Australian Open 2020: Top 5 contenders for the women's singles crown

#4 Ashleigh Barty

At number 4 is Australian crowd-favourite, Ashleigh Barty, who is currently the number 1 ranked player in the world. This jump in the rankings came largely off the back of her triumph in Paris last year.

So far in 2020, Barty was upset in the first round of the Brisbane international by an unseeded player. Nevertheless, despite this drawback, the Australian is currently competing in Adelaide and is due to play in the semi-finals tomorrow.

Given her ranking and Grand Slam triumph in 2019, it may seem unfair to place her so low on the list. However, there are a few reasons as to why this is. Firstly, her loss in Brisbane showed that she is prone to lapses in form. Secondly, the Australian has been drawn in the toughest half with Petra Kvitová, Williams, and Osaka and, thirdly, she has arguably less experience going deep in the grand slams compared to the top 3. She can undoubtedly go onto win the title, nevertheless, for a betting man 4th favourite seems fair.

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#3 Simona Halep

Like Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep has won a grand slam in 2018 and 2019. Her last triumph was at Wimbledon, where she trounced Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in the final.

Given this form, it seemed appropriate to place her above Ashleigh Barty. Additionally, her age and experience give her a definite advantage over the Australian. Furthermore, it appears as though Halep has been drawn into the easier half of the draw and will avoid Williams, Barty, and Osaka until at least the finals, which is a huge boost to her chances.

Although she may not get the crowd support of the three aforementioned players, her experience, talent, and luck of the draw means that third favourite seems fair.