To start his quest for an 11th Australian Open title, top seed Novak Djokovic was drawn on Thursday against a fortunate loser or qualifier. In the third round, he might face fellow Grand Slam winner Andy Murray.
After defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous year’s final, the Serbian, who has won 24 majors, went on to win the US Open and the French Open.
The 36-year-old, however, will start his defense under duress because of a wrist issue that hindered him in the United Cup, when he was defeated by Australian Alex De Minaur.
With Djokovic a possible quarterfinalist and Matteo Berrettini, a former top-10 Italian, as his opening opponent, Greek seventh seed Tsitsipas will have a difficult battle replicating his 2023 achievement.
The only player to defeat Djokovic at a Slam event in the previous year to win Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz, the second-ranked player in Spain, opens his campaign against French seasoned player Richard Gasquet.
Third seed Daniil Medvedev, also a 2021 and 2022 Melbourne finalist, got a qualifier in the opening round, just like Djokovic.
In the third round, the Russian might play 27th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, while the Canadian will have a difficult first test against former world number three Dominic Thiem.
In the women’s division, top-seeded Polish player Iga Swiatek will make her debut in a thrilling rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros championship match, which she won over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
For the victor, there won’t be any relaxation as they will face either Angelique Kerber, the 2016 Australian Open champion, or Danielle Collins, the 2022 Melbourne Park finalist, in the second round.
Naomi Osaka, the two-time champion, will also have her work cut out for her when she plays French 16th seed Caroline Garcia in her first major since giving birth.
Another exciting matchup features former world number one Karolina Pliskova against third seed Elena Rybakina, who finished second last year.
Because she was paired with a qualifier, second-seeded and reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka ought to have an easier time.
