Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz is the men’s No. 1 seed and can complete the career Grand Slam with a first Melbourne title, while Iga Swiatek also arrives one major short of the set.
- Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner opens against Hugo Gaston and could meet Novak Djokovic in the semifinals if both advance; Djokovic starts versus Pedro Martinez.
- Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s top seed and a two-time champion, begins against wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga and is on track to face Coco Gauff only in a potential semifinal.
- Pre-tournament odds list Sinner as the men’s favorite and Sabalenka as the women’s favorite, reflecting betting consensus ahead of opening day.
- Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew with a shoulder injury, and main-draw play begins January 18 at Melbourne Park, with Alcaraz facing Australia’s Adam Walton in round one.