Melbourne Park is gearing up for its first tournament in 25 years without the presence of either Federer or Nadal. Djokovic, eyeing his 25th major title, is in a position to surpass Margaret Court‘s Grand Slam haul.
As the top seed and defending champion, Djokovic remains a formidable force and a favorite in the tournament, with many eyes on whether he can make history once again in Melbourne.
‘My favourite place, no doubt’
“I’m just hoping I can start the season in a way I’ve been starting most of my seasons throughout my career – with a win in Australia, in Melbourne. My favourite place, no doubt,” Djokovic told reporters on Saturday.
“The court where I’ve done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.
“I hope that I’m going to be able to, if not play at the level that I did last year, then be very close to that because that was one of the best tennis levels that I’ve ever played, here in Australia last year.”
The Australian Open has extended its schedule by an extra day this year in an effort to address the issue of late finishes that have drawn criticism in previous tournaments.
Defending champion Sabalenka to face qualifier Seidel
However, with Djokovic anticipated to have a comfortable start against 18-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic, and women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka set to face qualifier Ella Seidel afterward, the opening day’s proceedings on Rod Laver Arena may conclude swiftly.
Iga Swiatek is set to take on 2020 winner Sofia Kenin on Monday, seeking to continue her dominant form in women’s tennis since the retirement of Australian Ash Barty in 2022. Swiatek ended 2023 strongly by reclaiming the top ranking from Sabalenka at the WTA Finals after surrendering it during the US Open.
The women’s field at the Australian Open features several strong contenders, including Brisbane champion Elena Rybakina, former champions Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Caroline Wozniacki returning after motherhood, and the newest Grand Slam club entrant, Coco Gauff, who secured a US Open triumph and defended her Auckland title in the lead-up to the Slam.
Alcaraz and Sinner aim to challenge Djokovic
In the men’s competition, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner aim to challenge Djokovic at his Australian fortress. Alcaraz, the Wimbledon champion, has already proven himself on the big stage, while Sinner, yet to win a major, starts his campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp on Sunday’s opener on Rod Laver Arena.
Melbourne’s significant Greek community may rally behind Maria Sakkari as she faces Nao Hibino on the main showcourt, and fan favorite Caroline Wozniacki meets 20th seed Magda Linette on Margaret Court Arena. The Australian Open promises exciting matchups and fierce competition across both the men’s and women’s draws.
(With Reuters inputs)
