Djokovic primed for more success in new era at Australian Open

MELBOURNE : Novak Djokovic begins his Australian Open title defence against qualifier Dino Prizmic when the expanded Grand Slam kicks off on Sunday with few betting against him adding a record-extending 11th crown to his trophy cabinet in just over two weeks' time.

The world number one also enters the tournament as the last of the 'Big Three' still standing, following the retirement of Swiss maestro Roger Federer in 2022 and the continued absence of his other fierce rival Rafa Nadal due to injury.

Melbourne Park is preparing for its first tournament in 25 years without either Federer or Nadal but those fans hoping for a new champion to begin a new era may be left wanting as Djokovic eyes a 25th major to surpass Margaret Court's haul.

"I'm just hoping I can start the season in a way I've been starting most of my seasons throughout my career - with a win in Australia, in Melbourne. My favourite place, no doubt," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday.

"The court where I've done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.

"I hope that I'm going to be able to, if not play at the level that I did last year, then be very close to that because that was one of the best tennis levels that I've ever played, here in Australia last year."

The Australian Open has had an extra day added to the schedule this year as organisers bid to curb the late finishes that have prompted heavy criticism over the years.

But with Djokovic expected to breeze past the 18-year-old Prizmic and women's champion Aryna Sabalenka facing qualifier Ella Seidel after him, there could be a swift end to the opening day's proceedings on Rod Laver Arena.

Iga Swiatek has dominated women's tennis since the 2022 retirement of Australian Ash Barty and the four-times