The first grand slam of the year is underway in Melbourne, and it has already produced a major upset. Seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime became the tournament's biggest early casualty, forced to retire from his first-round match due to cramp.
Early Exit for Top Ten Star
The Canadian star, a US Open semi-finalist last season, was trailing Portugal's Nuno Borges 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 when he was compelled to withdraw. His exit marks a significant early blow in the men's draw, opening up the path for other contenders.
At the top of the seedings, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka lead the men's and women's fields respectively. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek occupy the second seed positions. Alcaraz and Sinner are on a collision course that could see them become the first men to contest four consecutive grand slam finals since the legendary Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal did so over a decade ago between 2011 and 2012.
Historic Pursuits and Title Defences
Alcaraz arrives in Melbourne with a chance to make history. A victory would see him become the youngest man ever to complete a career grand slam. Sinner, meanwhile, is aiming for a remarkable hat-trick of Australian Open titles.
On the women's side, a potential final showdown between US Open champion Sabalenka and Wimbledon winner Swiatek is a tantalising prospect, as the pair have never met in a grand slam final. Swiatek is also one Australian Open title away from her own career grand slam, while Sabalenka seeks to reclaim the crown she lost in a shock defeat to Madison Keys in last year's final.
Defending champion Keys is seeded ninth this year, with Coco Gauff beginning her campaign as the third seed. The legendary Novak Djokovic, a record ten-time champion in Melbourne, is seeded fourth and is projected to meet Sinner in the semi-finals.
First Round Seed Tracker
Men's Seeds Progress:
- Through: Carlos Alcaraz (1), Alexander Zverev (3), Novak Djokovic (4), Alex de Minaur (6), Daniil Medvedev (11).
- Out: Felix Auger-Aliassime (7, ret.), Jiri Lehecka (17), Flavio Cobolli (20), Tallon Griekspoor (23).
Women's Seeds Progress:
- Through: Aryna Sabalenka (1), Iga Swiatek (2), Coco Gauff (3), Elena Rybakina (5), Emma Raducanu (28).
- Out: Ekaterina Alexandrova (11), Emma Navarro (15), Marta Kostyuk (20), Marketa Vondrousova (32, w/d).
How to watch: In the UK, the Australian Open is broadcast live on TNT Sports and via Discovery+. Viewers in the United States can follow the action on ESPN and the Tennis Channel.
