Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic continues 2023 with aspirations of a 10th Australian Open crown.
The 21-time Grand Slam-winning champion has conquered Melbourne on nine occasions and, following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, has an opportunity to add to his growing legacy.
G'Day Novak 👋
The nine-time #AusOpen champion is ready to rock 🤘@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/qQLzAWwBwX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2023
The tournament is a firm favourite of Djokovic and offers a chance for redemption following his deportation 12 months ago over his vaccination status.
He enters the tournament as the favourite, coming off the back of a comprehensive victory in Adelaide last week.
His Melbourne journey begins on Monday 16 against Roberto Carballés Baena from Spain.
After almost five-and-a-half hours, what a way to complete the most incredible of comebacks – and achieve a Grand Slam record 🏆
@RafaelNadal v @DaniilMedwed@Kia_Worldwide • #MovementThatInspires • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/3C93zmxh1D— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 10, 2023
Reigning champion Rafael Nadal has not played a competitive match since his defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime at the ATP World Tour Finals.
The Spaniard is a two-time champion of Australia and also gets underway on Monday. He faces a tricky opponent in rising British star Jack Draper.
Nadal turns 37 in June and despite being upset at the end-of-year tournament, appears as eager as ever to compete at the highest level.
His comeback victory against Daniil Medvedev 12 months ago is a stark reminder to any who may be writing him off.
The team we never knew we needed 😍@andy_murray 🤝 @CocoGauff
— LTA (@the_LTA) January 11, 2023
Andy Murray continues his remarkable comeback from injury and enjoyed an extremely credible 2022 season.
Despite the addition of a metal hip, the Scot enjoyed his 700th ATP Tour match win, made the final at Stuttgart and returned to the top 50 in the world.
He is a five-time finalist in Melbourne and begins with a daunting opening-round match against Italian Matteo Berrettini.
🪃Hi @AustralianOpen! I missed you.
🪃Hej @AustralianOpen! Tęskniłam. pic.twitter.com/86i24e5u3T
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) January 11, 2023
Iga Swiatek heads the charts ahead of an exciting women's field. The Warsaw native enjoyed a remarkable 2022, winning the French Open and the US Open while also posting an astonishing 37-match unbeaten run.
Swiatek will be hoping to continue her form with a first grand slam in Australia, having enjoyed her best finish last year with a run to the semi-finals.
She'll meet Julie Niemeier in the opening round on Monday.
The home contingent will be without fan-favourite Ashleigh Barty this year, who reigned supreme in 2022.
"I want to try to help more players and fight for their rights." @Ons_Jabeur, PTPA Executive Committee Member pic.twitter.com/iGLmyFLV9F
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) January 12, 2023
Among the many talented players standing in her way, her sternest challenges are expected to come by way of Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula and Caroline Garcia.
The women's competition offers somewhat of an unknown variable, with eight separate winners over the last ten tournaments.
