Both of the 2022 Australian Open champs were out by round two: Ash Barty having retired and Rafa Nadal having declined to retire from a match despite an obvious injury. The entire “Break Point” cast, it seems, was out by round three. This is the first Major after the retirements and sort-of-retirements of Roger Federer and Serena Williams ... But the two pre-tournaments favorites—Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek—remain in the draw. Additionally: An entire Special Forces unit of Americans, from young lefty Ben Shelton—on his first trip out of the country—to contenders Coco Gauff and Jessie Pegula.
Australian Open Midterm Grades: Bad News for Former Champs, But Favorites Still Alive
