Jannik Sinner will launch his Australian Open title defence under a stubborn doping cloud but the whiff of scandal may do little to halt the Italian juggernaut. Sinner remains the man to beat at Melbourne Park even as doping officials seek a two-year ban for the world number one for failing two drugs tests last March.

Aces: Has made the final at Melbourne Park in three of the past four years but has yet to claim the championship. In two of those defeats in a title match, took a two-set lead before losing in five (to Jannik Sinner last year and to Rafael Nadal in 2022). ... Is 1-5 overall in Grand Slam finals.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in opposite sides of the draw for the season's first major, with Carlos Alcaraz in the same quarter as Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic is currently the World No. 7, and will be looking to clinch a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Jannik Sinner's game is built to wear down opponents over five sets, which will help him against Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, according to coach Mark Petchey.

Tennis expert and respected coach Mark Petchey believes Jannik Sinner has one “huge” advantage over Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Sinner is the defending champion at the season-opening Grand Slam and he will also start the tournament as the world No 1 and top seed.