The draw of any Grand Slam builds a narrative, but some storylines are bigger than individual matchups. Here's what to watch in Melbourne

The Australian Open returns with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka looking to defend their titles and a number of other storylines to watch out for in the opening grand slam of the tennis season. Novak Djokovic’s partnership with Andy Murray has dominated the headlines and will be a subject of focus in Melbourne as the Serbian bids for a record-extending 11th title.

The top-ranked Sinner, who is the defending champion at Melbourne Park, and No. 3 Alcaraz are coming off a 2024 season in which they each won two Grand Slam titles.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said having a rival like world number one Jannik Sinner was good for his game as it pushes him to be at his best every time he walks on court. Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon titles last year while Sinner claimed the Australian Open and U.