There are once again plenty of storylines to look out for as the Australian Open gets underway.
Novak Djokovic returns to Melbourne, 12 months on from being deported after his visa removed, and is a strong favourite to pick up a tenth Australian Open title. A slight concern with his left hamstring is perhaps his biggest obstacle.
Rafael Nadal is the defending champion and leads the way at the top of the men’s Grand Slam tree with 22 to his name, though Djokovic will draw level with him should it be another successful fortnight for the Serbian.
There is also the small matter of Nick Kyrgios - it’s unlikely to be boring. He has vowed to retire immediately should he win one of tennis’ biggest prizes, and has a chance of doing that on home soil having reached the Wimbledon final six months ago.
On the women’s side of the draw, much is expected one again of world number one Iga Swiatek after her sensational 2022.
It would be no surprise if she picks up a fourth Grand Slam title, but the likes of Coco Gauff, Carolina Garcia and Aryna Sabalenka all look to have strong chances themselves.
Emma Raducanu arrives in Melbourne still battling for fitness, after picking up an ankle injury in Auckland. Should she make it through the first round, it will likely be Gauff next up.
Dates and venue
The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 16, 2023, and runs for 14 straight days until Sunday, January 29.
As ever, it is being played at Melbourne Park.
How to watch the Australian Open
TV channel: The tournament will be broadcast in the UK on Eurosport.
Live stream: Viewers will be able to stream the action from the Discovery+ service.
Prize money
Men’s and women’s singles (in Australian dollars)
- Champion - $2,975,000
- Finalist - $1,625,000
- Semi-finalist - $925,000
- Quarter-finalist - $555,250
- Fourth round - $338,250
- Third round - $227,925
- Second round - $158,850
- First round - $106,250
Men’s and women’s doubles (per pair)
- Champion - $695,000
- Finalist - $370,000
- Semi-finalist - $210,000
- Quarter-finalist - $116,500
- Third round - $67,250
- Second round - $46,500
- First round - $30,975
Full schedule
Play will begin for the day sessions at 12am GMT, with the night sessions getting underway at 8am UK time.
- Monday, January 16– men’s and women’ singles first round
- Tuesday, January 17 – men’s and women’s singles second round
- Wednesday, January 18 – men’s and women’s singles second round
- Thursday, January 19 – men’s and women’s singles second round
- Friday, January 20 – men’s and women’s singles third round
- Saturday, January 21 – men’s and women’s singles third round
- Sunday, January 22 – men’s and women’s singles fourth round
- Monday, January 23 – men’s and women’s singles fourth round
- Tuesday, January 24 – men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals
- Wednesday, January 25 – men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals
- Thursday, January 26 – women’s singles semi-finals
- Friday, January 27– men’s singles semi-finals
- Saturday, January 28– women’s singles final
- Sunday, January 29– men’s singles final
First-round opponents for British singles players
Monday, January 16:
Jack Draper vs Rafael Nadal
Cameron Norrie vs Luca Van Assche
Kyle Edmund vs Jannik Sinner
Emma Raducanu vs Tamara Korpatsch
Harriet Dart vs Jil Teichmann
Tuesday, January 17:
Andy Murray vs Matteo Berrettini
Dan Evans vs Facundo Bagnis
Latest odds for Australian Open
Men’s Singles:
Novak Djokovic 5/6
Daniil Medvedev 11/2
Stefanos Tsitsipas 13/1
Nick Kyrgios 14/1
Rafael Nadal 16/1
Women’s Singles:
Iga Swiatek 11/5
Aryna Sabalenka 13/2
Jessica Pegula 10/1
Carolina Garcia 10/1
Coco Gauff 11/1
