Australian Open 2024:Players to watch

From all-conquering champions to exciting newcomers with flashy forehands and dashing smiles:some of the key players to keep an eye on.

  • Courtney Walsh

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PARIS,FRANCE - MAY 28:Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia celebrates his victory over Daniel Evans of Great Britain in the first round of the men’s singles at Roland Garros on May 28,2023 in Paris,France. (Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images) PARIS,FRANCE - MAY 28:Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia celebrates his victory over Daniel Evans of Great Britain in the first round of the men’s singles at Roland Garros on May 28,2023 in Paris,France. (Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images)

‘I’m an idiot’:Kokkinakis shrugs off lost laundry to clinch biggest grand slam win of career

Kokkinakis upset Britain’s world No.25 Dan Evans to reach the second round of the French Open,while victories to Storm Hunter and Jason Kubler made it a memorable first day for Australia.

  • Courtney Walsh
Jubilant:Australia’s dynamic duo Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler celebrate their win.

Star turns,scheduling snafus and flag furores:The best and worst of a Rinky dink Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka triumphed,Novak Djokovic as ever was in the spotlight,a couple of unheralded Australians left an indelible mark and finish times and flags were to the fore in a big two weeks at the opening grand slam of the year.

  • Courtney Walsh
Stefanos Tsitsipas has taken the lead in the semi-final against Karen Khachanov

A contender versus a legend:The intimidating task facing Stefanos Tsitsipas

On Sunday night at about 7.30pm,Stefanos Tsitsipas will start the most intimidating walk in tennis. Bidding to become the first Greek to win a grand slam title,he will pass through the champions’ walk featuring the image and name of his rival Novak Djokovic.

  • Courtney Walsh
Aryna Sabalenka lets the emotions flow after her gripping women’s final victory.

Tears and power as Sabalenka digs deep for breakthrough major win

Aryna Sabalenka possesses an arsenal of formidable quality on the tennis court,but it is her resilience and willingness to improve which proved critical to her Australian Open triumph.

  • Courtney Walsh
Novak Djokovic,with strapping on his left leg,on the way to beating Tommy Paul in their semi-final.

‘Unless he pulls a hamstring in the other leg – he might lose then’:Tennis icon has Djokovic winning a 10th crown

Ken Rosewall has watched a lot of tennis this summer and is certain Novak Djokovic will post a historic win in Sunday’s Australian Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

  • Courtney Walsh andScott Spits
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Aryna Sabalenka.

Hoodoo over:Sabalenka powers into final to face Rybakina

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka has booked her spot in Saturday night’s final and will face Kazakh star Elena Rybakina.

  • Courtney Walsh
Karen Khachanov.

After ruining Kyrgios’ New York dream,Khachanov looks to play spoiler again

Karen Khachanov played the role of spoiler to Nick Kyrgios’ US Open bid last September. He now hopes to eliminate Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to a spot in a maiden grand slam final.

  • Courtney Walsh
Screenshot of Russian fans carrying the national flag at Melbourne Park. Faces have been blacked out.

Russian tennis fans detained after provocative political statement

Russian fans at Novak Djokovic’s match against Andrey Rublev have been detained by police at Melbourne Park after allegedly threatening security.

  • Courtney Walsh,Scott Spits andMarc McGowan
Magda Linette takes in her win.

Banned by Wimbledon,Sabalenka dreams of Belarusian double

Australian Open semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka has vowed to do everything in her power to deliver a historic moment in Melbourne for a nation currently shunned by tennis authorities.

  • Courtney Walsh