Djokovic, Sinner in same half of Australian Open draw; Alcaraz begins against Walton

Record 10-time champion Novak Djokovic and two-time defending titlist Jannik Sinner are in the same half of the Australia Open draw, which was revealed on Thursday in Melbourne. Djokovic and Sinner could meet in a blockbuster semifinal at the season’s first major, according to ATP Tour.com.

Sinner leads Djokovic 6-4 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, which the Serbian once led 4-1. The 24-year-old Italian beat Djokovic in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals on way to his maiden major crown. A rematch looms in the distance this fortnight.

Carlos Alcaraz, World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, is aiming to capture his seventh major crown and complete a Career Grand Slam. The Spaniard is in the same half as rival Alexander Zverev. The 22-year-old begins against home hope Adam Walton.

Djokovic, 38, is aiming for his 25th major crown, which would break his tie with Margaret Court for most major singles titles in tennis history. Sinner, seeded second, is chasing a three-peat at Melbourne Park and his fifth major title overall. The Serbian starts his campaign against Pedro Martinez while Sinner faces French lefty Hugo Gaston in the opening round.

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Sinner made an appearance ahead of the draw ceremony and spoke about his outlook for the tournament. “The draw is very difficult, it doesn’t matter who you play,” said Sinner, who boasts a 22-4 tournament record. “We are the best players in the world, and the way is very, very long and very far. We will go day by day.”

The 24-year-old also discussed his partnership with Aussie coach Darren Cahill. “We had a nice talk at the end of the year and it’s great to share at least one more season with him,” Sinner said. “He gives so much calmness, and I feel very safe with him in the corner and not only me, but also the rest of the team. It’s great, especially playing here, playing in Australia with one Australian team member.”

Two of the most interesting first-round matches are sixth seed Alex de Minaur against former No. 6 Matteo Berrettini and Zverev’s clash with hefty-serving Gabriel Diallo. De Minaur and Berrettini spit their hard-court meetings in 2025, with the Italian improving to 3-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Zverev and Diallo will meet for the first time.

Thanasi Kokkinakis announced his withdrawal from the singles event shortly before the draw ceremony

Kokkinakis pulls out of singles

Fan favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis announced his withdrawal from the singles event shortly before the draw ceremony.

“Unfortunately after speaking with my team and doctors I have made the decision to pull out of the @AustralianOpen singles,” Kokkinakis wrote on Instagram Stories. “After an incredibly tough year this was the event, I was looking forward to the most but I’m not ready yet. I’m doing everything I can every day to be back to 100%.”

Kokkinakis played his first singles match in nearly a year last week at the Adelaide International, where he defeated Sebastian Korda in a final-set tie-break.

But throughout the match, the Australian struggled with his right shoulder on the back of pectoral surgery last February. He withdrew from Adelaide on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old hopes to compete in doubles at Melbourne Park. He won the title with Nick Kyrgios in 2022. “We will still try and step out for the doubles and have some fun,” Kokkinakis wrote. “Thank you to everyone who supports me.”