The much-anticipated Australian Open singles main draw has set the stage for some gripping encounters, with the prospect of a Djokovic-Murray clash in the third round stealing the spotlight. Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic, fresh from a record-breaking season, could face former World No. 1 Andy Murray in a potentially thrilling showdown.
Djokovic’s initial challenge is against a qualifier or lucky loser, with a potential face-off against Australian favorites Marc Polmans or Alexei Popyrin in the following round. Meanwhile, Murray kicks off against 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, begins his campaign against former World No. 7 Richard Gasquet. Third seed Daniil Medvedev eyes a path through a qualifier or lucky loser in the early rounds, potentially meeting 27th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round. Jannik Sinner, the fourth seed, faces Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round.
On the women’s side, the draw promises thrilling first-round matches, including a rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros final between World No.1 Iga Swiatek and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Former champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber make their Grand Slam returns, with Kerber set to face 2022 finalist Danielle Collins in a challenging opener.
Elena Rybakina, last year’s Australian Open runner-up, takes on former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova in a compelling first-round clash. Coco Gauff, the highest seed in the third quarter, faces Anna Karolina Schmiedlova initially, with a potential meeting against Caroline Garcia or Naomi Osaka in the Round of 16.
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Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, starts her campaign against a qualifier, adding further excitement to the bottom half of the draw. No. 6 seed Ons Jabeur and No. 9 seed Barbora Krejcikova are also poised for intriguing matchups.
As the main draw action unfolds from January 14 at Melbourne Park, tennis enthusiasts brace themselves for a series of electrifying matches and potential upsets.
–IANS
