match, Ashleigh Barty's interest in sports varied from time to time. From playing cricket and golf to finally finding her peace in tennis rackets, the Three-times grand slam champion has aced it all.

However, it was during practice when Ashleigh Barty casually slipped the tennis ball from her hip. That was a deliberate peek to the leg, that attracted the most attention.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Ashleigh Barty brings back the glory

It was 2015, and Barty was a doubles competitor as well as a solo potential when she decided to retire from a sport she had been playing since she was four years old. Afterwards, When Barty was asked to speak at the national women's cricket team dinner, she was guiding kids throughout their sports journey. There, she told Queensland cricketers Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince and Beth Mooney: "I really wouldn't mind giving cricket a go."

"It was half a throwaway line, half-serious chat. The girls came back and told me," says Andy Richards. He was the coach of Queensland Fire and was putting together a team for a crucial event that year. "I'd tried it with a few different sportspeople before so I thought we would give it a go. She came in and we just had a coffee and then I said okay, we'll organise to have a hit and see what she looked like."

Barty, dressed in rented gear, confronted 150 deliveries at the hit."She'd never played the game, except for some backyard cricket. And during that first hit, she was probably already better than the bottom third of my squad. I asked her if she would like to come and train. She said no, not until she'd had another four or five hits. She didn't want to embarrass herself. Also, she didn't want to put anybody out." added Richards. However, eventually, The Aussie was able to earn her spot in the team.

Barty was a "Coach's dream"

"An extraordinarily talented woman. Her hand-eye coordination is as good as I've seen from a crossover sports point of view. Elite athletes like her have awareness about where their body needs to be, to execute their skill" in Richard's words.

Furthermore, a quick examination of Barty's gameplay reveals why she was capable of transferring her abilities from the court to the pitch. How the 5'5 all-courter goes toe-to-toe with larger and stronger opponents, staying on top of the rebound to 'flat smash' the forehand. With a double backhand, she descends and grabs the ball, often on the half-volley, and smashes it deep cross-court.

"She added so much more to our sport from a professional point of view. We were at that crossroads, sort of moving into full professionalism in women's cricket, and she was able to add a whole different perspective for the girls and us as well. I was devastated when she came up to me one day and said, 'Look, I think I want to get back into tennis,'" said Richards. "But deep down, I knew that was where she belonged."

Nevertheless, Cricket, according to Richards, provided Barty with a lifelong feeling of belonging and teammates. Also, the former coach of Barty knew that cricket's loss is Australia's gain.

According to Barty, her 18-month hiatus from tennis helped her become a "better person, both on and off the court." A more capable tennis player. She returned in 2016 and has since achieved a world No. 1 ranking and three Grand Slam titles. It was Barty's third major singles championship, including last year's Wimbledon victory and her 2019 French Open conquest. With this historical win, three-time grand slam champion Barty becomes the First Nations woman to win the tournament after Goolagong Cawley's four victories from 1974 to 1977.

Also, She joins O'Neil, Goolagong Cawley, Kerry Reid, and Margaret Court as the fifth Australian to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the Open era.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Rafael Nadal fetches his 21st grand slam title

The happiness of avid tennis fanatics seemed to have no boundaries as Rafael Nadal broke through all the barriers and became the first man ever to acquire 21 grand slam titles. He defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev by 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5.

The suspense seemed to build across the world as neither Rafa nor Medvedev seemed to be allowing one another any field to conquer. Despite the fact that Medvedev outscored Nadal in the opening two sets, it was Nadal's unwavering patience and expertise that allowed him to triumph. In a thrilling five-set battle, the Spaniard upset the Russian 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 to win his second Australian Open title. As a result, he broke all benchmarks and became the first man to acquire 21 Grand Slam titles.

Medvedev dominated the first set

At the beginning of the first set, Rafael Nadal seemed vicious with his sharp serves. After much toil, Medvedev's poor return on Rafa's second serve finally awarded the Spaniard the first game. The Russian's serves seemed quite breezy in the second game, though eventually, he was able to win it. With a clean service to the body, Nadal constricted Medvedev, forcing him to toss the ball wide. Medvedev stepped up with a couple of angled returns into Nadal's backhand, pulling the false shot back towards the net and acquiring the lead. Hence, his ferocious reply destroyed Nadal's cross-court shot once more.

