Overview
- Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner opens against Hugo Gaston, with Novak Djokovic starting versus Pedro Martinez and top seed Carlos Alcaraz facing Australia’s Adam Walton.
- Sinner and Djokovic were drawn into the same half, setting up a possible semifinal as Sinner pursues a third straight Melbourne title and Djokovic targets a record 25th major.
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka begins against wildcard Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah and is the pre-tournament favorite, with a projected semifinal pathway that includes Coco Gauff.
- Reigning women’s champion Madison Keys, seeded ninth, starts her defense against Oleksandra Oliynykova and could later run into Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova based on the draw.
- Home favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew before the ceremony due to injury, while Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek each enter with a chance to complete the career Grand Slam if they win the title.