Sinner and Djokovic Set for Opposite Paths in Australian Open 2024 Draw

In a significant development for the Australian Open 2024, reigning champion Jannik Sinner and the 10-time champion Novak Djokovic have been allocated to opposite sides of the tournament draw. This arrangement eliminates the possibility of a repeat of their electrifying semi-final encounter from last year, in which Sinner triumphed over Djokovic and ultimately won his first Grand Slam by defeating Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic five-set final.

As the top seed, Sinner will kick off his campaign against Nicolas Jarry and faces a challenging quarter that includes notable players like Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Medvedev. Fritz himself will begin his tournament against fellow American Jenson Brooksby. On the other hand, Djokovic's path might lead him to a quarter-final showdown with third seed Carlos Alcaraz, while a semi-final could see him face off against second-seeded Alexander Zverev.

During the draw ceremony held at Margaret Court Arena, both Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, last year’s champions, proudly displayed their trophies. Sabalenka is on a quest to achieve her third consecutive singles title in Melbourne. After winning her second title by defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 in 2024, she faces a tough first-round opponent in 2017 U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens, alongside rising star 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva.

Coco Gauff, the tournament's third seed, could be a potential semi-final rival for Sabalenka. However, Gauff has her own challenges ahead, starting against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and navigating a section of the draw that also includes notable players such as four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka and seventh-seeded Jessica Pegula. Meanwhile, the other half of the draw features second seed Iga Swiatek and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, adding to the excitement as the tournament approaches.