During his first service of the match, it was evident that the Spaniard seemed to have the backing of the massive proportion of the Rod Laver Arena crowd. However, Medvedev came back with a bang, winning five consecutive games to take the first set, leaving his rival drenched in heat and therefore unable to position himself on serve.

The second set witnessed it all

From the smooth slice shots, the rapidly changing gameplay to the longest rally in the entire match, the second set witnessed it all. The set began with the Mallorcan and the Russian placing the balls slowly and the former targeting the Latter's Backhand. Hence, Nadal ended up having the first and third games in his pocket. However, Medvedev quickly adapted to the situation. He changed his game dynamics which ended up being fruitful as he fetched the second game easily.

The fourth game started with both of them placing the ball at each other's backhands. The longest rally of the match occurred at this game and ended with the Spaniard depicting an unexpected backhand cross-court. The shot was mixed with topspin which snatched Rafa the game and set the score to 3-1. In the fifth game, Nadal continued to shower aces and depicted a plethora of slice shots. As a finishing touch, he took the game with a powerful cross-court.

Nonetheless, the ninth game is where Medvedev changed his gameplay and gave Nadal a difficult time. His gameplay seemed to be inspired by the old Serve and volley method and a poised mixture of cross-court volleys and aggressiveness made it easier for him to win and it ultimately led to a dramatic Tie-break. In the intriguing breaker, Nadal had his chances to tie it up. However, it was Medvedev who took control with a succession of snarling strokes to take it 7-5 and double his lead.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Ashleigh Barty brings back the glory

Rafael Nadal staged a great comeback

The sixth seed was all set to respond in the third set. Despite the loss, he started the set brightly and had a great chance to offer himself two prominent breakpoints. Though, a sloppy attempt shot enabled Medvedev to unleash a spectacular backhand smash that flew past his rival at the net.

With Nadal, down 0-40 and serving at 2-3, the match appeared to be slipping away from his hands.
However, he earned his way back to deuce before reaching victory and tying the third set. With Medvedev serving at 4-4 in the final, Nadal shattered his adversary with a brilliant backhand shot down the line. As a consequence, the excited shouting and applauds in the Rod Laver arena seemed to have no boundaries.

Unlike in the second set, Nadal maintained his service with aplomb. He won four consecutive points to make it 2-1, and Medvedev looked agitated.

The Rafael Nadal magic continues

First, at beginning of the fourth set, the pendulum shifted even more in Nadal's favour, as the Mallorcan saved two break points to tie the match at 1-1. After an 0-40 deficit, Medvedev contrived to get his next service game to deuce. Nonetheless, Nadal was unflappable in his chase of another break of serve, which he finally won. Recovering his next service game to take a 4-2 advantage in the fourth, Nadal was producing some of the finest tennis of his life with his movements as balletic as ever.

Nadal's next game was perhaps the most important of the set, as he rallied from 15-40 down in order to make it 5-3. Medvedev held the next play, saving a set point, but it was only a matter of time before Nadal wrapped off the match with a flawless service game. This match was slowly becoming one of the greatest grand slam finals of the decade.

The Spaniard inscribes his name on the trophy

At the start of the fifth set, there appeared to be no halting Nadal now, as he shattered his adversary's serve once more to take a 3-2 lead. Nadal was serving for the title at 5-4 and had a 30-0 lead, apparently on the verge of making history. Medvedev, however, dug even further to win four straight points and reclaim the lead in the most crucial of circumstances. Eventually, the avid tennis fanatics could not help but scream in joy in the Rod Laver arena as, in the midst of agonising strain, the Spaniard managed to squeeze out his tired opponent and score a remarkable triumph for the second time of serving for the match.

The champion's reacion

An excited yet exhausted Rafael Nadal expressed,

"It has been one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career and to share the court with you was an honour. I don't even know what to say, guys, for me it's just amazing. I can't thank enough all the guys that are there , all the team, family … just how hard the last year and half has been. In the low moments, you have been there to support me and without you guys, none of this would be possible. Being honest, one and a half months ago I didn't know if I would be back on the tour playing tennis again. Today, I am here in front of you with the trophy again. You don't know how much I fought to be here. Thank you so much for the love and support."

"Without a doubt one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career and having the huge support I received during the three weeks is going to stay in my heart for the rest of my life, so many, many thanks. One month and a half ago I would have said it would be my last Australian Open. But now I have a lot of energy to carry on. I can't explain the feelings I have now. I'm going to try my best to come back next year," The 21 grand slam titles champion added further.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Daniil Medvedev draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic

It's just Nadal's second triumph at Melbourne Park, having won the tournament in 2009.

