The Australian Open continues in Melbourne on Monday with a star-studded schedule as the first round of the year's opening grand slam reaches its climax. Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic returns to Rod Laver Arena, while the women's top seeds look to make their mark.
Djokovic's Historic Campaign Begins Under Lights
Novak Djokovic launches his bid for an unprecedented 25th grand slam singles title on Monday night in Melbourne. The 38-year-old Serbian, seeded fourth, faces Spain's world number 71, Pedro Martínez, in the night session on Rod Laver Arena. Despite the recent dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have shared the last eight major titles, Djokovic has dismissed suggestions this tournament represents a 'now or never' moment for his historic quest.
He is joined on the main showcourt by Australian hope and sixth seed Alex de Minaur, who secured a straight-sets victory over American Mackenzie McDonald. Two-time finalist Daniil Medvedev, the eleventh seed, also progressed with a win over Jesper De Jong on Margaret Court Arena.
Women's Top Seeds Target Sabalenka's Crown
The women's draw sees three of the world's top four in action on Monday, all aiming to dethrone defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. World number two Iga Świątek of Poland opens her campaign against China's Yue Yuan. US Open champion Coco Gauff, the third seed, made a strong start, defeating Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3.
American Amanda Anisimova, seeded fourth, also advanced with a comfortable win over Simona Waltert. Their collective mission is clear: to halt world number one Sabalenka's charge towards a third Australian Open title in four years, after the Belarusian cruised through her opening match on Sunday.
Results and Looking Ahead to Day Three
Sunday's opening day saw straightforward wins for top seeds Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz. In a historic moment, 45-year-old Venus Williams made a record-breaking return to Melbourne Park but fell in a thrilling three-set battle against Serbia's Olga Danilovic.
Other notable results from Monday's early sessions include a shock exit for seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who retired against Portugal's Nuno Borges, and a win for home favourite Storm Hunter on KIA Arena.
The tournament schedule now moves into Day Three on Tuesday 20th January. The order of play features second seed Jannik Sinner, former champion Naomi Osaka, and British hope Katie Boulter, who takes on tenth seed Belinda Bencic. The first rounds of the men's and women's doubles competitions also get underway.
The full schedule for the remainder of the fortnight sees the second round played on Wednesday and Thursday, with the third round across Friday and Saturday. The quarter-finals are set for Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th January, leading to the women's semi-finals on Thursday 29th and the men's semi-finals on Friday 30th January. The women's final will be held on Saturday 31st January, with the men's champion crowned on Sunday 1st February.
