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The place of world N.1

Carlos Alcaraz is out of Melbourne with a leg injury.

In his absence, three players are in a position to snatch the Spaniard from his place at the top of the men's hierarchy: Casper Ruud (3rd), Stefanos Tsitsipas (4th) and Novak Djokovic (5th).

Rafael Nadal (2nd), winner last year in Australia of his 22nd Grand Slam title, cannot catch up on his young compatriot.

But to dethrone Alcaraz, it will still be necessary to achieve a historic course for the trio of contenders.

For Djokovic and Tsitsipas, only the title will be synonymous with the N.1 place.

A return to the top for the Serb, a first for the Greek who has only played one Major final to date (Roland-Garros 2021).

Norwegian Casper Ruud during training in Melbourne on January 13, 2023, before the start of the Australian Open © Paul CROCK / AFP

For Ruud, who played two major finals last year (Roland-Garros and US Open where, already, the title would have enabled him to become N.1), a final would be enough... provided he did not lose it against Tsitsipas.

If a confrontation between Ruud and Djokovic were to take place, it would take place in the semi-finals.

Among women, the Polish Iga Swiatek is unbeatable at the top of the WTA.

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Records... again

The record box could still fill up.

Big favorite, Djokovic could equal the record of 22 Grand Slam titles held by Nadal.

By winning, the latter would bring the record to 23.

In addition, Djokovic is aiming for a tenth title in Melbourne, he who already holds the record of nine victories there.

Nadal has the record for titles in a single Grand Slam tournament, with his 14 triumphs at Roland-Garros.

A possible confrontation between Nadal and Djokovic would give rise to a final in apotheosis.

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The underdogs

Like every time they play, Djokovic and Nadal are among the favorites.

But the possible spoilsports are legion.

In the order of the ATP ranking, we will mention Ruud, Tsitsipas, but also Félix Auger-Aliassime author of a memorable end to the 2022 season, Jannik Sinner who delivered two dantesque matches against Alcaraz last year at Wimbledon (victory) and New York (defeat), or even Holger Rune who stunned the public by winning his first Masters 1000 in Paris last year, which moreover by dominating Djokovic in the final.

Without forgetting Daniil Medvedev, finalist of the last two editions.

And keeping a curious eye on the Grand Slam return of Alexander Zverev who seriously injured his right ankle in the semi-finals at Roland-Garros last year against Nadal who was damn badly abused.

Five players to watch at the Australian Open 2023 © Laurence CHU / AFP

In the women's draw, Ons Jabeur who remains on two finals (Wimbledon and US Open) and Caroline Garcia, who now has the experience of a last major four (US Open) and the confidence brought by a very big title (Masters) , do not lose against the favorite Swiatek.

The two contenders could face each other in the semi-finals.

Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia during training in Melbourne on January 14, 2023, before the start of the Australian Open © Paul CROCK / AFP

Swiatek, who established her dominance in women's tennis after inheriting the throne left vacant by the retirement of Ashleigh Barty last March, is aiming for a first title in Melbourne, a fourth in Grand Slam.

Five players to watch at the Australian Open 2023 © / AFP

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The great absentees

In the men's draw, THE big absentee is obviously the world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who had already missed the Masters last year due to an abdominal injury suffered in Paris just before, was injured again, this time in training as he said he felt very fit a few days before the start of the tournament.

The public will also regret the absence of the spectacular Frenchman Gaël Monfils who made a strategic decision in order to benefit from his protected ranking in the tournaments that will follow, he who has not played since the Masters 1000 of Canada.

Among the women, in addition to the defending champion Barty who has retired, like Serena Williams, the table is orphaned by Venus Williams (injured) and the Spaniard Paula Badosa (injured).

Note that only two former winners of the Australian Open are in the running this year, Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin... and they face each other in the first round.

© 2023 AFP