Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic all play, with Nick Kyrgios leading Australian hopes. They are joined by Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Danielle Collins and Naomi Osaka on a star-studded day’s play. Here’s what to watch on the three biggest show courts and around the grounds.

Jannik Sinne, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will start their campaign on Day 2 of the Australian Open 2025 on Monday, January 12. Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka will also be in action on Monday in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have already been warned about a rising star who could prove to be their “nightmare”. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard won the 2024 ATP Award for Most Improved Player, and he’s carried his form into the new season.

There are some big names returning to the fray, but there is nothing straight-forward about this first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, writes Deborah Curtis-Setchell.

FILE - Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

The first round of the Australian Open continues on Monday at Melbourne Park where top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner seeks a third Grand Slam title while Novak Djokovic begins his quest for a record-extending 25th major.

Novak Djokovic is heading into the Australian Open with new optimism as he targets his 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, but he will face a slide down the ATP Rankings if his recent trend in form continues.