An injury cloud hangs over an Australian star as the King of Melbourne Park commences what could be his final Australian Open in an action-packed evening session.
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Kicking off proceedings on Monday night is Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic against Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine on John Cain Arena.
Tomljanovic was in doubt of making on court in the lead-up to the Australian Open after she withdrew form a clash with compatriot Maja Joint at last week’s Adelaide International with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
If fit, the 32-year-old three-time grand slam finalist is one of the nation’s top prospects in the women’s draw.
But, she has endured a wretched run at Melbourne Park, never progressing beyond the second round.
Also flying the Australian flag are Alexei Popyrin, who follows Tomljanovic on John Cain Arena, Emerson Jones and Rinky Hijikata.
Popyrin, who was seeded last year, is looking to snap a seven match losing streak that dates back to a loss to Jannik Sinner in the second round at the US Open.
Meanwhile, top junior Jones will be hoping to pull off a major upset against 17th seed Victoria Mboko.
Fellow wildcard Rinky Hijikata is eyeing off a second round appearance at his home slam for the second time in his career, but faces a tricky prospect in Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
On Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic begins his campaign against Pedro Martinez.
The 38-year-old is chasing a 25th grand slam title but his clear decline in form with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner now dominating men’s tennis has led to speculation of an impending retirement.
The Serbian avoided any talk of calling it quits in the lead up to the tournament, but did hint at being satisfied with what he has accomplished.
“There has been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus myself on what I have achieved, not what I’m possibly achieving,” Djokovic said.
“I hope it comes to that [winning 25], but 24 is also not a bad number. I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the amazing career I had.”
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 2 ORDER OF PLAY
Show courts and Aussies – all times AEDT
Rod Laver Arena
Night session from 7pm
[Q] Yue Yuan (CHN) vs [2] Iga Swiatek (POL)
Pedro Martinez (ESP) vs [4] Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Margaret Court Arena
Night session from 7pm
Donna Vekic (CRO) vs [8] Mirra Andreeva (RUS)
Mattia Bellucci (ITA) vs [12] Casper Ruud (NOR)
John Cain Arena
Not before 5pm
[Q] Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR) vs Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS)
Not before 6:30pm
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) vs Alexandre Muller (FRA)
1573 Arena
[17] Victoria Mboko (CAN) vs [WC] Emerson Jones (AUS)
Court 6
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) vs [WC] Rinky Hijikata (AUS)
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