Adelaide International: Top five favorites and prediction for women’s singles

Simona Halep can make Australian Open statement

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep did not end 2019 particularly strongly, but she has a good record in Australia compared to the United States.

As a result, one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour will see the Australian Open as her best chance of winning a hard-court major, with French Open and Wimbledon crowns already secured.

Aided by a first-round bye, Halep is our top prediction to win in Adelaide and start her season on a high after the return of coach Darren Cahill, sending her Australian Open rivals a statement of intent in the process.

Barty’s draw looks good and if she is not at least able to make the last four, her fans will be concerned ahead of Melbourne.

Apart from the top five favorites, here are some other players to watch out for:

Dayana Yastremska has been tipped for big things in 2020 and was unfortunate to draw Kiki Bertens in the Brisbane International first round.

Bertens and Yastremska both play in this tournament and will fancy their chances of emerging from what looks like one of the weaker quarters of the draw.

Angelique Kerber and Sloane Stephens are two former Grand Slam winners eager to recapture their top form after struggling in 2019.

Danielle Collins achieved a big win over Elina Svitolina in Brisbane and French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova is poised to play her first match since Wimbledon.