The 2024
Australian Open left only two Spaniards in the third round for the first time
in the last 25 years, the lowest number since 1999.
Carlos Alcaraz and Paula
Badosa represent Spain's hopes in the tournament following disappointing exits
by their compatriots.
Over the
years, Spain has established itself as one of the leading countries in
producing great tennis players. Led by the 22-times Grand Slam champion Rafael
Nadal in the last two decades, the European nation has consistently had
multiple players among the world's best in recent times.
In the
early 21st century have made their mark players like former world No. 1 Carlos
Moyá and Juan Carlos Ferrero, along with others such as
David Ferrer (best
ranking No. 3), Tommy Robredo (best ranking No. 5), and more recent talents
like Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreño, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and
two-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
On the
women's side, they have been represented by significant figures, led in recent
years by former world No. 1 and two-times Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza.
Throughout history, players like Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Conchita Martinez
also secured Grand Slam titles. Additionally, Carla Suarez Navarro and Paula
Badosa have left positive impressions on the WTA Tour, both having been former
world No. 10.
Spaniards
at the 2024 Australian Open:
On the men's side, the primary hope from the start was the
second seed Carlos Alcaraz, the only one still in competition, despite other
Spaniards intending to have a better tournament. Former world No. 9 Roberto
Bautista Agut, Roberto Carballes Baena, Bernabe Zapata Miralles, and Alberto
Ramos Vinolas suffered first-round defeats. Additionally, the 23rd seed
Davidovich Fokina and Jaume Munar exited in the second round.
The women's draw featured Cristina Bucsa (first-round defeat
against Karolina Pliskova), Sara Sorribes Tormo (first-round defeat against
Alina Korneeva), and Rebeka Masarova (second-round defeat against Lesia
Tsurenko). Only Badosa reached the third round in her comeback after six months
off the courts. The next challenge for the former world No. 2 will be Amanda
Anisimova, a young American also returning to the tour after a lengthy absence.