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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Referee Wayne McKewen participates in the official draw for the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 11, 2024. /CFP
The main draw of the much-anticipated Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year, was unveiled in Melbourne on Thursday, generating huge buzz worldwide. In the women's singles category, the top-ranked Chinese sensation Zheng Qinwen will start her campaign by going up against the talented American player Ashlyn Krueger in the opening round.
Another Chinese representative Zhu Lin has been drawn to face off against France's Oceane Dodin in what promises to be a compelling encounter. The emerging Chinese starlet Wang Xinyu will test her skills against another promising French prospect Diane Parry.
However, the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on a thrilling opening clash featuring a rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros final between the current World No. 1, Iga Swiatek, and former Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin. Additionally, fans will be treated to an enthralling showdown between Wimbledon 2022 champion Elena Rybakina and former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.
Zheng Qinwen plays a forehand during a training session ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 11, 2024. /CFP
The return of the formidable Naomi Osaka to the Grand Slam stage has been a major talking point, as she faces France's top-ranked Caroline Garcia. Moreover, the comeback of former U.S. Open winner Emma Raducanu, who endured a lengthy absence from the court due to wrist and ankle surgeries, will see her take on American competitor Shelby Rogers.
In the men's draw, China's Zhang Zhizhen received a relatively favorable draw as he is set to face the experienced 31-year-old Argentine Federico Coria. But his compatriot Shang Juncheng faces a sterner test as he goes up against the skilled American player Mackenzie McDonald.
The highly touted second seed Carlos Alcaraz will kick off his new season against the French veteran Richard Gasquet. Meanwhile, the in-form Novak Djokovic will begin his title defense against a qualifier or lucky loser, with his sights set on adding another Australian Open trophy to his collection.
Zhang Zhizhen during the warmup tournament Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Australia, January 10, 2024. /CFP
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait a bit longer for the return of Rafael Nadal to Grand Slam action, as he withdrew from the tournament due to a small muscle tear near the hip that he had injured in Melbourne a year ago. This setback has put his participation on hold for now.
One of the standout clashes in the men's draw is the face-off between former Grand Slam finalists Matteo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitsipas. This showdown is sure to enthrall tennis enthusiasts with its display of top-level skills and fierce competition.
Australia's top player Alex de Minaur has been dealt a tough opening round challenge, facing the former world No. 3 Milos Raonic. Former world No. 1 Andy Murray is set to meet Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round, and if he progresses, he could potentially face Djokovic in the third round. Should that meeting materialize, it would reignite their historic rivalry on the Grand Slam stage.