The Australian Open's singles main draw has been unveiled, presenting the prospect of a showdown between ten-time champion Novak Djokovic and former World No. 1 Andy Murray in the third round. Djokovic is set to open against a qualifier or lucky loser, potentially followed by a match against Marc Polmans or Alexei Popyrin. Meanwhile, Murray kicks off his campaign against 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Fresh off a season where he secured three major titles, Djokovic aims to extend his remarkable record of 28 consecutive victories at the Australian Open. Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, faces former World No. 7 Richard Gasquet in his opening match.
Third seed Daniil Medvedev may encounter a qualifier or lucky loser in his initial matches, with a potential clash against 27th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round. Fourth seed Jannik Sinner, a finalist in the ATP Finals, takes on Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round.
In the women's singles, the first-round matchups promise excitement, including a rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros final between World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Returning champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber face challenging first-round opponents, with Kerber set to play 2022 finalist Danielle Collins.
Elena Rybakina, last year's Australian Open runner-up, confronts former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the opening round. No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula, a consistent quarterfinalist, faces a qualifier in the first round.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, begins her campaign against a qualifier. No. 6 Ons Jabeur faces a qualifier in the first round and could meet No. 9 seed Barbora Krejcikova in the Round of 16.
The Australian Open's main draw action is scheduled to commence on January 14 at Melbourne Park, promising thrilling encounters and intense competition.
(With Agency Inputs)
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