Nine-time Melbourne champion Novak Djokovic returns after being banned from last year’s Australian Open while Rafael Nadal is the men’s singles defending champion.
World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz is out injured however and the great Roger Federer is another missing following his retirement.
Meanwhile, world No 1 Iga Swiatek is the favourite to win an Australian Open women’s singles draw shorn of some of its biggest recent stars.
Ashleigh Barty, who lifted the trophy 12 months ago, and Serena Williams have retired, while the 2019 and 2021 winner Naomi Osaka is pregnant and absent.
Here’s a look at five men and five women to watch out for when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Monday:
Novak Djokovic
The Serb is back at Melbourne Park for the first time since winning his ninth title in 2021 and says he “likes his chances”. He was kicked out of the country ahead of the tournament last year over his Covid vaccination stance.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner also missed the US Open for the same reason, but won Wimbledon and is heavy favourite at his most successful major despite a niggling hamstring injury.
Now 35, the former world number one finished a troubled 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown and began the…
