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.

Like many others, the Briton sees Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic lifting a trophy on January 26. The former Wimbledon semi-finalist further reduced the favorites list, naming Sinner and Alcaraz as the players to beat.

MELBOURNE – Carlos Alcaraz said on Jan 11 that his burgeoning rivalry with Jannik Sinner brought out the best in him, with the Spanish star driven by winning more Grand Slam titles and toppling the Italian as world No. 1.

FILE - Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world No.3, aims to clinch his first Australian Open title, completing his career Grand Slam. With coach Ferrero back, he prepares for potential clashes with top seeds. Alcaraz emphasizes precision in serve,

Jannik Sinner will launch his Australian Open title defence under a stubborn doping cloud but the whiff of scandal may do little to halt the Italian juggernaut. Sinner remains the man to beat at Melbourne Park even as doping officials seek a two-year ban for the world number one for failing two drugs tests last March.