Novak Djokovic starts his Australian Open campaign against Pedro Martinez, aiming for a historic 25th major title as Gauff and Swiatek also play.
NOVAK Djokovic begins his latest pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title as the Australian Open enters its second day.
The 38-year-old Serbian faces Spain’s Pedro Martinez in the final match on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic, a 10-time champion in Melbourne, is tied with Margaret Court on 24 major titles but has not won a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open.
“I know that when I’m healthy, when I’m able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody,” Djokovic said.
He added that he particularly likes his chances at the Australian Open.
Third seed Coco Gauff opens play on the main court against Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan.
Women’s title contender Iga Swiatek, the second seed, faces Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue.
Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev, who won the Brisbane warm-up event, meets Jesper de Jong.
“I know that when I’m playing good there are not that many players that can beat me easily or at all,” said the Russian 11th seed.
Home hope Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed, plays American Mackenzie McDonald.
Other notable matches include fourth seed Amanda Anisimova against Simona Waltert and Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva versus Donna Vekic.
2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Australian Open, also features on day two. – AFP
