Jannik Sinner will try to put a doping scandal behind him when he kicks off his Australian Open defence against Nicolas Jarry, while Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a hat-trick of titles starts on Sunday against Sloane Stephens. 

The first Grand Slam of the year gets under way at Melbourne Park as a 15-day event for the second year running, aimed at cutting down on late-night finishes. 
Italian World No. 1 Sinner is hot favourite after a breakthrough 2024 built on the back of his come-from-behind victory over Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final.  
He has played Chile’s Jarry twice, winning their last clash in Beijing in September. He begins his defence under a cloud after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March.