Serbian Novak Djokovic surpassed former world No.1 Roger Federer to win the most number of matches in Grand Slam history, at the ongoing tournament
Jannik Sinner (left) and Aryna Sabalenka. Photos: Files
We have just set foot into a new year and we are already onto the first Grand Slam of the year — the Australian Open.
The world's best men's and women's tennis players in the world have assembled Down Under in Melbourne, the cultural capital, to kick start what they hope will be a successful season.
As usual, it will be a packed calendar with the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open to follow, not to mention the ATP and WTA events criss-crossing all across the globe. There is a massive following for the sport in the UAE with Dubai also hosting the Duty Free Tennis Championships at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, while Abu Dhabi, the capital, is home to the Abu Dhabi Open.
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Here is what you need to know about the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.
The tournament is already underway with it beginning on January 12 and will run until January 26.
The tournament is being played at Melbourne Park.
The total prize purse is AUD $96.5 million, an increase of nearly 12 per cent from the previous season with the champion in the men's and women's singles becoming richer by AUD $3,500,000. The runners-up in both the sections will get AUD $1,900,000.
Italian Jannik Sinner is the top seed in the men's section, while Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed in the women's segment.
Italian Jannik Sinner, the world No.1, is the reigning champion in the men's singles, while Belarusian world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will look to defend her title in the women's singles.
India's Rohan Bopanna and Australia's Mathew Ebden won the men's doubles last year, while Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei and Belgium's Elise Mertens triumphed in the women's doubles. Hsieh Su-wei also won the mixed doubles title along with Poland's Jan Zieliński.
Viewers in the UAE can watch all the action on beIN Sports.
Serbian ace Novak Djokovic is the most successful player among the men with 10 titles, while American Serena Williams has won seven trophies in the women's segment.
Ken Rosewall won the tournament in 1972 when he was 37.
The legendary Mats Wilander was just 19 when he won it in 1983.
Former world No.1 Roger Federer has won 102 matches.
Djokovic surpassed Federer to win the most number of matches. Djokovic beat Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at the ongoing tournament to move to 430 victories, a winning percentage of 88.1%
Wimbledon may be steeped in tradition with players compulsorily having to wear whites but the Grand Slam in Melbourne has no such dress code. But fans should keep in mind the weather when dressing up for the tournament as it is ussually hot in Melbourne at this time of the year. So, comfortable clothing and some sunscreen will come in handy.
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James Jose is Assistant Editor who has spent more than 20 years reporting on everything from sports to health to travel. When he's not polishing copies, he's dashing off to Nepal's mystical mountains to unwind in the lap of Mother Nature.