Sinner kicks off title defence, Kyrgios makes Grand Slam return at Australian Open

MELBOURNE : The first round of the Australian Open continues on Monday at Melbourne Park where top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner seeks a third Grand Slam title while Novak Djokovic begins his quest for a record-extending 25th major.

World number one Sinner is playing under the cloud of a potential two-year ban due to his doping case while 37-year-old Djokovic, a 10-times champion in Melbourne, returns to his favourite hunting ground as the seventh seed.

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are also in action while four Australians, including Nick Kyrgios, will get their chance to shine on the showcourts.

TOP MEN'S MATCH: NICK KYRGIOS V JACOB FEARNLEY

Kyrgios returns to Grand Slam action for the first time in two years when the Australian takes on Briton Jacob Fearnley.

Kyrgios has been sidelined due to knee, foot and wrist problems and he returns to his home Slam as an unranked player, still struggling with an abdominal strain and 'niggles' that forced him to pull out of an exhibition event.

The 29-year-old spent some time in the broadcast booth during his break from the game but he is confident tennis has not left him behind.

"People are always going to say, 'Be realistic, you're not going to be the same'. I unfortunately don't have that mindset. I always have utmost confidence in my ability," said Kyrgios, whose best result in Melbourne was a quarter-final run in 2015.

"If I'm playing my style of tennis, my unpredictability, I have a chance against anyone."

The Australian Open marks Fearnley's second main draw appearance at a Grand Slam but he made his mark at his first at Wimbledon last year, winning his opening round match and then taking a set off Djokovic on centre court.

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