NEW DELHI: The draw for the
Australian Open
has set the stage for
Novak Djokovic
's quest for a record-extending 11th title at the tournament, as well as his 25th Grand Slam crown overall. Djokovic is set to face a qualifier in the opening round, aiming for a fast start after a recent loss in the
United Cup
.
The Serbian maestro, who struggled with a wrist problem during his defeat to Alex de Minaur last week, could potentially face Greek seventh seed
Stefanos Tsitsipas
in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch of last year's title clash.
On the women's side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka kicks off her campaign against a qualifier, while 2023 runner-up Elena Rybakina, fresh off a victory against world number two in Brisbane, faces former world number one Karolina Pliskova.
Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, arriving at Melbourne Park without any competitive matches this season, will face French veteran Richard Gasquet. The young Spaniard is on track for a potential quarter-final showdown with the resurgent Alexander Zverev, who takes on fellow German Dominik Koepfer.
Other intriguing matchups include Tsitsipas against Matteo Berrettini, and Daniil Medvedev, a twice-finalist, starting against a qualifier. Italian rising star Jannik Sinner is set to face Botic van de Zandschulp.
In the women's draw, U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff squares off against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, while former champions
Naomi Osaka
and Angelique Kerber face challenging openers against Caroline Garcia and 2022 runner-up Danielle Collins, respectively.
Osaka, making her Grand Slam return since 2022 after a 15-month hiatus and giving birth, aims to recapture the title she won in 2019 and 2021. Another returning mother and former champion,
Caroline Wozniacki
, secured a wild card and is slated to play 20th seed Magda Linette.
Local Australian hope Alex de Minaur, who recently stunned Djokovic in the United Cup, will kickstart his campaign against Canadian former world number three Milos Raonic. The Australian crowd will be eager to witness de Minaur's performance after his recent victories.
The Australian Open promises captivating matchups and intense battles as players vie for glory in the year's first Grand Slam.
(With inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·