“Tennis does not just depend on two or three players anymore”: Corretja on reason for excessive Australian Open upsets

The former world No. 2 Alex Corretja gave his opinion on the surprises that the Australian Open 2023 has had. The early elimination of the main favorites such as Rafael Nadal or Iga Swiatek, and the explosion of young American talents.

The first Grand Slam of the season has produced results that few could have predicted before the tournament. For the first time in the Open Era the first two seeds of the men's draw (Casper Ruud and Rafael Nadal) dropped in the second round. In the women's draw top seed Iga Swiatek fell in the fourth round, and 2th seed Ons Jabeur in the second round.

Corretja explained his reasons: ''The first reason, because tennis does not just depend on two or three players anymore''. ''The level of the top 60 is much higher than it used to be. Physically, they are also stronger so they can play longer matches not like before when they only play an hour and drop their level.”

''Secondly, that the courts in general are playing a little bit faster, and players make more winners in these conditions and it's easier to win more points. You can hit easier winners.”

He also argued that the start of the season is complicated for all the players, since they still do not have enough competition rhythm: ''Third, at the beginning of the year, it's never easy. It's always tricky because no-one has the rhythm of the competition. Most players have only played one tournament, some not played very well.”

‘'Most are already tired when they start the Grand Slam so it's a tricky situation due to your lack of competition or you're burnt out already. Or, you have some injuries or issues that prevent you from playing as well as you can.”

''Finally, I would say the balls feel a little bit dead and many players play a little bit more flat. They don't make as many mistakes and they can hit as hard as they want.”

''These are the reasons why I believe many of the seeds are out earlier in the tournament and why there have been so many upsets.”, closed the Spaniard.