Overview
- Jannik Sinner, the No. 2 seed and two-time defending champion, opens against Hugo Gaston, while No. 4 Novak Djokovic faces Pedro Martinez in a first round that sets up a possible semifinal between them as Djokovic pursues a 25th major.
- Top seed Carlos Alcaraz begins against Australian wildcard Adam Walton as he seeks his first Melbourne title, which would complete his career Grand Slam if achieved.
- Aryna Sabalenka enters as the women’s No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion, with betting markets and analysts marking her the leading contender in a deep field.
- Sinner said a three-month doping ban last season left him more mature and focused, and bookmakers narrowly favor him for a third straight Australian Open crown.
- Event notes include Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrawing with a shoulder injury, Roger Federer’s exhibition return and comments aligning stylistically with Alcaraz, and the One Point Slam awarding $1 million to amateur Jordan Smith.