The Australian Open has unveiled the men’s singles draw, headlined by Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev. The first Grand Slam of the year is scheduled from January 12 to 25.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner faces a tough opening round against 2024 Rome Open finalist Nicolas Jarry. The Chilean previously challenged the World No. 1 at the China Open, where their head-to-head record evened to 1-1. Potential fourth-round opponents for the Italian include Hubert Hurkacz or Holger Rune.
In the opening quarter, notable matches include Matteo Berrettini vs Cameron Norrie and Alexander Bublik vs Francisco Cerundolo. Local hope Alex de Minaur and Stefanos Tsitsipas could face Sinner in potential quarterfinals.
The second quarter features an electrifying matchup between Americans Taylor Fritz and Jenson Brooksby, who returns after a suspension for missing three doping tests in 2023. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard looms in the third round, with Ben Shelton or Lorenzo Musetti as potential fourth-round opponents.
In the top half’s final section, three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev begins against wildcard Kasidit Samrej. His draw also includes Alexei Popyrin, Frances Tiafoe, and Andrey Rublev as potential threats.
Novak Djokovic headlines the bottom half, starting his campaign against teenage wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy. Reilly Opelka or Tomas Machac could be third-round obstacles, while Grigor Dimitrov looms in the fourth round. A blockbuster quarterfinal clash between Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, almost a final in itself, could take place. Alcaraz begins his journey against Alexander Shevchenko, with Jack Draper potentially awaiting him in the second week.
The final quarter is led by Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud. Zverev faces French wildcard Lucas Pouille, while Ruud takes on Jaume Munar. Other big names in this section include Tommy Paul, Arthur Fils, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.