Australian Open: Eyes on Jannik, Aryna

MANILA, Philippines — Jannik Sinner will try to put a doping scandal behind him when he kicks off his Australian Open defense against Nicolas Jarry while Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a hat-trick of titles starts on Sunday against Sloane Stephens.

The first Grand Slam of the year gets underway at Melbourne Park as a 15-day event for the second year running, aimed at cutting down on late-night finishes.

Italian world No. 1 Sinner is the hot favorite after a breakthrough 2024 built on the back of his come-from-behind victory over Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final.

It was his maiden Slam crown and he went on to add the US Open, with his overwhelming dominance illustrated by being more than 4,000 ranking points clear of world number two Alexander Zverev.

“Let’s see what I can do this year,” said the 23-year-old.

Carlos Alcaraz and 10-time champion Novak Djokovic are on the other side of the draw, and on a Last 8 collision course.

“It’s a question that I think none of us can answer. But it’s good to be back here, and we’ll see what the tournament is going to say.”

He begins his defense under a cloud after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March.

While exonerated by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed and his case which will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on April 16-17.

Should he get past Jarry, the top seed could meet Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas or Australian Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.

Medvedev – who has made three of the last four Australian Open finals – is a potential semifinal opponent with the Russian opening his account against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej.

Carlos Alcaraz and 10-time champion Novak Djokovic are on the other side of the draw, with the heavyweight duo on a last-eight collision course.