Australian Open Draw: Djokovic to meet Alcaraz in quarters; Sabalenka to face Gauff in semis | Prepositions

Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is set to face rising American star Nishesh Basavareddy, who has received a wildcard entry.

Third-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, aiming to complete his Career Slam, will take on Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko in the opening round. Second-seeded German Alexander Zverev will start his campaign against French wildcard Lucas Pouille. Djokovic is projected to meet Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, with the winner likely facing Zverev in the semifinals.

Fourth seed Taylor Fritz, last year’s US Open runner-up, is set to face fellow American Jenson Brooksby in the first round. Fritz could potentially meet Sinner in the semifinals, which would be a rematch of the 2024 US Open final.

Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open runner-up, will open his campaign against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej. Medvedev is drawn in the same quarter as Fritz.

On the women’s side, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will begin her title defence at the Australian Open against former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to win three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park.

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek will start her campaign against Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova.

Third seed Coco Gauff, a former US Open champion, will face compatriot and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round.

Two-time major runner-up and fourth seed Jasmine Paolini will take on a qualifier in her opening match, while fifth-seeded Chinese player Zheng Qinwen, who lost to Sabalenka in last year’s final, will also face a qualifier in the first round. The projected semifinals are Sabalenka vs. Gauff and Swiatek vs. Paolini.