Emma Raducanu set to play at this year's Australian Open Photo: AP/Brett Phibbs
Emma Raducanu returns to major tournament against American Shelby Rogers at the Australian Open.
Rogers was one of the players Raducanu beat en route to the 2021 US Open title.
The Brit is playing her first major tournament in a year after surgery on both wrists and one ankle.
All the British women escaped seeding in the first round, withKatie Boulterpulling out China's Yuan Yue and >Jodie Burragefights with German Tamara Korpacz.
Unlucky for Andy Murray, who was the only British player to be seeded at the Australian Open. , while the five-time former finalist will take on 30th seed Thomas Martin Echeverry.
If the Scot makes it to the third round, he will likely face top seed Novak Djokovic, who opens in qualifying.< /p>
Cameron Norrie, the only British seed in the tournament 19th place will meet Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas, Jack Draper will meet American Marcos Giron, andDan Evanswill play Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
The women's draw also has interesting matches: world number one Iga Swiatek will face former champion Sofia Kenin, with the winner playing either another former winner, the returning Angelique Kerber , or with former finalist Danielle Collins.
Naomi Osaka, who like Kerber is coming back from giving birth, makes her Grand Slam comeback against 16th seed Caroline Garcia.
When does the Australian Open start?
The tournament will begin on Sunday, January 14th. This is the first Sunday start in the history of the tournament.
“We have listened to feedback from players and fans and are pleased to offer a solution to minimize tardiness while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” the director said Australian Open tournament Craig Tiley.
“The extra day will achieve this goal, which will improve the schedule for both fans and players. The first round will now last three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of incredible tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.”
When is the Australian Open final?
The women's final will take place on Saturday, January 27. The men's final will take place the following day: January 28.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the UK
In the UK, Eurosport has the rights to broadcast live action from Melbourne and will show 260 hours of tennis. Watch on Discovery+, Entertainment & The Sport pass costs £6.99 per month or £59.99 per year.
Nick Kyrgios will be part of Eurosport's English-language commentary team this year and will be one of the highlights of the live camera coverage from the commentary booth. Kyrgios will be joined in Australia by hosts John McEnroe, Barbara Schett and Laura Robson, and from the London studio by new host Rachel Stringer.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the US
ESPN has the rights to broadcast the tournament.
Australian Open men's draw
There are some interesting highlights in the men's draw: Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz faces France veteran Richard Gasquet and Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini.
Here is the full draw:
What is the Australian Open prize money?
Total Australian Open prize money this year increased by a record 13 percent compared to 2023: 46.3 million pounds sterling will be divided between participants and winners. each took home £1.68 million.
“We have increased the prize money in every round of the Australian Open, significantly increasing the prize money in qualifying and the opening rounds of singles and doubles,” Tiley said. “We want to ensure that Australia remains the launch pad for the global tennis season and that players and their teams have everything they need to help them perform at their best and continue to enjoy a happy tournament.”
Which British players will be participating?
All top four British players will compete at the Australian Open: Cameron Norrie (19th in the world), Daniel Evans (40th) – position), Andy Murray (No. 44) and Jack Draper (No. 62).
On the women's side, Great Britain will be represented by Katie Boulter (ranked 57th in the world), Jodie Burrage (ranked 102nd) and Raducana (who qualified on the basis of a protected ranking).
Will Emma Raducanu play at the Australian Open?< p>Raducanu will play at the Australian Open after withdrawals from Lauren Davis, Karolina Muchova, Petra Kvitova, Irina-Camelia Begu and Katie McNally opened up her place in the main draw and allowed her avoid having to qualify.
>Who are the defending champions?
Novak Djokovic won the men's singles title for a record 10th time last year after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam singles title. women's draw when she defeated Elena Rybakina in three sets.
Latest odds to win the men's title
- Novak Djokovic 11/10
- Carlos Alcaraz 10/3
- Jannik Sinner 7/1
- Daniil Medvedev 11/1
- Alexander Zverev 25/1
Win women's title
- Iga Swiatek 9 /4
- Arina Sabalenka 5/1
- Elena Rybakina 5/1
- Coco Gauff 7/1
- Naomi Osaka 27 /1
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