Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka Chase History As Australian Open Hits Round Two

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will step up their bids for tennis history at the Australian Open on Wednesday, where Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka will also be in second-round action. With new coach Andy Murray in his corner, Djokovic is in pursuit of an 11th Melbourne title and record 25th Grand Slam singles crown. Sabalenka is hunting down a rare hat-trick of consecutive Australian Open wins, a feat last achieved 26 years ago by Martina Hingis and only matched by four other women in history.

Djokovic made a sluggish start in the first round against American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday before winning in four sets, his game improving the longer the match went on.

"I ended the match in a good fashion. I think that it's important. It counts mentally for me, for the rest of the tournament," said Djokovic, who plays Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in an afternoon match on Rod Laver Arena.

The Serbian great is drawn to meet Alcaraz in the last eight and the Spanish four-time Grand Slam champion faces Japan's 65th-ranked Yoshihito Nishioka on Margaret Court Arena.

"I know Nishioka is a tough, tough player," said Alcaraz, who has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne. "It will be a really good match. I'll be ready."

Second seed Alexander Zverev of Germany is seeking a maiden Grand Slam title and has enjoyed two days off since his straight-sets win on Sunday night against Lucas Pouille.

He again plays in the graveyard slot, the last evening match on Rod Laver Arena, this time against Spaniard Pedro Martinez.

Sabalenka, who came safely through a tricky first-round match against Sloane Stephens on Sunday's opening day, will kick off Tuesday's action on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30 am