Overview
- Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner opens versus Hugo Gaston, while No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz faces Australian wildcard Adam Walton.
- Novak Djokovic lands in Sinner’s half, creating a potential semifinal if both win five matches, and he starts against Pedro Martinez.
- Betting markets install Sinner as the men’s favorite (about -115) with Aryna Sabalenka leading the women’s odds.
- Sabalenka, the top seed and two-time defending Melbourne champion, draws French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga in the first round.
- Roger Federer returns for opening events and spotlights the Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry, as main-draw play begins Sunday and Thanasi Kokkinakis withdraws injured.