Defending champions Jannik Sinner, ten-time titleholder Novak Djokovic, and world number three Carlos Alcaraz have commenced their preparations for the 2025 Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena. The main draw of the tournament is scheduled to begin on January 12 in Melbourne, with the draw announcement set for Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon, Djokovic was observed practising at the Rod Laver Arena, accompanied by his newly appointed coach, Andy Murray. This marks Murray's first coaching role since his retirement following the summer of 2024, after the Paris Olympics. The British player has secured three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic singles gold medals during his career.

As Novak Djokovic aims for an unprecedented 25th major title, he enters the first Grand Slam of the calendar year following a surprising quarterfinal defeat to American Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International. In 2023, Djokovic did not secure any ATP titles, aside from the historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics. His closest attempt to achieve the 25th major came at Wimbledon, where he was defeated by Alcaraz in a rematch of the 2023 final.

Alcaraz, sporting a fresh haircut, arrived in Melbourne on Monday and was seen training with French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, currently ranked 30th in the ATP standings. The Spanish athlete, who reached the quarterfinals in his previous Australian Open participation, aims to advance further this time, as this tournament remains the only major title that has thus far escaped him.

Sinner achieves victory upon his return to Melbourne

The Italian player, who triumphed over Djokovic in the semifinals last year while securing his first major title, marked a successful return to the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday. By putting pressure on Australian talent Alexei Popyrin's serve and generating nine break points compared to just one for Popyrin, Sinner achieved a convincing victory with a score of 6-4, 7-6 in a charity match.

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