We’re about 30 minutes from the start of play, and it’s manic Monday at the Australian Open. Even with the first round of play now spread over three days, Sunday’s rain means the day two schedule is absolutely packed with stars of the game, as well as plenty of Aussies.
You can see the pinned post at the top of the blog for the complete schedule, but here’s a selection of the most interesting match-ups of the day.
Novak Djokovic at a practice session.Credit: Getty Images
Rod Laver Arena
As usual, it’s back-to-back showstoppers on centre court, starting at 11.30 am with third seed Coco Gauff. The American is in career-best form but faces a difficult first-round match-up against fellow grand slam champion Sofia Kenin. Next up, but not before 2pm, is defending champion and no. 1 seed Jannik Sinner, who also drew a challenging first round against world no. 36 Nicolas Jarry.
In the evening, Novak Djokovic will begin his campaign to make more history by winning his eleventh Australian Open and 25th grand slam. He faces American wild card Nishesh Basavareddy at 7pm. Following that, Naomi Osaka will aim to bring new life to her tennis comeback, but faces a difficult start against former world no. 4 Caroline Garcia, who has also spent time away from the sport.
Ajla Tomljanovic is back at the Open.Credit: Getty Images
Margaret Court Arena
After a difficult 2024 return from injury, Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic will be hoping for a better start to the year, opening play on MCA at 11.30am. Next up will be fellow Australian Jordan Thompson, who will be hoping to make a deep run at the AO after a career-best year in 2024.
3rd seed Carlos Alcaraz headlines the evening action on Margaret Court from 7pm.
Nick Kyrgios is keen to shake off injury woes.Credit: Getty Images
John Cain Arena
The people’s court will be buzzing on day two, starting with 11th seed Stefanos Tsisipas at 11am, who always enjoys strong support from Australia’s Greek community. Not before 1.30pm will be 2nd seed Iga Swiatek, who will take on doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova. 18-year-old Australian wildcard Maya Joint will be hoping to make an impact on her Australian Open singles debut from 5pm. After 7pm, Nick Kyrgios will return to Melbourne Park, playing his first grand slam match since 2022.
Victoria Azarenka.Credit: Getty Images
Kia Arena
Former champion Victoria Azarenka will play the second match of the day on Kia Arena, followed by Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. In the final match on the arena, Aussie Christopher O’Connell will face a difficult first-round opponent in 12th seed Tommy Paul.
The 1573 Arena and Court 3 will feature other big names including Frances Tiafoe, Ons Jabeur, Grigor Dimitrov and Jack Draper, as well as Aussies Talia Gibson, James Duckworth and Destanee Aiava.
