The first tennis grand slam of 2024 gets underway this weekend as the Australian Open takes centre stage.
Novak Djokovic, as ever, arrives in Melbourne as the favourite on the men's side of the draw, 12 months of from winning the tournament for a record-extending tenth time.
Carlos Alcaraz is among those who will believe they have a realistic chance of ending Djokovic's dominance, while Jannik Sinner will be eyeing a grand-slam breakthrough after a superb run of form to end 2023.
There will be no Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, despite his attempts to recover from injury in time. The Spaniard has been forced to pull out after picking up a hip injury in Brisbane.
It is quartet seemingly at the top of the women's game at the start of the year, with Aryna Sabalenka among that group as she looks to defend her title.
Elena Rybakina, a beaten finalist last year, will be confident of a deep run, having swept aside Sabalenka in Brisbane last week, while Coco Gauff is the most recent grand slam champion and defended her Auckland crown to make a perfect start to 2024.
Iga Swiatek, world number one, has gone somewhat under the radar. The Polish star has only once made it beyond the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Where to watch the Australian Open
TV channel: The Australian Open live will be broadcast on Eurosport in the UK acoss the next two weeks.