With this spectacular victory, Nadal surpassed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who each have 20 Grand Slam wins. Thus, he took exclusive possession of the record for most men's singles Grand Slam championships.

Australia's 44-year ceaseless wait abolishes as home favourite Ashleigh Barty brings the prestigious trophy back home. She defeated America's Danielle Collins by 6-3 7-6(7-2).

Circumstances appeared to be difficult for the two players since neither of them was giving the other a chance to thrive. However, eventually, the world No.1 managed to fetch a straight-set win over her fierce rival. Thus, she managed to prevent Australia's ceaseless wait from extending any further.

Barty showers aces in the first set

The Aussie seemed a lot more precise with her serves and slice shots throughout the whole tournament, compared to her last win at the Wimbledon Open 2021. The first game started off on an excellent note as she consecutively showered a plethora of aces. As a consequence, her sharp and poised Serves established her dominance over the first two games.

However, Collins was unfazed by the situation. In the sixth game, her excellent backhand placed Barty's serves beneath pressure, securing her a breakpoint. Although, Barty adapted to the situation rapidly and her poised forehand shot coerced the score to deuce. As a finishing touch, her razor-sharp ace fetched her the game. Nevertheless, In the sixth game, the first set's turning point occurred as Barty scored the match's opening breakpoint. Collins did not get much chance to play with her aggressive technique as an experienced Barty changed the tactics that resulted in the American committing a Double fault.

Eventually, happiness flooded the Rod Laver arena as the home Favourite Ashleigh Barty conquered the first set by 6-3.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Daniil Medvedev draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic

Collins depicts a startling comeback

Collins, who was clearly devastated to lose the very first set, bounced back swiftly to start the second in a strong manner. She won the first game and destroyed Barty for the first time. Then she fell to her knees and shouted in delight as she embraced the 2-0 lead. The situation seemed to take a drastic turn as she rapidly improved her baseline game and claimed all the lengthy rallies which helped to set the score to 0-3. Afterwards, in the blink of an eye, the avid fanatics in Rod Laver suffered from a mild shock as the American gained advantage upon every unforced error by Barty. Her turnaround was truly remarkable.

Barty's tenacity shone through, and she went ahead to lengthen the set by one more game. She quickly changed her tactics and started depicting a Base-line based gameplay, which is commonly seen in Rafael Nadal's gameplay.

When Barty earned her fourth straight game to tie the set at 5-5, Rod Laver Arena burst into applause, but Collins ended the streak when she retained service. The tie-break was dominated by Barty as she took the lead. Danielle Collins tried to stage a comeback, but Barty's confidence was unstoppable, as she delivered a forehand on victory point. Hence, the Australian Open 2022 received their champion, as Ashleigh Barty put an end to the home nation's 44-year old wait for a Grand slam Women's singles champion by defeating Danielle Collins.

The champion's words

Ash Barty expressed her immense excitement after winning the title. In her words, "Thank you very much. Congratulations to Danielle and your team. You're in the Top 10, that's the way to go. You'll have many more of these. The last couple of years have been really tough for everyone and it takes a lot to organise a tournament like this. You make the players feel so welcome. Thank you to the ball kids and volunteers, you make it so easy for all of us. Of course to my team. Wow, it's just, I have said it numerous times that I am so lucky to have so many people love and support me. My mum, dad and sister are here and I am so wrapped that they could make it. I am the luckiest girl for having so much love in my corner. You guys are the absolute best in the business and thank you for putting so much into me."

"Being an Aussie, the crowd has been nothing short of exceptional. This crowd is the most fun to play in front of you. You guys forced me to bring my best tennis and against Danielle I needed it. Thank you. It's an absolute dream come true being an Aussie. See you next time," she added further.

Read also: Australian Open 2022: Naomi Osaka to delete all her social media accounts after a heartbreaking loss

It was Barty's third major singles championship, including last year's Wimbledon victory and her 2019 French Open conquest. With this historical win, three-time grand slam champion Barty becomes the First Nations woman to win the tournament after Goolagong Cawley's four victories from 1974 to 1977.

Also, She joins O'Neil, Goolagong Cawley, Kerry Reid, and Margaret Court as the fifth Australian to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the Open era.