Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have been drawn in the same half of the Australian Open singles draw, which was released on January 15. Djokovic begins his campaign against Pedro Martinez, while Sinner faces French lefty Hugo Gaston in the opening round.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is in the same half as last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who is aiming to capture his seventh major crown and complete a career Grand Slam, begins against home hope Adam Walton. The record 10-time champion Djokovic and two-time defending titlist Sinner could meet in a blockbuster semifinal at the season’s first major.
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, ATP reports.
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. We are the best players in the world, and the way is very, very long and very far. We will go day by day,” he was quoted by ATP Tour.