MELBOURNE, Australia — Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in reverse sides of the draw for the season’s first main, ruling out a replay of final yr’s semifinal match.
Sinner upset Djokovic within the semifinals right here final yr earlier than coming again to beat Daniil Medvedev within the ultimate 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 for his first Grand Slam singles title.
High-ranked Sinner has a first-round match in opposition to Nicolas Jarry and in addition has Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Medvedev in his half of the draw.
Djokovic is in the identical quarter of the sector as third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz and the identical half as No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
On the draw Thursday to set the brackets for the singles fields, defending champions Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka walked into the official ceremony holding the trophies.
Sabalenka received her second consecutive title at Melbourne Park in 2024 by defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 within the ultimate. Sabalenka will probably be trying to win a 3rd consecutive ladies’s singles title at Melbourne Park, one thing final completed by Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999.
Sabalenka drew a tricky opening match in opposition to 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens and has 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva and Zheng in her part.
Third-seeded Coco Gauff is a possible semifinal rival for Sabalenka. Gauff has a tricky first-round in opposition to former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and is in the identical part of the draw as seventh-seeded Jessica Pegula.
The Australian Open begins Sunday morning in Melbourne (Saturday evening EST) and can run for 15 days.
